pondering again: The Upcoming Weekend - 05/28/20 09:44 AM
 
 
The Upcoming Weekend 
 
We welcome another weekend.  For some it begins on Friday. Maybe even Thursday.  For others, it may start on Saturday.  Of course, there will be those who respond:  "what weekend?" and continue with their normal everyday routine.  
 
A weekend may seem shorter in length than others that have been experienced. Or much longer and more difficult for an assortment of reasons.    
 
Additional thoughts on the subject of weekends sent me on a search of quotes in hopes of greater understanding.  I found some common themes but this one stood out which, in turn, sent me on … (43 comments)

pondering again: And As May Draws To A Close. . . - 05/24/20 10:08 AM
 
 
And As May Draws To A Close 
Some Random Thoughts
 
It's May 26 and although this month still has days left to experience, it is definitely inching its way towards June.  Each month is comprised of many special days and events which range from obscure to commonly known. 
 
My email inbox has reminded me on more than one occasion that May is American Stroke Month - likely not one of the more widely celebrated in May.  I guess that makes me special in some ways but as Groucho Marx allegedly said in reference to something entirely different:  I refuse to join a … (42 comments)

pondering again: On Desirability - 05/12/20 09:55 AM
 
 
On Desirability
 
Yesterday while walking, I decided to turn down a street I don't visit often.  A thought entered my mind about desirability.  Of course, any definition is going to vary by person and by the particular subject.  
 
As thoughts were coming at me in rapid-succession I noticed a building which was in the process of being painted.  Different paint colors were displayed in samples on an exterior wall and other signs of approaching work made it clear.  Desirability and proper preparation are related. 
 
First impressions don't occur without some thought.  Hopefully those initial thoughts become memorable and lasting ones.  … (26 comments)

pondering again: Pondering On Timing - 05/11/20 08:16 AM
 
Pondering On Timing
An Ongoing Series
It Really Is A Topic That Goes On And On 
 
There are many directions the topic of timing can take and discussions it can inspire.  Although it is similar to my post from earlier today  Are We There Yet? the subject brings forward some additional thoughts. 
 
I hope it's not overload as I know pondering often leads to repetition.  Such ideas and concepts have a tendency to bury our brains at times.  
 
First,  on the subject of comedy, we understand humor is quite subjective.  When the right material combines with proper delivery and timing a … (23 comments)

pondering again: Supermarket Sweepstakes - 04/28/20 11:46 AM
 
Supermarket Sweepstakes 
A Pondering Of Sorts
 
I enjoy creativity.  In all forms.  But I was on a mission.  Destination:  the local grocery store.  List prepared.  Subsituations ready.  Just in case.  This wasn't big day grocery shopping.  Just an item or two. 
 
I waited at the store entrance for admittance.  Like a good soldier.  The county-mandated face-covering in place.  Time was of the essence.  No dilly-dallying.  Nothing of the sort. 
 
This particular store has large direcrtional arrows on the floor to allow smooth movement of traffic.  I think it's a good idea.  Organized and orderly.  Especially when people pay attention. You know, there is … (47 comments)

pondering again: Filling In The Blanks - 04/22/20 09:18 AM
 
Filling In The Blanks 
 
As for being a collector of things, that's not a part of me or of my personality.  Things, per se, are not that important but I do like when life offers the opportunity to collect memories. 
 
And it can happen often.  Some may be temporarily tossed aside or saved for safekeeping for a later occasion.  Typically, they don't require much space and they don't collect dust.  They can be used often or "brought out" for special times.  In that regard, they serve many purposes. Multi-functional.  Indeed.
 
Even those bad or not-so-fond memories can be good as well. They … (36 comments)

pondering again: Wake Up And Smell The Coffee - 04/19/20 08:29 AM
 
Wake Up And Smell The Coffee
 
A bit of a different path, found me walking in another direction than I typically take and I passed a condominium building where the unique scent of coffee was quite strong.  Definitely Distinctive.  Presumably(in my mind)it was freshly brewed.  Although I am not a regular coffee drinker, I do appreciate the aroma.  
 
