Christmas Talents

A most wonderful time of the year!  I see and hear so much creativity in sharing talents, which are gifts from God.

25 young violinists entertained us older folks Monday night for our weekly “family home evening”.  So cute, beautiful, and handsome!  I felt sure my talented wife Kay, who led many young groups in singing and acting, was pleased with their sharing love through music.

The same lively group performed for us yesterday at lunch time in the Bountiful senior center.  The perfect mix of fun, nostalgic, and sacred songs made me smile and shed tears of love. 

I missed the “Jazzy Bells” performance in Ogden Saturday night, retired early, and listened to Handel’s Messiah, broadcast from New York City.  Amazing talent there!

A favorite actor, James Stewart, inspires our family every Christmas with It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Krueger’s Christmas; (his talking to Baby Jesus in the stable always brings tears to my eyes).  I am in awe of such extraordinary gifts from Heavenly Father, whose Son made possible life everlasting for everyone on earth.  It is all about love.

Welcome Loneliness

In this Christmas season, there is so much that is welcome — music, lights, gifts, gatherings, food, and remembrance of our Savior’s birth, the reason our family celebrates.

“As an adjective, welcome means wanted, appreciated, or pleasing.”  For example, “You’re welcome.”  — Grammarly

Used as a verb in the imperative mood, I can say, “Welcome the blessing of solitude.”

In December 2019, Morgan Jones shared extraordinary insight in an article,“Receiving the Gift of Loneliness”.  She wrote, “For me, loneliness has actually been one of my greatest blessings because it has taught me to rely on God in a way I don’t know that I would’ve learned otherwise.”

Tuesday evening as I was reading alone, a sentence stopped me in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand c.1957, p.29 (entrepreneur Hank Rearden walking home from work at night) “He never felt loneliness except when he was happy.”  I understood, though I’d never put my feeling into words like that.  I welcome loneliness especially at joyful times, knowing my sweetheart Kay is not far away, so we can share true happiness ... just the two of us.  I treasure that Christmas feeling.  It’s about love.

Ned & Kay Cannon Family

Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake

Slower Down South

Someone asked, “Can the slower pace we started last year be maintained? What did we gain by spending more time at home with family and close friends?”  Thanksgiving this year was slower for me with a trip to southern Utah I will never forget.  And no rush to finish the holiday dinner, lovingly prepared by our children.

Taking my time driving down to Kanab last week and back to Bountiful this week was my way of enjoying the scenery and history along Highway 89.  Spending time with family during five days at our daughter’s home was a dream come true, including three nights alone in a nearby hotel.

Small-town life in the West is refreshingly slow compared to New York City, which Kay & I enjoyed as tourists, and dear old Detroit, where we served a full-time mission.  We also treasure our visits to family in Arizona, comparable to Kanab.  I am grateful for blessings that accompany a slower pace in life ... with love.

Avoiding FH Anxiety

So much family history (FH) to process ... so little time for doing it!  (This is not about familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder commonly referred to as FH, which causes anxiety relating to heart attack.)

My wife Kay & I married 50 years ago, and we both have rich personal & family histories preceding that forever-blessed event.  “What we build is bigger than the sum of two.”  — Kings of Convenience duo, Declaration of Dependence album, 2009.

In somewhat-organized ways, we individually collected precious FH treasures without a coordinated plan for managing them at the end of mortal life.  However, frequent moves to smaller homes helped us give away tons of things and avoid some senior anxiety.

Last April, I moved to Bountiful Utah to “take care of family projects”.  While Kay is engaged in timeless work on the other side, my 12-month stay here is going so quickly, I feel anxious about my daily process.  (Reminder to self: I am eagerly engaged in a good cause.)  Fortunately, I find joy in rediscovering and sharing, especially FH about my sweetheart and our five children.  It really is about love!

Making Me Smile Too

This year’s happy holidays are turning out to be ______; (fill in the blank).  Yes, and a “Happy Holidays” greeting always makes me smile, as this is a special time for our family, friends, and “communities of interest”. 

Renewing my driver license online for Thanksgiving travel, surprisingly valid for eight years, required a “vision statement” (current eyesight, not “where do you see yourself in five years?”)  I smiled three times — just when I thought the process was too easy.  Well, it worked out; the online form printed for 5 cents at the library, and my optician was so nice.  He asked me, “Do you wake up in the middle of the night?”  “Yes, to go ...”  (We both smiled.)  “It’s because of dry eyes,” he informed me.  (Wow — why did I not learn that in my health class at East High?)  So, he showed me two products, and naturally I took a photo to remind me; (would other customers be that quick-thinking?)

Yesterday our health-savvy daughter in the far West helped me get out early for a cool walk around Smith Family Park, as it was too cold for mountain climbing.  She always makes me smile, as did the ducks happily swimming together in the lake — about time to “fly south for the winter,” she explained.  Then we did our Christmas shopping across the street — never too early, I decided last summer.  Thinking about our five children and 23 grandchildren always makes me smile.

My sweetheart Kay & I are so grateful for the goodness of God in our life.

