✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 382 — THE YEARS PILE ON

This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback

Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
     
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️

The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
     
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better. ✨

Juggling 5 clubs in 1978 while visiting Germany   

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My new address here is >>
Kit Summers
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217
Tampa, FL 33647
kitsummers.com
kitsummers@gmail.com
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Stop by for a visit when you can.
A love letter would be dandy.
Call me >> 610-400-3233
       
READ THE WORDS IN THE BLOG SLOWLY AND  CAREFULLY.
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A little wisdom. A reminder that life is still full of possibilities. ✨

                                                                                                                               MY NEW HOME
(THERE USED TO BE AN ALLIGATOR IN THIS POND)

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PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!
     
Larry Zeiger said this about my last blog >>
“Incredible writing! You are definitely a Philosopher King!!!”
     
One of the pleasures of writing this blog is reconnecting with people from different chapters of my life. Recently, Kim Ransom, whom I went to school with, sent me her email address so she could receive the blog directly from my website. I think the blog comes through much better there than it does on Facebook.
     
Welcome to the group, Kim! I’m delighted you joined us. Thank you for your interest, your support, and for taking the time to follow along on this journey. It means a lot to know that old friends are still part of the adventure.
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Each week, as I sit down to write my blog, I am adding another chapter to a book that is still being written. With every story, observation, lesson, and reflection, I hope to share something that might help you navigate your own journey a little better.
    LIFE!
Life has been an extraordinary teacher. It has given me triumphs and failures, moments of great joy and periods of tremendous hardship. It has lifted me to heights I never imagined and, at times, brought me to my knees. Along the way, I have learned that success is not measured.
   
Some of life’s most valuable lessons arrived disguised as setbacks. The challenges I once wished away often became the experiences that taught me resilience, patience, gratitude, and perspective. The difficult seasons did not define me; they refined me. They revealed strengths I never knew I possessed and reminded me that growth often comes from the places where we struggle the most.
   
The years have taught me that happiness is not found in a perfect life, but in appreciating the imperfect one we have. It is found in friendships, meaningful work, shared laughter, acts of kindness, and the courage to keep moving forward when the road becomes difficult. Every experience—good or bad—adds another page to our story and another lesson to our understanding.
      HAPPINESS
For all that life has given me, I remain grateful. The victories brought confidence, the failures brought wisdom, and the hardships brought strength. Together, they have shaped the person I am today and continue to guide the person I am still becoming. The lesson is simple: keep learning, keep growing, and never stop believing that your best chapters may still lie ahead.
     
From standing on stages as a professional juggler to lying unconscious in a coma, from building businesses to rebuilding my life, each experience has left behind lessons worth sharing. Writing allows me to gather those lessons and pass them along.
   
That may be why these weekly posts feel like more than a blog. They feel like pages in an ongoing book—a collection of thoughts, experiences, and discoveries gathered over a lifetime. Some chapters are lighthearted. Some are serious. Some simply describe an ordinary meal or a quiet morning. Yet even the ordinary moments often contain something worth noticing.
    MORE?
I hope that somewhere among these words, you find an idea, a perspective, or a bit of encouragement that helps you move forward. If a single sentence inspires you to think differently, smile more often, persevere through difficulty, or chase a dream you have been postponing, then the time spent writing has been worthwhile.
 
So each week I return to the keyboard, ready to write another chapter. With every blog, every story, and every lesson learned along the way, it feels as though I am adding another page to a book that is still being written.
     
Life has taken me down roads I never expected to travel. There have been victories and setbacks, moments of joy and moments of struggle. Yet each experience has left behind a lesson worth sharing. Always know that what’s in front of you is much more important than what’s behind you.
      LESSONS
Writing allows me to gather the lessons life has taught me and share them with others. Through my words, I can share the victories, setbacks, hard-earned wisdom, and discoveries that have shaped my journey. You can use what you read to make your life better and better.
   
My hope is that somewhere along the way, a reader will find encouragement, inspiration, or a new perspective that helps them on their own path. If my experiences can make someone’s burden a little lighter, their road a little clearer, or their future a little brighter, then every hour spent writing is time well spent.
   
As long as I have stories to tell, questions to ponder, and ideas that might help another person live a little better, I will keep writing. The book will continue—one page, one thought, and one hopeful word at a time.
   
Life does not stop teaching when we grow older. Every year brings new lessons, new challenges, and new opportunities to learn something valuable. Age may add wrinkles to our faces, but it can also add wisdom to our minds if we remain curious and willing to learn.
    TEACH
Some of life’s greatest lessons arrive through success. We achieve a goal, overcome an obstacle, or discover a new skill, and in the process, we gain confidence and understanding. Yet many of our most important lessons come through hardship.
   
Disappointments, mistakes, setbacks, and losses often teach us things that comfort and success never could. The difficult moments we would never choose for ourselves frequently become the experiences that shape our character the most.
   
Learning is not reserved for classrooms, textbooks, or youth. It happens in conversations with friends, in quiet moments of reflection, in observing the world around us, and in paying attention to others’ experiences.
     
Every person we meet knows something we do not know. Every day contains an opportunity to discover a new idea, develop a better habit, or gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world. Learn something new daily, as you can.
     
The people who continue to grow are not necessarily the smartest or the strongest. They are the ones who remain open-minded, ask questions, and refuse to believe they have learned everything worth knowing. A curious mind keeps life interesting. It keeps us engaged, adaptable, and eager for what comes next.
      ANOTHER ONE
No matter how many years pile on, there is always another lesson waiting around the corner. The day we stop learning is the day we stop growing. So stay curious, stay teachable, and welcome each new day as another chapter in the ongoing education called life.
   
Some wisdom comes from success, some from failure, and some from simply paying attention to the world around us. I work to gather those lessons and share them with others in a way that encourages, inspires, and makes the road smoother.
   
No matter your age, there is always room to grow, improve, and discover something new. Whether you are twenty or ninety, the ideas that shape a better life remain remarkably similar >>
Stay Curious.
Keep Learning.
Be Kind.
Find Purpose.
Never stop moving forward.
   
If even one thought from these pages helps someone take a positive step,
Then every hour spent writing will have been worthwhile.
I want to write a spark that will make your life better each time.
     
I hope that somewhere within these words you find encouragement, inspiration, or a new way of looking at life. If even one sentence helps you smile, think, grow, or keep moving forward, then every hour spent at the keyboard has been worthwhile.
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PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served
       
>>>>>June 13
A smile in the morning can do wonders. It costs nothing, takes only a moment, and yet it has the power to change the direction of an entire day. A smile can lift your spirits before your feet even hit the floor, reminding you that a new day has arrived, filled with fresh possibilities.
     
I’m talking about smiling with your mind rather than with your mouth. A mental smile is a choice to view life with optimism, gratitude, and hope, even when circumstances are less than perfect. It may not solve every problem you face, but it can help you approach challenges with a lighter heart, a clearer perspective, and a better attitude.
     
Difficulties often seem smaller when you refuse to let them control your outlook. Life is not always easy, but it usually goes better when you carry a smile in your mind and choose to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles. Sometimes that simple shift in thinking can make all the difference in how you experience the day.
      SMILE!
What makes a smile so remarkable is that its benefits often extend beyond ourselves. A smile shared with a stranger, a friend, a caregiver, or a family member can brighten their day, too. As a pebble dropped into a pond, its effects ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. One simple expression can spark a conversation, ease a worry, or remind someone that kindness still exists in the world.
     
Life will always present obstacles, disappointments, and unexpected turns. Yet each morning offers us a choice about how we greet the day. We can begin with frustration and worry, or with gratitude, hope, and a smile. The smile may be small, but never underestimate its power. Sometimes the simplest actions have the greatest impact, and a smile is one of the simplest gifts we can give—to others and to ourselves. 😊     
A smile can brighten your mood, lift the spirits of those around you, and remind you that no matter what challenges may lie ahead, there is still something good worth noticing. It is a simple but powerful choice—one that helps you face life with hope, gratitude, and confidence. Even on difficult days, a smile can be a gentle reminder that better moments are still ahead.
   
The day will bring its share of responsibilities, surprises, and perhaps even a few frustrations. Yet beginning the morning with a smile sets a positive tone for everything that follows. It is a simple choice that reminds you to greet the day with optimism, gratitude, and confidence, no matter what challenges may come your way. A smile does not change the world around you, but it can change the way you experience it.
     
It is a simple declaration that you are ready to face the day with hope instead of worry, gratitude instead of complaint, and confidence instead of fear. It is a conscious choice to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles, blessings rather than burdens, and opportunities rather than limitations.
     
When you begin your day with that mindset, you give yourself the best chance to create something positive, productive, and meaningful from whatever lies ahead. Change your thoughts and change your life.
    CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
What makes a smile so remarkable is that it often spreads. One smile encourages another. Before long, a small act of kindness can ripple through a family, a workplace, a neighborhood, or even a community. You never know whose day might be improved simply because you chose to greet them with warmth.
   
So tomorrow morning, before you rush into your routine, pause for a moment and smile. Smile because you are alive. Smile because another day of possibilities has arrived.
   😁
Smile because there are still stories to write, people to love, lessons to learn, and adventures waiting just around the corner. Sometimes the smallest action can be the spark that lights up an entire day. 😊
     
Breakfast was nothing to write about—just fuel in the tank, a bit of nourishment to get the day started. Not every meal is memorable. Some simply do their job and quietly send us on our way.
          MY ELBOW
As for my left elbow, it has been hurting quite a bit. Arthritis is certainly one possibility, especially as the years pile on. However, elbow pain can also come from tendinitis, bursitis, overuse, a strained muscle, or even the way we sleep or the position of our arms throughout the day.
   
The human body is a remarkably complex machine, with countless systems working together every moment of every day. When something feels wrong, it is not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of the discomfort. A symptom in one area may actually originate somewhere else, making it difficult to understand what the body is trying to tell us.
   
That is why patience, observation, and proper care are often necessary as we work toward feeling better and maintaining our health. Sometimes the answer is simple, while other times it takes time and investigation to uncover the source of the problem. The important thing is to keep moving forward, listening to the body, and doing what we can to support our well-being.

For now, I will give the elbow a little kindness. A bit of rest, avoiding movements that aggravate it, and some ice may help calm things down. I’ll pay attention to whether certain activities make it better or worse and see if the pain begins to ease.
   
One thing I have learned over the years is that the body has a way of getting our attention. Mine has certainly been through its share of adventures—truck accidents, a coma, rehabilitation, and countless miles traveled.
   
Sometimes a sore elbow is simply a sore elbow. But when pain becomes severe or persists, it is worth paying attention. After all, this body has carried me through an extraordinary journey, and it deserves a little care in return. 💪🙂
NOTHING GOING ON
An uneventful day. Some days are like that. Not every day arrives carrying a parade, a thunderstorm, or a life-changing revelation. Some days simply show up quietly, sit down beside us, and ask very little. There were no dramatic headlines, no great victories, and no major setbacks—just the gentle passing of time and the steady rhythm of another ordinary day.
     
Yet days like these have their own value. They give us a chance to breathe, reflect, and appreciate the simple gift of being alive. Not every page of life needs excitement to be meaningful. Sometimes the greatest gift a day can offer is a little peace, a little comfort, and the quiet reminder that simply moving forward is enough.
     
Yet even on uneventful days, there is often something worth noticing. The way the morning light falls across the courtyard—the conversation at breakfast. The resident, using a walker, offers a smile. The bird that lands where no one else is looking. Life does not always shout; sometimes it whispers.
   
I’ve found that many of the best lessons hide inside ordinary days. Triumphs make exciting stories, but quiet days give us time to think, reflect, and appreciate what we already have. After all, a peaceful day is something many people would gladly trade for.
     
There isn’t much to write about today. Or today’s story is simply this: the world is calm, the sky stretches overhead, my heart is still beating, and another page of life is being written. Not every day needs excitement, adventure, or remarkable events to have value. Some days quietly remind us that being alive is enough.
   
A peaceful moment, a comfortable place to sit, a pleasant thought, or the simple awareness that life continues can be a gift in itself. I have learned that happiness is often found not in extraordinary moments but in the appreciation of ordinary ones. Today may seem uneventful, but it is still a day worth living, a page worth writing, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest blessings are the greatest of all. 🙂 HAPPY TIME
There was Happy Hour today, and yes, it lasted a full hour. I kept things simple and had just one plastic cup of white wine. It tasted good going down, and for a little while, it added a pleasant touch to the afternoon. Happy for an hour — humm.
     
Sometimes it’s not about how much you drink, but about taking a moment to relax, enjoy the company around you, and appreciate the simple pleasures that brighten an ordinary day. Cheers to life’s small moments. At my table were four older ladies.🍷🙂
     
Dinner is in half an hour, and I’m not even hungry. Still, I’ll head down and see what’s being served. Sometimes the meal surprises me, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it gives me a chance to get out of my room and see what’s going on.
      DINNER
I’ve learned that not every meal needs to be memorable. Sometimes food is simply fuel, and sometimes the real value is in the people sitting around the table. If nothing else, I’ll enjoy a little conversation and a change of scenery.
     
And who knows? Maybe tonight’s dinner will turn out to be better than I expected. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. A nice meal would certainly be welcome. Will it be? I have no idea.
     
But sometimes the simple act of showing up is enough. Now and then, an ordinary evening delivers an unexpected conversation, a good laugh, a delicious meal, or a pleasant surprise. The only way to find out is to pull up a chair and see what the evening has in store. 🍽️🙂
             
>>>>>June 14
What was provided to me here is a single bed. Since I sleep alone and rarely move once I drift off, it suits me just fine. I have never needed much space, and this bed serves its purpose well while being quite comfortable.
     
After all, I spent seven years living in a van and sleeping on a bed barely two feet wide, so this feels downright spacious by comparison. Life has taught me that the size of a bed doesn’t determine comfort; it’s about having a peaceful place to rest, and for me, this bed does the job perfectly.
   
The residence itself is quite nice. Everything is new, clean, and well-maintained. There is a certain comfort in living in a place where things work as they should and where the surroundings are pleasant, orderly, and inviting.
     
The hallways are bright, the common areas are attractive, and the entire building feels thoughtfully cared for. While no place is perfect, I appreciate being in an environment that is comfortable, safe, and welcoming.
     
It is one less thing to worry about, freeing my mind to focus on what matters most—writing, thinking, learning, and making the most of each day. With fewer concerns demanding my attention, I can devote more energy to exploring new ideas, sharing lessons from life’s journey, and continuing to grow. Each day is a gift, and I intend to use it well, filling the hours with purpose, curiosity, and gratitude.
     
My room is simple but more than adequate. I have a comfortable bedroom and a large bathroom with a spacious shower. I do not require luxury to be content. Give me a clean place to sleep, a place to write, and a little room to think, and I am happy.
    LIFE AT LEGACY
At this stage of life, I have come to appreciate simplicity. I no longer need a large house filled with possessions or constant activity to be content. A comfortable bed, a private room, and a peaceful environment are enough, and this residence provides all three.
   

THIS IS WHERE I DO ALL MY WRITING

After the many adventures, challenges, and unexpected twists life has brought me, I find great comfort in having a quiet place to rest, write, think, and simply enjoy the day. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that matter most. 

THE DINING ROOM
   
And I get three healthy meals a day to keep me going. One of the pleasant surprises has been how good some of the food is. Not every meal is memorable, of course, but many of the choices are both nutritious and surprisingly tasty.
      THE FOOD
I certainly eat well here, and I appreciate that. Good food fuels the body, lifts the spirit, and helps provide the energy needed for whatever the day may bring. At this stage of life, I’ve learned that taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment in all the days still ahead.
     
I just went outside for a walk. Boy, this is a big building. There is a paved path that circles the entire structure, and I can already see it becoming my running track. For now, I am getting familiar with the route, one step at a time.
   
Even during this short walk, my asthma made its presence known. That is a good reminder that before I set out for longer strolls—or eventually a run—I will need to use my inhaler and give my lungs a little extra help. There is no shame in working with the body you have while strengthening the body you want.   

       RUNNING?
What excites me most is what lies beyond the pavement. The trees, the open spaces, (the animals?), and the feeling of being outdoors call to me. After spending so much time indoors over the years, the opportunity to move through nature again feels like a gift.
   
Today was only a walk, with a little running mixed in, but every journey begins with a first lap. No one runs a mile before taking that first step, and no great accomplishment arrives all at once. Progress is built one effort at a time.
   
My breathing may have reminded me that I still have work to do, but that is all right. Improvement comes from showing up, not from being perfect. Each lap around the building is laying the foundation for something greater.
    HERE I GO!
Soon those walks will become longer, the breathing easier, and the pace a little quicker. Strength, endurance, and confidence have a way of growing quietly in the background when we keep moving forward.
     
One day, I will be running beneath those trees, feeling the wind on my face and enjoying the freedom of movement that once seemed distant. And as I run, I will remind myself that every mile began with this simple walk and the decision to keep going. That, after all, is one of life’s greatest lessons: small steps, taken consistently, can carry us farther than we ever imagined.
      JUST START!
Is it time to start working out—not just to build a stronger body, but to become a stronger, healthier, and more capable version of yourself? Exercise does far more than build muscles. It develops discipline, confidence, energy, resilience, and a positive outlook on life.                                            THE MAIN HALLWAY LEADING TO THE DINING ROOM

The good news is that you do not have to do anything extreme. Just begin. A short walk today can become a daily habit, and that habit can lead to greater strength, better health, and a more active, fulfilling life.
     
Every runner started with a first step. Every success story started with a decision to begin. The hardest part is often getting started, but that first step can change the direction of your life. Start where you are, use what you have, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you for it. And when you do begin, keep me updated on your progress. I’d love to cheer you on along the way.
LUNCH
Lunch was a pulled pork sandwich—basically a Sloppy Joe once again. And who, exactly, was Joe, and why was he so sloppy? One of life’s great unanswered questions. The sandwich was tasty enough, though I didn’t eat much.
     
My appetite seems to come and go these days, arriving without much warning and disappearing just as quickly. Still, a few bites were enough to satisfy me. Not every meal needs to be a feast. Sometimes its job is to provide a little nourishment, quell the hunger, and carry us comfortably to the next part of the day.
   
This afternoon, I watched a few videos and stretched out for a while. Sunday has a way of inviting us to slow down, and today I happily accepted the invitation. I’ve accomplished everything I needed to, so now it’s time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a quieter pace.
      RELAX
There is something satisfying about reaching the end of the day knowing the important tasks are behind me. No deadlines, no rushing, no pressure—just a chance to rest and appreciate the simple pleasure of doing very little. After all, even the most productive people need an occasional lazy Sunday to refill the tank and prepare for the week ahead.
   
That is quite the surprise package to discover tucked away in my belongings! Thirty individually wrapped Viagra pills are not exactly the sort of thing most people expect to find while organizing their stuff. I can just imagine my looking at them and thinking, “Well, that’s unexpected.”
    VIAGRA?
The funny part is that I don’t even remember ordering or paying for them. Myles had mentioned they had been coming in; there may have been a prescription arranged at some point that simply slipped through the cracks of memory. Given everything I’ve been through medically over the years, that wouldn’t be shocking.
     
As for “How fun is that?”—at the age of 67, finding 30 Viagra pills I forgot I had is probably a lot more amusing than finding 30 overdue bills I forgot I had. That’s one treasure hunt where the booty is a little different from what was expected. Now, whose booty are we talking about?
      IS LIFE GETTING FUNNER?
Still, of all the surprises that could be hiding in a forgotten box, finding a stash of Viagra has to rank fairly high on the list of unexpected discoveries. One moment, it was just a quiet Sunday, and the next, it felt as though life had slipped a little plot twist into the day.
     
It made me laugh and reminded me that surprises do not always arrive with fanfare. Sometimes they show up quietly, wrapped individually in a box, waiting patiently to transform an ordinary afternoon into a memorable one.
     
Life has a funny way of doing that. Just when we think we know exactly how the day will unfold, it slips in a little plot twist to keep things interesting. Those unexpected moments often become the stories we remember most, proof that even the most routine day can still hold a few delightful surprises. 😄
      A CONNECTION — WHERE?
I find myself thinking about the next woman who comes into my life. I hope we share something joyful, playful, and full of laughter. I want a relationship where we can be completely comfortable with one another, enjoying life’s simple pleasures without pretense or worry.
     

THIS IS WHEN I WAS AT THE HOME OF THE GREAT JUGGLER RUDY HORN.
I’M HOLDING HIS RASTELLI TROUPHY.

Yes, today, I discovered something unexpected: a supply of Viagra that had apparently arrived for me some time ago. I don’t even remember ordering it, but there it was—about 30 pills, each pill individually wrapped and waiting patiently for their moment in history to bring pleasure. I had to laugh. Life certainly has a sense of humor.
   
Of course, Viagra pills are not what make a relationship special. What matters is finding someone who enjoys laughter, affection, adventure, and the simple joy of being together. Still, it is comforting to know that if romance decides to come knocking, I may be better prepared than I realized.
    HER?
Growing older does not mean giving up on passion, fun, or intimacy—quite the opposite. I look forward to meeting someone who appreciates a good conversation, a mischievous smile, and the chance to create new memories together.
   
And if those little blue pills help the adventure along, perhaps they arrived at exactly the right time. I look forward to meeting her, sharing laughter, enjoying her company, and discovering the connection that grows between us.
 
Life has a funny way of delivering surprises, and maybe this is one of them—a reminder that romance, excitement, and new possibilities can still arrive when we least expect them. ❤️
NOW, WHERE WILL I FIND HER? (Or, are you her?)
Dinner was chicken cordon bleu (¿Hablas francés?), and it was quite tasty. Unfortunately, because I no longer have my lower teeth, chewing remains a challenge. The chicken took some effort, and meals like this remind me how much I miss being able to eat without thinking about it.
DINNER     
The meal also came with rice and corn. Since I cannot chew them properly, I often have to swallow them whole. It is one of those small frustrations I deal with these days. Still, I enjoyed the meal and was grateful for a warm dinner. Sometimes the food is good, even if eating it is not as easy as it once was.
   
Then, in the end, they brought cookies-and-cream ice cream—a delightful surprise. The cool sweetness was a treat for my tongue and palate, and for a few moments, all was right with the world. Sometimes it is the simplest pleasures—a bowl of ice cream at the end of a meal—that add a little extra happiness to the day.
   
>>>>>June 15
Some important words >> “Don’t pray for an easy life.”
Pray for the “Strength to endure a difficult life.”
Whatever “prayer” means for you.
   
Life rarely becomes easier simply because we wish it to. Challenges arrive for everyone—disappointments, setbacks, losses, failures, and obstacles we never saw coming. The real difference is not avoiding difficulties, but developing the courage, resilience, and determination to face them.
      EASY LIFE?
When we ask for an easy life, we are often asking for fewer opportunities to grow. When we ask for strength, we are preparing ourselves to meet whatever comes our way. Muscles grow through resistance. Character grows through adversity. Confidence grows when we discover that we can survive things we once thought impossible.
 
Looking back on my own life, I have learned that the greatest lessons did not come from the easy days. They came from the struggles—the accidents, the setbacks, the long road back, and the moments when quitting would have been the simpler choice. Those experiences did not break me; they helped shape me.
   
So do not wish for a life without challenges. Wish for the wisdom to learn from the challenge, the courage to face them, and the strength to keep moving forward. The strongest people are not those who have had the easiest lives—they are the ones who refused to give up when life became difficult.
     
I still find myself wondering why I am even here. Sometimes it feels as though I must have done something wrong, as if I am being punished for something I cannot quite identify. There are days when I look around and wonder if I will ever truly be free again.
     
In fact, someone just knocked on my door and invited me to join the walking club. I thanked them but declined, knowing I planned to head outside later for my own walk and a bit of running. It was nice to be asked, though. Opportunities to be active are all around me, and every step I take brings me a little closer to becoming stronger, healthier, and more capable than I was yesterday.
    THE TRUTH
The truth is, I have always valued independence. I spent years traveling the country, performing, teaching, building businesses, writing books, and making my own decisions. Freedom was never something I thought much about because I simply had it. That may be why its absence feels so noticeable now.
   
Yet when I step back and look at my life honestly, I know I am not here because I failed. I am here because life threw challenges at me that would have stopped many people in their tracks. Two truck accidents, a coma, years of rehabilitation, and countless obstacles changed the course of my journey. None of those things were punishments. They were simply part of the road I was given to travel.
   
Even so, I still long for more freedom. I want to run where I choose, go where I want, and live entirely on my own terms. Until that day comes, I will keep doing what I have always done: adapt, learn, grow, and move forward. My circumstances may limit some of my freedom, but they cannot take away my ability to dream, to write, to inspire, and to continue building a meaningful life.
    FREEDOM
I may not yet be where I want to be, but my story is not finished. As long as I keep moving forward, there is still hope for greater freedom ahead. The difficult part is that it’s hard to move forward when I feel stuck here, limited by circumstances, and unable to do everything I want. Some days, the walls seem a little closer, and the road ahead seems a little farther away. Yet I remind myself that being stuck is not the same as being defeated.
 
Life has taught me that circumstances can change, often when we least expect them to. I have overcome challenges that once seemed impossible, and I know there are still chapters left to write. Every walk I take, every word I write, every lesson I learn, and every positive step I make is progress.
    HELP!
It may not be happening as quickly as I would like, but it is progress nonetheless. Every step forward, no matter how small, carries me closer to greater freedom, new adventures, and brighter days ahead. As long as I continue moving forward with hope, determination, and a positive attitude, the best chapters of my story may still be waiting to be written.
     
I woke at about 3:00 a.m. and found myself smiling at the life I am living right now. Then I sat down to work on this blog. Almost immediately, I noticed several things I could improve. That is one of the secrets to a fulfilling life: never stop looking for better ways to think, learn, grow, and do things. Improvement does not happen all at once; it comes from making small adjustments day after day.
      INCHES
Breakfast was the usual fare—a fruit cup, a sausage link, and an English muffin. (Despite the name, I suspect this one never made the long journey from England.) On my way back, I saw a gentleman in a wheelchair slowly making his way down the hall, pushing himself only a few inches with each effort. Watching him reminded me that everyone carries different challenges. Some journeys are measured in miles, while others are measured in inches, but every bit of forward movement still counts.
       
>>>>>June 16
Here we go again—another day, another page, another opportunity to put thoughts into words. I am not complaining. In fact, I consider it a privilege. Every sunrise brings a fresh chance to learn, grow, reflect, and share something worthwhile.
     
