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Hello World
My name is Garry Hougland, and I live in Greenwood, Indiana. I’m in my late 70’s, retired and just re-discovering the world around me. My writings will give you a glimpse into my mind’s eye, the questions I seek answers to, and how I view life, through the photos and paintings that I post. All the photos I use are royalty free provided through the internet. The artists, Mary Brown and Jerry Helm, have given me permission to use their paintings. Their complete gallery can be seen at this website: https://garryhougland.com/mandjwatercolors
What is Philosophy?
Merriam-Webster defines Philosophy (and I paraphrase), as “the search for and the love of wisdom.” Another website defines it as, an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationship to the world and to each other.
For example, here is a sample of my thoughts regarding rainbows. There is an old saying that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Well, I think there are two ends depending upon your line of sight. And lucky you, if you see the complete arch, because awaiting you are “two pots of gold.” Right now, a half a pot would do!
My Very First Post
This tree is a symbol of beauty and strength. It stands alone as we all do from time to time. Full of color to match our many moods. Even some dead branches, which represent friends and acquaintances we’ve lost along the way. It stands alone and cannot run away. It faces the sun and rain everyday. It’s rooted in trust to face yet another season, just as we go through the many seasons of our lives, trusting to see yet another one.
Helping Hands
When you were born, I held you in the palm of my hand. I put you under my wings for protection and to shield you from life’s storms. I washed you with tears of joy. The wind was always at your back, but not at mine. Now, that you have grown up and can fly on your own, I hold you in my heart.
Lines That Divide Us
Having differences of opinion is a good thing. We should place value in the opinions of others as long as they are rooted in love and not malice or hate. The tension and complexities of our society have led to bitter differences of opinion about everything! Bitter words and deeds wound the soul, and it’s hard to heal a broken soul. Treat your soul and the souls of others tenderly. We might find that what divides us is just a “couple strips of paint” on a highway going nowhere.
Fishing For Whales
Well, look at me! Fishing for whales in the pond near my house. I’ve got my big boy boots on, and I’m nice and warm. Big people call my whales, Bass. Once you get past putting the bait on, the waiting game begins. I’m not afraid of being alone. It’s good to get away from my big brother. He makes me so mad sometimes. I’m sure my mom is looking out at me from time to time, (or I hope she is). If I have to pee, I can always go behind a tree. Food! I have nothing to eat. I’ll just have to eat some of that whale I catch. Child-like faith, like Billy’s, can take us to a better place. Being alone doesn’t have to be a scary thing. But having a friend or two is important also. Billy has his heart set on catching a whale–perhaps you have your heart set on something you really want. I have to ask myself the “want versus need” question ever so often. Billy caught a sunfish, which made him happy as a lark. Someday I hope you catch what makes you happy just as easily as a walk in the park.
This painting is by Mary Brown of M and J Watercolors. https://garryhougland.com/mandjwatercolors/
Where Are You?
Where is this quiet place? Is it somewhere in my heart. Does it really exist? How I waited oh so long just to have you sit beside me. When you didn’t come, the moss and grass began to grow around me. There was always a shaft of light, your light that shown upon me. I sat alone until I passed. And then I saw your face. More beautiful than I had ever known.
The Deep Blue Sea
The awesome power of Mother Nature is vividly on display, as the massive force of the advancing waves meet up with an immovable sloped rocky object! The foaming greenish-blue water quickly slides up the face of the rock as it’s done for thousands of times and years before. The rocks lay silently in wait for the tide to change, and then the depth of its exposure to the elements will change once again. The swirling water both cuts and polishes at the same time–much like all of life’s experiences. We’re not the same as we were the day before. Sometimes we are cut by words or deeds. Sometimes we are polished by a pat on the back or an unexpected visit by a longtime friend. As long as we live these things will be true. (Click on the ocean picture to hear the sound of the waves.)
A Boy’s Conversation With His Teddy Bear
“You’re my best friend even though you don’t talk much, and you’re all covered in fur. I didn’t talk much when I was little. Oh, and I will someday have fur on my face. Big people call it a beard.”
(Everyone needs a best friend…even a furry one!)
“Did you know that everything grows up and not down! They tell me if I drink my milk and brush my teeth, I’ll grow up too.”
(All living creation grows some kind of up!)
“We won’t always be able to sit and talk like this. So we should make the most of every moment.”
(When you don’t have time to talk…that’s when you should at least take time to listen!)
“Are we done here friend, or would you like to sit here a little while longer?”
