A Little Bit Of Free Association
My oldest son was in high school when he made me this dolphin. It's basically jumping out of the ocean over a wave that acts as its pedestal.
At the time, he was disappointed that it had not turned out better. He apologized to me for it. I told him he shouldn't be sorry. It was great. I didn't see the flaws. I saw a son who loved me and who was willing to make something he wasn't perfect at because he thought I might like it.
The dolphin and wave was created 12 years ago. It is one among a handful of gifts that I cherish from either of my two boys. It wasn't because of the cost, or the reason he made it (I liked the Miami Dolphins), it was because he put hours and effort into creating something with his own two hands. Sure, it was a project for school, but he could have chosen to make anything. He chose this instead.
The dolphin has two of my most favorite colors—aqua blue and orange. I really like the combination. They remind me of the sun hanging low in the sky over a sparkling ocean. There was a little too much cloud cover when this was image was taken, but this is more or less what I think of when I see these colors. Okay, maybe not so much the ancient beach front property, but I think you get what I mean. Sun, ocean, beach, tropical vegetation, nice breeze.
Paradise.
Like this. I'm sure no one would mind if I just built a small bungalow up that hill a ways and lived out the rest of my days in peaceful bliss.
Sigh.
The problem, I've found, with living in paradise (aside from the fact that it's not completely idyllic all the time) is it costs way too much. To live comfortably, you practically need a million dollar income. You can do it for less, but you're constantly working just to maintain, and that takes away from being able to enjoy your natural surroundings and just relax from all troubles and cares, which is why you're there in the first place.
Regardless, I like to dream. It keeps me sane. It keeps the boredom from getting too bad when things get too routine. I like structure, but I also I like variety. I also like the idea of having the freedom to go or do what I want, when I want. Is that wrong of me? I don't think so. I think that's the kind of life we all should be striving for. One where working to survive turns into just plain living.
Your Turn
What's your favorite gift a loved one or a good friend has given you? Why? What does it remind you of?
What's your favorite color(s)? Why? What do you think of when you see them? What do you feel?
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? What would you need to do to get there?
Is it wrong to want things you don't have that might be pretty expensive to acquire? Why or why not?
I'd really enjoy hearing from you, so please leave a comment. Or if you feel so inspired, write a post about any of these themes and leave a link.
About This Post
I keep the dolphin on a shelf in my office for safe keeping, so it's not really a garden ornament.
My wife and I went to Cancun in 2011. We visited the archaeological site in Tulum, where the middle image was taken.
My wife and I have also been to the island of Oahu three times. The final image was taken on our last trip in April of 2017.
All images courtesy of Glen Anthony Albrethsen
My wedding ring is one of my most prized gifts. It is a wonderful reminder of my wife and my family.
I like the color blue. It reminds me of the ocean and tranquility. Although the ocean can be violent at times.
My family and I moved from Indonesia back to the States about 3 years ago. If you asked my kiddos where they would to live they would say Indonesia. They forget some of the hard parts of life that we experienced there, because the memories are just too good :) If we were to move back, I would need a strong visa so that I could work.
Wrong to want something more? Depends. I believe in setting goals and looking forward, but I need to make sure I don't make those goals and dreams turn into idols that consume my life and rob me of joy.
Great post! And it is nice when people ask engaging questions. I try to do the same.
Well, thank you, @sumatranate. I've decided I need to up my game as far as engaging posts go, so we'll see how that goes.
That's quite a move—first to Indonesia, and the back! I don't know much about it, but I would imagine that there would be some things you would be giving up to live there. The fact that your children are remembering much more the good times over the hardships can be chalked up to their ages and their self-awareness perhaps, but really, it should also boil down to good times. :)
Work is a hard thing anywhere. Finding the one that provides you what you need without sucking away life and soul isn't easy. It should be the means to a better life, but too often, it becomes life.
As a parent, I can't blame you for wanting opportunities that are stable, better paying, and able to provide for your family. It's not all fun and games, even if it should be. :)
re: wedding ring
Good choice. Interesting that it's a gift, though. I take it you didn't purchase it then?
re: blue
Blue is hard to beat. Lots of shades are great. I tend toward darker blues than I do lighter.
re: want something more
That seems to be the consensus that's building. Work toward goals, improving, bettering yourself or situation, but don't lose sight of what you do have and always appreciate it.
Looks like you are doing a great job in the engagement category. You won my follow because I can see that you are here to engage.
For as much as we had to give up when we first moved there, it felt like we gave up more to move back to the States. I am so glad that my kiddos think so fondly of that time in our life.
My wife purchased my ring (I think so away). Even if it is technically not a gift is a great symbol and reminder of the life I have and an encouragement to strive towards a better life (one that does not kill off your soul).
Have a blessed day. See you around the Steem community!
