“The Score” program (Portland Oregon) on BYU radio this morning titled the episode about this past year’s main movies and their music, “Hit and Miss”. I likened it to my hit-and-miss year — “sometimes successful and sometimes not.” Maybe you can relate. Nevertheless, I am grateful to God for another year of life with much success … in the strength of the Lord.
Wishing you a prosperous and joyful New Year!!
A serious thought on this special day of rest — time for reflection. The week before Christmas 2017, in Roseville Michigan, Sister Cannon and I were busy helping people. So, we didn’t think about what to give each other. Kay lovingly sent gifts to our children the previous week – always ahead of me in that regard.
(Posted Tuesday, December 19, 2017:)
As missionaries and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do what we can to spread the good news of the gospel while assisting others with temporal needs. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we know He lives and is aware of people's needs, hopes, and desires. It is our hope to follow His example of love this Christmas season and thereby experience a happier New Year!
We feel the winter cold here in northern Utah, as expected for our Christmas celebration. I’m thinkin’ warm blankets at night when “the weather outside is frightful.”
Newborns deserve a warm welcome in any season. I see swaddle blankets online, designed as security, wearable, adjustable, personalized, photo props, with matching hat, etc. Baby has come a long way! Our daughters and granddaughters could also talk about dolls.
Did you or your child have a special “blankie” that was difficult to let go of? On a larger scale, Kay’s mother made adorable quilts cherished by our youngsters. I recall my 1970 Argentine red poncho served as a warm walking blanket in my youth. (With all our moves, where did it go?) My wife was grateful for the calming effect of heated blankets at Huntsman Hospital. A bit of family history.
Mary wrapped her baby Jesus in something warm, welcoming Him to earth life. (The “swaddling clothes” were likely “long strips of cloth wrapped all around the baby.” — BYU New Testament Commentary, by John Welch re. Luke 2:7) In some respects, a simple, warm existence at that time. In other ways, a bitter, cold world. However, Christ came and grew to give us all the warmth of His redeeming love. He overcame death for all mankind. He lives!
This one is for music lovers, with excerpts from a 2012 post. As Christmas music has blessed my life, today's choir practice brought to mind some great choirs I’ve enjoyed in the past, and a heavenly choir I’ve read about, which blessed the scene of our Savior’s birth. What are favorite choirs you sang in or listened to at Christmas time?
In 2012, my wife Kay liked this suggestion: East High School A Cappella Choir, which reminded me of Christmas performances I loved with my EHS choir directed by the legendary Lorraine Bowman. Years later, Kay sang in that choir. She could have also mentioned the Northridge High School choir our daughters sang in. We enjoyed their 2012 concert (with orchestra) which ended with a thrilling rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah (1742) by Handel (1685-1759). The annual concert always brought joy to us ... and certainly to the performers.
The jacket of a vinyl LP (with a 50-cent DI price tag) found in our basement “archive” lists the members of the Brigham Young University A Cappella Choir 1980. I enjoy their Christmas music this month on BYU's Classical 89. One album I am sure must exist would go with Kay’s CD, "Angel Voices -- Libera in Concert" recorded May 30 & 31, 2007, in a Netherlands cathedral. I haven't heard their Christmas music, but it’s on my wish list. The boys’ choir provides a heavenly listening experience that would lift anyone’s spirit this season.
There’s more I could add here, but this will do for a fast one. Suffice it to say, “I’m crazy about choirs!” So … Merry Christmas, and have a happy choir experience!
Today was temple work, Golden Corral feast, and a project: scanning contents of my wife Kay’s little box of wedding invitations, etc. we received since 1971, carefully organized … (hundreds!) Treasures of family history and memories of dear friends. (We both came from large families, and we moved a lot.)
Is this evidence of my OC digital hoarding? I like to think it is preservation of valuable history, backed-up on “the cloud” while lightening my load.
Something about Tuesdays … since September 2018, gets me going … with love.
Our family gathered in Kanab for Thanksgiving this week, a perfect place, precisely picked in a serene, southern Utah setting. So sweet of our daughter’s family to host at their cozy home.
