BLOG  308–Words of Fiction?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG  308–Words of Fiction?
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I aim to Illuminate your Life with my Words.
Do You Wander Aimlessly or Wonder About the Possibilities?
Embark on Your Journey of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth.
Let’s Ignite Moments of Self-reflection and Deep Contemplation Together.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY AND BETTER!

*** A world-class juggler/performer.
*** The value that every moment has.
*** Only YOU know what is best for you.
*** Going through a 37-day coma — Yikes!
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** It was a life-altering experience that gave me joy.
*** More than just you, I hope I help many others through you.
** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop.
*** If you read through Facebook, see>Kit’s Website
*** Despite being hit by two trucks, I remain happy.
*** What do you want to accomplish before you die?
*** I lived in my van for six years, which was very nice.
*** I visited all US national parks and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** But sadly, our divorce is imminent.
*** What are you genuinely passionate about?
*** What do you want to accomplish?
*** You cannot change the past.
*** Remember, the future will come.
*** All you have is now—ALWAYS!
*** Have you seen >>Video about Kit

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 hope I help guide you. I want to lighten your path toward excellence. I am 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 each time—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually add to your life and bring you to a higher level. Your life should always be starting again–a better life each time!
     
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –WORDS HAVE POWER!
They can fill you with optimism and empower you to think positively.
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual demise?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life — at every age. Let this thought motivate and drive you towards self-improvement.
Of course, that leads to helping others to have a better life.
We all need to help each other to reach a higher level.
         
MY EXPERIENCES
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide you with additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.
I hope to spread ideas from my life so you can live better.
Remember — only you know what is best for you.
And — you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
     
Learn a New Word — Every Day!
Sign up at >> https://www.wordgenius.com/ 

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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OPENING WORDS
       
We always have a choice; I’m planning to live, really live, until I die. Whether it be a month or next year, I must live. That’s all anyone can do. So, make the life you have now the best you can. This is the only chance we have to live a life!
     
From pine trees to palm trees, I am driving from north to South, a trip I have made a few times before. I plan to have a near-local appointment on February 25 and must spend the time before then.
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BLOG  308–The Shaman and the Deer
Trying my hand at fiction writing, let me know . . .
   
A shaman is regarded as having access to and can influence the world of good and evil spirits, especially among some people in northern Asia and North America. Shamans often enter a trance state during a ritual and practice divination and healing. I am not confessing that I believe anything in that regard; I find it interesting.
   
As you may know, I have never believed in any of the gods humans have developed. These gods had many ways of controlling people and what they thought and did. I first got interested in shaman ways back in Jr. High with some books I was reading by Carlos Castaneda and others that interested me. The shaman way has no god to speak of.
     
Although I don’t believe in gods, shamans are notable religious or spiritual figures in many traditional Indigenous faiths. They function as healers, prophets, diviners, and custodians of religious lore.
   
A man with Pancho and a Hat Walked Through a Sacred Land in Peru. A few years ago, a shaman in Honduras taught a beneficial technique that clarifies one’s path and dissolves stress and anxiety. This technique profoundly affected my life, and I’d like to share it with you today.
   
I first read “Shaman” in junior high School. The words took me away. The deer spirit animal can inspire words of gratitude, grace, and assertiveness. Deer are often associated with peace, gentleness, and love.
     
Shamanism, or Spirit Animals. The deer is a spirit animal with a peaceful and gentle energy that connects deeply with those it guides. The deer’s presence in life encourages us to embrace gentleness, sensitivity, and the ability to face life’s challenges gracefully.
   
Here is one version of these “four laws of a shaman” from posts:
“The person who comes into your life is the right person.”
“What happens is the only thing that could have happened.”
“Anytime it starts is the right time.”
“When something ends, it ends.”
   
Shamanism isn’t a religion; it’s a way of relating to/exploring the universe. It’s not a doctrine, a set of beliefs, so inherently, it doesn’t recognize a conflict. I’ve had many students who found Jesus or Mary as their primary shamanic guide.
         
