“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

– Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519)

Italian polymath of the Renaissance

 

Rachael Ray has been my cooking hero for many years. Truly, I started cooking with her. Many are shocked at how plebeian I am when I confess she is my mentor. She is not a gourmet, she is simple. She is not a French cook. Rachael loves burgers and delicious sides. She cooks in 30-minute, big meals in 60 minutes.  She won my heart with her famous phrase, K.I.S.S., Keep It Super Simple. In life, love, business and cooking, I try to practice ultimate sophistication through the simple answers.

 

“Right now is an amazing time to be alive. The human experience is as rich and delightful as ever and every day carries the promise of a better world….We have come a long way and that’s something worth taking a step back to appreciate.”

– Adam Kokesh (B – 1982)

American libertarian, political activist, radio host, author and a U.S. 2020 Libertarian presidential candidate

 

The power to keep your life simple is through a grateful attitude and a thankful heart. As the quote says, perhaps we need to set back sometimes and look at the richness of life that is all around us. We all complain about our phones and how we are slaves to them. This is how I use my phone. I send out texts of love, praise, prayers and caring. I send photos to stay in touch, to make other laugh, cry, to remember the best times in life, and to share and treasured memories. I use my emails to empower others, to help sponsor other, to give to organizations, and to organize a life of service.

I could resent my phone for how much I use it, but I choose to use it to make my life better and to empower others. Right now, yes, is an amazing time to live, to give, to grow, to learn, to love and serve.

 

“Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”

– Harold S. Geneen (1910 – 1997)

American businessman

 

This is a lesson that I have not mastered. I realize that my life, words and actions are sometimes the only scripture that others will ever read in their lives. I’m sorry to say that I am ashamed of some of my words and my actions in my life. I always remember the words that were said of the sinner who was about to be stoned, whoever is without sin, cast the first stone. All the accusers left one by one and the sinner was told, go and sin no more. So, I’m trying to go and sin no more. I’m also thinking always before I cast a stone, what are my own actions and am I innocent before I hurl accusations at others. I know how hurtful the stones are as they hit you.

 

“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends, and fads, and popular opinion.”

– Jack Kerouac (1922 – 1969)

American novelist

 

When I was a young man, I would have friends over who would look over my record collection to see what kind of music I loved. My records (remember those?) included German Lieder, Chanson, Verdi, Wagner, Rossini, Bellini and Rossini. My favorite singers were Callas, Horne, Caballé, Sills, Sutherland, Corelli and my favorite singer was and is Jussi Bjorling. My favorite song was  “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz”, with Richard Tauber, from Das Land des Lächelns (The Land of Smiles) by Lehár, and my all-time favorite music was and is All-Night Vigil by Rachmaninoff. My phone ringtone today is the HO JO TO HO! featuring Kirsten Flagstad. Little wonder I was single until I was 30, not too many classical music listeners looking for a Callas fan out there!

Yes, I have lived my life not yielding to trends, fads and popular opinions. I guess that is why I love ballroom dancing. I sticks with the basics of elegance and poise and that will never change in the world of ballroom dancing.

 

“When nothing is sure, everything is possible.”

– Margaret Drabble (1939)

English Novelist

 

“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.”

– Julie Andrews (1935)

English film and stage actress

 

I wish everything was sure. A dream, a goal, an appointment, a diet, an exercise program, a dance routine, an event. Even a simple phone call or conversation is not a sure success. Ask anyone who knows me, I fail a lot. I fail in what I say, what I try to accomplish, and how I act during all these failures. Yet I usually succeed in the 20^th try. Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times in his career, yet he is only known for his great successes. Michael Jordan missed more than 9000 shots in his famous career. Not giving up is the secret to lasting success.

 

“It teaches the strong to know when they are weak and the brave to face themselves when they are afraid. To be proud and unbowed in defeat yet humble and gentle in victory. And to master ourselves before we attempt to master others. And to learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep. And to give the predominance of courage over timidity.”

– General Douglas MacArthur, On the virtues of competitive athletics (1880 – 1964)

American five-star general and field marshal 

 

My goal for the rest of my life, to be proud and unbowed in defeat, and humble and gently in victory. Then, to master myself before I try to master others. Wow, I have a long way to go, but I will learn to master myself. I will not give up, I will not quit, I will not give in to failure. I must, will, want to, and shall learn this mastery. Thank you to all of you who read these blogs and for your love and patience from someone who only wants to change into my best person and learn to help, guide and motivate others.

Thanks for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

Keep on Dancing!

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