jacki long

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Day 4929: Bless the Olympics & Santa Ana, CA Drones.

"The Journey": junk collage, photo & digital.

Want music?

Click: Neal Roberson, Don't Let The Devil Ride.

2GN2S

God Bless the Olympics. Oh, I know there's politics, but I try to skip over that. Instead I dwell on these young, young athletes and their self discipline to put in the work to be at their level and their bravery to try, and, the memories that will replay forever.

I remember when I was young, my Mother telling me that if I would pick one activity to concentrate on, and if I worked very hard, I could try to be the best. That didn't work for me. I was scattered and wanted to do many and I wanted to play. Not a bad thing, I guess, still playing.

You have to love the amazing 41 year old American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor winning gold, as her two boys watch. What a great story. To me, it's the back stories that show the heart.

I also enjoy seeing good sportsmanship for the most part. As a former coach, I really watch for it. The camera really reveals.

A GH#3 story from eight years ago. Zack came home from work and I was watching ice skating. He looked for a few minutes, then looked at me and said, "You watch that?". I smiled at my giant "jock" looking down on the event. "Yes, I do." Z: "Do they have to dress like that?" I replied, "well, yes they sort of do. They need clothing that will allow them to be flexible and perform." He watched, a little longer, then asked, "and it's hard to do?" I replied, "Could you skate well enough to jump in the air and spin around 4-1/2 times and land to skate on?". GH#3: "Oh". I replied, "Zack, there are so many different kinds of athletes in this world."

A 5+ minute video, Inch worm snail, here.

Just because ...

Eurasian Bullfinch

Saturday's Smiles ...

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

Friday, February 20, 2026

Day 4928: "It's never easy" & A 1625 White Pine Tree.

"Memory": junk collage, my photo, digital.

Want music?

Click: Teddy Pendergrass, Wake Up Everybody.

2GN2S

It's never easy.

Today my good, good friend lost her dog. Ethan was a magnificent German Shepherd and was deeply loved and treasured. It could be said that you could return in your next life as Ethan, and be a very happy camper.

It is difficult to have a large dog, although the benefits and blessing are many, the anatomical facts prevent them from the longer lives of their smaller versions. Of course the loss is heartbreaking, even when it is their time. These titans are such a part of our life that we question how to survive. The memories flood in, as do the tears. For Ethan's parents and for me too.

Ethan was a warrior on three legs, and as with adoptions, his new parents welcomed him into their hearts, many years ago. Ethan made no detours for sympathy. He simply had no time for being anything but the gentle giant he was. I claimed him as my boyfriend, and luckily he and his parents let me have my illusions.

Grief is sneaky. A sound. A scent. A song. A smile becomes tears.

A 5+ minute video, Demura Cup 2025, here.

Just because ...

Young African Jacana

Friday's Smiles ...

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Day 4927: "Cookie in the Oven" & Patagonia Founder Donates & TBT.

"Timmy": old photo, junk collage, ink.

Want music?

Click: IZ, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

2GN2S

Several years ago, I had posted the smile below ...

A former student, Henry said the above reminded him of my "cookie in the oven" quote. And, former student Seven's Mom, Bobbi said "now we all want to know what the "cookie in the oven quote" is? So here goes.

It started many years ago when my Grandhunk #3 was little . He complained about something he couldn't do yet. I told him (and so many of my students over the years), "You're a cookie in the oven, you're not done yet." A simple analogy that seems to ring true with many.

The kicker is young GH#3 looked up at me and said, "How about you Grandma, are you done yet? I responded, "I'm getting pretty crisp around the edges.”