Vicissitude – ‘he maintains his sunny disposition despite life’s vicissitudes’

‘synonyms – change, alteration, transformation, metamorphosis, transmutation, mutation, modification, transition, development, shift, switch, turn’   Oxford Living Dictionaries

‘Vacillate – go back and forth’

Synonyms: waffle, seesaw, waver, fluctuate, dither, oscillate, hesitate, hover, reel, rock, alternate, straddle, stagger, pause, swing, hedge, sway, change, hem and haw, silly-shally, be indecisive, be irresolute, change mind, fence-straddle, pussyfoot around, run hot and cold, whiffle, yo-yo’   Oxford Living Dictionaries

To live is to change.

When I was a schoolboy I could not wait to become an adult and go to work and make my own decisions.

Life seemed to be an unending road of opportunity and choices and decisions that were yet to be made.

The truth is that every turn in the road of life, that you take, has a cause and effect.

Life is a bit like the game of Monopoly in that there are constant changes and alterations to your expectations.

Some, even ‘go to jail and do not pass Go and do not collect $200.00.’

One of the great secrets of an enjoyable life is becoming accustomed to change.

I had a friend and a former History graduate student who was on the fast track to obtaining a Ph.D in his Discipline and becoming a professor.  He fell in love with a young woman who had several children…and subsequently he changed his Graduate  plans and went to work at Best Buy…to support his instant family.

A sudden change in your health…will alter your life plans.

War changes the life paths of the majority of a countries’s citizenry that are engaged in it.

World War II caused the citizens for many nations…to drop what they were doing and focus on one goal…winning the war.

The dropping of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki…changed the life of all who were not killed…in a permanent and often devastating manner.

I have witnessed many who travel across the country and around the globe in the quest of finding the illusive peace and happiness…that can only be found…within.

The only thing that is certain about life…is change.

From a youth to a young adult to a middle aged adult…to a senior citizen…the constant is change and the acclamation to it.

Life is a bit like riding a roller coaster…the high hills and deep valleys and the sharp corners…are frightening and exhilarating.

But, oh, what an exciting and unique…ride!

I have heard it said that, at times, ‘it is difficult to see the forest for the trees.’

Many years ago I was speaking with a minister, who I admired, and I asked him how he was doing.  Rev. Wetherborn commented that he was weary from the cares of life.  He went on to mention that he worked 40 hours per week, to make a living, and that he ministered at least another 40.  He said that although he knew that nature and life and family and friends…were wonderful and to be savored…he had little energy to do so.

Now my, Reverend friend, when you heard him speak…you would have thought that he had the world by the tail and understood the secrets of life.  I was taken aback and somewhat shocked when I heard the real thoughts of his heart.

But, you know, ministers are as human as the congregation that they minister to.

I recall the push to begin educating children at 3 and 4 years old.  Education is vital and should be lifelong…but a kid needs time to be a kid…that is education also.

When I was working at SIU it was nothing for me to work 16 and 18 hour days.  I did this regularly throughout my career.  I was immersed in everything that is Southern Illinois University…and I liked it.

However life is more than work and more than paying bills.

I believe that much of the depression and, counter-wise, much of the frantic frenetic pursuit of success and money and power and fame, of some nature…even if it is just a ‘big fish in a small pond,’ comes from our belief that if we are not working…we are not productive…and thus…we are not living.

‘We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute.  We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.  And the human race is filled with passion.  And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life.  But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.’  Dead Poet’s Society

Success and money and the epitome of possessions, in the United States, is the gold standard for living a happy life.

How many rich people are truly happy?  Our president does not strike me as a happy man.

Everything that you see on the earth…returns to dust…entropy.

Being buried wearing a suit with big pockets is not the answer.  If it were the Egyptian Pharaohs are doing well in the after life!

Love and faith and helping others…produce lasting happiness.

Over the past 20 years I have become an art aficionado.

There is a captivating allure to fine art and its magnetism is compelling.

Jonathon and I made a quick visit to the University Museum today…and were not disappointed.

