Inside Voices

A sign in the Pleasant Valley Library kids area got my attention two weeks ago (of course I took a picture). “Be kind. Use inside voices, play safe, and make the library fun for everyone.”  I welcomed the reminder to subdue (American English quiet, British quieten) talk when visiting a library.  I learned it in my youth at the old library in downtown Salt Lake City, like a sacred space.  Now I practice it in my old age as I frequently visit the main library on Jefferson Ave in Ogden Utah.  Naturally my wife Kay’s angelic voice would be welcome anywhere.  “(of a person) exceptionally beautiful, innocent, or kind”  — definition from Oxford Languages 

Patrons in temples are encouraged to use reverent, “inside voices” appropriate for that sacred space; whispering is sweet.  A UTA recording routinely reminds FrontRunner riders to keep conversation volume low in that “shared space.”  It would also be nice to remember restaurants, theaters, and symphony concert auditoriums are shared with some folks with sensitive hearing like mine (impossible to avoid eavesdropping).  On the other hand, young voices I hear inside public places like the new Marshall N. White Community Center (sport courts, pool, party rooms) are good to hear at high volume.

The world we live in together — it’s small, after all.

Winter Warmth

Up in the night, warmed by my favorite patchwork quilt with yellow highlights. My first thought, “Tuesday with Kay”, always makes me smile.

Memories in a warm stream of consciousness. A time for celebrating the newborn Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and held by His loving mother. Now the warmth of love Jesus offers us.

Winter get-togethers for family and friends needing a warm hug.  Hot cocoa, chocolate chip cookies soft from the oven, and Kay’s famous spiced wassail drink.   The wood-burning stove on a brick “stage” in our cozy antique room in East Mill Creek.

A favorite sweater received on Christmas Day. Keeping warm while caroling at neighbors’ front doors.

Our first daughter, born in mid-winter, who warmed the hearts of three brothers, two parents, and four grandparents.  (“My caregiver”, I call her now, with love.)

Expecting another January thaw with sunshine like last year.  Come February, budding thoughts of spring, renewed life, and fresh starts.

For now, with winter warmth, we can all do something to help Light the World.

Quiet Time

Not the app or amazing AI Overview result anyone can see for complete descriptions.  

This is more like personal history. 

My view of quiet time:

Curling up in bed with a good book. 

Using the mute button for TV commercials.

Listening to a classical second movement (adagio) with headphones. 

Remembering my companion, Kay.

Strolling on sand by surf at Cannon Beach.

Writing.

Using ear protectors when neighbor dogs are constantly barking while owners are away.

Browsing books at the public library.

Eating ice cream and drinking hot chocolate.

Walking on the Ogden River Parkway Trail.

Praying and studying scriptures. 

What is your quiet experience?

(Puzzling?  Walking the dog?  Sleeping?)

Light the World

The initiative launched in December 2016, and has grown exponentially worldwide since then, including the Giving Machines.  

How can you Light the World this Christmas season?

Collectible Comments

“Aren’t pets just the sweetest things?”  — CRC artistic director, watching a cat video she likes

“Save those Veggie Straws for breakfast. Eat a real dinner.”  — Curt D, NOMAS leader, Ogden Utah

“11/11 is a powerful day!”  — the Internet

“If you aren’t sharing the Universe with someone, it’s a waste of space.”  — Ms. Young, our friend

"Don't manage time. Manage yourself."  

— David Beardsley, writer

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  — Mahatma Gandhi

Moments that Matter

Planning to choose some I’d like to practice:

Early-morning ideas are sometimes a flash of inspiration; make note and/or act before they are lost.

When introduced to someone, let the name sink in for ten seconds before moving on.

Stop and notice a sunrise or sunset in its glory before it fades.

Take a minute to kindly reply to a text message.  

Keep hydrated as needed (4 or 6 seconds).

Turn the TV off.  Choose a good book.

Put down your phone where you will find it.

Self-talk, “I can do this.”

Manage “senior moments” and good music with unlimited Internet access on a phone.

Say a little prayer for someone in need. 

Write a quick journal note for posterity.

Be grateful for moments that matter. 

Remember: life is good … with love.

Never-ending Notes

As a young worker in an office, I was advised once by my boss, “You’re writing too many notes.”  I had developed the habit in school when I learned to write.  

As a senior using MS Notepad and iPhone Notes, I picked up a disorder called OCD (obsessive-compulsive documenting).  It helped me maintain a blog I started October 20, 2010.  Facing possible dementia down the road, I expect this habit will yield more benefits, sort of like return on investment (ROI), a financial metric.

At the end of my life, given enough spare time, I could review and share … while writing never-ending notes.  I could even copy and paste some to publish a memoir.  As I’ve often said, there is no end …