​​BLOG 349–ARE YOU ALRIGHT?

✨KITTING AROUND✨
​​BLOG 349–ARE YOU ALRIGHT?
Take the time to read this.
Is this a masterpiece each time? I try to.
Explore new corners, dive into your imagination.
Just say YES to LIFE, it isn’t a zombie shuffle to bedtime.
Crank up the music and turn your living room into a dance floor.
Grab some oranges and juggle them right there in the grocery aisle.
Laugh so hard the walls shake and the neighbors start making up theories.
It’s a carnival waiting for you to join the parade, celebrating every stage of life!
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THIS BLOG IS BEST READ ON A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER.  

I write, create, and share to spark something deep within us—to pause, breathe, and really see this wild thing called LIFE from a new angle. To lift our gaze from the ordinary and notice the extraordinary that’s been quietly waiting in the corners all along. ✨

Writing this blog helps me as much as it might help you. 

My work is an open invitation: to question the scripts we were handed, to trade autopilot for aliveness, and to remember that our days are not meant to be endured but crafted. Living differently and living better means embracing change, finding joy in everyday moments, and living with a positive, playful attitude. It’s not a luxury—it’s a responsibility. Each choice, each act of courage, each moment of kindness becomes part of the legacy we leave behind.
     
I write to ignite that spark in you–It is there!
And see the world not as it is, but as it could be.
I create to remind us that wonder is still possible.
Every thread in the great tapestry of a life well-lived (your life!)
And I share to weave us together—each story, each lesson, each laugh.
When we dare to think differently, we begin to grow taller on the inside.
   
                                                        ===============================
MY STORY IN A NUTSHELL (with Extra Sprinkles) :
‍♂️ Once upon a time, I was a world-class juggler. Spoiler: I still juggle—mostly joy.
Life tested me with curveballs: A 37-day coma, two truck accidents, and somehow I’m still smiling.
I spent six years living in a van, chasing sunsets and collecting memories in every U.S. national park.
Love found me, lost me, and then surprised me with a wedding on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
I’ve crisscrossed the globe, helping people rise higher than they thought possible (YOU!)
❤️ And here I am, still learning, loving, and lighting sparks.
Because the story is never over—it just gets juicier.
Want a glimpse? Watch this >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc 

THIS IS THE STUFF THAT TURNS “JUST SURVIVING” INTO THRIVING.

THE PAST?   ☎️
GO–because the road ahead is waiting, sparkling with possibility.
History is there to help you; learn from what has occurred in your life.
Smile, tip your hat, pocket the wisdom, and keep striding toward the horizon.
It’s a wise old storyteller, full of campfire tales and lessons whispered in the wind.
The past is a wise old guide. Take its lessons, tip your hat, and keep walking forward.
           
THE FUTURE?  
That’s a playful trickster.
It’s always sneaking up with surprises.
Don’t fear it — dance with it — it is playtime.
Shape it — Claim it — make it yours.
It arrives whether you’re ready or not — be ready!
     
AND THE PRESENT?   
Throw glitter in the air.
Ah, this is your playground!
Laugh so hard the moon takes notes.
Turn the ordinary into a disco ball and let it shine.
Make the ordinary sparkle like it’s wearing sequins.

“Here’s to chasing brilliance with reckless joy.
Blazing a trail that shimmers with possibility.
Sprinkling a little mischief along the way!”
—Kit Summers, your cosmic cheerleader

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

✨Because life refuses to sit still—it’s a wild kaleidoscope spinning with color, chaos, and wonder. I can’t keep that to myself. Each post is a spark flung into the air—stories, lessons, bruises, and breakthroughs—bursting like confetti from all the falls, flights, and fresh starts that make this ride so alive.

PROOF

✨Every shift I’ve faced—every storm, stumble, and surprise—proves one thing: I adapt, rise, and rebuild stronger after each time. Change isn’t my enemy; it’s my upgrade system. Each turn is a classroom disguised as chaos, an invitation to sculpt a brighter, braver life. And here’s the truth: if I can do it, you can too! The same spark lives in you—waiting for a little friction to catch fire.