In biblical symbology, deer represents piety, devotion, and safety in God’s care. They symbolize a longing for a Lord and the ability to overcome obstacles. As graceful, timid, and beautiful creatures, deer can indicate naivete or innocence, depending on the context.
   
“I am a storyteller,” began the shaman. “The story we tell influences our experience of being alive, and how we react to our experience influences our story. What do you dare to dream of? What do you dare to let go of lovingly? How do you want to experience life in your heart of hearts?”
     
Overwater, undersea,
In the forest high, you’ll be.
Trust your instinct in the sea;
Bring the treasure home to me.
If you find it, as you might.
     
You will travel day and night.
As you see it, you will know,
As above, then so below.
Once you grasp it, you will be.
Ready then to cross the sea.
By Dan Millman in Sacred Journey
   
Inspirational words and suggestive photography will guide you.
A journey to rediscover the exquisite, graceful beauty and bounty of your being.
     
Stage 1: Call to the Shamanic Path
Stage 2: Awakening and Crisis
Stage 3: Training and Mentorship
Stage 4: Death and Rebirth
Stage 5: Spiritual Healing and Transformation
Stage 6: Mastery and Integration
Stage 7: Service and Contribution
     
Shamanism is regarded as one of the world’s oldest teachings and one of its newest. Paleolithic cave art shows evidence of shamanic practice, and contemporary societies are cultivating shamanic experiences, especially in their “New Age” or neo-shamanism variations.
     
“Let us remember who we are, and we will be gratefully together in unity; we will know what to do…What a blessing for each of us to have an opportunity to discover, in our heart of hearts, what is truly essential for us…”
     
Like much of the healing wisdom from native cultures, this teaching began with observing nature. As we sat together, the curandero asked me how I felt about deer. Yes, our furry four-legged friends that frolic in the forest. He explained that they are mighty animals and a great role model for humans to learn from.
     
The deer spirit animal can inspire words of gratitude, grace, and assertiveness.
Deer are often associated with peace, gentleness, and love

•  Gratitude and grace
•  Be thankful and gracious
•  Be graceful and diplomatic in negotiations
•  Use calm, clear communication to earn respect
•  Assertiveness
•  Be able to stand up for yourself and fight back cleverly and thoughtfully.
•  Assert your position in delicate situations
•  Be more decisive in your approach
•  Trust your intuition and have more confidence in yourself    
•  Balance Accept your weaknesses and mistakes, Develop your full potential and feel more fulfilled, and Balance masculinity and femininity. 
• Heart intelligence
•  Give and receive unconditional love
•  Stop being so hard on yourself or others
•  Tend to your heart if you’ve been hurt

A deer knows it’s a deer. It has no inner conflict about its past, purpose, needs, or destiny. It lives in the moment and is 100% resourceful, minute by minute, its senses entirely keen, its focus pure and unburdened. Do you spend most of your day this way? Or even just an hour? Some might argue this is not even possible in today’s world.
   
While we may not be able to live with apparent and open minds like our furry counterparts, we CAN begin to nurture longer stretches of this purity in our lives. 

How do we do this?
An Ancient Technique:

The practice below concerns noticing and preventing
Yourself from being derailed mentally and emotionally.
    
For example, you wake up and have a beautiful morning until you glimpse yourself in the mirror and notice something you don’t like. “Wow, I’m getting… (fill in the blank with your peeve about yourself – old, fat, skinny, bald, ugly, pale, stupid…).”
     
This bright, shiny detour sign beckons you to stop traveling your peaceful path and start engaging in negative self-analysis. Most of the time, we don’t notice this road sign – we fly right off the highway into the valley of the downward spiral. 

This can be a five—to ten-minute dialogue with yourself, laden with lower thoughts, that saps your energy for an hour and sometimes the entire day. The mirror is just one example, but it could be a phone call, a text message, a minor inconvenience that triggers a stress response, or the product of overthinking your life with a busy brain instead of simply being in the moment.