Last year the Museum was shuttered due to budget cuts.  Many of us felt like that our best friend had been laid off.

New Chancellor Montemagno reopened the Museum at the beginning of 2018 and it is inspirational to have it back!  The old saying that ‘you really do not realize what you have…until it is gone’ is true.

When I reflect on my love of art, I am reminded of my desire to hang some nice and peaceful paintings, similar to those that I had purchased at Down’s Furniture Store, when I worked there…on a monthly payment…that I am sure was not much, as I believed that surrounding yourself with beautiful items to look at aided in creating a happy life.

Early in my career at SIU I was assigned to the Allyn Building, which is the School of Art, and there it was that I first developed a keen interest in the magic that artists produce.

I noticed the friendly nature of the student artists that I encountered and took great pride in having their building, immaculate, for the Rickert Ziebold Art Competition.  In fact, my custodial efforts were so appreciated by the School of Art that I was invited, for many years, to the reception for the award winners that was held at, what was at that time, the home of the Chancellor.

Note: The above three photos are from a current University Museum Display by the Artist Larry Bernstein.

We visited Montreal, Canada in the latter 90’s.  What a lovely city and superbly friendly people!

Between the nightly search for the best creme brûlée in the city…to which each restaurant that we attended…swore that they had.  And, the wonderful Molson Beer and abundance of it at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Whereas, finally we pursued the Art Gallery’s.

Now, the Gallery that we enjoyed the most had the most interesting painting of Mary…that was painted on board by a french Canadian artist.  The painting was haunting in its realism and an aura that you could not look away from.

As the french speaking gallery attendant spoke enthusiastically to me regarding the painting…she quickly switched to english and asked me if I would like another glass of red wine.  With each glass of wine…the art called to me…more.

There was also an intriguing pastel of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, in Paris, that was painted by the artist, Edith Hoyt.  The gallery attendant told us that Ms. Hoyt had been one of the paramours of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Later, our friend, Jo Ann, who was an expert on Roosevelt history…told us that she know nothing of Edith Hoyt.

However there is also a Notre Dame Cathedral in the ‘Paris of the North’ or better known as Montreal.  While Mary Jane toured the Cathedral I sat by a, prominent gargoyle, and throughly enjoyed smoking a quality Cohiba cigar.

Paducah, Kentucky has a wonderful art colony.  We have visited the artistic community for many years and it is a trip that is exciting and peaceful…at the same time.

I remember talking with, former SIU Board of Trustee Member Bill Norwood, and his telling me that after his retirement from United Airlines, where he was the first African American Pilot ever hired by the company, that he and his wife had chosen to make their home in Carbondale, Illinois because of the presence of SIU.  He went on to note that whatever you wanted to do…you could do in Southern Illinois due to  our, world class university.  Whether it was a love of Art or Broadway quality plays or nationally and internationally know performers, Ice Cube, performed last week, SIU afford the unique combination of a placid and rural setting with the cultural advantages of a major city.

I have been writing about the glory and wonder of Southern Illinois University…for awhile now.

On occasion I repeat myself, a little, but I do endeavor to discover new words and a different presentation regarding one of my favorite subjects.

I ran into my friend, Dave, today.  Dave is the Superintendent of the Grounds department.  He was busily checking the progress of; mulching and grass cutting and flower planting and all things that make SIU one of the most picturesque campuses in the State of Illinois and, indeed, in the nation.

As you will remember, I walk the Campus daily.  Each day I am heartened by the cheerful Grounds Staff that are performing the herculean task of turning unruly mother nature…into the Garden of Eden.

I also saw my buddy, Ira, who works for Grounds.  He is such a pleasant person, with a perpetual smile on his face and a glowing attitude.  Ira loves SIU and he is an example of the quality professionals that work daily to transform the University into a shining Ruby.

Dave, could not say enough good things about my friend, Elizabeth, who has assisted him is so many, meaningful ways in the Grounds Department.

Elizabeth, is the rare person who has the unique combination of; tremendous intelligence/extreme efficiency/and an excellent communicator.  She is also works, unfailingly, for the betterment of Southern Illinois University.