Halloween without masks

Remember the good old days when Halloween was safer without masks?  (Some venues prohibited mask-wearing, like banks with surveillance cameras.)  Anyway, our children made their own choice for safe trick-or-treating, depending on their favorite character.  Of course, Kay & I recommended warm clothing for a cold “meet-our-neighbors” night out.  And they knew Dad would expect a share of the goodies afterward.

Fun memories for our family, thank goodness. 

our Three Amigos on frontier

Making Me Smile

This month starts “the holidays”.  After an early-morning, preparatory de-junking session, I need to recall what makes me smile.  At my age, life seems too short.

Seeing the parking entrance sign at our Bountiful apartments yesterday, I smiled at the blacked-out “No Pets” above “No Smoking”, “No Soliciting”.  No surprise with a new owner riding the wave, as in Ogden.  (My wife Kay must be impressed with my keen observation.)  I understand and chuckle at the thought of dogs and cats enjoying the holidays in our senior community.  There is no fast way to explain why ...

For some strange reason, I’ve been Christmas shopping instead of waiting til the last minute.  Last month I was delighted by a fellow playing Christmas music as a piano warm-up for a church meeting.  Yes, I’m getting excited for our ward Trunk-or-Treat activity for kids, and making detailed plans for a different Thanksgiving to include my kick scooter.  This is not like me to have fun early in the game, so I smile at the paradigm shift ... maybe because this life is short.  My conclusion: don’t worry — be happy!

A time for peace, too

Recalling my shared thought with Kay, posted 10/10/2020, I feel it applies even more today, well into our 51st year of marriage:

Surely “there is a season ...”

My sweetheart Kay helps me keep an eternal perspective and feel at peace.  Our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost give us peace when we are accepting.  I often feel it deeply, so I know it is true.

What more can I say?  It’s about love

“... and a time of peace.”  

(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8)

Ogden Utah Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Simple Saturday

A day of perfect fall weather in Bountiful began Saturday with a wake-up call from an old Utah friend visiting Florida.  He patiently waited until 7 Eastern (5 my time) to simply report his safe arrival Friday in Orlando, a week before his wedding.  Next thing, I got to help clean the church meetinghouse, nearly next door — a simple service opportunity which is more social fun than it is work.

I returned home in time for the morning session of semiannual General Conference, broadcast worldwide by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Thus began two days of inspired talks by loving leaders, teaching simple gospel truths.  In between sessions was the amazing World Report of life-changing and groundbreaking work.

Being close to our new Veterans Park, I simply rode my kick scooter to the quiet spot for fresh air and a little photography.  Leaves are turning colors as cool weather prevails.  Living by our favorite pizza place (headquartered in Detroit where Kay & I served a mission), I was tempted to spend $6 there.  Luckily, I found a can of hearty soup which I quickly heated (my fast food) before watching the 6pm session on my little iPhone — so simple.

Life is good ... with love.

Pocket Guide to ...

What do you want to know?  There seems to be a pocket guide for everything under the sun.  With the astronomical end of summer coming tomorrow 9/22 at 3:21 PM Eastern, most folks are already back to school and work.  So, the one I wanted was available at the public library in Children’s Non-fiction: Pocket Guide to the Outdoors by Jean Craighead George, published in 2009.  “How to: build a shelter, start a fire, catch a fish ... navigate by the stars ... and much more.”

“pocket guide: A concise manual or reference book providing specific information or instruction about a subject or place.”

— thefreedictionary.com

A recent survey showed 41% of people in our country could not name the three branches of US Government.  Surely there is a pocket guide for that — quick reference in case of another civil survey.  In reality, YouTube has replaced print with video guides to most everything — taught me how to transplant a shrub and turn off emoji keyboard on iPhone.  Amazing how life is simplified now.

Prayer and Desire

After considering the principle of prayer for this post, I reviewed my shared-journal entry of September 20, 2018.  I believe it was not coincidental that I found the following, posted two weeks before my wife passed:

“Early Thursday morning [9/20/2018], Kay said the sweetest prayer for a senior missionary serving in Michigan, whose husband, Elder Estep, passed away from a heart attack Wednesday night.  We have fond memories of working with them.  Tears of love!!”

Undoubtedly that prayer was an expression of her soul’s sincere desire, which was heard by our loving Heavenly Father.  Three years ago, and still inspiring me to keep the faith.  I have a feeling our Angel Kay is comforting Sister Estep and their family on this special Sabbath Day.

Language of 9/11 recalled

Remembering September 11 attacks

20 years later.

Memorials

Terrorist attacks

Twin Towers

World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan,

New York City

The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Shanksville, Pennsylvania

“Let's roll” --the last known words

Singular event, tragedy

Stock market closed

Flights canceled 

Patriotism

American flags

Red, white & blue

United States of America

Heroes and victims

Survivors and people missing

NYPD police

FDNY firefighters

Port Authority of NY & NJ

US Department of Defense

Response justified

Anger, resolve, trying to cope

Power of prayer

Moment of silence

Mourning the dead

Ground Zero (workers called it "the pile")

Covered in ash

Like a war zone

Search & rescue/recovery

Hoping to save

Family and friends.

