Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A Little Knidness by Margot Justes



Kindness matters, yet we’ve been seduced by negative commentary, as if appearance, how someone looks, or dresses is the all important gauge of success or relevance. In my book, it is not, kindness, tolerance, and acceptance of others is.

How often do we take the time to just whisper thank you to one in particular. Just a whispered thank you. How often do we count our blessings? How often do we take the time to just relax?  How often do we smile for no reason at all? I think we should, on a daily basis. If we did that, we’d see how lucky we are, because there are always others that are worse off.  

We get on with our daily lives, but most of us are blessed, sure enough we have problems, various ills, issues at work, with friends, at home, all the daily stuff that I call drudge stuff, but it is in fact life.

With age comes wisdom, or at least that is what everyone says. Wisdom to take a breath and say thanks, wisdom to know the difference between what is important, and what is superfluous.

I’ve always had the philosophy that you should do what you can now, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Don’t wait to call family and friends. Don’t wait to be kind, and helpful. Don’t wait to do what makes you happy; take that road trip, read that book, visit that family member or friend.  Stay physically connected to the people important in your life, and don’t let minor disagreements destroy those human connections.

We’re so hooked on those electronic gizmos that we lose sight of what matters. You go to lunch with friends, sit down and start texting.  Wasn’t it the idea to go to lunch with friends-sans the electronic equipage-is it really that important to answer that text? Don’t we get a break, maybe more to the point do we want that break? I know I do. Am I missing something, or is it just the age difference. You know, the with age comes wisdom adage.

Last week, I was walking out of Macy’s and a young thing bumped into me at the door, she didn’t even know I was there, didn’t look up, just plowed ahead. She was busy texting, and what was more telling, she didn’t even apologize. Must be the age thing again. To me kindness, and manners are important, they represent a civilized and thoughtful approach to our dealings with each other. It should not be that difficult.

On that note, take a breath, be thankful, and let's be kind to others.

Cheers,
Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Hotel in Venice
A Fire Within
Blood Art
www.mjustes.com

Monday, July 4, 2016

Easy Does It by Margot Justes















An easy way to travel-that has been my mantra now for many years. Air travel is not for the weak of heart, it has become at best unpleasant. I have decided that unless  there is a need to cross the pond, as in the Atlantic, or Pacific for that matter, or cross country, day trips by car will suit me just fine.

Since my retirement from my paying job, that is what has been done. My bucket list has grown immeasurably since I moved, and I keep adding to it. In the Midwest, everything seemed so far away, now there is so much within an easy six or ten hour drive.

In the meantime I have seen quite a bit more of this country since I moved, and hopefully will see a lot more.

Europe still calls to me, as do other parts of the world, and happily my horizons have expanded. Next year, if things go well, there is a plan forming to cruise to Hawaii and the South Pacific. I have never been to that part of the world, and the cruise will make it rather easy.

Cruising  works for me, I pack and unpack once, I see as much as time will allow, and then sail leisurely to the next port. All cares are swept away.

The flight to Los Angeles will be reasonably short, in this case the drive is not practical.  I’m excited about the possibility of seeing another part of the world that is totally foreign to me. I’ll post updates on my progress.

In the meantime, I’ll share a few pictures of some of my favorite places-perfect for a summer escape, mountains in Asheville, NC and an ocean breeze from Hilton Head, SC.

Cheers,
Margot  Justes
Blood Art
A Fire Within
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Hotel in Venice
www.mjustes.com