Being Remembered

Few of us are remembered after we die and it doesn't really matter much in the long run. The famous are remembered in statues and books and names. Even these remembrances are often at risk in this day of a great anger amongst the humans of our current era. But even as insignificant as most of us think we are, we are not. We all matter in a way that we might not know. Recently, some footprints evidently made by children over thousands of dozens of years ago were found and preserved. These little children's prints were made apparently as they pranced about perhaps in play, due to their pattern, the scientists tell us. The children are remembered as we imagine, what their little lives were like in the days far, far back. Were they boys or girls or both? What games were they playing? What did they look like? What were their homes and lives  then? All of these questions come to mind when we look at the footprints. We remember those children and their prints remind us that no matter how humble or important we are in our societies, what we do and are, could  possibly be remembered even centuries from now. Of course, we're not going to run out and make footprints in the mud, but as we carry on in our day to day lives, we need to know that it is not just great deeds that will be remembered. When we look around in antique stores or visit museums and ponder on artifacts, most of them are not crown jewels or great art, but simple items such as stone weapons, fishing gear, hunting spears, baskets and pottery shards. What you and I handle or use or invent in our daily lives matters because long from now, we could be remembered for them. Our DNA might be part of what we touch or create or build or plant or stitch. We don't know this now, but what we should know, is that what we do matters. Even the smallest and most simple things matter. I saw a film not long ago about a famous maker of a unique vehicle and how his dream was too early for the society he lived in. But his dream lives and what he created will never die, but always be remembered even though it seemed a failure during his time. Time is fickle.  Also, I recall a man in a small village I lived in, someone who had a dream of a community of residences, one that was beautiful and self-sustaining and right architecturally. He put everything he owned into beginning a very eternally and appropriately styled group of homes that were unique and practical and attractive. The buildings were only nine, as he could manage, but they were wonderful to live in. They were made with local materials and employed local persons. There were cedar roofs and siding, cedar ceilings and more than ample skylights to let in the views near the sea. I know because on a bank sale, I lived in one. The venue proved not only to be aesthetic but also marvellous to live in because the quality of construction was supervised by he and his wife who cared about what they were doing. His name isn't remembered in pleasant terms because even today some think he was precocious for his time. What he lost is what locals remember, but I will never forget living in that multistoried home with ample levels and inside spaciousness and angles and fine finishes and views of the ocean and sky. What came later as "add-ons", were cheap and lacked quality and durability, as proved, but they sold. I remember, as do those who lived there, this developer and their plans even though they "failed". Like footprints, they matter. Remembered beyond our grave stones and statues or paint and words could be, simply what we are.  

Win And Lose

You can win games and lose them. Elections aren't games. They are people voting for something that matters to them; at least those who care to vote. After an election such as the one that just ended, there is a lot of chest bashing and teeth gnashing. "What went wrong" is the usual question and along with it, "what mistakes did our party make and how can we fix it for the next election". I propose that these questions are merely rhetorical since the result of an election is just that, and nothing more. You win or you lose by votes. It turns out the way it did. Period. In the voting system, no matter the style, it's the way it works for whatever  reasons. In today's world when no one seems to be able to live with the "what is, is" philosophy, there is always the searching around for reasons "why". The "why" can't be solved because people change, societies change and rules change. Agonizing over "why" doesn't apply to the result present and, in fact, it draws energy away from simply getting on with the realities and growing, rather than looking back and whinging over the past. For some odd reason, the world today is one that does nothing but look back in seeking something or someone to blame. Blame is a way out of accepting the "what is, is - and let's just get on with it" issue. Blaming someone or something else makes people feel they can step out of their own guilt and point to others as those who made it all happen. "They had nothing to do with it". Sadly, they want someone's words to hear apologizing to make themselves feel better. Words do nothing to solve what happened in the past, and furthermore someone or something that is apologising may know nothing about or have had nothing to do with, the matter at hand. To me it seems a completely silly situation. To atone, you have to actually do something concrete and it should be done by the creatures who perpetrated the event, not by words. I know it isn't "politically correct"  (how tired I am of hearing this nonsensical term) in current day conversation, to say this, but it's true. What is "politically correct"? Sometimes, it isn't "correct" at all, but serves only the popular opinions of the times and places in which it is used. At this stage, after The Election, there is griping and worrying away at the results while it was simply, an election. The way it turned out is the way it is. It is what the populace wants, not some devious kind of plan or another party forcing it to be the way it turned out.  It appears that the parties, all of them, are busily examining every aspect of the result that they aren't happy with, and analyzing ways to make appropriate changes. Hey guys, next time who knows what is -right to do to win. The world turns and no one can accurately predict "next time". The answer is to, at the time of campaigning which is a relatively useless endeavor with "debating" that is ridiculous and not at all  debate, because those so-called debaters have no idea how to debate. Or perhaps they ignore the way debates ought to be conducted. What did that candidate wear, how did they speak the second language, was their hair  right, did they sweat, what was their body language, did they blush or frown or look angry or embarrassed - the list goes on. Those of us, we the common citizen voters, regard it as "here we go again" but we continue to go out and vote and we even tolerate all the fuss and fury and fashioning occurring among the winners and losers afterward. We aren't the political stars, but our one little vote can make or break them. Ta dah. 

