|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short
Stories |
Restaurants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
Study
nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will
never fail you. Frank
Lloyd Wright |
January 31, 2008 Special Treats Sometimes nature
provides us with a special treat and this morning sunrise was one of those.
The sunrise was the color of a cream sickle as it shined threw the clouds. So
beautiful that stopping to take a picture would have insulted its beauty. Did
anyone else see it? Another special treat is to come to work to find out that someone has
made birthday muffins for you. Not only muffins but they went the extra step in
making them healthful by using Bran Flower and Maple syrup instead of
processed products. That makes me happy! And they are delicious! Here is a news article that I found that really blows my mind: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/01/30/spain.luxury.car/index.html |
|
|
|
|
To
keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to
keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha |
January 30, 2008 Acclimating Last night I was at
the Tennessee Theatre for The
African Children’s Choir. If you have never heard of them, they are worth
checking out. The organization is doing great things for the children of http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com/ The ride in this
morning was a cold one at 28 Degrees. Traffic was also very light so it was fairly
stressed free. Ironically, with the cold as it was, I am dressing lighter
than I have in the past. My hands are gloved and my face is covered but I
have shed the under layers on my legs and upper body. The human body adapts
so well to changing conditions. |
|
|
|
|
When
I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human
race. H.G.
Wells |
January 28, 2008 On the Road Again This is the first
day conditions allowed for me to ride in a week. The weather was predicted to
be in the low thirties this morning and turns out they were in the low
twenties (24 Degrees). I rode anyway and it wasn’t too bad. Having prepared
for the warmer weather, I had to get other articles of clothing out and got
set back about 10 minutes causing me to run a little late. It all balanced
out in the end. Apparently, having
taken some time off was what my body needed to get off of its plateau. I
return to find that despite all the food I ate over the long weekend, I lost
another 5 pounds. I weighed in at 190 this morning. |
|
|
|
|
My
father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of
churchgoing. Aldous Huxley |
January 27, 2008 Hiking Hiking being a
passion of mine will be the subject of many an entry. Over the past couple of
years I have been working on completing all the trails in the Smokies (about 900 miles total). This is a very
reasonable goal and I had hoped to have accomplished this last year, however;
circumstances did not allow it. This spring I will
be attempting to complete the task. Until then, I will be doing repeat hikes
because of location convenience. This means that there will be opportunity to
get some short hikes in (8 miles and less) for anyone interested in joining
me on these. Winter is possibly my favorite time to hike because of the
possibility of ‘view’ with the leaves fallen and the clear skies, miles and
miles can be seen from high elevation. LeConte will be traversed very soon! A minimum
of 10 miles is required but I intend to see ‘Myrtle point’ and ‘Cliff Tops’
while there so that will require an additional 2 to 3 miles. This is
optional. Thunderhead will be
yet another destination. This will require a full days hiking because of the
distance (around 14 miles). This is one of the single most beautiful places
in the Smokies but it requires effort. I of course am open
for suggestion and will accommodate to your hiking requirements. |
|
Think
of the fierce energy concentrated in an acorn! You bury it in the ground, and
it explodes into a giant oak! Bury a sheep, and nothing happens but decay! George
Bernard Shaw |
January 27, 2008 Time Off It is always good to
take a little time off. Unfortunately this four day weekend is at an end. I
have had the opportunity to get caught up on some reading, do a little hiking
and have spent a little time with my family. Thursday,
unfortunately; was spent on repair around the house. I did get in a good swim
amidst the work. Friday, well, was a
day of relaxation. I did very little that amounted to anything. Saturday: I hike
the Abrams Falls Trail (pictures to come). I may have planted the seed in a
young mind that the Today has yet to
pan out. I am going to conclude a chapter in one of my books at the very
least. Though I want to write a story or two, I am feeling uninspired. |
|
|
|
|
Every
human being on this earth is born with a tragedy, and it isn't original sin.
He's born with the tragedy that he has to grow up...a lot of people don't
have the courage to do it. Helen
Hayes |
January 23, 2008 Birthdays! Today is my Birthday. I am not doing anything special today because I
didn’t want to miss my Yoga class this evening. So the day started out like most with the exception of the fact that
the weather was predicted to be severe with ice and fender benders
everywhere. With predictions such as these and following yesterdays excitement
I felt I should not be out on a bicycle (I was wrong). Leaving the house,
however; the temperature was 38 Degrees and no rain, sleet, hail, ice or dogs
and cats falling from the sky. I miss the ride and look forward to getting
back on the road. After today, I am taking the rest of the week off so that I can
decompress. Friday I will likely be hiking to Gregory Bald if anyone wishes
to join me let me know. I have never been there and hear that it is a
fantastic place. Saturday, I also plan to hike on Saturday, but that has yet to be
determined. Again, let me know if you are interested. Pictures will be
uploaded for both once they are available. Thursday I will be having dinner at the Half Barrel around 7 PM. This
will be the Birthday Celebration. Please feel free to stop by and say hi and
have dinner or drinks (I won’t be drinking). |
|
|
|
|
When I look back, I am so
impressed again Maya
Angelou |
January 22, 2008 Donuts What a crazy day
this has been. Attempting to make my way to work (in the car), I found
traffic less than desirable the route I usually use. Detouring, I found
myself doing donuts in the middle of the street and slid into a parking lot
of a church. I took this as a sign from God (Sometimes he puts us in the
place he wants us to be)! I stayed there for about 45 minutes as I watched
the bumper to bumper traffic on the Highway and everyone else doing donuts on
the same hill. Hope all traveled well!
