I don’t write in a journal everyday, but I have accumulated many entries over the past 50+ years beginning in 1966. Some items evolved into longer works. Among the leftovers little pieces survived. I thought a collection of these with a piece culled from the same date in a past year would make an interesting yearbook. The consistencies and inconsistencies of mind, skipping back and forth across time, provide varied perspectives. It is difficult to remember the context of the past we’ve lived; we also make suppositions about times that predate ourselves.

The few alterations from original drafts were to improve clarity. The worst of my work is not included. There remains enough mediocrity and immaturity to make me feel humble and you feel smart. There are also moments of accidental insight and incidental humor.

Author Stephen Crane referred to his little pieces as pills…apparently they were small and somewhat hard to swallow, but good for you.


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Sunday, June 16, 2019

Tiger’s Eye golf course


June 16, 2006  (I was 61)

              Tiger’s Eye golf course at Ocean Ridge Plantation, NC

         After last week’s wet play, the fairways and greens have firmed up, cut to quickness with punitive subtle breaks. The maintenance on a course of this caliber for under $55 is incredible, a truly superior value.  I partnered with Dan.  He shot a 70, two under par from the back tees, beating his previous best by five strokes.  Awesome, five birdies.  All of us present were in agreement; we’d rather shoot 70 than have a hole in one. 
         Later Dan said he would never have done it if he was cart-partnered with JD, as it is JD’s style to talk trash and get inside a competitor’s head.  Instead, he appreciated my realization I ought to just play my game, maybe with more subdued commentary.  In part yes, but Dan’s play re-awakened me to a most satisfying pursuit in golf, to attain a meditative state through precision in physical action.  I bettered my front nine 53, with a back nine of 42; not a great total score but a valued lesson.
         In the afternoon, TP’s foursome traveled to Avocet at Wild Wing to cash in a rain check.  Four played Heather Glen in the usual golden warmth and magical light of late afternoon.  Four relaxed and packed for the morning flight home.  A most memorable trip. 

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