I was watching CNBC when it happened.

20 years ago.

Short Story

Can it be true?  A “short story” is classified as “prose fiction”, but here’s a brief story my wife Kay wrote that is actually true:

Rocky Raccoon

Help!!  In November 1978, a raccoon got into our house on H Street — very scary!  I called Father, and he warned us to be careful, as they can be dangerous.  Finally, Animal Control came and saved our family from the wild intruder.  We were so grateful.

Hanging Up

Scanning a mixed batch of stuff with iPhone before recycling, I reviewed an old book on time management which applied to my business.  Sometime after 2010, I had tagged a page for my blog.  Challenges in life are different now, and with texting as my preference over phone calls, this applies even more:

“You can be efficient in handling your phone calls without being deficient in courtesy. Remember the ancient proverb: ‘Talk on the phone unto others as you would have them talk on the phone unto you.’ ... [Assume] we’re all very busy.”  I’d say, “Keep it short and succinct.”  (NOA Dictionary defines as “briefly and clearly expressed”.)

(... Time to Do It Right ... c.1990 by Jeffrey J. Mayer — apologies to the author for abbreviating his super-long title, and thanks for the helpful book.)

My wife Kay, “Wonder Woman” on (and off) the phone, learned it well at age 14 on a three-year mission in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  (Recall my “Talking to Strangers” 3/31/2014.)  Confession in contrast: at age 16, I was scared to death of phoning a girl for a date.  I’m sure my calls were painfully short, and my parents never counseled me to spend less time on our limited landline.

Hanging up on a fast mix of management advice and family history.

Razor Scooter a Kick

Upgrading from walking and longboard transportation to kick scooter this month, I received a Razor (ordered online) and got permission to park it at our senior activity center.  (Those electric scooters that nearly ran into me in Ogden are not for old men.  What’s the rush, anyway?)  Uphill rides are exercise.  Life on the downhill side is fun with gravity as a friend. 

What’s your favorite mode of transportation?  Get your kicks on a bike combined with FrontRunner?

Real Pictures?

A little girl walking with her dad in the church hall today stopped to look at a picture of a New Testament scene — a woman kneeling at the feet of Jesus.  She asked her dad, “Is this real?”  He replied, “No, it’s a painting.”  Her next question piqued my (language) interest: “But did it really happen?”  Realizing the different meaning of “real”, her dad clarified, “Yes, it happened when Jesus was helping a woman.”  The picture and others in the meetinghouse portray actual scenes and true events we read about in the Bible — for real. 

Having raised five children and 23 grandchildren, and taught Primary children for years, my wife Kay knows how smart the littlest ones are ... not far removed from Heaven.  As real children of God, we should be more like them in good ways ... with love.

Forward and Backward

A couple of chuckles helped me relax for a root canal treatment yesterday.  It was my choice to pay for the ordeal instead of a cheaper extraction.  I was privileged to save a tooth in a high-tech, first-class office close to home in Bountiful.  (One may Google for definition of endodontics.)

First challenge was the ubiquitous paperwork I was invited to go ahead and fill out.  The second stop was 3D imaging — impressive.  After the young woman unlocked my head, she said, “Go ahead and step back.”  That made me smile and kid her about inconsistency.  Next was the lounge chair we all love for dental work, where she said, hoping I’d hold the chuckles and smart remarks, “Go ahead and lean back.”

I give Wasatch five stars for rescuing my tooth, which helps me go forward with weight gain.  However, the warning to go ahead and not chew for two weeks until permanent filling, is a step backward in my case.  My wife Kay’s famous smoothies are the fast food I need now!  As the French say (translated), “Such is life.”  

Atmospheric Post

Some days I stop in wonder as enormous clouds dominate the sky over our Wasatch Mountains.  Storm clouds are most welcome in the current drought.  Some other days the wildfire haze is so bad the mountains disappear, and we are advised to stay indoors if we can’t stay healthy when breathing toxic air.  I have marveled as the sun turns bright orange in mid-day.

Last Monday, Classical 89 (BYU) radio described “an atmospheric piece” to be played.  I forget the title, but remember it created a mood that was nostalgic and romantic, matching the second definition of the word.  (Language of love hits home with Kay & me.)

What’s in your Cloud?

Rich writing re. Pioneer Trek

My 2nd-great-grandmother, Mary Ann Phelps Rich, recalled “the western trek”:

My husband [Charles C. Rich] fitted up his wagons and teams and we left Winter Quarters in June, 1847; he having been placed in charge of a company of one hundred wagons. We traveled to the Elkhorn River, here we had to wait until all had crossed the river, as we crossed on rafts, and Mr. Rich had to wait until they all got over so he could tie the raft and bring the rope with him. There was one young man by the name of Weatherby, who was killed by the Indians while we were here, he died in our tent.

