Passings

Some things cause you to stop and think ...... about life and your time remaining in this place.

Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols died today.

I was a soon-to-be teenager, watching basketball for the first time and saw Bill Russell and his Boston Celtics on television. I recall him as a goateed last outpost, standing defiant in the key, protecting the basket from anyone who dared invade his territory. Taking on all challenges, even those of bigger and stronger opponents, like Wilt Chamberlain, Willis Reed and Nate Thurmond. Running the floor and blocking shots with rare energy. After his basketball years and while all his contemporaries were passing away, it seemed as if he would live forever. I grew to love the game from those earliest years. His older teammate, Bob Cousy, who played in a time before I started watching and dreaming, is still around. I wonder what he is thinking tonight. 

And Nichelle Nichols .... the main reason I started watching Star Trek and every syndicated, repeated episode of that original series that I've stumbled across since, on whatever seemingly infinite number of cable channels showing classic programming these past two or three decades. I used to argue with my sister over watching Star Trek or The Mod Squad. (Or maybe it was, Here Come the Brides?)  There was only one television in the house and no VCRs back then. No YouTube or complete seasons on dvd, blu-ray, Amazon Prime, etc. You either saw your show on its appointed night or you waited six months for the one replay to come along. There were no visions of a time in the future when you could watch your show on demand or a whim. So, if your sister's favorite show was on at the same time, different channel, well it was a fight. Oh those must have been some tough decisions for my parents .... who to take side with? Maybe this is too much information, but I once had a secret wish that I was a tribble because of Nichelle Nichols.

So I hope it's OK and understood if I'm feeling a little sad tonight.

Vibes

A different kind of vibe in the record store today. The guy working there is usually holding court, passing out free happiness, wisdom and advice on music and life ..... even if no one appears to be listening. Today he was mostly silent.

It caused me to wonder if the world was about to end?

Bizarre Dream Number 4973

"Oh geez!!" .... Whispered with hand on forehead. 

I just awoke from a dream that I was at former Portland Trail Blazer owner, Paul Allen's (R.I.P.) house .... just a regular house and not a mansion, looking to borrow vinyl records from his collection and speaking with a caretaker who invited me to return later for breakfast, when an intense lightning storm passed overheard. I ran outside with my camera, fumbling with the settings while lightning bolts struck the ground all around, unable to get the camera to function for a single photo. Standing a few feet away was a kitten and it suddenly became paramount to get that kitten inside to shelter. Returning outside and the storm that had let up, suddenly resumed along with my awkward handing of the camera. I never did get that photo.

That's been one of my dreams (or perhaps I should say, hopes) for that past five years .... to get a photo of a lightning strike. This evening's sudden dream, perhaps not exactly qualifying as a nightmare, still became a total fiasco.

And then, I remembered .....

Earlier this afternoon, back in real life, I was the beneficiary of a random act of kindness. It was during a lunchtime breakaway from work. I reached the drive-thru window of the fast-food establishment, attempted to hand the window teller my payment and was informed that the guy in front of me had paid for my order. I looked to wave but he was long gone. Almost like he had just vanished in a poof. Now I can't help but wonder if he had a sudden feeling, that something incredibly weird and twilight zone-ish was going to happen to the person in line, behind him, and decided to brighten my day with generosity. 

And speaking of owning the Blazers ..... The owner of the company I work for is rumored to be on site one day next week. I informed my immediate boss that I'm going to approach the owner and request that he purchase the Blazers basketball team. That "surely, he can outbid Phil Knight." I also added that I'm going to ask him to finance a record store in town, let me run it and in that way, rid my current employer (him) of a renegade. 

"Oh yeah, you're a real renegade" was the response. 

A Few Random Notes Before Bed

• You spoke of being spontaneous and taking chances .... That's one thing that stuck with me. Those words are what I'm trying to follow.
• Two record stores, two blocks apart. The stuff of dreams. A road trip and a dream come true. If asked how I spent my vacation, that's what I'm saying. Enough to make me forget about the bookstore.
• The sudden feeling that you already have one of the records you just brought home. And the resulting joy when you discover that the fear was unfounded. 

New Job

Just in case you ever wonder .....

I started the new job on the same day that you stopped talking to me. You who during my decision-making process, urged so vehemently that I accept the offer.

You who was so happy when I informed you of my (possible life saving) decision.

In a matter of two or three hours, I went from being told off and torn apart to being shown my new responsibilities.

I so badly wanted to share the transition with you.

It's easily one of the best decisions I ever made. Likely one that wouldn't have been made without your your concern, care, voice and urging. Oh, I struggled with second thoughts from the moment I started. Second thoughts that lasted about a month. Second thoughts that still occasionally pop up for a brief second or two. But those mostly faded away and it's been near zero stress since. And performing my new duties on my own timeline. 

And feeling free to take a day off when desired. That as they say, is on you. 

Oh I miss certain aspects of my old job and some of the daily supervisory and personal interactions with people, but people still come to me with questions and issues because they know I will help them. That has proved to be important, even vital to me. 

People have asked me how I like the new job and I always credit the lost friend who they know nothing about.

So every now and then, I walk to a spot with unobstructed space, face your direction and say, "thank you."