cheerfulmonk.com

The Other Coast

What motivates you?

July 10. 2026

“Do you like it? I made it just for you.”

I saved that quote years ago and came across it a couple of days ago. The idea is instead of just training ourselves to notice and be grateful for the little things in life that touch us — the morning light coming through the window, the sound of birds, the feeling of a gentle breeze brushing your cheek — treat them as precious gifts someone made just for us. Can you picture yourself saying that? If so, what do you think your reaction would be?

When I use that sentence I feel loved, cherished, and cared about. So I would be a fool not to use it more. But I know we’re all built differently and some tools work for some people and not for others. For instance, affirmations are powerful for me, and a lot of people say affirmations make them feel worse — instead of empowering them, affirmations make them feel inadequate.

So what about you? Would “Do you like it? I made it just for you.” work for you too?

July 9, 2026

B. C.

July 8, 2026

I was looking for an old post yesterday, but I couldn’t find it. I came across this one from 2019 instead:

Friday evening we received a package from Amazon containing three thermometers. We checked to be sure we hadn’t ordered them, but no. Eventually Andy remembered that one of the pups had chomped on one of our thermometers up on the land and destroyed it, so he figured they must have been sent by Torben and Kaitlin.

Sure enough, Torben had ordered them. Why three? Because, he said,

I figure Tempi will eat them eventually.

It pays to be realistic and plan ahead.

I’m afraid Tempi is much more sedate now. Kaitlin and Torben got her in 2016, so she’s over ten years old. She mostly prefers the couch to getting into mischief.

July 7, 2026

Yesterday for me it was the link Angus gave to this video,

I love it because

1. Auld Lang Syne is one of my favorite songs, and
2. I love St. Andrews. Kaitlin did her junior year there so I spent a long weekend there that November when I had a business trip in Germany, and Andy I went there for a week during her spring break. We have some wonderful memories.

Since the videos show the students celebrating Robert Burns Night, I looked up some of his writings. I was already aware of

Oh would some power the gift give us,
to see ourselves as others see us!

and

The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men,
Gang aft a-gley,

But this one surprised and impressed me:

While Europe’s eye is fix’d on mighty things,
The fate of empires and the fall of kings;
While quacks of State must each produce his plan,
And even children lisp the Rights of Man;
Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention,
The Rights of Woman merit some attention.

Burns lived from January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796. So he wrote it about the time Abigail Adams was telling John to “remember the ladies” when they were creating a new government here in America. (Not that John listened.)

So yesterday was a deeply happy day, rich with connections. Thanks to the internet and my iPad and computer — my windows to the world.

July 6, 2026

The Other Coast

July 5, 2026

Pexels

April 19, 1775 — “the shot heard round the world,” the start of the Revolutionary War.

July 4, 1776 — the idea that was, and still is, heard “round the world.”

The Declaration of Independence did three things: it announced separation from Britain, it justified that separation, and it grounded politics in human rights rather than royal authority. It claimed that all people are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, and that legitimate governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

How to do that, and even whether it is a good idea, is an ongoing challenge and debate. There will always be powerful interests opposing it, but it’s a document and idea worth celebrating.

Happy 250th Anniversary!

July 4, 2026

Angus in Scotland is one of the bloggers I follow every day. In yesterday’s post he talked about one of the farmer’s sons who had come to America for the World Cup games. Angus tells us what the teen said about his experience and ends the segment with,

The six village lads experienced nothing other than unfettered kindness which is, when you think about it, the most reassuring thing anyone can say about America (and the world) today. They can hardly wait to go back.

I’m going to savor that for a good, long time.

July 3, 2026

Speed Bump

July 2, 2026

Another light package came yesterday.

Again, the picture showed our apartment number, which could have been helpful. Also notice the package was placed partly under the door mat. That could also have been useful if it had been windy.

I said the delivery was great, and that it was delivered with care. (They don’t let me be more specific.)

Little things can make a big difference.

July 1, 2026