(Friends make time to take time…even if it’s just for a little while longer!)
A Brother’s Promise
I’ve got you and will not let you fall. Not sure if you break or not, but I don’t want to take that chance. If you hear what I am saying, squeeze my finger? You smell good right at the moment! Though sometimes you really stink! Maybe if you opened your eyes more often we could talk more. However, no rush…no pressure…no stress. (Mommy and Daddy need to heed those words also.) We have an older sister, maybe 5 or 6. She’s real bossy! Parents want your first words to be about them. Too bad the first word you’re going to learn is “no”. I’ve got big plans for us. Hope we don’t get into too much trouble along the way! My promise to you little brother is this…“I’ll always be there for you and will never let you fall…even though you cannot see me, I will be there with you through life’s ups and downs and all.”
Where Did The Years Go?
You see those white wildflowers in the distance? Each year for some 60 plus years they have appeared after a very hard cold, cold winter. Our 5 kids played in them and brought you over a 100 bouquets throughout the years. Our cows grazed there from time to time, and the wild flowers kept coming back. We’ve brought pleasure to one another, and have been there for each other through births, deaths, sickness, and in health. Our wedding vows were true then and still are true to this very time and day. You are my perfect partner although I forget to tell you that each and every day. “I love you,” is easy enough to say; sometimes, my actions will have to be the message that I say. Did our lives matter? I know 5 people for sure who will say yes when we stand before our Maker and declare that we lived the best we could each and every day.
Will You Be My Friend?
“My dad brings flowers to my mom sometimes. They hug and kiss, but we don’t have to do that! I don’t know how to kiss anyway. I found these in our yard. Don’t blow on them or they will fly away.”
“Why do you want me to be your friend.”
“Because.”
“Because, why?”
(Why do we need and/or want to be friends with other people? I think we’re created to be social; even animals seek out their own. Friends teach us that it’s okay to be ourselves. Best Friends are hard to come by. Treat them with love and respect.)
“Because I don’t have anyone to play with or talk to. I thought we could play together from time to time and keep each other company.
“I would like to be your friend. And thank you for the flowers. I won’t blow them all away. Oh, and I don’t know how to kiss either. It looks pretty nasty I’d say.”
Drawn To The Light
Are you all alone and passing from this world; being drawn to a bright light? Or are you being guided by a bunch of Angels to a heavenly peace you’ve not known before? People who experience near death situations all talk of being drawn to a bright light and experiencing feelings of overwhelming peace.
“My path is lit before me on this road I travel on. Darkness has no power over me, every hour I walk alone. My courage builds, eager to experience more and more of this peace of mind. But will the next level of reality really be this kind? What will happen when I pass? Who will be there to meet me? Oh, I see you in the distance smiling as I come nearer. My hope is that you’ll wait for me, to put away my each and every fear.”
A House Full of “Home-Made” Memories
A lot of kids were conceived, loved, and nurtured in this old house. When storms came in the night, we would hold each other tight. I remember laughter and tears, and sometimes fights. On weekends this became the focal point of fun and our love for each other, playing games, and enjoying all the good food that had been prepared. My favorite game was Red Rover, Red Rover, and my favorite pie was coconut cream, and still is! As I have grown up, I realize just how many people who have shared an attachment to this old house. Several souls have passed on, but their memories are all in place. Memories of the white rocking chair–live on through each new day of sunlight.
“Sweet Gina”
Gina, we hope to see your face again, sometime, somewhere–over yonder I suspect. Until that day we see you, we will always ask the question, “Why now?” All we have are memories of the cutest little girl with that great big smile. Then life stepped in and dealt that fatal blow, with very little warning. The little box of ashes that I have sitting on my desk, constantly reminds me of our days and conversations of the very distant past. That weekly phone call is what I remember most of all. Solving the world’s problems, but unable to fix our own. You took on responsibilities that were way too hard to bear alone, and you did it gracefully. You hurt, and we did not know how to fix the pain you were in. Your pain is all gone now. But for those of us who remain behind and knew you best of all, will continually ask “why” until we meet you and greet you, somewhere–over yonder I suspect.
This painting is by Mary Brown of M and J Watercolors. https://garryhougland.com/mandjwatercolors/
Who Am I?
I am the TOTAL of all my life experiences from “where” I was, to “where” I am, and that total equals every day, plus every day, plus every day, of my yet to be determined length of life! Each new day and night adds to the equation! The pluses and the minuses are sometimes evenly cancelled out, begging the question, “Why can’t I get something right?”