BLOG 287—From Juggling to Salsa?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 287—From Juggling to Salsa?
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two different trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** What do you want to accomplish before you’re death?
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about?
*** Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRo 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to make your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — From Juggling to Salsa?
There I was in 1982, once a professional juggler, having recovered from a 37-day coma and not knowing what I would do in the future. My mind still knew how to juggle, and I thought I could return to my previous skill level, but my arms would not obey. I had to find the next thing I could succeed at.

Striving for excellence requires hard work and dedication. It’s about consistently doing your best and challenging yourself to exceed the norm. This process can be rewarding and challenging, and the accomplishment at the end of each day is a powerful motivator.
   
It’s so easy to do what is easiest — mediocrity.
Mediocrity might be more manageable.
Mediocrity might be safe.
Mediocrity might be easy.
Mediocrity might be comfortable.
But we both know that you go for EXCELLENCE!
You are not of the mediocre mindset.
   
First, when I competed in pole-vaulting in high school, eventually, I went over the bar at 18’6”, a school record. This passion I had developed next went toward the skill of juggling. In 1976, I got first place on the national TV show “The Gong Show” and was on my way toward excellence again.
 
From my juggling, I learned discipline, which is necessary for juggling and much in life. This discipline of continuous advancement transferred to other parts of my life. With my juggling, recovery after a 37-day coma, school assembly shows, salsa business, and traveling, I aimed for excellence in all parts of my life.
   
Aiming for distinction can and should be a part of everyone’s life, even if they have a brain injury and/or are recovering from something (as we all are.) I learned to drive myself toward excellence in all that I did. The thing is—YOU CAN TOO!
   
Hmm, driving. The 1983 International Juggling Convention was in Purchase, NY. That provided my challenge—driving from where I lived in San Diego across to the convention. Need I tell you, I achieved that challenge! I did attend the 1982 IJA Convention, which took place in Santa Barbara, CA. I was with my wheelchair at this convention. The next one was in NY, where I rode my unicycle. So, from four wheels to one in just a year. 
 
What a predicament!
I knew what it would take to reestablish my juggling, but my mind did not control my arms well. I could still juggle, but not to the level I was at before in any way. I did hundreds of shows at schools across the US, Japan once, and when I was in Europe once.
   
Even though my arms did not work right for juggling, my comedy and magic filled in for good shows. I told the students what it took for me to become a world-class juggler and how they could find success at anything of their choice. And then of my accident and recovery and how they can achieve massive success even if they go through something drastic.
   
HELPING STUDENTS ADVANCE!
I could not juggle as I did, but I have always been a performer, which has continued in my school shows.
HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS I RECEIVED ABOUT MY SHOWS FOR STUDENTS >>
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“The children get an excellent message from Kit’s experiences. He points out and reassures that you can do anything you decide to do. Kit relates well with all ages. A compelling message.”
Sister Kathleen Groves, Principal, Nativity Elementary, Philadelphia, PA
  ===
“Kit Summers’ program is a unique combination of motivation and juggling talent that is most appropriate for your students–a show that all kids should see.”
Principal, Eisenberg Elementary, New Castle, DE
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“Mr. Kit Summers provided our 1,250 students with a motivational program encouraging them to set goals and be their best! Our students were inspired by his personal life message and awed by his many juggling talents. Thanks, Kit!”
Principal, JTL Intermediate, East Stroudsburg, PA
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“Educational Entertainment Excellence” provides students with firsthand experiences to understand why one sets goals and the spirit needed to accomplish them.”
Principal, Dulaney High, Timonium, MD
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“Your life story you wove in between your juggling with us greatly impressed the children and staff. Your book has had many readers since it came to our school.”
Principal, Kemblesville Elementary, Kemblesville, PA
    ===
With budget cutbacks, schools were limited spending, so school shows soon slowed down.
    ================
BOOK WRITING TIME!
No, I could not juggle as I did, but I wrote my book, “Juggling with Finesse,” which was eight and a half by eleven inches; this is a big book. Juggling with Finesse sold over 25,000 copies worldwide and advanced juggling on Earth. 
   
