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Thinking about the past, present and future

I’m in yet another transition period. Compared to so many of my friends, I seem to spend more time reflecting on transitions than most. I like to think it’s my thoughtful nature, but it quite likely simply stems from my plethora of insecurities.

Today I fit in time for an evening walk. The heat made it a bit less delightful, but otherwise it was fantastic. Walks are times for me to get exercise. My mind gets clear, my head empties of the running rambling commentary echoing about my mental recesses.

While walking (and listening to Debbie Millman’sDesign Matters” podcast), I got to thinking about my different blogging platforms. For some time, I’ve felt I’ve overdone my blogging presence. So I’ve drawn back quite a bit. I’m now down to three sites: this one, Not Just Seattle and QuestionsAll, my poetry blog. And now I struggle. Each site has cost, with hosting, domains and, of course, upkeep time. Each one has its own success. Poetry gets the most consistent readership, more WordPress followers, and far more “likes”, my main source of engagement. Not Just Seattle gets higher page views, at least for the more popular posts, and has the most subscribers. Then there’s this site. It’s not the most well read of my sites, very few subscribers, but it’s my name. I guess that’s the most “me” there is. It’s the highest ranked page for my name on both Google and Bing (note: on Google, this site comes up on page 2, since this other Carl Setzer, who opened a brewing business in Beijing, getting featured in such publications as Forbes and Fortune, has stolen so very much of my SEO).

Each site gives me something, fills me with elements of joy. My personal challenge, though, is to streamline my sites. The goal: one site. I’m starting to think that’s a foolish dream. Yet I would like to lower my spend some. Of course, I could focus ways on making the sites cover their expenses. Hmmm….

I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Do you prefer one of my sites over the others?

I do appreciate my readers oh so very much! You all mean the world to me.

Wishing each of you joy and peace.

Remember that we have the power to pursue joy

Antidote to fear 

Focus on the positive

Create your own joy 

Resisting Rage’s Allure

I try to resist 

Our culture’s lusting for rage

Focusing on light

A Monday Morning Haiku 

This new day begins

Filled with opportunity

As the daylight grows 

The Flower’s Voice

As summer begins

Plenty of sunshine and warmth

A flower’s voice heard

A Father’s Day Haiku

Father's Day Haiku June 17, 2108

 

A joyous privilege

To watch these children grow up

Perhaps be helpful


Fatherhood is an amazing privilege. Watching, not just my son, but all these kids around him, grow into these interesting and amazing young men and women fills me with pride and wonder.

Sleeping Through The Night Is A Wonderful Thing 

Darkness fades to light

Though I missed this while I slept 

Blessed my restless mind 

Sleeping solidly through the night is such a wonderful thing. With the mania of modern life, it’s also somewhat rare. 

A Video Recommendation: Anything Worthwhile Takes Time

As I’m want to do, and have received a modicum of fame for, let me start with a haiku:

Such a simple phrase:

“Anything Worthwhile Takes Time”

Not the common view

I’ve long followed Ms. Millman: somewhere around 7-8 years. A long time. And, considering the modern view of time, a VERY long time. Lot’s changed over that time. Especially me. As I keep moving forward, keep learning, keep trying to be better, I become better.

Daylight’s Motion

Daylight moves slowly

Gently across the park’s grass

Dew disappearing

Awake Too Early

My relentless mind 

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p style=”font-family:"”>In perpetual motion 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Sleeping’s a challenge 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Awake against my will

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p style=”font-family:"”>Dreaming of dreaming 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Longing for slumber 

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p style=”font-family:"”>The machinery of my mind 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Psychological cogs churn and spin 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Whirring hum of my soul