On Aging Well
October 2, 2010
A recent convergence of events got me thinking about my age.
Over the last month I have paid my respects at the grave sites of my four grandparents , visited my mother’s grave
, and helped my 90 year-old father spread the ashes of his younger brother.
Modern technology allows me to keep in touch with a long-time friend who turned 60 and marked the event with a wonderful essay.
At the same time I celebrated the wedding of the beautiful daughter of a woman who I grew up with, but died way too young seven years ago.
I have the feeling the universe is trying to tell me something, only I’m not smart enough to get the message.
We Need the Sounds of Silence
October 1, 2010
I always been a walker/hiker. No big deal, I like to walk in Hawaii, in Yosemite, around my own neighborhood, wherever… it’s a good way to meet people and see what’s going on. Just observing the world and listening to nature.
Since MP3 players, primarily iPods and their kin, became popular there seem to be a lot more folks walking around listening to music. I have no objection to music but it seems to me. if you’re hiking, or even jogging in a beautiful natural setting, listening to the birds would be pretty good music.
Not to mention how those little earbuds close you off to the world. They prevent even a pleasant ‘hello’ or ‘good morning.’ Maybe that’s the intention but chance encounters make life more interesting.
This week I finally found someone who agrees with me. Please listen, he knows what he’s talking about. He must, he’s speaking at a TED Talk.