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…

I love this time of year. Writing in the cool of the autumn evening is inspiring. I look out on the pond and am reminded of Maine. We are called to greatness. At times challenges obscure the mission. Hope reigns supreme when we can peer through the veil. ‘For now, we see through a glass darkly: but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.’ I Corinthians 13:12

I saw a popular newscaster on television who looked different from his usual flawless visage. He had not had time to visit the makeup room. We often want to emulate those in the media and movies due to their flawless appearance. It is a bit like the clown at the circus; they do not always look that way.

A quest is to discover the reality of living. A family of crows was watching me today at the Woods. They were unafraid. They had seen me before. I knew them and they knew me.

Influencers are big. They control many likes. Their polished performance provides a facsimile of what their fans desire. Instead of respect, there is ‘Bling.’ Instead of love, there is sex. As Prince Charles said of his then-wife Diana he loved her, ‘Whatever love means…’

The faith of our mothers and fathers has become a dark image in the mirror of our lives. It has morphed into politics and that of hate, not hope. God’s love has become more gold diamonds and expensive homes and cars. You may be in the Christian Club but are you in the Christian Clique?

The crows know winter is coming. They live in the house on the land that God gave them. The mystery is real. Searchers we are. Humility is a gift. Read the words with your heart and not your head. A cool breeze we are. A cloud on the horizon. Rain falling on a thirsty Earth. Light in a clay pot.

The Clay Pot is cracked. The light is brilliant. Oh…what a magnificent Clay Pot and a compelling light…

Over the past few years, we have become homebodies. The Pandemic started the transition. Most years we have made an annual trek to Maine. Maine began in 2009 after MJ and Aaron discussed wanting to visit someplace we had not been. Soon we will have been to Maine 7 times. L.L. Bean has replaced Dry-Fit as my go-to clothing.

Leaf Peeping is our quest this year. We are going to the event later than ever. Our dear friend Margo has wanted to see the changing leaves of Maine for some time. We have promised that they will be at their peak. I hope we are right. Leaves have a mind of their own. One day they are green the next red and the next brown on the ground.
Leaves provide no schedule for Leaf Peeping. It is a crusade that yields good results and disappointment…not unlike life.

Travel widens the eyes. We see things we do not know. We hear words we have not heard. We think thoughts we have not pondered. There are many cultures in the United States. A melting pot we are. We enjoy various foods we must learn to enjoy different people. If I wanted to speak with someone who looks like me sounds like me and thinks like me I could stay home and peer at my old visage in the mirror.

Travel is hope. Hope in our family…the human family.

It is good to be alive! Fall is here and the leaves are turning colors. Peace is ours if we make our own. I have a new feature on my camera app called X-Ray, which is appropriate for Halloween.

Freedom is a wonderful thing. We go where we want and stay for as long as we like. We worship in the manner our hearts lead us or do not worship and feel satisfied. Most people are good. We dwell at peace with all men. Happiness is not an illusion.

Home is our sense of place. Friday night football and Monday night football for the junior varsity are rights of passage. We tell our kids they could grow up to be President and some do. Fulfillment unites with our spirits in a multitude of ways. Helping others is a worthy occupation.

‘Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat won’t you please put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny a hay penny will do, if you haven’t got a hay penny God bless you.

Meaning we search for. Purpose we want. Time is fleeting. Our days turn into weeks our weeks months and our months years. The Author is writing the book. We want an exciting narrative…sitting by the waters of Babylon we take out our harps…

So they say simple people have simple ways. This describes me. I found a photo app on my iPhone and it has seemed like Christmas. I am searching for ways to enhance my photos. Waiting for the leaves to fall is an exercise in patience. If you are not careful they change color and then drop overnight.

Maine is in our future for the seventh time. I hear seven is a complete number. Maine has become a second home. We are going to do some Leaf Peeping. Before I started my daily walks at Giant City State Park two or perhaps three years ago I and MJ would take an October drive in the Park to Leaf Peep. Near my birthday on October 24th was the optimal time to Peep…

‘I love being in the woods this time of year,’ Neva J said. ‘It reminds me of Grandma A and I looking for persimmons for dinner when we did not have anything to eat,’ she continued. ‘Grandma A loved to stop and look up at the changing colors of the leaves,’ Neva J said with a wistful grin.

‘What about when you and Grandma A were hunting persimmon and discovered a man laying in the leaves who appeared to be dead,’ asked Billy B? ‘I recall you describing him as having a big gapped tooth grin on his face,’ noted Billy B.

