Submitted by: Scott Arens, Guest Columnist
This is by far the best part of the year! By the time this issue of the Pioneer Review hits your hands, things should be in full swing; popcorn poppin’ on the apricot tree (an LDS thing), for us it’ll be on the almond tree. I love the dusting of white blanketing in the Westside. Last year I blinked and missed too many opportunities to get out in the beauty of it. I will not make the same mistake this year.
I have caught myself looking down my nose too often here lately. This type of attitude will find you trouble or in the least, get you into it. I’m thankful it’s been a rather humbling experience, though. I have been able to see things a bit clearer with a bit of getting used to changes. That cotton ball just isn’t sitting on a tree stump but is actually thousands of flowers on hundreds of branches. Back in my boyhood, I was astonished that there were actually blades of grass comprising the green carpets in the out of doors when I took on my “four eyes” label.
Well, I graduated to contacts and then applied Lasik midlife. I haven’t pushed glasses back up my nose for quite a while now, so, haven’t given that challenge much thought. Now it is on to new trials and tribulations and looking down my nose to get my focus with bifocals. And wouldn’t you know it, the computer screen is neither near nor far. I am well into experiencing getting older; specifically humbled at becoming aware that my nose hairs make up the majority of my mustache as the rest of my hair falls out. Yes, it is TMI; ‘Too much information’ for those not running in the Girls’ circle.
Bifocals will bring a lot into perspective as I learn to use them and back into wearing glasses to appreciate crisp, clear, individual almond blossoms again. January is a good month for New Year’s Resolutions; what’s even better, all the other days of the year when one does introspection on personal betterment. S.M.A.R.T goals and lists are powerful tools. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based will go a long way to focus your attention and achieve growth. Use these to define what you want and write it down on paper and read it frequently. I add spirituality to these (S.M.A.R.T.S). Is my specific goal harmonizing with my Father’s will? And with writing things down, lists help me get it done! List it and check it off when completed. You will get so much more accomplished in your day.
My heart is a little heavy, and Thoughts and Prayers will continue to go out to the Herb and Pat Myers family. Pat passed through the Veil and to a happy reunion. I look forward to celebrating her life on Monday the 21st, at 1 pm at the Arbuckle Cemetery. I know that I am not the only one, a better person for my association with the Myers Clan. They are a blessing. We just might be blessed with the almond blossom visage, among others. Godspeed! ■