Lunatique

 Ne crains pas la Faucheuse

We all want to do something worthwhile with the time we have left.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

What Was I Thinking?

A Record of My Living

Self-portrait (2005)

As I write this, my part of the country is experiencing a day when it is just too darn hot. Too hot for me to think anyway; so I am going with another "blast from the past" post.

Weather (2006)

This is a sampling of photographs I made on this date in prior years.

Home Cooking (2009)

I have often said that, "My photography is a record of my living".  However, that does not mean that I always have a good recollection of what was going on in my mind at the time.

Ramble (2010)

Still, it is fun for me to look back on what can seem like the ancient past.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission. 

Earth Day

 April 22 is Earth Day

Mountain Majesty: photo by Cliff Hutson

We should honor the earth everyday, but today marks an annual event founded by people who hoped to stir activism to clean up and preserve our planet. This year's theme, "Planet vs. Plastics", further aims to raise awareness of the harms of plastic pollution for human and planetary health.

Words to Live By

Earth Day 2014: photo by Cliff Hutson

I make the attempt anyway. One goal of life is to live in harmony with nature.

Reading Log: November 2023

 The books that I finished reading in the month of November 2023 -

November 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Below the Belt," A.J. Stewart

"Making the Drop,"  A.J. Stewart

"Chasing the Ghost Bear: on the Trail of America's Lost Super Beast," Mike Stark

"The Gods of Guilt," Michael Connelly

Cliff's Notes:

"Belt" and "Drop"

As previously noted, I have very much enjoyed Stewart's Miami Jones series. And, I believe that finishing these two brings me current. They did not disappoint. 

Part of my enjoyment stems from Miami being a former pro athlete who frequently muses on what was and what could have been. Also, each book in the series revolves around a different sport. These cover boxing and surfing respectively. Both of them offer an interesting story offering humor and insights into life.

"Ghost Bear"

I have a great interest in natural history and Stark's book has expanded my knowledge about an animal that I have vaguely aware of for decades, but knew very little about. 

The bear in the title is the prehistoric North American giant short-faced bear. I say that I was familiar with it as I once lived within walking distance of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles where the remains of thirty some-odd individual bears have been found. The author devotes a couple of chapters to the scientific  work done there and his visit to the George C. Page Museum. He seems as bemused as I was over the cartoonish statue of a short-faced bear on the park grounds. 

This book is a great guide to the Pleistocene and one of the more spectacular animals that during that time.

"Gods"

This book is a "Lincoln Lawyer" novel. I like Connelly's work, but much prefer the Harry Bosch books. But, this is an engaging read filled with a lot of ins, a lot of outs, and a lot of what-have-you's. A reader with a limber mind should enjoy it.

 

This Day in (My) History

 My photography is a reflection of my life:

Some years I have done Photo-a-Day (PaD) projects. Other years I just shoot when the spirit moves me.

Stamens (2005): photo by Cliff Hutson

A Sun Camellia bush in my front yard.

Donut Shop Poster (2006): photo by Cliff Hutson

A shop across the street from my HQ. Donuts and coffee in the morning. Hamburgers or sandwiches for lunch.

Smug Cat (2009): photo by Cliff Hutson

Mini - she is the most photographed of all our pets.

Climb and Drink (2010): photo by Cliff Hutson

A souvenir carabiner from a "beer walk".  It is probably not a good idea to drink and climb. But, in "The Eiger Sanction" Clint Eastwood and George Kennedy share a beer after topping out on a training climb.

I Grow Old

 Rolled trousers?

An Old Man: photo by Cliff Hutson

I Grow Old

I grow old ... I grow old ... 

I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled. 

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach? 

I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. 

I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. 

I do not think that they will sing to me. 

"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" 

by: T. S. Elliot 

Peaches: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am not sure that this is what the poet had in mind, but today is my birthday.  A good time to wonder how much time is left for me and what will I do with it?

Life

 On the Tenacity of Plants

Tenacious Plant: photo by Cliff Hutson 

"Life, uh, finds a way”  -  Dr. Ian Malcolm

Reading Log: November 2022

The books that I finished reading in November 2022 

November 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence," Vicki Robin

"The Awkward Black Man," Walter Mosley

"Desert Star," Michael Connelly

"The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron," Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind 

"The World Record Book of Racist Stories," Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar 

Cliff's Notes

This was an interesting month. Two books about money and finance. Two books about race. And, one about both a serial predator and a serial murderer. 

