Tag: dailyprompt

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

First Impressions Matter: The Message I Want to Send

The first impression I want people to have of me is simple yet meaningful—I am approachable. In a world where many seem to wear their anger or frustrations on their sleeves, I strive to be the opposite. I want people to know that I genuinely enjoy connecting with others. I’m a people person through and through, and nothing brings me more joy than meeting fascinating individuals, whether they’re two years old or 106. Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to hear it.

My mother often tells the story of my natural openness as a child. When I was just two years old, I would leap into the arms of total strangers without hesitation. There was no fear, no second-guessing—just an innate trust and curiosity about people. I believe that openness is one of the purest parts of the human spirit, a reflection of the kindness we’re born with before life begins to weigh us down.

As the years pass, that unfiltered openness can fade. Life experiences, challenges, and disappointments can leave their mark, sometimes making it harder to maintain that genuine curiosity and connection with others. But I strive to hold onto it. I remind myself daily that no matter how tough life gets, meeting new people and learning from them is a gift. Every interaction is an opportunity to grow, to share, and to make the world a little brighter.

So, when you meet me, know this: I want to know your story. I want to understand what makes you unique. Whether you’re a toddler exploring the world for the first time or someone who has seen the seasons of life come and go, you are interesting to me. Life has taught me that everyone carries a bit of wisdom, humor, or perspective that can enrich our own.

I hope my warmth and openness make me approachable to others. After all, connecting with people is not just something I do—it’s who I am.
The ultimate connection, I meet a Church sister who wants me to write her life story. That’s what it’s all about People trusting you.

Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

Chapter: The Hidden Shadows of a Good Age to Die

I never imagined the man I sat beside, shared a beer with, and joked about horse races could be hiding something so dark. Hugo Zalenski—just a regular face at the racetrack, sitting beside me in faded jeans and a worn baseball cap, puffing on a joint between sips of his beer. We shared stories, laughed at life’s oddities, complained about the heat, and somehow it all felt easy, like we were old friends connected by nothing more than the thrill of the races and a few shared vices.

Then one morning, I woke up, half-asleep, flipping through TV channels until his face flashed on the screen. There he was—Hugo Zalenski, the unassuming guy from the track, the friendly neighbor in the well-to-do area of Back Mountain, Pennsylvania. But the words scrolling beneath his mugshot felt surreal. Five counts of murder. Burning bodies, burying them in his backyard.

I felt cold all over, recalling the many times I sat just inches from him, oblivious to the darkness he carried. The air in my lungs felt heavy, and I could barely grasp the reality of it. Hugo had become someone unrecognizable, transformed into a name that people whispered in horror and disbelief.

I had thought of age, life, and death many times, even wondered at the right time to go and what a “good age to die” meant. But I had always thought about it in terms of the peaceful and natural. Hugo’s existence twisted those thoughts into something chilling, something that reminded me of the depths people could descend to while others, like me, remained unaware, merely spectators in their worlds.

It made me wonder, as I sat alone that morning with my coffee gone cold—what drives a person to harbor such darkness? Was there ever a good age for Hugo to make a different choice, to set his life on a different course before it reached that horrific end? The idea of a “good age to die” isn’t only about the when but the how. It’s about leaving behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and respect, not a trail of ashes and fear.

Reflecting on this strange encounter, I knew it wasn’t just about Hugo anymore. It was about all of us who live our lives, not knowing what lurks behind the faces we meet. It was about the reminder that life is short, that our choices define us, and that there’s an urgency to live each day with intention.

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

enjoyment of the present moment.

For me, this way of connecting to the world manifests in my interactions with children, even as young as one year old. When I talk to children, I speak to them as equals, in a clear, respectful tone—no baby talk. Just yesterday, I met a child, around two years old, in the supermarket. We had a five- or six-minute conversation, and he stayed focused, fully engaged, and seemed to enjoy every word. I told him he was smart and gifted and encouraged him never to let anyone change him. His response was pure joy, smiling and laughing with me the whole time. I later told his mother I’d write a blog about him. Perhaps one day, you’ll see a children’s book called Oliver dedicated to that very moment.

My wife often jokes that my natural connection with kids comes from my “childlike mentality,” and my mother would agree—she remembers me as the most lovable child. She used to worry because I’d jump into the arms of total strangers, which, to her, signified my innate warmth and openness as a “people person.”

At 72, my love for characters like Tom Sawyer, who embodies the adventurous spirit of youth, is as strong as ever. My mind stays active with new ideas, and nearly every day, I come up with concepts for books. When I see people of my age, or older, struggle with cognitive decline, I feel grateful for the mental clarity I’ve retained. Life has taken me over mountains of challenges, but I’m blessed with health and the creative energy to keep going.

