Tag Archives: happiness

Weekend Tree Job

Weeping Cherry Removal

My oldest and I spent the weekend taking out some aging and poorly placed trees. The new owners of the house wanted a fresh start, so we cleared out six gold arborvitae, a weeping cherry, a red bud, and a bald cypress.

Most of it was pretty straightforward, pole saw and chainsaw work. We used the tractor to move the heavy pieces and disposed of everything out at the farm. As soon as we get some decent rain, I’ll burn off the debris. Right now, just a little too dry for my preference.

We got most of the job completed Friday and Saturday, but there was one load to clean up and haul Sunday morning. Of course, after time change, I have been in a time-lapse haze, trying to recalibrate my body to the difference in light. This nonsensical practice has to stop. Needless to say, that final load was the most tedious, not because of the work but because of the time change fog.

I’ve been contemplating putting out a sales book I wrote several years ago. Business slows down a lot this time of year, so I should have the time. I might test the waters and see if there’s a demand for it right now.

That’s all for now. Remember that love eventually triumphs over hate, so try not to let hate rot you from the inside.

Bald Cypress Too Close to the House

Thursday Night Ramblings – 10/14/21

Obviously, I haven’t been blogging much. Mostly because I stay so busy but also because I just haven’t had much to say. Those who know me best are probably snickering at that last line, but it’s true.

For those who are curious, a few years ago, I started a tree service/landscaping business. Given my circumstances, it was the best option for me. I love the outdoors and have always enjoyed that kind of work. Today, I have a growing LLC and serve most of East Tennessee. It’s not as “glamorous” as writing or as “prestigious” as teaching, but to paraphrase Booker T. Washington, there’s as much dignity in plowing a field as in writing a poem. Besides, I’m happier today than ever before.

I’ve been considering rekindling this blog with glimpses into the jobs I do. If I can build back a little following and have decent interaction, I might do it.

Overall, life is good. My body is sore but my soul is unencumbered. It seems like each week I add a new piece of equipment or a new client, and no two days are ever the same. I wish I could impart to other creative people that using your skills for utilitarian purposes is so much more rewarding, both financially and emotionally, than creating self-indulgent crap. Ah, but that’s a different post for a different day.

Until next time, Dwarven Nation.

Monday Afternoon Ramblings – 8/12/19

I’m happy.

No qualifiers, no hyperbole, no BS. I’m happy.

I can’t explain exactly why. My life is far from perfect, and by many objective standards, my career has been a failure. I don’t have many creature comforts, and I basically live day to day financially. However, when I wake up each day, I’m grateful for the food in my fridge, the roof over my head, the opportunities in front of me, and the people who are close.

Many of my clients have plenty of money, but I wouldn’t classify any of them as happy people. Some are too petty to find joy in anything. Some are too selfish to appreciate the warmth that comes from sharing with those less fortunate. Some are just miserable individuals. I wouldn’t trade lives with any of them.

I know that a major contributor to my happiness is the gratitude I feel for the positives I do enjoy. If you are not happy and want to change your life, that’s the first and most important step you can make. Find the good aspects of your daily life and take a moment to feel real, sincere gratitude for those items or moments or people. That simple act transforms your perception. Instead of dwelling on all the things you don’t have, which is an infinite loop of dissatisfaction, you will begin to appreciate the little stuff that enriches you.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Happiness is choice. So is misery. You are in control of which way you perceive the world.

That’s all for now.