What If?

The question was thrown at me, "How do you pick a subject to write about?"...

Hmmm... good question...

Most of the time I write about something that either I am concerned about or a memory....

I try to stay away from politics since I know very little on the subject and do not keep myself "fresh" on the going on's on Capitol Hill... Besides,   what is politics? To me it's someone trying to sway another into thinking or acting on what THEY want  see happen....  I just don't think I have that right... Besides I think we are drenched in enough of the silliness of politics on TV. But then, here lately its been hard to keep my mouth shut and my fingers from typing my opinion of just how stupid this current political race is being ran...For that I am sorry.  

Whatever I write about usually comes right from behind the eyes straight to computer screen via my fingers, and tapping it out on the keyboard....   I guess what I'm saying is... If I'm thinking it... I'm typing it...  

The 6 basic subjects that twist around in my head are... Family, Society as Whole, Pleasant Memories, Safety, and the Future (or what may be) and last but not least especially here lately is a subject that seems to being helping in tough times is "What if?

Oddly enough... While thinking about the first 5 I now have learned to somehow end up applying the last one as a denominator which is, 

"But then... What if?"

It's sometimes a scary thought when you apply the What If? clause... The paths that could have been taken instead of the one I choose or a action I could have or should have done instead of what I choose to do.

Probably the worst actions I have done are using a combination of  words that I spoke at the time, either out of anger or defense. Words spoken via these two feelings can cut deep leaving wounds that even though they heal they leave a scar.  Always there to remind us of the action.   

I have scarred many with my words, I know and understand that and only now realize that it is Words that hurt almost more then anything physically done to another... 

So now.... before the words form on my lips I try to pause and throw the clause "What If" into my determination on what is I am going to say....

So... If by chance... we are speaking and I suddenly stop half-way through a comment... Oblige me that couple of extra seconds..... Trust me it may be well worth it for all of us... 

Johnny 

8/22/16

Make A Wish

I had the opportunity to participate in an amazing event yesterday afternoon... I was given the privilege of being the Chauffeur for a 15 year old Young Man who got to make his Wish Come True...

Through the The Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter of Make A Wish I got to take him on his adventure...

I picked him, his Brother, Mother and Father up at their home and headed first to Game Stop of Lake Charles. The Ladies of the Chapter meet them there and introduced him to 2 Guys who were passionate on making sure his time there would be great which by the look on his face when loading up what they gave him he was.

Then on to Best Buy where he was again treated as a Super Star... Walking down their isles and getting to pick the Electronics he could use to make his time and condition easier.

By the time we pulled back into their home the smile he had as we unloaded his bounty said it all...

I shook his hand and wish him well and also his Parents and Brother giving them one of my cards and telling them that I was only a call away if I could help in any other way along their journey...

What a amazing and humbling feeling as I pulled the liimo away and looked back to see them all standing in their driveway with all of his great stuff these 2 stores had given him.

To the Ladies of the Make A Wish Foundation.. You now have my support and better understanding of just what your Foundation makes for those who need what they cannot give to their Loved Ones...

My hat is off to off to all of you...

Johnny.

Note: I think I just came up with a New Project to get involved in when I retire... WHICH IS IN 14 Days... smile

My First Goals When I retire...

I have decided what my first goal is when entering "Retirement"... To learn a few words or phrases from as many languages as possible... At least these..

Hello.. how are you?

I am fine..

My name is....

I am having a great day.

How much is this?

Coffee please...

Can I take your picture?

Can you help me... I'm lost....

Can I speak to a Manager who speaks English please? (for when I'm on the phone trying to get something done by almost any large business,)

and

Where are your restrooms?

and I only have 15 days to get started!!!!!

Post Note: I was asked if it's for traveling? Yes but also to go get gas... Hard to find a station where they speak English... I will probably get frowns for that remark... But it's true..

Johnny....

Traveling The Crossroads Area of Central Louisiana

I like taking my camera with me when I decided to what my wife likes to explain as "He's gone looking".    She worries about me, but knows sooner or later (usually later) the phone will ring and I holler out, "OK... I'm working my way back." Which usually means I'm with about an hour or so away from her hearing my car door slam and me walking in with that "I Love Ya Babe" look, thanking her for letting me go play...

 Soon after moving to Louisiana I quickly realized that one of my favorite areas to to visit is whats call The Crossroads Area of Central Louisiana..  It runs from the western bank of the Mississippi River to the East Bank of the Sabine River...  Centered even deeper in that area are the Parishes of Rapides and Vernon which are filled with back roads connecting small towns like Leesville, Hicks, Hunter, Lacamp, Craven, Pitkins, Union Hill and over to Glenmora  which will get you back on the main road leading North to Alexandria and South back to IH 10.

The people you will meet themselves you will find interesting and very willing to share their knowledge of the history, and places to see in their areas...  

Its what you find on the roads between these small gathering places that is most pleasing to the eye.

Mainly a area where in the 1700 and 1800 people came to live on the great trek west.  Most were farmers and ranchers and their old homes, barns and farms can be seen along these winding, heavily timbered Farm Market Roads.  Years later the area became known for its Timber Industry which is still active (watch out for the big Trucks)... just a warning...

 All one needs to do is slow down and look... Stop and visit with the people, the many crossroad corner stores are waiting for you to come in and buy a sweet tea or maybe some of the local favorite "snacks" they offer that in many cases you will not find anywhere else...  

Don't be afraid to take a back road or dirt road because you never know what your going to find. Just remember, if it says PRIVATE... their not talking about the rank of a soldier in nearby Fort Polk. Which is also a neat place to visit if you get a chance...   come by and visit. 

Oh yea... Don't forget your camera.....

Johnny

His Magic Hours

There are two times during the day when I feel we should stop and take a few minutes to look at what must be God's "Signs" to us that he is always there for us.


Those are the Magic Hours of the Sunrise and the Sunsets.


He made the Sun on the 1st Day in the Creation of our Universe.







 Seems to me we should at least take the time to enjoy what he made for us.










 So if by chance, you find yourself able to pause and enjoy what he paints across our skies for us each day do so.


                       
 Or... Even better, make it a priority in your day.







Because it's a very
good way to start and end your day.

 Lord.... Show Us Your Way..


Photos are by.. Me.  Available upon request...


Johnny

My Pledge or Toast to My RED SOLO CUP

The Pledge or Toast to my RED SOLO CUP...

 by John Glass

"This is MY Red Solo Cup.. 

This is no other Red Solo Cup like MY Red Solo cup...

 It is my friend, my comrade, my provider...

 YOUR Red Solo Cup may be a good Red Solo Cup, but it's not even in the same league as MY Red Solo Cup... 

MY Red Solo Cup has seen many trials and tribulations but has endured through them all..

 I shall raise my Red Solo Cup high and shout it's Fame to all that will hear... 

To MY RED SOLO CUP and God Bless America too...."

Wait a minute... this isn't my cup... damn... Someone get me a new cup AND WRITE MY NAME ON.....

Photo by My Grandson Kenneth Walizer, my Obi-Wan (great teacher of photography), When I saw it I had write a "Pledge/Toast to the Red Solo Cup." Hope you don't mind Kenneth..... 

Johnny