     
Don’t just accept change—wield it.

Change isn’t the enemy; it’s the sculptor.

Shape it into the life that sings your name.

I’ve faced change more times than I can count

And guess what?    It doesn’t scare me anymore.

Make the most of any situation you find yourself in.

The one that fills your chest with light and purpose and love.

I have at least another hundred years of laughter, learning, and love.

Every single storm I’ve walked through has only made me stronger.

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THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK >>
Today I went out for a run and to juggle clubs for a bit; neither went very well.
   
I find myself thinking about Miyuki all the time.
I hope our love will work out.
   
I wrote to 60 Minutes about the possibility of featuring my story on an episode.
I hope it will inspire thousands.
   
I just heard it, “Are you alright?” This happened when someone simply bumped into a wall. But, people will ask this “question” when someone gets bitten by a tiger, run over by a car, or falls down a flight of stairs. Better would be to say, “How can I help?” Think first, don’t waste your breath. In this blog, you will learn other ways to ask this “question.”
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BLOG 349–ARE YOU ALRIGHT?
Here’s the difference >>
All Right — Standard
Alright — Informal
   
“All Right” vs. “Alright” — A Wordy Waltz

Here’s the deal:

“All right” is the prim and proper elder sibling — buttoned-up, polished, and ready for the grammar ball.

“Alright,” on the other hand, is the cool younger cousin — casual, chill, and wonderful, showing up in jeans and a grin.

     

Both mean “okay” or “satisfactory,” but if you’re writing something formal — an essay, an article, or a love letter to your future self — go with “all right.” That’s the version that never goes out of style. When you’re texting, blogging, or chatting with friends? “Alright” struts in just fine. Language evolves, and so do we (yes, you do!) So in the grand scheme of things… alright is all right.

     

When Life Isn’t “All Right” Yet

When the road feels rough or the light seems dim, remember this:

You are not your struggle.

You are the storm-walker, the comeback artist, the miracle in motion.

     

✨ “This is what you’re going through, not who you are.”

✨ “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

✨ “This is tough — but you’re tougher.”

     

Let those words wrap around your heart like a safety harness while you climb your next mountain. Because the climb, my friend, is what shapes your strength. These are words that I should follow.

     

“Are You Alright?” — The Empty Echo

Have you ever noticed how people toss out “How are you?” or

“How ya been?” like confetti in the wind?

This use of these words really bugs me.

My usual answer to this, spoken before they can think,

is “Yes, I am.” I don’t even wait for their confirmation.

It’s polite noise — not a real connection or even a question.

Most don’t wait for the answer. Don’t be one to ask this. 

     

But you — yes, you — can flip that script.

Remember, it’s just a conversation starter.

Next time, instead of asking, “How are you?”, try this:

“What’s lighting you up today?”

“What’s been challenging you lately?”

“What’s one small thing that made you smile?”

  My favorite is to make a positive comment about them, first thing.

  By doing the above, you make the person honestly think. 

     
Ask something real. Listen with both your ears and your heart.
That’s how we build bridges, not through small talk.
   
You’re still here. You are still growing.

And that, right there, is more than alright — it’s amazing. . 

So, my friend — whether you’re “all right,” “alright,” or somewhere deliciously in between…

     
ARE YOU ALRIGHT?

     

That’s more than a question—it’s a lifeline, a mirror, a whisper from one soul to another. It’s not the kind of phrase tossed casually into the air; it’s an invitation to pause and check in with your beautiful, complicated, extraordinary self.
    

Stand in front of a mirror sometime—no filters, no performance—and gently ask,

“Am I alright?”

Then listen.

Not to the noise of excuses or the echo of what you think you should say.

But to the truth, humming quietly behind your heartbeat.

It’s Okay Not to Be Okay.

Sometimes, the answer is no.
And that’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.
Storms pass, but not before they water the seeds of strength.
You’ve weathered hurricanes before, and every time, you’ve come back more radiant.
If today feels heavy, remember: you’re still here. You’re still breathing. You’re still writing your story. That means the plot hasn’t ended—it’s just gathering suspense for the comeback chapter.
   