My words will make you smile. They may encourage you to keep going when life feels difficult. They may remind you to notice the beauty hidden in ordinary moments. Whatever the case, I hope these thoughts enrich your life in some small way.
      MORE WORDS
As long as I can think, write, and communicate, I will continue to do so. Life has taught me many lessons—some joyful, some painful—but all of them have helped shape the person I am today. If even one idea from these pages helps brighten your day or strengthen your spirit, then the effort is worthwhile.
       
So, here we go again—another day, more writing, more living, and more opportunities to discover something new. Not every day arrives with excitement or life-changing events, but every day offers a chance to learn, grow, and move forward. The future is built one day at a time, so I intend to make the most of this one.
   
I’m glad to have you along with me each day. As I strive to enrich your life through my words, I find meaning and joy in my own life. The encouragement, ideas, and reflections we share are a reminder that when we help others grow, we grow as well.
   
I’m thrilled that Chris from Woodside Motion (https://woodsidemotion.com/about/) is showing interest in producing a movie about my life story. It’s an exciting opportunity to bring this journey to the screen—from juggling on world-class stages to surviving devastating accidents, rebuilding my life, and continuing to find purpose, adventure, and hope.
    A MOVIE?
If you have memories, stories, or moments you’d like included, I would love to hear them. Sometimes the most meaningful details are the ones I may have forgotten or never realized were important. Share your ideas with me, and together we’ll see how they might fit into the movie. Your memory could become part of the story that inspires others to overcome challenges and reach beyond their own potential.  
   
Happy for an hour—as in Happy Hour. I had one can of light beer, and because I have been staying away from alcohol, that single beer was enough to make me feel it. It reminded me how quickly the human body can adjust when alcohol is no longer part of the routine.
     
The room had a cheerful, party-like atmosphere, with people laughing, talking, and enjoying themselves. It was fun to sit back, soak in the energy, and watch everyone having such a good time. Sometimes it is not the drink that makes Happy Hour enjoyable—it is the smiles, conversations, and simple pleasure of sharing a moment with others.
      PARTY TIME!
There was a band playing, Joyce & The Boyce. One guitar, one bass guitar, and she played a ukulele. There was taped percussion in the background now and then. Easy rock tunes brought back good memories. The crowd just sat and watched. I had wanted to get up and dance, and should have. Joyce and her brother are number 11 and 12 in that many-kids family, a large family.
    ENJOY — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7lpepVYO6Q&list=RDY7lpepVYO6Q&start_radio=1
Here is what I found on Google about the band >> Joyce and The Boyce is a popular, Florida-based musical duo that frequently performs classic covers, country, and sing-along hits at senior living communities and veterans’ facilities across the Tampa Bay area. 
  DINNER
For dinner, there was another excellent meal. This is not cafeteria food by any stretch of the imagination. Dining here feels more like an upscale restaurant, where meals are carefully prepared, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the service is excellent. The only difference is that no bill ever arrives at the end.The food is consistently good, although I usually ask for a smaller portion. I have never been a big eater, and these days, a little goes a long way. Still, it is nice knowing that each meal brings another tasty dish and one less thing to worry about.
     
>>>>>June 17
To reach the elevator, I have to walk down three long hallways to the other side of the building. The corridors are usually empty, which gives me a perfect opportunity to practice my walking technique. As I make my way along, I focus on keeping my feet aligned, my posture upright, and my steps smooth and controlled.
      WORKING ON WALKING
What might seem like a simple walk from one place to another has become a daily exercise in improvement. Every trip down those hallways is a chance to build better habits, strengthen my balance, and remind myself that progress often comes through small, consistent efforts repeated day after day.
     
Just went for breakfast, it was like usual. Oldness certainly reigns here. Walkers are everywhere, and many people move only a short distance with each effort. Some spend their days in wheelchairs, pulling themselves along with their feet. A few advance only inches at a time, making even a trip across the room a slow and determined journey.
   
Watching them is a reminder of how differently life unfolds for each of us. While many around me struggle to move from place to place, I am still focused on improving my walking, getting stronger, and finding ways to stay active. It reminds me not to take movement for granted. Every step, no matter how imperfect, is still a step forward.
      BOREDOM
I have to admit right now — I am bored. Mainly just staying on my computer and typing. Another hour until lunch, what will I do, what will I do? It takes so long to go anywhere, with three long hallways to trek down on each outside.
     
Now dinner is coming up soon. People often say I should sit and get to know others. This is a time for eating, not for conversation. Because all the tables were full, I sat across from another guy. We greeted each other and then said nothing. And that’s how it is here.
       
>>>>>June 18
As I sit down to write each day, I have no idea what words will appear on the page. I simply begin. The first sentence may be awkward, the second uncertain, and the third still finding its way. But once I start, something remarkable happens. One thought leads to another, ideas begin to connect, and the words start flowing.
     
That lesson extends far beyond writing. Too often, people wait until they have the perfect plan, the perfect timing, or the perfect confidence before taking action, but progress rarely works that way. Clarity often comes after we begin, not before.
      START NOW!
A book starts with a sentence, a journey starts with a step, a juggling pattern starts with the first throw, and a better life starts with a decision to move forward. If you wait for everything to be perfect, you may wait forever.
     
But when you start, even imperfectly, momentum begins to build, confidence grows, and the next step becomes easier to see. The editing continues. Whatever challenge or opportunity is in front of you today, don’t wait for perfect conditions—just begin.
     
The magic is not in having all the answers before you begin. The magic is in the start. Take the first step, write the first sentence, make the first call, or try the first attempt. Once you start, the path ahead has a way of revealing itself, and everything else begins to fall into place.
     
Not up until about 4 a.m. I simply lay there, comfortably enjoying the quiet and stillness of the early morning, before slowly making my way to the shower. Thursday and Monday are my shower days; any longer than that, and my skin starts to itch. It is a simple routine that works well for me, keeping me comfortable and proving that not everything in life needs to be complicated.      

The bed/juggling area

I don’t get very sweaty or dirty these days, and I hardly ever go outside, so showering twice a week works well for me. It has become part of my routine, one of those small rhythms that help give shape to the week. I remember the days when I used to juggle and/or run daily; it’s different now.
        A CLEAN KIT
A bar of soap, what’s that? For cleaning, I use a 3-in-1 shampoo on my whole head and body. And, I hardly use any water. I get myself wet under the water, then turn off the water. I put soap on my
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKSQ4N43?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
and get clean. Then I turn the water back on and rinse off. 

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SNIFF ME ANYTIME. I WON’T SMELL BAD. 

Simple and efficient. The whole process takes just a few minutes, uses very little water, and leaves me clean and refreshed—ready to sit down and write these words for you. Over the years, I have learned that many things in life do not need to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest approach works perfectly well.
     
After years of living simply, I have learned that some of the best solutions are the simplest. My shower routine gets the job done, conserves water, and leaves me clean and comfortable—ready to greet another day with a smile >> 😀.
        MEALS
Breakfast was the usual. The fruit bowl they serve each day is spectacular—filled with a colorful variety of fresh fruit and more than enough to satisfy my appetite on its own. Still, I like to add an English muffin to round out the meal. It’s a simple breakfast, but a delicious way to start the day. Lunch was a chicken salad sandwich, tasty and quick to eat.
     
Dinner was a grilled cheese sandwich, which I had them add raw onion — turned out perfect. Also, Tomato Bisque Soup. And fresh-cooked broccoli, which made everything excellent. I am quite happy with the good food here, I guess you can tell.
      THE NATIONAL PARKS
I have 9 artwork signs of the national parks, each 8 1/2 by 11 inches. I took my time and got them all on the wall nicely. Take a look at the photo and let me know. I’ve been to every national park in the US, yes?
   
People often ask me which NP is my favorite; there are so many. There are Yosemite and Yellowstone — these parks just attract too many people  — it’s like being at a zoo. Each park offers different attractions, and each has a distinct atmosphere. Go — you will love it.
       
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
It is by far my favorite NP.
https://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm 
Followed by Big Bend NP —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9HFjABKx9s
Enjoy the videos.
Yes, I did hike out to Balanced Road, what a delight.

Before heading off to Jellystone Park, it would be wise to check with Yogi first. After all, he’s “smarter than the average bear” and has been known to have very strong opinions about visitors showing up with picnic baskets.
ENJOY — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPnmzcmKgA0
Boo Boo would probably whisper, “I don’t think the Ranger is going to like this, Yogi,” while Ranger Smith would already be reaching for the aspirin.

And if you do find Jellystone, keep a close eye on your lunch. History suggests that unattended picnic baskets have a remarkable tendency to disappear whenever a certain bear is nearby. As for that video, Yogi never gets old. Some cartoon characters entertain us. Yogi somehow convinces us that stealing lunch is a legitimate career path. 😄

>>>>>June 19
Slept in again, waking around 4 a.m. That seems to be my new normal. I spent some time enjoying the quiet before heading down to breakfast around 8 a.m. As usual, the staff checked the standard vitals, and the morning moved along at its familiar pace.
     
The food is generally quite good, but I do have a few suggestions for the head chef. A serving of biscuits and gravy now and then would certainly be welcome, and some hash brown potatoes would make a fine addition to the breakfast menu.
     
Even in a place that does many things well, there is always room for a few tasty improvements. After all, life is a little more enjoyable when breakfast includes one of your favorites. A few suggestions to the chef—such as biscuits and gravy or some crispy hash browns—might make an already good meal even better.
   
Lunch was vegetable pasta Alfredo, and it was quite tasty. The portion was just right—enough to satisfy without leaving me overly full.
   
While enjoying the afternoon, I heard from Sharon Fodrovics, who told me how much she enjoys reading my weekly blog. Sharon was a neighbor back when I was living with Tina, so it was especially nice to reconnect and know that these words continue to reach people and brighten their day.

===============================
PART 3, BLOG 382 — THE YEARS PILE ON
ARE YOU THERE?
Being old is often a surprising disconnect between an ageless mind and a body that no longer moves as easily as it once did. It can mean waking up to stiff joints, sore muscles, and new limitations, while inside still feeling much like the same person you have always been.
OLDER?   
Yet aging also brings gifts. There is a deeper understanding of yourself, a greater appreciation for the people you love, and a treasure chest of memories gathered over a lifetime. While the body may slow down, wisdom, gratitude, and perspective often continue to grow, bringing a quiet peace that youth rarely understands.       
WRITE (yeah–right)
As you come across ideas that can help you, write them down!
A good idea has little value if it is forgotten. The spark of inspiration that seems unforgettable in one moment can vanish by the next. Our minds are remarkable, but they can hold only so much. Capture your thoughts, lessons, goals, and discoveries while they are fresh.
      DEATH
Yes, one day I will die. So will you. So will everyone reading these words. That fact may sound dark at first, but I see it differently. Knowing that life is limited is what gives it value. If we had forever, there would be no urgency to love, to learn, to laugh, to forgive, or to chase our dreams.
YES, ONE DAY YOU WILL DIE.
That is one of the few guarantees life offers. No amount of money, fame, intelligence, exercise, or wishful thinking can change it. Every person who has ever walked this earth has faced the same destination. Kings and farmers, athletes and artists, billionaires and beggars—all eventually reach the end of their journey.
    A GUARANTEE
The clock is ticking for all of us. That is not a reason for fear—it is a reason to live. Call the friend. Take the walk. Write the book. Learn the skill. Tell people you love them. Make today count. One day, we will die. Until then, let’s be fully alive.   
    WRITE
A notebook, a scrap of paper, or a note on your phone can become a treasure chest of future wisdom. Great ideas often arrive quietly and without warning, then disappear just as quickly if we fail to capture them. A single sentence written today may become the solution to a problem, the beginning of a new project, or the inspiration for a better life tomorrow.
REMEMBER   
The ideas that change our lives are rarely the ones we merely think about—they are the ones we preserve, revisit, and put into action. Write them down. Save them. Nurture them. Today’s small note may become tomorrow’s breakthrough.
    PILE?
“The years pile on” is a simple phrase, yet it carries the weight of an entire lifetime. It speaks to the steady march of time and the accumulation of experiences, victories, failures, memories, and lessons that shape who we become. Every year leaves its mark. Whether we notice it or not, each season of life adds another layer to our story.
      NOSTALGIA?
For some, those words stir feelings of nostalgia—a glance back at roads traveled, people loved, dreams pursued, and chapters completed. For others, they serve as a gentle reminder that life keeps moving forward, whether we are ready or not. The clock never pauses. Each sunrise offers an opportunity, and each sunset quietly reminds us that time is precious.
    TIME
The years do pile on. So do the friendships, the adventures, the scars, the laughter, the wisdom, and the countless moments that make life worth living. We cannot stop the passage of time, but we can decide how we spend it. We can choose curiosity over complacency, gratitude over complaint, and action over hesitation.
    YOUR LIFE
One day, when you look back across the landscape of your life, you will not remember every ordinary day. Many moments will fade with time, blending into the background of the years. What you will remember are the choices you made, the risks you took, the people you loved, the challenges you overcame, and the decisions that changed the direction of your journey.
            LOVE
Act on the opportunities that excite you. Tell people you love them. Learn something new. Take a chance. In the end, the goal is not simply to count the years, but to fill them with purpose, growth, laughter, kindness, and love.
      MEANING
Death gives meaning to our days. Imagine if you knew you would live forever. How many dreams would you postpone? How many important conversations would you wait until tomorrow to have? How many sunsets would go unnoticed?
      FINITE
It is precisely because our time is finite that each day matters, each minute matters. Every sunrise is one fewer than we had yesterday. Every hug, every laugh, every act of kindness is precious because it cannot be repeated exactly the same way.
      WHAT ABOUT YOUR BRAIN?
Our brains work incredibly hard every day, processing information at an astonishing rate of about one billion bits per second. With that much activity, it’s no surprise that the brain needs time to rest, recover, and recharge.
      SLEEPYHEAD
Scientists have long believed that sleep helps maintain and repair the brain. More recently, they discovered something even more fascinating: while we sleep, the brain undergoes a kind of cleaning cycle, flushing out chemical waste that accumulates during the day.
      TEN PERCENT?
Contrary to the old myth, we do not use only 10 percent of our brains. Every part of the brain is active and serves a purpose. Whether we are solving problems, watching television, carrying on conversations, exercising, or simply daydreaming, different regions of the brain are constantly at work.
  SLEEP?
Even while we sleep, the brain remains remarkably busy. It processes memories, regulates vital functions, and carries out important maintenance tasks that help keep us healthy. Far from shutting down, the brain works around the clock, making it one of the most active and complex organs in the human body.
      CLEANUP TIME
This nighttime cleanup is carried out by a waste-removal network known as the glymphatic system. Unlike the rest of the body, the brain lacks lymphatic vessels to drain fluids, so it developed its own unique method.
      MICE?
In studies with mice, researchers found that rhythmic pulses of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in alertness and the sleep-wake cycle, trigger shifts in blood volume and cerebrospinal fluid. These changes help flush waste from the brain during sleep, acting like a nightly cleaning system.
      HEY BLOOD
These pulses cause blood vessels in the brain to briefly tighten. Because the skull is rigid and cannot expand, this creates a pumping action. Cerebrospinal fluid moves into the space and then flows back out as the vessels relax.
      RINSE TIME
As the fluid moves through the brain, it carries away waste products, helping to keep this remarkable organ healthy. Every good night’s sleep gives your brain a refreshing rinse, preparing it for another day of thinking, learning, and living. 

LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
SO DO NOT SIT BY THE WINDOW
STARING AT THE CLOCK? — STAND UP AND LIVE!
LIVE FOR NOW!   NOT YESTERDAY!    NOT TOMORROW!   NOW IS THE TIME!

===========================
PART 4) 🔥 A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET
✨ THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are like mental spark plugs. 💥 They jolt the mind awake, shrink giant problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can flip your thinking upside down—turning “I can’t” into “Why not give it a shot?” The right words at the right moment can become a tiny flashlight in a dark hallway. 🔦

But here’s where the real magic happens: repetition turns inspiration into identity. The more you repeat a truth, the more your mind begins to believe it… and eventually, your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on a wall is a decoration. A quote lived out through your actions? That becomes a transformation. 

Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?  That’s power. ✨
      
“The longer I live,
the more beautiful life becomes.”
~ Frank Lloyd Wright
   
“My mind will never grow old — You will see.
My body — Now that’s a different story.”
~Kit Summers
     
“There is a fountain of youth:
It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to
your life and the lives of people you love.
When you learn to tap this source,
You will truly have defeated age.”
~ Sophia Loren
     
“For the unlearned, old age is winter;
For the learned, it is the season of the harvest.”
~Hasidic saying
   
“Know that you are the perfect age.
Each year is special and precious,
for you shall only live it once.
Be comfortable with growing older.”
~Louise Hay
   
“Oh, the worst of all tragedies is not to die young,
but to live until I am seventy-five and yet not ever truly to have lived.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
     
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old,
You grow old when you stop laughing.”
~George Bernard Shaw
     
“I believe the second half of one’s life.
It is meant to be better than the first half.
The first half is finding out how you do it.
And the second half is enjoying it.”
~Frances Lear
     
“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
~Franz Kafka
   
“Every year should teach you something valuable;
Whether you get the lesson is up to you.
Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.”
~Oprah Winfrey
   
“One of the reasons people get old—lose their aliveness—
is that they get weighed down by all of their stuff.”
~Richard Leider
     
“Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
~Mark Twain
     
“I suppose real old age begins when
one looks backward rather than forward.”
~ Mary Sarton
===============
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK
ACT YOUR AGE!
The younger you keep your mind, the richer and more rewarding your life can be. Age may add years to the calendar, but it need not limit your thinking. Curiosity, enthusiasm, laughter, and a willingness to keep learning are what truly keep a person young.
   
As for me, I’m forever 23 at heart. How about you? Are you still curious, still dreaming, still willing to try something new? If so, you may be collecting birthdays, but your mind is still wonderfully young. 😊
=========================
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>​BLOG 383–DON’T “SHOULD” ON YOURSELF
========================= 

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE!
🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 381–HOW TO GET BETTER!

This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback

To Learn More about Kit, Go Here >> https://kitsummers.com/about-kit/

Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
     
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️

The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
     
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better. ✨

=============================

My new address here is >>
Kit Summers
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217
Tampa, FL 33647
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Stop by for a visit when you can.
Call me >> 610-400-3233

The Entrance to Legacy

It might make things easier if I added a table of contents. That way, you could jump directly to the sections that interest you most—like having a remote control for the circus inside my brain. Here is the order of things >>
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
PART 3) BLOG WORDS
PART 4) QUOTES
PART 5) YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK
PART 6) NEXT WEEK’S BLOG
PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS
=============================
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A little
wisdom. A reminder that life is still full of possibilities. ✨
   
These thoughts, observations, stories, and lessons are more than just blog posts—they are snapshots of a life filled with adventure, hardship, triumph, and growth. One day, I may gather them all together into a single volume, creating a record not only of where I have been, but of what I have learned along the way.
 
What began as a weekly habit has slowly become a chronicle of my journey. Through these pages, I capture ordinary moments, personal reflections, and the wisdom earned from experiences both joyful and difficult. Looking back, I can see how each entry adds another piece to a much larger story—a story of perseverance, curiosity, gratitude, and the determination to keep moving forward.
     
Perhaps someday these writings will become a book. If they do, it won’t simply be a collection of words. It will be a record of a life fully lived, a reminder that every day has something worth noticing, and proof that our stories are never truly finished as long as we continue writing the next chapter.
     
Because I don’t simply arrange words on a page—I try to breathe life into them. Words, by themselves, are nothing more than ink, pixels, and symbols. My goal is to transform them into something that moves people, challenges them, encourages them, or helps them see their lives from a different perspective.
     
I write with the hope that a sentence might spark a new idea, a paragraph might offer comfort during a difficult season, or a story might inspire someone to keep going when giving up seems easier. The best writing does more than communicate information; it creates connection. It reaches across time and distance, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles, dreams, fears, or victories.
     
That is why I write. Not merely to fill pages, but to touch lives. If a few carefully chosen words can help someone find courage, hope, laughter, or a renewed sense of purpose, then those words have become far more than language—they have become a force for positive change. 

• The drops and catches over the years? 
• Can you feel it in the writing?
• The miles traveled?
• The hard lessons?
• The laughter?
• I hope so. 🎭

And if you ever miss a blog notification—or simply feel like wandering through a colorful museum of past adventures—visit kitsummers.com and dive into the blog section. Every post is sitting there like a tiny lit match waiting to brighten somebody’s day. ✨

And if the notifications ever become one juggling ball too many, just let me know and I’ll happily remove you from the list. No guilt. No drama. Just a graceful catch and release. Though I will miss you in the audience. 🎯🎪
================ =================
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!
     
Just outside the front door, a short walk to the left, is a small lake. At the water’s edge stands a sign warning about alligators. Don’t worry—I asked. They assured me there are no gators lurking out there. Still, I thought you should see the sign. It does add a little excitement to an otherwise peaceful stroll. As you know, I am looking for friends.
   
I was hoping there might be an alligator or three.
Not because I have a death wish, but because it would give me
someone new to visit with. I can picture the conversation now:
“Good morning, Mr. Gator.”
Blink.
“Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
Blink.
Not exactly the most talkative companion, but then again, I’ve known people who contributed less to a conversation.
      ALLIGATORS
The reptiles you will encounter in the Tampa Bay area are alligators. Gators inhabit virtually every freshwater lake, river, and pond in the region. While American crocodiles are also native to Florida, their natural habitat is restricted to the extreme southern tip of the state near the Everglades. For now, the lake remains calm and gator-free.
   
The water reflects the sky, the birds go about their business, and I continue my walks without having to outrun anything with sharp teeth, probably for the best. At my age, if I ever challenged an alligator to a race, I suspect the alligator would win—and then—expect a rematch.
     
DO YOU KNOW WHAT
AN ALLIGATOR SAYS?
HE DOESN’T.
     
Once, while driving through the southern tip of Florida, I spotted a group of alligators stretched out in the sunshine beside a pond. Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me. I pulled over and began walking toward them.
 
The gators noticed me immediately. One by one, they started sliding back toward the water, apparently deciding that whatever I was, I wasn’t worth sticking around to meet. Before the last one could escape, I reached down and grabbed him by the tail.
   
For a few moments, I held on while he tried to figure out what kind of fool would interrupt an afternoon of sunbathing. Fortunately for me, he was a smaller gator. Had he been ten feet long instead of six, this story might have ended very differently—and perhaps someone else would be writing it.
    WATCH OUT
Looking back, it was probably not the smartest thing I’ve ever done. Then again, many of the best stories begin with the words, “This probably isn’t a good idea.” I released him, he disappeared into the water, and we both went on with our day. The alligator got a story to tell his friends, and I got one to tell mine.
 
I wouldn’t recommend grabbing alligators by the tail, but I have to admit—it made for a memorable afternoon. In my defense, I was younger then. Or perhaps I was just practicing for a future career in alligator handling or making questionable decisions look adventurous. Yes, I would do it again.
     
Still, every lake seems more interesting when there’s the possibility of a hidden reptile somewhere beneath the surface. It reminds us that even the most ordinary places can hold a touch of mystery. And who knows? One day, a curious gator will wander by looking for a juggling lesson. If that happens, you’ll be the first to hear about it. 🐊🎪😄
============================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served
>>>>>June 6
No breakfast for me this morning—I simply wasn’t hungry. Instead, I put that extra time to good use and started working on next week’s blog. It’s coming together quite nicely, if I do say so myself. There’s something satisfying about watching a blank page slowly fill with ideas, stories, and lessons worth sharing. By the looks of it, this one may turn out to be another good read. ✍️😊
HAVE YOU STARTED YOUR BLOG YET?
You see, I don’t want to simply linger here, counting the days until the end. I want my life to continue making a difference. I want to use what I’ve learned—from success and failure, from triumph and tragedy, from standing on stages and lying in hospital beds—to help others live better, fuller, and more meaningful lives.

Life has taught me that every setback carries a lesson, every challenge hides an opportunity, and every day is a gift that should never be taken for granted. If my experiences can help someone (you) find hope during a difficult time, discover courage when you feel afraid, or take one small step toward a brighter future, then my journey continues to have purpose.
    LESSONS LEARNED
I don’t want to simply stay alive. I want to inspire people to live truly. I encourage you to chase your dreams, strengthen your health, nurture your relationships, and become the very best version of yourself.
     
As long as I have a voice to share and a story to tell, I will keep doing everything I can to help you build a life filled with purpose, joy, growth, and adventure. After all, the goal is not merely to add years to your life—it is to add life to your years. 🌟
     
A staff member took me to a different part of this community today—the area where many of the residents with dementia live. It was a sobering experience. Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with life. is not a single disease, but rather a collection of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities, caused by various underlying conditions like Alzheimer’s or vascular disease.
 
As I walked through the room, I saw people sitting quietly, many simply staring into the distance as if searching for something just beyond reach. Some looked lost in memories that no longer fit together. Others appeared disconnected from the world around them, caught somewhere between yesterday and today.
    THINK ABOUT IT
It was difficult to witness. These were not people who had always lived this way. Each one had once been busy building a life, raising families, pursuing careers, celebrating birthdays, falling in love, and making plans for the future. They had laughed, worried, dreamed, and worked just as we all do. Now, many seemed trapped behind walls that no one else could see.
     
The visit reminded me how precious our minds truly are. We often take for granted the simple ability to remember a name, hold a conversation, or recognize the faces of those we love. Seeing these residents made me grateful for every thought I can think, every word I can write, and every memory I can still call my own.
      
I left feeling both saddened and humbled. Life can change in ways we never expect. Watching those residents sit quietly was a powerful reminder that every day is a gift. While I still have the ability to learn, create, write, and share my story, I intend to make the most of it.
     
None of us knows what tomorrow may bring. The future has always been uncertain and always will be. Yet today, I am here—aware, thinking, breathing, and alive. I can still learn, still laugh, still dream, and still make a difference in others’ lives.
      GRATEFULNESS
That is enough reason to be grateful. The past is gone, the future remains unwritten, but this moment is mine. And as long as I have another day, another hour, or even another breath, there is still life to be lived, purpose to be found, and joy to be discovered. Today is a gift, and I intend to make the most of it. 🙂 ❤️🙂

At 2:00 p.m., it was time for blackjack. I didn’t play, but I enjoyed watching the action unfold. The players bet with quarters, which kept things friendly and low-stakes, though judging by the concentration on some faces, you’d have thought fortunes were being won and lost.
    TIME TO BE  HAPPY FOR AN HOUR
Then came 3:00 p.m.—Happy Hour. Apparently, happiness was mandatory for the next sixty minutes. Fortunately, that wasn’t much of a challenge. The Sangria was quite tasty, and after three glasses, my happiness meter was registering well into the green zone. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time, laughing, chatting, and enjoying the afternoon.
   
