Reflections about 2006

I began 2006 on the island of Crete, Greece. I ended the year at a Flying J truckstop in Russellville, Arkansas. I began the year as a commercial (food) photographer and internet software developer, and ended the year as a professional truck driver. I began the year with hopes of renewing a loving relationship with an ex-wife, and ended the year without that relationship. I began the year debt free, and ended the year a few thousand in debt. I began the year as a Methodist-converted-Catholic, and ended the year as simply a child of God.

My brief stay on Crete - 2 months the first trip and 10 months the second trip - gave me a real taste of living in Greece and on Crete. For the opportunity to live almost expense free, I thank my 3rd ex-wife. I wish her the very best of success and happiness in whatever and wherever. I also hope that her reality will one day track more closely with actual facts and circumstances, and that one day she alone will decide what's best for and in her life.

I enjoyed taking photos of Greek and Crete foods, and 'recipe process' photos. Many of those are still available on the Greek Food website at www.about.com. I also wish my ex-wife's 'virtual stepson' every success with his website and his use of the 200+ photos of Greek herbs and spices which I took for his use. I really do not expect to receive any money for that photo work, even though both ex-wife and stepson assured me that I would. As a truck driver, I take a lot of casual snapshots of the places I visit and the journey along the way. Maybe I will devote a bit of time to more serious photography during my travels and post those in my portfolio at www.art.com - I've had some success selling my Greek, Israel, and food photos via that site.

I'm a few thousand in debt. I should again be debt free by January 2008. I hope to save enough money to make a down payment on a small condo or house. I would have preferred living as a member of a monastic community during my retirement years, and that appears to not be in my life path. Living simply, independently, and debt free for as long as I am able appears to be my future path. I really love living 'in the country' and close to a small town or village. I really do not like big cities, their densely packed conglomeration of humans, buildings, roadways, and environmental pollution.

I was 'raised' a Methodist. I converted to Roman Catholicism because I needed to experience that vein of Christianity. I am turned off by the way religious people cut you off, you simply cease to exist to them, if you decide to postpone your committment to their order or group, or change religious affiliations. In my opinion, their attitudes and behaviors regarding me . . . do not very well reflect nor demonstrate the thoughts and teachings of Christ Jesus. My perspective about all of this might suggest that I have made judgements about these 'orders and groups and religious brands' . . . No Judgements from me! I am simply entitled to my opinions, observations, and conclusions. Religions separate and divide humanity. I am simply a simple man - intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and free - living as closely to what I believe, feel, and know about God's plans for me, whomever and whatever God is (and, YES, God is real!!!).

To the best of my self knowledge, I am as free as any man has ever been. I am happy and at peace with myself. I am NOT perfect, nor will I ever be . . . this side of Heaven (whatever and wherever that might be). I am excited about each new day, about what God has planned for me. I am very thankful and grateful for each moment, for each day. I am firmly and confidently resolved that, with God's help, whatever trials and tribulations come my way . . . they will quickly be resolved and overcome, perhaps (hopefully) after I have learned and obtained knowledge and wisdom from them.

Life is good!