Sometimes to maintain standards and discipline you must accept the burden of wearing the mantel of “The Bad Guy.” We live in a world where fear of unpopularity or being the focus of blame trumps honesty and integrity. The need … Read More
There was a fly buzzing back and forth in the house tonight and not being able to catch it was a real annoyance. I remembered purchasing some fly strips months ago and put one inside a lampshade. After a while … Read More
We live about a mile and a half west of Marietta Square, north of Atlanta. At night we can hear the whistles of north and southbound trains as they journey through the city. It is actually a very soothing and … Read More
In two previous entries for the Backyard Life I made mistakes. The two incorrect entries were in Born Interloper and “Grandmother.” We subsequently learned that the bird in the Born Interloper entry was not a Blue jay but rather a Tufted Titmouse. … Read More
Sometimes the most difficult thing yet the most essential thing when trying to solve a problem is intentionally letting go. When fierce concentration does not work, relaxing by opening the mind will often introduce the simplest solution. We have all experienced … Read More
The lunch tree and its lunch root sit on a gradual climb about three miles into a fairly technical ride. You’ll know it because it’s about 40 yards past the split log and sharp 90-degree turn. The angled root protrudes … Read More
I’ll try a new path tomorrow. The entry is a short slope upward that leads to a drastic drop over a dry streambed to some bottomland deep in the wood. Sharp twists and turns, exposed roots, periodic mud holes, rises … Read More
Bicycling, like flying, is an extension of our mind. In dreams we fly through forests passing swiftly between trees down gullies and over rises. We never touch the branches, wings never hit the trees, faster and faster, the senses are … Read More
Height and strength are irrelevant, how handsome or beautiful does not matter, what is owned or in the bank is of no consequence, no matter how aggressive or right you might be, no matter how much in control or able … Read More
When a Butterfly lands on a flower does it know the experience of pain and worry? Is it consumed with the trappings of daily life? Is it nothing more than a higher form of stone without thought, feeling, just an … Read More