When Video Games Were Games

                                                                          

It was Christmas 1982, and my life would change forever. I received an Atari from Santa Claus with the coveted video game, Pac-Man. It was a simple game, but addictive; just catch the ghost before they catch Pac-Man and you pass to the next level. The next level meant the ghosts became faster, but there were also great prizes; fruit that gave Pac-Man extra energy & immunity for a time-span, to gobble those ghosts.

What's that you ask? Where are the swords, M-16's, or claymore mines to advance to the next level? You commented on the graphics? Don't like them? Not realistic enough? Can't hear the avatar breathing heavy as he crosses enemy lines? The blood doesn't look real as it gushes from an innocent victim (avatar) caught in the crossfire; which will cost you ten points?

I cringe when people call some of today's products to purchase for their Wii or Nintendo a 'game'. A game doesn't hurt someone. A game isn't violent. A game doesn't teach a child sometimes you must do the wrong thing to get promoted.

The Atari games of the early 80's didn't look real. They weren't real, and the children playing them knew that. Harry of Pitfall was a stick, who made beeping sounds when you hit the orange button to make him jump.
 
                                                                                


Many of today's video 'games' glorify violence and validate the 'end justifies the means'. The next time you see a child playing a video game, ask yourself why you are allowing them to play it. Is the child learning from the experience, and if so, what are they learning? 

Believe

Did you ever have a time when no one believed in you? I think writers must experience this feeling more frequently than most professions. The constant questions of 'why do you write if the story may never get published?', 'how can you take the constant rejection?', 'why spend all that time in front of the computer when nothing may ever come from it?' 

Believe. Such a small word, but provides so many with the courage and inspiration to keep going. Just saying to someone, 'I believe it will happen', stops any comeback from their close-minded thinking. Hasn't everyone believed in something so much that giving up was never an option? Or, maybe, it's just us writers who share this idealistic quality.

I'm okay with that, are you?

Trust Yourself and Follow Your Path

                                                                       

Did you ever have a moment when you needed to make a decision on your own? The moment when there is no time to phone a friend, take a day or two to contemplate, or research just a few more things. The only person to rely on is you. You must trust yourself.

Life is filled with obstacles, unplanned destinations, and painful moments that sometimes have no explanation for their existence. What makes a person continue to strive forward? How do we convince our self that better things are coming our way? How do we know which path is the right path?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'Self trust is the first secret of success'. Maybe, when we begin to trust our own judgement, we cannot make the wrong decision. Maybe, every decision is the right one for our unique path.

What decision was the starting point for your unique path?

Unanswered Prayers

Whenever the song 'Unanswered Prayers' by Garth Brooks comes on the radio, I find myself reflecting on my own unanswered prayers...and thanking God.  I can't imagine being any happier than with the life I have now.

As a middle-age adult, I can now take pleasure in smiling at those in their twenties who share their life plan. I smile not only at their stupidity, but also because I was once that stupid. I recall 'mapping out' my career goals; which included twenty years in the service, thirty years in teaching and retiring by the age of fifty-five with two retirements. Traveling the United States in an R.V. and writing the great novel would fulfill my golden years. Friends and family to share the adventure!

                                                                             

Thank God for unanswered prayers. An injury in the military resulted in an honorable discharge. Many of my 'buddies' never returned from their tours, or returned unable to live a 'normal life' again. The 'extra-time' it took me to find a teaching job, led to friendships & mentors lasting twenty years... and still counting.  Surviving life's heartaches and encounters with bullies in the workplace provided the strength to move forward and take a chance on 'unplanned destinations'.

                                                                        

Thank God for 'unplanned destinations'.  All those detours I cursed in my 'know it all' stage, has led me to the here & now. Here I am accepting the things I cannot change, knowing something better will come from it. The now finds me not waiting for my 'golden years' to travel, write and follow my passions.

 My 'life plan' did not come to fruition, but my life did.

Get your kicks on...

....if you finished the sentence with Route 66, congratulations. If you completed the sentence in song, you are my new best friend!  Then again, don't all those who share a love for travel have a common bond?  The wanting to know what is over the bend, what a field of wheat really smells like, and does the Grand Canyon really need to be seen to understand its captivation by so many?

What if every American had to travel to every state before receiving their citizenship? Yes, just being born here wouldn't be enough. Traveling across state borders on Route 66 is like traveling through different era's of our history. The abandoned gas stations that still have a coffee mug and sales receipts dated 1972 on the manager's desk. The hotels that once bragged about air conditioners in every room, or the signs that read- Good Eats Here.

                                                                     

Every person born in the city would be able to drive down a road where there actually is nothing but nature, as far as the eye can see. You really can see the stars at night.  History would be taught by walking in the ruts left by wagon wheels on the trails west. The life story of Native Americans would be told by their great-great-grandchildren, who continue their ancestor's customs. An education received while learning compassion, grace and humility.

                                                               

Route 66...I have traveled it a few times. Every time, I have seen something new and something that has taken my breath away. The scenery, the history, the people....you just can't forget it.
                                                                    

                                                                   

Lessons from a Dog

                                       

In my forty plus years, I've had some wonderful opportunities & experiences. I have seen almost every state in these United States, received accolades for my service in the military and as an educator, managed a small business which protected the rights of our greatest resource-children, and developed life-long relationships with positive, energetic & altruistic people.

Five years ago, I decided the place I called home, would be my home for the next fifteen years or so. I focused more on my writing and less on traveling. I liked spending my summer days gardening in the morning, writing for a few hours every day, and watching the sunset from my deck in the evening. My home was perfect, but sometimes too quiet. So, I decided to get a dog.

I thought a dog would be perfect. My own little buddy to walk with, play in the yard and teach cute tricks. I was right. Having a dog was perfect & I did teach my Maggie a few tricks; we walk every day and love to play in the yard. However, I had no idea all the lessons she would teach me. Here's what I learned from my dog:
     1. You are replaceable at work, not at home.
     2. If something goes wrong, just shake it off & walk away.
     3. You have the right to defend yourself & bark sometimes.
     4. If something smells bad, walk away.
     5. Let people know you are happy to see them.
     6. Naps are important.
     7. It's okay to just sit.
     8. Play every day.
     9. Hug someone every day.
    10. Life is short.

I am sure the list will continue to grow....and I am thankful for that. After the many health scares with Maggie this past year, I am lucky to celebrate her 5th birthday on April 1st. Yes, April Fool's Day. Hmmm..Lesson #11- It's okay to be foolish.

Book Update

'Legacy of Grandpa's Grapevine' is being reviewed by a few publishers. Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers the next few months. I am hoping to have a signed contract by the end of the summer.

Many have asked about the proposal from Helping Hands Press last fall. There are a few obstacles with the publisher at this time, but I am hoping a resolution is soon.

I feel very fortunate to have come this far, and believe I will continue to go even further in my writing endeavors! Thank you to everyone for their positive words and support.