I was a member of the Building Services department for over 32 years.  The dedication of the custodial staff is the expert and professional dedication that comes from career employees, for whom the success of SIU and the success of the student’s of SIU Carbondale…equals their success.

When I hear people speak of the diminishment of SIUC and the need to break away from it…I know that they have not met the hard working members of the Plant and Service Operations and Physical Plant Staff…

For if these critics had met them…they would know that SIU at Carbondale…has its best days…ahead!

My son, Jonathon, works at Key Control.  He not only is thrilled with his job but he and his colleagues take their job duties very seriously.

I had the pleasure of meeting, Liz, who trained Jonathon when he was hired at Key Control.  What a delightful person, she is, and a dedicated professional.

When I hear politicians and others, who seem to have a large megaphone to use in their un-informed berating and chastisement  of the SIUC Community…I realize that they have not taken the time to meet the precious members of this outstanding group of life long dedicated and experienced and polished and efficient, men and women…who without them…SIU would not exist.

I was just speaking with my friend of many years and we agreed that it is good to get away from work, from time to time.

Upon my retirement, January 1, 2011, I was repeatedly asked for the first three or more years…what I was doing for work now that I had retired?

I often responded that if I had wanted to continue working…I would have stayed at SIU…as it was my dream job.

Since my earliest days of employment at Southern Illinois University I had looked forward to the day that I could retire and pursue other interests…prior to the big sleep.

I have watched many of my colleagues retire at 65 or 70…or beyond…and witnessed them pass away within a year or less of their retirement.

Other of my friends have told me that work was all that made their life meaningful and that without it they would have no reason for living.

A life long friend asked me, not long after my retirement, if I felt like I was contributing anything to society without being employed?

It has seemed to me that life is more than working for a dollar.

Now, when I was employed…I worked many 16 and 18 hour days and thought nothing of it.  I was immersed in University life and work related duties.  I not only volunteered for many university committees and outreach groups but also was intricately involved in the political machinations of the Campus.

Work and career…have inherent in them a, somewhat, false construct of reality.

First, you have a boss to make happy.  No matter how much of a free thinker and rebel and bad-ass that you are…you will, of necessity, spend time in producing what your boss is expecting.

Bosses are mercurial!  No matter how fair and open-minded that supervisors are…you are subject to, at least some, of their personal bias and personal agendas.

When I first began at the University…I told Mary Jane that it was like another world.  Campus life has its own rhythms and norms and methods of communication and political agenda.

When I left the Campus, over 32 years later, I no longer noticed the peculiarity of University Life…as I had been immersed in it for many years.

I have heard several, former politicians, say that SIU was more politically divisive than their former role in state and federal government.

After I was retired for a year, or so, I began to see SIU as a member of the Carbondale and Southern Illinois Community.

It looked different.

The residents of Carbondale and the citizens of Southern Illinois want, desperately, for their University…to get its act together!

From the surrounding communities…we see a tremendous Campus and a first class infrastructure and a school to be proud of.

But we are perplexed by leadership that changes more often than we vote for a new President of the United States.

We hear grouseing and complaining coming from the the Campus…and we wonder, like Rodney King did, why we just can not all get along?

The Southern Illinois Region sees a world class university that has been, their north star and the largest employer, seem to not be able to agree on what time it is or if it is night or day.

There is no greater employment opportunity in Southern Illinois than Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

SIUC was nationally famous, for many years, for its annual Halloween celebration.  For many years this was a family affair and was safe and fun.

Religious fundamentalism and narrow minded administrators wanted to change SIU’s image from a, ‘Party School,’ to something akin to the University of Illinois or Harvard.

Have you ever noticed how much partying and good fun is partaken in at the University of Illinois and Harvard,…a lot!

SIUC had a stellar Associate degree program in many fields that was highly sought and desired by prospective high school students and their parents.

Many of these, classroom packed full courses, were either changed to four year bachelor degree programs or were farmed out to our many Junior Colleges.

SIU’s enrollment dropped…precipitously…after…this ‘pristine’ political and administration decision.