A dog also made an appearance—a lovable Lab mix who seemed determined to make friends with every person in the room. Naturally, I was certain I was his favorite. Then again, everyone else seemed equally convinced. That is the magic of a good dog. They have an extraordinary gift for making each person feel as though they are the most important human in the world.
     
It was a delightful afternoon, but I found myself looking forward to returning to my room to write these words for you. Strange, isn’t it? After the activities, conversations, and laughter, one of my favorite parts of the day is sitting down and sharing it all with my readers. Writing helps me relive the moments and appreciate them a little more. So tell me—did you have a good day, too?
    WHO, ME?
Several people asked about my accident and the 37-day coma, so I shared the story. They listened carefully, and I could see the realization settling in that life can change in an instant. One moment, everything seems normal; the next, your entire path is different.
   
My story is living proof of that. It reminds us that even the most devastating setbacks do not have the final word. Life can knock us down, change our plans, and force us to begin again, but it can never take away our ability to move forward. Some of life’s most meaningful chapters are written after the struggles, not before them.
     
New purpose, new friendships, new adventures, and new opportunities often appear when we least expect them. As long as we are still here, there is more life to live, more joy to experience, and more good we can bring into the world.
      MORE TO LIFE
I have faced challenges that could have easily ended my dreams—a truck accident, a 37-day coma, the long struggle of learning to walk, talk, and think again, and many difficult turns along the way. Yet those experiences did not define the end of my story. They became the beginning of new chapters.
     
Today, my life is still filled with purpose, laughter, friendship, and fresh adventures. I continue to learn, grow, write, teach, and connect with wonderful people. The road may look different than the one I once imagined, but it remains a road worth traveling.
   
If there is a lesson in my journey, it is this: no setback has the final word unless we let it. As long as we are breathing, there are new goals to pursue, new people to meet, new joys to discover, and new ways to make a difference. Life may change direction unexpectedly, but it can still be rich, meaningful, and wonderfully worth living. ❤️
   
One interesting thing I’ve noticed is that I sometimes feel a little out of place here, as though I don’t quite belong in a community for “older people.” The amusing part is that many of the residents feel the same way. As Mary Ellen often said, “We are all that old, we’re just not there yet.” Many of the people seem surprised that I am here, just as I am surprised myself. Perhaps none of us ever fully catch up with our age.
    88 YEARS OLD?
As for dinner, Happy Hour took care of that. The crackers and cheese turned out to be more than enough, and by evening, I had no desire for another bite. Sometimes, a simple snack, good conversation, a few laughs, and a friendly dog are all it takes to leave a person completely satisfied. Those small moments may not seem important at the time, but they often turn out to be some of the best parts of the day.
 
I’ve already prepared the bed for tonight’s sleep. With the air conditioning keeping the room cool, a couple of warm blankets make it just right. Everything is set for a comfortable night, and I have a feeling I’ll sleep well.
   
For now, The Lord of the Rings is playing on the television. It’s a wonderful movie, but I still prefer the book. The film shows you Middle-earth; the book takes you there. As I read those pages years ago, I could almost hear the rustling leaves of the Shire and feel the adventure unfolding around every bend in the road.
   
Not a bad way to end the day—wrapped in a warm blanket,
enjoying a great story, and looking forward to a good night’s sleep.
The nurse just came by to give me my two nightly pills.
One to help with sleep, the other for allergies.
Until tomorrow, bye for now.
I am extremely happy right now.
     
>>>>>June 7
I was right—I slept well last night. What a wonderful gift a good night’s sleep can be. This morning, I woke up feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and ready to take on the day. It’s amazing how different the world looks after a solid night of rest. Problems seem smaller, energy comes more easily, and even the coffee drinkers appear a little less mysterious.
   
The challenge, of course, is convincing my body that this should become a regular habit rather than a rare special event. If I could bottle up whatever magic produced last night’s sleep and use it every evening, I’d be first in line to buy it.
      CELEBRATION
For now, I’ll simply celebrate the victory. One good night’s sleep may not solve everything, but it certainly points me in the right direction. Here’s hoping last night wasn’t an exception but the beginning of a new trend. If that happens, I’ll happily call it one of the best improvements I’ve made all year. 😴✨
     
They have a church service here this morning, and I think I may drop in and listen. I have spent much of my life searching for answers, yet I have never heard words persuasive enough to bring me to belief. Still, I remain curious.
 
What gives me pause is the sheer number of people who do believe. Billions of people across centuries and cultures have found faith meaningful and true. That fact alone makes me question everything. Am I missing something? Have I overlooked an important piece of the puzzle? Or are people simply finding comfort in something I cannot see?
I DON’T KNOW.        
I have always tried to be honest with myself. I have never wanted to believe something simply because it might bring comfort or make life seem easier. Comfort is appealing, but truth matters more. I would rather face a difficult truth than embrace a comforting illusion. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I will continue to ask questions, seek evidence, and follow the truth wherever it leads.
   
I want to believe what is true, wherever that truth may lead. If the evidence points in one direction, I want the courage to follow it. If new information challenges my views, I want the humility to reconsider them. My goal has never been to defend a belief at all costs, but to understand reality as honestly as I can.
     
That journey is not always easy. Sometimes the truth is reassuring; sometimes it is unsettling. Sometimes it confirms what we hope, and sometimes it asks us to let go of cherished assumptions. Yet a life guided by honest inquiry is richer than a life built on wishful thinking.
 
I may not have all the answers, and perhaps I never will. But I will continue to ask questions, examine evidence, and keep an open mind. For me, genuine peace does not come from believing what is convenient—it comes from knowing I have done my best to seek what is real. After all, truth does not require our approval. It simply asks for our willingness to follow it. ❤️
     
So this morning, I will walk into that service with an open mind. I may hear something that resonates. I may leave with the same questions I arrived with. Either way, I will have listened, thought, and continued the search.

YES, I CAN HELP WITH ANSWERS.
BUT PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY–
I CAN HELP EXPLORE THE QUESTIONS.

Some questions have clear answers:
How do I get stronger? Exercise consistently.
How do I improve relationships? Listen more and judge less.
How do I become better at something? Practice longer than most people are willing to.
But the biggest questions—the ones that matter most—rarely comes with neat, final answers.
   
QUESTIONS >>
What gives life meaning?
Why do some people suffer so much? 
While others seem to glide through life?
Is there a God?
Where is this god?
What happens when we die?
How do we find happiness?
What should I do with the time I have left?
For those questions, the answer is often found in the search itself.
     
Some say I’ve lived a remarkable life. I’ve stood on stages, traveled the country, survived a 37-day coma, rebuilt myself more than once, lost things, gained things, loved, failed, succeeded, and started over.
Many people spend their entire lives avoiding difficult questions. I’ve spent decades wrestling with them.
   
This morning, as I consider walking into a church service, I don’t have to arrive with belief because I don’t have any. I don’t have to arrive with certainty, either. I can arrive with curiosity. I can listen, observe, and think for myself. Sometimes the most important thing is not having all the answers, but having the courage to keep asking questions.
CURIOSITY IS ENOUGH.
I can listen without surrendering my ability to think. I can hear what is said, consider the ideas presented, and weigh them honestly against my own experiences and understanding. I do not need to force myself to believe, nor do I need to reject everything automatically. I am open to learning.
   
After all, every worthwhile journey begins with a question.
Scientists ask questions.
Explorers ask questions.
Philosophers ask questions.
Curious people are not afraid to admit they do not know everything.
They are willing to look, listen, and think.
I STILL DON’T BELIEVE.
Perhaps that is the best way to approach life itself—not clinging too tightly to certainty, but remaining willing to examine, reconsider, and grow. Curiosity keeps the mind alive. It opens doors that certainty often keeps closed.
     
So this morning, I can walk into that church service not as a believer or a skeptic, but as a curious traveler. I can listen respectfully, think carefully, and continue my search for what is true. Whether I leave with new answers or simply better questions, the experience will still have value.
     
About a dozen people sat in the audience while four deeply religious speakers took turns preaching. They spoke with conviction about faith, purpose, and living a good life, but as I listened, I realized I had heard it all before.
     
The stories, lessons, and promises were familiar, echoing messages I have encountered many times throughout my life. I listened respectfully, reflecting on my own long journey of searching and questioning, while being reminded that each of us must ultimately find our own path and arrive at our own conclusions about life’s biggest questions.
      CHURCH–ME?
A life well lived is not measured by how quickly we arrive at certainty. It is measured by our willingness to keep learning, keep exploring, and keep asking thoughtful questions along the way. Growth belongs to those who remain curious, open-minded, and eager to discover what they do not yet know. The journey of learning never truly ends, and that is one of life’s greatest gifts.
   
The people who grow the most are rarely those who claim to have all the answers, but those who remain curious, open-minded, and eager to discover what they do not yet know. Certainty may bring comfort, but curiosity brings growth, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
    ❤️A CURIOUS MIND IS NOT A WEAKNESS.❤️
One of the bravest things a person can do is use their mind well. That may sound simple, but it is far more difficult than most people realize. It takes courage to think carefully rather than merely accept what everyone else believes.
   
It takes courage to ask questions when others are satisfied with easy answers.
It takes courage to change your mind when new evidence appears.
It takes even greater courage to admit when you have been wrong.
You must do what’s right for your mind.
 
A well-used mind does not know everything.
It remains curious, open, and willing to learn.
It seeks understanding rather than comfort.
It values truth over popularity.
This mind is willing to venture beyond familiar ideas.
It will explore new possibilities, even when doing so is uncomfortable.
     
Throughout history, nearly every great advance began with someone who dared to think differently. Inventors, scientists, explorers, artists, and innovators all shared one important trait: they were willing to use their minds independently. They looked at the world as it was and imagined how it could be better.
ARE YOU ONE OF THEM?
Thinking well is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about being honest with yourself. It is about examining your assumptions, questioning your beliefs, and refusing to let fear do your thinking for you. It means seeking facts, weighing evidence, and following reason wherever it leads.
     
That kind of courage rarely earns applause. There are no medals for asking difficult questions or reconsidering deeply held opinions. Yet the ability to think clearly, honestly, and independently may be one of the greatest strengths a human being can possess.
    THINK
Use your mind well; it can do wonders.
Challenge your assumptions.
Stay curious.
Keep learning.
     
The world changes because a few people dare to think for themselves. They ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and remain open to better answers when new evidence appears. Nearly every advance in knowledge, freedom, and human progress began with someone willing to think differently.
     
Your life can change for the same reason. One thoughtful question, one new idea, or one fresh perspective can open doors you never knew existed. Never underestimate the power of a curious mind, an open heart, and the courage to use them both.
   
It takes courage to think for yourself in a world full of people eager to tell you what to believe, how to act, and what to value. It is easier to follow the crowd, repeat popular opinions, and avoid difficult questions. Real courage begins when you are willing to examine ideas honestly, challenge your own assumptions, and search for the truth wherever it may lead.
     
Using your mind well means staying curious. It means asking questions, seeking evidence, listening to different viewpoints, and remaining open to learning something new. It requires humility to admit when you are wrong and wisdom to change your position when better information comes along.
   
A strong mind does not know all the answers. A strong mind never stops learning. It remains curious, asks questions, and is willing to explore new ideas. It understands that growth begins the moment we admit there is still more to discover.
   
Such a mind refuses to surrender its thinking to fear, habit, or popular opinion. It examines evidence, considers different viewpoints, and dares to change when new understanding appears. The world moves forward because of people who dare to think for themselves, and every one of us can strengthen our lives by doing the same.    
KEEP LEARNING.
KEEP QUESTIONING.
KEEP GROWING.
The goal is not to know everything but to remain open, thoughtful, and willing to learn. A strong mind understands that wisdom is not a destination but a lifelong journey. Stay curious, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and be willing to change your mind when new evidence appears. Every day offers an opportunity to grow, and the person you become tomorrow can be wiser than the person you are today.
YOU MUST THINK CLEARLY
Throughout history, progress has depended on men and women who dared to think differently. They questioned accepted beliefs, challenged old assumptions, and imagined better possibilities. Every great discovery, invention, and breakthrough began with someone willing to use their mind courageously.
     
So treasure your ability to think. Exercise your mind as faithfully as you would exercise your body.
READ WIDELY. ASK QUESTIONS. STAY CURIOUS. KEEP LEARNING.
The world needs more people who are willing to think clearly, act wisely, and pursue truth with an open heart and an open mind.
   
That may not seem heroic, but it is. One of the greatest acts of courage is not conquering a mountain, crossing an ocean, or winning a battle. It is having the strength to think for yourself. Think for yourself, then help others to think correctly.
   
In a world filled with opinions, traditions, headlines, advertisements, and endless voices telling you what to believe, independent thought is a quiet form of bravery. It requires the willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and examine ideas honestly—even when doing so is uncomfortable.
   
Many people simply follow the crowd because it feels safer. It is easier to accept what everyone else believes than to stop, think, and reach your own conclusions. But progress has always depended on individuals who dared to question, explore, and imagine something different.
ARE YOU CERTAIN?
Thinking for yourself does not mean believing you are always right. It means being willing to learn, to change your mind when evidence demands it, and to pursue truth wherever it leads. It means valuing reason over fear, curiosity over certainty, and understanding over blind acceptance.
   
That kind of courage may never earn a medal, inspire a parade, or make the evening news. Yet it is the force behind nearly every great leap forward in human history. It is the courage that challenges old assumptions, asks difficult questions, and dares to seek the truth.
   
Because of it, knowledge has expanded, discoveries have been made, and societies have evolved. Time and again, the simple act of thinking independently has transformed lives, changed nations, and helped move humanity forward.
      USE YOUR MIND CLEARLY
So use your mind. Ask the difficult questions. Challenge easy assumptions. Search relentlessly for better answers. Have the courage to examine what others accept without question, and the wisdom to change your views when the evidence leads you there.
     
Be willing to stand apart when necessary. History’s greatest advances have often begun with a single person daring to think differently from the crowd. One of the bravest things you will ever do is to think clearly, honestly, and independently—to follow the truth wherever it leads, even when the path is lonely, unpopular, or uncertain.
     
A strong mind does not refuse to change; it values truth more than comfort. It remains open to new ideas, is willing to question old assumptions, and is courageous enough to follow the evidence wherever it leads. Think for yourself.
     
Question boldly. Learn constantly. Growth begins when we are willing to challenge what we think we know. The world needs more people with the courage to use their minds well—and that courage can begin with each of us.
THAT IS NOT MERELY INTELLIGENCE–THAT IS COURAGE!
Perhaps the goal isn’t to collect all the answers before the clock runs out. The goal is to remain open, thoughtful, and awake to the mystery of being alive. After all, none of us knows everything. But we can keep learning. We can keep loving. We can keep growing.
     
And maybe one of the better questions is:
“How can I make today meaningful?”
And/or   “How can I help someone else today?”
And/or  “How can  I make someone smile today?”
Those questions have an answer available every morning we wake up.
And from what I’ve seen, you’ve been answering those questions for a very long time. ❤️
MEET ILENE
At breakfast, I sat with Ilene, who is about my age. She shared a bit of her story with me. Her children decided to move her here, and from the sound of it, she isn’t entirely happy about that. Ilene is a bright and accomplished woman who spent years working in corporate roles overseas.
   
As we talked, she told me she would much rather be living in Costa Rica. After hearing her describe it, I could certainly understand why—sunshine, warm breezes, tropical scenery, and a slower pace of life sound appealing.
     
Later, I attended the religious service they hold here each week. About a dozen residents were there, along with four members of the church team. The pastor spoke at length about the Bible, emphasizing the importance of reading it and believing its teachings. As often happens, I read from the bible book.
   
More about the man above? As many of you know, Faith and I have traveled different roads over the years. I listened respectfully, but I had no desire to debate or challenge anyone’s beliefs. Sometimes it is enough simply to listen, consider, and allow others the comfort of their convictions while quietly holding on to your own.
BELIEF–KIT–NAWW
As usual, most of the people at the church service were believers. I find it difficult to understand how so many intelligent, thoughtful people can be convinced of something that has never convinced me. That may sound blunt, but it is the truth of where I stand.
     
I have spent much of my life asking questions, listening, reading, and searching. If there is a God, I have given Him plenty of opportunities to make Himself known to me. Yet after all these years, I remain unconvinced. I cannot simply choose to believe something because others do. Belief, at least for me, must be earned by evidence and understanding.
GOD — WHERE?
Still, I remain open. I have changed my mind about many things throughout my life. If I encounter an idea, an argument, or an experience that persuades me, I would gladly reconsider my position. The goal is not to be right; the goal is to be honest. I have many questions.
     
Questions such as: “Where do you think you came from?”
My answer: “From my momma.”
   
So I watch, I listen, and I think. I may not always know what to believe, but I know this: the search for truth is far more valuable than unquestioningly accepting what someone else tells me to think. The goal is not simply to choose a side. The goal is to understand as much of the truth as possible.
     
And that is one of the most worthwhile pursuits in life.
Until then, I will continue to ask questions and follow the evidence wherever it leads. If there is a God, then He already knows exactly what I think. He may know what it would take to change my mind. So far, that has not happened.
     
In the meantime, I will keep searching, keep learning, and keep thinking for myself. After all, one of the greatest gifts we possess is the ability to question, to reason, and to seek the truth—even when the answers remain elusive.
HOW ABOUT YOU–CAN YOU CHANGE MY THOUGHTS?
SUNDAY—A GOOD DAY TO WRITE
Watching the Sunday morning political shows. Yes, interesting–who to believe, what to believe. As always, they are interesting—but they leave me with the same question: who should I believe, and what should I believe?
   
One expert presents a convincing argument. A few minutes later, another expert presents the exact opposite view with equal confidence. Moments like that are a good reminder that confidence is not the same as truth.
   
The challenge is not deciding who sounds most certain, but patiently examining the evidence, asking thoughtful questions, and remaining willing to change our minds as we learn more. Wisdom begins when we care more about what is true than about who is speaking.
   
Politicians, commentators, analysts, and talking heads often speak with absolute confidence, each claiming to possess the truth. Yet when intelligent people disagree so passionately—and often present convincing arguments from opposite sides—it becomes clear that certainty alone is not evidence.
   

WHERE’S KIT NOW?

The louder the voices become, the more important it is to think critically, examine the facts, and remain willing to question our own assumptions. Truth does not belong to the person who speaks most confidently; it belongs to what can withstand honest scrutiny.
    THINK!
In a world overflowing with opinions, wisdom comes not from blindly choosing a side but from continually seeking understanding. It is easy to become certain; it is far more valuable to remain curious. The wisest people recognize that their knowledge is always incomplete, so they listen carefully, question thoughtfully, and remain open to new evidence and perspectives.
   
Truth is rarely served by arrogance. It is discovered through humility, reflection, and a willingness to learn. When we stop defending our opinions and start pursuing understanding, we grow. We become less interested in winning arguments and more interested in finding what is real.
     
A strong mind does not cling stubbornly to every belief it holds. Instead, it values truth above pride and learning above certainty. In a noisy world filled with competing voices, wisdom belongs to those who continue seeking, thinking, and growing.
   
That is why it is so important to think for ourselves. Listen carefully. Consider different viewpoints. Question assumptions—including our own. Gather facts where we can, and remain humble enough to admit that we might not have all the answers.
    THE WORLD
In a world overflowing with opinions, certainty is abundant, but wisdom remains rare. Opinions are easy to form and quick to share; wisdom is slower, quieter, and far more valuable. It requires curiosity, patience, and the humility to recognize that we do not know everything. Wisdom grows when we listen, think deeply, question our assumptions, and remain willing to learn. While opinions are plentiful, wisdom is earned—and it is one of the greatest treasures a person can possess.
     
Anyone can have an opinion. We form them every day, often in seconds, based on limited information, emotions, habits, or what we’ve heard from others.
Wisdom is different.
Wisdom requires patience.
It requires curiosity.
It asks us to listen more carefully, think more deeply, and question our own assumptions.
DO YOU HAVE WISDOM?
Wisdom understands that being confident is not the same as being correct. It recognizes that complex problems rarely have simple answers and that life is often filled with shades of gray rather than clear-cut black-and-white. While opinions often seek to win arguments, wisdom seeks to discover truth.
   

NOW WHERE’S KIT?

A wise person is willing to say, “I don’t know.” They are willing to change their mind when new evidence appears. They understand that learning is a lifelong journey, not a destination. The more they learn, the more they appreciate how much remains unknown.
     
In an age where people are encouraged to react instantly, wisdom encourages reflection. It invites us to slow down, gather facts, consider different perspectives, and think for ourselves. It reminds us that understanding is far more valuable than simply being right.
   
The world does not need more loud voices shouting opinions. It needs more thoughtful minds seeking understanding. It needs people who are willing to ask difficult questions, examine evidence honestly, and remain open to the possibility that they may not have all the answers.

     WHERE IS KIT  JUGGLING 3 SNOWBALLS? 

Wisdom is not found in certainty. It is found in the humble pursuit of truth. And that pursuit—patient, honest, and courageous—may be one of the most valuable journeys a human being can undertake. Wisdom requires patience—the patience to listen before speaking, to learn before judging, and to think before reaching conclusions. It requires curiosity, a genuine desire to understand rather than merely defend what we already believe.
    WISDOM
Most of all, wisdom demands humility. It means recognizing that none of us knows everything and that even our most cherished beliefs may be incomplete. A wise person is not afraid to say, “I was wrong,” when new evidence appears. In fact, changing your mind for good reason is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of intellectual strength.
 
The world changes. Knowledge grows. Discoveries are made. If we refuse to reconsider our views, we stop learning. But when we remain open to new information, we continue to grow.
   
The goal is not to be right all the time. The goal is to get closer to the truth. That journey requires an open mind, a questioning spirit, and the courage to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
   
In a noisy world filled with confident voices, the wisest people are often the ones still asking thoughtful questions. After all, wisdom is not found in having all the answers—it is found in never losing the desire to learn.
YOU WILL FIND ME CONSTANTLY
ASKING QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?
At 5:30, I went down to dinner. I was not keeping track. At that late hour, there was no one in the dining room, so I ate quietly on my own. There is always so much food on every plate. I learned from my mom to clean my plate (eat it all), so I do. Tonight I didn’t, though.
     
I will work on this blog for you for a time to come, then it will be TV and sleepytime.
Almost time for 60 Minutes (a show I like).
Hope you sleep well tonight.
     
>>>>>June 8
Breakfast was fruit and a waffle—simple, but very tasty. If someone had asked me what I ate for dinner last night, I would have had no idea. The memory had completely disappeared. Then another resident mentioned chili, and suddenly it all came rushing back. That’s how memory can work sometimes: gone one moment, back the next with a single clue.
   
As for the chili, I had only asked for a small serving, but they brought me a large bowl instead. I ate a little of it and then stopped. I dislike wasting food, but there was no way I was going to force down a giant bowl of chili just because it was sitting in front of me. Sometimes the most sensible thing to do is admit you’ve had enough and leave the rest behind. Or, do you want some?
     
Lunch today was ham, mashed potatoes, and cooked carrots—a hearty meal meant for a hearty man. At least that’s what I told myself as I worked my way through it. I have to admit, though, they do a good job with the food here. The meals are consistently tasty, filling, and far better than many people might expect. Good food may not solve every problem, but it certainly makes the day a little brighter. 🍽️😊
     
That’s one of the odd realities of places like this. You can be surrounded by people all day and still feel alone. Yet I suspect part of what I’m noticing isn’t simply that I ate alone. You may be in a place where many of the conversations, interests, and energy levels do not match your own.
   
There’s nothing wrong with eating by yourself if that’s what you prefer. A meal can be a time to relax, enjoy the food, and gather your thoughts rather than make small talk. Some people recharge through conversation; others recharge through a little quiet.
 
You are a man who has performed around the world, run successful businesses, written books, traveled to every national park, and taught dozens of people to juggle. When your mind is still searching for the next challenge, lesson, or adventure, finding common ground can be difficult.
   
The good news is that your story isn’t finished. You’re not sitting at the end of life looking backward. You’re sitting in Tampa planning what comes next—writing, speaking, exercising, juggling, and continuing to inspire people. That’s a very different mindset from simply waiting for tomorrow’s meal.
   
For tonight, I can enjoy the simple victory of having dinner, thinking, writing, and still being very much in the game. That’s no small thing. I am still curious, still learning, and still looking ahead to tomorrow. Not everyone at the table can say that.
     
Many people have quietly surrendered their dreams, their interests, or their desire to grow. I haven’t. After everything I’ve been through, I’m still asking questions, sharing ideas, and searching for the next adventure. That is something worth appreciating tonight.  😊
   
>>>>>June 9
Up at 4 am, I did sleep in a bit.
Breakfast was the usual, quite good.
In a way, I feel trapped here.
What will my future hold?
Where will I end up?
I must retake control of my life.
  MOVIE?
On a positive note, a production company has expressed interest in adapting my life story into a movie. The possibility is both exciting and humbling. If it comes to fruition, it would allow my journey—from tragedy and adversity to resilience, purpose, and hope—to reach far more people than I could ever reach on my own. What a wonderful opportunity to inspire others to overcome their challenges and discover their own potential.
   
I had managed to get hold of a small bag of peanuts and sat down, looking forward to enjoying them. Then reality reminded me of something I sometimes forget: I no longer have any lower teeth. No matter how determined I was, those peanuts weren’t going anywhere. I tried, but chewing them was simply not an option. After a few moments of stubborn optimism, I accepted defeat and sadly threw them away.
 
It was a small disappointment, but sometimes the little losses catch us by surprise. We adapt, we move forward, and then a simple bag of peanuts reminds us that some things have changed. Still, there are plenty of treats left in the world that don’t require a full set of teeth. The peanuts won this round, but I suspect there are bigger victories ahead. 😊
     
Clouds and rain today. I keep telling myself I need to get out there and work on my running, but I keep finding reasons to put it off. That’s not a good habit, especially when I know I want to get into better shape. The only way it happens is if I lace up my shoes and get moving, rain or shine.
    LUNCH
At lunch today, I sat alone at a different table than usual. Apparently, it was Millie’s regular spot, because she came over and sat down. This older woman didn’t say a word, and we ate quietly together. The servers seemed to know her well and took good care of her.