There are many ways to get there, but the destination is the same. Derailed. As you work with them, you see these mental detours for what they indeed are – invisible bars of a cage imprisoning your true self.

1) Pick an hour in your day. It doesn’t need to be quiet or free of distraction. This practice is best done during your everyday life. You can be at work, and/or with family, doing household chores, or out for a hike ­– the only thing that matters is starting this hour in a positive and happy frame of mind.

2) The actual practice is simple. For 60 minutes, proceed through life, remaining as peaceful as possible. Maintain a positive outlook, the only work you need to do is pay attention to your thoughts and gently note any times you slip into negative self-talk or get derailed.

This derailing doesn’t need to be primary for it to qualify—it can be as subtle as a two-second judgment or a brief moment of anxiety. To be clear, this practice is not about working with negative thought patterns. We inventory what comes up in our peripheral vision over an hour of daily life. The more emotionally neutral you can be, the more information you pick up.
   
The shaman gave me this bit of wisdom before I started:
“We are watching our thoughts like a child on a river bank, noting what floats by. Curious, playful even, but unattached.”

You should write down these negative triggers to work with them later, but this is entirely your choice. This life habit has helped me in two key ways >> 

1. As we walk through life, these disruption points are grand entryways or portals into more profound inner work LATER. 
2. Observing and acknowledging your triggers with an open and neutral eye can heal them in ways your brain cannot quantify. The light of consciousness is healing in itself. 

If you’re up for it, I’d like to challenge you to one of these power-hours of self-discovery. Anyone can do it, and the benefits to body and soul can be extraordinary. Yes, this is work. But it’s some of the most rewarding jobs I know of. Be you and see you. When I started doing this, I found it took work to identify the triggers themselves. I had almost programmed myself to ignore these subtleties in my reality. But once I began tracing negative emotions backward to where they sprouted, I had a huge a-ha moment. Once you notice how and when the seed is planted, you can begin to do more conscious inner gardening of your mind.

EMBRACE THE PRESENT MOMENT — EVERY SINGLE INSTANT! 

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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. 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”
Your quality of thinking and how you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determine everything in your life. 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
Motivational quotes affect our brain, behavior, and lives because they make us feel like we are in control of our success and have self-efficacy. Quotes make us believe that we have the confidence to complete a task successfully, which is different from having the motivation to succeed.  
   
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.
     
WORDS WILL CHANGE YOU!
The correct motivational quote can change you and things—helping you ditch the excuses, escape your comfort zone, and take action. Read these words with an open mind and learn to improve your life.
     
THESE QUOTES
When you read these quotes, you’ll also realize that many other people worldwide are experiencing these feelings. These feelings make you think you’re the only person who could feel this bad. But you’re not. Lots and lots of other people feel bad, too. This is the irony of it. You don’t want other people to feel crappy, but it does make you feel better or at least comforted to know that other people feel just as bad as you.
     
READ CAREFULLY
These quotes can be used when you wake up or prepare for work.
You can write your favorite quotes somewhere where you can see them first thing in the morning.
These quotes are motivating, inspiring, and encouraging.
They will help you see your potential, stay motivated, and see the beauty in every morning.
Use them to your advantage! 

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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS
INSPIRE YOU AND ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
“A life lived in the absence of the psychedelic experience upon which primordial shamanism is based is life trivialized, life denied, life enslaved to the ego.”
Terence McKenna
   
“Shamanism is a path of knowledge, not of faith, and that knowledge cannot come from me or anyone else in this reality. To acquire that knowledge, including understanding the existence of the spirits, one must step through the shaman’s doorway and acquire empirical evidence.”
Michael Harner
   
“Shamanism is the oldest form of communicating and healing.
It probably resides in all of us.”
Amy Hardie
   