Fast Friday deals are online, perfectly placed right after Thanksgiving, when we have nothing else to do but shop for Christmas as I did for a few minutes yesterday morning in the comfort of home.
As the grand finale for Ogden’s annual Santa Parade this evening, fireworks were precisely placed for a perfect view from my apartment window. Families and friends endured the cold together … for fun! The Christmas season has surely begun. May we keep in mind the true reason … with love.
I believe our Heavenly Father purposefully placed my wife Kay and me in faithful families at the right time in this free country. More than my morning afterthought. A long-held conviction with gratitude.
Last Monday at Golden Hours Senior Center lunch, we were invited to write one word on a [“I am grateful for”] card and get our photo taken with it. I wrote “family” as my first thought. I smiled.
Christmas preparation appears in full swing, such as the delightful lights and Village set up downtown at Ogden Park. I am nevertheless grateful, especially in this season of Thanksgiving, for my wife Kay, family, friends, our brave veterans, and all of God’s blessings.
This is the second time I’ve written about it, if my sometimes-blank memory serves me after four years. Wanting to write, but drawing a blank again.
I imagine my English teacher wife, Mrs. Cannon, drew a few blanks from students when she asked questions and assigned essays. Many were quick to respond, inspired to write creatively and be eagerly engaged because of Kay’s fun style of teaching. Quiet, deep-thinking introverts needed advance notice and time to prepare — often with better results than talkative extroverts.
As an introvert, I like to be a good listener with family, friends, and strangers. I love you all. So, please forgive me for occasional failures to express myself ... like now when I’m drawing a blank.
Life moves on, sometimes unexpectedly. After so many moves to homes in different cities, we learned some lessons I can share.
Unpack essentials immediately ... before forgetting which boxes and where they landed — rechargers, toilet paper, meds, and keys, for example. (My phone camera was handy when packing. Wish I had used it more.)
Remember: storage units seem convenient, sometimes essential, but they tend to be a trap. Determination and hard work are required to break free without a contractor doing the move/disposal. However, intentional storing works. (Like intentional parenting I’ve heard about?)
Simplify. Get some rest ... and a little fast food!
There's the holiday season, starting tomorrow ... but first came the prepare-for-holidays season, which started a month or more ago.
Yes, I’m guilty of a little Christmas shopping all year long ... since I got into trouble by waiting until Christmas Eve when Ogden stores were closing at 6pm on my way home from work. Then I remembered our tradition of ending the Twelve Days of gifting on January 6th, Three Kings Day (Epiphany). Saved!
Seeing the Spirit store open a month ago reminded me that Halloween is still a popular holiday for many. Did you notice the yard decorations in September? For me as a young dad with kids in costumes, it was “Meet The Neighbors Night” with gypsy Kay serving at home. Who can forget her class act!
Diminishing promotion of Thanksgiving does not lessen my gratitude for blessings from my Heavenly Father. In fact, I thank Him every day. Happy holidays!
Is moving to a new home every year or two a matter of momentum? Maybe so for me, although it sets me back some in order to progress even more. I don’t know, but I am mindful of how momentum works for me in other ways.
In my new downtown apartment, I have a shorter run up stairs. Nevertheless, momentum still comes into play, regardless of my advancing age. The lifelong habit keeps me in the running.
I am also mindful of how my mind loses momentum late at night. Fortunately, it knows when to slow down. Happy dreams!
Planning a fall gathering? Ice cream is a favorite fast food anytime. (Reminder: this blog is not about fast food.)
I recall our west Layton neighbor couple who held an ice cream social in their big garage and front yard every summer Sunday evening. The standing invitation welcomed everyone in the neighborhood. Young and older folks came and got acquainted.
When Kay & I lived across the street from Farr Better Ice Cream in downtown Ogden Utah, it was easy to hold ice cream socials for family and friends. Now at “independent living” ... pizza and pie (preferably with ice cream) also bring our neighbors together more than card games and other activities.
“Come on everybody, let’s choose connection!” — RootsTech 2022 music video
Recalling my 9/8/2014 post, I wish to repeat two quotes for readers who may have missed or forgotten:
Famous last words: “I will never move again!” Then it happens, starting in my mind and heart — another “mission transfer”.