The choices were beef tacos or chicken tacos. I chose the chicken, but it wasn’t very impressive. Without any salsa or sauce, it was bland. As a man who once ran a salsa business, I couldn’t help thinking how much a little fresh salsa could have improved the whole meal. Sometimes the smallest ingredients make the biggest difference. https://www.summerssalsa.com/
   
Every day, there are activities here such as Bingo, Poker, and Cornhole (my personal favorite). I rarely participate in most of these events. They simply don’t appeal to me. There’s nothing wrong with that—they are enjoyable for many of the residents here.
    WHAT I LIKE
We all have different interests, and I’ve always been more drawn to learning, writing, exercising, juggling, and pursuing new challenges than sitting around a game table. I am glad these activities bring enjoyment to others, but most of the time, I prefer to spend my hours in ways that keep my mind active and moving forward.
     
I’m glad they exist for those who enjoy them, but my interests tend to run in different directions. I’d rather spend my time writing, thinking, exercising, learning something new, or working on projects that challenge my mind and move me toward my goals. Everyone has their own way of spending a day, and that’s mine.
    PARTY TIME
That said, I’m glad they are available. Many of the residents enjoy them, and anything that brings people together, encourages laughter, and helps pleasantly pass the day has value. Not every activity is meant for every person. We each have our own interests.
   
I would rather spend my time writing, reading, exercising, juggling, or working on projects that challenge my mind and move me toward my goals. Others enjoy Bingo. I enjoy building a better future. There is room for both.
   
Every week at this time, they have a happy hour. The theory is simple: keep the older adults happy, keep them drinking. Oh boy. I joined in and had a couple of glasses of sangria. Apparently, that qualifies me as happy. If so, happiness comes in a plastic cup and is served with ice.
      HAPPY HOUR?    
Truth be told, the company was about the same, the conversations were about the same, and I was still me when the glasses were empty. But for an hour or so, it was something different to do. Besides, at my age, if someone offers free sangria, it would be rude not to assist with the research. 🍷😄
   
Here’s to happy hour! If happiness can be found in a plastic cup of sangria and another day above ground, I’ll gladly raise a glass to that. 🍷🙂 Life doesn’t always hand us crystal goblets and grand celebrations; sometimes it offers a plastic cup, a quiet moment, and the simple privilege of still being here. Some days, that’s more than enough. Cheers to another day, another story, and another chance to make it count.
     
>>>>>June 10
A 1 a.m. awakening this morning. My mind switched on and immediately began racing through thoughts about the movie, the writing I need to do, and the projects ahead. Once that happened, there was no returning to sleep. The day had begun, whether I was ready for it or not.
   
Sometimes inspiration arrives at inconvenient hours, tapping you on the shoulder and refusing to be ignored. So I got up and started thinking, planning, and preparing for what comes next. After all, a dream worth pursuing doesn’t always wait for the alarm clock.
      Shhhhh
I did get a lot done by getting up that early. The quiet hours before dawn can be remarkably productive, and I made good use of them. As a result, I know tiredness will drift in and out throughout the day, but that is simply part of the bargain. I’m ready for it. If I need to slow down for a while, I will. The important thing is that progress was made, and a little fatigue is a small price to pay for a morning spent moving forward.
 
My daughter, Jasmine, just called me to check up on me. I let her know that this place is a lot better for me than the last place—much more freedom here, which I have missed. I want to, again, thank my daughters, Jasamine and April, for setting me up to be here.
     
Nikoletta, the manager who runs Legacy Preserve, quickly picked up juggling and showed a natural knack for it. Better yet, she plans to keep practicing, which is always where the real magic happens. Someday, she’ll pass that skill along to her daughter, and a simple juggling lesson will become something much more—a shared experience, a new challenge, and a memory they can build together. It’s always rewarding to see a skill travel from one person to another and continue its journey.
      SLOPPY WHO?
Lunch was a simple Sloppy Joe. Who was Joe, anyway, and what happened to him that earned such a title? Somewhere along the way, poor Joe became the official spokesman for messy sandwiches everywhere. The “sloppy” part is easy to understand—one bite and there’s a good chance part of your lunch will end up somewhere other than your mouth.
   
Despite its questionable name and lack of elegance, it was a decent meal: ground beef on a bun, served with all the dignity a Sloppy Joe can reasonably hope for. I’ve learned that not every meal needs to be memorable. Sometimes lunch is simply lunch, and that’s perfectly fine. 🍔🙂
   
But the origins of the Sloppy Joe remain a bit of a mystery. Food historians continue to debate where it was first created, with several restaurants and small towns claiming credit. Like many beloved American foods, its exact birthplace has become part of the legend.
    JOE WHO?
Regardless of where it was born, the sandwich became a staple of American kitchens during the 1940s because it was inexpensive, filling, and easy to prepare. Its popularity grew further in 1969, when Hunt’s introduced Manwich sauce, allowing families to make a Sloppy Joe with little more effort than opening a can.
     
Joe may never receive proper credit for his contribution to culinary history, but his sandwich has certainly stood the test of time. Decade after decade, it continues to appear in school cafeterias, family dinners, church socials, and places like this, proving that simple food often has remarkable staying power.
     
Sometimes a meal is nothing more than fuel for the journey—another small stop along life’s winding road. When I think about surviving truck accidents, comas, countless setbacks, and even years of hospital food, a humble Sloppy Joe doesn’t seem so bad after all.
     
In fact, it feels like one more reminder that I’m still here, still moving forward, and still enjoying the ride. I’m grateful for another meal, another day, and another chance to keep going. Sometimes life’s greatest pleasures are not fancy at all—they’re just a little messy.

I was just watching clips of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Such a great movie. I can’t help but compare it to where I am living now. The movie features crazy people with different personalities. Here at Legacy, they have old people in place of crazy people. All with different personalities.
           
>>>>>June 11
A few clouds drift overhead this morning. As I look out the front window of my third-floor apartment, the sky is mostly clear, promising a beautiful day ahead. This building is designed around a central courtyard, and in the middle are a variety of plants and landscaping that add a touch of life and color to the scene. It’s a pleasant view and a nice way to begin the day.
     
As I stood there looking down, I spotted the perfect location for one of my vegetable planters. It will fit beautifully among the greenery and receive plenty of sunlight. The thought of growing vegetables again brings a smile to my face. There is something satisfying about planting a seed, tending it patiently, and watching it become something useful. It reminds me that growth is always possible, whether in a garden or in life itself. 🌱🙂
   
I was given a calendar for the month.
Each day they have different events.
Today it shows these activities >>
Hair Salon Open
10:00 Chair Zumba
10:00 Communion
10:30 Daily Chronicles & Chat
11:00 Color me Calm
2:00 Tai Chi
3:00 Farkle dice game
6:30 Fun with Jason
7:00 Poker
So, not much for me on the schedule each day.
     
Having this available time gives me the opportunity to work on this blog and carefully choose the very best words to share with you. I don’t simply put sentences together—I try to craft thoughts that encourage, challenge, and inspire you.
   
Each paragraph is an opportunity to pass along something I have learned through triumphs, setbacks, laughter, and perseverance. My hope is that these words do more than fill a page; I hope they make you pause, think, smile, or perhaps see life from a slightly different perspective.
      SMILE
Thank you for taking a few moments of your day to spend with me. I truly hope you enjoy reading my words as much as I enjoy writing them. As you see, this blog is growing in length. I do hope I add to and enliven your life.  ✍️🙂
     
Breakfast this morning was simple: an English muffin, one sausage link, and a fresh fruit cup. Nothing fancy, just enough to get the day started on the right foot.
      BREAKFAST
The fruit, however, was the star of the meal. The fruit they serve here is consistently excellent—fresh, colorful, and always ripe. Every piece seems to be cut just right, making it easy and enjoyable to eat.
   
I don’t know whether someone in the kitchen prepares the fruit by hand each day or if it arrives that way, but whoever is responsible deserves some credit. The quality is remarkably consistent, which is not always easy to achieve when serving so many people.
   
It’s funny how often the small things brighten a day. A perfect fruit cup may not seem important in the grand scheme of life, but little pleasures add up. Sometimes, a good breakfast and a pleasant morning are more than enough reason to be grateful. 🍓🙂
      LUNCH
Lunch today was Shepherd’s Pie, a simple but tasty meal. There is something comforting about a dish that has been filling hungry stomachs for generations—ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes all working together in one warm package. It wasn’t fancy, but it certainly did the job.
   
I sat with my friend Lynn and Doug, who celebrated his 90th birthday last week. Doug looks remarkably good and seems to be handling life just fine. He carries himself well, stays engaged, and serves as a living reminder that age does not automatically mean decline. Some people seem to collect years while keeping their spirit intact.
     
Seeing Doug made me think. At 90, he is still here, still participating, still enjoying another day. Considering all the obstacles I have faced—truck accidents, comas, surgeries, and countless challenges—that is encouraging. Longevity is not just about adding years to life; it is about continuing to find reasons to get up each morning.
     
So when I looked across the table at Doug, I couldn’t help but smile and think, “Ninety, here I come!” If I keep writing, learning, exercising, laughing, and finding purpose in each day, perhaps I’ll get there too. And knowing me, I’ll probably still be teaching someone how to juggle. 😊
     
Very strange—it’s 4:11, and I’m actually hungry, which is unusual for me. My body has apparently decided it wants fuel, and it’s making sure I know it. After all these years, I’ve learned to pay attention when something feels different, so perhaps an early dinner is in order. 🍽️🙂
     
So many people use walkers here. It’s difficult to know how many truly need them, but they are certainly a common sight. A walker is designed for people who need more stability than crutches can provide or who must reduce the weight on their legs. By providing a broader base of support, walkers can help people move more safely and confidently.
 
The devices themselves have become quite sophisticated over the years. I’ve seen walkers equipped with hand brakes, storage compartments, and comfortable seats that allow users to rest whenever they need a break. For many people, a walker is more than just a mobility aid—it provides independence, confidence, and the ability to remain active despite physical limitations.
     
I’ve noticed that many people who use walkers lean forward as they walk. From what I understand, that posture isn’t ideal, as it can place extra strain on the back, neck, and shoulders while making movement less efficient. Sometimes pain, weakness, or balance problems may cause it, but I often wonder how much better people might feel if they could stand a little taller.
     
>>>>>June 12
Up by 3 a.m. again. Nights can be strange. I often find myself bored, with no desire to watch television and little interest in reading. So I simply lie down and try to sleep, even when my mind would rather be doing something else.
   
I know sleep is necessary. Every doctor, scientist, and researcher agrees that the brain repairs itself, stores memories, and restores the body while we sleep. Still, part of me has always viewed it as wasted time. There are books and blogs to write, ideas to explore, people to inspire, and plans to make.
   
Spending six or eight hours unconscious can feel like a poor use of a perfectly good day. Yet perhaps sleep is not wasted time at all. Maybe it is more like a pit stop during a long race. The car isn’t moving forward while the tires are changed and the fuel tank is filled, but without those stops, the race would end early.
   
Sleep may be nature’s way of preparing us for another day of living, learning, and creating. So while I still grumble about it now and then, I suppose there is some comfort in knowing that even while I sleep, my body is quietly working to keep me in the game. Considering all the miles I’ve traveled through life, a few hours in the repair shop each night is probably a fair trade. 😴🙂
      BREAKFAST
Breakfast was simple today: a bowl of fresh fruit—bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, all fresh and full of flavor. There is something refreshing about starting the day with a healthy meal that requires no fuss and provides plenty of nourishment. As I get older, I appreciate simple foods more and more. Not every meal needs to be elaborate; sometimes a bowl of fresh fruit is enough to energize the body, brighten the morning, and start the day on the right note. 🍓🍌🫐🙂
LUNCH
Lunch was a simple ham-and-cheese sandwich that I brought back to my room. Nothing fancy, no five-star presentation, just a quick meal for a quick man. Sometimes the simplest lunches are the best. No waiting, no fuss, and no complicated decisions—just enough fuel to keep the engine running.
   
As I sat quietly and ate, I was reminded that not every meal needs to be an event. Life is full of grand occasions, but it is also built from small moments like these. A sandwich, a chair, a little peace and quiet, and another day moving forward. After everything life has thrown my way, I’ve learned to appreciate these simple pauses. They may not make headlines, but they help make a good life. 🥪🙂
===============================
PART 3, BLOG 381–HOW TO GET BETTER
     
WRITE>>As you come across ideas that can help you, write them down.
A good idea is only valuable if you can remember it and put it into action.
Our minds can hold only so much, and even the brightest insight can disappear if it isn’t captured.
     
TIME>>Make time for these things, and you’ll have a better life.
What Does It Mean to Get Better?
Before anything else, ask yourself a simple question:
What does “better” mean to me?
     
RUSH?>>To get better, start by remembering that meaningful change rarely happens all at once. Most success is built through small, consistent actions repeated day after day. A one-percent improvement may seem insignificant today, but over time those tiny gains can transform your health, happiness, and future.
     
FOCUS>>Focus first on your physical well-being. Move your body regularly, whether that means walking, stretching, lifting weights, swimming, or simply taking the stairs. Choose foods that nourish rather than merely satisfy. Drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep. Your body is the vehicle that carries you through life—take care of it, and it will take care of you.
     
MINDSET>>Just as important is your mindset. Pay attention to the thoughts you feed yourself. Replace constant criticism with encouragement. Practice gratitude. Look for lessons in setbacks instead of reasons to quit. A positive mindset is not pretending life is perfect; it is believing you can handle whatever life brings.
   
LOVE>>Relationships matter, too. Spend time with people who encourage your growth, make you laugh, and bring out your best qualities. Offer kindness freely. Listen more. Love deeply. Human connection is one of the greatest sources of strength and resilience.
   
GOALS>>Set small, achievable goals. Don’t focus only on the mountain in the distance; focus on the next step in front of you. Read a few pages. Walk a few extra minutes. Make one healthier choice. Learn one new thing. Small victories build confidence, and confidence fuels bigger victories.
   
REST>>Practice self-care without guilt. Take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Even the strongest athletes understand that recovery is part of training, not a break from it. Muscles grow stronger during rest. Minds become clearer after quiet reflection. Energy returns when we allow ourselves the time to replenish it.
   
PAUSE>>Too often, people treat rest as a reward that must be earned. In reality, rest is one of the tools that makes achievement possible. A race car spends time in the pit before returning to the track at full speed. A musician pauses between notes to create beautiful music. Nature itself follows cycles of activity and renewal.
     
COMFORT>> permit yourself to slow down when needed. Read a good book. Take a walk. Sit quietly and enjoy the sunrise. Call a friend. Close your eyes for a few minutes and simply breathe. These moments are not signs of weakness—they are investments in your well-being.
   
CONTEST>>remember, life is not a contest to see who can stay busy the longest. It is about living well, staying healthy, and having the energy to enjoy the journey. When you care for yourself, you are better able to care for others, pursue your goals, and face life’s challenges with strength and enthusiasm.
   
PERMISSION>>Recharge without guilt. Rest with purpose. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and recover. Even the strongest athletes schedule recovery days, and even the fastest race cars spend time in the pit before roaring back onto the track.
     
PROGRESS>>Rest is not the opposite of progress—it is part of progress. It is where muscles rebuild, minds reset, and spirits regain their strength. When you take time to recharge, you are not falling behind. You are preparing yourself for what comes next.
 
SLOW>>Most of all, be patient with yourself. Growth is not a straight line. Some days you will soar, and some days you will stumble. That’s not failure—that’s being human. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress.
     
CHOOSE>>Keep moving forward. Keep learning. Keep improving. A year from now, the person you become will be shaped by the small choices you make today. Choose wisely, choose consistently, and watch what happens. Your future is being built one tiny step at a time. 🌟
   
HEALTH>>For some people, better means becoming healthier.
For others, it means finding more happiness.
Still, others mean building stronger relationships.
Or reducing stress, or simply feeling more alive.
     
SMALL>>Whatever your answer, improvement rarely comes from giant leaps. More often, it comes from small, consistent actions repeated day after day. A one-percent improvement today may not seem like much, but over time those tiny victories add up to remarkable change.
   
STRENGTH>>To begin, focus on strengthening the foundations of a better life: improve your physical health, cultivate a positive, resilient mindset, build meaningful relationships, and practice self-care that helps you grow, flourish, and become the best version of yourself.
   
YOU!>>Or, in a more inspirational style:
Start by investing in yourself. Strengthen your body, nurture a positive attitude, deepen your connections with others, and make time for the habits that restore your energy and enrich your life. Small, consistent steps in these areas can lead to remarkable changes over time. 🌟
   
RELAX>>Here are some simple ways to start >>
Clear Your Mind. Take a few minutes to sit quietly.
Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
Your mind will wander—that’s perfectly normal.
     
STILL>>When it does wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
A brief meditation break can help you feel calmer and more patient. 
You will be better prepared to handle whatever the day brings.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself is a few moments of stillness.
   
NEXT>>Get Outside, yes, Step outdoors.
Pull a few weeds. Sit in the sunshine. Watch the clouds drift by. Take a deep breath of fresh air.
Time spent in nature has been shown to boost energy, improve memory, and reduce anxiety.
Even if you live in a busy city, you can still notice a tree, a flower, a patch of grass, or a bird singing nearby.
   
SUN>>There are people here who rarely leave the building, much like many of the people I knew at NeuroRestorative. Day after day, they remain indoors and miss so much that life still has to offer. Step outside. Feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face. Listen to the birds, notice the breeze, and take a moment to appreciate the simple beauty around you. Then smile at the sun—and smile at yourself for smiling at the sun.
   
LIFT>>Life is happening out there. Even a few minutes outdoors can lift your spirits, brighten your mood, and remind you that the world is still full of wonder. Don’t just watch life through a window. Go out and be part of it. ☀️
   
AND>>Nature has a remarkable way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate life.
Have a Laugh! Laughter is one of the simplest medicines available.
Read something funny. Watch a favorite comedian. Call a friend who always makes you smile.
Laughter lifts your mood, releases feel-good chemicals in your brain, relaxes your muscles, and helps your body let go of tension. Best of all, it’s free and comes with no negative side effects.
     
GOOD>>Count What’s Good. Take a moment to write down a few things you’re grateful for.
They don’t have to be big things. It could be it’s a good meal, a kind word, a comfortable bed, or simply another sunrise. People who regularly practice gratitude tend to experience less stress and greater happiness. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what is already wonderful.
   
FRIENDLY>>Wish Someone Well. Choose someone—a friend, family member, coworker, or even a complete stranger. Quietly wish them happiness, health, peace, and success.
This simple act of compassion often lifts our own spirits as much as it benefits others.
Kind thoughts have a way of improving the thinker.
   
WALK>>Take a Walk! Put on your shoes and head out for a walk.
Walking reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts creativity.
If you’ve been wrestling with a problem, your next great isht is just around the corner.
Many of life’s solutions come to us when we move forward.
   
MUSIC>>Turn On Some Music! Put on a favorite song and let the music work its magic.
Music can reduce anxiety, ease stress, and brighten your mood almost instantly.
And if the music inspires a little dancing, even better.
No one ever regretted a spontaneous kitchen dance party.
   
LIST>>Cross One Thing Off Your List. Pick one small task you’ve been avoiding.
Send the email. Make the appointment. Change the light bulb. Organize that drawer.
Completing even a tiny task creates momentum. Success often starts with one small checkmark.
     
CONNECT>>Connect With Someone. Reach out to another person.
Call a friend. Text a family member. Invite someone for coffee.
Strong relationships are one of the greatest predictors of happiness and well-being.
Human beings are built for connection.
     
FOOD>>Eat Something That Loves You Back! Choose a healthy snack that fuels both body and mind.
Fresh fruit. A handful of nuts. Whole grains. Vegetables. Plenty of water.
“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
Healthy eating doesn’t require perfection. Small improvements made consistently create lasting results.
     
FRIENDLYNESS>>Do a Good Deed. Hold a door open. Offer encouragement. Volunteer.
Help someone carry a load—literally or figuratively.
Kindness creates a ripple effect that benefits both the giver and the receiver.
One small act can brighten an entire day.
   
STRETCH! Your body was designed to move.
Take a few minutes to stretch your neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs.
Gentle stretching improves circulation, reduces tension, and helps you feel more energized.
Think of it as a thank-you note to your body.
   
HUGS>>Hug Someone (perhaps me?) A warm hug can do wonders.
It can reduce stress, increase feelings of connection, and even support overall health.
Sometimes a hug says more than words ever could.
And, give yourself a Pep Talk. Be careful how you talk to yourself.
   
CHANGE>>Replace: “I can’t do this.”  
With: “I can handle this.”
Replace: “I always mess things up.”
With: “Everyone makes mistakes. I’ll learn from this and keep going.”
Your mind is always listening. Make sure you’re speaking words that help rather than hurt.
 
THANKS>>Write a Thank-You Note.
Take a moment to thank someone who has made a difference in your life.
It doesn’t have to be long. A few sincere words of appreciation can strengthen relationships and remind both people of the good that exists in the world. Then write one for yourself.
   
HABITS>>Develop Habits That Change Everything. 
While there is no magic formula for a perfect life.
Make and follow a structured, habit-based life.
   
MOVE>>Move Your Body Daily! Exercise doesn’t need to be extreme.
Walk. Stretch. Swim. Ride a bike. Dance. Lift weights.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
Remember: A little of something is far better than a lot of nothing.
     
EAT>>Eat Sensibly! Choose foods that nourish rather than merely entertain.
Eat a little more of what helps your body and a little less of what hurts it.
There is no single “best” diet for everyone; you know what your body wants.
Experiment, learn, and discover what works best for you at this stage of your life.
   

I LOVED THAT MY FAMILY CAME OUT TO SEE ME!

REST>>Get Enough Rest! Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Most people function best with seven to eight hours of sleep, though individual needs vary.
Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day. Your mind and body love consistency.
And if you need a short afternoon nap, don’t feel guilty about it.
Even race cars spend time in the pit before returning to the track.
   
MOVE>>It helps counteract the effects of gravity on your joints and spine.
Smoke less or not at all.  Limit alcohol.  Sit less and move more.
These habits won’t eliminate every challenge life throws your way.
But, they will help, do them!
   
BETTER>>They won’t solve every financial problem, heal every relationship, or remove every obstacle.
What they will do is make you stronger, healthier, and more resilient.
And resilience is one of life’s greatest superpowers.
Take care of yourself. The world needs the healthiest, happiest version of you.
To your health, happiness, and continued growth.

MOVING FORWARD

WRITE>>Write down the ideas that can help you right now. Not next year. Not someday. Now. There is no shortage of advice in this world. Books, podcasts, The challenge is not finding more information—the challenge is choosing the information that will make a difference for you today. Remember, the best advice is not necessarily the most complicated advice. Often, the most powerful changes come from the simplest actions.
   
• Take a walk.

• Get some sleep.
• Drink more water.
• Make the phone call.
• Forgive someone.
• JUGGLE!
• Read a few pages.
• Exercise for twenty minutes.
• Smile at a stranger.
• Start the project.
• Take the first step. 

LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
=========================

WHAT A GLORIOUS TIME WE HAD!

SO DO NOT SIT BY THE WINDOW
STARING AT THE CLOCK?–STAND UP AND LIVE!
LIVE FOR NOW!   NOT YESTERDAY!    NOT TOMORROW!   NOW IS THE TIME!

===========================
PART 4) 🔥 A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET
    ✨ THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are like mental spark plugs. 💥 They jolt the mind awake, shrink giant problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can flip your thinking upside down—turning “I can’t” into “Why not give it a shot?” The right words at the right moment can become a tiny flashlight in a dark hallway. 🔦

But here’s where the real magic happens: repetition turns inspiration into identity. The more you repeat a truth, the more your mind begins to believe it… and eventually, your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on a wall is a decoration. A quote lived out through your actions? That becomes a transformation. 

Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?  That’s power. ✨
      
“I take my fundamental cue from John Coltrane,
who says there must be a priority of integrity,
honesty, decency, and mastery of craft.”
~ Cornel West

“If you have a strong purpose in your life—GO!
You don’t need to be pushed forward.
Let your passion drive you ahead.”
~ Kit Summers
   
“The two most important days in your
life are the day you are born…
and the day you find out why.”
~ Mark Twain
   
“Death is not the greatest loss in life.
The greatest loss is what dies inside.
us while we live.”
~ Norman Cousins
   
“Liberty means responsibility.
That is why most people dread it.”
~ George Bernard Shaw
     
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,
What are you doing for others?”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
     
“You cannot do kindness too soon,
for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
   
“I’m here to contribute. We all depend on each other.
I depend on people in generations before me.
People in generations after me will depend on me.”
~ Bryan Nwafor
   
“Meaning is about making a difference,
not having an audience.”
~ Adam Grant
     
“This is my simple religion.
There is no need for temples.
No need for complicated philosophy.
Our own brain, our own heart, is our temple. 
The philosophy is kindness.”
~ Dalai Lama
===============
PART 5)  YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
This one I challenged you with a few years ago.
This week, walk keeping your arms by your side.
Don’t swing your arms with each step.
This will be harder than you think.
=========================
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>BLOG 382–THE YEARS PILE ON
========================= 

AND, WHERE IS KIT AND HIS VAN?

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE!
🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 380–WHY CARE?

This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback

To Learn More about Kit, Go Here >> https://kitsummers.com/about-kit/

Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
     
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️


The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
     
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better. ✨

=============================

It might make things easier if I added a table of contents. That way, you could jump directly to the sections that interest you most—like having a remote control for the circus inside my brain. I’m still figuring out how to add page numbers properly.
     
Somewhere inside this machine, tiny digital gremlins seem to be hiding the instructions from me. But don’t worry—I’m tracking them down and expect to have everything organized by the next blog post. At least now you can see the order of things. Progress, my friends, sometimes moves forward wearing clown shoes… but it still moves forward. 🎪✨

PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS — PAGE 1
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK — PAGE
PART 3) BLOG 378 — BREAK THE SCRIPT — PAGE
PART 4) QUOTES — PAGE
PART 5) YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK — NEXT TO LAST PAGE
PART 6) NEXT WEEK’S BLOG — LAST PAGE
PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS — LAST PAGE
=============================
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A little
wisdom. A reminder that life is still full of possibilities. ✨
     
Because I don’t simply arrange words on a page—I try to breathe life into them.

• The drops and catches over the years? 
• Can you feel it in the writing?
• The miles traveled?
• The hard lessons?
• The laughter?
• I hope so. 🎭

And if you ever miss a blog notification—or simply feel like wandering through a colorful museum of past adventures—visit kitsummers.com and dive into the blog section. Every post is sitting there like a tiny lit match waiting to brighten somebody’s day. ✨

And if the notifications ever become one juggling ball too many, just let me know and I’ll happily remove you from the list. No guilt. No drama. Just a graceful catch and release. Though I will miss you in the audience. 🎯🎪
================ =================
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!

The last blog, #379, arrived a little early because I was in the middle of moving to a new home. That extra time between blogs has given me a few more days to reflect, think, and write for you. I live here now >> https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
     
Truth be told, one of my greatest joys right now is sitting down and putting these words together. Writing allows me to share ideas, tell stories, and stay connected with people like you. Thank you for taking the time to read what I created. These thoughts bring you a smile, a new perspective, or a little spark of inspiration along the way.
   
At 5 a.m., while much of the world was still rubbing sleep from its eyes, another brand-new juggler was born. 🎪 On staff here at NeuroRestorative (NR), Joanna learned quickly and seemed genuinely surprised by her own abilities. Watching that spark appear in someone’s face never gets old. It made her happy, and somehow that happiness bounced right back into me like a well-thrown ball returning to the hand.
   
By now, I have taught at least 50 people at NR how to juggle, and that feels wonderful. Think about that for a moment — 50 people who once believed, “I could never do that,” suddenly discovering they could. Juggling is sneaky that way. It teaches far more than tossing objects through the air. It teaches patience, courage, laughter, and the simple truth that dropping the ball is part of learning, not proof of failure. 😄
 
Now everything is packed, even at this early hour, and I am ready for the next chapter. Later today, Jasmine and April will arrive, and together we will make the two-hour drive to my new home. I can feel the wheels of change already turning. And I plan to change right along with them.
     
One thing is certain: I need to get myself back into better shape — stronger, healthier, more alive. This move is not just about a new place to live; it is about building a stronger future. A better Kit is stepping forward now, one choice, one step, and maybe one juggling club at a time. ✨
       
Another one has been welcomed into the wonderful world of flying objects, quick reflexes, and triumphant smiles! 🎪✨

This morning, the new Head of Nursing, Lisa Kloc, became my newest juggling student. Within minutes, she was keeping three objects dancing through the air and discovering what so many others have learned before her: juggling is equal parts skill, persistence, and fun. Watching someone catch that first taste of success never gets old. Another juggler joins the ranks! 🤹‍♂️🌟
LISA LEARNED!
Lisa is still fairly new here herself. Because my departure arrived so quickly, we never really had the opportunity to get to know each other very well before now. Life has funny timing sometimes. Just as one chapter is closing, along comes a small, unexpected moment that makes the ending feel a little brighter.
     
There we were, tossing scarves and learning the rhythm that every juggler eventually discovers — not perfection, but recovery. Juggling is not about never dropping; it is about learning to catch, adjust, laugh, and continue.

Lisa picked it up quickly, and before long, there was that familiar spark in the air: the joy people feel when they realize they can do something they first believed was impossible. I have taught so many people here to juggle during my stay. Patients, staff members, visitors — one by one, the little circle kept growing. Every person who learns seems to carry away more than a trick.
    I WILL MISS PEOPLE AT NEARORESTORIVE
They leave with a smile, a little confidence, and a reminder that the brain can still learn, adapt, and surprise us at any age. Teaching juggling has helped me as much as anyone else. Each lesson gave me purpose, connection, and another reason to keep tossing my own dreams back into the air.
============================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served
         
>>>>>May 28
And now, as I prepare to leave this place behind and step into my next great adventure, it feels wonderfully fitting that one more person joined the juggling club before I rolled out the door. One last set of smiles, one more new skill learned, and one more reminder that wherever I go, I leave a few flying balls—and a little joy—behind. 🎪✨
   
There is something beautiful about that to me. In a place filled with challenges, routines, frustrations, and long days, a few flying objects spinning through the air managed to create smiles, laughter, and little sparks of belief.
    ONE MORE
One more person discovered they could do something they once believed was impossible. One more person learned that dropping is not failure—it is simply part of the process. Every dropped ball is a lesson, every catch a victory, and every attempt a reminder that growth lives just beyond the edge of what we think we can do.
     
In that moment, juggling became more than a skill. It became a lesson in life itself: you do not succeed by never dropping. You succeed by picking it up, trying again, and finding your rhythm. The secret is not perfection—it is persistence. Keep reaching, keep learning, and sooner or later, what once seemed impossible becomes part of who you are. 🎪✨
      IMPOSIBLE?
That may sound small to some people, but it is not small at all. Sometimes the greatest thing we leave behind is not money, fame, or even accomplishments. Sometimes it is confidence planted inside another human being. Sometimes it is joy. Sometimes it is simply helping someone feel alive again for a few moments.
   
So as I pack my things and head toward whatever comes next, I leave knowing a few more balls and scarves are flying through the air because I was here. And honestly? That makes me smile all the way down to my juggling soul. 😄

KIT, JASMINE, WILLOW, APRIL, PENELOPE

All my things were packed, and there I sat, waiting for my daughters, Jasmine and April, to arrive. A knock came at the door, and when I opened it, my heart instantly filled with joy. There they were—but not just the two of them. The whole little family had shown up! It was a family reunion!
    KATH (WILLOW), TOO!
Jasmine and April stood there smiling, my beautiful granddaughter Penelope was with them, and, to my complete surprise, my sister Kath—who has always gone by her middle name, Willow—was standing there too.
   
What a wonderful surprise. In that moment, the boxes, the move, and all the stress of change faded into the background. All I could see were the people I love. Throughout my life, my sister, Willow, has done so much to enrich and support me.
   
Life has taken me on some wild journeys, through triumphs and tragedies, across thousands of miles and countless adventures. Yet moments like this remind me what truly matters. Family. The people who show up. The people who care. The people who stand beside you as one chapter closes and another begins.
   
>>>>>May 29
This morning, a nurse stopped by with the usual handful of medications for me to take. I’ve never been much of a fan of medication. I understand that many of these pills serve an important purpose, but I still find it strange to start the day by swallowing what feels like a small chemistry set. Given the choice, I’d much rather rely on fresh air, exercise, good food, and a positive attitude. Still, I’m grateful for the medical advances that help keep people healthy and moving forward, so down the hatch they went. 💊😄
      DRUGS?
I understand that as the years add up, some medicines may become necessary, but I would still like to sit down with the doctor here and see if we can reduce the number I take. If there is a healthy way to simplify things, I am all for it. I know that your diet is also a big factor in your health as you age.
    FAMILY!
As I looked around at the smiling faces of my family, gratitude washed over me. Surrounded by my daughters, Jasmine and April, my granddaughter Penelope, and my sister Willow, I was reminded of something important: wherever life takes me, I never travel alone. Love was standing right there in that doorway, making the beginning of this new adventure even more meaningful. ❤️✨
  TALKIN’ TACOS
Later, we enjoyed a special dinner at https://talkintacos.net/. The restaurant has locations across Florida, Georgia, Washington, D.C., New York, North Carolina, and Texas, and it is growing quickly. The menu blends Mexican and Cuban flavors, and I ordered the chicken tacos. They were, without question, the best chicken tacos I have ever eaten. If they handed out Olympic medals for tacos, they would be standing on the podium.
 
That afternoon, we headed to Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, and what a wonderful destination it turned out to be. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, peaceful waterways, and the sights and sounds of nature, it was the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Everyone seemed to enjoy exploring the park, taking in the fresh air, and simply appreciating the beauty around them. It was one of those outings that leaves you smiling long after it’s over—a truly delightful experience for all. 🌳☀️🦅

There were hugs, smiles, and plenty of catching up. It felt wonderful to spend time together in person rather than over the phone or through messages. Jasmine, April, and Willow are staying nearby at an Airbnb, and I am deeply grateful they came all this way to help me settle into my new home.
      MY NEW HOME
That new home is Legacy Preserve Tampa >>
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/,
 
And so far, I am very impressed. I slept well my first night, always a good sign. They provide all meals and will even deliver them directly to my room. This morning’s breakfast included a bowl of fresh fruit, sausage, and waffles. Not a bad way to begin a new chapter.
   
One thing I have noticed is that many of the residents here are simply waiting for the end of the story. That makes me a little sad. I do not see myself fitting into that mindset. I plan to keep learning, growing, writing, exercising, juggling, laughing, and living — until at least age 100. My goal remains the same: to live well past 100. Many people accept aging as a slow surrender. I prefer to think of it as another challenge to juggle.
    WITH FAMILY
Yesterday, the girls and my sister checked into a local Airbnb,
which sparked two questions in my curious little brain:
Why is it called Airbnb?
And why is Lettuce Lake Park called Lettuce Lake Park?
I needed answers.
     
The Airbnb story is clever. Back in 2007, the founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, were struggling to pay rent in San Francisco. When a large conference filled all the local hotels, they set up a few air mattresses on the living room floor and offered breakfast to guests. They created a website called AirBedandBreakfast.com. As the business grew beyond air mattresses and expanded into homes and apartments, they shortened the name to the much catchier Airbnb.
     
And what about Lettuce Lake Park? No giant salads grow there. The park gets its name from water lettuce, lilies, and other floating plants that once covered large portions of the wetlands and the Hillsborough River. The leaves resemble lettuce heads floating on the water, giving the park its unique name.
     
Before heading to the park, we picked up enough food to feed a small army. We discovered a wonderful local place called Fersh Flame–https://www.facebook.com/Fershflame2025/– and loaded up for our picnic adventure. Between the beautiful park, the delicious food, and the company of people I love, it turned into one of those days that remind you how rich life can be.

• A new chapter.
• A new home.
• Great food.
• Laughter.
• Family.
• Love.
• What a wonderful day. 
• What a wonderful life. 

>>>>May 30
A surprise greeted me this morning in Legacy. At 8:15, there was a knock on the door, and breakfast arrived right at my apartment. That was thoughtful, but I let her know that in the future, I would rather mosey on down to the cafeteria myself. A little walk, a little movement, and a chance to see people along the way sounds much better to me than staying tucked away indoors.
    THEY HELP A LOT HERE
A little later, two friendly staff members stopped by to see if I had any laundry that needed washing. I told them I had just cleaned my clothes, so everything was in good shape. They explained that they come around every few days to help residents stay up to date. I appreciated the service, though I couldn’t help but smile.  There is not much around here that gets me particularly dirty. Then again, I hope I am not  carrying around any mysterious human odor that I have become too polite to notice! 😄

   HERE IS KIT AND HIS WONDERFUL GRANDAUGHTER, PENELOPE

Not long after that, another helpful person arrived to teach me how to use the television system. Fortunately, Jasmine had already worked her magic and set everything up before she left. Still, I learned something useful: I only need to use one of the two remote-control devices sitting beside the TV. That is good news.
     
The fewer buttons I have to remember, the better. Technology and I occasionally have a friendly disagreement about who is in charge. I like things that are simple, straightforward, and easy to use. Give me one button that works, and I am a happy camper. Give me five remotes, three menus, and a password I created yesterday, and suddenly I find myself in a wrestling match with modern civilization.
     
There was a time when I could keep, what seemed like, dozens of juggling clubs flying through the air at once, but somehow a television remote with forty-seven buttons can still leave me scratching my head. Technology keeps adding new features, while I keep asking, “Yes, but does it really need to do all that?”
   
Fortunately, I have learned that patience helps. If I push enough buttons, ask enough questions, and occasionally recruit a younger person (Jasmine and April) for technical support, most gadgets eventually surrender and cooperate. Until then, technology and I continue our ongoing negotiation, each of us convinced we know best. 😄📺🔧
      A FULL MORNING
So far, my first full morning here has been filled with friendly faces, helping hands, and little discoveries around every corner. Every new place has its own rhythm, its own personality, and its own way of doing things. Little by little, I am learning the steps to this new dance and finding my place in the music of it all.
     
A surprise arrived at lunchtime when I headed downstairs for my first real meal. The dining room is surprisingly elegant—more like a nice restaurant than what I expected. Real silverware, cloth napkins, comfortable chairs, and a welcoming atmosphere make the experience feel special.
      TIME FOR LUNCH
Today I ordered a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, and it was quite tasty. Lately, my appetite has not been what it once was, so I was pleased to enjoy the meal. I suspect that as I become more active, my hunger may return.
 
There is a weight room here, and I need to start putting it to good use. Exercise has always helped me feel stronger, both physically and mentally. At the moment, I have not seen many others using it, so that I may have the place entirely to myself.
    TEN-FOOT CEILINGS
Another thing I noticed is that the ceilings here must be at least ten feet high. The moment I looked up, I could not help but smile. Years ago, when I was at the top of my juggling game, this would have felt like a dream practice hall. High ceilings meant freedom—freedom to send clubs spinning toward the sky, to experiment with bigger tricks, and to push the limits of what seemed possible.
     
Of course, those days are behind me now. Time has a way of changing all of us. The body may not respond quite as quickly, and the clubs may not fly quite as high, but the spirit that loved the challenge is still very much alive. I will be tossing a few things around in here soon enough, partly for exercise and partly because juggling has always felt like an old friend dropping by for a visit.
      THE OLD DAYS
It will never be quite like the old days, and that is perfectly all right. Life was never meant to stand still or be replayed like an old movie. The past gave us wonderful memories, valuable lessons, and moments worth cherishing.
   
I can look back with gratitude at the adventures, accomplishments, and people who helped shape my journey. Those memories will always have a special place in my heart, but they were never meant to become a place where I permanently live.
   
After all, life is not found in yesterday—it is found in what we choose to do with today.
   
The real adventure is learning how to embrace the present. Instead of trying to recreate what once was, we can discover new ways to find joy, purpose, and excitement right where we are.
     
The stage may look different, the props may have changed, and the pace may be slower, but there is still plenty of life left to live, laughter left to share, and new memories waiting to be made. Every day offers another opportunity to grow, to connect, and to find happiness in ways we may never have imagined before. ❤️
And sometimes those new joys are not entirely new at all.
  They are familiar passions returning in different forms.
   
I may not be the fellow launching seven clubs toward the ceiling anymore, but I can still enjoy the rhythm of a good throw, the satisfaction of a clean catch, and the smile that comes from keeping a few objects dancing in the air. Besides, as long as something is flying, a little piece of the old juggler is still up there with it. 🎪😊
   
Of course, life is about more than grand adventures and flying juggling clubs. Often, it is the simple, everyday moments—a friendly smile, a comfortable chair, a familiar routine, or a pleasant conversation—that slowly transform a new place into something that feels like home. Those small comforts may not make headlines, but they often bring the greatest sense of peace and belonging. ❤️
   
Meals are included with living here, and there are daily specials along with regular menu choices. That is a nice touch. The staff seems eager to help, and everyone I have met so far has been friendly and welcoming. Each day, this new chapter feels a little less unfamiliar and a little more like a place where I can settle in, make new friends, and continue enjoying the journey ahead.
      BEING HERE MAKES ME FEEL OLD
I am still getting to know the residents here. Many make their way through the halls with canes, walkers, and slower steps than I remember from my younger days. Seeing that is a gentle reminder that I am no spring chicken myself. Yet in my mind, I am still the fellow tossing juggling clubs high into the air, chasing new adventures, and looking forward to whatever comes next.
     
Age may leave its fingerprints on us, but it need not steal our curiosity, our sense of humor, or our desire to keep growing. The years may change how fast we move, but they do not have to change how fully we live. I have already met many friendly people, and with each conversation, I learn a little more about the unique stories that brought them here.
      ROCKY (WHERE’S BULLWINKLE?)
There is an excellent TV setup in my apartment as well. At the moment, I am watching Rocky, a movie I first saw many years ago. Watching it again reminds me why it became such a classic. It is not really a story about boxing—it is a story about determination, heart, and refusing to quit when life knocks you down. Those are lessons that seem just as valuable today as they were the first time I watched them.
   
Thinking about my past brings me back to the year I spent at NeuroRestorative.com. It was a chapter of my life filled with challenges, lessons, and more than a few frustrations. When I look back on that time, I often remember the limitations placed upon me and the constant effort it took to fight for the freedom and opportunities I wanted.
    NEURO
To be fair, there were staff members who genuinely cared about me and did their best to help. I met some kind people there, and I am grateful for their efforts. Yet despite their good intentions, I often felt that I was not receiving the level of support I truly needed to move forward. Too often, I found myself pushing against restrictions rather than being encouraged to spread my wings.
     
Perhaps that is one reason I appreciate where I am today. Difficult experiences have a way of teaching us what we value most. That year reminded me how important freedom, independence, and purpose are to me. It strengthened my determination to keep growing, keep improving, and keep reaching for the life I want to live.
   
During my time there, I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others living with brain injuries. Whenever I saw an opportunity to help, I shared ideas, offered suggestions, and spoke up when I believed something could be improved.
     
I may not have been able to change everything, but I always tried to leave things a little better than I found them. I learned that even small improvements can make a meaningful difference in someone’s daily life.
      HAVE I CHANGED YOU?
A kind word, a helpful suggestion, or a simple act of encouragement may seem minor in the moment, but those little things often add up to something much larger. If I helped make one person’s day easier, brighter, or more hopeful, then my efforts would be worthwhile.
   
If even one person received better care, found more encouragement, or discovered new possibilities because of something I said or did, then my time there was worthwhile. Knowing that I may have helped someone move forward gives me a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
   
One of the greatest gifts we can leave behind is making another person’s journey a little easier. We may never fully know the impact we have on others, but I like to believe that some of the kindness, support, and hope I shared will continue long after I am gone. ❤️
     
Whether those efforts changed policies, improved daily life, or simply brought a smile to someone’s face, I hope they helped. If even one person received better care, found a little more hope, or discovered a new possibility because of something I said or did, then my time there was worthwhile.
      JOY!
I also found joy in teaching others to juggle. More than fifty people learned while I was at NR, and with every new juggler came a reminder that people are capable of more than they often believe. Perhaps that was my greatest contribution—not just teaching a skill, but helping people see their own potential.
   
Dinner tonight was pasta with a rich meat sauce, and I have to admit, it was quite tasty. As I sat in the dining room enjoying my meal, I looked around and noticed something impossible to miss—walkers, wheelchairs, and slow, careful steps everywhere. Most everyone used something.
     
For a moment, I felt like a young boy surrounded by people much older than myself. Even though I know I am no youngster anymore, part of me still sees the fellow who was tossing juggling clubs high into the air, riding unicycles, and chasing the next adventure. Because of that, there are moments when I wonder if I truly belong here.
      A YOUNG PUP
While I was eating, I overheard one resident say to another, “She’s been here for more than a year.” The other woman sounded surprised. So was I. A year? I cannot imagine spending that much time in one place like this. My mind immediately drifted to all the things I still want to do, all the places I want to go, and all the adventures I hope are still waiting for me. Back to New Zealand? Wanna go?
         
Then again, perhaps everyone here once felt the same way. Maybe they, too, had dreams, plans, and busy lives before finding themselves in this chapter. It is a reminder that life can change in ways we never expect.
     
Still, I am determined not to spend my days simply watching life pass by. There are books to write, clubs to juggle, muscles to strengthen, people to meet, and smiles to share. Whatever chapter this may be, I have no intention of making it the final story. ❤️✨
     
>>>>>May 31
Breakfast was my leftover tacos, and they were absolutely delicious. I could have wandered down to the dining room for the official breakfast, but sometimes priorities matter. The cafeteria would still be there tomorrow; those tacos were calling my name today. I am happy to report that the tacos won. 🌮😄
      TACO TIME
Just returned from lunch. They offer a menu with daily specials along with a selection of regular favorites. Today, I chose the hamburger. It arrived as a simple burger on a bun, and I had to ask for tomato, lettuce, ketchup, and mustard separately. They happily brought them over, but overall, it was not exactly a memorable meal. Let’s say I have had burgers that inspired standing ovations, and this one barely earned polite applause. 🍔
    AN OLD FOLKS HOME?
One thing I have noticed since arriving is that most residents use walkers, canes, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices to get around. Many appear older than I am, and at times it feels like I have wandered into a chapter of life I never imagined would become part of my own story. An assisted living community was never on my list of destinations. Am I living in an old-folks home?
     
Yet here I am. Life does not always ask for our approval before turning the page. I can spend my time wishing things were different, or I can make the best of where I am and what I have. If life has taught me anything, it is that happiness is rarely found by looking backward. It is found by taking the circumstances in front of us and finding ways to grow, contribute, laugh, and keep moving forward. That is exactly what I intend to do.

WRITING THIS BLOG FOR YOU
Writing this blog is something I genuinely enjoy. It gives me a chance to think, learn, share ideas, and encourage others along the way. I enjoy the challenge of finding just the right word—the one that paints the clearest picture, sparks a new thought, or touches a heart. Words matter. They have the power to teach, inspire, comfort, and motivate. That is why I take time with them, and I suspect you do the same.
 
In your own life, seek out the things you genuinely love to do—not because someone expects it of you, not because it pays well, and not because it earns applause from others, but because it brings a smile to your heart.
    CURIOSITY
Pay attention to the activities that ignite your curiosity, energize your spirit, and make time seem to disappear. Those moments are rarely accidents—they are often life’s gentle signposts, pointing you toward a richer, more meaningful, and deeply fulfilling path. 🌟
     
When you build your life around what truly brings you joy, something remarkable happens. You wake up with more enthusiasm, face challenges with greater determination, and find deeper satisfaction in each day.
   
Success may still come, but it arrives as a welcome companion rather than the destination itself. Follow what lights you up inside, and you may discover that the happiest life is not the one that impresses others—it is the one that feels right to you. 🌟
      BUILD
Then build more of your life around those things. Create a life that you would choose for yourself rather than one that happens to you. If you can find a way to help other people while doing what you enjoy, that is even better. Purpose and happiness often travel together.
     
So, what is your thing? Painting? Juggling? Gardening? Writing? Teaching? Volunteering? Learning? Whatever it is, could you make time for it? Life becomes richer when you spend more time doing what lights you up inside. And one more question: Have you started your blog yet? 😊
      WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE?
I’m saying this: You must love what you do in life. Not every day will be easy, and not every moment will bring a smile. I’ve experienced soaring highs and crushing lows, moments of great joy and seasons of deep struggle. Through it all, I have tried to stay true to myself and choose the path that felt right for me.
     
Life is too precious to spend your days chasing someone else’s dreams. Discover what sparks your curiosity, fuels your spirit, and gives your life meaning. Find the things that make you excited to get out of bed each morning and eager to embrace the day ahead. Follow those passions with courage and determination. When you build your life around what truly matters to you, success becomes more than an achievement—it becomes a life well lived.
 
There will be obstacles, detours, and a few potholes big enough to swallow a unicycle, but when you love what you do, the journey becomes worthwhile. Do what is right for you, and let your life reflect your own passions, values, and dreams. ❤️✨
      CHASE YOUR DREAMS
There was a Bingo game going on downstairs. One person called out the numbers while seven residents followed along, hoping for that lucky combination. The room was filled with quiet concentration, occasional laughter, and the excitement of hearing the next number called. Not for me, though.
   
Today I had a visitor. Chris from maintenance stopped by to install a shelf in my closet, and he made quick work of it. The shelf was up in no time. Of course, once the job was done, I spotted another potential student. Before long, Chris was getting a lesson in the fine art of keeping three objects moving through the air at once—otherwise known as juggling. 🎪
      CHRIS CAN JUGGLE!
Chris picked it up surprisingly fast. Within minutes, he was making catches, building confidence, and discovering that juggling is not nearly as impossible as it first appears. His smile grew with every successful throw and catch. I always enjoy watching that moment when someone realizes they can do something they never thought they could. Chris left with a new shelf installed and a brand-new skill to show off. I’d call that a productive visit! 😄
   
I can’t see myself ever becoming a Bingo player, but I am glad it is available for those who enjoy it. Not every activity is meant for every person, and that is perfectly fine. What matters is that people have opportunities to gather, have fun, and share a little companionship. If Bingo brings a few smiles, sparks a few conversations, and gives people something to look forward to, then it is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. 😊
     
>>>>>June 1
Very quiet, very comfortable—my second night here, and I slept wonderfully. Something is refreshing about settling into a new place, especially when it feels peaceful and welcoming. After all the packing, moving, and changes of the past few days, a good night’s sleep felt like a gift.
      FRESH AND NEW
Everything around me is new and fresh, and I find myself enjoying that. New surroundings have a way of waking up our curiosity. Each hallway, each face, and each routine is another small discovery waiting to happen. Instead of looking backward, I am finding myself looking ahead, wondering what opportunities, friendships, and adventures this next chapter might bring.
     
Change can feel uncomfortable at times, but it can also be the doorway to something wonderful. I am choosing to focus on the possibilities rather than the uncertainties. My room is comfortable, the atmosphere is peaceful, and little by little, this new place is beginning to feel like home. Considering that this is only my second night here, that is a very encouraging start. 🌟
     
This morning, I headed downstairs for breakfast. I originally went down to take care of something else, but since I was already there, I decided to stay for the meal. Several people were seated and waiting, and it took at least 30 minutes for the food to arrive.
      KIT DANCING?
As I looked around the room, many people seemed lost in their own thoughts, quietly staring at the table or off into the distance. Soft music played in the background, and I had the sudden urge to jump up and dance.
   
Unfortunately, I suspect I would have been performing a one-person show, as no one else seemed eager to join my breakfast ballroom adventure. The music was playing, my feet were ready, but the audience appeared content to remain seated. 💃🕺
   
By lunchtime, any thoughts of dancing had been happily replaced by thoughts of food. The meal featured tender lobster ravioli and perfectly crispy fried chicken, a combination that was every bit as delicious as it sounds. It was one of those meals that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and appreciate the simple pleasure of good food shared on a pleasant day. 🍽️😊
      LOBSTER–YUMMY GOOD
Both were excellent, but the true star of the show was the carrot cake that followed. It may have been one of the finest pieces of carrot cake ever to make the journey through my esophagus. I am happy to report that the dining experience here has been far better than I expected.