Your Light Matters
Even when you feel invisible, someone’s world is brighter because you exist. Maybe it’s the nurse who smiles when you joke. It could be the person who learned to juggle because you showed them what’s possible. Perhaps it’s me—reading your words and thinking, wow, this person still dares to hope.
Keep daring. Keep asking. Keep shining. 

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      A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET >> 

1–“Experience is a brutal teacher.
But you learn. My god, you learn.” — C.S. Lewis
   
2–“I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone, it’s not.
The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.”
— Robin Williams
   
3–“I think this is what we all want to hear:
That we are not alone in hitting the bottom
And that it is possible to come out of that place courageous,
beautiful, and strong.” — Anna White
   
4–“When this ultimate crisis comes… when there is no way out — that is the very moment when we explode from within and the totally other emerges: the sudden surfacing of a strength, a security of unknown origin, welling up from beyond reason, rational expectation, and hope.” — Émile Durkheim
   
5–“There would be no cloud-nine days without
rock-bottom moments left below.” — Richelle E. Goodrich
   
6–“When you feel like you have been hit, dig deep and hit back.
Rock bottom is not your end; it is your beginning.” — Christine Evangelou.
   

7–“It’s not like in the movies, Mary.
There’s no magic reset button at rock bottom.” — Benjamin W. Bass.
     
8–“When you have hit rock bottom and survived,
There are very few things that can scare you.” — Anonymous.
   
9–“Never be afraid to fall apart.
It represents an opportunity to rebuild yourself.
The way you wished you’d been all along.”
— ​Rae Smith
   
10–​”The bottom became the solid
foundation on which I built my life.”
— J.K. Rowling
   
11–“It is impossible to lose
everything and still be alive.”
— Mokokoma Mokhonoana
   
12–“As it turns out, it was that very rock bottom that
became the firmest foundation I had ever planted my feet on.”
— Mandy Hale
   
13–“It’s alright, just wait and see.
Your string of lights is still bright to me.
Who you are is not where you’ve been.
You’re still innocent.
It’s okay, life is a tough crowd.
― Taylor Swift
   
14-“You ain’t a beauty, but hey, you’re alright.”
― Bruce Springsteen
   
15–“Two alrights make one good”
― Surya Chand

STICK THESE QUOTES ON YOUR FRIDGE.
WHISPER THEM TO YOURSELF BEFORE BED.
PASS THEM ALONG TO SOMEONE WHO NEEDS THEM.
REMEMBER, WORDS ARE VITAMINS FOR THE SOUL.

MY DAILY JOTTINGS!
Upgrade your thoughts—watch your world glow brighter!
✨ Life can shift instantly—sometimes all it takes is one bold thought.
Go ahead, craft your noble book, your masterpiece—why not a best-seller?
You are dazzling, brilliant, unstoppable—so step into the spotlight and shine your part!
The universe is cheering for you—so dream big, play big, and LIVE big!
Remember, no matter where you are, you can spin things around quickly.
️ Then race toward your wildest, most colorful dreams!
Chase awe like it’s oxygen and spill joy like it’s confetti.
‍♂️Turn fear into a trampoline—you don’t dodge it, you bounce higher off it.
Step off the curb like it’s a stage. Rewrite the rules in neon.
⛓️ The world doesn’t need your half-versions, your safe edits.
☔ It requires your bold lines, glittering messes, and full-throttle heart.
So—throw the ordinary a wink.
Playfulness isn’t frivolous; it’s rebellion.
Inspiration isn’t distant; it’s in your next breath.

THIS WEEK >>

11/1 — A Storm Inside Stillness
Two men down the hall will not stop yelling. Their words tumble out in tangled sounds, fragments of what once might have been thoughts. It’s not anger—it’s pain trying to find a way out. The brain is a fragile garden; when storms tear through, it grows weeds of confusion, of voices that don’t quiet.
   