“It isn’t that a warrior learns shamanism as time goes by; instead, what he learns as time goes by is to save energy. This energy will enable him to handle some of the inaccessible energy fields. Shamanism is a state of awareness, the ability to use energy fields that are not employed to perceive the everyday world we know.”
Carlos Castaneda
   
“Shamanism is not a religion. It’s a method. The shaman’s path can become a way of life when this method is practiced with humility, reverence, and self-discipline.”
Hank Wesselman
     
“Nature is not our enemy to be raped and conquered.
Nature is ourselves, to be cherished and explored.”
Terence McKenna
     
“What’s really important about shamanism is that there is another reality that you can personally discover…we are not alone.”
Michael Harner
   
“The fundamental difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge. In contrast, an ordinary man takes everything as a blessing or a curse.”
Carlos Castaneda
   
“The Old Religion, as we call it, is closer in spirit to Native American traditions or the shamanism of the Arctic. It is not based on dogma, a set of beliefs, scriptures, or a sacred book revealed by a great man. Witchcraft takes its teachings from nature and reads inspiration from the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, the flight of birds, the slow growth of trees, and the cycles of the seasons.”
Starhawk.
       

YOU MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CAN 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–each moment!
     
1/25–I Spent most of my day at a library watching YouTube, educational programs, and non-educational programs, like Gomer Pyle. As I’ve written before, I have until February 22 to spend time however I want. I hate to waste time, but right now, I don’t have any other choice.
 
Things like this make me question whether life is indeed worth it. On Saturday, the library closes at 5 p.m. and opens at noon on Sunday. I have all night and all morning to do—what? The cold is returning, too. Talk about a miserable life.
   
All this makes me think of the good life I had with Beth.
There were many projects I would work on and things to do.
Perhaps I will help another special person in the future.
   
I’m starting to get itchy, so it’s time for a shower. I used the Summer Shower I’m going to put in my van. I get very clean with this, making sure there are no people around.
https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Elements-Gallon-Summer-Shower/dp/B000J2Q0T4?crid=3JKPORCDH5FBZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5n5C-7i-38Wm1sXAJvd0sRaGq2E-CQXIXE37zkbd4a7TBcoqercarnQn-L2XSBN1T_P8uH4y8mn85MvB7U-RIlrqiXOM89VGLRYtNK0M0yyQKCP3SM6NXop7_FjvlI9ONtFaDm2ArKr26_H92509OjXnltficX3SHUs7zUksT54A_-RPv9-5dpJuihuiXKuEsVVMeIx5Wg3R1Y98GgEUSRLNZ6p4E1Gi3cYdcbkA0D5LS0aLwK9JNAEyLlb_ecDSLYZkRY6TMrOQ6qzZvXnSzkF7MT2fLjojUaGaecWe4XVuzAx3QTGsNd4X3HbrEUN0lI0gJJjtJUnqKc8YGjslVFGqx1RaO7bThDfDKdYY-UyAz8P5RK_CuRbOT0jkvdhx0DZjdkGtiv3GzXzvQ2q-nceKNsH8luSkmtKtHrUO1DyFHoyNfNPknt3dD7I7Hmmp.p8vkI2cu4-SKeK_QbmHQYmmZ6y8TRfOJs5l9Kq6QB6M&dib_tag=se&keywords=summer%2Bshower&qid=1738247008&sprefix=Summer%2BShower%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-6&th=1
     
I’m seeing too many cars, people, and buildings where I am now, near Palm Beach Gardens in Florida. I must drive away. I looked at the map and noticed Canal Point, this Point is where I am heading. It’s a small town; I will tell you how it is. Canal Point is right on Lake Okeechobee. (I do love that name.)
   
I ended up staying busy. I went to Home Depot with questions about a drill I recently bought. Lori helped me a lot.
   
I just walked out to the van to get the map. I forget to use my muscles and ankles to walk smoothly. I have to think about my walking efforts consciously, and everything goes much smoother when I do. You have to think clearly about everything you do with a conscious effort.
   