‘The old man was sleeping in the leaves and when we woke him he said that he was having a wonderful dream,’ Neva J said. ‘He said that he had lived in the Woods as long as he could remember and had a delightful life,’ Neva J recounted.

‘Greetings friends you have picked a lovely day for Leaf Peeping,’ Old Man said. ‘How have you been Neva J you are looking well what is your secret to not aging,’ the Old man exulted with a Casanova grin. ‘It must have been 20 years ago I woke to see you and your mom peering down at me under my leaf blanket,’ Old Man said. ‘It was a coat of many colors as the leaves were at their zenith,’ Old Man laughed. ‘Not many see me I blend in with the leaves and the trees,’ he laughed. ‘At times I call out Hello…Hello, and it frightens the Leaf Peepers,’ Old Man guffawed!

‘Would you join us for a glass of Merlot,’ Neva J asked Old Man? ‘Have you any family that live with you in the Woods,’ She asked? ‘Billy B tells me that he hears the trees talking to each other,’ Neva J said with a questioning gaze.

‘Billy B heard me on several occasions as I was blended in with the trees,’ Old Man said with a chuckle. ‘I remain incognito so I do not scare visitors to the woods, ‘he noted. ‘Remember when you tripped and almost fell Billy B I reached out an arm that appeared to be a limb and caught you, ‘ said Old Man. ‘My family are the animals of the forest they have a lot to say if you take time to listen,’ Old Man observed.

‘What is your secret of blending in with the leaves and trees,’ Billy B asked? ‘I have not heard of another person having such unique ability,’ Billy B continued.

‘Well, it happened slowly over many years as I spent time in the Woods and talked with the trees and animals,’ Old Man said. ‘I watched as the animals blended in with the Wood when danger approached and mimicked them,’ Old Man winked. ‘After a while, it became natural as breathing,’ he said as he disappeared into the trees…

Pastor Kerry delivered a timely sermon on the power of words this morning. Words have power over us. Words come from thoughts. Thoughts are the rudder of our ship.

Have you heard of people who besmirch their abilities? Apologizing for their perceived lack of skill and ability. Their words create their performance and the opinions others have of them.

Hateful words engender hate. Speaking evil of others hurts them and their reputation with others. Hate speech hurts the speaker. Speaking evil creates evil surroundings depressed feelings and a recipe for failure and subsequent disaster.

We crave happy words. Someone who will recount the good things that we have done and remain silent regarding our mistakes. Kind words create a settled spirit and a sense of place. Most people are lovely considerate and kind if we give them a chance.

We can control our future. Happy kind words forecast our days. When we speak of how awful life is and our propensity for getting the short end of the stick we create a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we speak of hope faith and success ‘As a man thinketh so is he.’

Life is a day-at-a-time proposition. There is no quick fix. No magic bullet. No elixir that cures all ills. There is a mental and verbal road map of success, accomplishment, love, and caring that will magically change our lives if we avail ourselves of its power.

‘I am trying to think of what Billy B is good at but nothing comes to mind,’ Minister said as he bragged on every young man in the church and told of their abilities.

Prove the naysayers wrong. Defy the critics. Illustrate the power of positive words and thought. Be the example that defies the bullies…

The Salukis are playing their first home game at SIUC. September is half over. Where does the time go? The State Fair has come and gone as well as Labor Day. Events I looked forward to as markers of my favorite season, Autumn. Now we are in the thick of it and it is like life not waiting. Scarlett O’Hara told us that tomorrow is another day but that tomorrow is today. Beetlejuice is 73 and we have no time to DillyDally…

Each day we begin again. The past is gone and the future has not arrived so we have today. Today it encompasses our world. What we want to accomplish is today. Our hope to help our fellow human beings is today. ‘Whatsoever they hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.’ Ecclesiastes 9:10

Love lost can be found. Relationships broken can be mended. Hope differed can be obtained. Rebuilding starts at daybreak.

‘Who knows how to write their name,’ Mrs. K said to her first-grade class on the first day?

Billy B announced that not only did he know how to write his name but write many other words. He strode to the blackboard as a conquering hero. Taking the chalk in his hand he winked at Mrs. K and began to write.

‘Oh goodness no Billy B…you can take your seat,’ Mrs K. said.

Before the class, some squiggles and marks were not dissimilar from the cuneiform script. Mrs. K was a kind teacher and told Billy B not to worry as he would soon be writing his heart out.

The mistaken script posing as cursive writing had disappeared…Mrs. K had erased it.