Blogging Reflection

I have learned how to present myself through blogging daily while moving forward in my writing fluency. Most days, I have progressed in my word count and I have learned how to apply myself on a daily basis in writing. This exercise has broadened my outlook and understanding of what it is to blog daily. It takes a commitment to open myself to my writing and gives me a new voice through my blog. I am a very private person in general, and it took me some time to find my voice. The great thing about a personal blog is that I have complete control of what I write. At first, I thought "Who would want to hear about my daily experiences and views on topics? But after a couple of days, people started to respond to my thoughts and share their opinions and views. It has been a eye-opening exercise for me in general. I really didn't know what blogging was all about before I tried it. Sure, I had heard of it, but did not really understand all it entails.

Blogging is a good way to express yourself, while learning more about yourself through writing your thoughts out. My wife and I have had many conversations pertaining to my thoughts in blogging, and we have bonded through the process. For me personally, I have found a voice previously unknown to me. I feel like a more well-rounded writer and plan on continuing my blog in the future. I did not realize how much stuff I had to say about my son, wife, and my overall daily life experiences. Just like with music, I feel that I have found a new companion in writing. I posted a previous blog on writing before I knew that our last blog would be a reflection of our lesson experience. I guess the significance of blogging was already apparent to me. I still have a long way to go in professional writing, but as professor Anthony told us, "You are a writer." I have learned to embrace and believe that fact as I progressed through the class. I might not be the best writer, but a writer I am.

My Birthday

Today, July 18th, is my birthday. Ever since 21 it was all downhill. I have had an eventful life so far. I am not ashamed to say that I turned 32 today. I don't really feel different than last year, or the year before that, but i am looking forward to the rest of my thirties. I have a lot of living left to do and look forward to watching my son grow up. I have some more places that I would like to travel, people that I'd like to meet, and I want to focus on being a better person in the future. One thing that I have learned in my 32 years, is that it doesn't matter how much money you make, or things that you have, life is about cherishing those fading moments with loved ones. I'm sorry if this is short but I have some more cake to eat now.

kayaking

Yesterday my wife and I went kayaking on Taneycomo lake in Branson. Although the banks were still up a little from the recent rain, we still were able to enjoy our kayaking trip. I have only been kayaking twice in my life and enjoy the scenery of wildlife, trees, and the calming effect of just floating down the river. My wife and I used seperate kayaks and floated beside each other and talked for a decent amount of the trip. It was a nice environment to discuss life's problems and future plans. There is nothing more peaceful than being out in nature for me. The whole trip took about 3 hours and we ended up coming ashore next to the Branson Landing. Luckily, my wife was not dressed to go shopping! I recommend going kayaking to anyone who appreciates the slow things in life and nature. It is a good way to clear your head of your problems and worries. I can't wait until my son gets old enough to try it.

dreams

I have often wondered and studied a little into the meaning of dreams. I have learned that many have the dream of not being able to move as some horrific event unfolds. This is a representation of not having control over a situation. People that have these dreams often feel helpless in some situation whether it involves work or personal issues. The dream of falling is another common dream people have. I have never had this dream. I dream of flying freely through the air instead. I don't know if this means that I want to escape from something, or just that i feel free? I find it very interesting that our brain works these images into our dreams based on events and emotions that we are going through. Studies have said that we only use 10 percent of our brain. It makes one wonder what would be possible if we used half or all of our brain. I think it would "blow our mind", pun intended. I think as humans go through another 1,000 years, they will use more of their brains than ever. I won't be around for that, but it is interesting to ponder. Good lord willing, I think that humans today wouldn't even recognize the traits and abilities our future race will attain. Sometimes I wonder if God intended us to use all of our brain, or if he just gives us access to what we need? These answers will never be answered until I meet the big man upstairs. I digress, I do believe that dreams have a significant meaning to each individual. Maybe I should be a Psychologist. I bet studying the human condition would be very challenging and enlightening.

the future

The future is something that we have no control or grasp on. We go through this life, just doing the best we can, hoping for the best in the future. The future has endless possibilities and endless questions. I don't think we are meant to know what is going to happen for a reason in the future. Don't you think it would change everything knowing what was to come? I t would change one's actions and thoughts therefore changing the future itself. I know I am getting deep today, but I woke up wondering about my future. Everything hangs in the balance on what happens in the future. I had a dream last night that I could go in the past and change events. I guess I've seen one too many sci-fi movies. I'm pretty sure it had to do with me watching the movie "Project Almanac." Going in the past changes future events, but if one could go in the future, it would not change past events. only future events after the future become the past. It's a brain twister, I know. Anyway, I think that we are suppose to live in the present and just live our lives the best we know. Just to make the best decisions at any given moment and push on through our journey in life. I think I'll watch "Back To The Future" now and see if I have any break-throughs in time travel after I watch it?

Fishing

Fishing has always been an a favorite past-time for my family. My father used to take me when I was a small boy to the James and Finley rivers to fish. Yes, I can still remember my first fishing pole. It was a spiderman kids pole that didn't effectively catch fish for me. My dad would let me practice with his, but I just kept throwing it in the water. I finally got the hang of it, or should I say a hold on it, and began my fishing career. Some people might say, "fishing is boring" but there is a peace about casting your line, while waiting for that bite. I have always found it calming to fish. No matter what is going on in my life, I can have complete control over my fishing experience. Patience is not a virtue of mine, but fishing is different somehow. I find myself at peace with the world while fishing. I recently took my son to the river and showed him how to fish. I couldn't help but think about my father and how I was keeping the tradition going. My son was more excited about throwing rocks in the water. All in due time. He will get the hang of it just like I did. It's not about the fish you catch, it's about the memories made and the appreciation of the sport.

 My son went fishing with his great-grandpa and caught his first fish a couple days ago. Although I wish that I was there to see it, I am happy for his accomplishment of catching his first fish. There will be plenty of time to catch fish in the future. I can't wait to take my son on our next fishing excursion.  I guess after we get the art down, we can move on to skinning and preparing the fish to eat.

Writing

I have learned how to write more efficiently and fluently through my blogs. My thoughts present themselves in a more complete representation of my points and feelings. I haven't ever blogged before, and find it liberating and satisfying to write each day. My blogs might not interest everyone who reads them, but I still find my writing important to me. Writing is physical activity for my mind. Not unlike working out my muscles in weight training, writing these blogs is training my brain. I have found out things that I believed or thought, that previously evaded me through writing my blogs. My wife and I have read them and discussed in length my thought process. I have never kept a journal or written in this fashion. I find myself examining and thinking on different levels after blogging daily.

Writing is a new form of expressing myself. I play music and sing daily, but I have found that writing expresses a different side of me. I have delved deeper into my creative self, while finding out new things about myself on a daily basis. Like I said, it might not mean anything to someone else, but my words make an impact on me. I have a long way to go with writing, but I feel that I have found a companion in writing. I look forward to continuing blogging my thoughts and experiences as a form of expression. My wife loves writing, so we have found a new commonality together. I think that she is even going to start a daily blog of her own.

Swimming

Since I was a kid I have enjoyed going to the pool and swimming. My grandparents used to have a pool and my brother and I would go every other day all summer. We would play with cousins, friends and celebrate being a kid. I am passing that tradition to my son. We just got back from the pool today, where we played, splash and generally enjoyed the sun and each other's company. Growing up in the ozarks has led me to the lakes on several occasions. We used to have a boat in the family that we could take out when we wanted. I always say that I grew up in the wrong place. I should have been raised by the beach in Florida or California. I have always loved the water and appreciated the relaxing qualities of laying aimlessly in the sun.We are entering the hot, dry part of the year, so here comes the sun. I love this time of the year. Well, as long as the air conditioner is working.

Playing Disney Infinity with my son

i never thought that playing as Thor and Iron crashing through the city swatting down bad guys would be interesting to me. I bought Disney Infinity for my son and I to get some super hero time together. The graphics are pretty basic, but I have to say that playing these super heroes with my son is very fun. When we get tired of punching and shooting the ice giants, we turn on each other and deliver family mayhem. Any time that I get with my son is well appreciated, so I knew that he has been into The Avengers lately. I bought the bundle starter pack and away we went to save the world! He really enjoys the game and I even have gotten my wife in on the carnage. Of course she has to be black widow and ninja around while shooting her laser. All in all, The Avengers have brought my family closer together Thank you Disney! that is for giving me an excuse to play this game at 31 years young.

Weather

It is amazing to me how the weather in the ozarks changes from year to year. We have had more rain in June and into July than I can ever remember. Usually my yard is in the process of dying, but it is green and full of life. I drove over to my mother's house to see my nephew and saw a school building and three businesses flooded a foot up their foundations. My drive took me by the Finley river which had turned into a raging monster destroying everything in it's path. The river had gone feet above it's banks. I probably should have taken another route, like the highway, to go to my mom's house. I was stuck in traffic for thirty minutes. I work down in Branson and have seen the flooding caused by the rain saturate the city, I have seen on the news how people are having to be evacuated in Carthage and areas all over south- western Missouri. I pray for those people's safety. I am dumb-founded by the amount of rain the area is getting. Hopefully, the rain is through with us for now, and we can enjoy the summer in the following months. It's funny, because I bet I will be praying for rain by the end of July. It has definitely had an effect on my mowing this year. My yard looks like a jungle as I look out of my window.  Luckily I live at the top of a hill, so I do not have water standing in my yard. I guess it goes to show that we never know what the weather in the ozarks has in store for us. I think that I will go mow my yard now. I can't stand looking at it any longer. Wish me luck! Here is a picture of the flooding in Ozark.

Coffee

Coffee has always been a "must have" daily ritual, or habit. My day would not be complete without a pot of coffee acting as my "starting fluid." I stole that one from my wife's grandpa. He always says that he can't start up without it. It doesn't matter what kind of coffee it is, I'll drink it. Columbian, organic, bold, smooth, just as long as it's not decaf. What's the point in drinking decaf. I guess if you like the taste, then that's your prerogative. I drink coffee in the morning and at night, before I go to work. I think I'm addicted to it. On the rare occasion that I miss my daily dose, I am edgy and usually get a headache from lack of caffeine. Ok, this is me telling the world that I'm a coffee addict! You heard it from the horse's mouth. I feel somewhat liberated. Anyway, i don't think I am the only one. It seems like every other person I meet swears by it. I think there are a lot worse habits. I'll take my chances. I even like coffee flavored candy, ice cream and candles. No, I didn't go out and buy the candle, my wife got it for me. She told me when she gave it to me, "Just don't eat it!" Tempting, but I think I'll pass. I often wonder what people did before coffee was produced? Maybe they just hit each other in the face and said, "wake up!" Anyway, keep making the coffee, I'll keep buying it.

Indiana Jones

July 8

The Indiana Jones movies are my favorite movie series. Going on these adventures with Harrison Ford has been near to my heart since I was a kid. I have recently heard that they are making a new one. Although "The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull" was a bit of a let down, I still am excited that there will be another one. When I first saw "The Raiders Of The Lost Ark" it changed my appreciation of movies. Since then, I have seen it dozens of times and enjoy it more every time. The second movie is "The Temple Of Doom", followed by "The Last Crusade". The adventures Indy goes on are every every boy's dream. I like how even though the movies are serious, there is never a lack of comic relief in the series. Indiana fights the Germans and their schemes always include action packed moments in the movies. One of my favorite moments is when Indy stands of against a villain who is weilding duel swords. Indy just stops and pulls out his gun, shooting the guy and moving on. Somehow, it is hilarious how he just shoots this skilled warrior.

Indiana is a professor who is always searching for lost treasure. Although the original movies are older now, they have become staples of cinema and still hold their weight against any new films in the genre. In every movie, Indy has a sidekick or buddy who accompanies him through his journeys. They always are cracking jokes and adding comic relief to him in dire situations. Harrison Ford also finds himself in tricky situations involving a woman who always falls in love with him. Between all of these aspects, Indiana always prevails by a little luck and faith. I urge my readers to stop everything their doing and watch the first three movies if they haven't already seen them. It doesn't matter your age or sex, the Indiana Jones series has something to offer for everyone. I know this is "high praise", but try them out and tell me if I am wrong? Long live Indiana Jones.

Fantastic field trip

July 7

I took my son to Fantastic Caverns on a father-son field trip recently. I ask my son if he would like to go spelunking at the caverns and he said "I go in cave daddy." My son is almost four years old, so I thought it was time to enlighten him on the mysteries of subterranean culture.  This was one of my favorite places to go as a kid, so I guess I got something out of it too. At first he was scared to go in, but after we were looking at stalagmites and stalagtites, he was in awe. I forgot how cool the tours are at Fantastic Caverns. My sone kept saying, "Ooh, pretty horns!" He is really into dinosaurs, so I guess every pointy thing looks like a horn to him? I quit trying to explain and just enjoyed the time with him. He's only a little dude, I'll have plenty of time to explain later. When we got out and walked around, he kept trying to tell other people, "I am a dragon and I'll eat you." Ok, this is kind of embarrassing, but you've got to admit that it's pretty darn cute. I guess my son has my imagination. Maybe that is the reason we get along so well? I apologized and all was well. The people were good sports. No matter how well you try to guide your child, they are still "a child." What are you going to do? My son didn't want to leave and ask if we could live there in the cave. I laughed and said that we have moved on from that, and re-directed him with a promise of ice cream. Parenting is 90% bribery. In the end, we made a lasting memory and got our fill of ice cream. I think it is important to make memories that your child will cherish. They are only kids once, enjoy it while it lasts. Unless he's like me, I never grew up.

Music

Music has always been near to my heart and I connect with the emotion that is displayed through it. I have always had a wide variety of music to listen to through my life. It does not matter what emotion or mindset I am in, music always talks to me in a way that soothes my mind.  That what music is for, right? People have been producing music for an untold time putting their thoughts and feelings into it. Think of Mozart or Beethoven producing their beautiful concerto's. Where does all of that music come from? It comes from one's heart and experiences. Music is the perfect avenue to make a statement, sometimes without saying a word. I can feel the anger or the love portrayed in songs. Look at the differences in Metallica's songs compared to George Strait. Different demographics have different types of methods and genres, making different points. I think it is great that the world has music being a soundtrack to people's lives. I have been lucky enough to perform music my whole life. I do not know what I would do without this release. I also play the guitar and piano. Instruments speak through their strings and notes too. I can play a guitar and reflect the mood I am. Every instrument has it's voice and this voice can be used by the player to produce a personal song. I have written music since I was a kid and it has helped me through good and bad times. Music is a friend who is always there if your heart is open. Everyone has a different way of speaking through music and that is what makes it so dynamic. Just the other day I wrote a song for my son that he is still singing days later. There is nothing more heartwarming than thinking that, through music, my son is happy and content.

4th of July

5 July 2015

I think that it is amazing that this country still celebrates making a big deal out of America's Independence Day. This country was founded on freedom from other rule and tyranny. I cannot imagine how our fore fathers would view national fireworks celebrations today. I would like to think that they would be in awe of the importance Independence Day still holds to America. Celebrating our freedom has always been easy for Americans to do. America is the most diverse and accepting nation as a whole. America's diversity is due to the way it's principles were founded. Independence Day is more than just the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, it's about encompasing everything we have accomplished in the name of America. The Statue of Liberty stands in the harbor to show a physical representation of freedom. America has never been shy to make examples of it's beliefs and values. A lot of other countries are threatened and offended by what this country stands for, but that's what makes America who she is. An ever adapting society who only wants to express itself and be free from oppressive actions and mandates. Long live America and God bless her longevity! If this country knows how to do one thing, it's to celebrate.

Florida

Recently my wife, son and I went to Florida. We drove there after work one night and sixteen hours later, there we were. My son is three so we had to stop several times for feeding and potty breaks. All in all it was pretty painless. We rented a condo in Destin, Fl. and the moment I pulled up to it, I was amazed at how close the ocean was. The beach was breathtaking and my son swam in his first ocean. We made sandcastles and felt the water on our toes. I say we, because my wife and son would not go in the water. I guess my wife has watched one too many episodes of "Shark Week"? My wifes grandparents and my family all were at the beach for three days. This is only the third time that I have gone to the ocean. Coincidently, this has been in Florida all three times. We drove out through the city and found many places to shop and eat. I left the shopping to the ladies while I hang out back at the beach. The restaurants were amazing! Two of them were right on the water, permitting an awesome view while eating. I found it relaxing to lay on the beach, close my eyes, and listen to all of those foriegn sounds like seagulls screeching, the wave's anthem steadily sweeping it's tempo to the sand and back again.  I have said since I was a kid that I wanted to live by the ocean. The few chances I have had have been amazing memories for me. My wife and I often joke about moving to live by the ocean and I would just be a beach bum and wax surfboards. Obviously we will have to figure something different out for me before we can do that. Although, one never knows where they will end up. I there's one thing in this life that I know, it is that life is unpredictable.

Branson Missouri

July 3rd 2015

Branson Missouri is the town I grew up in. I have seen the town prosper and recently digress into a struggling music city. The lakes and the landing are bringing in the dough, but the shows are suffering. I think the reason is a changing economy and different generations wants. We have changed our show, but shows in Branson are a dime a dozen. People do not know the good shows from the bad. It all boils down to the cheapest tickets. People come to our show that know the history and appreciate what we stand for. That does not make up for the new generation's views on Branson as a whole. It is harder to market to the younger generations now. Being the first show in Branson does not pack the house like it used to. Do not get me wrong, we still hold our own. The problem is that there are over 100 shows now in Branson. Many who sell tickets through outlets who price them at half the cost of other shows. The ticket outlets have had a huge impact on the situation in the town. People are going to go to a show that they can get the whole family in for the price of 2 people at others. Are you really making more money letting 2 people in for the price of 1? No, but it takes people away from the quality shows in my view. I do not know how to fix it. Branson has changed in the last 10 years exponentially. The key is to advertise while maintaining the reputation of value for the show. It is a tricky problem indeed. The Baldknobbers just need to produce a quality show that makes memories for the whole family. So they will come back over and over again while educating the public on the importance of shows that make quality product. I am sure Branson will change in the future and we just need to push through this problem.

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Juggling college, work and family

July 2nd, 2015

Juggling college, work and family is not always easy. I have found that it is possible though. Management of time is the key. I work nights so I find it productive to do homework after I get home from work. This way I have time with my family in the afternoon. I have a few hours to do work in the day, but when everyone is sleeping at night seems to be the best time for me to concentrate. I have some friends that have different schedules and different study patterns. I guess it is whatever works best for your situation. Sometimes it is tough to stay up after work, but I always seem to complete my assignments on time. I do not know what I would do if I was sick or my son did not sleep well through the night. I guess I would just do as much as I could while taking care of him. I have only started college and have not had to go physically to college. I guess I will figure that out and manage my time accordingly. My cousin is going to her school while trying to be a mom and work. She is not being able to get all of her work done and struggling with the whole concept. It really does just come down to evaluating your time and proceeding accordingly. I have found college fun and challenging to this point. I just hope that I can keep the pace in the rest of my courses. Things like doctors appointments and special work functions are coming up, so we'll see what happens? I guess I should just take it a day at a time while doing my best to keep up. I have an optimistic view on life, so I think I will do fine. I wish I could go back to my younger self and say "you have really got it easy, enjoy yourself." I think I would also tell myself to get college done so I would already have accomplished my degree. Man, that would be nice. Oh well, hindsight is 20\20. Everything happens for a reason, and all in it's  own time. All I can do is move forward, I cannot go back.

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Writers Workbench

In researching the Writers Workbench I was refreshed on tools I need to write well. I have been out of shcool for 13 years and definitely needed the help. Some things started coming back to me that I learned in school, but many more I didn't know or remember. Taking out un-needed adverbs is a tool I need to work on. I am always using exceedingly, absolutely, and other repedititive words in my writing. It's amazing how much one can forget when not applying it to their daily lives. What is the saying, "If you don't use it, you lose it?" This has been the case with me. Another key element of writing that I need to work on is cutting out the fat in my work. I agree with mr. Clark on the fact that we fall in love with our writing and can put our whole thinking process into our writing instead of just putting in the needed content. I could go on all day long writing about every thought that crosses my mind, but this isn't necessary. It's all about editing all of that out and then putting the little bit needed to sustain your view or point. I'm sure I just did it there. Oh well. I'm freewriting. I can do that. One topic that interested me was using a powerful verb to give your character's actions depth. That makes complete sense to me. I just did the adverb thing again. Dang it. At least I'm noticing it now. I am baffled by the intricacies of writing, but I feel I have a better understanding of writing well. I'm going to refer to mr. Clark's Writers workbench from now on, or at least until I feel I am progressing well in my writing I really enjoy Ian Flemming's James Bond books, maybe I'll just read more of them to acuire a better verb writing stance. They call me Mabe, Denton Mabe.

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