Margo, who is from England, reminded me that New England adopted most of their town names from England. Bath is one of our favorites. Last year Brock and I got Lighthouse tattoos at Bath. Bath is fun to visit. They have a great Brewery. We had some delicious pizza. Jonathon bought me a stuffed Beaver commemorating one of our favorite movies Naked Gun.

We set out in search of our mission…Leaf Peeping. Upon being advised that we should travel inland to see the best in leaf splendor we set sail. First to Augusta the capitol of Maine. Jeff bought us a lovely cup of coffee in Augusta. The Barrista was among the friendliest I have met. She told us of places to go and things to do with a refreshing genuineness.

Hallowell was a bit mysterious. A picturesque village with Halloween decorations displayed. It had an old-world air. We were Leaf Peeping and Antiquing. I saw the most delightful Einstein Concrete Sculptor I wish I had purchased. The leaves were beautiful. The peaceful climes of Hallowell were overwhelming.

Maine is a mystery. It is liberal and conservative. My friend at the cigar store loves Maine and says his favorite part of the Granite State is that people leave you alone. At the beginning of our Ghost Tour of Boothbay, the guide mentioned that she had seen me in Wiscasset the day prior. She carried a lantern and wore a red coat. Our guide noted the Kennedy Family had attended church in Boothbay. Her stories were chilling.

The little towns that we visited have a feeling of what you can see with your eyes and the hidden world of the past.

October 10 is a holiday in the Brooks home. Forty-six years ago today I was offered a position at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale. A job offer that changed our lives. When I found the University I found home. I was in the background and liked it due to my natural introverted proclivity. SIU brought out the best in me although I am still an introvert. Doors of opportunity opened wide for me. When I got the chance to help others I did. I love to offer opportunities to those who have no voice and are forgotten. Southern Illinois University has Opportunity emblazoned over every entrance…if you can see it…

We are back from Maine with our dear friends Margo and Jeff. It was a lovely week of fellowship and fun. Our arrival began with my recounting the story of The Massage. Margo and Jeff were with us ten years ago when it occurred. As I told the story Jeff laughed until he cried. I was reminded of George Costanza in Seinfeld. George contended that he usually had one good line in meetings that captured the attendees’ imagination but that he buried it in gaffs and blunders before the meeting was concluded. Costanza vowed once he delivered the winning line he would leave the meeting and enjoy his witty performance.

Boothbay, Maine has been our destination of choice for our past four visits. It is such an interesting hamlet.

One of the highlights of Boothbay was a Ghost Tour. Our guide was outstanding. I think we saw a ghost or two.

The above photo is of my friend Jeff and me with Jonathon’s reflection in the window pane. We have been friends for over 50 years.

Maine is peaceful and kind. The air is light with hopes and dreams.

When I am in Maine I feel I can do anything. The creative vibe is strong. Time seems seamless. Beginnings and endings meld together.

Happiness…we seek it here we seek it there. It is before us behind us and surrounding us.

The cool of autumn is wonderful. Folks are smiling and greeting each other with fall wishes. Rain is lingering. Brooks Pond is full and overflowing a bit. Today I feel In Tune.

This morning I filled the Subaru with cheaper gas than I had seen for some time. I used my haircut scheduling app and I had 0 minutes wait. My favorite hairdresser was waiting for me when I entered Great Clips. Jane spoke of her new medicine, which caused a lack of energy. She noted that when she feels better she endeavours to get something done while it lasts. I reflected on my similar Golden Years Feelings.

I walked on Campus in the solitude of Sunday. How many times have I trod the same paths? The young wonder what made the Old Man how he is. They would understand if they had been at my side with my Guardian Angel.

I am an original. My brother-in-law told me once that I really did my own thing. I always have. Live and let live. I seek neither the approval nor the praise of others. I love all of my human family.

Following your own path can be a solitary experience. Those who choose this trek are exceedingly interesting. I am drawn to Originals…

Maine is full of Orignals. This is why I like it. We will enjoy our Maine Holiday with our Original friends Margo and Jeff. They follow their own paths. I have known them since my teenage years. That has become a lot now that I am Old.

You will know when you are In Tune. It is a unique feeling. Many never feel it. Harmony versus dissonance. No longer a square peg in a round hole. A sense of place. The purpose is seen clearly. The music is magical.

Acceptance and inclusivity come from being In Tune. No longer do you expect someone to be like you? The difference is applauded. Learn from others not tear down others.

The dropping of the shackles of prejudice misogyny and cruelty is invigorating. No longer keep account of those you hate. You do not have to minimize God and his love for his creation. Faith becomes about who you help not who you hurt…

The tuning fork sounds like a pleasant tone for our lives…

MJ and I were in St. Louis the other day and had dinner at our favorite restaurant Bartolinos. Our regular server knew us and remembered what sauce I wanted on my Tutto Mare. I was surprised that the little things make a difference. What seemed simple made me feel at home.