It wasn't just that wisp of a whiff but other things seemed present as well.  Details suddenly became more obvious.  Small and not-so-small.  I noticed and saw more.  Things I had observed in the past suddenly took on a new significance. 
 
Rather than … (36 comments)

pondering again: And Then I Realized. . . - 04/14/20 08:43 AM
 
And Then I Realized. . .
 
It wasn't as if I didn't know or wasn't aware but the realization once again hit me in the face.  Figuratively, of course. 
 
I typically consider myself to be a courteous kind of person.  More rather than less.  Holding doors open.  Letting people pass when it is apparent they are in a hurry.  I participate regularly sharing please and thank you.  Things like that and more. 
 
It's not just the current situation where common courtesy is playing a more visible role but a recent walk made it once again apparent in a way that may … (45 comments)

pondering again: Of Course Change Is Constant - 04/14/20 07:09 AM
 
Of Course,
Change Is Constant
 
Although it has been some time since I have driven past it, I do recall seeing the building since I entered the world many years ago:  that place of my birth.  
 
I was born at St Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles where my mother and her sister were also born.  My younger sister and my five cousins on my Mom's side as well.  Incredidbly enough, each was delivered by the same doctor including my Mom and my Aunt.  My younger brother, the last one born in that group, came along too late as the hospital had closed … (35 comments)

pondering again: On Commonality - 04/13/20 09:59 AM
 
 
On Commonality
 
Finding substitutions are widely evident. Not just now but as a part of history.  Today we may see it more often because of circumstances but it has likely been a part of the conversation of the past.  As we participate in the now and think of the future - you, like me, may ponder.  
 
Yes, it may be common and somewhat expected.  A search on the subject lead me to this quote.  Both it and the author were previously unknown to me which continues to provide insight on a daily basis.  I like that.  Still.   
 
 Probably every person
is some … (37 comments)

pondering again: Back To Normal - 04/12/20 04:31 PM
 
Back To Normal 
 
It's a topic - Normal - that I have previously addressed in posts and in real life.  While that is definitely true, it remains one that is elusive in certain interpretations. 
 
When I hear things are returning to normal, I wince.  As I have previously explored, normal is quite subjective.   Yesterday morning on my first walk of the day, I took a bit different path.  Although it was still in the neighborhood, it was anything but usual.  Many things were not typical of previous walks.  
 
Additionally, we have experienced some recent days with rain interrupting my regular walking … (37 comments)

pondering again: My Pondering Pantry - 04/10/20 07:58 AM
 
My Pondering Pantry
 
 
Recently, I mentioned my "pondering attic" in a post.  It seems Nina Hollander appreciated that term and I think she and Alexandra Ron and Alexandra Seigel may like today's post title even better.  After all, who isn't a fan of alliteration?  
 
I have long noticed how some ActiveRain members have shared random and not-so-random thoughts.  Such posts offer a glimpse of what goes on in the minds of people we primarily "know" virtually.  
 
I have previously shared that I keep a collection of topics in "draft status" as a way of reminding me of potential posts.  Often these are … (42 comments)

pondering again: On The Subject Of Essential But Not Necessarily That . . . - 04/10/20 07:23 AM
 
On The Topic Of Essential
But
Not Necessarily That  
 
It wasn't an unwanted path but it's not exactly the route I had planned.  Detours of all sorts seem to happen.   Disruptions, as we know, are the same.  
 
The idea for this post came to me while scrolling through the ActiveRain blog roll.  Topics of importance may reach out to us for a number of different reasons.  And since each of us is  unique, those reasons will understandably vary.  
 
So many possibilities.  Too many some might say.  Those from the 'more the merrier' crowd might voice their enthusiastic yet opposing opinion.  … (35 comments)

pondering again: While I May Like A Post Or Upvote An Answer. . . - 04/08/20 09:29 AM

While I May Like A Post
Or
Upvote An Answer
(It Doesn't Necessarily Mean I Agree) 
 
Let's face it, the chances of any technological changes of any sort occurring here on ActiveRain are unlikely.  With that in mind, I understand replacing a 'like' for a post I have read or an 'upvote' for an answer with an "I was here" acknowledgment-type message are not going to happen. 
 