YES, THAT’S KIT! 👆👆👆👆👆
   
So far, this new chapter is off to a promising start. The surroundings are pleasant, the people are kind, and the meals are excellent. There is still much to learn and many faces to get to know, but each day brings a few more reasons to smile.
   
For now, I am settling in, keeping an open mind,
and looking forward to discovering what adventures
await around the next corner. 😊✨
Now I have all afternoon to do what? Care to join me?
     
After all, I’ve been working hard. Moving into a new place, meeting new people, learning new routines, and figuring out where everything is takes more energy than most people realize. Even adventurers need a pit stop now and then.
NAP TIME?
So here I am, stretched out for a few quiet moments, enjoying the comfort of a soft bed and the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. No juggling clubs flying through the air. No speeches to give. No mountains to climb. No salsa to make. Just a peaceful pause.
     
Resting turned out not to be a waste of time at all. I’ve come to realize that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is recharge your batteries. Even race cars spend time in the pit before roaring back onto the track.
   
We often feel guilty for slowing down, but rest isn’t the opposite of progress—it’s part of the process. A well-timed pause can provide the energy, focus, and strength needed to move forward faster and farther than before. 🏁✨
   
Don’t worry—I won’t be here long. There are stories to write, people to meet, and adventures still waiting around the corner. But for these few minutes, I am giving myself permission to relax, smile, and enjoy the quiet simply. Just remember… if anyone asks, you didn’t see me here. 😉
     
>>>>>June 2
Down to the cafeteria for breakfast this morning. The bagel and banana hit the spot, and I enjoyed the simple start to the day. Seating was limited, so I was pleased when Deloris rolled over and joined me.  What a nice surprise.
      BREAKFAST
Deloris will be turning 100 years old soon, which is quite remarkable. We spent some time talking and sharing stories, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Sometimes the best part of a meal isn’t the food—it’s the company. I am very glad Deloris chose to sit with me.  😀
LUNCH
At the lunch table to my left sat an older gentleman wearing both suspenders and a belt. That combination has always made me smile. It seems like a fellow who is taking absolutely no chances with gravity. Apparently, one system to hold up his pants wasn’t enough—he brought in a backup plan, too. I suppose when you’ve lived long enough, you learn that redundancy can be a beautiful thing! 😄
     
I am still getting used to living here. It feels strange having someone come in once a week to clean my humble abode, much like they did at NR. As you know, I take pride in keeping my place in excellent condition, so there is rarely much for them to do. Still, I appreciate the help and am slowly settling into this new chapter of life. 🌟
   
At 3:00, they held a Happy Hour. At first, it seemed more like a Mildly Content Half-Hour. But after my third glass of sangria, the happiness level improved dramatically. Whether the room changed or I did remains a mystery.  And, here’s to you — clink 👈🍷😄
   
The entertainment was a singer performing classics made famous by Joey Matus and Frank Sinatra—music from an era many of the residents know and love. He had a strong voice and did an excellent job, and the crowd clearly enjoyed the performance.
    SINATRA

It was amusing to watch. Some people looked as if they wanted to sing along, others seemed tempted to dance, but most simply sat and listened, tapping a foot or swaying gently in their chairs. It may not have turned into a wild celebration, but for an hour or so, the music brought smiles, memories, and a little extra life to the afternoon. 🎶✨
     
It reminded me of the days when I traveled around giving motivational talks to groups—Kiwanis clubs, community organizations, and even nursing homes. Back then, I would stand at the front of the room, encouraging people to embrace life’s challenges. Now, in one of life’s little plot twists, I find myself living in a place much like those very homes. YIKES! Life certainly has a sense of humor. 😄
      DINNER
I wanted to return to my room to work on this for you, so here I am. Dinner was a delicate pasta dish that tasted excellent. Most of the tables were full, but I found an empty one and gravitated toward it. You might ask, why don’t you meet people? I am there to eat, not to converse.
     
I bought a new keyboard on Amazon. I plug directly into the USB port on my laptop.  So now I can see the laptop keyboard right in front of me, which is on a shelf. I keep the screen at eye level. I’ve had to learn a new way to type. Hard at first, but already getting easier.
   
The time is only 6:30, and I’m already thinking about lying down for a while. Then again, when your day begins at 3:00 a.m., it feels as though you’ve been awake long enough to fit two days into one.
 
There is something strange about being up while most of the world is still asleep. By the time many people are rolling out of bed, pouring their first cup of coffee, and deciding what to do with their day, I’ve already been awake for hours. I’ve watched the darkness give way to dawn, listened to the quiet sounds of the building, and had plenty of time to think about life.
   
Of course, those extra hours aren’t always a blessing. Sometimes they make the day feel as if it has been stretched like a rubber band. By late afternoon, my energy starts waving a little white flag, and the idea of a comfortable bed begins sounding more appealing than almost anything else.
   
Still, I’ve learned not to fight it too much. Our bodies have their own schedules, and mine seems determined to give me a head start on each day. If that means sneaking in a short nap now and then, I suppose there are worse problems to have. After all, even race cars make occasional pit stops before heading back onto the track.
   
So, if you happen to catch me dozing off in a chair this evening, don’t assume I’m getting lazy. Just remember: I’ve already been hard at work living this day since 3:00 this morning. By comparison, everyone else is simply running a little behind. 😄🌅  😄
   
So here I am, caught between staying awake and surrendering to the pillow. What to do, what to do? If I lie down, I might drift off and wake up wondering what year it is. If I stay up, I may spend the evening perfecting my impression of a sleepy owl.
   
Perhaps the answer is somewhere in the middle—a comfortable chair, a good book, a little writing, or simply watching the world go by. After all, no rule says every moment must be productive. Some moments are meant for resting, recharging, and preparing for tomorrow’s adventures.
     
Still, if you see me snoring in a recliner before sunset, please remember: the day technically started at 3:00 a.m. for me. I’ve already put in a full shift! 🌟😴
 
>>>>>June 3
Breakfast was the usual: a bagel with cream cheese. Perfectly acceptable, though not exactly the kind of meal that would inspire a food critic to leap from their chair, wave a napkin in the air, and declare it a culinary masterpiece. 🥯😄
     
Lunch—now we’re talking! The blackened shrimp served over rice was excellent. Flavorful, satisfying, and cooked just right. I continue to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meals here. Each one feels a little more like dining at a nice restaurant than eating in a cafeteria, and that has been a very welcome surprise.
   
I’m beginning to find friends here, which makes this new chapter feel a little more like home each day. At lunch, I sat with Lynn Ash, who everyone calls “Lash.” We had a great conversation and quickly found plenty to talk about. It is always nice to meet someone who has lived an interesting life and is willing to share a few stories.
   
Lash worked with gorillas at Busch Gardens near Tampa, which immediately caught my attention. Not many people can say they spent their days working around some of the most powerful and intelligent animals on the planet (hmm, where do humans fit in?) I enjoyed hearing about his experiences and the unique challenges of caring for such remarkable creatures. I suspect he has enough stories to fill a book.
 
He has been living here at Legacy for a couple of years now and has nothing but positive things to say about the place. That was encouraging to hear from someone who knows it well. As a newcomer, I am still learning the ropes, finding my way around, and figuring out where I fit in. Hearing his enthusiasm gave me confidence that this could be a very good home for me.
   
One of the nicest surprises about moving here has been discovering the people. Every person has a story, a lifetime of adventures, successes, struggles, and lessons learned. The more I talk with residents, the more I realize fascinating lives surround me. Today’s lunch wasn’t just about the food—it was about making a new connection. And in a new place, friendships can be just as nourishing as the meal itself. C  😊
>>>>>June 4
I had a difficult night’s sleep. I turned in early, around 9:00 p.m., mostly because my internal alarm clock seems permanently set to 3:00 a.m. Lately, that has become my normal routine. But on this particular night, sleep had other plans for me.
   
Just when I thought I was settling in for a long, peaceful rest, the night decided to throw a few surprises my way. Instead of drifting comfortably until morning, I found myself awake and restless, wondering if sleep had quietly packed its bags and moved somewhere else.
   
At about 10:30, I suddenly woke up feeling like I had been transported to the surface of the sun. The room was unbelievably hot—probably not quite 90 degrees, but it certainly felt that way. I thought I had set the thermostat correctly before going to bed, yet there I was, lying in a sauna and wondering what to do next.
      EMERGENCY!
Just above my bed hangs an emergency pull cord. It felt a little strange using it for something other than a major crisis, but sleep deprivation can feel like an emergency of its own. I tugged at the cord, and within a few minutes, a staff member arrived to investigate.
   
She quickly adjusted the temperature, and before long, the room was comfortable again. The cool air returned, my eyelids grew heavy, and sleep wrapped itself around me once more. Thankfully, the second attempt at bedtime went much better than the first. 😴
     
One thing they definitely do well here is the food. This morning I enjoyed two banana muffins and a large bowl of fresh fruit—both delicious and surprisingly healthy. The fruit was fresh, the muffins were moist, and it made for a wonderful start to the day.
      THE FOOD
What adds to the experience is the setting. Every meal is served in a restaurant-style dining room rather than a typical cafeteria. The atmosphere is pleasant, comfortable, and inviting, making me feel more like a guest dining out than someone simply eating a meal.
     
There was even a waitress who sang while she worked, and she was terrific. Her voice filled the room with warmth and energy, bringing smiles to faces all around. It’s one of those small but meaningful touches that make this place feel less like a facility and more like a home—a place where people genuinely care about creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. 🍌🍓😊
Dinner was quite good. The main course was tortellini covered in a flavorful pasta sauce, rich and satisfying without being too heavy. To top it off, there was a bowl filled with assorted treats and a generous scoop of cookies-and-cream ice cream. It was the perfect sweet finish to an already delicious meal. By the time I set down my spoon, both my appetite and my sweet tooth were happily convinced that dinner had been a success. 🍨😋
   
>>>>>June 5
A quiet breakfast with the group.
This has become a common routine for many here.
I see the same people doing the same things.
   
Not much is going on today.
I do like it here.
Until next week–DO GREAT THINGS~
===============================
BLOG 380–WHY CARE?
Why care? I have asked myself that question many times, especially after life knocked me down hard. I have stood before cheering crowds juggling clubs high in the air, and I have also lain in a coma, fighting to learn how to walk and speak again.
     
Life has tested me more than once. There were moments when surrender would have been the easier choice, when the weight of it all seemed almost too much to carry. Yet each time life knocked me down, I found a way to rise again—sometimes stronger, sometimes wiser, but always moving forward. The scars may tell the story of the battles, but getting back up is what tells the story of who I am. 💪✨
    WISER
Caring is the ultimate anchor of the human experience. It is the simple, radical choice to look beyond oneself and acknowledge the dignity, struggles, and potential of others. Caring bridges the gap between isolation and community, turning empathy into the very heartbeat of connection.
     
I learned the answer from juggling. Every juggler knows the secret: juggling is really controlled by falling. The objects are always dropping; we simply learn to catch them before they hit the ground. Life works the same way. Dreams fall apart. Plans fail. Hearts break. We all drop things along the way. I dropped clubs, dreams, and pieces of myself. Yet every drop carried the same lesson: pick it up and throw it again.
 
People spend too much time worrying about what others think. The real question is not, “What will people think of me?” The real question is, “Will I fully live while I still have the chance?” Someday, the final curtain will come for all of us. Until then, I choose to laugh, dream, help where I can, and keep tossing the clubs into the sky with a
smile on my face.
      YOU–JUGGLING?
Over the years, I have taught hundreds of people to juggle, and I still love watching the moment when someone catches 3 scarves or balls for the first time. At first, they believe they cannot do it. Then comes the magic: drop, laugh, try again. Suddenly, joy lights up their faces. Moments like that remind me why I care.
   
Life is not about juggling perfectly. It is about picking things back up after they fall. Every morning, life quietly hands us three invisible balls: hope, purpose, and love. Will we drop them? Of course. We all do. But the beauty of life is found in rising again, smiling again, and beginning again.
That is courage. That is living.
     
Caring stems from our evolutionary need for tribal acceptance and societal conditioning. While it drives compassion, connection, and societal support, over-caring about everything can lead to emotional exhaustion, decision paralysis, and burnout. Go ahead, toss those balls.

SO DO NOT SIT BY THE WINDOW
STARING AT THE CLOCK?–STAND UP AND LIVE!
LIVE FOR NOW!   NOT YESTERDAY!    NOT TOMORROW!   NOW IS THE TIME!

===========================
PART 4) 🔥 A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET
    ✨ THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are like mental spark plugs. 💥 They jolt the mind awake, shrink giant problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can flip your thinking upside down—turning “I can’t” into “Why not give it a shot?” The right words at the right moment can become a tiny flashlight in a dark hallway. 🔦

But here’s where the real magic happens: repetition turns inspiration into identity. The more you repeat a truth, the more your mind begins to believe it… and eventually, your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on a wall is a decoration. A quote lived out through your actions? That becomes a transformation. 

Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?
That’s power. ✨
     
“Regardless of what challenge you are facing right now, know that it has not come to stay. It has come to pass. During these times, do what you can with what you have, and ask for help if needed. Most importantly, never surrender. Put things in perspective. Take care of yourself. Find ways to replenish your energy, strengthen your faith, and fortify yourself from the inside out.”
– Les Brown
     
“You must learn to change with the changes.”
– Kit Summers
     
“There are only four kinds of people in the world:
Those who have been caregivers.
Those who are currently caregivers.
Those who will be caregivers,
and those who will need a caregiver.”
– Rosalyn Carter
     
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
– Lao Tzu
     
“They may forget what you said,
but they will never forget how you made them feel.
– Carl W. Buechner
     
Some days there won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.”
–Emory Austin
   
“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems.
But it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
–Herm Albright
     
“God gave burdens, but he also gave me shoulders.”
–Yiddish Proverb
     
“If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.”
–Amy Tan
     
“An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.”
–G. K. Chesterton
     
“What happens to a person is less significant.
than what happens within him.”
–Louis L. Mann
===============
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>BLOG 381–
How to Get Better (but what is  better?)
=============== 

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE!
🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 379–​Don’t Just Count
The Days Until Your End

This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback

To Learn More about Kit, Go Here >> https://kitsummers.com/about-kit/

Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
     
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️


The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
     
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better. ✨

=============================

It might make things easier if I added a table of contents. That way, you could jump directly to the sections that interest you most—like having a remote control for the circus inside my brain. I’m still figuring out how to add page numbers properly.
     
Somewhere inside this machine, tiny digital gremlins seem to be hiding the instructions from me. But don’t worry—I’m tracking them down and expect to have everything organized by the next blog post. At least now you can see the order of things. Progress, my friends, sometimes moves forward wearing clown shoes… but it still moves forward. 🎪✨ 

PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS — PAGE 1
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK — PAGE
PART 3) BLOG 378 — BREAK THE SCRIPT — PAGE
PART 4) QUOTES — PAGE
PART 5) YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK — NEXT TO LAST PAGE
PART 6) NEXT WEEK’S BLOG — LAST PAGE
PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS — LAST PAGE
=============================
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A little
wisdom. A reminder that life is still full of possibilities. ✨
     
Because I don’t simply arrange words on a page—I try to breathe life into them.
The drops and catches over the years?
Can you feel it in the writing?
The miles traveled?
The hard lessons?
The laughter?
I hope so. 🎭
     
And if you ever miss a blog notification—or simply feel like wandering through a colorful museum of past adventures—visit kitsummers.com and dive into the blog section. Every post is sitting there like a tiny lit match waiting to brighten somebody’s day. ✨

And if the notifications ever become one juggling ball too many, just let me know and I’ll happily remove you from the list. No guilt. No drama. Just a graceful catch and release. Though I will miss you in the audience. 🎯🎪
================ =================
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!

The key to a good life is to learn to “change with the changes.”
If you do this, you are ready for anything.
Are you living in misery, or merely visiting it?
YOU are the one to make your own life better.
   
With all these words pouring out of me, I was starting to think I might have a future as an author. Then reality tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Kit… you already are one!” 🎪📚 I smiled and then started typing again.
   
But am I merely an author… or an offer? I may come at a bargain price; together, we could create something extraordinary in this world. Great things happen when the right people join hands, and I believe there is incredible magic waiting to be built. ✨
    SLEEP
Sleep still seems to be keeping its distance from me. I found myself awake just before midnight, eyes open while the rest of the world was supposed to be drifting off into dreamland. I had that familiar feeling of being awake while everyone else seemed to have boarded the train to Sleepville without me. So instead of fighting it, I simply sat with the moment and listened.
   
As you know, this is a hospital, so the night never truly sleeps. The hallways have their own strange rhythm—soft footsteps passing by, doors opening and closing, distant voices floating through the quiet, and little machines carrying on their endless conversations of beeps and buzzes.
   
Even while most of the world is tucked beneath blankets, this place continues its own midnight dance, moving to a rhythm that never quite stops. 🌙✨
 
Staff move up and down the hallways at all hours, checking on things, opening doors, and tending to the needs that never seem to rest. While much of the world is curled up beneath blankets and dreams, this place, and I, continue our quiet midnight dance. Look at that, someone sweeping the hallways at this late (or early) hour.
    THE WALK
Life sometimes makes you wonder if we are all walking through a dream wearing shoes. Days appear, disappear, and quietly drift behind us like clouds floating across a summer sky. One moment you are a child running barefoot through grass with the whole world stretched endlessly ahead, and the next moment you look in the mirror and wonder how the years have taught you to sprint so quickly.
     
Faces come and go, seasons change costumes, and entire chapters of life seem to slip by as though someone turned pages while we were not looking. You blink, and somehow yesterday is already waving from a distance.
   
But if life is a dream, it is not one we are meant to sleep through. Perhaps we are here to become vivid dreamers with our eyes wide open—to laugh loudly, love deeply, chase impossible ideas, and dance a little even when no music is playing.
   
And here is something worth remembering: do not just count the days until your end… make the days count while you are here. 🌟 Too many people slowly drift through life waiting for tomorrow, waiting for permission, waiting for “someday” to arrive. Meanwhile, life is happening right now, in this breath, this smile, this sunrise, this conversation, this chance to begin again.
    WHY?
The purpose is not to ask whether life is real, but to ask whether we are truly awake inside it. Too often, we move through our days like travelers half-asleep, following routines and checking boxes while the deeper music of life quietly plays in the background. We become so busy moving that we forget to notice where we are standing.
   
We drift through so many moments on autopilot—rushing, worrying, and endlessly chasing tomorrow—while today stands nearby waving its arms and shouting, “Hey, I’m happening right now!” Life has a funny way of tapping us on the shoulder while we stare in the opposite direction, searching for something bigger.
   
Life’s greatest mystery is not whether we are dreaming, but whether we are paying enough attention to notice the wonder already surrounding us. Tiny miracles sneak into our days all the time: a warm smile from a stranger, laughter arriving at exactly the right moment, sunlight slipping through a window, or hope quietly showing up after we thought it had packed its bags and left.
   
Because if this is a dream, then what a magnificent one it is: sunsets splashed across the sky as if a painter got carried away, unexpected friendships arriving like surprise gifts, second chances opening doors we thought were locked forever, and hearts that somehow keep finding reasons to hope.
      DREAM
So dream boldly, my friend—but do it with your feet planted firmly on the ground and your soul stretching joyfully toward the stars. Keep your eyes lifted toward what could be, but let your hands stay busy with what can be done today and your juggling. Great dreams are not built from wishing alone; they are built from small steps, steady effort, and the courage to keep moving even when the road twists and dips unexpectedly.
   
Reach for impossible things. Chase ideas that make your heart beat a little faster, and your spirit sit up in excitement. After all, every towering tree was once a tiny seed, and every great adventure began with someone willing to take the first uncertain step.
     
Dream with wonder, laugh along the way, and never be afraid to aim high. The stars have always loved those brave enough to look up while still having the wisdom to keep their feet on the path beneath them. ✨✨ =============================
   
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served ✨

Every week, I sit down to map the days ahead—and every time, it begins the same way: a blank canvas. No guarantees. No script. Just a possibility waiting for color.
   
It still amazes me—that quiet moment before life takes shape. A few choices. A few conversations. A few unexpected turns. Suddenly, the empty canvas becomes a story. And here’s the beautiful truth: you’ve been handed that same canvas, too. Right now. Today. This moment.
   
You do not need permission to begin. You do not need perfect timing, perfect confidence, or a trumpet parade marching behind you. 🎺😄 Sometimes all it takes is one brave brushstroke—one kind act, one new idea, one small step forward.
     
So start now. Create the life YOU want while lifting others along the way. That’s where the real magic lives—one colorful day at a time. ✨ 🎨✨
       
>>>>>May 23
4:33 a.m., and Bob across the way has begun his daily awakening ritual — calling out nonsensical words into the quiet darkness. His mind seems to drift through places the rest of us cannot see, traveling roads known only to him.
     
Looking at him, it is easy to assume his world has grown smaller, that the horizon ahead has narrowed, and that little remains except the slow turning of time toward life’s final chapter. It would be easy to believe that his greatest moments are behind him and that the days ahead are merely pages waiting to be turned until the book quietly closes. Many people might look at him and see limitation, decline, or an ending slowly approaching. But I do not believe that for a second.
 
I believe there is still life inside him—still unseen laughter waiting to rise, still warmth left in the sun on his face, still memories to create, still kindness to give and receive. I believe there are still songs to hear, moments of peace to feel, and unexpected sparks of joy hiding in ordinary days. A life does not lose its value simply because it changes shape. Even when the road becomes slower, there can still be beauty around the next bend. Even now, there are still reasons to wake up, breathe deeply, smile, and keep stepping forward.
   
Even now, even here, there is still life moving within him. There are still warm rays of sunlight waiting to touch his face, smiles waiting to be exchanged, small joys waiting to be discovered, and quiet moments capable of stirring the heart. There are still reasons — many of them invisible to the casual eye — to keep stepping forward. Because as long as we are breathing, as long as there is another sunrise waiting beyond the night, there is still life left to live. ✨
   
The afternoon did not seem to have much waiting for me, and somewhere along the way, the quiet gently claimed the day. I stretched out on the bed, surrendered to the stillness, and managed to steal a little shut-eye for a while. Sometimes rest sneaks in like an uninvited guest, tiptoeing through the door and saying, “You look like you could use a few borrowed dreams.” 😄
     
Sometimes life does not burst onto the scene with fireworks blazing and marching bands playing. Sometimes it arrives quietly, carrying no grand announcement at all. It simply slips beside you, pulls up a chair, places a gentle hand on your shoulder, and whispers, “Take a breather. You do not have to race every moment.”
   
Not every gift in life arrives wrapped in excitement. Some arrive as stillness, as peace, as a deep breath you did not realize you needed. Sometimes the most beautiful moments are not the loud ones—they are the soft pauses that remind us we are allowed to be simply. ✨
     
Even a small nap can feel like pressing the reset button on the mind—a tiny pit stop before rolling back onto the highway of the day. 😄 I rarely drift off for a midday snooze, so this one felt like a little gift from life itself, a quiet pause that somehow left everything feeling lighter and better.
     
>>>>> May 24
Being Sunday, I expect another slow-moving day ahead. My clock beside the bed had stopped working, so when I opened my eyes, I had absolutely no idea what time it was. I decided to get up anyway and begin the day—or what I thought was the day.
     
As I walked over to my computer, I discovered the time was just before midnight. Surprise! I had accidentally tried to start tomorrow before today had even packed up and gone home. I was a little ahead of schedule for life itself. So, at this delightfully strange hour, a very early good morning to you. 😄
   
I could already tell sleep wasn’t planning a return visit, so I decided to stay up and take care of a few things that needed my attention. With that unexpected beginning, I’ll simply say this: good morning to you, no matter what the clock says.
     
What better way is there to spend this unexpected pocket of time than working on the blog? If sleep has apparently packed its suitcase and gone wandering for the evening, I may put these awake hours to good use.
     
Words and ideas have a funny habit of showing up when the rest of the world gets quiet. The night lowers its volume, distractions tiptoe away, and thoughts suddenly come walking onto the stage carrying little suitcases full of stories.|
     
And yes, I suppose I can blame you for keeping me awake at this strange hour—although I am still not entirely sure whether this qualifies as an early hour or a late hour. Somewhere between yesterday and tomorrow, while sensible people are off negotiating with pillows, here I am tapping away at the keyboard with you. Maybe this is not insomnia at all. Maybe it is simply my blog whispering, “Hey Kit… wake up. We have one more adventure to write.” ✨
       
Being someone who never quite made peace with coffee’s taste, I find myself sitting here with my tea instead, keeping me company through these quiet moments. While coffee has recruited half the world into its little club of devoted followers, tea and I formed our own small friendship long ago.
     
There is something comforting about holding a warm cup in your hands—the gentle rising steam, the quiet ritual of each sip, and the feeling that even in still moments, you are sharing the time with an old and dependable companion. Tonight, my tea sits faithfully beside me, doing its humble little job of adding a touch of warmth to the hours. 🍵✨
 
Up so early, and I already have this much written. The world outside still seems to be rubbing sleep from its eyes, while my fingers have already been hard at work marching across the keyboard. Most people are still tucked beneath blankets, dreaming their dreams, while I am over here building mine one sentence at a time.
     
There is something almost magical about these quiet hours—the interruptions are few, the mind feels free to wander, and thoughts seem to show up wearing brighter colors. If this pace keeps up, I may need to put a tiny “Caution: Words under construction” sign outside my door. ✨
     
Now it is 1:30, and sleep is trying to find a grip on me.
I’ll meander off to bed and see what happens. 
I’ll be right back in a few hours.
I’ll let you know.

My mind suddenly clicked back on around 5:30 this morning because my bladder apparently decided it had an emergency meeting scheduled. 😄 Once I was awake, that was it. The switch had been flipped. So here I am again, planted right in front of my laptop, greeting the early hours before much of the world has even rubbed the sleep out of its eyes.
   
I have always heard people say how important good sleep is—and I know they are right. Sleep is meant to recharge, restore, and prepare us for the adventures of another day. It is the quiet workshop where the body repairs itself, and the mind tidies up the scattered pieces of yesterday, getting us ready to step into tomorrow with fresh energy.
   
But there is one small problem: sleep seems to operate like a stubborn cat. It arrives when it wants to, leaves when it wants to, and absolutely refuses to come just because you call. You cannot wrestle it to the ground and demand, “Get back in bed right now!”
     