Hurricane Helene has caused a massive swath of devastation. Eastern Tennessee has been hit hard, a region we have visited too many times to count. Before Maine, it was our Maine. Trees are uprooted due to so much rain that the roots have become untethered to their home. It is raining now.

I saw my buddy Jeff’s photo at Fenway Park…I will see him and Margo soon. Wherever they are they light up the room.

We all have the gift. We do not think about it or acknowledge it but it is there.

MJ and I have been making doctor’s visits to St. Louis for over 10 years. I can not describe the feeling of peace and happiness each time we receive a good report. I announce it to the Brooks Men immediately! The News is a bigger jolt than Christmas! We appeared one cold day and cried lustily when the doctor slapped our bare butt. We did not know why we were here or who would make up our world…but we knew we wanted to stay awhile…

As I sit at the Writing Porch the mystery of existence overwhelms me. I can hear the rain I can smell the rain…I feel the contentment of The Gift.

I have friends who I do not see any longer but they are in my heart. They enter my thoughts regularly. Sometimes they knock… often they just sit down in the Great Room of my life and smile.

It is good to remember. It is calming to listen to the rain. What is next we ask…we are not ready to leave…we have just begun…

‘Every cloud has a silver lining,’ Hopeful Homer said. ‘There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,’ HH continued. ‘The holes in my shoes are good for ventilation,’ HH smiled.

‘Hopefull I have never seen you down or depressed,’ Chet noted. ‘Your family received Commodities the cheese is delicious but aren’t you embarrassed,’ Chet asked? ‘You are not poor for the lack of work as you and every family member work all the time but are paid little,’ Chet mentioned. ‘I admire your positive attitude you are an example,’ Chet said with a tear in his eye.

‘Jane read in the Eldorado Daily Journal that Lincoln High School is offering some Adult Education Classes would you be interested,’ Jane asked? ‘No one can hold you back with your positive attitude,’ She proclaimed! ‘I will go to the school with you tomorrow and we will both sign up,’ Jane laughed.

‘HH what about signing up for a Photography Course,’ Billy B asked? ‘Your photos are epic and with some coursework added to your portfolio you will be famous,’ Billy B exulted!

‘Ever since Neva J got me the Big Swinger Camera for Christmas I have been immersed in photography,’ HH said with a wide grin. ‘I took many photos in New Harmony, Indiana during our sixth grade school trip they were pretty pretty pretty good…as Larry David would say,’ HH said with a wink. ‘Photography is like a magic wand it reveals what is hidden,’ HH continued.

‘Welcome to HH Customm Photography where we produce photos not see before,’ Hopeful Homer said. ‘People tell me that they see memories of things gone by as well as hopes for their future in my pictures,’ HH said with hope. ‘Neva J is in all of my photos if you can find her, she is hidden from view until you focus on the frame,’ HH said.

Another lovely fall day is here. It rained buckets last night. I am glad the Painting Project is complete. As the song says Life is like a mountain railroad. Peace is elusive calm is fleeting. Or as I told my friend Jim you have to work to have fun…

Do we leave the world better than we found it or focus on our heavenly home without concern about where we are? Things creep up on us. The little kids we dandled on our knees are middle-aged. We are too old to plan and too slow to implement the plans. The years are like the little train who could find that the destination is closer than the side mirrors revealed them to be.

A mother held a large handwritten sign outside Aldis. A little girl sat next to her. The sign asked for help of any kind. The woman waved the little girl looked sad.

I had a minister when I began the Christian walk who admonished young men to not be foolish. Politicians say the strangest things. Calling names like a schoolyard bully. Word salad that has no beginning or end. Words intended to create violence for innocent people. Tears suffering chaos for those not in the movement. How can we divide today? Who can we hurt? I have worked with and for people with this mindset. No matter my best efforts I could not remain in their good graces.

A settled soul is more valuable than the Gold of Ophir. As the storm wreaks havoc there is peace if we remember the mission…

We are climbing Jacob’s Ladder. Not to get to Heaven but to climb above the banality of evil. It takes courage to be different than the crowd. It is not fun to be belittled. When others laugh and point their fingers at us we must climb up another rung…

The Fall Rains have begun. Things are quiet in the City after a boisterous weekend. Family Weekend for the University. Many Sauluki shirts and sweatshirts. Old folks laughed like kids as they returned to the crime scene. Imaginations inflamed with the College Experience. SIUC was known as a Party School. In fact, national news covered Carbondale’s Halloween Celebration on more than one occasion.

