I've never been to a haunted house before. This year I got to actually participate in being part of the cast of the haunted house in Minocqua. This makes me think of a few things. First and foremost, I think about having a good time with the rest of the people working. Second, I think about creating creatures and fear or suspense. Lastly, I can't help but feel bad for the kids that didn't want to go but their parents made them walk through anyway. Makes me wonder about the entertainment industry and how much we spend on it every year. This is only for a couple weeks: coming up is the bigger holiday season.
I know it's supposed to be all about the new things, but I can't help but love to look into the back of the truck and see the bikes. It's getting close to the season of grooming and biking in the winter. Other than the exercise component, there's something about the joy of being the source of the power for this transportation. On a more reflective level, looking backwards is sometimes a great way to plan how you're going to go forward. I spend a lot of time thinking about things I've done and what I've learned from it. We can all benefit a little from looking backwards to see forwards (history project anyone?). Here's some early thinks:
- History supposedly repeats itself - what events can I look at in history that have repeated themselves?
- How can I look at something that was historical and predict how it will affect us again?
- Are there any innovations and inventions that historically existed that were suppressed, lost or forgotten or maybe even advancements that were far ahead of their time?
I took a chance and tried something new. Didn't work out so well but with a little help from some of my SOAR students I was able to give it a shot. It was fun to try and makes me think about trying it out again. How often do we try something, not succeed and say "I can't" and never try again?
A pair of bikes at a lake. Seems like I'm posting about this frequently, but it's something I love to do and don't think I do often enough since school started. Maybe once the winter season starts that will change. It does make me think a few thinks:
- Balance in life - how can we find it and how do wee keep it?
- It's easy in school, work and life to become highly involved with something new. Finding a way to enjoy each and leave time for new experiences is hard. Try and keep an open mind, but don't forget about the things you loved before (it's ok to move on, just keep a few pictures as a memory).
I sure will miss the open water and nice afternoons that summer and fall bring. We're in for a long, cold winter ahead of us. Makes me think of transient lifestyles (snowbirds) and how seasons affect our moods and our outlook. Sometimes all that darkness and cold weather makes us a little cranky. I'm hoping this winter to explore ice fishing, winter biking and show-shoeing a little more. I'll keep everyone posted as it comes along.
One of the things I love about the fall is how different the woods look. This isn't far from my house, but in the summer there's an uncertainty in the woods - the underbrush and vegetation cover up so many of the features that are suddenly revealed once fall comes.
I attended the HCPA performance of DSQ Electric. I fell asleep during the first half (classical) but was wide awake during the second half when they plugged in their electric violins and rocked out to a little Bon Jovi and Led Zeppelin. It's great that we have these kinds of cultural opportunities available right here in Eagle River.
I laughed really hard when I saw this. Even though it's kitsch, it makes me think about animatronics, cultural fads and gearing up for the holiday season. As I'm writing this we're watching The Santa Clause and it's great to see everyone smiling at this silly, fun comedy. Click here to see the video of the dance and song.
I also got to go to class in Wausau on Saturday (no pics) for the CS Discoveries class. The most important part of this day was watching the Singing in Wisconsin performances. Check out the picture, you might see someone you know!
