Tag: Abraham Lincoln

  • Master Sculptor

    A little boy watched a sculptor begin chiseling a large block of marble. The sculptor worked meticulously until the slab looked like the face of Abraham Lincoln. “How did you do that?” the little boy asked. The sculptor said with a smile, “All I have to do is chip away everything that doesn’t look like Lincoln.”

    Writing is a bit like sculpting. I chisel a little bit here; chip away some more over there. The hope being that the written message originally intended is left behind.

    As I nurture my “sculpture,” one of the key ingredients being is how to seek and achieve balance in a too-crazy-busy life. So many people and things cry out for our attention these days. Where do you turn? And when do you cry out for help? You’ve probably heard, “Love your neighbor as yourself” before. But have you considered first loving yourself properly in order to love others in your life? My hope is that through my perspective of a brain surgery survivor you, too, will regain control of your mind, body, and soul. One clue is to practice the art of being still.

    For now, back to my edits to make my sculpture (i.e. book) excellent and appealing to you the reader! More tips to follow.

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  • Days #5 & #6 – Out West Trip

    Day #5: Entering Black Hills, South Dakota – bear country (says a huge billboard)!  On Mountain Time zone now, which means two hours behind our normal time.

    Just the ride up Mt. Rushmore Highway to see Mt. Rushmore and the President’s faces was worth the ride. Seeing only pictures of the four men doesn’t do the monument justice. It’s true what they say: at least six sets of eyes followed me. Washington, Roosevelt, and Lincoln eyes seemed to follow me in the afternoon sun. Jefferson’s head, slightly tipped, didn’t appear to follow in the same manner.

    As I sat at the base of the monument in the outdoor amphitheatre alone in the hot afternoon sun, a few words came to mind. Democracy, decency, morality, pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. 

    Day #6: Arrived at Custer’s Mansion Bed & Breakfast a bit early (2:30). Swung on the blue swing in the yard until the owners came home. As soon as I walk the path to their front door, the heavy aromas of petunias tickle my nose. Netting is spread over all the flowers. Later, I learn deer tend to help themselves. Curious, since the building is near town and the highway runs along the front of the property line.  Tonight, Bob and Pat (our two delightful owners) will house 12 guests. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m.  2 from France + 4 teenagers; 2 from Switzerland, and 2 from Minnesota.  Delicious fare of fruit plate and almond pastery, fluffy French toast and sausage links.  Love their hospitality and home cooking! 

    In the evening, we rode our motorcycle back for the Mt. Rushmore night lights. What a spectacular sight when tribute was also made to all those who had served in the military from the past and present. They were asked to come to the amphitheatre stage and were given two standing ovations! 

    Next stop: Gillette, Wyoming

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  • quote from “Honest Abe”

     

    A quote from Abraham Lincoln: “God bless my mother; all I am or hope to be I owe to her.”

    I believe my mother influenced me in many profound ways, some of which include a genuine love and concern for all people, love for family, and love for God. How did your mother influence you?

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