Life is short...

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Herb G

Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
1,461
Location
Southern Maryland
My recent illness has brought me to a few conclusions.
First of all, I appreciate the kind thoughts I received from the IAP
community.

A few general observations, if I may. In no specific order.

If there are things you want to try in life, try them, by all means.
Get out of the house. Get some fresh air.
Make new friends. Most of my friends didn't make it this far in life.
Rather than sit around moping, I joined online communities like this one and I have made a lot of new friends. I consider everyone here my friend. Virtual friends are better than no friends at all.

You are never too old to learn something new. I learn every day just by reading your posts. Yes, your posts.
Your posts and artwork have a much greater effect than you are aware of. The pens you guys turn are amazing, beautiful and provide inspiration to a lot more people than you know. I am one such person.
It makes me want to try different things when I see the artwork you guys & gals make. Not only pens, but the other things you create are very inspirational.

Art reaches different people on different levels. Some is pleasing to the eye, some reaches the soul. Art transcends class, social status, and all other human made barriers. If it weren't for being a member of this extended family we have here, I think I'd be lost & in a dark place in my life. Thankfully, I have you guys & gals whether you realize it or not.

Be thankful for your abilities. A lot of people do not have your ability to transform a mundane object such as a piece of wood into a beautiful object of art.
Find a new hobby that makes you happy. I always enjoyed woodworking and pen turning has expanded my horizons greatly.
Take a class somewhere. Many communities (in real life) offer free or greatly reduced prices for people who wish to learn new things.
Ask a friend for help if you need it.
Talk to someone who seems lonely. Maybe they just need a shoulder to lean on. We all need help sometimes in our lives.
Take time to be nice to someone who doesn't deserve it. The benefit you receive from it is many fold. Forgive someone who did you wrong.

Love those who dislike you.
Show patience and kindness to those that you disagree with.
And allow others to disagree with you.
Be like a Boy Scout. Do a good deed daily.

I apologize if my post seems sappy, but it helps to express one's feelings, believe me.
Take care, reflect on the day. And thank you to everyone here that helps make someone else's day a little brighter.
 
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So true Herb (and no need to apologize).
And don't put it off til tomorrow because tomorrow may be too late. A fellow woodworker I had met in person a few times just passed away in his sleep Saturday morning. He was just a few days short of his 65th birthday.
 
Herb,
That was a beautiful post and so true... we shouldn't dwell on our illness or what we cant do, but on what we can. I'm extremely fortunate in my health, I turned 75 this morning and so far in my life have had little illness. I am slowing down some, I get winded very quickly, but just take a few minutes to get my breath back and then go again... I feel for those less fortunate in their health.

Do what you can do, keep a smile on your face and greet your friends with good cheer. Everyone we meet is a potential friend. Wishing you well in the years to come.
 
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