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.

Day 6 Beautiful Things

During the pandemic, this place brought me so much joy. Although I don’t visit as often due to my career change, I made time to stop by on my way home from work to reconnect with this special spot.

Day 5 Beautiful Things

I’ve passed by this sculpture countless times this summer. Named Playtime, it reminds us to prioritize relaxation and joy over work and stress. I particularly love its placement with the historic State Theatre in the background.

Day 4 Beautiful Things

You just know it was only a matter of time before a picture of my adorable dog made an appearance. I used to be a die-hard cat person, never thought I’d have a dog. But guess what? Things change, and now I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Day 3 Beautiful Things

I used to work in downtown Sioux Falls over twenty years ago. Back then, the area was pretty rundown and deserted, especially after dark. I remember a particular day at the office when the senior partner, an incredibly visionary individual, asked us a thought-provoking question. “Do you know what really brings people to downtown areas?” After a few failed guesses, he revealed the answer: public art. It’s the vibrant art that draws people to downtowns and city centers. Sculpture Walk burst onto the scene a year or two later, and downtown was immediately rejuvenated into a dynamic, secure, and thrilling hub of activity!

I took a break from work today and decided to walk along part of Sculpture Walk, which is now celebrating its 21st year. I stopped at several of the sculptures, admiring their beauty and intricacy. One particular sculpture caught my eye. It’s titled “and…” and the artist intends for it to symbolize connection and bring people closer together.

Art has the power to be thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and uniquely beautiful. Its unlikely this is last you will see of Sculpture Walk.

Day 2 Beautiful Things

Before I headed back home from the Twin Cities, I was really hoping to fit in a nice outdoor walk. Even though the skies to the north were looking pretty ominous, I decided to brave it. About five minutes into my walk, I reached the pond where I had spotted the ducklings previously (See Day 1 picture). I was so disappointed when I didn’t see them in the water.

As I turned to make my way back to shelter, I caught sight of a lone duck standing near some bushes. Approaching cautiously, I saw the bushes start to rustle. Before I knew it, adorable ducklings were emerging one by one, and I managed to capture a picture of the mother duck and her little ones. Just as I finished, it started to sprinkle, cutting my walk short. Nonetheless, it was a fleeting yet magical moment in an otherwise ordinary day.

Certainly Beautiful Day 1

Let’s always remember to find the beauty in the world, despite its uncertainties. Starting today, I will capture one beautiful thing each day for the next 30 days and share it.

These little ducklings jumped one by one on to this rock in pond. Mom swam close by occassioinly making a noise or two.

As Many With as Without


“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

 

Time is an interesting concept. Today is a day that marks a significant moment in my life. Many years ago, on this day, I was born into this world. As I grow older, I am reminded that each birthday is a precious gift and should be celebrated.

This weekend, I’m just not feeling the birthday cheer. It’s the eighth time my birthday has landed on a Saturday, and it always sends me on a trip down memory lane.

On a beautifully sunny birthday, I was enjoying a morning round of golf with two new friends in a new town. As we strolled off the green of our 12th hole and headed towards the 13th tee, a young man in a golf cart handed me an urgent note from the pro shop. Written in striking red ink, the note read, “Paramedics called. Call your mom at home.”

This was before cell phones became prevalent. As I was at the furthest point on the course from the clubhouse, I rode back to the clubhouse with the young man. While I did not know exactly what had happened, I knew this ride would be a turning point in my life.

As I reached the clubhouse, I called my mother and received devastating news. She informed me that my father had passed away and asked me to return home immediately. It was difficult to comprehend – I had just hugged him less than 12 hours before. It felt like a surreal and heartbreaking moment. The next day was Father’s Day.

I continue to feel a deep sense of sadness about my father not being here. I often find myself wishing he could have met my wife and sons, and for them to have had the opportunity to meet him.

Today feels like a significant turning point. My father has been absent from my life for as long as he was present. In recent years, I’ve pondered how I would feel. I can confirm that little has changed as I write this.

So forgive me if I don’t want to celebrate or play golf this weekend. Maybe I will have a shot whisky or glass of wine in his honor, but there won’t be a party.