Worthless Observations

Be You

mikemjensen Worthless Observations Tags: , 2 Comments

Hey Kids,

Be yourself.

Isn’t it funny that we have to be reminded to do this?

In an age of the growth and complete immersion of Social Media, I would think we can be nothing but ourselves. Yet many people still struggle with this, myself included. Always wondering what I should edit, what might scare people away.

Granted, I think it’s OK to say a few less bad words when writing. But it’s not OK to be something you’re not. Or to be mean. Or to exaggerate to make yourself look better, more important, or sexy.

I think I’m a little more of a smart ass than I come across on this blog. But it’s hard to be a smart-ass to yourself. You need someone saying dumb things. Um, well, I mean someone else saying dumb things; and then you can be a smart-ass in response.

I think I am myself. I maybe not the first to air all my sins but I’ll get to them and admit them if you ask. (Not an invitation to ask about my sins.)

Mark Twain said that when you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said. When you lie, you best keep an account of what you claimed. I have a terrible memory.

Sometimes I think. Sometimes it hurts.

Sometimes I think. Sometimes it hurts.

I’m just a guy. I write. I don’t sell a ton of books but a few. I still have a day job, some might say a career. Been there for 23 years but I hope to leave before the gold watch is shackled to me. This is too exciting of a time to stick to a real job. But then again, I do enjoy being paid. Oh, the trials of a social revolution!

Anyway, be yourself. Don’t fake anything and nothing will be fake. It’s OK not to be a rock star and to be a rock star in training. Or a Pre-published author, or a perfecting musician, or … You get the picture.

Be true.

Dammit.

Day 86

Light It Up

mikemjensen Motorcycles, Worthless Observations Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

It’s said that lightning doesn’t strike twice. I’m not really concerned with that. I’m really more concern with the first time.

Last night riding home, it seemed that all was well. The skies were a bit gray but not bad. I could see all the way across the valley so it wasn’t raining anywhere close.

Instead of rushing home like I should have, I stopped at the store and did some shopping for dinner. I took my time. Made some good purchases including a killer deal on some pork chops. Yum!

When I exited the store, the weather had changed dramatically. The sky had darkened to a black and the rain had begun to fall. No, more like tumble. In buckets, mind you. It’s ok I can take wet. I packed the saddle bags with my groceries and headed off for the short 8 mile ride home. It turned out to be a long 8 miles.

I took the route that wraps through a residential area, past the mouth of a canyon along a forested road, past the Utah State Capitol Building, and thru the Industrial section of North Salt Lake City. My home lies in just the next town, just inside of city limits. There really isn’t any cover to dodge under along this route.

The Lightening began as soon as I venture out of the store’s parking lot.

At first it was still a ways out. I was able to count a few counts before the thunder. That changed. By the time I got to the capitol, the delay had vanished and the crack of the thunder would nearly shake me off the bike. The flash became like spotlights and I thought it only a matter of time before one hit me. I guess it was good to be a moving target.

Similar storm, next day; and watching it from the inside.

Similar storm, next day; and watching it from the inside.

I don’t have a death wish and had I thought of a really good place to stop, I might have, But I had another thought run through my head. If I got struck by lightning, it would be immediate and I wouldn’t know it happened. I would either be gone for good or wake up in a hospital some time later. If it wanted me, it would have me. It was just complete random; there was nothing I could do to stop or alter it. Riding in a serpentine would only leave me on the road longer.

I rode through and stopped thinking about it and enjoyed the ride, as miserable as it was. And I lived to tell about it.

If you’re in a lightning storm it’s probably best to stop. But if you don’t- you made your decision, accept it.

Harsh? Maybe. But it’s my harsh and I’m sticking to it.

Don’t ever ride scared.

On a bike or through Life.

There’s not a whole lot of difference.

 

Day 85

Saturday Blues?

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Hey Kids,

Saturday. The day of fun. Right?IMG_20150502_110834_269-1

Well not exactly. It should’ve been fun but it hasn’t been so far.

Started bright and early this morning and went out to do a little maintenance on the Suzuki. Valve clearance adjustment, it’s called. A nasty little job unless you do it all the time. I don’t.

But I had done it before so it shouldn’t be too problematic. Right?

Well, I didn’t remember so well from last time and spent a lot of time figuring things out. But I did it. Figure it out that is. Got down to the rocker arms and did the adjusting as required. It was obvious that it was needed too. That’s always good. Except that it means that it’s been a while since it actually needed it and it was more a repair than maintenance. But I digress.

As I put it together, I took my time and cleaned as I went. Polished it all up right pretty.

Started it up.

It sounded worse than when I started the job, err, maintenance. Ran no better either. And now. the Fuel Injection Warning light is on. Which means I need to take another Saturday and do it all over.

This would be a sad story, but for once in my life I own another motorcycle I can ride instead. You see, in terms of bikes, I’m a Commodore. I’ve never had that flexibility before. The pressure has always been to get it all done quickly because it can’t sit. There’s places to get to, jobs waiting. What a relief.

AND, tonight, we are now heading out into the west desert for a little night under the stars, cook out in the morning and hopefully Kayaking in a remote Bird refuge with large open water ponds tomorrow. The desert is truly remarkable.

So I’m washed up, tools put away, and ready to pack the gear and head west.

Saturday may not have been as productive as I hope, but it’ll end with a bang and really, no harm done.

That is a good day on any day.

 

Day 68

Last Cast

mikemjensen Fishing, Worthless Observations Tags: , , , 1 Comment

Hey Kids,

Festival-Icon-web1-550x345Last night I attended a fly fishing film festival, IF4.

Independent film makers submit their films and IF4 chooses the best ones and shows them together in a parade of festivals or screenings for groups across the country. I missed the showing earlier last month and went fishing instead that night. Last night apparently was an unscheduled extra showing and I couldn’t pass on it twice.

The films were the typical fishing films. Slow motion shots of rivers, casting, and fish being held after being caught- held towards the camera, eye staring at camera, mouth yawning open and gills flaring. But as expected, I enjoyed many of the moments projected and even cheered for a few of them.

I wonder why I enjoy these films so much, despite the constant use of every cliché imagined. It’s not too complicated. I live through those scenes. I see myself catching those fish. I imagine and wish, the fishermen were me.

The final film took place in Mexico fishing the surf for Rooster Fish. They were fish I’ve never seen, in a place I’ve never been, following methods I’ve never used.

The piece documented the trials of two men pursuing these fish. They looked for a big Rooster. They had early almost-success but then experienced 12-13 days of failure. On their way back to the lodge, on the last day, accepting defeat, they spot a giant rooster in the surf. They cast to it, they hook it, and they land it.

The crowd in the theatre cheered. I clapped. And on that note, the film and the festival ended to smiles all around.

Why did I clap? Why did we cheer? It was a nice fish, yes, but we all recognized the last cast miracle.

No matter how many hours you have fished that day, a last cast catch is always you last hope. Usually “last cast” consists of at least 20 so declared casts. It’s the hope and dream of every caster to catch that monster fish on one of those last casts. Fight it, bring it in, admire it, let it go, and walk off victorious. Fulfilled.500520041_640

That last film, let me live it from the comfort of a theatre seat. It reminded me that it’s possible. It inspires me to get back out on the water.

And when I’m on the water, I’m happy. As happy as a man can be.

 

Day 59

When 70 Years Rolls Around

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Hey Kids,

Time leaves marks but we don’t seem to notice. We think we’re the same today as we were yesterday but when those yesterdays blur into yesteryears, we are shocked by the differences we see.IMG_20110725_085845

I found a marking on a tree while hiking. Other than the date left, 1945, I would have never been able to venture a guess at the age of it. And I would have never guessed 70 years. I wouldn’t have guessed the tree was that old. Shows how much I know.

I wonder if the authors are still around. Do they remember leaving it?

I’m not one who openly supports graffiti but in this case, I’m glad it happened.

And I wonder, what, if anything, will be left of me and my mark in 70 years?

 

Day 58

Movie Time Watching

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popcorn_jf10_310 (2)Hey Kids,

We went to the movies last night. They showed a Frozen short. I didn’t think it was possible for me to dislike Frozen any more than I already did. I was wrong.

People watching at the movies gives an interesting glimpse into my fellow humans. A few thoughts:

I’ll show up late on occasion but I am astounded by the number of people who come in significantly late and show no remorse for being disruptive. If the previews have already started, be quick, quietly apologetic, and don’t stand directly in front of me and watch the screen.popcorn

I’m tight so I never buy the over-priced food. On occasion I’ll spring for the popcorn. I know we all have our quirks about our spending habits, but paying more for the crappy treats than I spend for the tickets themselves strikes me as wrong. Other than being told it does, I don’t see how popcorn enhances the experience. Not even a truck load of popcorn.

Is a refill on that truck load of popcorn really necessary? And if it is, what is the best time and way to get that refill? Binge eat the whole tub once you find your seat and refill during previews? Pace yourself so that the tub empties as the plot slows, run out to the lobby and refill, missing only 10-15 minutes of the dull filler scenes but rearmed for the big ending? Or refill on your way out for the ride home and the NetFlix after-party?

Do you clap at the end of a good movie? Disney movie last night. Feel good ending. Lots of families. I expected clapping. None. Yet I’ve seen a Star Trek movie explode in a wild foray of cheers once. Go figure.

Phones. Put the phone away. Enjoy the moment. And if you must, check it to see if it’s the baby sitter and then put it away. Or if circumstances demand, go to the lobby, make the call, text, or snap chat, and get your popcorn refill at the same time.popcorn_jf10_310 (2)

If you’re a leaver due to phone addiction, mid-movie popcorn refills, or you have a small or weak bladder, please get the seats on the end of the row. Not the middle. There are not enough “sorry’s” and “excuse me’s” to make it right.

But how and whatever you do, enjoy the movie.

 

 

Day 23

An Angry Bird

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images (3)Hey Kids,

I’m not exactly angry, but kind of sick of the crap.

I joined Twitter some time ago, several years ago. Long enough that many told me they didn’t “get” Twitter and how weird it was. Since then it has obviously blossomed to incredible numbers of people and incorporated into everyday life.

I did have a motive; I joined Twitter to connect with other writers, publishers, and people in the know of writing. The links and conversations taught me a ton about the publishing world and the world of writing, which are not the same.

I never thought of Twitter as the means to sell tons of books. It was not my advertising scheme. I hoped and still hope to connect with people who might be interested in my work. And I do announce when my work is available or on special but because its part of my life, not as a campaign. People will come along, if it is natural that they do. I’m OK with that. But many people will come along that won’t be “customers”, I’m OK with that too. Bottom line, Twitter was not my personal Buy My Books channel.

google+-logoI slowed and stopped with Twitter and moved more to Google + for similar reasons. But I found it connected me with different groups of people and not so much publishers/editors/writers. I’ve enjoyed it and the people I have met and befriended there.images (2)

I also expanded to Facebook to be more connected to family and family connections.

Today I re-launched, if you will, into Twitter. I saw many people still there that I was happy to see remained. It was like returning home.

I want to connect. I want to meet people who are beyond my normal sphere of influence. Each platform brings a different group and style. I like the different flavors.

Now to what makes me angry- I hate people who see Social Media as their “commercial” time. That because we connected, they are free to unleash their marketing campaign upon me. These people need to be fair warned- the interruption-based ad world is crumbling. We don’t have to put up with anyone. Social media is for us, the people. It’s a wonderful thing and the greatest part about it, is we get to control it.

Marketers need not follow nor apply.

 

Day 8

An Act of Kindness

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Hey kids,

I don’t mean to make more of something than it is. And it was just a car show. About 40-50 cars and maybe 18 bikes.IMG_20150301_103819_659

All nice. All people’s efforts, sometimes love. Which I know is somewhat silly to some. But I understand.

I used to have cars that I cared for very much. Maybe even love. But that is not what I have now. Nor what I had was anything to be featured in a car show.

That brings me back to today.

I don’t have the means to enjoy a muscle car, equipped with a big motor, clean paint, and fancy modifications. So I extend a thank you to those who not only have, but are willing to share their loves with someone like me.

It’s a reminder. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.

It’s not showing off, it’s an act of kindness to others.

 

Day 6

 

Net Neutrality- I don’t know.

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Hey kids,

Whether the new decisions made by the FCC will result in good things, I’m not sure. It depends on how things ends up working.

If it’s like the electricity at my house where I flip on the switch and the light comes on- great.

light onIf it’s like the third-party controls that monitor and cycle the Air Conditioner during peak use times so to conserve power for the greater good of mankind- methinks not so great.

cool keeper

The deed is done, the truth of things will be known only in the future. Let’s all hope it’s for the better.

Day 3