I’m at the library this Sunday. They open at noon and close at 5 p.m. I need a change so that I can leave for Canal Point soon. I have enough food and water to last a week or two. Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Can I bring you something?
     
I have to get thoughts of Beth out of my mind. Now, looks like we will never be back together, something she refuses to participate in. I’ve always thought we could, but I must (however painful it is) stop having this woman in my mind.
   
Even these little towns, like Canal Point, have libraries.
I will let you know.
I will be back with you soon again.
Smaller towns interest me much more than cities.
   
It’s about 1 pm, and I am off to Canal Point.
I will let you know . . .
 
1/26–I’ve arrived at Canal Point. There are actually people living in this area. It has many houses, but not really any stores. I am voice typing; I like this. The time now is 2:15, and I think I’ll head over to the town of Okeechobee (boy, I love that name.) Before I go, I’ll break open a can of beer.
 
The small Park has picnic tables, fire pits, and a bathroom. It’s quite a nice place. I’ll stay here tonight. It’s too funny! The bathroom has a men’s room, a women’s room, and an all-gender restroom. Are there three genders of humans? What’s next?
   
When I was in Europe, there was no confusion or concern. Both sexes were in the same toilet room. A guy peed at a urinal, and no one saw anything. A girl or a guy entered a bathroom stall, and nothing was seen. Why do Americans get so weird about this? In many places, there is no distinction.
     
I’ve not juggled for quite a while. I picked up three balls; surprisingly, they danced in my hands. I’ve always wanted to return to juggling, so is this not the time? The clubs didn’t go as smoothly, but I could return to juggling.
   
I remember traveling with Tina. She has a cell phone, but there weren’t that many connections. Now, it seems, you can connect anywhere—a good thing. Tina is another person I was with, but I am no longer with her. I thought Beth would be my final interest. What is wrong with me?
   
Traveling in this way reminds me of when I was in southern Florida. I came upon a pond with about five alligators out of the water. As I drove up, they all headed toward the water. I saw a five-foot-one, grabbed it by the tail, and held it so he couldn’t go. After a little bit, I finally succumbed and let him go. I’ll never forget that—me and the gator.
     
1/27–I’ve decided to stay the night in this little Park. It’s perfect. It will be quiet and dark, and I will be happy. There’s an official bathroom, and I have all the amenities of home. Did you know? I carry many books; you might say I have a library. I just no longer have the librarian to go with the books, meaning Beth.
   
All my life, I’ve been go-go-go. I would benefit from this relaxing time and going slow, as I don’t do that often. Relaxing and going slow are new experiences for me.
   
I’m planning to break out the bike and go for a ride tomorrow. Things will close down, and I will go right on. I’ve not been riding that much because I don’t know what areas I’ve been in. I don’t want to get lost somewhere with my bike.
   
One guy at the little park took off, so I’m the only one there now. This is how I like it. I just checked; the temperature is 82° Fahrenheit. It’s pretty comfortable, I must say. An SUV just pulled in. It must have been 12 adults and kids who got out of the vehicle. It was a big group. I could tell they were all Mexican, which seems familiar around here.
 
All of them were going to follow one guy with the kid who went across the road and went walking somewhere. I’ll have to go over and look later and see what it is to see. They came back with big bags of green. They said they ate this; it was bitter to me.
     
I like this voice typing.
No worries about spelling or Gramma troubles (Gramer).
Right now, I’m lying down and adding to the blog.
     
The Mexican people who came in the SUV went out into the wilderness across the road and returned with a lot of greenery, like lettuce and edible vegetables. So that’s a good thing. I tasted some of what they picked. It had a bitter taste, but it was edible. It looked like they had gotten enough to last them for a while. Then they all filed back into the SUV, and off they went. Let’s go eat their bitter-leafed vegetables.
     
I found the sign >>> Triangle Park, 37001 of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. I’m having a pleasant time, but my mind goes back and forth. Right now, I’m exquisitely happy. I must learn to bring on new feelings of joy whenever I need them. This is something you can learn, too, yes?
     
