|
Thought Puddles
As one rows, the blade of each oar makes a small whirlpool like mark on the flat surface of the water. These retreat into the distance astern as the boat moves forward, making two parallel lines that seem to come together at a vanishing point. Rowers refer to these marks as "puddles". We try to push each pair of puddles as far astern as possible to get speed and increase the efficiency of each stroke. Coaches sometimes look at the size or energy in each puddle as a measure of power applied by the oarsman or to determine if the blade of the oar is properly buried. To me, now, puddles are my tracks. They are evidence of my passage and each represents a moment in time and thought. During the constant rhythm of rowing my mind, usually cluttered with seemingly random thoughts, seems to be freed to dwell awhile on one at a time. My puddles become uniform and straight to the horizon. Somehow I feel that what goes on in my mind at these times is worth recording. Thought Puddles is an attempt to remember and record these thoughts as I travel along.
- Why is the more affluent suburban area usually on the north or west side of most cities? New York has Westchester County, LA has Hollywood, Atlanta has Buckhead, etc. ~ GIB 12/31/04
- Dogs are most appreciated by the ones who own them! ~ HPB 1/3/05
- Disappointments can be the result of inappropriate self expectations. GIB 1/12/05
- Progress is always the difference between what is being done and what is being undone. GIB 1/12/05
- Nothing degrades the quality of a hotel more than an unpleasant person at the front desk. GIB 1/15/05
- There is no more important credential for success than good manners. GIB 1/15/05
- Communication is the combination of two essentials: listening and speaking or reading and writing. GIB 1/15/05
2004
|
Saying kind words of praise about someone else is much more rewarding than bragging about yourself. |
|
People who start sentences by saying "Honestly,..." seem to be saying that this is a change. So everything else they have said is not to be trusted. |
|
A New Year's resolution is a good way of revealing what you wish you had done but didn't do last year. |
|
Ignorance is a funny thing. It is humbling and scorned but to many it brings peace. Sometimes it can even be a virtue. |
|
Re: "Sustainable" (often used in describing "Green" building designs) It seems to me that, by definition, if a design or practice is used that is not "sustainable", the result leads to our eventual extinction. |
|
Exercise is physical therapy for the mind. |
|
The only competitor who loses is the one who does not enter the race. |
|
Words not said can hurt. Words carelessly said can hurt. Words thoughtfully said can heal. |
|
Manners are simply conventional signals that one understands another persons needs or feelings. |
|
Visiting with good old friends is reliving good old times. |
|
A destroyed environment is man's shame and wildlife's tragic disaster. |
|
People who complain of boredom are by nature boring people. |
|
Destinations are only arbitrary waypoints on the route to one's goals. |
|
Sharing adventure with the one you love is like putting a fresh coat of paint on your most valuable possession. |
January 2006
Rowing with the tide is like working with a friend.
One cannot communicate without ears.
Corrollary 1: Listening is the important half of communication.
Aging is caused by forgetting to laugh.
Aging is also caused by not taking care of oneself.
Snowflakes are the diamond jewelry of fairies.
Sept. 2006:
One knows it is a hot day when your coffee doesn't get cold.
April 2007:
If I don't write down thoughts when I have them, they go away.
|