The people of Southern Illinois want their University to serve the needs of the people, and the young people, of Southern Illinois.

I admire, SIUC, Chancellor Carlo Montemagno for taking a stand against the dissolution of the Southern Illinois University System.

I call for a return to the Vision of former SIU President, Delyte Morris, who understood that SIUC was first to reach out to the citizens of Southern Illinois and then to the citizens of the state of Illinois and then to the citizens of the United States and then to the citizens of the world.

I call for a dedication to the founding principles of Delyte Morris…who built the Southern Illinois University System.

The primary reason that I still have an extreme interest in the health of SIUC, is that the greatest happenings in my life were in direct result to my being a part to the University Community.

Southern Illinois University is the Lighthouse of the entire region of Southern Illinois.

If SIU succeeds…the entire southern Illinois…succeeds.

Now, SIUC needs the concerned residents of Southern Illinois to take their stand and speak up for…their School…and insist that we do not want our University to wither and die on the vine…do to a lack of a vineyard worker….but, we want our  Board of Trustees to take the success of our, vital, school to heart.

We want our BOT to take the success of the SIU Campus as seriously as they would take their own success…and dig down…and see and facilitate the renewal of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale….the flagship campus of the SIU System.

Recently, the Board of Trustees for Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has come under criticism for some division and differing opinions, within it’s ranks.

I have no criticism for this volunteer and appointed group, and I admire them for their service to the University.  In days gone by I have known and been friends with members of the BOT.

Being a member of the Board is a difficult position and there are, always, many differing points of view to listen to and, weigh, as to their efficacy for the entire System.

I found, many years ago, that leaders are people and that they respond to the same, kind and thoughtful and logical, communication that any person of good will…responds to.

SIU Carbondale is a miracle.

It was planted, almost 150 years ago, amid the corn and bean fields of Southern Illinois and among the small and sometimes, tiny, villages and hamlets of Little Egypt.

Why did it grow from a Teacher’s College…into a major and internationally recognized University?

What facilitated the unparalleled growth and establishing of this major Carnegie II institution of higher education?

The founding identity of the Southern Illinois University System…comes from SIU Carbondale.

To cavalierly say that the flagship campus of the system…is not doing well…without rolling up our sleeves to work and ensure that the Carbondale Campus can be righted and strengthened and restored to it’s former glory is to abdicate leaderships’ responsibility to SIU.

Of course…all leaders have an opinion as to whether or not the SIU System should be dismantled…and it is a hierarchal and sophomoric statement to say that they do not have an opinion until the Board of Trustees…informs them of their, politically correct, opinion.

For the price of a cup of coffee…many civil service staff and administrative/professional staff and faculty…could give the BOT, stellar and workable advice on how to improve and restore SIUC.

I have watched several Boards be commissioned, in the glory of the ultimate and last word in university leadership.

I have observed their, metaphorical, trees grow and blossom and wither and die…while they spent time talking to each other and, periodically, their presidents and chancellors.

I have seen, more than once, good chancellors and effective leaders, summarily terminated and let go…for lesser men and women in these leadership roles.

I have watched…when these good leaders were dismissed…the precipitous loss of our precious students…up until and including our present situation.

Hierarchy is great…if it is comprised of servant leaders.

Hierarchy is deaf…if it only talks to it’s self.

‘A cult of personality arises when a country’s regime – more rarely, an individual politician – uses the technique of mass media, propaganda, the big lie, spectacle, the arts, patriotism, and government-organized demonstrations and rallies to create an idealized, heroic, and worshipful image of a leader, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.  A cult of personality is similar to divinization, except that it is established by modern social engineering techniques, usually by the state or the party in one-party states.  It is often seen in totalitarian or authoritarian countries.’   Wikipedia

It is not difficult to find examples of cult’s of personality.  Many faith groups are centered around a man, or woman, who is the primary leader and prophet of the group.  It is summarily believed that this ‘anointed leader’ is sent by God and has the keys to the kingdom of God and is hearing from God…directly.

We have a fundamentalist group, in our town, that appeals to young people.  The operational construct of the group is to ‘love bomb’ prospective members.  This is a compelling and seductive recruiting tool that has been used by cults for generations.

However, once the once the new fish is caught and placed in the live box, which is a direct quote from a cult, that I am familiar with, then the real story begins.

The, attractive, fundamentalist group that I referred to earlier…requires new members to bring in all of their financial information…in order to assess what the new, fish, is required to give to the church.

I have witnessed churches that required 10% tithing and at least 10% to be given in what is termed free will offerings.

Now, some of these same churches are full of people who are having an extremely difficult time in supporting their meager life styles and in basically paying their bills and keeping a roof over their heads.

These same churches are noticeable for the extravagant homes and automobiles and boats and a life that could have easily been highlighted on the old television show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, of the minister of the, now, poor congregation.

The faithful members of, the cult of personality, trust what the minister is telling them on a weekly basis…that they will become rich, like him or her, if they just give to God…until it hurts.

So, now we have a president, who’s word is worthless.

He has been caught in over a thousand verifiable lies…since he took office fifteen months ago.

President Trump negates his own statements on, almost, a daily basis.  He says one thing…and then says the opposite of what he just said…before the day is over.

The president said that he knew nothing of the $130,000 dollars paid to adult film star, Stormy Daniels, and now says that he knew all about the payment.

‘All President’s lie.  Richard Nixon said he was not a crook, yet he orchestrated the most shamelessly crooked act in the modern presidency.  Ronald Regan said he wasn’t  aware of the Ira-Contra deal; there’s evidence he was, Bill Clinton said he did not have sex with that woman; he did, or close enough.  Lying in politics transcends political party and era.  It is, in some ways, an inherent part of the profession of politicking.’

But Donald Trump is in a different category.  The sheer frequency, spontaneity and seeming irrelevance of his lies have no precedent.  Nixon, Reagan, Clinton were protecting their reputations ; Trump seems to lie for the pure joy of it.  A whopping 70% of Trump’s statements that PolitiFact checked during the campaign were false, while only 4% were completely true, and 11% mostly true.  (Compare that to the politician Trump dubbed ‘crooked,’ Hillary Clinton: Just 26% of her statements were deemed false.)’   PoliticoMagazine

And, so, our president lies to us, virtually daily, and they are lies that can be verified as lies by simply reviewing his past filmed statements.

Does it trouble you that your president lies to you about many important matters that are critical to your, personal welfare, including big things and extremely small things…often when the truth would serve him better?

Is is alright that the, bedrock, principle of Republicanism are thrown aside for Trumpism?

Is it ok that the principles of the, holiness, denominations are compromised by a president who obliterates those standards?

Do we have a cult of personality for president Trump?

Mary Jane and I had an enjoyable dinner with our good friend, Scott, last evening.

We were discussing retirement and some of the keys to being successful at it.

One of the predominant precepts in the on-going success of retirement is to be actively engaged in something that you enjoy doing.

We enjoy traveling and have done quite a bit of it since our retirement in 2011.  However, it is difficult to travel all of the time…and a bit tiring.

Volunteering is a very fulfilling pastime and with the unique component of helping others.  I spent three years as a member of our church board and was engaged several times per week in church matters.  Also, Jonathon and I belonged to the local Kiwanis Club for about a year and one half.

We are in our fourth year of working with Meals on Wheels in Carbondale.

I was very involved in volunteer work during my time at SIU.  At one time I was the Chair of the Civil Service Council and the University’s representative on the Employee Advisory Committee to the Merit Board, for Civil Service Staff, and State Universities Retirement System Members Advisory Committee.

I was honored to be asked to serve as the Civil Service Council’s representative on the State Universities Annuitants Association, for two terms, since my retirement.

However, I think that happiness in retirement has inherent within it’s requirements a certain routine of engaging in a few hobbies or passions…each day.

I have enjoyed attending the movie theatre…since I was a boy.

When I first retired, and Mary Jane was still working, I would go to the movie three and four times per week.  Many of the movies were excellent…but others were mediocre and not a good use of my precious emeritus status.

