In a world that increasingly seems like the dystopian reality of George Orwell’s famous book, 1984, the Sun still rises in the East and sets in the West.  The shakiness of unrealized expectations and the incremental nature of progress, can leave you disillusioned, without a clear-eyed vision of what verdant valley you will find at the foot of the mountain that you are descending.

Life is composed of chapters.  A chapter change can be disorientating.  It is easy to believe that doing the same things will achieve the same results throughout life…when often it is time for a new methodology and empirical study.  A great lesson, for me, was to realize that others are not  primarily responsible for my happiness and well being.  Happiness comes from within.  It does not emanate from a geographical location, or an abundance of finance, or a beautiful residence.  Peace of mind comes from a peaceful heart.

I have heard it said that, ‘worry is like a rocking chair…you rock and rock and get nowhere.’  But, spring is upon us!  I am sitting on my porch and writing a blog in 2020 and have, finally begun to lose weight.  Now, I am a person who can speak with some experience as regarding the vacillating vicissitudes of weight loss.  Around 2003 I lost almost 100 pounds.  I felt like a new version of Jay.  A happier version and a lighter model.  Having lost, as of this morning, 18 pounds, I already feel better.

Positive change….Requires…change.  To continue to do things as you have always done them, and expect different results than you have previously achieved…is folly.  Often the change that you need to make is minor, with a major result.  Perhaps you are engaged in behavior that, really, does not give you joy or peace of mind…but is an, ongoing,  habit that you developed because it brought you pleasure on a few occasions.  I wonder if this is not how people become addicted to smoking?  They smoke a few, pleasurable, times…and then seek to replicate the heightened endorphin experience on a regular basis.

The Campus of Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale is preparing for its spring splendor.  If there is a more lovely physical location in the state of Illinois…I am not aware of it.  Each time that I see our wonderful students I know that good things are coming, and that there is a reason for a bright outlook and hope for our future.

Our modern world provides us with countless diversions.  There is television and movies, as well as iPhones and tablets to occupy our mind and engage our emotions.  It is easier than ever to either shut the world out or to create your own reality.  Of late, there seems to be a heightened belief or sensitivity to things being not what they appear to be.  A hidden hand or a ‘Deep State’ causing the rationale to become irrational, and the factual to become fake news.

My favorite science fiction character, Mr. Spock, insisted that logic was the primary measurement of truth.  Certainly the need for straight talk that is based on recognized facts is needed today.  Common sense is not as common as it should be.

During my carer at the University I noticed that all success is incremental.  I observed leaders who worked through the heat of the day, year in and year out, and who achieved great forward movement of the school.  Also, I saw heralded, messiahs, who were guaranteed to bring fame and fortune and students and….Great retention, thereof, who subsequently staid a year or two and then moved on to greener pastures.

A leader who promises you the moon and the stars…should be examined as to how many times they have succeeded in similar revolutionary endeavors.  Oratory is the oil of politics.  We must check to ensure that the oil has been applied to constructive endeavors…or is it just keeping the vocal cords, lubricated?

We are all a little fearful.  We are all a little on edge.  Most of us have read about pandemics…not many of us have lived during one that is the scope of the Coronavirus.  Perhaps we can look into each others eyes and see a glimpse of our brother and sisters…soul.  Presidents will come and go.  Media will continue, when we are no longer watching.  But the miracle of life…is more precious than the ‘gold of Ophir.’

It is Birthday time for MJ.  We begin our celebrations early.  Her actual birthday is Monday the 24th.  My birthday is on October 24 and our anniversary is on March 24.  We like 24!  We made our way to Cape Girardeau, Missouri for a fine lunch at Katy O’Ferrells Publick House, graciously purchased by Jonathon.  But first, was our tour of the plethora of antique stores along the river front.

The first store that we entered was, Pastime Antiques, and what did we come upon…but a large bronze statue of Frederic Remington’s, The Bronco Buster, and I was immediately captivated.

I had admired the Bronco Buster for most of my life and have seen it in a multitude of different mediums.  I remember Paul Sebastian cologne, which I purchased at our former Famous Barr department store, and they’re wonderful gifts that the cologne company provided with a purchase of their product….Especially around Christmas.  One holiday season I purchased a cologne for myself that was accompanied by a Remington Bronco Buster, in a small porcelain-black figurine that was suitable for setting on a desk.  I gave the replica to Ray, my boss, for Christmas and he displayed it in his office for several years.

This weekend we travel  for a fine Italian dinner at Bella Milano in O’Fallon, Illinois and then a visit to Powell Hall to hear the great rhythm and blues singer, Aaron Neville.  A few years ago we visited New Orleans and although we made great efforts to enjoy some extraordinary jazz music…we did not.

As I reflect on the years that MJ and I have spent together…I marvel at the exciting and challenging and happy and miraculous journey that it has been.  On our first date, I insisted that we ride in my 1963 Ford Fairlane car.  It was in January of 1978 and I had a large hole in the floor board of the drivers side of the automobile and the back of my seat was held in place by a board that had to be removed by anyone that wanted to sit in the back…and then replaced.  She wore her, lambs wool coat and her cheeks were rosy red.  It was cold!

On my first day back to work after our three day honeymoon…I was thrilled to find two cheeseburgers in my lunch box.  I thought to myself, ‘this marriage thing is going to work out well!’  When I told MJ how happy that I was with the upgrade to my traditional lunch of either peanut butter…or nothing…she said that I should not get used to hamburgers as our budget could not afford it….

The joy of having a partner to accompany you through the roller coaster ride of life, is difficult to describe.  As we were driving home from Cape, yesterday, I said something that I had been thinking and she laughed and commented that she had been thinking the same thing.  This mind reading phenomena happens on a regular basis, in the Brooks home.

The years have zoomed by…and I obviously eat hamburger when I desire them.  But the affection that I have for my young bride only becomes greater each year.  And…she bought my birthday present on her birthday!