Over the weekend, my youngest son paid us a visit. Amidst the excitement of a wedding and catching up with his buddies, he managed to squeeze in some quality time with us. We even hit the golf course for a few rounds. While he’s now a better golfer than I am, we always have a playing together. It’s great to see him thriving and it’s even better to share these moments with him.
Author: HarrisGroup
JMH Blog
Day 15 – Beautiful Things
I’m currently in the midst of the Beautiful Things series, where I intentionally direct my focus towards the beauty that exists in our world. It doesn’t mean that I am disregarding the less beautiful aspects; I am simply taking the time to appreciate the breathtaking moments.
As I was scrolling through social media today, I was reminded of a significant event in my life – the tragic death of Thurman Munson. The day after Munson died in a plane crash, my father flew us to pick up my grandpa in Aberdeen. Then we proceeded to Minneapolis, where the three of us attended a baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the California Angels.
I have three standout memories from that day, as it was my first major-league game. First, there was a moment of silence for Thurman Munson, with everyone standing in unity for a moment. Second, it was one of the first games Rod Carew played against Minnesota after being traded. He pinch hit late in the game and struck out looking. Third, it was a beautiful experience watching the game with my father and grandfather.
I have taken both of my sons to many sporting events, including baseball, football, and basketball. Currently, I am watching a baseball game. Sporting events have the power to create wonderful moments and memories for your loved ones. Also, the grass at a professional baseball stadium is amazing!
Beautiful Things Day 14
Today was an incredible day! While I was getting a haircut, I caught the last 24 laps of the 10000-meter race at the Olympics. It started out a bit slow, but let me tell you, the final two laps were absolutely breathtaking! It was a historic moment as an American athlete secured a medal, a feat only achieved for the third time in 60 years. And get this – 86-year-old South Dakota native, Bill Mills, who won gold in this event, was actually there at the event! It’s amazing to think about his incredible achievement. I even found a stunning video of his 1964 Olympic finish!
Day 13 Beautiful Things
The power of music is undeniable. It has the ability to transform our emotions, making us want to dance and sing. It even has the magical ability to transport us through time by triggering long-forgotten memories.
This year, one of my favorite singers released a new single. Billy Joel has been creating incredible music for over 50 years. His latest single “Turn the Lights Back On” is amazing. Lately, I’ve been really connecting with this particular song. It’s filled with meaningful messages and is just so beautiful. If you want to experience it, you can watch the video by clicking on the link above, or you can take it in by reading the lyrics posted below.
Lyrics
Please open the door
Nothing is different, we’ve been here before
Pacing these halls
Trying to talk over the silence
And pride sticks out its tongue
Laughs at the portrait that we’ve become
Stuck in a frame, unable to change
I was wrong
I’m late, but I’m here right now
Though I used to be romantic
I forgot somehow
Time can make you blind
But I see you now
As we’re laying in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?
Here, stuck on a hill
Outsiders inside the home that we built
The cold settles in
It’s been a long winter of indifference
And maybe you love me, maybe you don’t
Maybe you’ll learn to, and maybe you won’t
You’ve had enough, but I won’t give up
On you
I’m late, but I’m here right now
And I’m tryin’ to find the magic
That we lost somehow
Maybe I was blind
But I see you now
As we’re laying in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?
I’m late, but I’m here right now
Is there still time for forgiveness?
Won’t you tell me how?
I can’t read your mind
But I see you now
As we’re layin’ in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?
I’m here right now
Yes, I’m here right now
Looking for forgiveness
I can see as we’re laying in the darkness
Yeah, as we’re laying in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?
Day 12 Beautiful Things
Hey, check out these two amazing pictures! They capture the same place at different times. The top one was taken by me, and I couldn’t believe it when I saw the bottom one on Facebook yesterday. Both images are absolutely breathtaking. It just goes to show that you can find beauty anywhere, even on Facebook!
Day 11 Beautiful Things
I’ve previously posted this picture on my social media. However, I see this sculpture almost every day. It serves as a reminder of what matters: Be kind. Always.
Day 10 Beautiful Things
I was in downtown Minneapolis about a week ago for a meeting. While waiting, I looked out the window and saw Shindig. Although the name is still on the building, it has been closed for a couple of years, a victim of the pandemic and economic challenges. Most people only see it as an abandoned, closed event center.
It’s a charming venue with a small chapel-like room connected to a slightly larger event space with a bar. It would be perfect for a group of 50-100 people.
Even though most people pass by this place without giving it much attention, I always smile when I see it. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my oldest child got married just before the pandemic. It was a beautiful day with beautiful people, and I have so many wonderful memories from that day and that place.
Day 9 Beautiful Things
Recently, I’ve been spending more time reading things other than the news. I’ve never been a fan of fiction. This past weekend, I revisited Ernest Hemingway’s “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”. It’s been a few years since I last read any of his work, and many years since I read this story.
I was reminded of the beauty of his writing. His clear and concise style brings to life outstanding character development, despite this being a short story. Even though the story was written and set nearly 90 years ago, its themes of courage, masculinity, transformation, and mortality remain relevant today.
As I read, I could identify with the main characters and their challenges. Perhaps that is the essence of literature – to recognize oneself – good, bad, or otherwise – in the characters.
Day 8 Beautiful Things
The picture I want to share isn’t recent. It was actually taken last year. This church holds a special place in my heart as it is located in my hometown, close to my childhood home. As a kid, I never really stopped to appreciate its beauty. But now, having gotten married there, I believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Day 7 Beautiful Things
Today was full of beautiful moments that I wish I could have captured in photos. Instead here is a picture from the past,
I enjoyed a delightful lunch at the new local restaurant called Bibisol, conveniently located just a block away from my office in the historic Carpenter Hotel building. The ambiance was so pleasant, and the food was absolutely fantastic, with perfect portion sizes.
In the evening, I had an amazing dinner at 22Ten! I’ve been here a few times and they never disappoint. I tried the Korean Glazed Pork from the feature menu. The pork was perfectly coated with a sesame onion crumble and served with delicious soy glazed sweet potato and charred bok choy. Presentation was wonderful. Simply delicious!
While enjoying dinner, I delighted in watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris. Witnessing the various countries float down the Seine brought back memories of my visits to Paris and the breathtaking beauty of the city.
Sireadh Toileachas 
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