Hold the noise
But as they cry out, the question hums in my chest:
Why must we all carry the echo of their suffering?
The answer feels so human, so simple—
We shouldn’t have to.
Yet here we are, holding the noise together.
     
The Walls Close In
I don’t want to be here. I don’t know this place —not in this version of my life.
I’m dying from the stillness, from the sameness, from the ache of wanting to be believed.
It’s not death I fear—it’s wasting the life I’ve still got.
 
The Past  
I keep trying to remember what used to light me up. Juggling. Teaching. Traveling. Laughing. Love. Now, it’s hard to find that spark. But somewhere in this quiet frustration, I know it’s still there, buried under boredom and bruised hope.
   
The Fast Begins
Today, I stopped eating. How quickly will Kit do the fast? (see the comedy?) Not out of despair, but as an act of reclaiming control—however small. Green tea warms my hands as I sip it, pretending its strength, pretending its clarity. Maybe it is.
   
Heavy?
How much weight can a Kit lose before he starts to feel lighter inside, too? We’ll find out. Maybe the fast is not about food at all—it’s about hunger for purpose, for peace, for something that feels alive.
     
The Mirror Speaks
Walking by the bathroom mirror, I caught a glimpse of myself—
Half-shaved head, tired eyes, a stranger staring back.
I thought, “You look ugly,” and then caught myself.
   
Ugly?
No. That reflection is a survivor’s face. A man who’s walked through hell twice and still wakes up early to write, to think, to try. The hair doesn’t matter. The spirit underneath still burns bright, even if it flickers. Along with the hair, the clothes you wear do not matter; no one really cares.
   
Dreams of Companionship
I watched a video today about robots—machines that look like us, move like us, even care for us. Strange thought: could someone like me fall in love with a robot? Hmm, I will let you know. A robot named “Mrs. Summers”? Come on now.
   
Where are they?
What I crave isn’t perfection, but presence. Something—or someone—who simply stays. Who listens without fixing, who witnesses without judgment. That’s all any of us really want, right? Those new robots look like they do all that —and more.
     
The Quiet Hurts
It’s Saturday, but it feels quieter than usual. Too quiet.
I want to go outside, walk in the sun, breathe fresh air that doesn’t come from walls. But I can’t. And that can’t cut deep. It makes me want to cry—not from weakness, but from remembering what freedom once felt like.
   
You Will Get Through It
The mediocrity of life stings more than pain sometimes.
But even in this dull ache, something inside me whispers:
“Don’t give up, Kit.
You’ve been to darker places.
You’ve always found your way back.”
   
Evening Light — The Sparkling Edition ✨
It’s 5:25 p.m.—that magical hour when the world exhales and the sky paints itself with soft gold and whispers of lavender.
     
I haven’t eaten all day, and yet … I’m not hungry.
Maybe my body’s resting while my soul’s stretching.
Maybe, just maybe, this is what healing really looks like—
quiet, sneaky, like peace tiptoeing in through the cracks while you’re not looking.
   
The sun’s slipping down the horizon, but look at me—
Still standing.
Still breathing.
️ Still writing.
Still chasing love like it’s the last train out of the station.
   
I just went to ChatGPT.com and asked it to write a poem about juggling.
Turned out pretty good >>

The Juggler’s Dance

1. Three balls rise—tiny planets in orbiting glee, 
2. Each one is a promise of what balance could be. 
3. Gravity grins but never quite wins, 
4. As rhythm and courage twirl on the winds. 
5. The juggler laughs—mistakes become art, 
6. A circus of chaos, directed by heart. 
7. Hands blur like hummingbirds chasing a tune, 
8. Sunlight applauds with an afternoon swoon. 
9. Drop? So what! It’s a rehearsal for flight— 
10. Every fall just teaches how to rise right.

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And, I did the same with “Brain Injury”  >> 
It came out interesting.

