tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post5760922325377030190..comments2024-02-08T03:19:48.451-07:00Comments on Box Canyon Blog.com: Oh Brother Where Art Thou...Box Canyon Blog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-25202475185513739722013-09-17T07:04:15.131-06:002013-09-17T07:04:15.131-06:00Nina,
Some siblings are practically inseparable th...Nina,<br />Some siblings are practically inseparable throughout their lives, and then there is the other side...where the "slip away." Not sure what happens to make the difference; we are complicated. I think it can be overcome if we are mindful of it. The clock ticks...<br />thanks for your input and story,<br />mark Box Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-46570931951488883032013-09-16T23:23:16.272-06:002013-09-16T23:23:16.272-06:00Another deeply thoughtful post. I feel what you fe...Another deeply thoughtful post. I feel what you feel on time..try very hard to live in the moment..squeeze the most of what time we're given. It's an on-going battle. And I feel what you feel about my own brother. So very different are we that I often feel like he is slipping away. I do try and keep the bond, but don't know if it will survive time. And there it is again :)<br />NinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-54369572479237077622013-09-16T20:23:38.449-06:002013-09-16T20:23:38.449-06:00Howdy Bobbie(my mother's name) & Mark,
Ver...Howdy Bobbie(my mother's name) & Mark,<br />Very good blog and story.. I too have an older brother(13yo) who left before I knew him and when here returned he had a 'BOSS, who didn't care for anyone but HERS... He was 'thrown-up' to me all of my life, as he got a degree, a FEDERAL JOB and MADE SOMETHING OF HIMSELF... Still he was MY 'big' brother and I cared for him; he is now 90yo and she still OWNS him... He may out-live her and I'll get some time with him, MAYBE !!! Our younger brother is a stranger to everyone, with a BOSS, also... I try to be kind, but I don't get much of a chance.. <br />Be proud of Dan, as he has made a place for himself, in this world; you have a wonderful life too, so, don't let his success bother you any... Prestige, power and money can't purchase a heart-full of happiness....<br /><br />Hope the snows don't catch y'all sittin' on the mountain and y'all have quite a few HAPPY DAYS !!!!butterbeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10175812283517686524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-56174085137425420872013-09-16T18:16:16.188-06:002013-09-16T18:16:16.188-06:00Steve...now don't go pressuring me any more th...Steve...now don't go pressuring me any more than I'm pressuring myself :)<br />I had planned to pick up my neglected watercolor brush this winter. 250 million pennies is a Lotto Jackpot (2.5 million). we could split it and be good to go. I hope you do see about camp hosting up Camp Bird Road next summer! Boonie has the phone number :)<br />thanks,<br />markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-82291754089167085792013-09-16T18:10:32.942-06:002013-09-16T18:10:32.942-06:00I appreciate your thoughtful comment, E., more tha...I appreciate your thoughtful comment, E., more that I can express. You and the other commenters reinforce that I'm not "crazy," that I'm not the only one who feels that "Time keeps on slippin' into the future," to quote Steve Miller, the older I get. And it's not so much all the shit I want to get done that bothers me the most, it's all the things I've overlooked—left undone—and unsaid. Our "gift," as you say, has an expiration date, and we can't read that label cause it's on the inside.<br />and "rewarding?" Thank you for that.<br />mark Box Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-21016542373048476662013-09-16T10:42:53.096-06:002013-09-16T10:42:53.096-06:00-Mark-- I see another book comment here at BCB-- I...-Mark-- I see another book comment here at BCB-- I see progress on that during rainy days in Goldies writing office this winter- You might even be able to find a few photos taken over the years-- Do not mean to be a thorn in your writing career-- BUT as your marketing manager I do have to think about making a retirement living - If J patterson can sell 250 million books ---penny a book??? have to figure that out- and of course those authors are going with co-authors now-- (Boonie?) Walden Creek RVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16310833854911791558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-68311592047620758492013-09-16T09:26:25.388-06:002013-09-16T09:26:25.388-06:00Dammit Mark you've done it again, like Suzanne...Dammit Mark you've done it again, like Suzanne there's moisture forming in the creases of my eyelids. But don't you dare apologize for it, this isn't the first time, I'm sure it won't be the last and we all come here voluntarily.