Author: MAÔ

New normals are not just temporary adjustments; they are transformative changes that shape our society’s future. Embracing these shifts offers us the chance to evolve, adapt, and thrive in a changing world. By understanding and embracing the new normals, we can create a more inclusive, tech-savvy, and sustainable society.

Making decisions can be difficult. Often, we’re afraid that we’ll make the wrong one. But, even not making a choice is, sort of, making a choice. You choose to do nothing.

We can’t always have all the information. It’s quite likely that we never have all the information.

But we have to do the best with what we’ve got. And maybe, if you can, try to give yourself a little bit more to go on before settling on that one.

If I’ve said it once (which I have), I’ve said it a hundred times (which, probably, I have). Routines make things easier.

Yes, people can complain about them. Sure, it can feel like a rut. But If you’re getting done what’s important to you, making space for the things you love, and filling your life, then isn’t that worth doing?

When you look at the various options available to you, you’re never really sure what is going to be the optimal choice. You try and decide based on all the facts you have, but when it comes down to it, it’s your choice.

Try your best to make the right one.

There’s a disconnect here as I sit and type on my computer, and everything that exists beyond it. By our very natures, we are insular – in the way that we can’t be a participant in each and every story unfolding across the globe.

I’ve mentioned Russia and Ukraine once or twice; mass shootings; political unrest; and now the events of Israel and Gaza unfolding.

And it’s more than any one person knows what to do about – not that there aren’t those who will go on continuously about what they think we should do.

And maybe it’s impossible. Impossible to fully come to terms with. So we opt for our insulation. We keep separate.

But burying our heads in the sand doesn’t really keep us safe. And, inevitably, it can contribute to prolonging the suffering.

“Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Just when you thought the spooky season as over. Today is celebrated as Godzilla Day – Godzilla, the iconic giant monster, who has captured the imaginations of millions around the world. Since its first appearance in the 1954 film, Godzilla has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless movies, books, and even a dedicated day of celebration. Every year on November 1, fans of the legendary creature come together to honor its legacy and impact on popular culture.

November 1 holds a special place in the hearts of Godzilla enthusiasts as it marks the anniversary of the release of the original 1954 film, “Godzilla.” Directed by Ishirō Honda, the movie introduced the world to the colossal creature and its destructive power. The film’s release sparked a global sensation, captivating audiences and kickstarting a franchise that continues to thrive today. Godzilla Day serves as a tribute to the film that started it all and commemorates the impact it had on the world of cinema.

Tonight, to celebrate, theaters nationwide will be showing Godzilla 2000, which, I’ll admit, I saw in theaters during its original release 23 years ago.

It was several years ago now, I guess 2019, that I read The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. In it, the children learn about Halloween traditions in a ghostly tour through history. Widely celebrated, the holiday is filled with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating, and has a rich and intriguing past that spans centuries. Originating from ancient Celtic rituals, this holiday has evolved over time to become the beloved festivity we know today.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Held on the eve of November 1st, Samhain was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. The Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming spirits.

With the spread of Christianity, the celebration of Samhain merged with the Christian holiday of All Hallows’ Eve, which honored the saints and martyrs. As a result, the festival came to be known as “Hallows’ Even,” eventually evolving into Halloween.

All that is to say, Happy Halloween today. And be safe.

William Carlos Williams wrote: “All our efforts as writers and as men must be to release the enchained dragon within us.”

Writing of writers and men, he postulates that we cage ourselves. And in the efforts, we release that which we’ve been educated to keep hidden away.

Maybe that’s creativity, or a drive to succeed, or even the childlike curiosity that lets us laugh when a child asks why.

We lose a lot, growing up. Though maybe it isn’t lost. Maybe it’s simply caged.

A number of horror movies spawn sequels. Some, an unfathomable amount of sequels. And yet, they keep getting made.

Why? Because they keep getting seen. Among the numerous sequels, movies keep getting made, making money, and getting sequels.

The end is only the beginning…

Each story must have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Taken like that, it could be said that every day is a story to experience.