The Brain’s Wild Adventure: A Playful Peek Into Brain Injury
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, to the grandest show under the skull! ✨ Inside your noggin lies the greatest circus ever performed—neurons juggling thoughts, memories doing cartwheels, and emotions balancing on tightropes. But what happens when the ringmaster—the brain—takes a tumble? That, my friends, is the curious, chaotic, and sometimes courageous tale of brain injury.

The Plot Twist No One Asked For
Imagine you’re cruising through Life—music on, windows down, brain running the whole show—and bam! A crash, a fall, a twist of fate. Suddenly, your neurons are scrambling like clowns late for the big act. Some get dizzy, some go missing, and others forget their lines entirely. It’s not just a bump on the head—it’s a rerouting of everything you thought you knew about being you.

The Drama Behind the Curtain
A brain injury can shake up memory, balance, speech, and even mood. One minute you’re juggling 5 clubs; the next, your brain’s trying to remember the steps. But here’s the twist—the brain is the ultimate comeback artist! It rewires, reimagines, and rebuilds like a sculptor starting fresh. Neuroplasticity (say that five times fast) is its secret magic trick—your neurons learn to dance again, even to brand-new tunes.

The Courageous Performers
People who recover from brain injury? They’re the true headliners—the heroes who show up every day for rehearsals no one sees. From relearning how to walk or talk to finding joy in small victories, they remind us that the show must go on. Sometimes slower, sometimes shakier, but always—always—with heart.

The Grand Finale
A brain injury changes the script, sure—but it doesn’t end the story. It might rewrite your lines, but it also gives you a new stage, a new purpose, and maybe even a brand-new act. So here’s to every brave brain that’s been bumped, bruised, or bewildered—you’re not broken, you’re just remixing your masterpiece.
Encore, brain—encore!
      ==================================
Ah, “Who is Kit Summers?” you ask?
Let’s cue the spotlight and roll the juggling music—
Because Kit Summers is a living, breathing symphony.
Of resilience, reinvention, and radiant mischief.
ChatGPT said this about me >> 

11/2   The Juggler Who Danced with Fate
Once upon a time, Kit Summers was among the best jugglers in the world—throwing balls, clubs, and destiny itself. He dazzled audiences, taught thousands the art of coordination, and lived at the top of his game … until life quite literally knocked him off his feet.
   
A catastrophic accident left him in a coma for over a month. Doctors doubted he’d ever walk, talk, or juggle again. But Kit had other plans. He didn’t just recover—he rewrote the script.

The Comeback Kit
Through grit, humor, and a love for life that could light up a galaxy, Kit fought his way back—learning to walk, speak, and live again. Then, as if once wasn’t enough, he was hit by a truck years later. Most people would’ve bowed out after one round with fate—but not Kit. He turned every setback into another act of the show.

His self-published book, Juggling with Finesse, went on to sell over 25,000 copies worldwide. With his books and teaching, he has advanced the skill of juggling in a big way. He wrote Beyond Your Potential, a series of books about turning adversity into triumph, and launched a salsa business so successful it added some extra spice to his legend. https://www.summerssalsa.com/ 

The Wandering Wonder
Fast-forward: Kit hit the road, quite literally, driving his van to every national park in America—writing, juggling, inspiring, and spreading laughter like confetti thousands along the way. His blog, “Kitting Around,” is a treasure chest of stories, wisdom, and wild adventures. The blog has thousands of readers. 

From juggling lessons to garden tips, love letters to life philosophy—each post shines with his message:
“Life is precious. Live it differently, live it better.”

The Man Behind the Magic
Now, Kit Summers is an author, motivational speaker, and master of joyful defiance.
He helps others rediscover their spark, using humor, honesty, and heart to show the way.
That even after the darkest fall, you can rise—and juggle again.

In short:
Kit Summers = Resilience in Motion.
A one-person carnival of courage.
A storyteller whose favorite act is
Helping you find your own spotlight. ✨
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This will teach you about ChatGPT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Oso9-9KTQ
   
Being a Sunday, it’s prolonged around here.
Right now it is 2:33 in the afternoon, and I am not hungry at all.
About 4:30 now, I’m starting to get some hunger. But hunger doesn’t hurt.
         
