The Cure for Election Angst and Pandemic Panic

Friends,

Ignorance, and fear. These seemingly ordinary traits can lead otherwise well-intentioned folks down perilous paths. If left unchecked, they can bring civilization to its knees (then again, that may just be my own fear and ignorance speaking). Here’s what I mean:

Elections. The ability to select and replace the people who will represent us in government is a hallmark of democracy. Voters with neither the time nor inclination to thoroughly weigh platforms or think through the unintended consequences of well-meaning policy proposals are asked to choose our leaders. In this age of misinformation, folks fear the terrible things they are told, oversimplify a complex set of trade-offs and demonize the other side. Politicians pander to these biases and fears. Not a recipe for enlightened government if you ask me.
Pandemics. Wash your hands often, cover your cough and avoid crowds if you can. Or... compulsively watch the news, obsessively worry about each new tidbit that comes-out, cancel all travel and sell all your stocks. Which of these behaviors sounds rational and appropriate to you? Just sayin'.

If, like me, you find yourself rolling your eyes so far back into your head you worry they may get stuck there, remember you only control your own actions. We’ve all been guilty of fear and none of us can know everything. Self-awareness and a willingness to eradicate fear and ignorance from our own minds is a solid step in the right direction. Life is good and it goes on whether you choose to enjoy it or choose to let the monsters in the closet paralyze you. Life is beautiful, don't worry about things you can't control. Have a donut, enjoy the outdoors and take some pictures while you're at it.

Happy Friday!

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BIrds of a Feather

Friends, The early bird catches the worm, however, as the sun rises I’d much rather have a Denver omelet than a diet of worms . Ready to fly the coop, my ducks all in a row, I ponder one more time whether a bird in hand is truly worth two in the bush. Egged-on by my quest to tuck away a nest egg, I’ve decided to change industries and hope that, like the phoenix, my career will also rise from the ashes of change. After all, I’m no spring chicken –my crow’s feet and gray bely my age – however, I have to trust my judgment and believe you can’t catch this old bird with chaff (whether or not folks think me an odd bird for my actions). And so I shall attempt to soar like an eagle, aware that counting my chickens before they hatch would be ill-advised. As I learn to talk turkey in the language of cybersecurity, I will endeavor not to hide my head in the sand, choosing instead to be like a duck – calm on the surface and paddle like hell underneath! And while my excessive use of bird-inspired

Ashes to Ashes

Friends, I don’t know about you, but my household tends to use things a tad beyond their reasonably useful life. Cars, razors, pillows... heck, we squeezed the last BTU out of our home’s 25 year old thermostat —15 years is for rookies. This week we bid our fire pit farewell. Structurally unstable and rusted to the core, this contrivance was well on its way to returning to the soil. Memories of s’mores, cigars and shared spirits come rushing back, as does the six foot tall cardboard peach burned atop it, which caused the first stress fractures in the waning days of 2019. Good times! I suppose nothing lasts forever, but memories can add a sense of permanence to the fleeting. So go, grab a donut and make some new memories!! Happy Friday!

Love and Marriage go together like a Horse and... Donut!

Friends, My family gained a new daughter last week. As I welcome the freshly minted Mrs. González, I wish the new couple a lasting, loving, happy and tranquil marriage. I am also reminded of a special delivery I received at the wedding. A few weeks ago, my niece/goddaughter held a “go fund me” and offered to stitch something for the donors. I, of corse, asked for a horse jumping through a donut. The completed masterpiece depicting this unlikely combo now has a special place in my office, and brings a smile to my face every time I see it. That said, I may forgo the obligatory donut today and opt for some of the leftover cake we still have at the house. Happy Friday! New addition to the Family Horse through donut with the artist Horse through donut at it’s new home shelf P.S. The donut wall in action.

Friday Donuts

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