We traveled two abreast the whole distance of the Platt[e] River, for greater safety. There were thousands of buffalo on every side, which the men would kill, so we had plenty of meat. There were also hundreds of Indians to be seen at frequent intervals all the time we were traveling up the Platt[e] River.

— Autobiography of Mary Ann Phelps Rich

found on history.churchofjesuschrist.org

Great-grandfather George Q. Cannon and siblings were also in that 2nd company led by Charles C. Rich.  My family and I are grateful for our pioneer heritage.  We honor the women, men, and children who endured the trek west “with faith in every footstep”.

Profound Effect of Time

Having finished scanning (digitizing) my sweetheart Kay’s Treasures of Truth (both heavy albums thru summer of 1970), I pause to ponder ... what it all means to our five children and me.

In her book Writing Your Life, Lou Stanek teaches, “Time has a profound effect on our emotions, understanding, and writing style.”  For example, she suggests a look back after seven years allows greater perspective than writing your feelings immediately after a car accident or family death.  (Nevertheless, my journal writing around the time of Kay’s passing is a precious link to remind me of God’s mercy and miracles since then.)

Encouraging the reader to find ideas for creating a memoir or novel, Stanek hits home with, “If you haven’t noticed the stories lurking in the family photograph album, you haven’t been paying attention.”  In my race to scan pictures, programs, and letters, I take short breaks to read and share, but fail to notice many lurking stories.  However, it is fun to see photos and names of Kay’s many boyfriends (and girlfriends, of course).  Oh, how love and time affect us both.  I could write a book!

Time of Our Life

Yesterday a sweet, older neighbor couple asked me why family came here on Friday, and why I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary, since my wife Kay (in their view) is not with me.  So, I explained why she celebrates on the other side, being close by, patient with me, and happy with our marriage thus far.  How can I not rejoice along with her?  As we know, true love is eternal.

(In summary, for the record:)

To provide heavenly entertainment, a Bountiful friend brought one of her talented daughters and the family’s vintage harp to our social room.  Neighbors were also invited.  Everyone loved the classical and sacred music, which included one of the teenager’s own compositions.  Our gifted daughter-in-law played Primary songs on the baby grand during a break, especially for Kay.  Our son surprised us with gorgeous yellow roses and an assortment of “Mom’s favorite snacks” for me to enjoy, knowing I don’t cook.  Ice cream sandwiches were my surprisingly creative contribution.  The restaurant dinner that followed was casual with no hurry or cleanup to burden us.

Last night, Kay’s siblings and their spouses celebrated our 50th in Holladay, Utah.  (Gratefully, I always feel like a member of her loving family.)  The dinner was superb, and their tributes warmed our heart.  In my assigned, five-minute talk with a focus on music, I described our 51 years of dating and marriage.  It was a trip with precious memories, and we knew it was Kay who made us all smile.  Homemade lemon ice cream, their family tradition, was icing on the cake.  How sweet it is — the time of our life!

Bountiful Summer

Where I live, as in Ogden, practically everything I need is within a short walk to enjoy warm summer sun or rain.  I simply jog through parking lots for groceries and take a little sidewalk to church.  Unlike our beloved downtown Ogden, the civilized traffic on the main road I rarely approach in Bountiful sounds to me like ocean surf, recalling summers with my sweetheart Kay at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast.  The occasional demon driver punctuating the dream is understandable, as every city has one and tolerates him.  (Unlike surf, the intrusive noise pains my sensitive ears and soul in an otherwise serene summer.  However, I do miss the thrilling sound of fighter jets near Hill AFB.  God bless America!)

Typical of the Intermountain West, Bountiful is thankfully back to normal this summer, if you know what I mean.  Handshakes and hugs are not uncommon, few folks are fearful, and we see each other smile.  Neighbors in my senior community now eagerly gather every Monday for Music Evening.  This week we were entertained by the awesome Old Time Combo and refreshed by frozen fruit bars — just imagine.  South Davis Senior Activity Center (nice new name for our Golden Years Center) has the friendliest staff and again provides healthy dinners at 11:44 AM as they did in the good old days.  Our public library is conveniently located next door.  Also adjacent to the fun senior center is the impressive Bountiful Veterans Park, dedicated November 11, 2020 — especially inspiring at night with lights.

A clear view of the temple on the mountain above reminds us of everlasting life and loved ones who have passed to the other side.  I thank God for my peaceful Bountiful home and for our Kay at work in her heavenly home ... with love.

Phenomenal Families

In my opinion (and my sweetheart Kay agrees), our five children and their families are phenomenal (“very remarkable; extraordinary.”)  Having been born of and raised by amazing parents, our 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are phenomena (“remarkable persons ...”)

A phenomenon can be a fact that is unexplainable or in question.  However, in this case (families), it stands to divine reason: God’s children who come to Earth are “trailing clouds of glory” and are blessed with special gifts.  Loving parents help them develop those God-given gifts, which in turn bless the lives of others.  (William Wordsworth, a gifted Romantic poet, was inspired.)

Two weeks before giving birth to a child, who was preparing for “this big event”, my young wife Kay wrote in her journal, “I hope this baby will be a sweet spirit and a real blessing in our home ...”  That hope was and is certainly realized.  There is no end ...

