Thoughts about life and death

Today is February 5, 2006 and I have just learned of the death of one of my cousins. He was in his early 80's and a wonderful man. He inspired me to write an essay when I was very young about my aspirations to study dentistry, and I know that it pleased him very much.

As with every death of a family member, my thoughts go to the philosophy of life that drives all of us to either promote our own aspirations, or to continue with the life style that has been our "lot in life". We all have, without exception, the ability to continue with doing what we do every day, often referred to as being "in a rut", or to give ourselves what I call a KITA. That, of course, is a noun, but the first word, "kick" is a verb. I'm sure you can figure out the rest of the phrase.

All too often it is so easy to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors, reflecting on the good and the bad times, and enjoying the vicarious thrill of times gone by. Or, if we are so inspired (or inclined) we can break away from this lethargy and inspire ourselves to do just a little more.

When someone passes away, if I knew them well, I take on the mantle of the young person sitting in the dance hall who has sat on the sidelines all during the dance, not dancing because of shyness, or whatever, and now it's the time when they're playing the tune for the last dance. I think about the person who has died, and I wonder if they have been sitting on the sidelines of life, waiting for that opportune time to get out there and dance, or if they waited too long and now the last tune has been played and they never "got out there". It is a sad thing to let life go by without taking advantage of the wonders that are available.

Just recently I took out a video tape from the library which is all scenery, much of it taken from a plane or helicopter (my favorite videos) and supported with inspirational music in the background. I'm really not into religious inspirational music, but the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is an exception, and hearing them while watching wonderful scenes of mountains and streams has got to inspire anyone. It makes you appreciate life and inspires me, at least, to see more of what nature has to offer.

Since retirement a few years ago I have come to enjoy the marvels of computers, as well as digital photography, and the two are not only compatible, but are like wine, bread and cheese, - a perfect combination. So, this morning I was entering more pictures into my computer library and started to maximize or improve (we do not like to use the term "enhance" as it suggests manipulation) one of the pictures that I took recently. The location is the dining room in my bunkhouse which is where I entertain my computer and photographic cronies. Since I no longer go to our favorite hunting camp in New Hampshire, the bunkhouse has to do the duty of providing a place for me and my drinking buddies to hang out. I had set up the table for lunch, and it all looked so nice that I took a picture of the scene. I had fun cooking a big batch of chicken cacciatore and penne, and we knocked off a half gallon of my favorite wine, Fortissimo, while we settled the problems of the world. A super way to spend a winter afternoon (if you have to be indoors).