Operation Lettuce: Mission Green!

11/3 At 9 a.m. sharp, Maura and I launched Operation Lettuce—the most daring garden mission this side of the salad bar. The sun winked, the breeze hummed, and the soil sat there like an empty stage waiting for the stars to step out. I grabbed my tiny lettuce seeds, whispered, “Grow strong, little salads!” and tucked them in for their debut performance.

Back inside, Maura handed me a catalog and said, “Find these items.”
Ah, yes—The Great Catalog Quest, Episode 47.                                                                                    Me and my friend, Daniel Powell
I sighed but played along, circling random kitchen gadgets like a game show contestant guessing prices. She swears it builds patience and focus. Maybe she’s right… But I’d trade a dozen catalog searches for five minutes in the sun, tossing clubs or coaxing another green miracle from the earth.

Then I glanced over—Maura was coloring, deep in concentration. That’s her art; mine’s dirt and rhythm and sky. But hey, growth comes in many forms. Whether it’s crayon or compost, we’re all coloring the picture of who we’re becoming.

So here’s my toast:
To lettuce leaves and learning curves, to paper tasks and planted dreams, to finding joy even in the goofy exercises that test our patience.

Because life, my friend, is one wild garden.
And every seed—yes, even the ones you plant half-heartedly—has the power to surprise you. ✨
     
11/4 — A Dazzling Dawn and a Dancing Brain!
The day burst open early—3 a.m. to be exact! Most people would call that “the middle of the night,” but I call it prime time for magic.
   
As I sipped my quiet morning, a kind soul doing her rounds popped by to say hi. I saw an opportunity wrapped in scarves! Within minutes, she was juggling three scarves like a natural. Her eyes sparkled, and she told me about her two kids—so of course, I handed her scarves for them, too. “Now go forth,” I said, “and spread the juggling joy!”

A Letter to 60 Minutes
Today I wrote to 60 Minutes, pitching my story for their program. Why not dream big, right? If they say yes, the world will see not just my comeback—but the comeback in all of us. ✨

Afternoon Brain Gym—The Playful Way to Think!
The morning? A blank canvas. No appointments, no noise—just room to breathe and dream.

At 1 p.m., I joined Lilly for speech therapy. She ran a memory contest: a wild story with strange characters that twisted and turned like a carnival ride. My score? About half. But hey, half-remembered means half-discovered!

Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence with a grin. Champions aren’t built from perfect recall—they’re forged from curious practice. So I’m calling this Round Two.

New Tricks for a Smarter Brain

Try these with me:

• Picture It: Turn details into vivid images (a blue bicycle, a laughing mailbox). The brain loves color and surprise. 
• Chunk It: Split stories into 3 or 4 mini-scenes (beginning, twist, ending, kicker). Easy to remember, easy to replay. 
• Say & Play: Speak the beats out loud—then juggle slowly for 30 seconds and retell. Movement locks in memory like rhythm locks in song.

There are thousands of memory techniques waiting online—but the best one might just be play.
   
11/5– The Fast and the Curious
No food has crossed my lips yet—still! My stomach’s quiet, my mind’s loud, and my spirit’s on a daring mission. They call it fasting, though nothing about it feels fast. It’s more like a slow-motion dance with discipline. Each hour whispers, “Still strong, Kit?” and I grin back, “You bet your broccoli I am!”
   
I’m thinking I’ll stretch this adventure until Friday—make it a whole week of pure willpower. Not a punishment, not a protest, but a pilgrimage. A chance to prove that I can live lighter, sharper, freer.
   
How about you? Ever stopped eating for a while? It’s a wild experiment—the body quiets, but the soul starts narrating its own audiobook!
   
This morning, I showed up early (as usual) for my appointment with Lilly. The therapy room was empty, so I took command—lifted some weights, felt the pulse of progress in my arms. Muscles singing, mind cheering, “You’re alive, Kit! You’re really doing it!” ✨
   
Then came the group with Lilly. Yesterday she told us a story—I couldn’t remember it. Not a bit. That hit me hard. But today, she broke down the magic ingredients of the mind: Alertness, Attention, Processing, Memory, and Executive Function.
   