I went on to write 15 books, which helped humans in many ways.
   
You can write; after all, you are reading these words.
Start writing your book today with words that will help others.
    =====
JUGGLING WORKSHOP TIME
Along with working with school students, I worked with improving jugglers worldwide. 
   
I could not juggle as before, but my mind knew the skill intimately in an advanced way. I traveled the world presenting juggling workshops, in which I helped jugglers learn to advance and reach the next higher level in their juggling. Through my workshops, I was able to work with and help hundreds of jugglers.
   
With the workshop, I presented workshops all across the US, went to Europe three times in various countries, went to Japan three times, and presented workshops in Osaka and Tokyo. I have also worked with jugglers in five workshops in Australia and five in New Zealand.
 
HERE ARE SOME QUOTES FROM JUGGLERS ABOUT MY WORKSHOP >>
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“The workshop caters to all levels.  Even though I’m a novice, I got as much out of it as the most experienced juggler.”
Robin Berry–Chandler, AZ
    ===
“I learned a lot of things that would have been trial and error and some that I might not have learned at all.  I’m eager to use all those practical performance tips–I know my show will improve greatly.”
Greg Tarlin–Bramalea, Ont. CANADA
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“Kit’s valuable insight extends far beyond juggling, performing, etc., to personal progress and life fulfillment.  An excellent workshop led by an outstanding character.”
Richard Fox–Gwynedd, WALES
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“You could look at my juggling problems and pinpoint exactly how I could improve.”
Peggy King, Santa Barbara, CA
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“I learned a more disciplined approach to practice and performance, accompanied with useful information that I look forward to putting to work for me.”
Campbell Wood, Lexington, KY
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“The workshop was excellent!  My major concern was that I would hold back other more proficient jugglers since I had not been juggling very long.  There was no problem.”
John Ackerman–Waltham, MA
    =======================
Can you juggle?
If not, it is time to learn!
 
I have taught juggling to hundreds of people. I am confident that I have figured out an effective way of teaching the skill, and I am sharing it here.
   
Before we begin, I must warn you: Juggling is highly addictive and can take you to another mentality. I do not accept any responsibility for you becoming addicted and all its consequences–juggling in every grocery store, trying to juggle all things you can.
 
Use a heavier ball like a lacrosse ball or an orange for juggling. That way, you have more control and know when the ball is in your hand. Or, look on the internet and buy some juggling bean bag balls.
   
3-ball cascade in 3 steps
The cascade is a fundamental and most straightforward trick with three balls. I like to break it down into three steps.
 
Step 1–The first throw
Start with one ball in your dominant hand. Stand with your elbows bent 90 degrees and your palms facing up. Toss the ball to the other hand with an upward movement of the forearm (not the wrist, not the whole lower arm).
     
Both elbows should be kept next to your hips. The peak of the throw trajectory should be at eye level, and the angle of the throw should be so that the ball lands where your weaker hand is waiting. When catching, do not reach for the ball; simply wait for it to fall into your palm. If your throw is inaccurate, take a step to move your body rather than catch the ball in uncomfortable positions.
   
Step 2–The Exchange
After you learn to do the basic throw with one ball, add the second ball and understand the exchange. This is an essential juggling move named after the fact that the two balls change their positions.
 
Hold one ball in each hand. Throw the first ball from your dominant hand, like in Step 1. Once the ball is at the peak of its course, throw the second ball from your weaker hand “underneath” the first one. In other words, the trajectories are not identical—that would cause the balls to collide mid-air—but each trajectory is shifted to the catching-hand side. Catch the first ball with your weaker hand. Catch the second ball with your dominant hand.
   
That was the exchange. Switch the sides: making the first throw from your weaker hand and the second from your dominant hand. Nothing stops you from going for the cascade once you can exchange comfortably on both sides.
   
Now, start by holding two balls in your preferred hand and one in your other. Throw just one from the hand holding two to the other hand, and then do the exchange. Repeat this until it feels natural.
         
That was the exchange. Switch the sides: Make the first throw from your weaker hand and the second from your dominant hand. Nothing stops you from going for the cascade once you can exchange comfortably on both sides.
   
