Day 4930: I'm Late! & 1911 Forrest Ship!

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

                                                               

  

Want music?

    Click: Staple Singers, I'll Take You There.

2GN2S

I'm Late!

I try to be on time, most of the time, but today I am late! Yesterday was our 55th International Goodwill Tournament, the Demura Cup in honor of our Sensei, Fumio Demura. 

There was a great turnout and I thought the caliber of competition was outstanding. It was my first time to sit at the head table and watch, rather than be assigned a ring to help referee. I must admit I felt ancient for the first time, but I might as well get used to that. I did get to meet and talk with some of my favorite people on the planet. I saw many that I hoped to speak to, but they were so busy judging, and I was jealous. Now I wish I had used some of my time to take pictures to share with you. A few came by to get a photo and I will share those.

Jianna's Mom, Carol has taken photos of Jianna and I at so many tournaments since Jianna was just tiny.

And our Senior Instructors, Fernando Soto Lamas, all the way from Chile stopped by and gave me a gift. A beautiful book on the Republic of Chile, the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, extending along a narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. I know, because I have the book! Thanks you, Sensei Fernando.

          

And Good friends and Karate-ka Alma and Patrick stopped by with their little princess, Kali, (Katarina Liliana Falconer-Ruiz). I have known the parents for years and was lucky to be at their wedding. So many great memories. (Photo coming)

So, because of such a great day yesterday, today, I am late.

   

 

 

  

 

A 5+ minute video, Bali,  here.

 

 

Just because ...

Common Kestrel.

 Sunday's Smiles ... 

 

Hoping you feel all the good things in your day.

  

 

 

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.

  

 

  

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.