Now it’s 4:30 in the afternoon, and I’m all alone in the park. This looks good to me—it will be quiet, it will be dark, and I will be happy. Dinner was cheese and crackers, very satisfying. And some beer to wash it down.
 
I drove to Okeechobee this morning. It’s a small town, but it’s substantial. Many RV parks are scattered about, and when I get to the town’s heart, there are pretty large houses and buildings.
     
When I arrived in Okeechobee, I went directly to the library. However, the library is closed on Sunday and Monday, so I will go to McDonald’s. There are two McDonald’s in Okeechobee—it’s a big town, after all. I’ll spend some time working on the blog at McDonald’s and deciding where to go next.
   
1/28–I had to do it—summer has started!
Today, I wore my shorts and am barefoot.
Just like I like it.
   
I arrived at the McDonald’s at about 10:30, too early for a McChicken. Later, because I had more change to get rid of, I tried to pay with that. She gave me the McChicken and then gave the change back to me, too, like the other one. This is the third time this has happened. Try this yourself, see if it works for you. Perhaps it is easier for them than counting?
   
Right now it is 11:49 and I’ve already eaten lunch.
Remember, I have until February 23 to spend time.
I must find things to do. Any suggestions?
   
I saw Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park on the map, so if I could look. It ends up there’s not much to see around here. I’m just bush and growth, and I’m in a campground now. The name Kissimmee, Florida, comes from a Native American word that means “long water.” The exact origin of the name is debated, but it’s generally agreed to be a modern spelling of a tribal word. But is it Kissimmee or Kissayou?
     
I just pulled into a campsite. I had a couple of hours, and the camp host stopped by to tell me I was in a volunteer spot and that the campground was full. So, I’ll start back and look for a place to stay for the night.
   
I decided that staying around that area was not worth it. So, I headed down the road to the next library. The library is open until 8 pm, then be open tomorrow at 9am.   
Dinner tonight was two slices of cheese.
And what did you have for dinner?
     
I’m in Florida, so of course, I’m seeing a lot of Snowy White Egrets. Now it’s January 27-28? I didn’t see it very well. I hope for hours of reading. The longest time is when I wake up at 3:00 a.m. and then wait until the sun’s up, about 7:00. Between 5 and 7 drags on and on. I stay warm, uncover the windows, and look around. I am ready to start my day, but the day is not here yet.
     
While waiting for the appointment, I couldn’t figure out where to go for three weeks. Then, I looked at the map of Florida and noticed Ocala National Park. I have spent time there in the past, and I love the area. You will love it, too. I’m at Costco, filling up on gas, so that is no concern. I’m looking forward to returning to the forest in Ocala.
   
I’ve made it to Ocala National Park, which is nice, as I remember. Some people are in the spring/lake, along with a Blue Heron. I will swim tomorrow, and they have a shower, too. I’m currently working on the blog down by the spring/lake. It’s very lovely, with no one else here. 
   
Four freshwater springs characterize the landscape of the Ocala National Forest: Alexander Springs (where I went first), Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Salt Springs. These springs provide diverse habitats for many plant and animal species.
     
It is common for animals such as the endangered Florida Manatee, turtles, alligators, snakes, raccoons, eagles, ospreys, herons, and egrets to frequent these waterways. I saw a few of these, to my joy.
   
I must work toward finding a place to park the van and sleep in there at no charge. They are official campsites, but I still feel strange about paying a fee to sleep in my van. I don’t sleep much anyway, so it doesn’t matter.
     
I awoke at my usual time, about 3 am. I read a book and wrote stuff to fill time until the sun pops her/his head up for the day.
     
1/29–Found a pull-out off the road where I parked and slept last night. One other guy was parked and staying there, too. A little later, I will jump into the big mineral water pool. Then, they have showers, so I must.
     
