Remembering When….

   This time of the year always brings back memories for me. As the daylight hours get shorter, the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves on the trees change from greens to reds, yellows, and oranges, it was a reminder that summer vacation was almost over and school would be starting soon. But there were other happenings that often became part of the back-to-school routine. One that was always very exciting was the ‘back to school shopping.’ One could not really prepare for a new school year unless there were a few new clothes, and new pair of shoes and maybe even a new winter jacket. Forget about the new notebooks and the pencils and pens. It was about the clothes. And where did we get those new duds? Why it was the local mall. Where else?

   Growing up in the 1950s and 60s was very exciting for many reasons. But one of those moments was almost always the trip to the local shopping mall. In those years, new shopping malls were springing up all over the place. Northern New Jersey was a mass of shopping centers and outlet stores and it was always exciting when the day arrived to hop into the car and begin the search.

   But looking back as I grew older and my friends and I got my driver’s licenses, I discovered it was not the shopping that was the exciting part. It was hanging out with your friends. Shopping malls back then not only had clothing stores, but also food courts and some even had movie theaters. And let’s not forget about the arcades.

   What was an ‘arcade’ you ask? I’ll let you look that one up on a google search. But what I can say is that they were fun, very entertaining, a great way to waste time and money, and often a good place to find a new friend or maybe even a date for that night.

   For many years shopping malls seemed to sprout up everywhere and were provided places to shop and be entertained for the next several generations. Companies came and companies went, but the malls were able to attract new stores and companies and manage to stay alive and busy. As long as there was back to school shopping there was going to be a need.  Shopping malls had become part of the American culture and society.

   But as often happens, things change. And over time, the look of the local mall and what they offered began to change. The need to shop, whether it be a new pair of jeans for school, a new television to replace that old black and white one, or a sofa for the living room did not change. What has changed is how and where we purchase those items today.

   Today, if I were going back to school and needed to pick up a few things, I could look out the window, see the leaves turning color on the trees surrounding my house and then move to the desk or table, fire up my computer and begin to shop. There is no need to get into the car and drive to the closest mall. The truth is the malls around us have pretty much shut down. You might find a store or two still open, but the guarantee is that there will be plenty of places to park the car. These large building complexes are almost empty these days. And the question now is what will happen to those vacant spaces.

   A bit of very limited research revealed that at several location some of the parking lot areas of these now abandon mall buildings are being transformed into housing complexes. But I am quite sure there are folks out there with some new and exciting adventures for the next generations to come.

   This time of year, despite my age, I often find myself “remembering when…..” The sounds and smells of early Fall always seems to trigger some of those distant memories and I may just go out and purchase a new pair of jeans, just to help keep the memory alive. By the way. My new shoes just arrived through the mail from Amazon. 

 

Positive Thoughts Lead to Positive Outcomes

 

   It was my usual early morning coffee. I had not turned on the news yet but began to review some of the latest posts and articles on my cell phone. It did not take me long to begin to sense that this day had the potential to provide some hidden meanings and messages and some ideas and lessons about life in general. Many of the posts and articles seemed to address the many challenges people are facing in today’s world and the need to stay strong and determined to remain positive, for it is that positive attitude that helps us to get through each day and move forward into tomorrow.

   When I logged on to my Facebook page, one of the early entries was a post that had been written several year ago by a new police officer who recently moved to our community to continue her career. And although the original post was about two years old, she had reposted it to share the message that, no matter where or when, it remains important strength and power are key to remaining positive about life, regardless of the struggles we may face.

   The following, with her permission, was what she had posted after a difficult and challenging time.

     “I was speaking with a very wise, very respected, very genuine, long time State Trooper tonight about the past week and a half. He commented how incredible it was to hear me in such an upbeat and positive mood given everything I’ve recently been through. I told him, I have to stay positive! It’s how good things get done. It does nothing for me to be sad. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had several moments like that over the past 10 days. I think I cried 4 times on Tuesday alone! I even choked up when talking to him tonight about how grateful I am to GET the opportunity to go back to the academy, because it has become clear that death could have been a reality.  But think about it…when you’re sad, when you’re dwelling in that negative space, how often does “Nothing go right? Being sad, being miserable. That accomplishes NOTHING! It’s EASY to be sad, it takes ZERO effort to have self-pity. But it takes POWER, it takes STRENGTH to have positivity! That POWER, that STRENGTH is the fuel we use to FIGHT to LIVE! It’s ok, even healthy, to have those moments of sadness, of “I can’t do this”, of “Why me?”. But make sure to turn that “I can’t do this” into “I can do this!”. And turn that “Why me?” into “Because I can handle it, that’s why me!” #choose positivity #strong in mind strong and body #control your mind #dont let it control you. Positive thoughts equal positive outcomes.”

