[Riffing with Otis]

Diane- You'll always be a keeper! (You too Otis)! 😇

Take are.

Mike

[These Days]

Diane- Thank you for sharing your heart & life "These Days". You are a gem! This is what your thoughts evoked in me.

This is a crazy world that we are experiencing. The average person has a normal routine and a system that life revolves around with a small variance once or twice a year.  This virus has provided a major pothole in the road of life and has had a great impact on each and every person in the world. Some more than others depending on the circumference of influence that the virus has had on them and their families and friends.

I find myself in a unique situation because my life up to February 2020 has so many parallels to this virus. How, I was in the Military for 20 years and my routine was anything but normal. Long 12-16 hours days aboard ships for weeks and months on end. Isolation in small communities and aboard ships, where not seeing anyone outside of your 50 -100 men crew for 90-120 days was the norm. Living in close quarters. I was a Captain of a Tug with a crew of 6 men for the next 26 years and again, you are sequestered within the confines of an 87ft tug, working, eating, sleeping alongside the same 6 men and isolated for a minimus of two weeks to 30 days. The extreme was 90 days.

Today, with this virus, these living conditions feel like a vacation, with the exception of the mental stress and strain of a silent killer lurking out in the night/day waiting to take another victim with no conscience as to the loved ones that are left behind or the pain and economic upheaval. Things do not make sense. We see and hear humanities reaction. Some with don't understand, some we agree with and yet, humanity will prevail. 

I try to make my day more meaningful as I process the mental gymnastics of this threat! I internalize so many feelings and thoughts and the introspective nature pulls out the past mistakes and the "I Wish I Would Have", or "IF Only, or What If"  (IF is the biggest word in the dictionary! A reflection of life as I take the time to stop and think and be quiet within my soul! 

1. Not taking life for granted.

2. Time is a precious gift. We all have the same amount to use. Give generously! 

3. Taking time to smell the roses

4. Quit running the race and enjoy the journey

5. Reaching out to old friends and saying hello

5. Staying closer to family and making sure that they know how much they matter and how much I love them. 

6. It is never too late.

7. I have my faith, my family, my friends and my health. (and my guitars and a love of music with my guitar family:) 

Life is good. 

Thank you Diane. Your writing always makes me think and feel! You have a gift and a friend always.

Take Care and be safe!

Mike

[At the Library]

Diane- You have such a wonderful way with words. You are a vulnerable, sensitive, honest, loving storyteller.  I am still waiting for your original song, or book. Either one would be great with me. 😋 Just sayin'!

Great seeing you continue to stretch and go for it! You inspire me.

 

Mike

[Not Finished With You Yet]

Diane- I have enjoyed your writing over the past 3-4 years..............I want to see a song that you have put to pen! Surly there is one in a folder in the file cabinet?? 😎

[Coda for Terrie]

Diane- You are a true gem........Diamond I'd say!

[Carlos and Me]

666 Demon Possessed