"Money"

I first read this book back in the mid-1990s and thought that, while it had some good points, its basic premise - that work is tantamount to slavery and all of us should retire as soon as possible - was flawed.  It also posited an investment plan that I knew was unsustainable. I decided to read this edition, said to be  "fully revised and updated for 2018", to see what, if anything, had changed. I was not very impressed. 

While it does offer some useful exercises on how to get a handle on one's income and expenses, and the benefits of altering that relationship, it now exalts the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. I still see this as a flaw. Robin's goal for people to live at the peak of fulfillment, always have plenty,  and never be burdened with excess is admirable. But, some of her methods, such as "Money Talks" meetings border on cultism. 

She has updated the advice on how to invest for long-term financial freedom. However, for my money (pun intended) "The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need" by Andrew Tobias is a far better choice in this regard, as well as for lifestyle choices.  

"Awkward"

This is a collection of short stories by the author of more than fifty critically acclaimed books. Most people probably know him for his Easy Rawlins mysteries. There are no crimes to be solved in these stories, but they offer a captivating collection of different characters who kept me turning the pages.

"Desert" 

Last month I wrote that an author of a long running series had let it run on too long. The same can not be said of Michael Connelly and his Harry Bosch novels, of which this is book twenty-four. (It is also the fifth of the Renée Ballard series.) Bosch and Ballard work together to solve two cases in a very neat work of taut storytelling. 

"Smartest Guys"

I decided to read this book after viewing the documentary film "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" for my movie discussion group, thinking that it would provide additional detail or background. Indeed it did. Accounting practices such as "mark-to-market" and "securitization" are ably explained. This updated edition also provides further insight on the debacle and why it still matters. ["Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."--George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905.]

It was interesting to have read this in conjunction with "Your Money or Your Life" which examines how much is enough. It boggles my mind that one couple would need an 8,120-square-foot house in Houston, as did Jeff Skilling and his partner must have felt they required. 

However, Skilling and I seemed to be have been likeminded on another issue. He claimed that it was critically important to give people the resources and freedom to let creativity flourish. When asked to describe my job I said that, "I create an environment in which talent can flourish." Yet, it should be pointed out that I was never charged with a crime, convicted, and sentenced to prison.

"Racist Stories"

Only eleven pages in it became clear that I am not in the target demographic for this book. Why? Because more than once some random person in a store has told me that a purchase I was contemplating was "too expensive", knowing nothing about my circumstances other than an assumption about my ethnicity. Though everyone is on their own journey, much the same could be said about the other stories in the book,  Therefore, it was not "eye-opening" to me. 

However, if you are not a person of color this book might provide some insight in to how life can be for those of us who are. My main reservation is that the authors strive to be "cute". While this may be an effort to assuage the oppressiveness, for me it distracts from the seriousness of the subject. 

Live Simply

 Simple Living

Live Simply: photo by Cliff Hutson

The above photograph is of a Patagonia t-shirt that I bought a couple of years ago. I like the sentiment, but I am sure that there are some who say that the fact that it is such a high end shirt belies the idea that I actually have a simple lifestyle.

Wikipedia defines living simply as voluntarily engaging in a number of practices to simplify one's lifestyle. It notes that one of the hallmarks of simplicity is depending less on technology. So my writing a blog on a service owned by Google certainly works against me. However, it could be argued that using the internet for shopping, reading the news, and keeping in touch with friends and relatives reduces my carbon footprint - so that is a good thing.

One, expert has implied that living simply can’t be defined in one article or Instagram post. One person’s simplicity looks different from another’s. The key is to figure out what simplicity means to you. So, I thought that I would take a look at some of the salient points found in most articles about simplicity to see how I measure up.

Limit media

Some years ago I would have given myself high marks on this one. I read a lot of books and did not watch much TV; though I enjoyed revisiting my rather large DVD collection. But, the longer the COVID pandemic dragged on the more I found myself streaming more and more hours of entertainment. Just over the past couple of weeks I have watched "A League of Their Own", "For All Mankind", and have started "The Rings of Power". But, all in all, I think that I have a pretty good balance.