Reflecting on my younger years, I know I made choices that may have slowed me down. I smoked my first cigarette at twelve and tried my first joint at fourteen. But even with those choices, I feel like I’ve retained my youthful spirit and curiosity. Had I not done these things, perhaps I’d still be writing well into my hundreds.

Being a “kid at heart,” then, is about staying young in both mind and spirit—finding wonder in life, sharing joy freely, and keeping one’s imagination alive.

What would your life be like without music?

Through Her Eyes Revised

🌹 Flower Boy.   

I grew up immersed in a diverse and eclectic range of music, from the soulful sounds of Motown, the smooth harmonies of The Dells and The Delmonico, to the rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who. Bob Marley’s reggae rhythms and Pink Floyd’s psychedelic journeys captivated my senses. Nit zinger and Lucifer’s Friend brought a touch of underground rock, while Chick Corea’s jazz explorations, Janis Joplin’s raw power, and Jefferson Airplane’s countercultural anthems expanded my musical horizons. Stanley Clarke’s bass mastery and Led Zeppelin’s iconic riffs left lasting impressions on me.

One unforgettable day, Jefferson Starship graced Central Park with their performance, and it became a magical gathering for the counterculture community. During the week, seventy thousand flower children came together, playing hooky from school and work to bask in the liberating energy of the music. Gracie Slick’s haunting question, “Don’t you want somebody to love, don’t you need somebody to love,” reverberated through the park, creating an atmosphere of unity and love. In that moment, the power of music transcended barriers, and there was no room for hate or division.

On that special day, people of all persuasions, including police officers, coexisted harmoniously and celebrated each other’s presence. The shared experience united us all, bridging gaps between communities. I remember a beautiful moment when I passed a joint to a white police officer wearing a badge. Instead of reacting with hostility or enforcing the law, he embraced the spirit of the day, took a hit, and passed it on to another officer. The air in the park became fragrant with the aroma of cannabis, and even those on Fifth Avenue’s balconies couldn’t help but feel the buzz of the moment.

While I cherish these memories, I want to make it clear that I don’t seek to glorify the use of marijuana. The events of that day were a product of a unique time and place, a symbol of the societal changes and the expression of freedom that defined that era. It is essential to recognize that excessive consumption of THC can have significant health effects, and I urge caution when using any substance.

As the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young suggested, love was at the heart of it all. It wasn’t just about loving a person; it was about loving humanity, embracing diversity, and finding common ground. Those were the principles that resonated with us and guided our actions as we navigated through a complex world. The music we loved became a soundtrack for a generation seeking to find its voice, striving for peace, and striving to create a more tolerant and compassionate society.

Looking back, I feel grateful for the transformative power of music and how it shaped my worldview. It taught me that during chaos, we can find harmony, and in the face of adversity, we can foster unity. Those experiences have left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me to embrace love, compassion, and understanding as I continue my journey through life.

We took Heed to what Crosby stills Nash and Young said, “Love the one you’re with ‘‘. Long live Rock and Roll, it was Rock and Roll that brought seventy Thousands of God’s Children together. Same place, different Day. The Band America took the Stage and belted out ” I understand that you’ve been running from the Man, that goes by the name of Sandman”. They also echoed” Like the Flowers need the Rain, I need you “.

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

No one told me that following in the Path of someone Successful who you admire, could lead me to my own Success Story. Here are excerpts from my newly Published Children’s Book.

Walking in Your Shoes: A Children’s Story of Following in a Parent’s Footsteps

Chapter 1: Walking in Their Shoes

Book description 

This Book is for every young person who wants to make something of their lives 

Learning from the Best

In life, we often look up to someone who inspires us and sets a positive example for us to follow. This person could be a parent, a teacher, a friend, or even a famous role model. By observing and learning from the best, we can gain valuable insights and skills that will help us grow and succeed in our own lives.

Parents are often the first and most influential role models in a child’s life. They teach us important values, skills, and lessons that shape who we become as individuals. By watching our parents navigate through challenges and achieve their goals, we can learn valuable life lessons that will help us in our own journeys. Whether it’s learning the importance of hard work, perseverance, or kindness, our parents serve as guiding lights that show us the way forward.

Filling the Void – Walking in Your Shoes

Growing up without someone to look up to can feel like navigating a vast, empty landscape. It’s a void that can deeply affect your sense of self, your education, and your overall upbringing. When you don’t have that guiding star, it’s easy to feel lost, like a ship adrift at sea with no clear direction. This void can shape the way you view the world, the decisions you make, and who you become.