Backyard with a wild side

My wife Kay hand-wrote in her personal journal 9/18/1980: “... the biggest news!  We moved!  ...  One evening, after Ned and [realtor] Wayne Pope [Avenues barber who gave Russell Nelson’s son his first haircut] had been looking, Ned came home very excited and wanted me to see another [near] Holladay home.  9:30 PM ... we loaded the [3] kids in the car and went tearing out there.  ...  I was immediately impressed with the spaciousness and openness of the main floor, deck and huge back yard [with a wild perimeter, in our view] ...  The next day was Sunday ...  Mom and Dad were immediately impressed with the same features ... and back yard.  ...”

Our home on H St sold quickly for 3 times our purchase price, and we bought the home in East Mill Creek, north of Holladay.  “The kids started school there on Aug. 25th”, a week before we moved — rough few days for Kay.  Soon after the move, little friends on the block were running “all over the neighborhood and through our house and backyard all the time.  It’s quite a dramatic change for us.  Our boys love it, though.”  ...

“For Halloween, we let our boys invite all their new friends over for a party and [wild backyard] spider web hunt.  To our amazement, 25 kids showed up!  A couple of them weren’t even invited.”  Afterward we realized it was too much.  “The kids were all so hyper and hard to control, but in general it was fun, and I’m glad we did it ...” in our home and backyard with a wild side. 

Light at the end of a tunnel

It’s coming, and I’m starting to see some organization in my new home, a studio apartment in the land of Bountiful.  Taking several weeks for a slow move was my choice over hiring two muscle men and a box truck for one day.  Never again!  ( I will hire next time.)

We have traveled through numerous tunnels by car and train, and through others metaphorically.  Every one (even at night) had light at the end — always a welcome sight.  However, entering the tunnel, such as a move to a new home or career, was often dark and scary.  On the part of my daring wife Kay & me, it required faith in the light at the end ... and in the guidance of the Spirit to help us through when we knew there was no turning back.

Submitting our “papers” and selling our frontier home were leaps of faith in order to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  With our assignment to Detroit, the quick sale of our property, and an apartment in our daughter’s basement nearby, we began to see the light at the end of that tunnel.  There was no turning back, and we were grateful for the heavenly light that surely came. 

Soundtrack for the day

Sounds from New York City inspired me today, including a promotional wish from WQXR Classical radio station, “... adding good music to the soundtrack for your day.” (paraphrased)

I thank God for the soundtrack of every day blessed with birds, rain, fluttering US flags, Hill AFB fighter jets, children at play, flowing creek, uplifting music, kind words, and the sound of silence.

Today was rich with interesting and pleasing sounds.  If I lose my hearing, I will treasure such as recordings to replay in my mind.

Picturing your day as a movie with audio, what’s in your soundtrack and memory?

Janath, Daughter of God

While my parents directed the visitors’ center in Illinois, my mother wrote the history, Nauvoo Panorama, copyright 1991, by Nauvoo Restoration Inc.  I quote from the author bio:

“Janath R. Cannon has served in a number of positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including eighteen years as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  She was also a counselor [with President Barbara B. Smith] in the general presidency of the Relief Society — the women’s organization of the Church.  With her husband, Edwin Q. Cannon, Jr., she has served the Church in both Europe and Africa.  A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wellesley College [private school in Wellesley MA, ‘founded in 1870 & known for its humanities programs’], she is both a writer and an editor and has been involved with a number of articles and books on LDS Church History [including Women of Covenant: The Story of Relief Society] ...  The Cannons are the parents of six children.”

“An author bio is a paragraph or so about you ... information you wish to share with readers. It's how readers get to know you beyond the pages of your book.”

(April 2, 2020, self-publishingschool.com)

What would you wish to share about your mother?  In my view, especially with my wife Kay and our mothers, it’s all about love.

Trail Mix

“Happy trails” have provided me with indelible memories throughout my life.  As a Boy Scout I was blessed to be led by two uncles (Cannon Family) who took our troops on the most amazing adventures, including hiking and camping in Zion Narrows, Grand Canyon, Arches, and High Uintas Wilderness.  My two years in Argentina had a good share of preparation-day trail experience.  Cristo Redentor statue at top of the Andes was the highest.

Marriage into Kay’s Hinckley Family engaged me in a wonderful mix of trails in my adult life, with and without our five children.  Visiting beloved British Columbia in a group of three couples ... unforgettable!  And of course, my four years as Scoutmaster with our sons involved precious experiences on the Scouting trail (and sometimes accidentally off the trail ... like our first hike up Mt  Olympus).

As empty nesters, we two thoroughly enjoyed visits to our out-of-state and Utah families, where we explored trails with lively grandchildren.  Trails on the Oregon Coast totally captivated us as a couple traveling alone ... in love.  Kay & I continue following the trail of life, together in eternal ways, being blessed with a marvelous mix of memories to be shared with posterity.  We’ve only just begun to write the stories.