So rather than declare war on wakefulness, I may make friends with these unexpected early moments. The quiet has its own kind of magic. These wandering hours are giving me extra time to think, to write, and to send a few more words out into the world before the sun clocks in for its shift. ✨
     
>>>>>May 25
Being Memorial Day, it’s like a Sunday here. No therapy sessions will take place. As I awaken each day here, my mind immediately begins asking questions. Since arriving, I have discovered something difficult: I do not enjoy living this way. There are too many restrictions and limitations placed upon even the simplest parts of life.
     
For much of the week—and every weekend—I am told I must remain in my room. Sometimes it feels as though the walls quietly decide where my days begin and where they end. Days can begin to feel smaller when choices begin to disappear.
A SOLO VENTURE
Yet my heart keeps reaching for something very simple: to step outside, feel the fresh air against my face, run a little, and send my juggling clubs spinning into the sky. Those things may seem small, but small freedoms can become enormous when they are taken away.
 
It is difficult when your spirit longs to move, stretch, create, and feel fully alive while the world around you keeps asking you to sit still. A bird was not made to spend its life staring at the sky through a window; it was made to spread its wings and fly. 🎪✨
   
I waited until 9 am, then went down to ask about breakfast.
I was told it would be cereal, and I said, “No, thank you.”
Along with often being late, the meals I get are not the best.
   
This place is extra quiet.
I have never experienced it like this.
I can’t wait to get on a bike again, a unicycle, and drive a car.
I’m missing out so much, and I have never been “controlled” this much before.
I’m to the point of saying, “I hate it here!”
   
Just returned from my cleaning duties. Again, this is not something I was told to do. No one handed me a job description or gave me a broom and a badge that said “Captain Clean-Up.” I simply do it because I believe in leaving things better than we found them; I was a Boy Scout, after all.
BUTT, BUTT, BUT?
Today I noticed something interesting. There were far fewer cigarette butts outside than usual. Since many of the staff were away and most people were not around, it made me stop and wonder. Could many of those butts actually be coming from staff members? I do not know the answer, and I am not pointing fingers (well, maybe my little one.) I am simply observing and asking the question. Help me figure this one out. 🤔
WHO IS LEAVING ALL THE BUTTS?            
I was once not here, and one day I will not be here again. So I should not expect mountains of cigarette butts and piles of trash to keep appearing forever. Yet it does make me wonder—who cleans this place when I am not around? Who notices the little things scattered across the ground that so many people walk past without seeing?
THE CLEANUP CREW
I was never assigned this job: no badge, no title, no instructions handed down from above. I simply saw something that needed to be done and bent down to do it. Funny how a small act can begin to feel like planting seeds.
   
You clear away a little mess today and hope tomorrow grows a little cleaner. Maybe the real question is not, “Who cleans this place when I am gone?” Maybe the question is, “Will others begin to see what I saw?” Now, what do you see around your area that you could clean, remove, or set right? It’s up to you, it’s up to us, to make things nice!🌱✨
LUNCH?
At about lunchtime, the place had grown strangely quiet. I looked down the hallways and around every corner within sight, and it felt as if everyone had simply vanished. Then a nurse came by with a patient in tow and mentioned they were having a barbecue outside. Suddenly, the mystery was solved — everyone had migrated toward burgers, sunshine, and the promise of a little fresh air. 😄
   
Well, you know me—I was not about to miss a chance to get outdoors. Out I went. There were about 30 people with brain injuries and staff about evenly, gathered together beneath the shifting sky. A nice sunshine popped through now-and-then.
MAKES ME WONDER, AGAIN, WHY AM I HERE?
Four of the people sat in wheelchairs and needed to be hand-fed. Looking around, I noticed only two of the group were women. Brain injuries seem to strike more men than women, and I suppose I count myself among that brotherhood. Yes, it’s a man’s club.
     
Interestingly, there seemed to be almost an equal number of caregivers and those receiving care—a quiet reminder of how much human effort, patience, and compassion it takes to help people heal, rebuild, and move forward. In many ways, recovery is never a solo act. It is a team effort, built one encouraging word, one helping hand, and one hopeful day at a time.
    RECOVERY
The day itself seemed undecided—sunshine one moment, clouds drifting in the next. But when the sun did break through, it felt wonderful against my skin. There was barely a breeze, and despite everything, there was a gentle happiness floating through the air.
     
Burgers and hot dogs were on the menu, but I decided to let them march past without me. I simply did not feel like eating animal meat that day. Besides, there were no fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or sweet onions standing by to make the offer more tempting. So instead, I happily settled for the watermelon and baked beans—simple food for a simple, sunny afternoon. 🍉✨
      I FOUND LUNCH!
Yes, I happily settled for baked beans and watermelon. Funny how life keeps teaching us that a meal does not need to be grand to be good. Sometimes, a paper plate in the sunshine, a spoonful of beans, and a slice of cold watermelon are more than enough to satisfy the moment.
   
And perhaps that is true far beyond food. We spend so much of life chasing “more” that we forget the quiet beauty of enough. Enough laughter. Enough peace. Enough Juggling?  Enough sunshine slipping through the clouds. Sometimes enough is not a disappointment at all—it is a small, gentle kind of abundance. 🍉✨ 🍉☀️
      BACK IN MY ROOM
2:30 in the afternoon, and Bob has found his voice again. A steady stream of sounds drifts from his room and spills into the quiet hallways. At first, it makes you think he must be hurting, as though he is reaching for something that cannot quite be found or saying something no words can fully express. Yet there is a helpless feeling in the air, a sense that no one—and perhaps nothing—can quite reach his troubled mind.
    BOB
Someone stays with him around the clock, always nearby, always watching, always trying to help. I feel sorry for the “babysitters” who must be by his side. Yet there are moments when it seems the injury reaches into places no one else can touch. His struggle feels deep, hidden in the unseen corners of the mind, where words and understanding sometimes lose their way, as he has.
     
Strange to be here all day, with so little happening and so much stillness hanging in the air. Time moves differently in places like this. Minutes sometimes seem to stretch themselves out like rubber bands, moving slowly and quietly, almost as if the clock itself has decided to take a nap.
    WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
But I am not doing anything. Between a few YouTube videos and moments of wandering thoughts, I find myself here with you, writing these words. Funny how life works sometimes. Even on days that appear empty, something is still being created.
   
Thoughts become sentences, sentences become ideas, and ideas have a funny habit of growing legs and walking into someone else’s heart. The quiet days may not be wasted after all. Maybe they are simply the days when seeds are being planted beneath the surface, preparing for something beautiful yet to come.
 
🌱✨ >>>>>May 26
Up by 3 am, my usual wake-up time.
I’m excited about my move to >>
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
This will take place on Thursday.
     
Because of the move and all the uncertainty surrounding what may happen before then, I’m sending this blog out a little early. As you can see, time and I are doing a bit of a juggling act right now—but I’ll catch up with it soon enough. 😄
   
I hope the words I place here add something good to your life, even if only a smile, a new thought, or a little spark of encouragement. We always have a choice in how we walk through our days. We can search for reasons to live in misery, or we can search for reasons to find joy.
      JOY
Joy is not pretending life is perfect; it is choosing to see the sunlight even when clouds drift overhead. It is finding reasons to smile in the middle of ordinary days and discovering little sparks of happiness hiding in places we might otherwise overlook. Sometimes joy is not loud at all—it simply sits beside us and gently reminds us that beauty still exists.
   
It is learning to laugh through the bumps in the road and keeping your heart open when life tries to close the curtains. Storms may visit, and challenges may knock on our doors, but joy has a quiet strength all its own. It whispers, “Keep going… There is still something wonderful ahead.”
     
As for me, I choose JOY, laughter, and happiness—not once in a while, but again and again. ✨ So come along with me on this grand adventure called life. Let us travel with smiles on our faces, gratitude in our hearts, and a little sparkle in our step, because the road may twist and turn, but I have a feeling the journey shines brighter when we choose to walk it together. 😄
      10-11:00  SPEECH
From 10:00 to 11 we had group speech therapy. Six of us were there with Lilly. There was a new guy, whose brain injury was recent. Subjects that Lilly spoke about were cognition, attention, executive functioning, and safety. Same group, same words, same yawns.
    11-12:00  EXERCISE?
Then there was “Exercise Group,” but I quietly excused myself and stepped away. These activities are created with good intentions to help people move forward, heal, and reconnect. For many, they may provide encouragement and progress. But I have learned that not every path fits every traveler the same way.
    1-2:00  OT
OT and I sat down at a table where I was handed a mental puzzle to solve. The worksheet was covered with a grid of numbers—15 rows up and 10 across—and the challenge was to hunt for hidden 5-digit ZIP codes within it. I had to search in every direction imaginable: up, down, forward, backward, diagonally, and even upside-down, scanning for the correct sequence of numbers hidden in the maze.
       
After about a minute, though, my interest quietly packed its bags and headed for the exit. My mind simply was not connecting with it. It was not that the task was impossible; I just found myself not caring enough to continue chasing numbers around a sheet of paper.
     
She seemed to notice exactly what was happening and could see I was not engaged, so the activity came to a natural stop. Sometimes the mind eagerly wants to climb mountains, and sometimes it just looks at the mountain and says, “No thanks—I think I’ll sit this one out.” 😄

2-3:00 JUGGLING
Only a few people came out to juggle.
It was a time-waster, but I saw some progress.
Only no progress in me.
     
      NOT FOR ME
The group therapies often do very little for me personally. I find that I gain more from movement with purpose — from juggling, running, writing, learning, creating, and challenging myself in ways that wake up both my mind and spirit. Sitting through activities that do not seem to reach me can sometimes feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The pieces simply do not line up.
   
So I often find myself quietly backing away, not because I have given up or because I do not want to improve, but because I am still searching for the things that truly light the fire inside me. We are all different. What helps one person rise may leave another standing still. The trick in life is not merely participating in something because it is offered—it is discovering what makes your own heart say, “Yes, this helps me grow.”
      GROUP THERAPY?
The group therapies often do very little for me personally. I find that I gain more from movement with purpose, from juggling, running, writing, learning, creating, and challenging myself in ways that wake up both my mind and spirit. Sitting through activities that do not reach me sometimes feels like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The pieces simply do not line up.
   
So I often find myself quietly backing away, not because I have given up or because I do not want to improve, but because I am still searching for the things that truly light the fire inside me. We are all different. What helps one person rise may leave another standing still. The trick in life is not merely participating in something because it is offered—it is discovering what makes your own heart say, “Yes, this helps me grow.”
     
>>>>>May 27
Today, it is off to https://cleantheworld.org/ to do our small part in making the world a little better. Sometimes changing lives begins with something simple — showing up, lending a hand, and caring enough to help .🌎✨
    HELPING OUT
How about you? Do you volunteer and help where you can? Even the smallest act of kindness can send ripples farther than you may ever imagine. A cleaner park, a helping hand, a few encouraging words—little things often grow into big things in someone else’s story. 🌱✨
   
Right now, I’m waiting in the front for the group to arrive. We will have lunch after our Clean the World mission. One of the therapists said to be careful with my eating. She asked — like I don’t know how to eat right?
     
She brought up the stricture problem I had in the past, which is all cleared up. Nice that she cares about me, but that’s a little much. I’ve noticed that we are treated like patients here —like children. I don’t like that. Maryann needs to learn this.
 
Today, we were basically filling boxes with hand soap at Clean the World. Many people were placing the soap in one bar at a time, but my brain started juggling ideas, as usual. 😄 I figured out a way to carry eight at once—four in each hand—and suddenly the boxes were filling much faster.
   
It was a simple task, but even simple work deserves excellence. I have always believed that whatever you do, do it with heart, creativity, and a little flair. I always aim for excellence in what I do. Is that something you do, too?
    FOUR AND TWO
There were two therapists there with four of us brain-injured folks. The others enjoyed the work, and that was wonderful to see. I tried helping where I could while keeping my own hands moving quickly. Some appreciated the help; others wanted to do it completely on their own. That is part of life too—learning when to step forward and when to step back.
   
Afterward, we headed to Portillo’s for lunch. Somewhere along the way, I learned it was the speech therapist who had recommended limiting what I eat. As you probably know by now, I have never been fond of being controlled. I KNOW WHAT I CAN EAT AND WHAT I CAN’T!
   
I understand they are trying to help, but it has been difficult for me at times. Near the end of the meal, another therapist had onion rings left over, and I asked if I could have one. The answer was “no” because of the restrictions they are placing on me now. I will admit—it bothered me.
   
Another control issue. As we were getting into the van to leave, I was told that I could not drink my iced tea on the drive. It was a cup with a lid and a straw. I did not see how I could have spilled. But I was told this was a rule for the van, no food or drink allowed. My ice was melted by the time we arrived.
    GOOD NEWS?
The good news? Tomorrow I leave this place behind and begin a new chapter. I will miss many of the people here. I got more help than I wrote about. I’m glad NeuroRestorative was a part of my life. I hope my writings have added to the place, as well. 🎪
   
Freedom matters to me.
Movement matters to me.
Being treated like an adult matters to me.
I am ready to get back outside, feel the sunshine, ride a bike again, toss clubs into the sky, get behind the wheel of a car, and live life with a little more wind in my face and less control wrapped around my spirit.
     
Because I had Clean the World this morning, nothing was scheduled for me this afternoon, so I found some quiet time to recharge. I will share more of the next few days of this adventure in a future blog post. Stay tuned—this story is still juggling its way forward. 😄
   
3:13 — I just returned from the therapy room downstairs. All of the therapists were there, yet no therapy seemed to be taking place. Perhaps they were handling paperwork or working behind the scenes on other responsibilities, but from where I stood, the room felt strangely still and inactive.
   
It did not leave a very encouraging impression of NeuroRestorative. When people come to a place like this, they hope to see movement, energy, progress, and lives being actively helped forward. A quiet room full of professionals, with little visible action, can make the whole place feel as though it has lost some of its spark.
===============================
PART 3–BLOG 379–​Don’t Just Count the Days Until Your End
   
Yes, death is coming for all of us—that train has been running on schedule since the beginning of time and has never once missed a stop. But before that final station arrives, you still have mountains to climb, stories to write, people to love, lessons to learn, and lives to touch.
      THIS IS YOUR LIFE!
You still have sunsets waiting for your eyes to discover them, laughter waiting to burst from your lungs, dreams waiting for the courage only you can give them, and seeds waiting for your hands to plant them into the soil of tomorrow. SO MUCH is still ahead of you! 🌅✨

SO DO NOT SIT BY THE WINDOW
STARING AT THE CLOCK?–STAND UP AND LIVE! 

START NOW!
Life is not measured by how many pages remain in the calendar. It is measured by how much life you pour into the moments you are given. Until the final curtain falls, there is still a stage beneath your feet, lights above your head, and a reason for you to step into the spotlight.
      MAKE YOUR MOMENTS
Life is not a waiting room for death. It is a stage, a playground, a juggling gym, a garden, an adventure waiting for your footprints. Laugh loudly. Dance where you stand. Chase ideas that excite you. Plant seeds. Love people fiercely.
    DEATH?
Too many of us spend our lives counting days until something happens: until Friday, until retirement, until we move, until circumstances improve, until problems disappear. The train in life keeps chugging along; jump on board!
    NOW!
We stare toward the horizon, waiting for life to begin. 
And life is standing right beside us, waving both arms and shouting,
“Hey! I’m happening right now!”
NO WORRIES!
And then come the worries.
We all carry them.
Fears about what “might” happen.
Concerns about what might not happen.
Dread about things we cannot see.
Uncertainty about things we cannot control.
    NO CONTROL
There seems to be an endless buffet of worries spread out before us each day, inviting us to pile our plates high with stress and anxiety. But tell me something: has worrying ever solved tomorrow’s problems by stealing today’s peace?   No.
      WORRY?
Worry is sneaky. It quietly slips in and steals moments that belong to you. It takes today and trades it for imaginary troubles that may never even arrive. For example, I could worry that my little girl is growing up and may leave home in a year. I could spend every day staring at the clock, feeling sad because time is moving forward.
      YOUR CHOICE!
Or I could choose something better.
I could choose laughter over fear.
I could make moments count.
Welcome memories over sadness.
Find love over worry.
    LOVE
Because really, I could list worries all day long, and so could you. We all have them. Quiet thoughts sit in the back corners of our minds, tugging on our shoulders and whispering what if? What if this happens? What if it doesn’t? Left unchecked, those little worries can slowly grow louder, taking up far more space in our lives than they ever deserved.
    ROCKING CHAIR?
But worrying itself accomplishes almost nothing. It’s like sitting in a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t take you anywhere.
I love the quote: “Don’t count the days… make the days count.”
What a beautiful reminder.
    YOUR PASSION!
Do your best. Pour your heart into what you do. Give your effort, your passion, your love, and your energy. Lay it all on the line. And once you have done that, let go of what you cannot control.
Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking, “I am capable. I should be able to carry everything on my own.” But strength isn’t found in carrying every burden yourself.
    THE WEIGHT
Real strength is knowing when to put some of the weight down. Real strength is asking for help. So don’t spend your life drowning in worry and stress. Do your best and trust the rest. Don’t wait to be happy until some future day arrives. Be happy now. Make this day count. This hour. This moment.
      REMEMBER THE SUN
Because you still have sunsets waiting to paint your eyes with wonder, laughter waiting to fill your lungs, dreams waiting for the courage only you can give them, and seeds waiting for your hands to plant them into the soil of tomorrow. 🌅✨
            SMILE!
And life—beautiful, messy, unpredictable life—
It’s still playing your song. 
So dance. 💫     
And whatever you do…
Don’t forget to SMILE. 😄
      LIVE FOR NOW!   NOT YESTERDAY!    NOT TOMORROW!   NOW IS THE TIME!
===========================
PART 4) 🔥 A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET
    ✨ THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are like mental spark plugs. 💥 They jolt the mind awake, shrink giant problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can flip your thinking upside down—turning “I can’t” into “Why not give it a shot?” The right words at the right moment can become a tiny flashlight in a dark hallway. 🔦

But here’s where the real magic happens: repetition turns inspiration into identity. The more you repeat a truth, the more your mind begins to believe it… and eventually, your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on a wall is a decoration. A quote lived out through your actions? That becomes a transformation. 

Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?
That’s power. ✨
=====
“Don’t count the days,
make the days count.” — Muhammad Ali
     
“How many people can you help today?
Your legacy is waiting for you to catch up.” — Kit Summers.
     
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln.
     
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift of God,
which is why we call it the present.” — Bil Keane.
   
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future,
concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha
     
“It is not how long but how well.
” You live, that is the main thing.” — Seneca.
   
“Live every day as if it were your last,
and yet have your plans and preparations
as if you were to live a hundred years.” — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
   
Make each day your masterpiece.” — John Wooden.
     
“We do not remember days. 
We remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese.
   
“Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin.
   
“Live every day as if it were your last,
for one day you will certainly be right.” – Harry Houdini
============================
PART 5) YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK >>
LIVE FOR NOW! NOT TOMORROW. NOT NEXT WEEK. NOW IS YOUR TIME!
You are not too young to think about the end.
What will happen?
Who will be there?
What story will your life tell when the final page is written?
   
But do not become so focused on the destination that you forget the journey. You have mountains left to climb, people left to love, dreams left to chase, and gifts left to give. Time is limited for every one of us—that is exactly what makes life precious.
   
So ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish before my curtain falls? Begin now. Not tomorrow. Not “someday.” Right now. Because the clock keeps moving whether we dance with it or simply watch it pass, live boldly, start today, and make sure your life becomes a story worth telling.
MAKE THAT LIST OF WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH–THEN DO IT!✨
===============
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>BLOG 380–WHY CARE?
================

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE!
🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 378–​BREAK THE SCRIPT
This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback

To Learn More about Kit, Go Here >> https://kitsummers.com/about-kit/

Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
     
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️


The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
     
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better. ✨

=============================

It might make things easier for you if I added a table of contents. That way, you can jump directly to the parts that interest you most—like having a remote control for the circus inside my brain. 

I’m still figuring out how to add page numbers properly. Somewhere inside this machine, tiny digital gremlins are hiding the instructions from me. But don’t worry—I’m hunting them down and expect to have everything organized by the next blog post. Progress, my friends… even if it occasionally travels wearing clown shoes. 🎪✨At least you see the order of things.

PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS — PAGE 1
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK — PAGE
PART 3) BLOG 378 — BREAK THE SCRIPT — PAGE
PART 4) QUOTES — PAGE
PART 5) YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK — NEXT TO LAST PAGE
PART 6) NEXT WEEK’S BLOG — LAST PAGE
PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS — LAST PAGE
=============================
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A little wisdom. A reminder that life is still full of possibilities. ✨
The drops and catches over the years?
Can you feel it in the writing?
The miles traveled?
The hard lessons?
The laughter?
I hope so. Because I don’t simply arrange words on a page—I try to breathe life into them. 🎭
   
And if you ever miss a blog notification—or simply feel like wandering through a colorful museum of past adventures—visit kitsummers.com and dive into the blog section. Every post is sitting there like a tiny lit match waiting to brighten somebody’s day. ✨

And if the notifications ever become one juggling ball too many, just let me know and I’ll happily remove you from the list. No guilt. No drama. Just a graceful catch and release. Though I will miss you in the audience. 🎯🎪
================ =================
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!

The key to a good life is to learn to “change with the changes”.
If you do this, you are ready for anything.
YOU are the one to make your own life better.
   
Embracing change is essential for resilience, growth, and a meaningful life. Instead of fighting the natural movement of life, learn to move with it. Some changes arrive with a warning. Take that different dance step.
   
Others crash through the front door like a marching band of chaos.🎺😄 Either way, adaptation is what helps us survive, grow, and discover new opportunities we never saw coming. Real growth does not come from standing still—it comes from learning how to evolve.
   
Resisting change often creates frustration, stress, and exhaustion. The harder we grip the past, the more energy we waste fighting reality. But when we accept that change is part of life, we free ourselves to focus on what we CAN control—our attitude, our actions, and our next step forward.
   
Adaptability builds resilience, too. The moment you stop seeing setbacks as permanent failures and begin viewing them as temporary lessons, something powerful happens—you recover faster, grow wiser, and move forward stronger. Every challenge becomes less of a dead end and more of a detour leading you somewhere new. 🚀
         
Life becomes less about avoiding difficulties and more about learning how to dance through them without losing your balance. Even jugglers drop things sometimes. The trick is picking them up and throwing them again. 🎪
   
Every new challenge forces you to stretch, learn, and rethink who you are. That is how growth happens. New environments create new skills. Unexpected detours create wisdom. Reinvention is not a sign that your old life failed—it is proof that you are still growing. 👩‍🦱
     
The people who thrive are rarely the ones with the easiest lives. They are the ones willing to adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward with curiosity and courage. Life keeps changing. The beautiful part is that you can keep changing with it. 🚀
     
The future is a rumor.
The past is a memory.
But this moment? Ahhh…
This moment is alive in your hands. ✨
     
Too many people spend their lives staring into the rearview mirror or worrying about roads they have not even reached yet. Meanwhile, life is standing right in front of them like a golden retriever with a tennis ball, shouting, “COME PLAY!” 😄
     
This moment matters.
This breath matters.
This small decision
You make today matters. 🛼
     
You do not need to have your entire life figured out by Tuesday at 3:17 PM. Nobody does. Even the people who look confident are often improvising like jazz musicians in roller skates. 🎷
       
The real magic happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and begin fully stepping into NOW. Call the friend. Write the page. Learn the trick. Take the walk. Start the dream before you feel ready. 😁
     
Life rewards motion.
The rocket only lifts after ignition.
So stand tall in your life today. Laugh loudly. Help someone. Chase something meaningful. Build moments so rich with purpose and joy that the past smiles at you and the future gets excited to meet you.
Right now is not just a moment.
Right now is your launchpad.🚀
============================= 
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served ✨

Every week, I sit down to map the days ahead—and every time, it begins the same way: a blank canvas. No guarantees. No script. Just a possibility waiting for color.
   
It still amazes me—that quiet moment before life takes shape. A few choices. A few conversations. A few unexpected turns. Suddenly, the empty canvas becomes a story. And here’s the beautiful truth: you’ve been handed that same canvas, too. Right now. Today. This moment.
   
You do not need permission to begin. You do not need perfect timing, perfect confidence, or a trumpet parade marching behind you. 🎺😄 Sometimes all it takes is one brave brushstroke—one kind act, one new idea, one small step forward.
     
So start now. Create the life YOU want while lifting others along the way. That’s where the real magic lives—one colorful day at a time. ✨ 🎨✨
       
>>>>>May 16
Slowly, things get going. Being a Saturday, I can see why. This morning I was working on the blog. Most of it is done; just the daily tasks remain. But how can I write about things that haven’t happened yet? I will have to work on that.
   
Breakfast did not arrive until 9:15; it’s usually here by 8. I could run the kitchen much better, including the times meals go out and what they are. For a change, I will go out to the garden/patio area.
     
I just watched a film about the making of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. With the difference in characters, it was so easy to compare it with here, now. Not that people here are crazy (except for me), there are so many different personalities.
     
I went out to do my daily cleaning. Not as much, but just one butt is terrible to look at. There was not much out there to pick up, but I did. I had forgotten that weekends here are dead. We are always watched, always controlled; it’s a little much for me.
     
Freedom is taken away, and we are all controlled. All this I saw in the movie. Reality is hidden from us. I want to go for a walk and get a little exercise, but that is forbidden. It’s about 11:10 now, and after lunch, I will go out for a short walk. I’ve compared this place to jail before; I haven’t changed my mind.
       The word “Escape” comes to mind.
They must develop a list of things that patients can do on the weekend. I just watch YouTube videos to fill my time. And now that the garden has been taken over, I cannot do anything there to help. It’s sad to me that some of these people here will NEVER be released — but they know no other life. I could not imagine that for myself.
     
I’ve wanted to interact with others here, but it did not seem right.
The staff does not really feel trapped; we are all.  Trapped. Something must be done to change this.      
They should, but do not, develop a schematic scan of what people could be, including a job outlook. 

Now, I want to cover meals.
As I’ve written, I am seldom hungry, but I worry about others.
Breakfast–an hour late.
Lunch–Came in at 12:45.
Dinner–6:45, another late one. 

