This is a billboard in Tehran depicting the Straight of Hormuz, with a banner that says “Forever in Iran’s Hands,” on Monday. Today, I read that the U.S. military is sending an additional 10,000 troops to join the 50,000 military already in the area.

I don’t see how sending thousands of United States military personnel to that area is our business. Who will benefit from this, and, moreover, why should we put so many personnel in harm’s way in a conflict that really isn’t our Nation’s problem?

This was a Monday. At this exact date in time, I was probably walking the halls of Jefferson High, thinking of when the lunch bell would ring or what my girlfriend, Diana, had in mind after school. Frequently, someone would plan a party in their parents’ garage, so we would look forward to a make-out party disguised as a social gathering, where we would certainly hear these songs over and over. My personal favorite was (and is) “Rebel Rouser” man, that guy could play his Twangy Guitar. Ah, memories – I often hear that song on Spotify – Who knew?

Until recently, I’d never used Facebook Marketplace; it seemed like I lived in a cave, but it was new to me. I needed a printer stand, so I signed up for the marketplace site to see what was available.

Well, I found a terrific one that’s perfect for my space, and it was a genuine bargain. It appears that I visited Bloomingdale’s, and a decorator assisted me. Since then, I often browse the marketplace site, and seeing the items folks put up for sale amazes me.

It’s like looking at people’s closets, garages, and reminders of past wins and losses. A case in point is the increasing number of wedding and engagement rings, bridal attire (worn only once, please), and shoes that look pretty tired out. Yet, the shoes are always offered as “new in the box” despite clear evidence that they are ready for the trash.

It’s fascinating to see the range of goods (and services) offered on the site. For example, just today, I saw a “nearly new” RV that looked like a home on wheels offered at $142,000. A few clicks later, I saw a 2004 SUV for $1,000, and the seller posted this comment: “Actually, the photos make the car look better than it is.” I like that guy.

The site is addictive. It’s like watching QVC beaming from a garage sale. Please don’t think I’m critical of the site: I sold a car on Marketplace in 3 days to a family whose daughter is beginning college, and it was her first car. She was thrilled, and so was I.

As I continue aging, unwanted things appear daily. Sometimes it’s a different creak in an area that was working just fine the day before. Other times, it’s something like forgetting words, places, or events. It happens to me every day and is driving me crazy.

I can discuss anything with someone, from any topic to an activity or even what I’d like for dinner, and, like magic, my thoughts go away. It was as if the switch had gone off, and I had no control over it. It’s so bad that before I say anything, I announce to the person or group that I forget things, and I ask for their forgiveness.

Everyone is polite. I hate it. If I am in a meeting, I write down my comments beforehand and announce all my concerns. Wouldn’t you know that I am the communications chair for my church? Fortunately, in addition to writing things down, I have a spell-check app. So, I’ll update my posts on my blog; at least I am in control of that.

In an earlier post, I wrote about the suicide of a dear friend. As I was writing this, I started thinking about how many friends I have. Is it enough? Should I have more? Are my friends true friends? I am pretty sure my number of friends remains the same for decades. I hear people say, “We are friends on Facebook.” That implies to me they really aren’t actual friends in real life. I only use Facebook for work, and I have 2 friends, which seems plenty to me.

There are things about living in the South that are special and unique. Language, accents, heritage, history, and small country stores are a part of this patchwork of people and places. Stores like this were the supermarkets of the day, serving up bologna sandwiches, shoes, soda, smokes, and gossip.

Everywhere, towns have thrived, died, and returned; a small village in the South reflects generations of relatives, all doing their very best to make do with what they have. Religion, faith, and family form the backbone of the people and towns, although a love for barbecue, high school football, and farm equipment runs a close second.

The family that owns and operates this store has lived in the area for generations. Both the mother and father of the family had limited education. Yet, they ran a very successful business; they encouraged their children to graduate from college, raise families in a tangible, meaningful way, and respect and nurture the land they own.

When the extended family is together for a holiday or celebration, there’s always enough food for more families to join in; no one is ever a stranger to these folks. Even I, a native Californian.

The greatest danger I face today seems to be the time I spend exploring various AI platforms and programs. On the other hand, I am not a fan of television, so I have ample time to see how AI will be beneficial. Every five minutes, there seems to be a new way to create or access AI imagery. I am genuinely seduced by the ways this is integrated into my imagination.

It takes time and patience to crack the first level of AI, whether in imagery or, even better, in copywriting and marketing. I have spent my entire career developing sales and direct marketing programs and countless PowerPoint presentations; AI has the power to change how I work.

Along with the delights of learning and discovering ways to use AI, I began to understand the challenges ahead and concerns about AI products taking away business opportunities for some people. For now, and for me, this is a significant step forward for creativity and learning; every day, I find new, fun, and helpful ways to use AI (like the AI image in this post).

My mom was a diligent note-writer, from thank-you cards to “hello” notes. It’s a habit that trickled down to me, and I am an avid note writer for every occasion. The image in this post came from an article in today’s New York Times about writing notes. One part of the piece said, “Don’t worry that your handwriting is bad. No one is expecting calligraphy.”.. This is good advice. Over time, I have sent hundreds of notes on every topic imaginable. In most of the cards I send, I include a small handful of confetti—just for fun. Try writing a card to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. I’ll bet you will get a response in return.

I haven’t written a post in some time, and when I saw this cartoon, I thought many, many people may identify with this. I am, like millions of others, on this site, leading a normal life, trying our best to live within our means. We don’t have any way to regulate the price of gas for our cars or rising grocery bills.

I live in an area of the South that has rampant unemployment. Countless people are living on a shoestring, and even more have to choose between a food bank and going hungry. Our church tries to keep our Blessing Box full; often, people drive to the boxes and leave to find a place to park for the night.

These people are mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children who don’t know what’s coming next. Not long ago, I read that the unwanted incursion into Iran could cost between $40 billion and $95 billion over two months. That is a stupifying number. My thoughts as I write this are mixed; I am reading a daily devotional that encourages me to understand that The Grace of God can sustain me in the midst of my tougher trials. We all should think about that.

I can’t improve on this comment. It’s beyond realistic to preach to 800 of the most qualified military leaders in the world.