FEBRUARY SKYWATCH

On this next to last day of February the moon rises high overhead

While elsewhere it hides behind clouds with rain, sleet  and ice

A mild breeze turns our attention away from gloom

Toward buds about to bloom and birds eager to sing for us

 As we call upon our determination to plan for the future with hope.

ANOTHER ENTREPRENEUR?

Recently on a trip to the state of Florida, I discovered the latest entrepreneurship on a coast teeming with tall palm trees.

We were going South, passing old railroad tracks that once hauled crates of oranges, coconuts and  pineapples proudly marked as being from"Sunny Florida", now carrying construction material like cranes and bricks.

As we traveled, huge billboards standing as high as the cranes we passed advertised local and national products, services and candidates who were running in elections past and current.  All these messages and the billboards  obliterated views of the Floridian flora and fauna.

When suddenly, a huge, black billboard loomed above us.  It advertised a company and appeared to be a truck stop. High on the billboard too were the words, "BARBER ON PREMISE."

I have seen "Showers " advertised at other trucks stops but "BARBER" was a first for me and I thought it was a great idea for drivers who make long hauls.

Be that as it may, it softened what might have been a long rant on my part against billboards
in general and on my trip to the sunny South in particular.

CIVIL RIGHTS AND RACISM

Less than a week ago the long-time nationally-known Civil Rights Activist Frankie Freeman died. She was 101 years old and worked all her life to achieve social,  legal and judicial equality for all people.  I was struck by the difference between the work Freeman leaves behind and the current furor over our President.

Charles M. Blow in today's New York Times describes our President as being "Racist Period."  Webster's dictionary defines "racism" as a belief that racial differences produce an inherent and  superiority of a particular race.

This country has a long history of nurturing people's dreams and opportunities. When justice is denied  to some of us it is incumbent on all of us to recognize it  and to work toward securing a fairer society.

When our President bullies and degrades others he reveals his own intolerance  for all of us and belittles all who have fought and worked to secure America's place in the world.

SO BEGINS 2018 ...

We are supposed to leave last year's "bad stuff" 

behind with the New Year.  We count the blessings of

friends and family and make resolutions for 2018.  

We turn inward to examine our short comings

and outward seeking new opportunities to do better.  

We dream of a world with greater

understanding for and between people.  

We hope in the words of a friend of mine,

"First things done that work at the start of the New Year 

means all things done the rest

of the year will work too." *

Perhaps we need to work harder in 2018 to make that so!

*Donald L.Snyder

NEW YEAR GREETINGS

AS WE TURN THE CALENDAR

WE CHRONICLE LAST YEAR'S EVENTS

NOW MAY WE MOVE INTO THE NEW YEAR

VIGOROUSLY MEETING INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGES

WHILE RECOGNIZING WE ALL SHARE THE SAME PLANET.

BRANDING AND TODAY'S CHILDREN

She is a beautiful child.  Long hair pulled back in a pony tail tied with a

big bow. She saw me and did a quick twirl holding out her skirt as she spun.

I asked her how old are you?  Six she answered with poise.


She wore a fancy dress,  bright white shoes with a small heel and white stockings.

I asked what was she doing up so early  and where was she going? 

She tells me, "to have my picture taken."


I tell her how beautiful I think she looks.  She points to her outfit.

With pride she points to her dress, to her shoes, to her stockings

and tells me the brand name for each.  


When she left,   I wondered.


When we, or children are so absorbed with keeping up with "brands" or

commercials  do we discourage curiosity or the enjoyment of each other?

SKYWATCH: NOVEMBER 16

November 16 began warm and balmy

We caught glimpses of deep blue sky

between billowing clouds

But not for long.  Mother Nature took charge

pulling back to real November behavior

and we were surprised by her agility.