PREPARED
Friday Sept. 12, 2014
Living a day well is not about motto, oath or vow.
It is like tasting deliciousness on our tongue.
It is holding joy in our hand and laughter in our sleep. It is loving without need for it to be returned, it is giving without wanting anything in return.
We are all capable of these things every day – though we spend too much time on off-days, doing something else altogether or reasons that always seem right at the time … but then we can’t remember the why of it and the details escape like smoke out a chimney, wisps blowing away as if they never happened at all, or ever.
I’ve lived all my life up until now – for today.
I must have, because I’m here. I feel prepared, ready and hungry for this day. And, hopefully, I’ll repeat tomorrow …
I am here – with a purpose, mission, point of view and I have a path worth following, work worth doing, passions worth pursuing, friends worth my time and family worth my love.
How else could I have got here without all that preparation?
If not, it would be someone else who is here – but no, it isn’t someone else, it is me.
Wherever you’ve come from, whatever route you took – you are here, with all that preparation (including every crappy thing that happened yesterday) as preparation for today.
Boy Scouts always want to ‘be prepared’.
So, should we all.
We are all custodians of our day, every day, especially today – we should all take great care to not spoil it.
Not waste it.
Not leave it unused.
Not coast through it.
Mark Kolke
column written/ published from Calgary
morning walk: 2C/36F, warming up, remaining snow should disappear today – we walked early before I went to the gym. Gusta was very calm … pleasant for a change to not have her pulling every-which way. The neighbourhood, like most in Calgary, still has lots of cleaning up to do, tree debris on every street.
Reader feedback / comments always welcome:
I was lured in by the caption, "Hints from our animal buddies" and thought it might correlate with your musing today in reference to Gusta. Then I became intrigued with the photos. The section is "Have you ever been this tired?" Just sharing.... , GW, Bon Wier, TX
Thought you might enjoy this. I read your musing today and thought you might enjoy this.
Excerpts from a Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat's Diary - Day 983 of my captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now, CG, Cobourg, ON
