Monthly Archives: January 2023

What Is Inspirational?

Posted on January 31, 2023 by swabby429

I asked Walter what inspired him. The 94-year-old acquaintance answered, “I want to remain relevant to myself.” He reflected that for much of his life, he was worried about keeping up with popular social trends and political beliefs. As Walter … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemplation, Hometown, Meanderings, philosophy | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Don’t Be A Sidekick

Posted on January 30, 2023 by swabby429

Dad sometimes expressed his wish for me to be a television host. He envisioned me of one day replacing Johnny Carson. Dad said not to settle for becoming Ed McMahon’s replacement. I usually brushed off dad’s comments by reminding him … Continue reading →

Posted in cultural highlights, Entertainment, Friendship, philosophy, Youth | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Our Inner Curmudgeons

Posted on January 29, 2023 by swabby429

Jonathan noticed my copy of Mark Twain’s collected works parked on the sofa. My friend stated that he was only familiar with Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, but not much else about the writer’s other stories. I asked Jonathan whether … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversy, cultural highlights, Meanderings, philosophy | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Is Privacy Dead?

Posted on January 28, 2023 by swabby429

My late friend Doug was extremely possessive of his privacy, so much so that his siblings knew very little about him. One of the last times we discussed the subject of privacy, Doug mentioned that he still did not have … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversy, cultural highlights, Hometown, Meanderings | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Another Go At Post-Modern Projects …Floral Friday

Posted on January 27, 2023 by swabby429

It’s been awhile since I’ve done any radical experiments by creating projects that display era-crossing styles. These vary from contemporary flowers in a Neo-Deco container, to subtle modernism within a vintage vase. Such arrangements are attempts to make artistic statements … Continue reading →

Posted in Floral Arts, Hobbies, projects, Vintage Collectables | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Encourage Anyway

Posted on January 26, 2023 by swabby429

After showing that he is trustworthy and is capable of improving his life, he was recently given permission to leave the halfway house. I met Eldon (an alias) at our town’s Goodwill Store. Eldon has a chipper, outgoing personality and … Continue reading →

Posted in Friendship, Hometown, Meanderings, philosophy | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Opposite Day 2023

Posted on January 25, 2023 by swabby429

I often enjoy arranging still lifes and floral arrangements that combine polar opposites. In a way, I believe that’s what people and myself are comprised of. We love freedom and crave security. We want lessez faire for ourselves and prohibitions … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemplation, cultural highlights, Meanderings, philosophy | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments