Monday, June 29, 2020

My Four Callings (Part 4B): A Call to Teach

“And there's a million things I haven't done.
But just you wait, just you wait...”
~ “Alexander Hamilton”, Hamilton


For me, a calling is an intense belief that God requires me to embrace a vocation in order to make the world a better place. At one time or another, I have felt one of four callings: to become a healer, a soldier, a priest, and a teacher. Some times they have appeared strong and forceful, revealing an obvious path. Other times they have been subtle, even nested in other callings. Or, they have been all together hidden, emerging after years of contemplation. As I have grown older, I have begun to realize that each one of the original four can take on many forms.

Finally, as I enter the second half of my life, it has been made clear to me, I need to combine all four into a single path.

Classroom Recital by Thomas Webster

Thursday, June 25, 2020

My Weekly Checkup (#12)

A Collection of Some Things I Found, Some Thoughts I Had This Week

Last week, through my Weekly Checkup, I shared my fascination with a lecture on the philosophy of science. In college, I minored in philosophy. Part of this blog's title refers to this subject. It is safe to say, philosophy is dear to me.

But, my blog's name also includes another word, "bard".  While there is a lot to unpack with my choice for both words, the choice of "Bard" carries a longer explanation that is part humorous, part nostalgic, and part ambitious. For now, I want to reflect on "bard" as entertainer. So, I am going to share with you two videos that exemplify  two ways I wish to be a modern bard.

Vittorio Reggianini (1858-1939)-‘the storyteller’
Yeah, I want to be that guy, except for the outfit.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Vegetable Gardening and Me (#8)

As I mentioned in my first post on gardening, I want to make this a weekly post. I am not an expert gardener, and I have made plenty of mistakes, but my adventures may help others have more fun and success. 

Also, I now have a page dedicated to gardening, that will contain all past and future posts, as well as resources I have found useful.

This week was an improvement over last. Not as far as I want to be, but better than I could have been.

Vegetables from My Garden, by Richard Enna

Monday, June 22, 2020

My Four Callings (Part 4A): A Call to Teach

“And there's a million things I haven't done.
But just you wait, just you wait...”
~ “Alexander Hamilton”, Hamilton


For me, a calling is an intense belief that God requires me to embrace a vocation in order to make the world a better place. At one time or another, I have felt one of four callings: to become a healer, a soldier, a priest, and a teacher. Some times they have appeared strong and forceful, revealing an obvious path. Other times they have been subtle, even nested in other callings. Or, they have been all together hidden, emerging after years of contemplation. As I have grown older, I have begun to realize that each one of the original four can take on many forms.

Finally, as I enter the second half of my life, it has been made clear to me, I need to combine all four into a single path.

Happy Birthday Miss Jones by Norman Rockwell

Thursday, June 18, 2020

My Weekly Checkup (#11)

A Collection of Some Things I Found, Some Thoughts I Had This Week

Today's Weekly Checkup will reveal just how nerdy I am. It involves a recent foray into The Great Courses Plus streaming catalog. My subscription has been so worth it.

David Hume by Allan Ramsay

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Vegetable Gardening and Me (#7)

As I mentioned in my first post on gardening, I want to make this a weekly post. I am not an expert gardener, and I have made plenty of mistakes, but my adventures may help others have more fun and success. 

Also, I now have a page dedicated to gardening, that will contain all past and future posts, as well as resources I have found useful.

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions when it came to my gardening experiences.

Vegetables from My Garden, by Richard Enna

Monday, June 15, 2020

My Four Callings (Part 3): A Call to Listen

“And there's a million things I haven't done.
But just you wait, just you wait...”
~ “Alexander Hamilton”, Hamilton


For me, a calling is an intense belief that God requires me to embrace a vocation in order to make the world a better place. At one time or another, I have felt one of four callings: to become a healer, a soldier, a priest, and a teacher. Some times they have appeared strong and forceful, revealing an obvious path. Other times they have been subtle, even nested in other callings. Or, they have been all together hidden, emerging after years of contemplation. As I have grown older, I have begun to realize that each one of the original four can take on many forms.

Finally, as I enter the second half of my life, it has been made clear to me, I need to combine all four into a single path.

Woman Shocking Confession to a Priest by Jehan Georges Vibert

Thursday, June 11, 2020

My Weekly Checkup (#10)

A Collection of Some Things I Found, Some Thoughts I Had This Week

Today's Weekly Checkup continues the theme of sharing videos with you. I have two documentaries that have been on my mind throughout the Pandemic. Partly because they cover cabin fever and enduring difficult times, but also because they are hauntingly beautiful.

Both deal with experiences in Antarctica.

One was created by a professional photographer who worked there; the other by an internationally acclaimed director who wanted to experience it before it disappears. 

One has inspired my wife to visit; the other has encouraged me to continue dreaming.

So, please enjoy!

(Because I love maps, especially older ones!)

Byrd Antarctic Expedition

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Vegetable Gardening and Me (#6)

As I mentioned in my first post on gardening, I want to make this a weekly post. I am not an expert gardener, and I have made plenty of mistakes, but my adventures may help others have more fun and success. 

Also, I now have a page dedicated to gardening, that will contain all past and future posts, as well as resources I have found useful.

Today I provide an update on my gardening adventures.

Vegetables from My Garden, by Richard Enna


Monday, June 8, 2020

My Four Callings (Part 2)

“And there's a million things I haven't done.
But just you wait, just you wait...”
~ “Alexander Hamilton”, Hamilton


For me, a calling is an intense belief that God requires me to embrace a vocation in order to make the world a better place. At one time or another, I have felt one of four callings: to become a healer, a soldier, a priest, and a teacher. Some times they have appeared strong and forceful, revealing an obvious path. Other times they have been subtle, even nested in other callings. Or, they have been all together hidden, emerging after years of contemplation. As I have grown older, I have begun to realize that each one of the original four can take on many forms.

Finally, as I enter the second half of my life, it has been made clear to me, I need to combine all four into a single path.

John Brown, photograph by John Bowles

Thursday, June 4, 2020

My Weekly Checkup (#9)

A Collection of Some Things I Found, Some Thoughts I Had This Week


Today's Weekly Checkup continues the theme of sharing videos with you. This time, because I forgot I had to post something today. It occurred to me ten minutes ago, when my Google Calendar notified my (yes, I set weekly reminders for this blog). 

Unfortunately (or, perhaps, fortunately) several things caught my attention and distracted me today.

But I do have something up my sleeve, which I have been saving for just an occasion. 

So, please enjoy!

(Another painting that I am glad I discovered.)

Young Girl Reading by Jean-Honoré Fragonard


Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Vegetable Gardening and Me (#5)

As I mentioned in my first post on gardening, I want to make this a weekly post. I am not an expert gardener, and I have made plenty of mistakes, but my adventures may help others have more fun and success. 

A very short update.

Vegetables from My Garden, by Richard Enna


Monday, June 1, 2020

My Four Callings (Part 1)

“And there's a million things I haven't done.
But just you wait, just you wait...”
~ “Alexander Hamilton”, Hamilton


For me, a calling is an intense belief that God requires me to embrace a vocation in order to make the world a better place. At one time or another, I have felt one of four callings: to become a healer, a soldier, a priest, and a teacher. Some times they have appeared strong and forceful, revealing an obvious path. Other times they have been subtle, even nested in other callings. Or, they have been all together hidden, emerging after years of contemplation. As I have grown older, I have begun to realize that each one of the original four can take on many forms.

Finally, as I enter the second half of my life, it has been made clear to me, I need to combine all four into a single path.

Florence Nightingale, photograph by Henry Hering