 

Brain Fog Going Forward

This one is for Ned ... just for the record of moving from Ogden to Bountiful this month.  How am I doing?  Progressing, despite losing things in my new smaller studio apartment, travel kit, and car.  I like to think my angels are helping me find and place things in proper order ... and overcome normal brain fog ... going forward.

Although my dear wife Kay is way ahead of me in regards to planning, keeping track of things, and finishing projects, she is nevertheless with me, cheering me on, going forward as my eternal companion ... with love.

I recently learned about “brain fog grief” commonly experienced after the death of a loved one.  It helps me understand how moving one’s home may compound the problem (in addition to pandemic, taxes, and normal aging).  My “entire cognitive capacity” (as Refuge In Grief described it) may come back to a “recognizable form” after my brain adjusts to a changed world.  It takes some people several years to recover from the trauma of a stressful situation.

Going forward, I pray, ponder, pace myself, use iPhone Notes & Calendar (and my angels) as memory prompts, work, rest, and enjoy the ride with good music.  And as my watch just reminded me, “Even a minute of breathing can help you concentrate.”  There’s a thought.  Thanks ... for the memories.

Home for Easter

Sunday was heavenly in every respect.  On this Easter, we were blessed with talks heard worldwide about Jesus Christ, who conquered death so all who are born will be resurrected to gain everlasting life.  Because of Him who lives and loves us without end, my wife Kay & I can reunite with our family at Home ... together forever.  

My angel companion Kay & I stand firm in our testimony of and gratitude for Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.  It eternally is about true love.

Music to My Ears

When our 3-year-old granddaughter said, “I love you, Grandpa,” it was music to my ears — an idiom meaning “something that someone is very happy to hear. [For example:] Her words were music to my ears.”

— Merriam-Webster.com

Friday at 4am a train horn reminded me of my fascination with trains, especially the sound in the middle of the night (since I was a young boy with my bedroom window open on summer nights).  That is also music to my ears.

On the other hand (another idiom), piano concertos by Rachmaninoff are literally music to my ears.  And Beethoven’s 5th Symphony I heard this afternoon (performed by the London S O) is just as powerful as it was in our Music Appreciation class when Kay & I studied it together before marriage.  Such music to our ears helped launch a series of unforgettable dates.  My sweetheart & I have “made beautiful music together” ever since then.

Now with all of our children and grandchildren, God’s promise that “families can be together forever” truly is heavenly music to our ears.

Grandmother Cannon's grand upright piano

Rote Learning Experience

An old phrase came to mind the other day for no apparent reason, so I searched “learning by rote”.  (It worked, even if I got the phrase wrong.)

“Rote learning is a memorization technique based on repetition. The idea is that one will be able to quickly recall the meaning of the material the more one repeats it. Some of the alternatives to rote learning include meaningful learning, associative learning, and active learning.”  — Wikipedia

“Examples of rote learning include memorizing the alphabet, numbers, and multiplication tables.” — oxfordlearning.com  3/23/2017

It differs from meaningful learning in that “rote learning results from little or no relevant knowledge [and from] no emotional commitment to relate new with existing ...”  — quora.com

My experience: I started talking at age 3 by using the word “cookie” to get what I wanted every day (according to Mother).  It probably took a lot of repetition on my part to learn that one.  I was committed to satisfying a craving, and it worked.  Having no recollection of learning the alphabet and numbers (probably in kindergarten at Lowell Elementary), the next experience I recall was in first grade, learning to read with Dick and Jane.  I think it was fourth grade when I used the tried-and-true, flash-card system to memorize multiplication tables.  It worked!  That’s when I fell in love with math for a lifetime.  As you can see, rote learning is meaningful to me.

Ducks in a Row

This morning I woke and saw a meme (“humorous image spread rapidly by Internet users”) on my phone.  Not unusual these days.  However, a reference to the idiom “ducks in a row” made me chuckle, which was most unusual following a scary dream.  A kind, older neighbor texted it in the middle of the night, knowing I welcome text messages anytime and rarely visit Facebook.  (She didn’t know I was looking for an idea to post here.)

“My ducks are absolutely not in a row. At this point, I have no idea where my ducks even are.”

A little personal history comes to mind ... I trust ... sometime.  Meanwhile, I find a varied history of the idiom by Tricia Reynolds, suggesting the most natural origin is an image of a mother duck leading her ducklings in a row behind her — organized and productive.  That’s what I aspire to be (not a mother duck, of course).

Remodeling or Renovation

It has been happening here for over two months, causing great excitement among my Colonial Court neighbors.  For example, a young friend from Alabama already upgraded to a totally remodeled, larger apartment with an enviable view of the Ogden Utah Temple and Wasatch Mountains.  She is now blessed with her own laundry room; (no more need for quarters).

Having heard this complete renovation will take two years, several other friends plan to move temporarily and return home to the same unit after a few weeks of remodeling.  Some are relieved with the option before May to renew their lease and stay another year.  When asked, I tell everyone, “I look at all my options; we shall see.”  (Some neighbors, encouraging me to upgrade to a one-bedroom “among the living” in the main building, are eager to know my plan.)  However, the main question in my mind is ... do we call it remodeling or renovation?  I will decide that next May, not next year.  Along with food, shots, and health, it’s a hot topic now.

Three months ago, admitting Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast is too far away, my first suggestion was Elwood, a small town between Tremonton and Crystal Hot Springs, Honeyville, Utah.  That could be a relief from the amazing noise competition on Ogden’s main drag, Washington Boulevard.  (Entertaining to watch up close.  Annoying to hear in bed after midnight.)

Nevertheless, I will always love Ogden for its character and diversity.  My sweetheart Kay & I treasure so many memories of life here, I can’t say enough good about this city and its people.  We love you!

view from Ogden Utah Temple grounds

Laughter Library

The last 12 months have reminded me to keep a sense of humor, and libraries have always attracted me.  So, I like this idea: build your own “laughter library” to have “on hand whenever you need it”.  — advice from Judy Dyer in The Highly Sensitive, page 63.

Have you ever watched a movie that made you cry and laugh?  I guess the first film that successfully did it for me was Bambi, Walt Disney’s 1942 classic.  Years ago The Princess Bride mixed romance with comedy in a way that got to my wife Kay and me.  Same effect when I watched it today.  Maybe I am sensitive ... and loving that mix of emotions.

A good friend of mine shares funny stories with me by text message, which would easily copy to my laughter library in iPhone Notes.  (Luckily there is no room for examples here.)  He likely finds them on the Internet and thinks I need to lighten up.  Often true, and I do; so why am I no good at telling jokes?  I may improve this year with a library in hand and friends who understand.

Adagio for Heartstrings

How can I describe the love I feel when hearing the slow, second movement?  Imagine sitting quietly by a warm fireplace on a winter night, close to someone you love, watching the yellow flames dance.  Add the notes of a second movement from a classic such as Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”) or Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1.  Top that with the indescribable love you both feel for each other.  (Kay & I called it study for Music Appreciation 101.)  Priceless.

That is how I describe my feeling some music evokes.  Worldly cares fade away, replaced by visions of orchestral glory, often with tears of joy.  Am I avoiding tasks at hand or renewing my spirit while slowing down? 

With a favorite second movement, I am treating my heartstrings to an adagio pace for a time.  I am feeling alive again ... with love.

Old Age Imagined

What was I thinking?  When I was 17, I honored old age and accepted an employment opportunity my wise father (48) recommended.  I was hired as a counselor at YMCA Camp Roger, responsible for 8-year-old boys — a different group each week of one summer.  I was also in charge of coaching soccer at camp, which prepared me for playing soccer in Argentina several years later.

At age 22, I grew to love old composers of classical music (brilliant in their teens, twenties, and beyond).  Dating my future wife Kay for Music Appreciation class studies at the U, the last thing that would have crossed my mind was old age.  Retirement planning started decades later.   As young marrieds, we looked up to our parents in their old age — wise, loving, serving, firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and financially successful.  I guess that is how I imagined our old age.

Serving a mission together as our parents did, fulfilled a lifelong plan we had imagined for our senior years.  Kay’s passing as a young grandmother was a complete surprise, as you can imagine.  All of our future travel plans, among other things, suddenly went out the window.  My subsequent return to our beloved Colonial Court, settling for the duration in a cozy studio apartment, was to end a long series of moves ... I imagined.

In our youth, Kay & I somehow knew we would be forever in love.  That is reality today, as always, for my young bride & me.

Turning and Tossing

In the process of scanning papers with iPhone all week, I did a lot of turning (flipping) through pages and tossing into trash and my recycling bin.  I set aside some of Kay’s childhood treasures for her historian sister to archive, and a few for our kids to show their children before they discard the papers, etc. 

In another process of trying to get comfortable in bed last night, I turned and tossed to sleep.  It reminded me that life this year is encouraging frequent change ... hopefully not forcing it.  Changing a common phrase to “turn and toss” is an inconsequential example I use.

Think of something that changed this month.  Does it leave you turning and tossing for the better?  I pray it will be so for family, nation, and our world.  And I gratefully hold onto truth and gospel principles that never change.  Recall my sweetheart’s love of lighthouses that guide to safe harbor.

First 90 Days

The first quarter of 2021 has 90 days (one less than Q1 last year).  For me, I think it may largely determine the course of the remaining 275 days.  How is that?

With the first month almost gone, “as time goes by” (Casablanca 1942), what do the first 90 days look like to you?  Are we making progress?  (Pausing here for thought at Colonial Court.)

While getting excited about the future, last week I was mainly drinking in the past.  Thankfully, my sweetheart Kay saved papers from her childhood (Avenues SLC) and teenage years (Vancouver BC).  Scanning (digitizing) them with iPhone and light box brought me endless joy and occasional tears.  A friend asked, “What does that have to do with packing for the move?”  My simple explanation: lightening my load.  I could have added, “The world will always welcome lovers ...”

Oh yes, we know how that is.

