To pursue love, love, love.

I seldom make lists any more. Years ago, I used to start the day by making a long list of things to try to accomplish. And tell you what. It tended to overwhelm me. I was reminding myself that I had too many things to do. So now, when I get up in the morning, I think of two or three things I might like to do, or want to do. Don't need a list to remember so few things. Then I just focus on one thing at a time. I don't become obsessed over things I don't get done. Because I don't have a list. What gets done, gets done. And what doesn't, doesn't. So simple. Lately, I've been thinking about washing the windows and sliding glass doors in the house. So, I do one at a time. Leisurely. Hardly ever more than one in a day. And often I skip a day or two. No sweat. Instead, I'll spend several hours a day on a computer/video camera/audio hook up with my love. In other words, on the most important thing in my life. I know my priorities. The top one is the same virtually every day. To pursue love, love, love. --Jim Broede

...how to cope with losing.

When the Cubs lost their 4th straight game tonight, I sat down at my computer and started to write several items for my blog. It was a way to divert my mind. To something more pleasant. Writing. I can affect my mood by choosing to write. And when I write, I work myself into a thoughtful mood. A good mood. I have this overwhelming desire to be happy. So I have to force myself to think happy thoughts. Upbeat thoughts. Positive thoughts. It means that I find a way to salvage some good from the night. Rather than to lament about something that would otherwise bother me. Yes, I found something good in the Cubs losing. I countered the loss with good thoughts. Even a thought that losing may be good for the Cubs in the long run. Teaches them how to cope with losing. --Jim Broede

...the way I want to live forever.

Thank gawd, I've lived to 72. Because I'm finally learning how to live. One day at a time. And in love. Every single day, I remind myself I'm in love. And when it comes to love, I've reached a new plateau. I learned so very much about the nature of love during my 36 years married to Jeanne. But Jeanne died. Almost 2 years ago. However, Jeanne taught me a lot about love. Especially in her last 3 years of life. When I was her care-giver. She taught me about unconditional love. And to keep pursuing love for the rest of my life. That is what makes life worthwhile. Love. Love. Love. I'm in love with a dear woman. And with life. I live each day as if it's the way I want to live forever. --Jim Broede

Such as, I am in love.

My Chicago Cubs are in a slump, so to speak. They've lost 4 straight. For the first time this season, I think. But I'm not particularly concerned. Tell you the truth, I'd rather see them finish second and qualify for the wild card team that advances to the playoffs in 4 weeks. Despite their recent losing ways, the Cubs are still in first place. By 4 1/2 games. But I think there's pressure in being the front runner, or the team with the best record. I'd rather see the Cubs underachieve a bit in the regular season, and then turn it on for the playoffs. Of course, I want them in the playoffs. But not necessarily as the favored team. It's the team that peaks in the end that usually makes it all the way. Anyway, I'm not getting uptight. Because my life is filled with more important things than the Cubs. Such as, I am in love. --Jim Broede

...a nice way to pursue romance.

I could become a frequent world traveler, and like it. Especially if I have a traveling partner. Beats traveling alone. Because it doubles the pleasure. Oh, I like to see things. And mix with people from other parts of the world. I'm in love, of course. And traveling with the one I love. Magnificent. I'm thinking about going to Corsica (an island in the Mediteranean) this winter. For a nice little rendevous. And next spring it'll be some other place. I have in mind separate trips to Prague, Vienna, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Budapest and London. Actually, we'd stay outside these cities. But close enough to travel in conveniently by bus, train or car. It's nice to retreat every night to the same place -- a Paradise in the countyside or a small village. Ah, it's a nice way to pursue romance...and love. --Jim Broede

...full of surprises.

I am intrigued by John McCain's choice for running mate. Sarah (Barracuda) Palin, the governor of Alaska. And the fact that she knows how to handle a firearm. She's a hunter. Which one might expect from an Alaskan. Even noticed that in her office she has a bearskin, complete with head. Looks like it may be a grizzly. And I suspect she's a better shot than Dick Cheney, who merely hunts quail and occasionally hits his hunting partner in the face with shot-gun pellets. I really never heard of Palin until the big announcement. Gotta admit, McCain is full of surprises. --Jim Broede

Passionate...but not intimate.

My most intimate sentiments are strictly private. Seems to me I don't think intimately about politics. More passionate than intimate. There's a difference betwen passion and intimacy. I make love intimately. Not necessarily passionately. There is something tender and gentle about love. But not about politics, the Middle East war. Not sure about the seasons. Maybe there's a bit more intimacy involved when I write about the seasons. When I write poetry, it tends to be intimate. Poetry I share with the masses would be passionate. Poetry I share with one other would be intimate. My blog can be passionate...but not intimate.--Jim