Step 3–The Cascade
Finally, the part that we were practicing for is here! Take three balls, two in your dominant hand and one in your weaker hand. Hold the two balls so that you hold one with your thumb, index, and middle finger and the other with your ring finger and pinkie.
   
Toss the first ball from your dominant hand, which holds two balls. Like in the exchange, throw the second ball from your weaker hand when the first ball is around eye level.
       
Catch the first ball in your weaker hand. When the second ball is around eye level, throw the third ball from your dominant hand. Notice that this is again like the exchange, only on the other side. Catch the second ball in your dominant hand. Back and forth–throw catch, throw catch.
  Repeat the last four positions (over and over), and you are officially juggling the 3-ball cascade! Of course, you will need hundreds of tries before you juggle the cascade solidly. Don’t be discouraged by drops; even the best jugglers drop when practicing!
   
NOW YOU ARE JUGGLING!
Stay with it; juggling will advance your life!
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SALSA TIME
As I wrote, I could not juggle as before, so I developed a fresh salsa that people loved!
I ran summerssalsa for twenty years until I got a truck–again.
 
I developed and made fresh salsa for nearly twenty years, and people loved it! I ran my fresh salsa business and sold thousands at farmers’ markets, festivals, fairs, and events. I also sold salsa through 33 successful stores, including one Whole Foods Market.
   
Here are some comments about my salsa >>
“The first week after we started carrying your salsa, sales were unprecedented.  We sold out quickly and need more.  Our customers love your salsa–I’m glad you contacted us.”
Terry Brett, Owner, Kimberton Whole Foods, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
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“This is a first!  I love salsa.  So much mediocre salsa caused me to grow my tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, and jalapenos to make my own.  But I have never eaten a whole pint in one sitting.  But I did tonight! The entire pint, right out of the tub (then I even drank the leftover juice)!   Next to your salsa, everything else seems like catsup.  You have done a great job coming up with a recipe for complex & enjoyable taste and great health (no salt!).  You have something unique here.   Next pint will be shared with a friend and a good chardonnay.”
Rich Carpenter, Narberth, Pennsylvania
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“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the sweet salsa you sold me Saturday night at Booth’s Corner Farmers Market.  I passed by at first and thought the $5.00 a container cost was a little high, but after tasting a small sample, taking it home, and sharing it with a friend, it was worth every cent!   Thanks again, and you have made a great product.  What is so great about it is the fresh garden taste, unlike the salsa sold in the supermarket, regardless of brand or taste.”
Tom Griffiths, III, Springfield, Pennsylvania.
    ===
“I just wanted to say that your salsa is sensational!  I tasted a sample at the Booths Corner Farmers Market, and I was instantly hooked.  I will not buy supermarket salsa ever again. Summers Salsa is so fresh and healthy.  It should be marketed to be sold at ALL supermarkets.”
Patricia Ferrari, West Chester, PA
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“I am in love with your Salsa. I would marry it if it were legal in Pennsylvania (and if I were not already married.) Thank you, and keep adding to the list of retailers in Chester County!” 
Meg Diskin, West Chester, PA
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HOW ABOUT THIS–Now you can make your own Summers salsa!
As I’ve posted before, here is the recipe for my delicious salsa >>
     
How to make Summers’ Salsa >>
Use one can of black beans.
One can of corn.
One can of peaches or three fresh peaches.
One bunch of cilantro (also known as coriander.)
One 20-centimeter (8 inches) square of Roma/plum tomatoes (about 15)
One large red onion
One lemon
Two limes
Four cloves of garlic, minced
Chili powder–one spoon
Organic Maple Syrup–four spoons
One or more jalapeno peppers (depending on the heat level you desire)
   
Use a food processor to chop the tomatoes into small bits, about 1 or 2 centimeters (quarter-inch squares).  Peel the outside of the onion, cut it into quarters, and put these in the food processor; chop so they are about the same size as the tomatoes.  Drain the can of peaches, put them into the food processor, chop them the same size as the tomatoes, and add them to the bowl. Drain the cans of corn and beans, and then add them to the bowl.
 