Simplify your wardrobe

I have probably gone too far in this direction. My wardrobe consists of jeans, shorts, and casual shirts. I in fact worry that I do not have anything to wear to a solemn occasion should the need arise. If it is business, they can take me as I am. But, I recognize that there is sometimes a call for decorum.

 Spend time alone

Animal Companion: photo by Cliff Hutson

I find balance and comfort in solitude. And, at home, there is just me and a cat.

 Don't tolerate debt / Get rid of unnecessary costs

The secret to happiness is low overhead and no debt. I realize that I am very fortunate to have reached a point in my life where this is possible. My mortgage was paid off right after I retired in 2009. And, I paid cash for my twelve year old truck back when it was new.  

Downsize

The biggest change that is on my horizon is downsizing. It has been several years since I have needed a truck; and it gets abysmal mileage for someone who likes to think of their self as concerned about the environment.

Neither do the cat and I need as large a footprint for a residence as we now inhabit. So, I am gradually working on getting rid of well over thirty years of accumulated stuff so that we can move to a smaller home. 

Ultimate goal

The goal is to gain freedom by having less in life.

Two Treats and a Flask of Bourbon

The Call of the Mountains

The Call of the Mountains: photo by Cliff Hutson

I used to write a blog titled "Rambles with Holly". It, among other things, was about the walking and hiking that I did with my dog, Holly.  My original plan was to call it "Travels with Holly" as an homage to Steinbeck, but that name was already taken at the time. As it turns out, we did a lot more walking locally than traveling, so it was probably for the best. The blog went on hiatus in 2014 after Holly crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

However, a cartoon I came across the other day brought back memories of the good times that she and I had together. 

Holly and Me: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am taking the liberty of publishing it here.

Two Treats and a Flask of Bourbon
 

Bliss Cartoon

The bourbon was mine

Classic Stanley Flask: photo by Cliff Hutson

Plenty of water and treats, for both of us, were a regular thing. I seldom packed this flask, but I kept it handy in case the occasion should ever arise. 

Aged Bourbon: photo by Cliff Hutson

I like to think that I kept my bar adequately stocked as well.

On the Trail

A Happy Dog: photo by Cliff Hutson

Fair weather or foul, Holly was in her element when she was on the trail. A life outdoors is a life well lived.

Lemons

Sage advice:

Mayer Lemon: photo by Cliff Hutson

“When life gives you lemons, rent a storefront in the trendy part of town and make artisanally squeezed lemonade at $14 a glass.”

Arts District: photo by Cliff Hutson

Life in the Time of Corona: Self-care

 Self-care

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, 

but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” 

– Maya Angelou

Bee & Camellia: photo by Cliff Hutson

• Stay safe
• Be mindful
• Watch the bees

Reading Log: November 2020

 The books that I read in the month of November 2020

November 2020 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"The Law of Innocence," Michael Connelly


"The Drunken Botanist: the Plants that Create the World's Great Drinks," Amy Stewart


"Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man," Emmanuel Acho 

"Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist," Tim Federle

Life in the Time of Corona: The Election

 Making My Vote Count

I Voted: photo by Cliff Hutson

This pandemic has left many of us feeling stressed and isolated. So many of things that we took for granted we can no longer do, or do so with great trepidation.

One of the rituals I have practiced every two years was walking to my local polling place on Election Day and casting my vote. That is not going to happen for the upcoming election on November 3, it would not be prudent.  But, by dropping my "mail-in" ballot off at a drop box, I have already executed my civic duty this year.

Official Drop Box: photo by Cliff Hutson

Be well and stay safe

Voters, such as myself, who return their ballots early will help ensure safe physical distancing at voting locations. Keeping both themselves and others safe and, hopefully, well. 

Life in the Time of Corona: Sometimes, there's a man

Bad Moon Rising: photo by Cliff Hutson

"I see a bad moon a-rising

I see trouble on the way

I see earthquakes and lightnin'

I see bad times today"

- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Sometimes, there's a man for his times.

And, sometimes, there isn't

I have just a few words to illustrate my point:

• Person
• Man
• Woman
• Camera
• TV

A Man with a Camera: photo by Cliff Hutson

Life in the Time of Corona

Bad Moon Rising: photo by Cliff Hutson

Times are strange

Times are strange, and, I am locked in tight and I'm out of range.  When this "shelter-in-place", "safer-at-home", or "self-quarantine" thing started so many weeks (months?) ago I did not think that it would be much of a problem.  I am very used to living alone and am very much the introvert.  However, not being able to come and go as I please has proved to more than a bit taxing.

