Why a blog?

As I enter the twilight years of my life, it seems appropriate to begin recording what little wisdom I have garnered in my journey to this point.  In 1910, I would have purchased a fancy journal book and written in my terrible scroll these thoughts, then left the book for someone to discover later.  In 2010, I can employ technology to write my thoughts for all the world (or for no one) to discover.


So I begin with a poem from Ralph Waldo Emerson which has guided my thoughts in recent years about success in life.

To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of intelligent people

and the affection of children;

to learn the appreciation of honest critics

and endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others;

to leave the world a little better,

whether by a healthy child,

a garden patch,

or a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Jim Traxler

12/28/2010