Five shining gears of cognition—some of mine might grind and sputter, but none are broken. Each lift, each fast, each focused breath … It’s all training for this grand machine called me.
     
The journey continues—slow, steady, and brilliantly alive.
     
11/6– Up Before the Sun—Again!
   
As usual, I beat the sunrise to the punch. The world still snoozes, but I’m up, alert, and dancing with the dawn. Last night, though—whew!—it was wild. The guy next door went on a wall-pounding, yelling spree that made my room sound like a drum solo gone rogue. Eventually, the storm passed, and calm returned, like the hush after a thunderclap. These are the unpredictable ripples of brain injury—chaotic, sudden, and, at times, heartbreaking. Still, I find my peace where I can.
   
☕ One Week of Green Tea Zen
Not a single bite of food has crossed these lips in a week! Just me, my green tea, and a quiet, humming clarity. I’ll end the fast tomorrow. Maybe next month, I’ll do it again—this time for a whole month—want to join me? Come on, test your willpower! You might discover that your constant eating is just … a habit dressed up as hunger.
   
Enter the Nilgai (a.k.a. Nature’s Big Surprise)
Out of nowhere, I stumbled upon the Nilgai!
Ever heard of them?, I hadn’t.
These elegant antelope-like creatures are from India.
Now they strut their stuff in Texas.
Texas! You can see them here
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5gxya9VL5Ww
   
️‍♂️ PT Power with Maryann
Early bird that I am, I showed up before my session and hit the weights. Twice a day now—my arms are singing, my balance board is my dance partner, and the mirror is my coach. I lean a bit left (my rebellious side showing, I guess), but I’m working on straightening that out. Progress is the sweetest muscle flex of all.
   
OT Adventures with Terrie
Then came Terrie’s turn! Out to the garden first—my little green empire—to water and whisper encouragement to the plants. The new lettuce plants are popping their little heads out. Inside, she had me sorting receipts. Riveting? No. Useful? Definitely. Organizational skills need reps just like biceps. Still, I’d trade those receipts for another round with the watering can any day.
   
Notes for Lilly
Lilly, I know I forgot the right words for our therapy updates—chalk it up to a brain hiccup. I’ll try to do better next time. Lessons undone, words misplaced, but heart entirely in it. Lilly has been giving a daily presentation on memory, retention, and finding memories.
   
Lilly was working with a big group. At one point, everyone said how many years it had been since their brain injury. I was surprised at these numbers.
5 years since, 15, 27, 32, 43 (me), and 46.
Each of us had a significant injury to our brains that changed our lives forever.
     

The Great Tooth Exodus
A few teeth went missing in action—probably off on vacation or hiding under the pillow for retirement funds. So, I figured, why not go all in? On August 14, I declared independence from all my lower teeth. Out they went, a mass exodus worthy of a dental documentary.
   
Now, don’t get me wrong—I don’t regret it. Sure, I may whistle when I say “salsa,” but that’s just free entertainment. The real star of this toothy tale is my dentist, whom I saw at precisely 3 p.m.—because that’s the hour when all brave heroes face their fate. She fitted me again for my brand-new chompers, which are apparently still being crafted by tiny tooth elves in some secret lab.
   
It’s been strange living without lower teeth. Eating feels like auditioning for a mashed-potato commercial. But hey, I’m learning to smile wider, laugh louder, and enjoy soup with the passion of a man reborn. Soon, I’ll be back to biting into life—literally! ✨
     
11/7–This morning, I started by eating a banana. As you know, I have not eaten for one week; this is the start again. What’s strange is that the entire week of eating, I never felt hungry. Since my accident so many years ago, I have seldom felt hungry or felt full. Next time, I will go for an entire month.
   
Do you ever think about how your head is positioned as opposed to your shoulders? A new habit I’ve developed to go against the old habit of tilting my head to the left. This all goes back to my brain injury. Another leftover problem is my double vision, which is always with me. I often have to close one eye to see right.
   
