Throwbacks, Flashbacks, and Old School

I’m old school, baby! How many times have you heard that saying? If it’s said with enough bravado, old school sounds cool. People often think old school means you’re behind the times, but it might mean that you do your own thing, or march to a different beat. Old school could also refer to someone who uses a typewriter, plays eight track tapes, owns an iPhone 4—or it might refer to this guy:          

                                              http://youtu.be/FbsLHELLNoQ

Who knew a buffalo could plow fields? The animal cooperated like it understood just what to do and how to do it. At the end of planting season, the farmer must be exhausted—and healthy!  Buffalo plowing is several variations away from using oxen, horses, and tractors, and each method has its pros and cons. Sometimes the old way is the better way.

Maybe you’re old school, too. What do you prefer to do that seems contrary to the prevailing ideas and habits of today’s culture?  

Within the Sun’s Reach

Earlier this week we awakened to snow blanketing the ground. After days of rain, sleet, slippery streets, and melting, the snow is almost gone. While portions of lawns peek out beneath small mounds of snow, other areas remain bare. Attribute the difference to the sun shining here, and not there. It sounds mundane, but you might be amazed by what else the sun can do. Take a look:

                                         http://youtu.be/N5utQxtma2U

 

Although I’ve read how the Northern Lights appear in Alaska, Iceland, Norway, and even in parts of the Midwestern United States, I’ve never reflected on the connection between the Lights and the sun’s solar flares. We’re more likely to envision the distant sun offering the warmth we crave in the winter and the intense heat we shun in the summer. The video showed how there’s more to the relationship than that. Solar flares stretching out from the sun resemble cosmic arms embracing the earth. The connection results in the exhilarating beauty displayed by the Northern Lights. Have you heard or experienced anything that seemed commonplace on the surface, but inspired you or melted your heart?       

 

 

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?

 

  

Deal of the Month

I might buy a house with coupons—okay, not really, but this is the season for coupon overflow. During the last month, I probably received fifty to one hundred coupons via email, not to mention the onslaught that weighed down the daily newspaper. A few weeks ago I’m convinced there were more coupons than news. Oh, I’m not complaining. I love coupons! Here’s one of my great deals: I found a nice, winter jacket for twelve dollars that retailed for ten times that price. Can a good car coupon be far behind? Retailers, keep the deals coming so we can enjoy the after Christmas sales. Check out other shoppers who appreciate a good buy:

                                              http://youtu.be/vfhVnyz0dPo

I doubt we’ll see a web shutdown for anything other than electronics in this country, but stranger things have happened. I bet you’ve found a few spectacular offers over the past several weeks, so what is this season’s best deal?

  

Super Size It

Oops!  I went too far.  By mistake, I passed the food display board and the wonky intercom without ordering. I only wanted a quick beverage and the lunch rush hadn’t begun, so the cashier wasn’t too annoyed that I skipped drive-thru protocol. Given the season’s numerous parties and gift exchanges, I hope you don’t find yourself filled with regret and feeling that you went too far. Here’s an opportunity to remember that we all have our crazy moments—like this one: 

                                              http://youtu.be/WnY59mDJ1gg

A musical at the supermarket—that’s unexpected. Did the actors get permission first?  You know you’ve gone too far if no one gets your shtick or if management asks you to leave. The shoppers came for the food, and received a lot more. Instead of worrying about going too far, do you ever wonder if you’ve gone far enough? When have you wished you had done a little more?

 

    

A New Wave of Therapy

We had a good-sized snow storm this week. There’s something special about the snow storms that shut down normal life for a day or two. We can cozy up to a warm fire while watching television, listening to music, or reading. Our only interruptions should be for snacks and naps. I kept gazing out at the snow-covered trees; their collective limbs crisscrossed the sky while the midafternoon sun hid behind a cloudy, blue-gray canvas. Picture perfect! Doesn’t a natural scene slow your breathing and lower your blood pressure? Maybe that’s one of the reasons we visit places like this:

                                              http://youtu.be/eDign7wVl00

Tucked in Arizona’s wilderness, this site is difficult to locate, but once inside, the incredible swirly, hypnotic walls draw you in. We could wander around in the Wave for hours. If we’re fortunate enough not to get lost, it might be a therapeutic visit. Short of heading out to Arizona, how do you relax amidst the bustle of daily life?              

The Superheroes

What if I looked like this? What if I had that talent? We spend plenty of time talking about personal makeovers. After eating too many holiday sweets, we may decide to revise our work-out plans to shed the extra pounds. It’s wise to maintain our physical conditions, but problems can arise when we become obsessive about altering the characteristics that make us special.       

While watching the whale scene in “Finding Nemo,” one of our kids wondered what it would be like if people had blow holes. I’ve never considered that before, nor do I think it’s high on anyone’s list of wants—plus, it sounds messy. All of us possess a little uniqueness that makes us stand out. Check out these folks:    

                                         http://youtu.be/yq6p1fb9fQc

Okay, they might be on the extreme end of the unique spectrum, but all of us possess a useful talent or skill. Instead of enduring long shopping lines and buying pricey presents, what kind of gift can you offer to uplift strangers, friends, co-workers and, family members during this holiday season?