the phagos blog

I started this post a couple weeks ago, but due to illness and other matters, was unable to complete it at this time. Now that those are behind me, I should be back to posting more regularly than the last month or two.

Last week as I was thinking, one of the things I spent some time thinking about was my nature – what is primal to me, if there are things that are so ingrained in my character, or everyday expression of myself in the world that on some level they are inseparable from who I am. As is frequently the case with most questions of great importance, the answer is both yes and no, and both are true. Let me explain. Read the rest of this entry »

I was thinking deeply last week about some matters that are important to me. I’m sure the location of this thinking session is not big mystery, given my particular affinities. Originally this post was going to be title ‘the power of place,’ but after some reflection I’ve figured out that there’s more to it than just location. It’s a matter of who we are and where we’re at in our lives. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week was the first edition of this year’s Rhythms and Blooms, an event held at the local botanic gardens during the evening after work, when they are normally closed. Last week was a long one for me, due to being so busy both at work and personally. Most people have a place where they slow down and relax, step back and get perspective on things. For me, that happens to be the local botanic gardens, and I love being there at night, because I get different photos than I do during the day. Read the rest of this entry »

So says Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda, along with a number of real life spiritual teachers. This last Friday was a rather long and intense day for me, and illustrative of this point, I think. Which is why I’ve decided to share it with you. Read the rest of this entry »

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend an open source software conference that was being held locally, featuring a number of well known speakers from open source projects and organizations. Like many people there, I found the conference worthwhile, and on some level,inspiring. I’ve been to seminars and conferences on other subjects as well, and found them inspiring as well. Often I find myself thinking, dang, I could be that good if I try. Then I go home and everything goes back to normal, and the idea of greatness is lost until the next time. I want to spend a little time talking about why I think we are inspired to greatness, and what we can do to actually achieve it. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a busy last week and half or so. Last week I was on vacation, and it was great! Since my last blog, I’ve started P90X workouts, worked on an Android app, prepped my garden (I plant seedlings tonight), visited Brookgreen Gardens near Myrtle Beach, visited Edisto Gardens in Orangeburg, went to a movie, rolled a bunch of change and done a lot of housework. I’ve done a fair bit of thinking as well. Read the rest of this entry »

So, if you were paying attention to my last blog post, you noticed that I mentioned doing the P90X workout. Actually, if you’ve followed my blog for more than the last month, you’ll know that my attempt to lose weight has met with limited and temporary success thus far. My goal has been to reduce to 175 pounds, about 25 – 30 pounds less than where I am now. Last year I made it to 180 before getting sick and put it all back on over the next several months trying to get my system to balance back out. Given the way things have been going lately, I’ve decided it’s time for a different approach. Read the rest of this entry »

As I’m writing this I’m a little over 24 hours away from starting my vacation, No, I’m not traveling anywhere, but I won’t be just sitting around the house. I have quite a bit I want to do. Prepping the garden, starting some seeds, some intensive cleaning, doing my new P90X workout, and doing some Android coding – it’s going to be a busy vacation! That’s on top of some motorcycle riding and possibly a day trip or two. It all kicks off Saturday with the spring celebration at Riverbanks followed by the hot party at a friend’s house. It’s not what you think. Read the rest of this entry »

So it’s been 8 days since my 45^th birthday has come and gone. What I described 8 days ago as being unleashed has been more of moderate indifference. While I can’t say things are the same, I really can’t say they’re different either. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it isn’t. Read the rest of this entry »

Today is my birthday.  According to the calendar, I am another year older. Having said that, it’s unimportant, except that I have decided to do something different today, and for the rest of my life.  I have made the decision to live my life the way I want, and today I start putting that into practice.

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