Live For The Moment

The 1719 published novel by Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) is about a man shipwrecked alone as he struggles against hardship, privation, loneliness, and cannibals in his attempt to survive on a deserted island.

“All this while the storm increased, and the sea, which I had never been upon before, went very high, tho’ nothing like what I have seen many times since. I expected every wave would have swallowed us up...and in this agony of mind I made many vows and resolutions.”
-Daniel Defoe
from 'Robinson Crusoe'

Early this morning I heard on the news about a British couple who were rescued from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean by an Italian tanker after spending 40 days lost at sea in their yacht (after leaving the West Coast of Africa on January 9, 2009 with intentions of reaching Antigua in April 2009).
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,498347,00.html
The dilemma of being lost made me think of Robinson Crusoe. And now I feel like reading--once again--the classic book 'The Life of Pi' by Yann Martel. Pi is 'lost at sea' for over 200 days. The magical story takes you on a journey of survival, hopes, dreams and more.

“Only fear can defeat life.”
-Yann Martel
in his book 'The Life of Pi'
www.amazon.com/Life-Pi-Illustrated-Yann-Martel/dp/0151013837/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235417381&sr=8-2
In the quote above Pi is explaining the dangers of fear, but at the same time seems to be talking himself out of being afraid. Fear can cause the loss of belief and the loss of reason. The “light of words” defeats fear by not allowing your mind to wallow in it.

You always have a choice and the conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time. Choose a positive thought. Visualize your eventual demise. It has an amazing effect on how you live for the moment.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Thursday, February 23, 1984

My immediate supervisor, Sue Reppert, asked if I wanted to work overtime in El Cerrito (on Saturday).
"Yes, sure," I replied. Why the hell not? I will still be able to ride my bike all day Sunday.

I gave Paloma a call at 3pm. She was at her workout class. She is so devoted to weight training. I could use some tips from her.

PHOTO: 1984-"Paloma"

When I telephoned Paloma at 5pm she was not at home. While I was at the Velo Sport Bike Shop in Berkeley I called again at 6pm. She was finally home. I picked her up and we went to another Bike Shop near University and Shattuck. Our time was tight due to the movie start time, so we hit McDonald's for a quick 'to go' meal.
We did have time to browse at greeting cards. That was fun.

We saw "Moon In The Gutter" starring Nastassja Kinski and the co-feature film called "Invitation au Voyage".
www.imdb.com/title/tt0084149/
The movies had their fair share of good qualities. However, both Paloma and I agreed that we've seen better flicks. I kissed Paloma good night.
"I'll call you on Friday," I said as we both smiled at one another.

The timing of Chris Cordellos is always unexpected. As soon as I walked in my door he telephoned from Arcata, CA. We talked for a little over half an hour. We spoke of OREO cookie ice-cream, a questionable Guardian Angel from New York, the blond gentleman who eyed me while I was in my car today, Chris' sexy body versus mine, our missing one another, a possible Friday night party in Arcata tomorrow night, an Echo Beach dance outing in San Francisco next Thursday night, the possibility of his moving in with me and my folks' final purchase of a new townhouse in Alameda. We finally but hesitantly said 'good night'.

It was fun talking to Chris. I also had a great evening with Paloma. I have an optimistic attitude. It feels good. I never feel very bad these days. I intend to make every effort to feel good in all of my future days.