When I began working at Southern in 1978 it was a bit difficult to drive down the Strip to my Elkville home after I got off at 1:00 A:M:. In those halcyon days, there were well over 20 thousand students attending Southern Illinois University. They along with the residents of Carbondale and surrounding communities dressed up for a massive Halloween Party. Folks came from surrounding states to attend the noteworthy event. Once the festivities were squashed by the city fathers and University administration…enrollment fell. Kids enjoy a good time…

Attending University classes along with working full time was a vivid experience. Most of the professors complimented me for endeavoring to achieve higher education while working. I was a little older than the conventional students…but not much. I quickly learned that University Culture and Academia was very different than what I was accustomed to.

In October of 1978, the Grand Theatre in the heart of Carbondale advertised on their flashing marquee X-rated movies. In those days I did not own a television. I worked in the Allyn Building in 1979 and observed that many of the paintings and drawings were of life-sized nude men and women. I was similar to Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz…I was not in Kansas anymore.

I think that my love of Fine Art began in Allyn cleaning the charcoal. The Art students and faculty treated me like one of their own. These were the days of Jimmy Carter and the Iranian Hostage Crisis. There were many drawings of Ayatollah Khomeini… Often I worked overtime in what was affectionately called the Blue Barracks. The Blue Barracks were brought on Campus around the time of the Vietnam War as temporary accommodations for the School Of Design. It was difficult to ascertain what was trash and what was treasure. Rock and Roll music played at full decibel level all night.

October 10th will be my 46th anniversary of being hired at Southern Illinois Unversity @ Carbondale. One of the greatest days of my life!

I began as the youngest in Building Services and left as the oldest in seniority often chronologically. I recall the crisp cool air of the evening of October 10, 1978. I understood something special had happened. MJ and I were finally in the Game.

It was a day of ordinary and extraordinary. The sun shone and raindrops fell. We had turkey dinner before Turkey Day. The wild turkeys were out on the road to the City.

Neighbor Boy is walking his dog. He says he likes our house it sure is big. Darkness is coming as the days get shorter. Leaves turn colors while the last of Baseball happens. So many games to see so little time.

Time for a Holiday as the Europeans say. Somewhere different somewhere new. There were a lot of yellow flowers in The City today. It is the time of year. The heat is breaking as the clouds gather. Rain is coming. Soon the jackets and sweaters will be seen. Hot chocolate will be made and spiced cider will be drank.

Some will say it is early to think of Halloween Thanksgiving and Christmas…I say if not now…when?

The low Sun illuminates the hanging clouds. Earth is waiting. The yellow flowers the boy and his dog and the wild turkeys wait. Change is coming. Renewal is coming. ‘I am thirsty,’ Earth says. Rain is coming…

We are all looking for a friend. We call out to our neighbors and say that we like their house we run with our little dog hoping that someone will notice. Learn what we do from each other.

The First Day has been a good day. The skies were partly cloudy. Ordinary and Extraordinary were the order of business.

The Old Man remembered calling out to his neighbors. They sat on their porches in the cool evening, telling tall tales and spinning yarns of long ago.

MJ asked me if it was time to put out the pumpkins? I think so I replied. The cycle of life twirls like a merry-go-round. I reflect on the weaver’s shuttle. September is scurrying on kitten feet. Autumnal Equinox is on Sunday.

‘I love my costume for Halloween,’ Billy B exclaimed! ‘I will be the Creature From The Black Lagoon with a full head mask and Creature Hands,’ Billy B explained. ‘Cousin Gene purchased them from Universal Studios they are professional,’ he continued. ‘This year we will make a movie of me portraying the Creature coming out of the water,’ Billy B winked a knowing wink.

‘How will you film the flick,’ Chet asked? ‘Television and movie cameras from Hollywood are quite large and must be moved on rolling trolleys,’ he said. ‘The VCR has not been invented yet…don’t ask me how I know,’ Chet grinned.

‘Dad left his 8 millimeter camera a roll is about two minutes of film,’ Billy B responded. ‘It may not be the quality of the original but it will be an effective tribute to the Creature Classic,’ Billy B said with certainty. ‘I hope Jane will play Julia Adams part as the girl the Creature loved,’ Billy B said with a wide smile.

‘I will be happy to play Julia’s part when we begin filming,’ Jane said with gusto!

‘Now Billy B you must come out of the water with Jane in your arms rescuing her from the briny deep…do not worry about the 8 millimeters running out of the film I have a lot of films that I got from Universal Studios’ Gene said.

‘This is so exciting a movie premier…The Creature From the Black Lagoon gushed Neva J. ‘I saw Julia Adams and Richard Carlson in the Theatre Lobby,’ Neva J continued. ‘Julia told me that Billy B Chet and Jane have top billing,’ she exulted!

‘What happened how did we get to be a part of the silver screen classic The Creature From The Black Lagoon,’ Chet asked? ‘First, we were at the little creek in Eldorado and then we were on the movie set now we are at the premiere of the feature-length motion picture,’ Chet exclaimed!

Time is like a phonograph record. It follows the grooves to its conclusion and then begins again…