My wife Kay & I changed our address plenty of times ... with and without children. As Detroit mission companions, we gained more moving experience, including helping others. Little wonder ... I am a wanderer, hoping my Sweetheart understands.
With all our moves, we have made countless friends — some are forever friends; we keep in touch ... on both sides. Having experience, I could write a book ... when I’m done moving.
A dear friend of neighbors and me suddenly died of cancer last Monday. They say we lost him, and I say we keep him as a forever friend. However, I know both views are true. He is missed, though not far away, and continues to influence us for good.
One of my best friends I met 20 years ago has terminal cancer discovered last week. He is receiving Hospice in Idaho — probably for a few weeks. I know we will keep each other as forever friends ... more like brothers. Yes, we’re already losing the phone chats and photo sharing. We’re keeping the brotherly love and spiritual companionship as followers of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
These two amazing friends may both meet my wife Kay, who passed five years ago, and report I’m still stubborn, quirky, and faithful to my one-and-only Sweetheart. It’s a great life ... forever. Tears and cheers of love.
It is a sizzling summer with fun in the sun! At the end of July in Utah, we look forward to cool temperatures in September — wait ... in October. Memories of cool July trips with Kay to Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Alaska, the bay in Michigan, and (with her away this Fourth) the Ranch ... help me endure 100-degree days at home. Quick, kick-scooter trips to the cool store and leisurely walks around duck ponds next door are my style of travel now. Picking up a book indoors is my preferred work. What’s yours?
I cherish my memory of reading as a young boy on our front lawn in July. Building my three-story hut in our 2nd-Avenue back yard kept me out of some mischief. (Wish I had kept a journal in July during teenage years on Northcrest Drive.) Summer quarters at the U were cool, thanks to study by the pool and water skiing after school. Mid-summer breaks at the Ranch with my young wife and kids are memories this month as well.
So, goodbye, sunny July, a long month of fun!
As an ideal resting place, Ogden Utah is where I want to stay ... especially during Pioneer Days. Our state holiday on July 24th celebrates the arrival of the first pioneers in 1847. With faith and perseverance, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endured hardship and danger on their historic trek west from Nauvoo Illinois to the Rocky Mountains.
“Departing from Fort Laramie [in June 1847], a vanguard company of Saints, including President Brigham Young, trekked across the high plains of Wyoming ...”
“Though President Young’s exact words on the occasion might not be known, Wilford Woodruff summed up Brigham’s reaction to seeing the [Salt Lake] Valley: ‘President Young expressed his full satisfaction in the appearance of the valley as a resting place for the Saints and was amply repaid for his journey.’ “
— ldsliving.com 7/24/2017, by Casey Paul Griffiths, Mary Jane Woodger, and Susan Easton Black
Having grown up and raised our family in Salt Lake City, and settled in this diverse city of Ogden, my wife Kay & I are grateful for the sacrifices made by our pioneer ancestors.
It’s a learning process as I grow older. Phone, keys, raincoat found in a backpack taken on my last trip. Amazing to me ... what a cognizant senior can lose in a little studio apartment! Things are moved to make way for the housekeeper. “A place for everything, and [not] everything in its place.” Then comes elation from finding something! And no more need to buy a replacement.
In my old age, information seems to be lost from memory (a failure to recall) ... and found with help from the Internet. Family Tree app, for example, provides quick access to ancestors’ information and photos. Relationships may be lost ... and renewed years later. ( I could have found an old friend at my East High School reunion.)
Anticipating our special day, I reviewed my 7/9/22 anniversary love note to my wife Kay, who is not lost: “... Thank you for helping me find my phone 7/7 Thursday night, as I picked up your quad to read the Book of Mormon; so I saw my iPhone11 on the floor! Your adoring husband, loving you — Ned”
Sometimes a simple photograph says it, especially for the person capturing a meaningful moment. Gratitude for beauty of God’s creation, for example. Flags flying on the Fourth of July. Joyful weddings — portraits of eternal love. A precious, newborn daughter or son. Family funeral photos preserving good grief with gratitude for the gifts of life and resurrection. Priceless!