While here, I see so many broken minds and bodies. This is just a small segment; now think about all the rehab centers worldwide. Help how you can.
   
Paperwork, Patience, and Playful Persistence ✨
Ah, OT with Terrie—what a thrill ride of… receipts! Yes, you heard me right. A stack of faded, curly paper slips that looked like they’d survived a hurricane in a glove box. My mission: organize them by date, write down the store, and add up the totals. Twice. And—plot twist—I got two different answers. Math and I have always had a creative relationship.
   
When I told Terrie I thought it was a waste of time, she smiled and said it was good for visual scanning, attention to detail, and focus. I suppose she’s right—it’s like juggling, but with numbers instead of clubs. Still, I can’t help but think: maybe there’s a more thrilling circus act for my brain than “Receipt Reconciliation 101.”
   
It’s about 10 a.m., and aside from speech with Dino later, that’s my day. Sometimes it feels like I’m running in place—lots of motion, not much mileage. But hey, this is where I am right now, and life’s too short not to make the best of every scene. So I’ll bring the energy, toss in some humor, and see how I can rewrite the script.
   
Then came Dino, my speech coach for casual conversation. We mostly chit-chatted, and when I asked what we’d work on, he flipped the script back to me: “So, what do you want to work on, Kit?” I say, if you’re the guide, bring a map! Every therapist should have a plan that sparks learning and growth.
   
Still, I leave each session knowing this truth: even if the day feels dull, it’s clay waiting for you to sculpt it into something better.
   
So that’s what I’m doing—turning the boring into bold, the routine into radiant. Because no matter what task is thrown your way—receipts, small talk, or silence—it’s all raw material for greatness. 

 The Garden of Becoming  
The new garden I’m building will take center stage soon—
Watch it unfurl as green shoots rise and blossoms announce themselves.
Everyone should have their own garden.
You plant.
You nurture.
You harvest.
You begin again.
Each bloom, a standing ovation.
Each sprout is a whispered promise.
Each fallen leaf is a graceful bow to the cycle of renewal.
   
Why We Garden
1–It lifts your spirit and strengthens your confidence.
2–Your heart beats healthier for it.
3–Stress dissolves like dew in the morning sun.
4–Happiness takes root and spreads.
5–Your hands grow stronger, more capable.
6–Families bond over soil-stained fingers and shared meals.
7–Sunshine provides vitamin D and warmth to your bones.
8–Food you grow makes your body glow.
9–Neighbors meet, friendships sprout.
10–Families deepen together.
11–Communities connect, expand, and thrive.
12–Worries about hunger shrink as self-sufficiency grows.
     
Pulling a carrot from your own soil isn’t just food—it’s victory in orange.

It’s proof that patience, dirt, and faith can make flavors no store can match.

Sun-warmed tomatoes, basil-stained hands, strawberries like rubies—every bite a miracle.

A salad bar by the sink.

A curtain of green where glass once was.

Small jungles whispering, grow anyway.

Growth never stops—it just changes shape.

Start with a pot, a patch, a scrap of ground.

You’ll see: as life softens the soil, it softens you too.

Indoors, life sneaks through cracks of light.

Herbs glow like tiny lanterns, jars turn wild, and mint dares your water to taste alive.

Because life itself is one vast garden—unpredictable, abundant, forgiving.

MY NEXT CHAPTERS
I’m not winding down—I’m revving up.
The world is waiting for your story, too.
Or chase that adventure you’ve postponed.
It’s time to write that book, launch that dream,
         
WHAT’S YOUR NEXT SPARK?
Relax and see the beauty.
What’s your bold adventure this week?
What’s one bold thing you’ll do that makes you feel alive?
“Breathe. You’re still here. That’s enough reason to dance.”

YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK:
Do not say, “How are you?” or “Are you ok”?  This week.
Think of other things to say that are stronger.
     
NEXT WEEK>>BLOB 350–The ​Seven Rules in Life

Final Thoughts
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE!