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 …

Perfect Timing

My parents moved our family before I started preschool and kindergarten at schools near our new (old, remodeled) home on 2nd Avenue, Salt Lake City.  It was the perfect location and big backyard for my formative years.  The next move was in the summer before I started junior high school.  Our new home was in the neighborhood of my future wife, Kay Hinckley, and near a favorite cousin my age.  The timing couldn’t have been better. 

After Kay’s 3-year mission as a teen in Vancouver BC, and my 2-year mission in Argentina, we happened to be in the same Music Appreciation class at the University of Utah.  We began dating as assigned by our professor to attend a symphony concert.  Other concerts and study sessions followed.  We fell in love.  Perfect timing, thank Heaven!

Truly, I could write a book about many blessings I have received from Heavenly Father, my earthly parents, and Kay’s parents — all at the right time and place.  We are so grateful.