I suspect you all have similar stories. Not to let the
concept die, here is the list of recommended reading that I have compiled
from your suggestions thus far: Also I wanted to
add one more of my own: Robinson Crusoe
by Daniel Defoe If you have not
read that one, I highly recommend it. (*) Indicates those
I have already added to my collection and intend to read very soon. (+) Indicates those
that I have already queued in Amazon for purchase with intend to read If you have copies
of any and are willing to loan them out, please save me the money! Reader’s
Recommendations: +The Bondage if
Free Will Martin Luther +Luther’s Ninety
Five Theses Martin Luther +The Education
of Little Tree Forrest Carter *The Da Vinci Code Dan Brown I Am One of You Forever Fred
Chappell It Is Time, Lord Fred Chappell Look Back all the Green Valley Fred Chappell The Gaudy Place (I think) Fred Chappell +The Omnivore's Dilemma Michael Pollan *The Jungle Upton Sinclair Trinity Leon Uris The Tao of Gung Fu Bruce Lee Ishmael Daniel Quinn |
|
|
|
|
Hung
Tzu-Cheng |
January 21, 2008 Manic Monday Nothing better than
starting Monday off so cold and then find your car doesn’t want to start. I
don’t know what the temperature was when I walked out this morning, but it as
warmed to 19 Degrees. Plenty to get done
today so I am off!
|
|
|
|
|
Hung
Tzu-Cheng |
January 21, 2008 Manic Monday Nothing better than
starting Monday off so cold and then find your car doesn’t want to start. I
don’t know what the temperature was when I walked out this morning, but it as
warmed to 19 Degrees. Plenty to get done
today so I am off!
|
|
|
|
|
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: Therefore the
Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus
20:11 |
January 20,2008 Football I doubt that this is
the first you have heard that the Super bowl is The Giants vs. The Patriots.
The Championship games were both worth watching! Aside from
football, I wrote a couple of short stories that I will be sharing very soon.
The new page for them is under construction! |
|
|
|
|
The
best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside,
somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because
only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to
see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. Ann
Frank |
January 19, 2008 Ramsay Cascades It was long over
due but I was able to get out on a hike today. Ramsay Cascades Trail is on
the list of my Top 10 Favorite destinations. Conditions were as
I had hoped: perfect for snow! We had a light snow falling for the most of
the trip. Not having seen any thus far this year, it was a pleasure. Just one
of the miracles of nature, the snow covered rocks amongst the rapids of the
river. To my surprise, the
trail was well traveled. Aside from myself and my companion, I counted about
25 people and 2 dogs. |
|
|
|
|
All life is an experiment.
|
January 18, 2008
Part 2 Intent Yesterday I had
lunch with a couple of friends and we got in discussion about ‘Blogging because 2 or the 3 of us have blogs. Anonymity is very difficult here for the sake of context, here is
what I call the Land of Oz. So back on task: We
were discussing the potential of ‘Blogging’ as an
outlet of expression. Os actually wrote a review on a McSkillet
that is worth reading, which was the start of the conversation in the first
place. In Summary: Blogging has been a pretty good outlet for
self-expression for me. Because of the narrow scope of the concept of The
Daily Commute, it is often difficult to write and be any value. Some days the
commute is simply that. Just an ordinary ride to work (or Home). However;
because this is not Face Book or My Space, I have the freedom to add what I
wish without censor. Because of those ordinary days, I may get off the
subject of the Commute but who cares? I have ideas that
are to come very soon and want to share those with you: I am going to set
up a page for critiques of local establishments. They will be categorized in
a way that is clear and the data I hope will be useful. For Example, Pizza
Parlors: I won’t waste any time with the corporate conglomerates so much as
the Ma and Pa places! This Idea has potential! Also, another new
concept I am already working on is short stories. I have been writing these
already and a couple are ready to be read. Once the formatting for the page
is ready and I get the links added to the other pages start watching for
them. I need a title for the Page still. For now these short
stories will be ‘a day in my life’ at some other point in time. I felt that I
needed permission from parties involved because some of these might be
incriminating (what fun is it to change the name to protect the innocent). I will be sure to
let everyone know when these are available. Os said something
else that I wanted to share: “Blogging gives people
who know me well, a chance to know a different side of you.” And I agree! For
better or worse, I hope that all of this is first of all entertaining. And I
hope that those of you who I am close to learn more about me. And anyone who
is not so close, I hope get something out of it too. As individuals, we
all experience life differently. We have our morals, values and philosophies.