Well, I appreciate that. I've been a member of @abh12345's Curation and Engagement League since late March of last year. Really changed my perspective of what I was here to do and how I could accomplish it. So, engaging is definitely something I want to do, and it would be nice to entice more people to do it on my blog, along with me venturing out to the posts of others.
re: ring
Well, that sounds like a gift to me. :) It is a great symbol and reminder. Well said.
This reminds me of something my dad made. He made 2 ceramic bulls in shop class when he was 14 and gave them to my grandmother. He never cared much for them but she talked about them every time i saw her (RIP). I have all her cool ceramic dishes when she passed, all i wanted. The house is still in sale mode and this reminded me " hey get those bulls". Great read @glenalbrethsen :]
It's amazing how that works, isn't it, @weirdheadaches? How people can really love the little things we do, even if we don't really think much of them. My younger son made a pretty simple but very useful paper towel holder for one of his shop projects. I don't know what we would do without it. :)
There's certainly a lot to be said for sentimental value. Parents are used to giving so much, for so little in return, that when things like this happen, for better or for worse, they tend to get elevated in our minds and in our hearts. :)
Totally agree. Im not one for material possessions, excess anyway. But, much to be said on sentiment. My next #fff will have one of my gmas bowls. I miss her.
Great post. We are going to Florida on Saturday. It will be the 4th year in a row with our children and my parents ... special times.
Peace
Hey, @clumsysilverdad.
Nice. Four years running. That's amazing in and of itself, considering everyone can have different schedules and the conflicts that can arise.
Is there a particular place in Florida you keep going back to? And why Florida for the reoccurring vacation destination?
Florida is one place I haven't been yet, but have been thinking a lot about visiting. My wife has a friend that's been living there for a couple of years now, but we've not taken advantage of her hospitality yet. Any suggestions on what to see or where to go if we do ever make it that way? :)
Other thing about Florida there is the air is very clean, all the fresh air coming off the ocean from each side of the peninsula, tends to be invigorating. (-:
Well everyone has there favorite place I imagine, but my parents getaway now for a few months in the winter, and they found this "treasure coast" area of Florida between Vero Beach and Melbourne on the Atlantic side. Very low-key, no high rise buildings or huge highways, nice family atmosphere and a lot of retired visitors, and a lot of nature... dolphins, sea turtles, manatees etc... and some pretty good food, especially seafood of course. And citrus! It's kind of like "the real Florida" people say, not over run. Peace
That sounds awesome, @clumsysilverdad. One of these days, we'll need to make it over there. Low key, seafood, citrus, nature, clean air and invigoration about sums up what I'm looking for. :) Enjoy your trip. Hopefully you'll be sharing some of it with us. :)
The best gift I have gotten like you, is a painted rock from my daughter when she was in Kindergarten. She found it in the shape of a heart and painted it for me! It’s on my desk to see everyday!
I love the color black. It reminds me of the dark times we live through and gives me perspectives of the importance of hardwork and effort in addition to doing things the right way first.
After my vacation last year, I would to live close to a lake in the mountain to enjoy the view on a balcony with my cups of coffee during the day.
As long as you achieve the things on your own merit, I think we deserve to enjoy the fruits of our efforts. However, excesses without giving back are somewhat disappointing.
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Hey, @newageinv.
Thanks for sharing this. It's always the little things we cherish and remember the most. Plus, how many rocks are actually heart-shaped! An amazing gift.
I like black to. I haven't thought of it in that way, but there's definitely something to what you say. I know I can get into dark moods sometimes. That's when black is most appealing. :)
A mountain lake. Great choice. Cool, with a view.
Work to have, give back when you do. Words to live by.
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STOPsitting in 30 degree heat in Australia, those beaches look inviting. I've traveled to New Zealand and France, I would love to travel to Norway etc eventually, but I also find that "desire" and attachment to outcome can lead to suffering. Even so, I think aspirations are still noble.
I have many great gifts from my father, unfortunately I have not been able to find his artwork.
I've pretty much stayed within North America, so you're one up on me if you made it all the way to Europe, @jeremyrfk. My wife has been to Japan with my son, though, so she's got that on me, too. :)
I'd highly recommend Hawaii or the Cancun/Maya Riviera of Mexico. Very much enjoyed each trip, and more so each successive trip because we've known more about where we were going and what to do.
Norway might be something to do in summer time. I'm looking for warmer weather where I go, so if I ever make it to Europe (and my wife wants to, so it could actually happen), I'm hoping for the South of France, Spain, Italy, etc. Hanging around the Mediterranean would be nice. :)
I probably should make it to Denmark at some point, since my last name is actually the result of Danish patronymics, so maybe we just tour all of Scandinavia. :)
Spain Italy and the rest of Scandinavia are all on my bucket list, I can certainly attest to France, I was only there for under a week however, I saw the Monaco grand prix, It's a beautiful city and great food. I'm happy to visit almost anything with an interesting culture or historic and archaeological sites.