Although I still attend movies, when there is one that I want to see, I have settled into a daily routine that when I awaken each morning…I am excited to see what the new day brings!

I read, roughly two books per month, with the help of Audible.com.

I walk on the Campus of my home away from home, SIU, daily.

I do photography daily.

I write…daily.

Writing allows me to explore around ten

primary areas that interest me in an immersing and consuming manner:

1. Philosophy
2. The Human Experience
3. Social Justice
4. Religion
5. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
6. Travel
7. Current and Political Events
8. Leadership
9. Art
10. The Divisions of Race and Ethnicity and Religion and Tribalism

You have heard the axiom; ‘It was the best of times…it was the worst of times.’

Inclusiveness and acceptance and love for other’s…makes retirement and life…happy.

One of the singular, great events, of my retirement has been my, long lost siblings contacting me, and our ongoing, family relationship with my brother Brock and Marcy and Jeb and Jaime.

Retirement affords time for reflection and thought and the development of ideas that have kicked around in my head…for many years.

My friend, Jo Ann, called me a Renaissance Man, many years ago…I hope that I can fulfill that title.

Opportunities abound for those who are seeking them.

When I was a lad I decided that I could travel through life with a negative outlook, and I had experienced several negative trials to bolster this philosophy.  Or I could journey on the brighter side of the human experience and see if that was more satisfying.

Now, do not think that this is a very simple and straightforward decision.  There is reward in a curmudgeonly attitude.  For instance you can regularly point to others who are more successful than you and feel secure that you have simply been dealt a bad hand of the cards of life.  When you are tired or afraid or ensconced in the warm and fuzzy surety that you were meant to be one of the less successful of the land…then you can role over and go back to sleep and dream dreams of mediocrity.

If you are lonely and seek someone to share your life with…find a friend that is pleasant and has a sense of humor and thus someone that you would like to date.

Outward appearances are fleeting…look at the heart.

When I began on October 10, 1978 at Southern Illinois University as a Building Service Worker I…I was thrilled to have the job.  Suddenly, I had a job that I was being paid a living wage and that had excellent benefits.  My wife told me that she believed that, one day, I would be in charge of the department…I was like Sara…in the Bible…I laughed at such a ludicrous idea.

I spent the last thirteen years of my career at SIU as the Superintendent of Building Services.

I wanted to write, for many years, but it seemed that something always got in the way of my goal.  A few years ago I began to write almost daily…and with the daily writing calisthenic I began enjoying the exercise more and more.

I have always been a bit ‘fleshy’ as my best friend in high school’s mother said of Jackie Brooks…no relation.  A few years ago I could visualize myself as thin…and in six months…I lost 95 pounds.

My dear friend, Jeff, was homeless on the streets of Chicago.  He was an orphan.  He was part of a Jewish Hippie Commune that came to our little church in Elkville, Illinois in the early 1970’s.  Michael, another of the members of the Commune, became Jeff’s foster father and took Jeff into his home.

As time went by Jeff began to sell insurance and then to rise in an insurance company and become a millionaire before he was 30 years old.

I witnessed Jeff’s success and noticed two very attainable and human characteristics that propelled his venture.  Jeff had a great confidence in himself and his abilities and he could ‘see’ what he was trying to attain…and he stayed everlastingly at his vision for success.

Do you need money for yourself or you family…be willing to perform the most menial of jobs…with your eye on bettering yourself…usually within the company that you have started on the Ground Floor, in.

Once you have proven yourself in the small things   greater challenges will lay in store for you.

I met the artist, James Coleman, on our recent Caribbean Cruise.  Mr. Coleman began in the mail room at Walt Disney Studios and ended his career as the Background Artist for many animated Disney films.

Today, Mr. Coleman is no longer with Disney but is licensed to paint any Disney character that he desire in his fine art pieces that he produces and sells around the world.

Success is incremental…there is no magic pill.

Life is not like the movies or an hour long television drama.

Hard work and a vision of what you ‘look like’ achieving the goal that you set for yourself…is the answer to making your situation better and enjoying, more fully, the gifts that life has to give you.