Someone’s watching out for me, occasionally reminding me to breathe for one minute. I see it on my watch, which helps me think clearly and live longer.
Give me a minute to finish my story. Here at the apartments, a walk to the fitness center, dining room, or theater takes just a minute — same for a run to the hospital next door. However, slowing down to think ahead for a minute has often saved me time and trouble. (Last year my older neighbor rushed to catch a waiting ride, fell flat on the floor, and broke six ribs.)
I just wish some people would let me talk for half a minute while they take a breath before finishing their stories. Nevertheless, I want to be a good listener. Let me know if this one took more than 30 seconds to read. Thanks for your time.
Our amazing children treasure loving memories of their mother every day. On this Mother’s Day, my wife Kay is especially on our minds. She is an enduring example of love, patience, service, and righteous living. There is no end. Families are forever ... with love!
Four years ago, I wrote: “Dear to my heart are memories of my forever sweetheart Kay, mother of our five children. She continues to influence us all with her special kind of love and devoted service to those around her. ... Our 23 grandchildren all adore their Grandma Kay, who loves them and is keenly interested in their activities. She will always hold a special place in their heart.”
Already overloaded with books, I bought more this month and thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Call it OCR — obsessive-compulsive reading (not optical character recognition, as some readers may think). Especially worthwhile: scripture and history. What good did it do me? I could write a book about that!
Journal writing in three forms also occupied my time. Most, if not all, will never catch our posterity’s attention. Nevertheless, it helped me navigate life this month. Is writing a lost art? My favorite English teacher, Kay, worked hard to help it inspire her students, including me. Her influence never ends, thank heaven!
Does an uncommon word ever pop into your head, like coming from nowhere? An adverb did to me: indefatigably. Naturally, iPhone confirmed my aging, vague memory:
“indefatigable — (of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly: an indefatigable defender of human rights.”
If I were a writer of book reviews, my next pick would be one I’m reading: Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus — Life, Lessons, and Leadership, c. 2022 by H. H. Leonards. The author shares firsthand experiences about her indefatigable friend and mentor, Mrs. Rosa Parks. If you like true stories, you know where to find this gem as I did.
The book relates to independent living in difficult circumstances. In 2005, the persistent defender died in Detroit at age 92. Can’t say I’m tirelessly independent as she and my wife Kay are ... beyond the veil. I like to think my defender of the faith has met the amazing, loving woman, Rosa Parks.
Having enjoyed a peaceful celebration last Sunday, I recall my writing since starting this blog. (As a “Tuesday with Kay” today.)
Easter 2011, my post quoted George Q. Cannon (11 Jan 1827 – 12 Apr 1901) about resurrection: “... the word of the Lord is very clear and definite. It leaves no room to doubt ...” I concluded with my own testimony: “Yes, there is life after death, and families can be forever. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and is the Savior of the world. I will be eternally grateful for His sacrifice.”
My favorite post on Easter was in 2013, quoting my mother’s description of “a quiet garden scene” in 1972. In a sacred meeting at “The Garden Tomb ... President Lee said again that he felt impressed this was indeed the place where Christ was laid after his crucifixion and where he rose from the dead.”
Sharing my joy on that special Sunday in 2015: “We celebrate Easter because Jesus Christ lives." In 2016, I recalled a 2007 Easter message by Gordon B. Hinckley, then President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Mortality is but a stepping-stone to a more glorious existence in the future. The sorrow of death is softened with the promise of the Resurrection."
My “Easter Impressions” in 2017: “Burdened with details of preparing for major changes in our life ... [Kay & I ] are so ready to pause and ponder what should be everyday remembrance ... of our Savior’s sacrifice and eternal love ...”
In April 2019, “My Hope” looked forward to “a joyful reunion with my eternal companion [Kay] and other loved ones who have passed on. Life is good – here and in the hereafter. I hope you will feel true joy during this Easter season and in years to come.”
Although there is much more than meets my eye, the few sessions I choose seem like remnants of the past genealogy conference called RootsTech 2023, sponsored by FamilySearch. Nevertheless, they intrigue me more than current news I should be watching.