What's Left?

Just heard a couple of saddening reports. Children below the age of puberty engaging in sex and that a number of first year women students at university are drugged and raped. Realizing that you oughtn't to believe everything you read and hear via the media, one knows that there must be a fraction of truth and vital questions should be asked. Media, especially broad social media and the entertainment world, is partly to blame. It's not unusual to hear smart-mouthed cartoons and films made for kids whose roles show children swearing, experiencing adult events and even being part of them. I don't see the humour in that.  Some parents would argue that they are merely preparing children for a world that is far different than my "old fashioned" one where there were virgins and politeness and modesty and decorum and good manners all 'round. Of course, in my day, there were the opposites, but rather rarely, and to find children being just children is becoming an experience you find only at younger and younger ages. So what is going on? Are we preparing children for a world that is increasingly dangerous with the advent of social media and its horrendous negative possibilities along with the benefits? Are we not preparing young women who think that random sex and a lot of it, isn't normal? What it is that we are not doing as opposed to what we should be doing? Or both? First of all, putting a cell phone with anything in the world possible into a child's hands is taking a chance. Sure you can block out certain aspects, but other kids find ways to pass that by. When children younger and older, enter the outside world at school and college, they are in the real world with both feet on the ground. And no matter what you did or do at home or say or think, might not be what is really happening for them, and, furthermore,  you cannot follow your kids around all day long. I know that many parents don't let their little ones out of their sights, but that is just not possible wholly. As to women entering university, they are in a place where anything goes. It is loosely called "freedom" and parents haven't much influence when their adult offspring go out that door. Peers are the rulers  after puberty and we all know it even though we may have forgotten. But in these times,  it seems that youngsters below puberty are now targeted and not by outsiders, but by their peers. Virginity, for example, is a one-time thing and its value is not antiquated. Like any other "rite of passage" in one's life, it calls for some consideration, not just a passing blink. It's a part of life that is the end of something as is giving up toy dolls and toy trucks. It has significance. It is a personal time and a personal choice. Reports of campus rapes as a result of partying ( these are not parties but one of the ways  to find oneself socially) make me wonder about the value of parent child communication. Communication is often blocked between parent and child for some reason and both suffer. They say not, but that's not true. I don't know the answer to solving these ugly problems that can destroy a young person's identity for life. The old love and communication, just-being-there-no-matter-what for our kids, goes a long way. 

True or False

 Yesterday, I got a call from someone who said "they" would be around that afternoon to clean my fireplace. My response was that this was the first I had heard of it and my fireplace, that I use seldom, did not need cleaning because it had been done last fall. His answer was "but we recommend it be cleaned annually". I thanked him and said that, yes, as he suggested if I "changed my mind" I would call him back. Instead, I went online and learned that unless you use your fireplace a good deal, as perhaps your principle form of heating, it is unlikely to accumulate dust and so on to need cleaning every year. The article suggested perhaps up to three years would do. Mine, in the old building I inhabit, had likely never been cleaned because it is largely decorative since there is heating in the floors. What I found interesting about this experience, is how one is to find the facts about dealing with even minor situations such as this one. When I went on line, there were fifteen ads for fireplace cleaners before I got to one that gave me the facts without the commercial hype, about the job. And furthermore, I wondered how many elders without computer knowledge, would have gone on the seller's word without checking to see if she wanted to spend a hundred or more dollars to have a clean fireplace "cleaned".  But one incident like this sets me to realize that "out there" unscrupulous individuals make their living taking advantage of elderly folks or those not of sharp mind, who would be doling out their sparse cash unnecessarily. My generation, if we must divide living persons into categories, is a rather kindly one, given to trust. Trust is a valuable commodity that seems to be couched in colourful but often fictional verbiage rather than truth, in commerce, these days. One must be cynical and check carefully before shelling out money because a business says you "need " their services. Fortunately, there are organizations such as government senior centers where that kind of advice and information is reliable and can be trusted. Advice from private individuals you trust is something earned out of personal experience with another. Even then, at times, the trust is betrayed. The long story, is to trust your own instincts and resources that you know are reliable. If you don't have access to a computer with its wide based authority, makes seeking information tricky. If I had my way, I would want every elder to buck up and get a computer of some sort and learn how to use it. Excuses such as, oh it's not for me, it's for young people. Nonsense! If you lived all your years doing what you did, you have already proved that you can learn and that it's your own stubborn mind-set that prevents you from learning. Open up your mind and your life and get going folks, you are the only one standing in your way. Sit down with a pal who isn't fixated on using impressive, unnecessary, cyber blab, but who speaks plain English or whatever your tongue is, and get going on it. Using a computer will banish loneliness and isolation because the world will be at your feet. It may also protect you from such people as the fireplace cleaner who gladly takes your money, money you can spend on a nice little computer and the time to catch up to the real world.