<br /> <br />Time is the only thing we "have" but really time has us. We can't, speed it up, slow it down, or control it in the same way we attempt to assert control over other aspects of our lives. Maybe that's part of what knocks us off our feet when we pause and realize "has it really been THAT long sine I've seen that person, been to that place, since that favorite album came out and on and on". Time is indeed precious. It is infinite to the broader world and yet a wholly finite quantity for us upright bipeds. I think it's that duality, especially the unknown quotient, which really stops and gives us pause. We can hang a calendar on the wall, strap a watch to our wrist, use the sun and the moon to track it's ever forward march but in the end we are all passengers. Yes time is precious, it is a gift. A gift we sometimes begrudgingly accept. A gift we ever attempt to do the best with.<br /><br />The time we spend here at BCB is rewarding, thank you for that. E Runshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11588445200451971067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-22641137341044710922013-09-16T07:04:50.138-06:002013-09-16T07:04:50.138-06:00Kelly...and "work," you forgot work. Tha...Kelly...and "work," you forgot work. That puts holes in "Bucket Lists" too. :(<br />I think one can "have their Bucket List and eat it too," so to speak. We need to just get family on board to do it with us...which means compromising here and there. But it would be so much more fulfilling and fun, like your trip to Germany with Mikey. :)<br />Ok, maybe not all family members :0 Ha!<br />Thanks, Kel,<br />U. mark.Box Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-66226858194384079722013-09-16T07:00:26.577-06:002013-09-16T07:00:26.577-06:00Sheila,
You really said it, "our choices make...Sheila,<br />You really said it, "our choices make up who we are." Nice, and thank you.<br />markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-2241058610972120592013-09-16T06:58:45.498-06:002013-09-16T06:58:45.498-06:00Yes, maybe too "personal." Maybe it belo...Yes, maybe too "personal." Maybe it belonged more in my diary than blog post...<br />Too late now.<br />thanks, <br />markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-64129460941427723762013-09-16T06:57:08.341-06:002013-09-16T06:57:08.341-06:00That is a motivational force, "time." It...That is a motivational force, "time." It should frighten us out of our "ruts," but we do what we do and let the chips fall sometimes. This story was as much a reminder to me as anyone else. <br />It's great that you rekindled a relationship with your brother. I had a deal with my brother that we would retire and travel together in the year 2000. Well, we kept our end of it...<br /><br />One book is already written for the most part...all that needs to be done is collect the short stories of family, childhood, and travel that I've written over the past 6 or 8 years and publish them in the right order...sort of an autobiography. :0<br />Thank you, Ingrid,<br />mark Box Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-88419271633536659182013-09-16T06:48:30.323-06:002013-09-16T06:48:30.323-06:00Jim...I cut it in half and it was still too long :...Jim...I cut it in half and it was still too long :(<br />But it needed to get out.<br />thank you.<br />Box Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-73040771985859386622013-09-16T06:46:44.150-06:002013-09-16T06:46:44.150-06:00Spotted Dog,
Thank you S. D., I can tell you are &...Spotted Dog,<br />Thank you S. D., I can tell you are "one of us," or vice versa :)<br />It's not always an easy yoke , but someone has to wander.<br />thanks, markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-48308444608921034842013-09-16T04:42:43.253-06:002013-09-16T04:42:43.253-06:00Funny, I've been thinking a lot about time run...Funny, I've been thinking a lot about time running out and the conflict of interests between my bucket list and family. Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10420867831575943368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-5197631388876960262013-09-15T19:11:26.816-06:002013-09-15T19:11:26.816-06:00Beautiful post. Each life is different, each life ...Beautiful post. Each life is different, each life is our own to live as we want. Life is full of choices and those choices make up who we are. Your beautiful tribute to your brother speaks of your kind heart. Who knows you just might be happier than he.Sheila at WolfSongBlog.Comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05794935906093826368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-58578396815205904802013-09-15T18:49:16.065-06:002013-09-15T18:49:16.065-06:00Thanks for sharing a more personal part of your li...Thanks for sharing a more personal part of your life. Glad you were able to reconnect with your brother. You never do know what tomorrow brings. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10853924678665624403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-85441897884859494172013-09-15T16:19:30.174-06:002013-09-15T16:19:30.174-06:00I can so relate to that "time" thing. I ...I can so relate to that "time" thing. I think that's what had Al and me jump into this lifestyle....the sands of time and loss of family members. Rekindling a relationship with my brother has been great. We've spent more time together in the last two months than we have in the last thirty years. Great post Mark.... you know there's a book in you AND you live with a talented artist whom I'm sure could be coursed into a few illustrations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-88999211549355516052013-09-15T15:16:02.926-06:002013-09-15T15:16:02.926-06:00A very interesting and well told story. Thanks Mar...A very interesting and well told story. Thanks Mark.<br /><br />JimJim and Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13982110996137470496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-64185557190041072652013-09-15T14:28:04.353-06:002013-09-15T14:28:04.353-06:00Mark, I too am a functional first-born, and my mom...Mark, I too am a functional first-born, and my mom was a Johnson. Maybe we somewhere way back inherited the same gypsy genes?<br /><br />Great post - well done!Spotted Dog Ranch:https://www.blogger.com/profile/15734250215386335527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-86961159580352697072013-09-15T13:29:21.737-06:002013-09-15T13:29:21.737-06:00Yes, it is familiar. Words to live by, and this ti...Yes, it is familiar. Words to live by, and this time I'll keep it on the fridge. <br />Thanks Scamper :)<br /><br />PS Still raining here...delaying progress on the solar panel install :((<br />markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-18505850165619129302013-09-15T11:08:42.284-06:002013-09-15T11:08:42.284-06:00That's when it hurts. That's the potential...That's when it hurts. That's the potential regret I was talking about. It's not too late, but then again, if it's "toxic," I understand...but I'm sure it still hurts around the holidays and other occasions. <br />Thanks for your thoughtful comment, and sharing the "other side."<br />markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-56389036444847319612013-09-15T10:58:34.393-06:002013-09-15T10:58:34.393-06:00I understand the "awe," and at the same ...I understand the "awe," and at the same time feeling like you walk in the shadow of someone whose heights you know you won't reach...primarily, for some reason, they don't appeal, tho you respect those accomplishments immensely. And thus, I too wouldn't change a thing.<br />thanks, markBox Canyon Blog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032055509766739436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-88017078883105734262013-09-15T10:50:39.715-06:002013-09-15T10:50:39.715-06:00Sorry for the long comment but this came to me whi...Sorry for the long comment but this came to me while reading your post. ( I believe I emailed you this several years ago) -scamp<br /><br /><br />Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"<br /><br />Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-69887905616766616662013-09-15T10:47:59.481-06:002013-09-15T10:47:59.481-06:00I have two older brothers. I cut off both relation...I have two older brothers. I cut off both relationships in 2007. Our differences were just too hard to continue ~ it became too toxic.<br /><br />Reading your post makes me sigh ... a good sigh. Even though you are different you share love and that's very cool.<br /><br />I don't know if I'll ever reconcile... They were both my heroes in my younger days. life... what would we do without it.<br /><br />Loved this post, Mark...Carolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03663919207326700505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4134981800236544647.post-75696066221167248852013-09-15T10:45:19.246-06:002013-09-15T10:45:19.246-06:00Well, I would say both Johnson's are pretty im...Well, I would say both Johnson's are pretty impressive in their own diverse ways. My only brother was 13 years older, and I never felt close but always in awe. I was the rebel, the runaway, the explorer. He was the pillar of home and community. Interesting, but I wouldn't change my lifestyle for anyone's!stillhowlynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10696527643571126874noreply@blogger.com