   Each day there are people who must face difficult and trying situations. Some of those people we know, some are our closest friends or even family members and some we will never know. But we may still see the sadness on their faces and the tears and sorrow in their eyes. But whether we know them or not, the message remains the same. Positive thoughts can and do lead to positive outcomes.

   Now those results may not be as we had originally planned or had once hoped. But the truth is that the results may turn out to be far better than one had anticipated. The message in this early post this morning can show the power and strength to move, from “I can’t do this” or “why me” to that of a better understanding of who each of us really is. Positive thoughts can and do lead to positive outcomes.

   Since Erica has moved to town and become part of the local police department, she has assumed several new roles and responsibilities, including becoming the community resource officer. This position puts her in the local schools on a daily basis, providing help, assistance and often comfort to the students as the navigate the challenges and struggles of growing from childhood to becoming an adult and based upon her own personal experiences and the life she has chosen, she has proven to be a great role model of understanding.

  

 

 

Country Roads…Take Me Home

   For those of you not familiar with Maine, you can crisscross the state on numerous country back roads, roads that seem to go from nowhere to nowhere. Sure we have the major highways, at least running north and south. But to experience the true character of Maine one only needs to spend a bit of time touring places like T 16 R14 or Square Lake (T16 R5) to get the real flavor of Maine. I'm not talking about the sweet taste of a freshly cooked lobster or clams direct from the ocean. I am talking about what you do when you are lost and have no idea where in the world you are or how to get home.

   Now before you all suggest that I type my location into my cell phone, I need to remind you that there are still many areas in the back woods of Maine void of cell service and besides, it only works if I remembered to take it off the dining room table and bring it along. And what is that new expression.....'out of cell out of mind!'

   It started out as a beautiful ride on this cool Fall morning. The colorful foliage provided a fantastic contrast to the blue sky and puffy white clouds. A few left turns here and then a couple to the right and I was deep into the Maine woods. As it got closer to lunch time, I decided it was time to head back, but which way was back.

   Here are a couple of facts to remember. There are very few street or road signs in most of the Maine woods. Keeps the state budget down. There are very few houses and not much other traffic. And most important, regardless of which way you turn, everything looks the same...trees, trees, and more trees.

   After driving for a few more miles in what seemed like circles, I was surprised to come upon a very small general store. The sign in the window said 'General Store' for all your local shopping needs.

   Several men stood by the counter, drinking coffee and discussing the local politics and of course, the weather. The lady behind the counter was rearranging the boxes of shotgun shells and neatly folded blaze orange hunting vests. The vests appeared to be the 'one size fits all' model.

   I wanted to act 'cool' and not seem like someone from away so after pouring myself a cup of coffee and grabbing a Ring Ding off the shelf I casually said....

“I spent a bit too much time taking in the beautiful scenery and I am running a bit late. Can you guys give me directions for the quickest way back to the interstate?” I think the word that gave it away was ' interstate.' They knew I was not a local.

   The first to reply simply responded by saying...” turn around and go back the way you came.” That was easier said than done and I confessed I had not really been paying attention.

   The second offered more detail. “Take a left out of the parking lot. Go about three miles to the big oak tree on the corner of the 'ole Warren place. Take the next right. If you pass the dead deah (that's deer for those of you from away) carcass on the side of the road, you've go too far. Turn around and take the next left. Follow that road to the next 'fillin' station.

   At this point the lady behind the counter asked...” Which way ya headin' on the interstate, north or south? There is an easier way to get there 'pending on which way you're going.

   “South'” was my response.

   “Figures,” was her's. “Could tell just by the brand-new boots on your feet. L.L.Bean ?”

   For the next few minutes the three argued as to the best route to send me so I could get to where I was heading.

   The final directions included a turn at the local sand shed, keeping to the right at the twin forks, staying to the left of the old log cabin and keeping an eye out for the horse barn surrounded by the white fence. “When you get there, you're getting close.

   “Need a box of shells?” she asked.

   “Nope. Not this trip.” Like I could find my way back there!

   I “thanked” them for their help, paid for another Ring Ding and started out on the journey. Much to my surprise, within an hour or so I was back on the interstate and heading for home.

   With the advent of the 'Garmin' and the cell phones, provided you are within reach of a signal, the need to be able to ask and be given directions is quickly becoming a dying art, especially if the directions include a bit of the local flavor, whether it be a bit of “down-east' or southern Aroostook county humor.

   And as I got into my car, I could hear the three of them laughing. “He probably has never held a shotgun and doesn't even know what a box of shells is used for!!”