Some people seemed to have put this time to good use.  But, I like many others trapped indoors as a deadly pandemic rages, turned to watching films that confront the practicalities and horrors involved with some sort of now all-too-familiar apocalypse. Not just those that suddenly seem timely, like the viral thriller turned convincing docudrama Contagion, but also those that cover similar global panic and ultimately togetherness in the face of natural disasters, alien invasion and other earth-shaking events.

Then it came to mind that I might enjoy something about being alone and decided to watch Cast Away, the Tom Hanks film from 2000, for the second time, in nearly twenty years. I really enjoyed it.  

One of the things that I found most intriguing was that in the film Wilson, a volleyball, serves as Chuck Noland's friend and only companion during the four years that Noland spends alone on the deserted island.     This led me to ask two questions: 1) What became of Wilson? 2) What if I had a "Wilson" of my own?  

Wilson

Wilson the Volleyball: photo by Cliff Hutson

Some say that Wilson was irretrievably lost at sea, never to be seen again. Others say that, much like Chuck Noland, he was eventually picked up by a passing ship. But, the reality is that he was an actor playing a role.

One of the original volleyball props was sold at auction for $18,500 to the ex-CEO of FedEx Office, Ken May. However, it turned out that I could have one of my own, for a whole lot less, by buying it directly from Wilson Sporting Goods. I was very disappointed that he arrived via UPS instead of FedEx.

We will have to see how our friendship develops.

Farewell to Spring

Last Day of Spring - June 20, 2020

California Native Plant Week #5

Gilia tricolor (Bird's-eye gilia)

Bird's-eye gilia: photo by Cliff Hutson

Gilia tricolor, a dicot, is an annual herb that is native to California, and is endemic (limited) to California.  Blue stamens encircle the yellow throat of the flower, which is set off by a dark purple ring. All this color provides a vibrant signal to the bees that pollinate this plant.

Citizen Science Month: April 2020

Life in the time of Corona has placed many, if not most, of us under quarantine, lockdown, or "safer at home". Keeping occupied is said to be good for our mental health. One way to that is to participate in citizen science programs. Check out this site  or Science Friday to see if that might be a fit for you.

Reading Log: October 2019

The books that I finished reading in October 2019

October 2019 Reading: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Bloody Genius,” John Sandford

“Upheaval,” Jared Diamond

“Half Court Press,” A.J. Stewart

“The Art of Loading Brush,” Wendell Berry

“Past Tense,” Lee Child

“The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols,” Nicholas Meyer

“Paw and Order,” Spencer Quinn

“Scents and Sensibility,” Spencer Quinn

Photography on the Web

Round round get around, I get around, yeah

It is not that I literally get around, what it is that my photography shows up in some interesting places.

Florida

I have never been to Florida, and don't imagine that I will ever visit. However, this restaurant review has piqued my curiosity. How does its dish measures up to the meal we prepared at home? As, oddly enough, they look identical.

Mac N Cheese Plate: photo by Cliff Hutson

Southern California

Southern California is my lifelong home. So I was very intrigued when I came upon an article "Here Are The 10 Dishes You Have To Eat In Southern California Before You Die".  I still need to get to Phil's BBQ and the Apple Pan, but the others are all under my belt.  

The Donut Man is illustrated with my photo of the world famous fresh strawberry donut. This is a fancier plating:

Fresh Strawberry Donut: photo by Cliff Hutson

I like to think that my photo of Langer's Original #19 Pastrami Sandwich measures up favorably to the one they used as well.

Langer's #19: photo by Cliff Hutson

Oakland Museum of California

My travels, for business and pleasure, have taken me to Oakland, however, I have never been to the Oakland Museum of California.  But, I was very pleased to see that a photograph of mine was to illustrate an article about an exhibit of the work of Charles and Ray Eames.

Eames House of Cards: photo by Cliff Hutson

I very much like the Eames's work and own several of their pieces. But, sad to say, while the actual Eames House is only about an hour and a half away I have yet to visit it. I am going to have to get around to that.

Eames Coffee Table: photo by Cliff Hutson