Denmark would be nice, I'll have to visit Hungary at some point considering I have family there also.
Why would it be wrong to want things simply because they're expensive? Are the wealthy the only ones who have a right to want expensive things and the rest of us are 'getting above our station' if we want the same?
Personally, I alternate between being content with what I have and using my wants for the finer/pricier things to motivate me to accomplish more. I don't think either one is bad but you're probably better off with a touch of both.
Can't disagree with any of that, @coloneljethro. :) In my particular situation, there's generally someone, usually my wife, saying something can't be done, essentially, because of this and that, rather than just buying into the vision, so the rest can fall into place. There would obviously be a need for something to be done, but the doors tend to open once the direction is set, and what the means are, I don't even think it's possible to know what those would be yet. Once the first domino falls, the rest fall, too.
True, it helps to know your destination when trying to figure out how to get there. I tend to act first and then try to figure out how to make it work along the way. It don't always turn out for the best but it keeps me from indulging in my penchant for procrastination.
Howdy sir Glen! Havne't been around much this week so I thought I'd see what was going on. You've been to Oahu three times? Dang! That's fantastic. I've never even been out of the country. Those are wonderful scenery photos and I think the Dolphin is pretty darn cool, I think he did a great job.
Well, Hawaii is a part of the United States, so it's not really leaving the country, though you do have to leave the continental U.S. to get there. :)
Yes, my wife and I have been to Oahu three times. Next time, we're probably going to try Maui (whenever next time is). Our family also spent a few hours in Vancouver, British Columbia, and all of us have spent time in Mexico, mainly my wife and the boys. I've been there a total of four times, mostly Mexico City and some of the surrounding states, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and the Cancun area.
So, really, I haven't left North America. One of these days, maybe.
I take it you weren't able to catch up after the internet came back on? Or have you been down some more? More work around the property, maybe?
sir Glen! yes I know Hawaii is part of the United States! lol..don't get smart on me, I'll have to come over there! But Mexico ain't and I never been there neither. Most people can't afford to travel over the ocean. Can you say travel overseas if you're going to Hawaii? geez.
No, I started working outside on projects that need to get done before Spring so when we got back online I decided to keep working outside, I basically took the week off, haven't done that since I started.
Hey what happens when someone hits the "ignore" button, I don't even know where it is but in my comments I keep getting a red box which says Ignored under someone's username. What does that do anyway, keeps them from seeing my posts? it's always from people I don't know, same thing with "unfollows".
Yeah, there's an ignore or mute button that people can push if they decide they don't want to see posts or comments from people anymore. I've used it a time or two, but usually unfollowing will do the trick, unless the folks are constantly bombarding your posts through the comment section. Not sure why anyone would be doing it to you, though. You can mute folks by either clicking on your followers, or those who are following you. I would guess it's mostly used to mute people who are following or who just won't leave people alone. :)
Well I don't know why people would do that either, I mean if I don't want to read someone's posts I just skip them I don't mute them or unfollow them. Does that happen to you too? Or is it just me? lol. I've had some comments, mostly from people in other countries who don't like what I do because they think I'm pushing violence or in favor of violence or something because of the history that I do.
I have muted a few people before. They're following me, for some reason. I did it because they were leaving spam comments on posts and if they're muted I don't have to see them. Basically works as a flag without any of the major consequences.
Unfollowing folks does make more sense than muting them, unless one feels that it's only going to be for a while and instead of unfollowing, a simple unmuting will take care of it. I probably wouldn't do it myself, but it's probably done (since virtually anything possible is done here).
Pushing or in favor of violence, eh? Hmmmm. Well, you've been heavy on outlaws of late, but you also seem to have some kind of an audience for it, so I guess you take the good with the bad in such cases.
History, however, is history, and I'd rather know it than not. We're living in interesting times, sir, where too many seem to go looking to be offended, rather than moving on. In a way, I don't mind sticking up for oneself, someone else, or a principle—all good things—but lately, it's been overboard. We'll get to the point where we can't say anything or do anything that isn't offensive to someone somewhere.
Of course, since a lot of it has to do with putting people in their place, or playing the victim, a lot of it is disingenuous and taking advantage of the situation and the times. So, I say, for what it's worth, you keep doing what you're doing, and those who don't like it have the option to do what they're doing—unfollow, mute, or simply not read.
Good morning sir Glen! I agree and with that this platform was designed so that it wasn't so easy for large accounts to downvote people they don't agree with because they become the unofficial censors.
And then with all these flag wars and all that, what a waste of voting power!
Hey I wanted to ask you about delegations because someone told me that if you delegate you earn 8% interest on the amount that you delegate. Then the other day a couple of people were talking about delegating and they said you make less from delegating, in other words you lose money than if you left it in your account.
I bet you've researched delegating.