If I remember anything of July, it will be the Heat Dome. I can not recall a hotter July. Then again, isn’t that what all the old people say? Two fun events have happened at the end of this long, hot road. Marcy and Brock visited us, and Jennifer joined our festivities. I learned that Brock visited the Old West on a Switch game, and it made me want one. It was time travel amidst laughs. Last night we attended a reading by Jonathon of five of his works. The hosts were welcoming, and a nice crowd enjoyed the stories. The readings sparked my imagination. Now, school days are almost here. Time is moving quickly.

We live in a miracle of possibilities. Some events I have visualized, while others come as a surprise. Each day is a new adventure. We are the magicians pulling a rabbit out of our hat.

‘Just one more question,’ Detective Columbo asked. ‘I was wondering why the blood of the deceased is on your shirt collar,’ DC said. ‘Did you rub your shirt collar on the deceased wound before calling me?’ Columbo said. ‘Has my rumpled trench coat and unassuming manner caused you to underestimate my crime-solving skills?’ Columbo asked. ‘Perhaps my tousled hair and humble actions put you at ease while you forgot to clean up the crime that you committed,’ Columbo observed. ‘Being underestimated has always been a gift,’ DC observed. ‘While the smooth talkers and well-dressed detectives are applauded, I continue to shuffle along solving crimes,’ Columbo smiled and winked.

So it goes that we who do not occupy center stage are often ignored in favor of the glamorous and elite. If you do not look the part, many assume you must be a bystander on the road of life. The ability to marshal people to the cause of a leader who has nothing but his interests at heart has never been clearer. Lies spoken often have power. Panache and flash capture our attention and serve as acceptable to many who do not dig down into the reality of the promises given.

‘Oh my, what a luxurious wedding cake,’ the Bride said. ‘It has ten tiers and icing like I have never seen with gold filigree,’ the Bride continued. ‘My soon-to-be husband is a body builder and muscles like Charles Atlas,’ the Bride said excitedly. ‘My betrothed is taking me and his best friend Precious on a worldwide cruise for our honeymoon, the bride exulted. ‘Precious is his personal assistant and such a skilled person and so sweet,’ the Bride noted. ‘Often he and Precious work for hours in his office while I watch Life Styles of the Rich and Famous,’ the Bride informed. ‘It is time to cut the Cake,’ the Bride announced. ‘What is happening…there is nothing but sawdust behind the wonderful frosting,’ the Bride cried out in sorrow…

Look for the introverts around you. Look for those who say what they mean and have your best interests at heart. Who among your friends listens to you and seems reluctant to speak of themselves? Those who are applauded for their deeds and not their rhetoric.