If I​ took care of the kitchen myself, I could make sure every meal was nutritious and on time. I thought meal times were 8 am, noon, and 5 — yet that never happens. Times should be picked, and they always met. I do want to lose weight, but this is a little much.
   
This would not be a place I would choose to live. I do not belong in a world built around waiting for the days to pass. Some people here, including me, feel trapped—caught between what life once was and what it has become.
   
You can see it in the quiet hallways, in the long stares out the windows, in the way hope sometimes shrinks down to simply making it through another day. That is a hard thing to witness. Harder still to feel.
   
But my story is not ending here. In the next few weeks, I will be leaving, stepping into a new chapter with fresh air,

movement, possibility, and purpose again. 🚪✨ I still have too much life left in me to sit quietly on the sidelines. I want to juggle again. Run again. Teach again. Create again. LIVE again.
   
Some people here may feel the door has closed forever—but I still hear mine creaking open. And when it does, I plan to walk through it with gratitude, determination, and maybe a few juggling clubs flying through the air just to confuse the neighbors. 😄
         
>>>>> May 17
Here is another Sunday showing itself.  
Someone finally came in at about 9 am and said breakfast would be cereal.
I said no thank you. I noticed the hallways were empty. Where are people?
No hunger in me right now, and I doubt it will come soon.

“Doubt” is a strange word. I had to look it up >>
The word “doubt” comes from the Latin dubitare, meaning “to hesitate” or “to be uncertain.” Over time, it traveled through Old French as douter and then into Middle English as douten.
Interestingly, the silent “b” was neither pronounced nor written. It was added in the 16th century by scribes who wanted the spelling to more closely resemble its Latin roots. So every time you spell doubt, you are carrying around a tiny piece of ancient history… complete with a sneaky silent letter hiding in plain sight. 😄
Did you know that?
You’re welcome!
       
Do you ever “doubt” yourself about your ability to handle change? Embracing change is essential for resilience, growth, and living fully. Life is always moving—sometimes gently, sometimes like a squirrel on espresso. 😄
   
Instead of fighting the current, learning to adapt to both expected and unexpected changes allows you to move through challenges with greater strength and discover opportunities you may never have seen otherwise.
 
Real growth happens when you stop merely reacting to life and start evolving with it. Every shift, every setback, and every surprise carries the chance to learn, reinvent yourself, and step into a stronger version of who you are becoming. Adaptability is not weakness—it is one of the greatest forms of power.
       
>>>>>May 18
Monday is starting slowly, like an old car warming up on a cold morning. It’s 8 a.m. now, and there’s hardly anyone around. No breakfast, no schedule—normally both would have appeared by now like clockwork… or at least like slightly confused clockwork. 😄
     
Turns out breakfast was the “make-your-own cereal” special this morning, but no one bothered to tell me. So there I was, waiting for information while the cereal quietly sat there, minding its own business. Life in places like this can feel like a scavenger hunt sometimes: first prize is finding the spoon.
      8:03
Just got my schedule for the day. An hour each >>
OT Group at 10. Speech Group at 11.
The group meeting usually doesn’t do anything for me. Many of the others are more brain-damaged than I am, so they don’t really do anything for the group, which includes me.
     
For an experiment, I plan to see who is here at 9 am and at 3 pm. I want to see who is here and who is not. Of course, this will not be completely accurate, but I am seeing what I can of who is around. I do not want to be kicked out, so I move ahead slowly.
   
      9:00 a.m.
I headed down to the therapy room to see who was around, only to find the door closed and locked. No movement. No explanation. Just silence where progress was supposed to happen. I plan to see how it is tomorrow.
   
Sorry to say, the real working hours here are only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outside of that window, things can become very quiet and slow-moving. The therapists and staff are likely handling many responsibilities behind the scenes to help keep this place running.
   
Still, from a resident’s perspective, real progress, therapy, and meaningful support seem compressed into only a tiny fraction of the day. The hours pass, but the opportunities to truly grow, improve, and reconnect with life often feel far too limited.
    YOU LIVE HERE?
Recovery is not something that exists only during certain hours on a schedule—it is an ongoing process that touches every moment of a person’s life. When large portions of the day feel inactive or disconnected from growth, people can feel stalled rather than encouraged.
   
A short conversation, a shared laugh, a simple activity, or just feeling seen for a few moments can brighten an entire day. When people are struggling, hope does not always arrive in giant, dramatic ways. Sometimes it enters quietly, through kindness, connection, and the reminder that they still matter. ✨
           
A little more structure, creativity, and consistent support throughout the day could help transform the atmosphere from simply “getting through the day” into truly moving forward. For people working to rebuild their independence and confidence, every hour matters. Every positive interaction matters. And every opportunity to grow matters.
    A DROPPED CLUB?
Moments like that may seem small to some people, but when you are fighting to rebuild your life, every single hour matters. Every missed opportunity can feel like a dropped juggling club in the middle of the performance—sudden, frustrating, and impossible to ignore. But here’s the truth every juggler learns: the show is not defined by the drop… it is defined by the courage to pick the club back up and keep going.
 
Still, life has taught me something important: not every locked door means the show is over. Sometimes it means the timing is off, the plan needs adjusting, or a different path is waiting nearby. So instead of letting frustration run the entire morning, I kept moving forward. Progress is not built from perfect days; it is built from continuing anyway.
           
I know the world is not finished with me yet—and I am not finished with life, either. There is still fire in me, still purpose, still something meaningful left to give. I do not want to become a burden to anyone, but I also refuse to believe that a life filled with experience, struggle, wisdom, and heart should simply be pushed aside or forgotten.
       YES I HAVE
I have fallen, been broken, rebuilt, and risen more times than most people can imagine. And even now, somewhere ahead, there are still people I can help, stories I can share, and lives I can inspire. A dropped juggling club does not end the performance—it is simply part of learning how to keep the act going. 
   
There are several people here who walk these halls with someone by their side at all times. I jokingly call it having a “babysitter” following along. 😄 I understand that many people truly need help and guidance, and there is nothing wrong with that.
     ON MY OWN
But for me, it feels different. Independence has always been a huge part of who I am. After years of traveling, performing, and building my own life, having someone shadow me everywhere can feel less like support and more like losing a piece of freedom.
   
Safety matters, of course—but so do dignity, confidence, and the feeling that your life still belongs to you. Real living is not just being protected; it is being trusted to grow, choose, move, and participate in your own future.
     
That is why I keep pushing forward every single day—to improve, rebuild, and reclaim as much independence as possible. Every small step matters. Every inch of freedom regained is a victory worth celebrating.
     MOVING AHEAD?
Progress is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it arrives quietly—one determined step, one hard-earned victory, one small choice to keep going. But those steps begin to stack together. Little by little, they create momentum… and momentum is powerful. It can rebuild confidence, restore hope, and completely change the direction of a life. Like juggling, the magic is not in one throw—it is in refusing to stop after the drops. 🎪✨
     OT GROUP FROM 10:05 — 11:00
As often happens, things started five minutes late. I was told the activity would be Cornhole (and by now you probably know my thoughts on that one 😄), followed by “another game.” Around here, time often feels optional—but when you are fighting to rebuild your life, time matters. Every hour is a chance to grow, improve, and move forward, not simply something to pass away.
     
Looking around, I realized there was nothing there that challenged my mind, pushed my growth, or helped me move forward. I also did not see any way I could add to things for others there. So instead, I headed back to my room and chose to spend the time doing something meaningful to me—typing these words, shaping ideas, and continuing to rebuild my future one sentence at a time.
       SPEECH GROUP, 11-NOON
What they were doing was writing farewell notes to Christen, someone I didn’t really know personally. She basically runs NR. There will be a lunch held for her here on this floor—a quiet gathering filled with memories, stories, and goodbyes. Even without knowing her well, you could still feel the emotion in the room, the reminder of how quickly people become part of the rhythm of a place like this.
        NOON TO 1 PM
On the third floor today, we will have a going-away lunch for Christen, who has been here for 4 years and is now moving to Tennessee. I never really had the chance to know her well, but it is easy to see the impact she made on the people around her. She will clearly be missed by many.
     
Places like this become their own little world over time. People arrive as strangers, routines form, conversations happen in passing, and before long, lives quietly weave together. Even when you do not know someone deeply, you still feel the space they leave behind when they go. I hope Tennessee brings Christen happiness, fresh beginnings, and a wonderful new chapter ahead. 🌟
     
Normally, from noon to 1 p.m., many of the therapists head into the therapy room and lock the door behind them. I understand people need breaks, meetings, paperwork, and time to regroup—everyone deserves that.
      ME–A RESIDENT?
From a resident’s perspective, it can sometimes feel strange to watch the very place built for recovery suddenly become unavailable in the middle of the day, when you are fighting hard to rebuild your strength, independence, and confidence; every hour matters. Every opportunity to practice, improve, or simply keep momentum alive feels valuable.
     
Recovery is like juggling: once you finally get a rhythm going, you do not want to stop tossing the clubs into the air. Even a short pause can feel bigger than it looks from the outside. 😄 That is why I keep pushing so hard—not because I expect perfection, but because I still believe progress is possible. I believe people can continue to grow, improve, and surprise themselves right up until the final curtain call.
     
At about 3 p.m., I headed down to the therapy room again. This time, the place was alive with activity. Therapists were working with different residents, moving from one project to another, helping people stretch, practice skills, solve problems, and keep pushing forward. There was energy in the room—movement, conversation, effort, and purpose all happening at once.
   
Honestly, it was good to see. Earlier in the day, things can sometimes feel slow or disconnected, so walking into a busy therapy room in the afternoon brought a different feeling altogether. I didn’t expect that. 
        BUSY THERAPISTS
It reminded me that progress does not always happen in giant, dramatic moments. Sometimes it is found in steady work, patient guidance, and people quietly helping others rebuild parts of their lives, one small victory at a time.
   
Watching the therapists move from person to person gave the room a feeling of quiet hope. Every person there was carrying some kind of challenge—some visible, some hidden deep beneath the surface—yet the effort to improve never stopped.
     
Step by step, exercise by exercise, conversation by conversation, people kept reaching forward. There was something powerful about that. It was a reminder that healing is rarely dramatic; more often, it is built through persistence, patience, and the simple courage to keep trying. ✨
     
A little more balance. A little more strength. A little more confidence. Like juggling, improvement often looks messy in the middle of it—but if you keep the clubs in the air long enough, eventually the pattern starts to smooth out.
   
>>>>>May 19
Good morning, as they say.
How can I break out of here?
I’ve had about enough of being held up here.
Will it be escapism or deathticuff, I don’t know.
     
For one thing, a couple of the people here have voices so loud and grating they could probably crack a windshield from three rooms away. 😄 Others, because of brain injuries, speak in ways I simply cannot understand, no matter how hard I try.
       
The whole place sometimes feels like a strange orchestra where nobody has the same sheet music. Between the shouting, the confusion, and the nonstop hallway noise, I am wondering if I’m the one losing my marbles here. At this point, if someone rolled three juggling balls toward me, I might start having a serious conversation with them for a little peace! 🎪🤹
   
Today’s OT — Cooking is scheduled for the pork chops I bought last week. That will take place from about 10:30-1 pm. Then I have my teaching juggling session from 2-2:30. In the afternoon, I am scheduled to go to Walmart for a few things I need. As you can see, nothing is scheduled to help me advance. Just everyday things that I will complete.
   
Did you ever hear someone say, “Boy, this pig tastes great”? Or even, “That’s some great cow you cooked up”. We hid behind the words “pork” and “beef”. In fact, these words are often treated as dirty words when used. I’ve never understood this. You vegetarians out there can educate me on this.
       LOST, HE IS
There is a man here who constantly walks the hallway, back and forth from his room to the elevator, caught in a pattern he no longer seems to understand because of his brain injury. Watching him is heartbreaking and reminds me how fragile life and the mind can be. He is one of those who always have to have an escort. Sorry for the person who follows.
   
As I have written before, some people here need someone with them almost every moment of the day. I feel compassion not only for the residents but also for the caregivers assigned to stay by their sides hour after hour. It is not easy work. Their patience and steady presence often go unnoticed, yet it matters deeply. Seeing this also strengthens my own determination to keep rebuilding my independence and
      TONIGHT
This evening I was driven to Walmart to pick up some things.
This is scheduled once a week to restock, which is a good thing.
I like to get Lindor candy; insurance pays for it. Expensive, but worth it.
     
>>>>>May 20
Quietness… that’s all I hear.
It’s 4:08 in the morning, and somehow my eyes popped open before the sun even considered punching in for work. 😄 The halls are silent, the world is asleep, and here I am—awake like an overcaffeinated raccoon with thoughts.
     
I have absolutely no idea what this day will hold. Maybe inspiration. Maybe chaos. Maybe mystery meat at lunch. The universe has not sent me today’s script yet. But one thing is certain: something will happen. It always does. And don’t worry—you’ll hear about it soon enough. 🚀🎭
      Shhh
Throughout the night, the shifts change like a Broadway play with no intermission. 🌙😄 Around 3 a.m., a whole new crew marches in as if they are storming the beaches of Normandy armed with clipboards and coffee cups. Then 9 a.m. rolls around and—BOOM—another cast replacement. It is like watching a never-ending relay race where nobody actually leaves the building.
   
In all my years, I have never once pulled the “Light Night Shift.” Nope. Somehow, I always land in the middle of the action, where doors beep, carts rattle, voices echo down the hallway, and sleep becomes more of a rumor than an activity. 😄
   
Meanwhile, time just floats along like a confused goldfish circling the same little bowl over and over. One minute it feels like midnight, the next it is suddenly breakfast time, and somehow you are still wondering if you ever actually slept at all. ⏰✨
       LIGHTS IN THE HALLWAY
The hallway lights never seem fully awake or fully asleep either—they just hover there in some strange twilight dimension. Staff members glide past like airport workers during a delayed flight, everyone moving with purpose while I sit there wondering what day it even is anymore.
     
Somewhere in the distance, a machine beeps for absolutely no reason anyone can explain, a cart squeaks dramatically like it deserves its own acting award, and somebody is always talking loudly at exactly the moment your eyes finally start to close. Time here does not march forward—it meanders around in fuzzy slippers carrying a lukewarm cup of coffee. 😄
   
They say, “Time is of the essence”.
What could that mean?
Time is time, and essence is essence.
How can the two mix?

I just got my schedule for the day, and the only thing that really jumps out at me is OT from 2–3 pm. Bingo from 11 to noon? I think I’ll somehow survive the crushing disappointment of missing that masterpiece of suspense and flying numbered balls.😄 Somewhere, a bingo cage is spinning dramatically without me… and yet, life marches on. 🚀
     DRAMA?
Honestly, it has reached the point where this place offers very little that pulls me in anymore. The days can start to feel like reruns of a show nobody asked to binge-watch. Even breakfast this morning was just cereal, and I passed on that, too. My excitement level stayed somewhere between “mild shrug” and “sleeping houseplant.”
     
Still, I keep reminding myself: this is temporary. A waiting room is not a destination. I did not come this far in life—from stages, spotlights, accidents, reinventions, and all the wild juggling acts in between—just to let my spirit go flat over a bowl of corn flakes. 🥣😄 One way or another, I will keep pushing forward, looking for growth, movement, and meaning… even if I have to create it myself.
     DOGGY DU DA
And to top off the day, they rolled out what they call “Pet Therapy,” which mostly looked like someone escorting a confused little dog from room to room like a furry motivational speaker. 😄🐕
   
Now, don’t get me wrong, the dog seemed nice enough—no complaints with you, pooch. But I quietly decided to pass on that adventure. Somewhere along the line, my life drifted from performing under spotlights and juggling flying objects to being invited to pet a traveling Labrador in the hallway. That realization alone nearly made me laugh out loud.
     
Still, I know some people truly enjoy it, and if a wagging tail brightens someone’s day, that is a good thing. As for me, I keep looking for something that challenges the mind, sparks the spirit, or at least involves a little more danger than a golden retriever and a leash. 😄
      TODAY
Every morning is about the same–
Wait to get my schedule.
Breakfast arrives.
Then I go out to do my duty, cleaning the garden/patio area.
   
But I want more out of life. Without change, I will not find a different future. It was pretty clean out there today, but still some butts.
   
But I want more out of life than simply watching the days drift by. I want movement. Growth. Possibility. Without change, the future stays trapped inside the same old pattern, like a juggler tossing only one ball and calling it a show. 😄
      DRIFT?
If I want a different tomorrow, I have to keep pushing for it today—step by step, thought by thought, effort by effort. Change can feel uncomfortable, but so can standing still for too long.
   
I went outside for my daily cleanup mission today. Things were clean, which was a good sight. Still, a few cigarette butts were scattered around, stubborn little reminders that there is always work left to do.
     
Funny how life mirrors that. No matter how much progress we make, there are always a few “butts” left behind to pick up—old habits, doubts, fears, excuses. But little by little, the place improves. So do we. One small act at a time.
      NEW JUGGLERS!
Two new people, along with a staff member, stopped by today for a tour of the place. Naturally, I could not resist turning it into an impromptu juggling lesson. 😄 Within minutes, I had them keeping 3 scarves in the air, laughing and surprising themselves at what they could do. Nothing breaks the ice faster than objects flying through the air with just a tiny bit of controlled panic. 🎪
 
Seeing that spark light up in people never gets old. At this point, I have taught more than 55 people here how to juggle, and that feels wonderful. In a place where many people feel stuck, frustrated, or uncertain, even a few moments of success can change the energy in the room.
   
For a little while, people stop thinking about limitations and start thinking, “Hey… maybe I CAN do this.” And sometimes, that small victory becomes the first toss toward something much bigger. For a brain-injured person, the specifics always have to be the same. Chang can be devastating. 
     
They call it “Pet Therapy.” Today, Lucky stopped by to visit people here, bringing a few smiles and wagging her tail along the way. 🐶✨ It was a quick little doggie visit, but she left behind a bit of warmth wherever she went.
       
Worked with Terrie in OT today. She handed me a giant grid packed with numbers and had me hunt for groups of five hidden inside the chaos. This is supposed to help with driving skills. I smiled and played along, although I’m still not sure how spotting sneaky little numbers prepares a man for traffic, stoplights, and the occasional driver who has earned their license from a cereal box. 😄
    DRIVING
Still, I understand the bigger idea. Exercises like that are designed to sharpen focus, scanning, reaction time, and attention to detail—all things that matter behind the wheel. So I dug in and gave it my best effort. Every challenge, even the strange ones, is another small step toward reclaiming independence. And honestly, after everything life has thrown at me, searching for hidden fives in a sea of numbers feels pretty manageable.
     
>>>>>May 21
Just got my schedule for today, nothing much. At 9:30, I have OT for a half hour, then at 11 a Scrabble Group for an hour. Seems to be getting worse around here as far as therapy goes. As you know, I do not do well in “group” settings; they usually do nothing for me.
       
Just got back from OT. Today’s big challenge was basically electronic whack-a-mole with my finger on a glowing board. Honestly, juggling three balls would probably accomplish the same thing—and with a lot more style. 😄 I think I did terribly, but the funny thing is… I did not really care. Sometimes the victory is simply showing up, playing the game, and refusing to let frustration take the steering wheel.
      A CLEANING I WILL GO . . .
Later, I went outside to clean the area, as I do every day. Not much out there this time, which felt like a small win in itself. Still, there is always something needing attention—a cigarette butt, a crooked chair, a little piece of disorder waiting quietly for someone to notice. Life feels a lot like that sometimes—small things, small fixes, small acts of care. None of them seems huge alone, but together they slowly help put the world back in place.
     
Funny how life works that way. A cleaner sidewalk, a picked-up cigarette butt, a tiny act of care—it may not change the entire world in a single afternoon, but it changes my little corner of it. And maybe that is how real progress always begins: not with fireworks and giant speeches, but with small, steady acts that quietly say, “I still care.” One little improvement at a time, the world shifts… and so do we. ✨ 🌎
      GAME TIME
Then came a game of Scrabble with four others. Funny enough, after writing many books and posting a weekly blog, you would think I’d have a slight advantage with words. Nope. I still managed to come in dead last in the great battle of letter tiles. Writing inspiration and finding a seven-letter word under pressure are two completely different sports. 😄
   
It’s strange how many simple family games are used in brain injury therapy. Maybe there is real value hidden in those familiar little games… or maybe the therapists use them because everyone already knows the rules, so the brain can focus on rebuilding rather than learning something new. This makes it easier for the therapists.
     
Either way, it is funny to realize that somewhere between Scrabble, matching cards, and beanbags tossed across a room, people are quietly trying to put pieces of their lives back together again. But from simple games?
      IT’S 3:22
I just went down to the therapy room. Everything was locked up, quiet as a library after closing time. No therapists around at all. They are only here for a limited time in the mornings, though I still do not know enough to fully understand how everything works here. I’m watching, learning, and piecing it together little by little. More updates later as the mystery unfolds. 😄
    NOW IT’S 5 p.m.
I spoke with Myles, and he said the move to:
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
is expected to happen on May 28 or 29. Jasmine and April are planning to come down from Pennsylvania to help with the move, which makes this next chapter feel even more real.
   
A new place.
A fresh start.
Exercise time!
New energy in the air.
I’ll keep you posted as things come together.
   
It looks like my time at Legacy will be far more open and freeing than what I’ve experienced here. I’m excited to get back outside, run more, exercise regularly, and hopefully get a bike soon so I can start putting some serious miles behind me again. Watch out, world… I may be turning into a gray-haired road warrior on two wheels. 😄 How ’bout those miles, Myles?
      LEGACY
Yes, I will continue posting my weekly blog for you. I’m grateful that you take the time to read my words, and from everything I can tell, you truly connect with what I write. That means more to me than you know. So get ready—there’s a new atmosphere ahead, a fresh chapter in the air, and I have a feeling the best words are still waiting to be written. ✨
                       LOOKS LIKE A GREAT PLACE >> https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
And thank you, Greg, for helping make this happen. Greg is with Selective Insurance, and they are covering this new place for me to stay. It is the same insurance company connected to the man who hit me back on 4/3/1982—a moment that changed the entire direction of my life.
     TWISTS?
Through all the twists, turns, crashes, comebacks, and reinventions life has thrown my way since then, Greg and everyone at Selective have been an incredible source of support, encouragement, and help. Through every chapter of the journey, they have continued to stand beside me—and that has meant more than words can say.
Talk about Breaking the Script—I shattered a few copies along the way. Life can be strange like that. One terrible moment can echo through decades, but so can a single act of kindness. A crash can change a life, yet so can a hand reaching down to help someone back up.
   
Through all the twists, setbacks, reinventions, and unlikely comebacks. I have never forgotten the people who helped me keep moving forward. They became part of the story too—the proof that even after the curtain falls, the show is not always over. 🎭✨
       
>>>>>May 22
What is it you say first thing in the morning? Oh, ha… “Good morning.” Funny how those two little words can set the tone for an entire day. Sometimes they are spoken with energy and optimism. Other times, they come out half-asleep, mumbled through tangled hair, aching muscles, and a desperate search for tea. ☕😄
   
But maybe there is more power in those words than we realize. Every morning is a small restart button. A fresh juggling toss into the air. Another chance to stand up, shake off yesterday, and step back into life—whether we feel ready or not.
   
Some mornings feel exciting. Others feel heavy. Yet the sun keeps showing up like the world’s most reliable stage manager, pulling back the curtain and whispering, “Alright, kid… your scene again.” And there we are, blinking at the spotlight, trying to remember our lines.
   
So yes… “Good Morning”. Two simple words. But hidden inside them is hope, possibility, resilience, and the stubborn little decision to begin again. And honestly? Beginning again may be one of the greatest skills a person can ever learn. 🌅✨
   
Every Thursday, I give this blog one last editorial scan. Miner changes make a good end result. Just a comma here or there can change much that is written. I’m enjoying the writing. I hope you are enjoying the reading.
     
Breakfast finally rolled in around 8:40 — fashionably late once again. At this point, even the toast seems to be running on “island time.” 😄 As for the schedule? It never showed up at all. Somewhere out there, I imagine it wandering the halls like a lost tourist with no map and no sense of urgency.
   
Life here sometimes feels like a parade with no route, no drum major, and absolutely no hurry, yet the clock keeps ticking, the carts keep squeaking, and the day keeps rolling forward anyway. Still, the sun came up, coffee exists, and I’m here — writing, thinking, laughing a little, and doing my best to juggle the chaos with style. 🎪✨
     
I was a little late — which, around here, seems to put me right on schedule. 😄 I wandered into Game Group and found everyone gathered around a simple children’s game called Sequence. Cards and chips were flying everywhere.
   
I stayed for a few minutes, watched the cards and colored chips fly around the table, smiled politely at the action, and then decided it was time to hit the road. Some games pull you in… and some gently escort you right back out the door. Bye-bye.
     I’M STILL SAYING TO MYSELF—GET ME OUTTA HERE !
At 11 a.m., there’s something on the schedule called “Red, White and Beautiful Art Group.” If you know me, you already know arts-and-crafts hour is probably not my natural habitat. 😄 Still, I may wander in, investigate the situation, and report back from the front lines of glitter, glue sticks, and patriotic construction paper. Stay tuned.
     
So I went down, and sure enough, I was right. Each person was handed a red, a white, and a blue crayon and told to draw something connected to the holiday — and you can probably guess which one. 😄 Somewhere between kindergarten art class and patriotic masterpiece, history was being made one wobbly crayon line at a time.


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PART3–BLOG 378–​BREAK THE SCRIPT
     
Starting back at Collier Junior High School in San Diego, I loved being in plays. In 1976, I was featured as a juggler in Carousel, and that single performance gave my young juggling life a tremendous boost. For a teenager obsessed with juggling, stepping onto that stage felt like someone had suddenly turned the lights brighter on my future.
 
The show took place at the legendary Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park — officially home to the San Diego Civic Light Opera. The Starlight Bowl once filled warm summer nights with music, laughter, Broadway magic, and yes… flying juggling clubs and torches? 🎪✨
   
Originally built as the Ford Bowl for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, the 3,500-seat amphitheater became one of San Diego’s great traditions. Audiences gathered under the stars while performers sang, danced, acted, and occasionally battled one unexpected co-star: airplanes.
   
You see, the theater sat directly beneath the flight path to San Diego Airport. And when a roaring jet thundered overhead, the show could not continue. The actors froze in place. The singers stopped mid-note. The orchestra paused. The entire production literally had to BREAK THE SCRIPT.