Not Going There

Earlier this week, while driving my normal route, I found the main ramp to the highway closed for repairs. Trusting GPS to get back on track, I followed the directions and found myself in the shady side of town. But, after a few turns, I was back to familiar territory.  Getting sidetracked can be annoying or worse since there’s always the opportunity for adventure or dangers. Take a look at this:

                                     https://youtu.be/jXil9P1xqKI

Have you wondered what could happen in this kind of situation? The agency puts layers of precautions in place for protection, but if anyone fails to follow directions, a “floater’s” fate isn’t pretty.  

We all need safety measures in place for when we feel off track. Rescue missions come in all forms. If you began floating from your normal routines, heading in a dangerous direction, what type of rescue mission would put you back on course?

There’s More to This

This may come as a bit of a surprise, but I’ve written several picture book manuscripts. One that I recently modified has rhymes and rhythms and specific numbers of beats. After my critique group offered a few areas to edit, I labored over the changes. Which new words could ever replace to the ones I had chosen? They fit perfectly. Of course, given the enormous number of words and ways to rephrase them, there is more than one perfect way to write a story. Here’s a guy who might agree:

                                      https://youtu.be/9G0N_QcZNRg

Another video on the same story stated that the young man is an orphan who lived with friends. But, his detour worked out since he has a new job, strangers have stepped forward to offer a year’s worth of bus tickets, other people have offered him an apartment, and a cell phone. They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. If you’re facing a rough patch in life, don’t give up. Just because life’s not going the way we expect, doesn’t mean it won’t turn out well. A wonderful detour may be waiting around the corner. What helps you to navigate life’s surprising detours?   

Limitless?

Regardless of what happened in 2015, it’s history. Time for a clean start. Reflect on what you  want in the new year and develop a plan to get it. Looking for higher grades? Be discipline by studying harder, and finding a tutor, or a study group. Want a raise? Put in the hours, get along with co-workers, and suggest cost-cutting ideas. Craving contentment? Live a balanced life with healthy eating, regular exercise, appropriate sleep, and add in time for family, friends, and spiritual rejuvenation. 

     

 It’s a new year. Try new foods, hobbies, classes, sports, and vacation spots. Expand your horizons and be open to fresh possibilities. Be daring. Maybe not this level of daring:

                                         https://youtu.be/vUK2BaRp29s

Pretty interesting! It’s fine to try new experiences, but what makes some people chose unusual paths? I often wonder what drives the skydivers, the cliff-jumpers, and the shark swimmers. We all draw mental lines in the sand that we won’t cross. When presented with a new experience, what factors make it a no-go for you?   

Footprints in the Snow

What’s lurking around the corner? The last time it snowed, I spotted a number of tiny footprints dotting our driveway. I can’t tell which animals visited us during the night; one set of prints looked like they belonged to a small mammal, perhaps a fox? We can usually tell when a skunk’s visited, for some reason they feel the need to leave a stinky calling card. Since we seem to live along Deer Crossing Highway, I’m surprised I didn’t see deer tracks from a passing herd.

Did I mention the collision I witnessed? A deer charged across the street and ran smack-dab into a passing car. I’ll spare you the details, not a pretty sight. The interesting point is that two deer were paling around. Both got spooked; one ran away from the street and the other ran into it. The rest is history, a brutally short history for one of them. Be careful who you follow.  Here’s more insight:                

 

http://youtu.be/xpVGDors1C4

 

What a great thought for the week. As we end one year and look forward to setting new goals for the next year, it’s worthwhile to reflect on what’s worked well in the past and what we can do better to improve on in the future. What will get you to your destination? As you consider how you’ll reach your goals for the year, it’s good to have a plan. Whose footsteps might you follow?