“Yes, I’m me, I am what I am, and a free spirit I’ll stay, as I look for adventure and follow my dreams, on the path least traveled…each and every day” (Larry “Dutch” Woller ) on the path least traveled…

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂

( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I  do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” ,  no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life  🙂 ).. 🙂

 

And speaking of adventures and holiday memories, a memory of Christmas past came to mind, when little Bree (Jack Russell) were here (She passed away in 2016, she came into my world when she were 6 months old and I were her 4th owner…) 🙂

 

 I was working on the turkey
 When here arose such a clatter,
 I sprang from the kitchen
 To see what was the matter.
  
 I ventured to the living room
 And there, to my surprise, I did see,
 Standing nose to nose, paw to paw
 Was the Christmas mouse and Bree.
  
 With spatula in hand, ENOUGH, I yelled
 With a voice loud and clear,
 So that the Christmas mouse and Bree
  Scattered, they did,  in fear.
  
 It was back to the kitchen and the turkey
 No thoughts of sugar plums, dancing in my head,
 But thoughts of a Thanksgiving TV dinner
 Cooking in the microwave instead……… 
  
        ( Larry “Dutch” Woller,)
  
   

Yes, with snow (that didn’t make it to the ground)..

And frost on the rooftops…

It is.. Hello Diary, Yes, dogs (as well as other creatures) start out as pets but eventually become part of the family… they have feelings and dreams also… and little Bree would go where I ventured, I am sure keeping a watchful eye on my activities… here she is guarding the auto at the grocery (with her popcorn chicken).. 🙂

 

 Many look upon them as simply dogs, pets, etc. but 
they are much more than that.. 🙂
  
 JUST MY DOG 
 He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; 
 My other ears that hear above the winds.
 He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
 
 He has told me a thousand times over that
 I am his reason for being: by the way he
 rests against my leg; by the way he thumps
 his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he
 shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
 (I think it makes him sick with worry when he
 is not along to care for me.)
 
 When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
 When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
 When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
 When I am a fool, he ignores it.
 When I succeed, he brags.
 Without him, I am only another person. 
 With him, I am all-powerful.
 He is loyalty itself.
 He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
 With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. 
 He has brought me understanding
 where before I was ignorant.
 His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
 His presence by my side is protection against
 my fears of dark and unknown things.
 He has promised to wait for me...
 whenever...wherever--in case I need him. 
 And I expect I will--as I always have.
 He is just my dog.
                   (Author Gene Hill…)
  
   

Yes, another memory as I venture down memory lane this Sunday, but will close for now…hopefully will venture down the path and make new memories… but I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise… 🙂 Remember Diary… “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” (Mother Teresa)… 🙂

“A home that is built with patience, understanding and love will withstand the strongest winds of difficulties and conflict , a home built with a closed mind, insincerity or haste will collapse in a mere breeze of discontent.” (Larry “Dutch” Woller ) on the path least traveled…,

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂 ( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” , no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life 🙂 ).. 🙂

Thanksgiving Eve is approaching on the prairies and the path least traveled, time to contemplate the future while browsing through memories past…

 

 Thanksgiving has arrived
 Another year as gone bye,
 Been busy chasing dreams
 Living life..time did fly,
  
 A time to contemplate the past
 A time to give thanks...they say,
 To relive treasured memories
 Of each and every  passing day.
  
 Thanks for letting me feel love
 Be it joy, or be it heartache,
 To know someone’s love
 A treasured feeling their love did make.
  
 Thanks for letting me live life
 To explore, to follow one’s dream,
 To seek out and live every adventure
 Not enough time in the day... it did seem.
  
 Thanks for letting me meet friends
 To share thoughts of love, hope..perhaps a tear,
 And by going down the path together in friendship
 Doing away with hate, anger….and fear.
  
 Thanks for giving me the courage
 To follow my own path...to be me,
 To not follow someone else’s path
 To live my own….. reality.
  
 Thanks for giving me an open mind
 As I venture down the path... allowing me,
 To gaze upon life’s treasures, large and small
 That many others do not see.
  
 Thanks for giving me an open heart
 Able to love, understand and forgive,
 And when I grow too old to dream
 A place where my memories will live.
  
