cheerfulmonk.com

I’ve been spending a lot of time this past month on Duolingo. They said Section 8 was the last regular level, once I finished it I would be doing individualized practice. So I was curious. At the rate I was going it would take me about a year to get there, so I dug in and finished yesterday afternoon.

So what happened when I clicked Continue? It turns out they’ve added Section 9, which has 41 levels of new material. Level 8 had only 36. So I’m going back to doing at least a little bit every day. But now I can go back and review any level I like, which includes not just the lessons but a choice of extra exercises to test vocabulary, listening and speaking.

I’m not sorry for immersing myself, I’ve learned a lot. I’m still watching TV with Spanish subtitles every day and I’ve noticed I can understand a lot more of what they’re saying now.

So good for Duo for continuing to add new material, but I won’t be taken in again.

June 8, 2024

gocomics.com/theothercoast

June 7, 2024

Yesterday’s post reminds me of Ginny’s blog, Let Your Light Shine, with the subtitle How I See God in Everyday Life. To me aloha is similar, except it’s more explicitly about making our little corner of the universe more loving and friendly. It’s about what we can do in this sometimes nasty and soul-sucking world. For me it beats getting angry or frustrated or depressed. Sure, there’s a lot we can’t do, and we’ll never do our part perfectly — humility is in order — but for me trying to live the spirit of aloha is a challenge worth working on.

June 6, 2024

Wikipedia says,

Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy, that is commonly used as a greeting. It has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians, for whom the term is used to define a force that holds together existence.

I had heard the term, of course, but I hadn’t thought much about it, or realized its deeper meaning, until I read Tom’s post, Aloha Friday:

What does Aloha Mean?

The true meaning of Aloha is the feeling of
Love, Peace and Compassion.
It’s a guideline of how to live.
A life of Aloha is one when the heart
is so full that it overflows with the ability
to influence others around you with your spirit.

Thank you, Tom!

June 5, 2024

gocomics.com/theothercoast

Life isn’t fair. 🙁

June 4, 2024

gocomics.com/theothercoast

Or a cat or other critter, of course. 🙂

June 3, 2024

This article reminds me of Ann and Sandra.

Most people don’t pick up a coloring book, paintbrush, poetry collection or museum membership for the health benefits — but maybe it’s time to start.

Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
—Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required

I’m not surprised, because

June 2, 2024

on the way home Wednesday evening.

How cool was that?

June 1, 2024

We decided to go up to the land for a picnic supper Wednesday, even though it was overcast. Shortly after we got there the sun came out and everything was bathed in late afternoon golden light.

We even saw a rainbow.

May 31, 2024

Bored Panda

In her comment to yesterday’s post, Sandra/Mad Snapper said:

I think this is photoshopped or AI generated. I could cut him out and put him anywhere. it is to planned and the edges of the bear are blurred.

I’m afraid Sandra is right. Around here people do find bears on their decks, but the bears are looking for food, not taking time to enjoy the view.

Sigh. It was such a great idea and picture. I enjoyed believing it. 🙁

April 30, 2024