Hand chop the cilantro into small bits (about the same size as tomatoes) and add it. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and the two limes into the bowl and add some pulp if desired. Add the chili powder, garlic salt, and maple syrup. In the food processor, chop one or more Jalapeno peppers into tiny bits and then add them. Mix all of these ingredients well and enjoy your fresh salsa.
   
For a spicy salsa, leave out the maple syrup and peaches, add more jalapeno, and add habanero peppers for the desired heat.
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The business did superbly, but I was hit by a truck again while riding my bike one day 2010. 

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT EXCELLENCE ADD TO YOUR LIFE >> 

“We must constantly chase perfection. 
If we do, we can achieve excellence!”
– Kit Summers
   
“Excellence is not a skill;
it’s an attitude.”
– Ralph Marston
   
“We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
Will Durant Be a yardstick of quality?
Some people need to get used to an environment where excellence is expected.
– Steve Jobs
   
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential; these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”
– Confucius
   
“Dreams can become a reality when we possess a vision.
That is characterized by the willingness to work hard,
a desire for excellence,
and a belief in our right and responsibility to be equal members of society.”
– Janet Jackson
 
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen​ field of endeavor.”
– Vince Lombardi
   
“If you don’t do it with excellence, don’t do it at all!
Because if it’s not excellent, it won’t be profitable or fun.”
– Robert Townsend
   
“Excellence is not an accomplishment.
It is a spirit, a never-ending process.”
– Lawrence M. Miller
   
“Strive for excellence, not perfection.”
– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
 
“We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, therefore,
is not an act,
but a habit.”
– Aristotle
 
“We should not judge people by their peak of excellence but by how far they have traveled from the point where they started.”
– Henry Ward Beecher
   
“Excellence is to do a common thing uncommonly.”
– Booker T. Washington
   
“Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value.”
– Albert Einstein
 
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things. 
You develop the habit in little matters.
Excellence is not an exception; it is a prevailing attitude.”
– Colin Powell
 
“The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking about excellence. It’s a matter of programming our minds with the information that will set us free.”
– Charles R. Swindoll
   
“Mediocrity always attacks excellence.”
– Michael Beckwith

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
   
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
8/24–Hmm, I can’t recall what I did on this day.
A more critical question: what did you do on this day?
   
8/25–The new computer I bought for Beth needed work, so I went to Best Buy in Augusta. Before, I stopped at Costco for a gas fill-up and got my free lunch there. 

The new bunny is so much fun — but loves to bite fingers.

Like always, there was much to do for the house, so I did when I returned, see the photo.
   
8/26–As usual, I’m waking early. Today, I built a shelving unit. I recently acquired the wood from Don, who lives down the road. You will see photos of the shelves. I obtained all the wood for free by asking people if they had any lying around that they were not using.
 
The birds are flying well.
8/27–It was hot today, but I built a second shelf system. These turned out nice. Now, I must fill any holes with spackle, sand, and paint. These will hold books, so they don’t have to look perfect.
   
8/28 through 8/30—Not much happened these days; I hope yours went well.
I will have to make next week more exciting.
We can all do that.
Are you bored in life?
You can make changes.
Do different things.
Do things differently.
See things from a new perspective! 
Always make a life that excites you!

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING NEW FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

      
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THE GARDEN THIS WEEKThe raspberry plants are doing quite well!

A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.

The Jerusalem Artichokes are blocking our path!

This week, now much with the garden.
I’m sending a few photos, though.
   
The garden used to be flourishing more. It’s time to restart something. I will pull up all the tomato plants and replant new ones.
   
You will have to let me know how you did.
   
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

The Raspberry plants are growing great!

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES! 

YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Two challenges this week. 

1.  Make some of my delicious salsa. 
2. If you can’t already, learn to juggle! 

Please let me know how each turns out.

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NEXT BLOG >> Summer is going well.
Are you physically fit and in shape?
In the next blog, you will learn how to do this.
Being in good shape means thinking better and doing well in life. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?