Radio Personalities

 Radio is back and big time. At my ablutions in the mornings, my little red "transistor" radio is my yakking companion. It gives me the news and views, a bit of what is today called music and a taste of my local happenings. I left radio over a cell phone lying on my counter top or some other form of cyber clutter, for this small backward looking device. I  have far too many cyber devices everywhere. Somehow the little radio is easier to use and looks cute in its old fashioned fifties format complete with a aerial sticking up. When I used my cell phone previously, it buzzed and went off for some odd reason and needed charging because I forgot, or some other annoying thing. This little red guy needs an overnight charge bi-monthly and looks way cuter. So back to the program on morning radio. My favorite is an early morning blab by a chap who apparently has taken on a new role. He used to be a nice guy with kids and talked about family matters and joshed with the ladies also on the show, you know, the weather and traffic women and the token female newscasters all gorgeous.  Of course the sports and financial reports are still by male RPs. Were it ever so. In the last few months, however, my morning radio "personality" has taken up political sides. When he interviews now, his tone is not as friendly, although it continues to be couched in the same words. The edge in his voice is different. With it, he incites defense in his interviewees and persists in asking some of his favorite questions. He pushes the person a tad too hard and hey, Mr. RP, we hear you, and know what you're up to. We don't want you to be doing this. We want Mr. Nice back, the fellow who liked the people he interviewed, and who reported but didn't force further matters that needed to be defended. Sure, I know you will argue against this and deny that you are doing it, but doggone it, fella, we know your voice and it says way more than your words. Not that my RP can hear me, or would care. He should be aware and pay attention. I am one of those boring sorts who are the majority of his listeners and we love him. He means a lot more to us than he knows. But hey RP,  you are turning into one of those media reporters who don't fit the old tried and true of impartiality. Frankly, furthermore, I don't like your slant because it doesn't fit with mine and that is the crux of being a radio personality, not an editorial columnist. Now I am not so sure if I like you and I have to admit that, disloyally for awhile, I turned you off. Not that you noticed because there you are with your mike on and the ladies around you very supportive. If they want to hold onto their jobs, they'd better follow the unwritten rules, whatever they may be. Too many folks in the media lately have unfortunately, deliberately or not, said a so-called bad word and been kicked out. When I left you for awhile dear RP, the next RP I met at another station was a loud, outspoken woman who didn't have a slant in her voice and she outwardly made her personal views in plain English. Of course, she worked for a "privately" owned company which might belong to one of her relatives and the reason she got away with it. What do we nothing listeners know? Another RP, on my best beloved station, does the weekend show and she manages with her sweetness to make everyone feel right at home. She has a back like a duck and everything not nice, just slides right off like water. But I missed you and  I am back to you, Mr. RP. You have private obvious opinions about politics, but it's okay because I can read your tone like one of those gizmos whose lines jump up and down on a screen. You sound right on my little red radio. We're back RP.

Old Sees New

 When you, like me, have seen world war where soldiers actually bled and widows were made, a time when a radio was your entertainment and when you went to a Disney movie, it changed your life and the years you went to school where you had to sit down, shut up and listen with no smart-mouth back talk. Then when you graduated, no one gave you a job. You took the first one that came along and didn't ask too many questions. A time when you had to board with people and deny yourself just about everything until you had a few dollars together and could actually save money in the bank. The lovely day you met the man you married until one of you died and the days after when the world changed because a president in another country was shot and the threat of world annihilation was not a virus but a nasty big bomb that could affect everyone in an instant if it got in the wrong hands. That was my time and today I see governments that do care, that shell out money at astoundingly rates, where kids don't have pimples or big noses, get spanked even when they need it and everyone can go to the doctor and be fixed for free. What a world! And in it, there are scores of beautiful, smoothed-skinned and perfect bodied young men and women who don't HAVE to get married and whose weddings and houses after and children are also perfect and they all go on fantastic holidays and drive gorgeous cars and eat ideal food and go to parties and look like movie stars all the time. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not in a streaming film just out with digital everything including photoshopped bodies and perfect hair. If so, I am that frumpy old lady in a blur in the background. C'est moi. But what truly amazes me is how smart young people are. At least they appear to be. There is nothing they won't dive into with great confidence and courage even if they aren't sure they are ready for it. And they are nice about everything they do. They don't fight and argue and yell and they're good at avoiding the truth if there is a disagreement. They know how to cope with a crazy world, and when it gets too crazy, they launch out and take up protests and speak against it with obvious confidence and skill. No one is shy or backward about being forward. They all have very white, straight teeth and climb mountains and hike for miles and tone up in gyms for hours doing nothing that I can see, and dance their heads off to music that surely doesn't sound like music to me but they aren't listening anyway. Where nudity and sex and genders are whatever and wherever and no one is left out and everyone counts. The world has opened up, the lid is off and Pandora is no where in sight. Anything goes except ME, and ME is what matters most. There are softly spoken words in the heat of anger, gun shots whizzing overhead at fast food places and drug taking common and everything is shiny and new and nice and pretty and I am astounded but old and largely ignored, and that's okay with me because the daily news is way more interesting than fiction.