I have a Jackery Charger–
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Explorer-Generator-Optional/dp/B082TMBYR6?crid=34PXIPZRBQPY4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-Nt45G0mLNaFvkxvQWhyIql_i99tyBP_lyZ3TtoVm1lTxnan9g2-KD4kGhDrWoP9-LYnk7uAsVipzzlAyXhlP4j0nh6ls5pqDmchxZapDypkKd2peANCSRbuSVjnt2sFLZD_Wo5WV8f4naujzNBQixHM3QFor7jIUEeI4TJKZyMRf-UTQS1DPHhjDMSAZ-jyzwRYatPwvzbpiElwqD2KYjTYOZcMJMjlTpoXl1qKUj4.pPKOHZi_wIDVQfozKOhOgLBOSc6MjqHh1bG3bXtO7jU&dib_tag=se&keywords=jackery%2Bcharger&qid=1738171762&sprefix=Jackery%2BCharger%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-8&th=1
I currently use it to charge my laptop.
The Jackery is hooked up, and I can charge it as I drive.
   
The spring water is 73 degrees year-round. This is because part of the body of water stays warm underground, making it perfect for swimming anytime.
   
I’m driving north to a different area. On the way,
I found a library. This place is brand new, as was its opening today:
https://www.mylakelibrary.org/.
It’s about noon, and I believe I will be here most of the day and even stay overnight in their lot.
       
As I had seen, I was the only one there for all my time at the library. At 1 pm, an old couple who was out came in.
   
I planned to stay the night at the library, so I parked on the road while waiting for them to close at 7 p.m. At one point, I almost got stuck in a ditch. I rocked the van back and forth and drove out of that bind. I’m thrilled not to have to wait for a tow truck or a toe truck; my feet are alright.
     
1/30–This tends to be the van day. Some years ago, I paid something like $200 for a lifetime wheel alignment maintenance at Tires Plus. Today was the day. After all, the alignment was just a little off, so that made me happy.
   
Next, I bought my tires from Discount Tire some time ago. Today, I had them checked and rotated. Things turned out well with them, too. I feel good about my wheels. Then, it was off to Costco to fill up on gas and food (samples).
     
1/31–Yesterday afternoon, I was talking with Cindy, and she reminded me about
https://atlantajugglers.org/festivals/upcoming-festival
So, right away, I started driving to Atlanta. 
       
Last night, I slept well until 3 am, anyway, and then I got on the road. It was difficult to see the road and where to get on the freeway at this early hour. I followed a truck and found a way. But, some miles down the road, I was having difficulty driving, so I pulled over to a McDonald’s.
   
I have arrived at 400 Ponce de Leon. This is the Yaarad Shriner Center. And looking around, after I arrived at about 9:00 a.m.. I see that I’ve been here before, I recognize most of the place. So it should be a good return for me.
   
Yes, I’m here about 9:00 a.m., like usual, early for something. Please don’t be going here until the late afternoon, so I’ll find stuff to do in the meantime.
     
Hope I went to Walmart. This one was a closed and empty building. I was so surprised. Costco was nearby, so I went there too. Full of gas, and it was really hard to get sample foods, so I bought a slice of cheese pizza. They used to make pizza with everything, it was fabulous, the best pizza I’ve ever had. I was told that this pizza took too long, so they just continued the pizza pie.
      

THEN, KEEP DOING NEW FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK

I keep this section about gardening in.
I do like the skill and hope you do, too.

Winter now, but there are still things you can grow.
And, remember about indoor gardening.
     
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.    —
     
You must look into it.
   
Because I am back on the road, there will be no more words about the garden.
I do hope Beth keeps it up.
We did a lot of work establishing our vegetable garden.
   
When I drove the van seven years ago,
I grew stuff under the sunroof windows on the top.
I may start that up in my van garden again.
You will find out, of course.

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 >>
Do you believe all you know?
Or are there some things you are unsure of?
Much of life is like that.
This week, think about what you know.
Is this correct?
Perhaps a God, do you think, is there?
Or not.
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NEXT BLOG >>
BLOG 309–You Must Live Life With Passion!
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AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?