 Yes, I have much to be thankful for
 And every day the list gets longer... you see,
 As I venture down the path least traveled
 Searching for what destiny... has waiting for me.
                                    (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
  
   

“Life gives us brief moments with another, but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime, So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.” (Author Unknown). And for all those wonderful spirits and people that graced the path with their presence over time, thanks for the memories.. 🙂 Hello Diary, Thanksgiving and the holidays are on the horizon.. And as tradition here on the path is starting to prepare cards for the holidays… 🙂

 

 Yes, it is Santa’s helper
 While sipping on some Christmas cheer,
 Sending season’s greetings
 And a very Happy New Year.
  
   

And hopefully not only for a time of cheer but also a time of peace, hope, love, understanding and friendship for everyone, that is my dream for the holidays (and every day)… 🙂

 

 In history’s past, on the path, I had a dream
 Of a world in harmony it did seem,
 Accepting one as to who they believe and are
 One’s lifes choices no one did bar.
  
 Free to climb a mountain, to touch a star
 Free to search the universe, where answers are,
 Free to venture through life, with open mind
 Another’s belief, it did not blind.
  
  
 Free to boldly walk the lands, both far and near
 To lives one’s life without suffering or fear,
 Not to be accepted by belief, gender or race, you see
 But by the love, understanding and knowledge of a spirit born free.
  
 Children could follow their own dream, you see
 Not to be denied by another’s ideology,
 To follow the destiny of their own choice
 Not to be hindered by another’s voice.
  
 I still have that dream, you know
 A dream that began a long time ago,
 A dream without end, each and every day
 Until the four winds, they all blow away.
                           (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
  
   

The universe knows that I am not into religion (as my late wife’s Chaplain said “ it is what is in the heart that matters, not a name above a door) but I agree with Vince and Jenny Gill… Well, I had better close… need to prepare for the holidays also, all the while awaiting what adventures lies ahead.. but I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise..

 

 Until we meet again… 
  
 Home is where the heart is…. 🙂
  
   

“To me there is no picture so beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children; no music so sweet as their clear and ringing laughter.” (P. T. Barnum) on the path least traveled…

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂 ( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” , no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life 🙂 ).. 🙂 In spite of life’s challenges, with occasional frost hinting the holiday season is approaching and memories of holiday’s past make themselves known.. 🙂

 

 Twas the night before Christmas
 All quiet around the tree,
 Not a creature were stirring
 I were dreaming about the lottery.
  
 No stockings were hung with care
 I needed them...you know,
 They keep my feet warm
 While I am out shoveling snow.
  
 Cookies and milk were set out for Santa
 Just before I went to bed,
 Unfortunately Santa didn’t get a crumb
 The Christmas mouse ate them instead.
  
 There were only one package
 A large envelope under the tree,
 It was seasons greetings
 From the power company.
  
 But I jumped out of bed
 And I shouted with glee,
 Why were I happy, one wonders
 I woke up on the green side of the grass, you see.
              (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
   

A Christmas memory from the past… 🙂 Hello Diary, Yes, a child’s mind and heart is open, taking in all the wonders of the universe, excitement fills the air as they explore while trying to follow their dreams, leaving no stone unturned… unfortunately, the mindset of elements of today’s world’s societies often prevent the children from the joys of the holidays (and every day) and follow their dreams…

 

 Through the eyes of a child
  
 I woke up this morning in a rush
 Eagerly to start the day,
 Hopefully to learn about the world
 Maybe even have time to play.
  
 I have many, many friends
 Each one somewhat different than me,
 But none of us  mind at all
 We believe it were meant to be.
  
 Decided to check in with my friends
 Before Mom gave the breakfast call,
 So with anxious hands I started my little tablet
 Were going to say hello to one and all.
  
 My smile and joy were soon gone
 As sadness did take its place,
 My vision become blurry
 A tear, ventured down my face.
  
 I read a text in my inbox
 With conflict, some of my friends did die,
 With trembling lips I looked to the horizon
 With heavy heart asked the question “WHY?”.
  
 Just children wanting to live their dream,
 Why is that so very wrong,
 Their dream were taken away
 So someone could prove their strong.
  
 You know, my heart will mend
 For their memory lives in my heart,
 And together we will play again
 Neither time nor distance will keep us apart.
  
 So, I finish this with a smile on my face
 For I know, one day, we’ll meet again,
 And again, together, we will follow our dreams
 For it will be a new beginning, not the end.
             (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
  
   

Well, I had better close for now.. not only have memories and dreams but reality also, chores are waiting… but I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise… 🙂 Until we meet again…

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” (Mahatma Gandhi) on the path least traveled…

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂 ( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” , no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life 🙂 ).. 🙂 Relaxing with a spot of tea and contemplating all my wealth… 🙂

 

 I’m far richer than the rich
 Wealthier than the wealthy by far,
 I have gold in the sun
 I have silver in the star.
  
 I have dreams that I follow
 That are more precious than gold,
 As I venture through life
 Eagerly watching the dreams unfold.
  
 I have diamonds, too many to count
 With each new fallen snow,
 As I watch each one twinkle
 Basking in the suns glow.
  
 I have nature’s painting
 Priceless, a portrait of the sky,
 Impossible to duplicate
 Though many did try.
  
  Each bloom of the red rose
 A ruby, one of a kind,
 And with the white rose
 A pearl comes to mind.
  
 Money have I none
 But wealth I have got,
 But  I don’t fit in with
 The wealthy and rich lot.
  
 But I’m not going to change
 On this wealthy path  I’ll stay,
 Till the rivers run dry
 And the four winds all blow away.
                (Larry “Dutch” Woller )
  
   

It is a wonderful world indeed here on the path… 🙂 It is Saturday morning, taking a break in the activities to share a few thoughts… change is continuing here on the path.. Woke up the other morning a saw my neighbors roof were white..

Had a heavy enough frost to appear to be snow… and speaking of snow, saw a few white cumulus clouds with what appears to be vapor hanging below them… it is what is referred to as “virga”, falling moisture that evaporates before reaching the ground.. and with the cold atmosphere in this particular instance, it is “snow”… 🙂

Yes, Ole Man Winter is here to stay for a time… most of my bird friends have left for a warmer climate, those passing through stopping at the feeder for a needed dinner…

And those knuckleheaded backyard rodents called squirrels stay here and keep me company through the winter… 🙂

And I try to help those passing through and those that stay get through the winter doldrums “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou)…… 🙂

\

 

 I set here with my tea
 And watch the leaves a fallin’,
 It’s becoming clear that one day 
 Jack Frost will come a callin’.
  
 Most of my bird friends have went south
 In the southern warmth they’ll stay,
 But I’ll not shed a tear in sorrow
 For they’ll be back again some day.
  
 All us creatures that are staying behind
 To deal with the cold and snow,
 Are getting our house in order
 And waiting for winter’s blow.
  
 The squirrels are gathering leaves and such
 To insulate their winters nest,
 The possum is checking every nook and cranny
 To find a place for his winters rest.
  
 The bee’s are picking up the pace
 Gathering nectar with the morning sun,
 Storing winter food for the hive
 Before their work on earth is done.
  
 A spider spinning it’s web of silk
 I watched as it grew and grew,
 Soon to become natures work of art
 With tomorrow’s early morning dew.
  
 This poem could go on and on and on 
 But alas, I have things to do,
 For, like it or not, don’t you see
 I need to get ready for winter too.
     (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
  
   

Yes, it is that time of year when it is time to say goodbye to all my backyard friends ( and all friends) who spent the summer here on the path and have moved on in search of their destinies…. 🙂 And I must close for now, life is calling and I need to see what it wants… 🙂 but I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise… I never say goodbye because goodbye sounds too much like forever, so until we meet again.. 🙂

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.” (Emily Dickinson) on the path least traveled…

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂 ( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” , no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life 🙂 ).. 🙂 Been there, done that ( I am sitting on the ground), I know first hand that conflict is not the answer… 🙂

 

 In Remembrance……
  
 We were volunteers, one and all
 So Noble.. Proud.. and Brave,
 Did not know the reasons for  war
 Just a people from tyranny to save!
  
