Independence Day

July 4
Wednesday

Today I noted that on the blog my posts are dated the day I publish them. This differs from the date I give for each post. That date is the date of writing. I try not to post immediately so that I may review and edit. This minimizes (but does not eliminate!) errors.

This is another day to be inside. The heat wave continues with temps over 90--closer to 100. There is no change in the offing, with more days predicted at 100+. There are bans on fireworks in this and adjoining counties due to the dry weather and danger of fire. Duke is going stir crazy; it is too hot to let him run. The farmers are worried with good reason.

Planting then praying
the farmers are helpless--
Awaiting the rain.

I listed four faults to work on yesterday: self-discipline, my temper, doing too much and doing too little. I realized as I thought about what I had written last night and this morning that success with #2, 3 & 4 are all dependant on the first: self-discipline.

Blogging is key to this year's discipline. I have promised to journal, to write haiku, and when possible, take a relevant photo each day. I know I will not be able to meet that goal with photos, but the other two are essential. I have a second blog, detailing my preparations and my decisions leading up to my leaving for Mexico. A post is not necessary each day there--it would be too boring--but one or two a week are required to keep things timely. There may come a day when I merge the two blogs--but I have not figured out how to do that and so may not.

Other than breathing I can think of nothing I have ever done each day for a year. That is 64 years of habit that I must overcome to succeed. I have set myself a huge task.

How did I get to the place where I feel I need this year? What feeds into it? When did it begin? Where do I begin? How will I maintain discipline? . . . Many questions and few answers.

It is the fourth or July--Independence day. Even with the challenges ahead I celebrate my independence, too.

Cutting old ties;
declaring Independence--
Fireworks in July!