Notes for Ned

This one is for me, albeit the world is welcome here and in Ogden, Utah.   Some may perchance see my blog without my usual prompt.  I never know.

Time-off Tuesday, working at home alone (never really alone) is a weekly luxury I granted myself several months ago.  It is a welcome gift for an older man who sometimes feels overwhelmed.  I have several friends who don’t enjoy being alone — some “can’t stand it.”  Puzzling and sad when I hear it.

This day is exceptionally fun and productive, as I scan family history treasures saved by my wife Kay since her childhood.  She makes me smile — sometimes with tears of love.  It’s a Tuesday with Kay.

My light box and iPhone work well together for digitizing all kinds of material to be shared and discarded after photos are backed up.  All part of lightening my load before I pass —  always on my mind, so the physical burden isn’t passed to our children.  Digital hoarding, as Kay & I jokingly call it, is my proven means of letting go of stuff like what others may tend to keep for posterity to donate, dump, or pass on.  (“Someday this will all be yours,” says the comic dad showing his packed storage unit to his sad son.  Makes our sons and me laugh.)

What will I take with me when I move in a few months?  What will I leave behind when I pass?  I hope to make the move by myself and leave people with happy memories of one who serves and loves them unconditionally.

Baby Steps to Chocolate

Several (maybe all five) of our children learned to walk by taking brave baby steps with the encouragement of chocolate held by Mama Kay a few feet away.  Irresistible (“attractive and tempting “).  It was our fun, proven method for motivating babies to take those first steps.

As an adult, I sometimes use “baby steps” to get myself through challenging projects like planning, shopping, wrapping, packaging, labeling, love-note writing, and mailing gifts.  (Naturally, Kay was always the leader for that, while I was good at driving to the post office.)  When done, I can reward myself with dark chocolate (the healthy kind).

What is your personal or family history of baby steps?

Moving Plan: One Man

Before most major moves, I liked to review this favorite book: Walden, which always helped me prepare and focus on essentials.

“Our life is frittered away by detail ...  Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let our affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred ... Simplify, simplify!”

Henry David Thoreau, Walden

— goodreads.com

A month ago, I made a short list of “essentials”.  (Turned out to be a long list that would horrify Thoreau.)  For example, my 2002 Winter Olympics boots still bring me joy about once a year and may be passed on to grandchildren, regardless of “global warming”.

Fortunately, I am forever free of couches, sofas, big beds, dressers, entertainment centers, bookshelves, and curio cabinets.  In 2017, my wife Kay & I sold and donated all of that to prepare for a mission.  I will move my few things by myself — a one-man job without help from the quorum and Relief Society.  (Since October 2018, my companion is free to work on the other side ... with love.)

By the way, what’s the difference ...  “Chances are, you’ve been using [the words] sofa and couch interchangeably for years without thinking twice about whether or not they’re the same.”  Historically they are different, but designers now dismiss that for marketing.  So, use the word you prefer, like “soda” or “pop”.  

— Kelsey Mulvey 7/11/2018, apartmenttherapy.com

What will my next dream home (studio apartment) look like?  The open house will simply show it all (like my “holiday open house” did 11/16/2019) ... possibly with a virtual tour.

Moving History

The pioneer trek from Nauvoo Illinois to the Great Salt Lake Valley was an epic move involving my Cannon and Rich ancestors.  The written history is very moving, bringing me to tears.  The move took faith, courage, and endurance to the end.

It would be interesting to read accounts of my young parents’ moves to San Francisco (WWII upstairs apartment), Salt Lake City (duplex by his parents — my first home), 2nd-Avenue remodeled home (huge back yard for my 4th-14th years), two large Northcrest-Drive homes (SLC upper Avenues), and Canyon Road Towers (123 2nd Ave).  Sadly, there are no written records or photos of those moves, as far as I know; they could also move me to tears. 

Skipping some history, I will never forget moving our three sons from H Street SLC to East Mill Creek across town for a big back yard and the best neighbors our age.  That’s when Kay & I learned the hardest part of moving is the last ten percent.  “When will it end!”

Anticipating my next move in three months, as most residents here at Colonial Court Apartments must eventually do for the two-year total renovation, I will photograph, lighten my load, then simply do it myself.  A little nostalgia, but no tears.  Having thought I’d never have to move again, I am back in touch with reality, preparing for another exciting move and new friends.  Do you keep a moving family history?

Happy Day!

Can you remember a new year that was needed more than this?  And do we call it “twenty twenty-one” or “two thousand twenty-one”?  Regardless, this is a happy day for many of us!

Among other good things, I did three today: missed an early-morning call so I could sleep late, jumped through hoops to cancel my Adobe plan (not needed), and held an impromptu neighbors party with a sweet friend’s assistance.

A favorite rhapsody on Classical 89 this afternoon inspired an image of Sweetheart Kay by my side at symphony hall in Salt Lake City.  We were in the moment together.  Memories of concerts we enjoyed brought tears of love.  I recommend it ... (love, that is).

Being in a happy place in life with cheerful family and friends, I started the new year with a joyful day.  Expect happy days ahead!