That idea was a fleeting one for me a long time ago - it quickly was removed from my thoughts then.   That's okay. 
 
In the meantime, I use both functions in that manner.  Acknowledging.  For … (29 comments)

pondering again: Whoosh There Goes An Onomatopoeia - 04/06/20 07:16 AM
 
Whoosh There Goes An Onomatopoeia  
 
For seemingly no reason, my mind wandered to the word onomatopoeia.   You know words that are pronounced like the sound one might imagine they would make. 
 
Woof.  Meow.  Cock-A-Doodle Do.  Three of many.    Of course, examples extend beyond the animal world.  Words found every day and not-so-often.  
 
I was thinking of the topic of onomatopoeia when I saw yet another clickbait ad.  Both my mind and my  laptop mouse didn't react with an Eek but went in the direction of click.  An onomatopoeia.  The ad and the moment went away in a whoosh.  Gone. Thankfully, … (35 comments)

pondering again: On Familiarity - 04/04/20 11:19 AM
 
On Familiarity
 
There are times where places we visit and people we see may be less visible.  The same is likely true for situations of many kinds.  Understandably, this(these) may be one of those times. 
 
You have probably heard "out of sight, out of mind".  Well, that's another idiom that can be dismissed in my opinion or at least ignored as far as my view on the subject of familiarity for the dicussion here. 
 
This is especially true for me when staying in touch and connected goes beyond interacting face-to-face.  I have read articles, heard examples and personally experienced connections that are continuing to … (31 comments)

pondering again: R-E-S-P-E-C-T - 04/02/20 09:28 AM
 
R-E-S-P-E-C-T 
 
More than just some memorable lyrics and a toe-tapping song by Aretha Franklin.  Respect like many words brings forth a wide range of definitions. 
 
Interpretations as well as examples can be found in dictionaries and sources elsewhere.  Taught by some in all ways of expression and learned in a variety of ways.  Observed. Practiced.  Embraced.  Unfortunately disobeyed at times but let's stay focused on the positive aspects of the word and its meaning.    
 
This world of ours. . .
must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate,
and be,
instead,
a proud confederation of mutual trust and … (40 comments)

pondering again: There Is Something About Marry - 04/01/20 06:56 AM
 
There Is Something About Marry
Yes, I Really Meant Marry And Not Mary 
 
Although I know of the 1998 popular film "Something About Mary"  it's not one I have watched.  However the word "marry" and the concept of marriage bring up a familiar and  somewhat stereotypical springtime occurence that may be missing this year.  Big weddings.  School proms and graduations.  All kinds of events.  All types of celebrations and galas.  
 
But life is filled with disruptions.  Unexpected as well as expected.  If one was to be an expert predicting such things, they might even bring in a discussion of Murphy's Law.  You likely … (42 comments)

pondering again: A Pack Of Porsche - 03/28/20 10:17 AM
 
A Pack Of Porsche 
 
Off I Go Wandering.  Again.  Unlike many ActiveRain members, I am not a hiker. Definitely not in the traditional sense.  I tend to do my exploring in a more urban setting.  My backyard could be defined as the streets of my neighborhood.  Daily, I find much. 
 
A few weeks ago I encountered a pack of Porsche.  I am sure they were ready to pounce.  And nearby, a sleek Jaguar rounded the corner.  Mind you, there are less exotic types as well.  Many.  But they rarely capture the attention of most.  It can be difficult to stand out in a place … (33 comments)

pondering again: Can You Hear Me Now? - 03/27/20 06:47 AM
 
Can You Hear Me Now?
 
 
 
I previously mentioned taking some classes. Two of these are called Step And Steady.  The classes have a goal of improved mobility, better balance and physical endurance through exercise for those  who have experienced brain trauma or a stroke.  All was going well until this month's shutdown order.   
 
Through the wise thinking of administrators and others, the classes have continued meeting online through Zoom.  These along with a communications class in the same program help maintain participation in a classroom-type environment.    
 
Like anything new, the learning curve is part of this different method of instruction.   … (33 comments)

 
Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Pasadena, CA

More about me…

Address: P. O. Box 587, Pasadena, CA, 91102

Mobile: (818) 516-4393

Office: (818) 516-4393

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