September 2021 – Leadership Blog

Hello to all

There are times when topics flood me, and writing one-page papers comes to me easily. This is a time when writing on any given subject challenges me. In this case, I seek the help of others. So, if there is a subject you have in mind for me, please make the suggestion. I’ll try to make it happen.

IT is why I filled a page of Haikus for a recent paper. They are easy for me to write. Those brief sayings are fun to capture. If you’ve not tried, give it a try.

In the meantime, Lenette and I are doing well living in a Senior Village called Revel. Our apartment is a bit more than 800 sq. ft., located on the southwest corner of the 4^th floor. It has a beautiful deck and views of the Mountains and the Ski area located directly west of us.

We have been here since its opening about one and a half years now, and we’ve met some wonderful people. Interestingly, most come from back east and have moved to Reno to be close to their adult children and grandchildren.

The facility we live in has a bar and large restaurant that serves all meals. All meals have a charge that is about equal to typical restaurant fare. We can have guests, although reservations are necessary, and wine and other alcoholic drinks are available.

During the week, our relatively small gym is well used, but again and due to size, it’s essential to reserve a space. Also, we have small groups of people who meet with common backgrounds and enjoy sharing their stories, including an open discussion group that takes on various topics. We have both guest lecturers and residents with very interesting backgrounds who also speak.

Management from top to bottom does an excellent job of seeing to our needs. All in all, we feel lucky that we’re here and sharing time and activities with others we enjoy.

Haiku Thoughts

The Haiku is simple. Five syllables in the first line. Seven in the 2^nd line and five in the 3^rd.

Try it, It can be fun. Here is a pageful!

Time has its own time——–It unfolds at its own pace——–Fast or slow, it goes.

I read and I write——–Working to fill a time with thought——–It works and then does not.

Been smoke and cloud-filled——–Not a good time to go out——–Try to be fulfilled.

Age is a topic——–What to do with it?——–A question I try to answer.

This day is just fine——–Sun, blue skies, mountains so clear——–One of those sweet days.

Often our state of world——–Troubles me and I know zero——–Or can do nothing.

Nice to be in touch——–Hearing from you, so good——–Thank you for doing.

This day is vital——–How many more are left us——–Enjoy the gift.

How lucky to be——–I see, I hear, I feel now——–What else do we need?

Time cannot be held——–It is not a thing or place——–Or river that flows.

Enjoy each moment——–It leaves too soon and now what——–Waiting is foolish.

We are so unique——–None the same and yet we try——–Be yourself and glad.

Words are a challenge——Be sure of how you use them—-Often misunderstood.

Nature offers so much——–vTry saying this as Haiku——–It is original.

My Thoughts on Aging

I’m compelled to write a paper having to do with “My” aging process. Maybe there’s a lesson for some others I stay in touch with and maybe not, but this is about me in any case.

I consider myself lucky. I will be 95 years young this coming December 5^th. I’m feeling fine; I still exercise, read, write, enjoy being with people, and am very aware that time is precious. And that’s probably the main point I’ll try to make in this paper.

I have a sense of three very distinct parts to my life. That is what I’d like to share with you. The first is the present. It is where I live, spend much of my time, and try to be with each minute of the present. That means Listening as best I can to what others are saying. This is not easy since I wear earpieces, and the sounds in our dining room bounce off walls and resonate throughout the large room. I concentrate on what is said, not what I have to say. This is fine with me since I’ve spent a goodly portion of my life getting people to listen to me. So obviously, I’m learning Lots more about others and worrying less about what they learn from me.

The next important part of my life is my history. I DO NOT LIVE IN MY HISTORY but use it to explain the reasons behind my attitude and behavior towards most things in the present. I draw from my history as history and do my best to clarify that it is a resource I draw from, not to be confused with current events. I consider myself blessed to have excellent recall, and I use this in my storytelling.

Finally, the day will come when it is our final day. We all have a diminishing future. It is important to maximize each moment, and I do. Whether with Lenette, friends, my cat (Mia), or reading, eating and enjoying our snuggly bed. I fear not and know I’ve been blessed. So have most of us.

Please don’t interpret this as a premonition of anything. I feel I’ll be around and hopefully remain creative for a good couple of years. I’m still enjoying—so, why not?

Life is an unknown———So let it come as it will————–Today is our day.