Take the one with a Step-by-Step Sinatra Descendant Chart, for example. Francesco Sinatra and Rosa Saglimbeni were both born in 1857 in Palermo, Italia. Down the line we see Frank Sinatra (nicknamed "Chairman of the Board" — that one), born 12 Dec 1915 in Hoboken NJ. And I’m not a fan of the singer — just having fun with family history.
What is your story?
Admittedly, my life this year is not routine — not often sticking to a regular schedule. When is bedtime? Why get up at 6:30 AM like our Detroit mission schedule?
However, some daily “baby steps” are like clockwork, done smoothly and easily. Habitually running up stairs, for example, and resting for siesta. Making and receiving phone calls are unlike clockwork, whereas my texting and checking text messages are routinely frequent.
Talking to strangers is a worthy practice discussed in a March 2014 post about my wife Kay’s people skills. Would our society improve if more people overcame the bad “stranger-danger” training kids received decades ago? Unlike clockwork, as an introvert I hesitate to risk bothering people I don’t know, but easily offer “free listening” every day. Let’s smile and say hello to strangers on the street. My Utah client surprised them with love in central London ... like clockwork.
Following-up RootsTech on YouTube, today I chose one on digital journaling. Although I’ve been doing that since 1996, the journal app demonstrated was new to me. Full of prompts, creative options, photos and videos, “bells and whistles”, it was like constructing a castle in contrast to my cozy cottage. Fun to gain a new view of journaling, but far out of my comfort zone. I’ve spent too many years keeping mine humdrum, simple, and searchable. Maybe that’s why my digital “journals” flow without many gaps. If a great-grandchild happens to read any, I will be pleasantly surprised. If anyone sees my wife Kay’s journals transcribed, they will be captivated by her creative writing. I am ... with love.
Two of three big days are done, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of a huge, worldwide genealogy conference. RootsTech 2023, sponsored by FamilySearch, offers hundreds of classes for beginners as well as professionals in arenas of family history. Taking place in the Salt Palace and virtually online.
Yesterday I learned more about Google searches and explored the Northwest Territory including Michigan. Today I watched a guide for writing research papers, then randomly discovered an idea for focusing on the positive in life through photography as wall art. The presenter showed how her team interviews clients and captures the happy, successful views of their life. Photos are then enlarged and arranged as wall art to inspire family on a daily basis. Simply a creative enhancement of an old idea.
So exciting! Family history — are we doing it?
The phrase came to my mind in a dream about types of homes. “Frame of mind: a mood that influences one's attitude or behavior.”
Two days ago, warmer weather brought the hope of spring and more mountain biking. Looking out at sunny weather tempted me to enjoy a walk in above-freezing temperature. Anticipation!
Heavy snow yesterday and this morning brought a different frame of mind — a type of “home” one can live in ... mentally. A passing thought, enjoying winter at home while our manager plans her escape to Disneyland — smart behavior!
“Music has power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power.”
Daily Joy, p.31, c.2020, by Russell M. Nelson
Occasionally listening to a public radio station, I hear commercial encouragement to, “Learn more at (whatever) dot com.” So neat to know a place to go for more information about a product or service.
I believe in lifelong learning. Every day I go to a well of information — books, for example — without TV. In contrast, my wife Kay, a leading example of informed, conservative thinking, made it a habit of watching opposing news — a balance I failed to achieve. Her perspective is even better now, I am sure.
Learn more at forever dot com.
My follow-up idea for this post:
"in the trenches
adverb phrase
In the workplace; in contact with the people or problems in a situation; unprotected by distance or illusion" — dictionary.com
Recalling “a work in progress” five years ago, I decided to finally finish it. My companion, Sister Kay Cannon, and I were serving “in the trenches” for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the wonderful people of Metro Detroit, Michigan.
After twelve months on a 23-month, 2017 assignment, we were transferred to Farr West. Seven weeks later, we were in nearby Ogden when Kay received a mission transfer for a heavenly assignment, leaving me “in earthly trenches”. Nevertheless, we continued working together as eternal companions ... forever in love.
It is a work in progress ... for our sisters and brothers ... coming to Christ, the Savior of mankind.
Twelve years ago, I shared three quotes about love. One especially relates to this time of year: