I am usually one to write my own inspiration, even in my hardest times my personal strength and faith has always carried me through. But I found inspiration from a poem that many of you probably know. My Aunt Kathy sent it to me and it happened to be at a family friends funeral. It was a very helpful to me that I had to add my small part to it. Like always, we find out who truly cares when the people that care about us reach out to help us in any way they can. We can never truly thank them, other than to return the favor and be there for them.
IF by Rudyard Kipling
IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
now my small contribution ...
If, you can give your all, expecting nothing back, or nothing gained;
And try your best, to be the best their is of you;
and the end or beginning comes in any moment.
Then you have done all you can, or all you must, or is required;
Peace is yours, and there is nothing to fear.
24 April 2011
19 April 2011
Life Is ...
Life is as beautiful as it is challenging at times. Amidst the chaos we may face on an every day basis, there are the consistent things that can keep us at peace. Along with the incredibly giving attributes of mankind, you will see unfortunate characteristic as well. We always have to the choice no matter what we face. I find in my most difficult times that I gravitate to the consistent and beautiful aspects of life. Like the sunsets that grace us every dawn. I find not matter how the recent events have pushed me, I will always find the peace of mind I need.
In addition we have the human aspect that at times can be interaction we need. Even if it is coming to someone in their time of need when you may not even be remembered. Few things are as fulfilling as the interaction with another where we are able to be true to who we are. But I don’t think that people come to the blog to hear what I have to think. As you may have caused from the previous statements, it has been a challenge, but I am getting through it. What would life be without a little difficulty thrown in the way? Puerto Rico is still beautiful, the weather is gorgeous and I am doing my best to make life great. Since I last wrote, I have been to Old San Juan and the old fort there. It is a very diverse history and played in a part in many conflicts over the centuries. I have taken photographs of some beautiful sunsets, went to a bonfire on the beach and had the opportunity to work with some Air Force personnel when they did some much needed work on the base. I even got a tour of an aerial refueler plane.
The bonfire was a good time, I tried to get some night shots, but with the moon as bright as it is out here, I have not been able to get any really crisp moon shots. Music, people and a fire on the beach as the waves crashed just about 20 feet from us. Other than the clouds that slowly marched across the sky, every star shown in the night sky. I got the opportunity to meet some new people and enjoy the fire.
The highlight of the sightseeing is the history of the island. Whether that is the ruins of the old lighthouse at Borinquen Beach or the old fort at Old San Juan and the wall that still surrounds the coasts. It gives you an idea of what life use to be like. Massive walls surrounded the city with only one entry to protect the people that inhabited the area. The people lived with the constant threat of invasion and the fort was maintained a constant watch inside and outside the walls. The bedding was little more than a blanket on some flat wood.
The area was known as hell for the soldiers stationed here because they had to deal the humidity and heat wearing a full uniform and armor. A little different that what we think of now when we go to a tropical area. A wall surrounds the entire coast, ten feet thick and 30 feet high in some areas. A single gate would allow entry to the city. In those days if I were to get stations 3000 miles from home, I would probably not see my family for a very very long time. I may not even hear depending on the turmoil in the area. I suppose the soldiers did not really have a choice in the matter, but that could not have been busy. The Fort consists of several towers, with lookouts at every angle. One was used for during World War 2 as a lookout there. On the other hand, you have the old lighthouse at Borinquen Beach.
Little remains of the tower that once stood there, but you can see the sturdy construction of the base. Two side have ten foot walls while the coast side has about 3-4 feet. The color still resides in the red bricks mixed with the concrete. In the center, there is a basin that looks like it may have been where a fire once burned. It is easy to let the imagine run when I walk through the tunnels of the old fort or see the ruins of the lighthouse. Like when I toured the castles of Europe, I could imagine the soldiers at their posts firing the cannons or searching for a ship on the horizon.
Finally, I was able to get a tour of some modern technology that in some ways is just as awe inspiring. I was able to see and tour an Aerial Refueler from the cockpit to the controls for the refueling mechanism. Not only is the shear size of the plane impressive, but also the loading capacity and capability’s to support an entire fleet of planes for a very long time. Needless to say, it is a little larger than our helicopters.
I suppose overall, life is not suppose to be anything, I am doing what I can to enjoy the ride. There is still much to see and do. If anyone is interested, I post more pictures on facebook. I will keep you updated. Until I write again, enjoy every moment.
In addition we have the human aspect that at times can be interaction we need. Even if it is coming to someone in their time of need when you may not even be remembered. Few things are as fulfilling as the interaction with another where we are able to be true to who we are. But I don’t think that people come to the blog to hear what I have to think. As you may have caused from the previous statements, it has been a challenge, but I am getting through it. What would life be without a little difficulty thrown in the way? Puerto Rico is still beautiful, the weather is gorgeous and I am doing my best to make life great. Since I last wrote, I have been to Old San Juan and the old fort there. It is a very diverse history and played in a part in many conflicts over the centuries. I have taken photographs of some beautiful sunsets, went to a bonfire on the beach and had the opportunity to work with some Air Force personnel when they did some much needed work on the base. I even got a tour of an aerial refueler plane.
The bonfire was a good time, I tried to get some night shots, but with the moon as bright as it is out here, I have not been able to get any really crisp moon shots. Music, people and a fire on the beach as the waves crashed just about 20 feet from us. Other than the clouds that slowly marched across the sky, every star shown in the night sky. I got the opportunity to meet some new people and enjoy the fire.
The highlight of the sightseeing is the history of the island. Whether that is the ruins of the old lighthouse at Borinquen Beach or the old fort at Old San Juan and the wall that still surrounds the coasts. It gives you an idea of what life use to be like. Massive walls surrounded the city with only one entry to protect the people that inhabited the area. The people lived with the constant threat of invasion and the fort was maintained a constant watch inside and outside the walls. The bedding was little more than a blanket on some flat wood.
The area was known as hell for the soldiers stationed here because they had to deal the humidity and heat wearing a full uniform and armor. A little different that what we think of now when we go to a tropical area. A wall surrounds the entire coast, ten feet thick and 30 feet high in some areas. A single gate would allow entry to the city. In those days if I were to get stations 3000 miles from home, I would probably not see my family for a very very long time. I may not even hear depending on the turmoil in the area. I suppose the soldiers did not really have a choice in the matter, but that could not have been busy. The Fort consists of several towers, with lookouts at every angle. One was used for during World War 2 as a lookout there. On the other hand, you have the old lighthouse at Borinquen Beach.
Little remains of the tower that once stood there, but you can see the sturdy construction of the base. Two side have ten foot walls while the coast side has about 3-4 feet. The color still resides in the red bricks mixed with the concrete. In the center, there is a basin that looks like it may have been where a fire once burned. It is easy to let the imagine run when I walk through the tunnels of the old fort or see the ruins of the lighthouse. Like when I toured the castles of Europe, I could imagine the soldiers at their posts firing the cannons or searching for a ship on the horizon.
Finally, I was able to get a tour of some modern technology that in some ways is just as awe inspiring. I was able to see and tour an Aerial Refueler from the cockpit to the controls for the refueling mechanism. Not only is the shear size of the plane impressive, but also the loading capacity and capability’s to support an entire fleet of planes for a very long time. Needless to say, it is a little larger than our helicopters.
I suppose overall, life is not suppose to be anything, I am doing what I can to enjoy the ride. There is still much to see and do. If anyone is interested, I post more pictures on facebook. I will keep you updated. Until I write again, enjoy every moment.
21 March 2011
Serenity
It has been a short while since I wrote, life and work has been busy. I have been out and about exploring the world I now have the opportunity to reside in. Taking in the culture, the scenery and people. As with anywhere, there are both negative and positive aspects. I can honesty say that I am most grateful for the common aspects of the environment no matter where we end up. We never know what our day will bring us, but one thing for certain is the sun will always rise and it will always set. There will always be some semblance of night and day. No sunset or sunrise is the same as it was before. There is always a different nuance to the dynamics of the light. The clouds that artistically fill the sky; an infinite variety of textures, light and scenery to mesmerize our mind. It makes me feel closer to home knowing that the same sun will set for them. No matter how many times I watch it, it is always beautiful, always calming. I find that inner peace as the sky turns from it light blue, to the vivid colors and finally to the darkness as the stars reveal themselves. Even when the day has been trying at best, the sunset will always be there.
The culture here is as any other culture is. It has the very desirable and not so desirable aspects. For the most part the People here are very generous, with what they have. You find some of the best food at the road side stands selling fresh fruit, chicken, hamburgers or any food you can think of. Businesses reside in everything you see. One side of the house is the storefront, while the other is where the family lives. The narrow streets are lined with a myriad of colored houses, small and humble. Some Raised up on concrete stilts with circular staircases, while some are a multi family dwelling right on the street. Cars are parked wherever space is available. Citizens cross the street oblivious to the flow of traffic and young men and women ride horses down the street. It truly is a conglomerate of old and new. It is civilized, yet lacks many of the expectations of order. The expectation is to expect everything, yet nothing at the same time.
As interesting as I find the crowded aspect of the culture, the scenery is what I find most interesting. The sand dunes, beaches, waterfalls, caves and cliff sides; I can see that much of view has not changed from the time this island was inhabited by the native when the sailing ships first arrived. From what I have seen in my adventures, it appears that every place is like a different style of painting. It has similar elements, but is unique in how it is all brought together. Puerto Rico is no different. The ocean buds up against the beaches lined with beds of rock and corral. Waves constantly crash onto the shore sometimes reaching the cliffs that rise a little as feet from the shore. Greenery is everywhere you look, occasionally sparse at the sand dunes, but still the trees find their place. The sun beats down moments before a short tropical storm soaks the ground.
I suppose that Life will not always keep you at home. You will have to leave your comfort zone, inhabit places that are unfamiliar. We can only hope that family and friends will join us along the way. That new friends will be made along the path and that we will have the opportunity to reach our potential and be the best person we can be. I have never truly forgotten where I came from or where I have been. I do my best to see the beauty of the world I see at a time, but I still miss those I have come to cherish. I have to keep myself busy, check out new areas and do what I can to stay in touch. It gets difficult at times. As I said before, there are those things that bond us, those everyday occurrences that happen no matter where we are. Along with the beauty of the scenery, the culture and the people. I can say that life is good. Always grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to simply live.
21 February 2011
A Beautiful View from Above and good food.
There are many beautiful things in this world, the kind of things you see on National Geographic or Discovery Channel. Not to say I can compare to the photographers or writer of those extraordinary magazines, but I am fortunate enough to photograph and experience these sights. This last weeks adventure was to the Window Cave and a Food Network Event at the Air Station. How can I complain? Food and beauty in the same day.
The Window cave was spectacular. You arrive at the trail and do a seamlessly normal walk over lush terrain clueless to the idea that caverns the size of large house reside below you. As you look to your left, there is an entrance the size of a smart car with a few trees that line the entrance. As you look in you see a small light at the end, with stalactites and stalagmites growing from every surface. Heading farther down the trail line by the verdant plant life. Occasionally seeing a small lizard or a movement in the leaves that line the ground you come to a grove with two cave entrances, one to a large cavern the size of a large house, the other, a dark entrance with little or no light in the core of the cavern. The first cavern was large and open, there was enough light to get through without a light. The ground is slippery from the ever-present water drops, and mud that line the ground. There are places to climb, and not knowing what hides in the small crevices we used for grip just added to the challenge. The low light made it even more interesting. Occasionally we would see a insect of some sort or feel a drop of water. After we made our way up the ledge to the original entrance we took the rope down and headed out to the large entrance and headed for what is known as the window cave.
The Window Cave is the smaller cave with a steep and dark entry. It has some similar landmarks as the larger cave, but lack any light source to make your way through. With our lights, we were able to see a family of bats sleeping in one of the many oval shaped indentions in the roof. They moved a little at the light, but were otherwise quite adorable in a bat sort of way. After we made our way through the relatively spacious main cavern, we found our way through a smaller passage to a lighted window over looking a valley. The silhouettes of the people gazing at the view said enough for the view. Once you reach the window past the potholes in the ceiling and the stalagmites falling from the ceiling. The light flowing in to halfway cover the many surfaces the diverse cave landscape offered to the eyes. Once you reach the cave opening or window as they call it. The landscape stretches before you. The river meandering past a man made bridge. Line of trees and shrubbery follow the smooth curve of the river. Fields, Cliffs, roads all in front of you as you see the dramatic height that you are looking from.
I have to admit I had a little fun, did some bouldering although some would call it rock climbing considering the height. I assure you I was careful, but that is what you have to do for a photograph sometimes. I followed the ledge out to the tree about ten feet above the sill of the window. It was a good little challenge. Following our lightless and excellent display of teamwork as we made our way back through the entrance. The challenge was to make our way through by feel, not sight, smell or hearing.
Later that evening the good food happened. Some chefs from the food network, the Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleaders and an American Idol person came to perform a live show and cook some good food. It was a fun event. The weather was gorgeous. The performances went well, especially when the children came out with cheerleaders. The food was very good. How could a man complain when ribs, Panini, a pastrami sandwich and some other food made by very skilled chefs. I ate good that night. The cheerleaders put on a good show, but I was more interested in the scenery and food. Call me crazy, but that is what makes me tick.
Overall it was a wonderful weekend. I look forward to telling you more about this adventure in Puerto Rico. Until I write again Enjoy every moment.
The Window cave was spectacular. You arrive at the trail and do a seamlessly normal walk over lush terrain clueless to the idea that caverns the size of large house reside below you. As you look to your left, there is an entrance the size of a smart car with a few trees that line the entrance. As you look in you see a small light at the end, with stalactites and stalagmites growing from every surface. Heading farther down the trail line by the verdant plant life. Occasionally seeing a small lizard or a movement in the leaves that line the ground you come to a grove with two cave entrances, one to a large cavern the size of a large house, the other, a dark entrance with little or no light in the core of the cavern. The first cavern was large and open, there was enough light to get through without a light. The ground is slippery from the ever-present water drops, and mud that line the ground. There are places to climb, and not knowing what hides in the small crevices we used for grip just added to the challenge. The low light made it even more interesting. Occasionally we would see a insect of some sort or feel a drop of water. After we made our way up the ledge to the original entrance we took the rope down and headed out to the large entrance and headed for what is known as the window cave.
The Window Cave is the smaller cave with a steep and dark entry. It has some similar landmarks as the larger cave, but lack any light source to make your way through. With our lights, we were able to see a family of bats sleeping in one of the many oval shaped indentions in the roof. They moved a little at the light, but were otherwise quite adorable in a bat sort of way. After we made our way through the relatively spacious main cavern, we found our way through a smaller passage to a lighted window over looking a valley. The silhouettes of the people gazing at the view said enough for the view. Once you reach the window past the potholes in the ceiling and the stalagmites falling from the ceiling. The light flowing in to halfway cover the many surfaces the diverse cave landscape offered to the eyes. Once you reach the cave opening or window as they call it. The landscape stretches before you. The river meandering past a man made bridge. Line of trees and shrubbery follow the smooth curve of the river. Fields, Cliffs, roads all in front of you as you see the dramatic height that you are looking from.
I have to admit I had a little fun, did some bouldering although some would call it rock climbing considering the height. I assure you I was careful, but that is what you have to do for a photograph sometimes. I followed the ledge out to the tree about ten feet above the sill of the window. It was a good little challenge. Following our lightless and excellent display of teamwork as we made our way back through the entrance. The challenge was to make our way through by feel, not sight, smell or hearing.
Later that evening the good food happened. Some chefs from the food network, the Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleaders and an American Idol person came to perform a live show and cook some good food. It was a fun event. The weather was gorgeous. The performances went well, especially when the children came out with cheerleaders. The food was very good. How could a man complain when ribs, Panini, a pastrami sandwich and some other food made by very skilled chefs. I ate good that night. The cheerleaders put on a good show, but I was more interested in the scenery and food. Call me crazy, but that is what makes me tick.
Overall it was a wonderful weekend. I look forward to telling you more about this adventure in Puerto Rico. Until I write again Enjoy every moment.
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