 Glasses held high, we made an toast
 Surely that Victory would rule the day!
 While back at home, the voices of unrest
 Not a kind word for  us did they say.
  
 Some could not vote, children were we
 Some could not drink, but still our battle cry,
 Even with all that we could not do
 For us children, it was to do or die!
  
 Vietnam was a hostile, violent land
 The dangers, the horrors of war abound,
 Whether the paddies of Vietnam or the fields of home,
 Seemed for us, not a friend could be found.
  
 But we proudly  gave it our all
 Faced  our destiny, with a hint of fear of tomorrow
 Some to return to a mother’s joy
 Some to return to a mother’s sorrow.
  
 So should you be looking on today, lassies and lads
 One more toast,  hold your glasses high,
 To PEACE, HOPE and LOVE, may they long endure
 CHEERS!!!.. And SEMPER FI!!
           ( Sgt, Larry “Dutch” Woller, 12th Marine Regiment,
 Vietnam, 1965–1966...)
  
   

All conflict does is sow the seeds of suffering and anger… that anger simmers, like a cancer, and one day returns and history repeats itself… when will they ever learn… Hello Diary, Tomorrow is Wednesday and here in America a holiday known as Veterans Day… but here on the path we celebrate love and peace, not hate and conflict… “What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?” ( Mahatma Gandhi).. 🙂

 
 
 I set here looking at the news
 The powers wanted peace they say,
 And while they spoke, bombs were dropped
 20 children died that day!
  
   

Peace..

 

 What’s wrong with this idea?
 Why not give PEACE a try,
 Let’s give it a go, everyone
 Maybe no more children will die 
  
 Smiles on their faces, while shaking hands
 Arms deals for defense would come into play,
 A bomb went off in a crowded market
 10 children died that day.
  
   

Love…

 

 What’s wrong with this idea?
 Why not give a world with LOVE a try,
 Let’s give it a go, everyone
 Maybe no more children will die 
  
  A war to end all wars, they said
 Yet to war they always return,
 Death, destruction, suffering and pain
 Won’t they every learn?
   

Understanding..

 

 What’s wrong with this idea?
 Let’s give UNDERSTANDING a try,
 Let’s give it a go, everyone
 Maybe no more children will die. 
  
  Anger versus anger, hate versus hate
 Seeds sown by war at home and away,
 Starvation , sickness, a mother in tears
 More and more children die every day.
  
 What’s wrong with this idea?
 Why not give PEACE, LOVE and UNDERSTANDING a try,
 Let’s give it a go, everyone
 Maybe no more children will die.
 ( Larry “Dutch” Woller) 
   

Well, I shall close for now, while thinking that perhaps one day all Mothers will wake up knowing there will not be fear in their hearts nor tears in their eyes because their children live in a world of love and peace…. But I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise… Until we meet again..

 
 
 And there is hope
 Of a world filled with love one day,
 A wish that could come true
 For hope is the last to die…they say.
           (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
  
   

“While you’re busy looking for the perfect person, you’ll probably miss the imperfect person who could make you perfectly happy” (Author Unknown) on the path least traveled…

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂 ( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” , no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life 🙂 ).. 🙂 I have been ask numerous times about my thoughts on being a friend.. I believe Adam Clarke says it best… 🙂

 

 "Portrait of a Friend"
 
 I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, 
 or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will 
 search for answers.
  
 I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,
 nor the future with its untold stories.
 But I can be there now when you need me to care.
  
 I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
 I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.
 
 Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
 Yet I can share in your laughter.
 
 Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
 I can only support you, encourage you,
 and help you when you ask.
 
 I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship,
 from your values, from me.
 I can only think of you, talk to you and wait for you.
 
 I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
 But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
 room to be yourself.
 
 I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
 But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
 and put them back in place.
 
 I can't tell you who you are or who you will be
 I can only love you and be your friend
                                       (Adam Clarke)
  
   

Hello Diary, Taking a brief break with a busy week, stopping briefly to share some thoughts… change is in the winds in many ways in today’s world and one of those changes is the seasons… and it is that time of year where I participate in one of my least favorite outdoor activities…. 🙂

The sad part is most of the leaves belong to my neighbor and my neighbor is in the process of moving to another town.. Sniffffffffffffff 😦 but will deal with the leaves and enjoy the day in the garden and backyard here on the path… 🙂

 
 I live in a not so secret garden
 Along the path least traveled,
 Quite unlike the other world
 A world that has become unraveled.
  
 A garden of peace and harmony
 Being different does not matter here,
 All creatures, big and small, living together
 Unlike the other world,  they do not live in fear.
  
 Together we live the hand that Fate has dealt us
 Not sure, or dwell, on our final destiny,
 But live to enjoy the moment, the hour, the day
 That is what life is about, don’t you see.
  
 So into the not so secret garden I will venture
 Along the path least traveled, 
 To find love, understanding, to follow one’s dreams
 Unlike the other  world unraveled.
                        (Larry “Dutch” Woller  )
  
   

Well, I had better close for now.. The day is yet to finish and there are dreams to follow… but I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise… 🙂 Until we meet again, should one mingle with the leaves with a open mind and heart, one may even find love!.. 🙂

 

 “Never say I love you
 If you really don’t care,
 Never talk about feelings
 If they really aren’t there.
  
 Never hold my hand
 If your going to break my heart
 Never say your going to
 If you don’t plan to start.
  
 Never look into my eyes
 If all you do is lie
 Never say hello
 If you really mean goodbye.
  
 If you really mean forever
 Then say you will try,
 If not, then never say  forever
 Cause forever makes me cry
        (Author Unknown)
   

“ I am currently attending the School of Life, learning more about the universe and me… and Graduation Day will be the day of my funeral and it is then I will know if I failed or I succeeded and graduated”… (Larry “Dutch” Woller) on the path least traveled…

Diary of the journey on the path least traveled..just letting the heart do the talking while the fingers do the walking while being different, being me… 🙂 ( “I do not do, say or write something to been seen or heard… I do, say or write something because it needed to be done, said or written…” , no nominations please, just sharing thoughts while exploring life 🙂 ).. 🙂

 

 How are we so "different"?
 If "different" is just a thing.
 If we all have certain features,
 What does "different" bring?
  
 People filled with hatred,
 Can't possibly see,
 That there's not really "differences"
 Between you and me.
  
 Looks can't show "difference",
 If they're just there to be seen.
 If you don't look like someone else,
 Why are they so mean?
  
 If being "different" is what is wrong,
 I'd rather not be right.
 And I'd want to finish living,
 Doing the "different" fight.
                              (Vincent Tabatha)
  
   

With open mind and heart, everything is beautiful here on the path…

Hello Diary, With a world filled with anger and conflict, here on the path hope, understanding, freedom, happiness and love rule the day..

 
 
 Hope..,
 Children could follow their own dream, you see
 Not to be denied by another’s ideology,
 To follow the destiny of their own choice
 Not to be hindered by another’s voice.
  
   

 

 Understanding...
 Not a world of race, color or gender
 Nor closed minded ridicule or prejudice...you see,
 But a world that respects another’s dream
 And of what or who they wish to be.
  
   

 

 Freedom...
 Free to boldly walk the lands, both far and near
 To lives one’s life without suffering or fear,
 Not to be accepted by belief, gender or race, you see
 But by the love, understanding and knowledge of a spirit born free.
  
   

 

 Happiness..
 Not a world of sorrow or fear
 But a world of hope and dreams, not sadness
 A world  of eternal love and peace
 A world of eternal happiness.
  
   

 

 Love..
 A  love that is without end
 Through an eternity it will endure,
 A love that knows no boundaries 
 A love beautiful, caring and pure.
                    (Larry “Dutch” Woller)
  
   

In spite of challenges and closed minded ideologies, change is in the wind here on the path… 🙂

I shall close for now… dreams to follow, life to live and friends to share thoughts with… but I shall return again one day, Fate be willin’ and the creeks don’t rise… 🙂 Until we meet again…

 

 May the love that you give
 Always return to you,
 That family and friends are many
 And always remain true,
 May your mind only know peace
 No suffering or strife,
 May your spirit only know love and happiness
 On your journey through life.
      (Larry “Dutch” Woller)