While I write these things, I try to be honest with myself and use each entry
as an outlet of self expression and self realization. Maybe it is all skewed,
but maybe it will give people the opportunity to think about tings in a
different perspective. Wes, who was the
third party at lunch yesterday, said “I don’t feel that anything in my menial
life would be so interesting that anyone would want to read it!” This is
something that I imagine others have though as well. The first thing I wrote
was ‘In the Locker Room…Stories from the YMCA”. It was intended to be funny
and I thought it was a one time thing. Here we are several months later and
several words later and I have enjoyed it! Shamatha! |
|
|
|
|
Always
remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your
smile. ~Unknown~ |
January 18, 2008 OK Rider I was blessed with
excellent weather and little traffic this morning. However; I have broken
another blinking tail light (that makes 4). I had this one zip tied to my bag
but the light itself broke free and bounced about the street like dry leave
caught it the wind. I have been told a
bicyclist was hit by a car in Farragut today. I
can’t find any reference to it in the news but let’s hope he is okay. Several of you have
responded already to the ‘ |
|
|
|
|
A
man's errors are his portals of discovery ~James
Joyce~ |
January 17, 2008
Part 2 Feedback I received a
response that contained the following questions and thought that it would
make for a good post:
I am reading all 3. No Time to Lose: I will be finished early next week A Diet for a New America is less interesting to read. The topic and information is
good but is not written very well. The Catechisms are a study! I have been reading them for a
couple of years now because I have to cross reference other texts (Bible,
Maps and Referenced material)
Before Starting No Time To Lose I read The Complete
Idiot's Guide to Yoga. It was a good book if you want to learn Yoga. What is one you would like to read
again? Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins
My favorite type of writing is non-fiction! or
Non-fiction based (I will explain). I have a hard time saying this is my favorite author so here are
a few: James Agee - Thomas Wolfe-Asheville, NC Native. Look Homeward, Angel
was the book I most liked by him. Very Poetic Style of writing Tom Robbins- Also from NC. Very well read individual. He
references things in ways that display his intellect. I like these as Novels because of the Autobiographical/Historical
nature of their writing. My Favorite Book! The Mouse and the Motorcycle or Uncle
Remus' Tales The Next Book(s) I intend to read are: The Education of Little Tree The Autobiography of a Yogi I also have a growing list on the Links Page of the web site for
more information on these and others! Also, I am interested in the things you
all are reading, let me know. In fact, feel free to answer all of the above questions! I will
build a list! |
|
|
|
|
Imagination
is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we
currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet
discover and create ~Albert Einstein~ |
January 17, 2008 Books Hope everyone is
staying warm and dry in this Wintry Mix
we are experiencing. I hope to be back on the road tomorrow but we’ll have to
see how this weather pans out. You may not know this,
but I am a bit of a book worm. I may be throwing titles at you often. Who
knows, maybe some of you might read one or two of them and we can have open
discussion. Here are some current reads: Diet
for a New America by John Robbins The book covers the
conditions within factory farming facilities. If you have a weak stomach,
skip this one. Otherwise, it is pretty detailed. Currently, I don’t
know of a book that will counter the subjects (argument may be more
appropriate) of the book. Robbins obviously has a goal intended with
presenting his research. My intent here is
to inform. No
Time to Lose by Pema Chodron This is a
commentary on Way
of the Bodhisattva written in the 8th Century by a Buddhist Sage Shantideva. The Way of the Bodhisattva is very poetic and
the commentary is good. If you are not familiar with
the basics of Buddhist teachings, get some background first. And if you really want to dig
in to religious studies, this is one volume to keep you busy for a while: The
Catechism of the Catholic Church This is an in depth look at
the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Catechisms are doctrinal manuals
often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized That ought to keep
everyone busy for a while. Here is a link to
an Online Version of the Catechisms News Topics: Don’t Let Friends Text and Drive: |
|
|
|
|
Let us put our
minds together and see what life will make for our children ~Sitting Bull~ |
January 16, 2008 Around the Corner Another cold one!
25 Degrees cold as I was getting ready to leave the house. I had it in my
mind that I would ride today, but fell asleep while laundering my riding
clothes. Spring is right
around the corner: Hopefully these sub-freezing days will go away quickly
then. News Topics: |
|
|
|
|
He who allows
his day to pass by without practicing generosity and enjoying life's pleasures
is like a blacksmith's bellows: he breathes but does not live. ~Sanskrit
Proverb~ |
January, 15, 2008 |
