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S1 E88 — Who’s Marc Maron and What’s da Vinci got to do with him?

Then for the next hour I recalled a vision — or was it a dream — from the vacation.  All it took was to ask, “What would Leo da V do?”

What about famous Steves?

“5”  Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69; Stephen Colbert, 56: “Things are going together that mean something to you, though others might not understand.  And anyway, you don’t have to share.” Taurus

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Welcome to Episode 88 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this 20th day of September in the fall of 2019.

Evidence

Over three nights, whenever I needed to sleep, but couldn’t I’d play around with questions in my near sleep, “Do Steves have anything in common, like a common personality by virtue of their name — and, taking into account how others react to them and how they react to others?” 

Ahh, the second night home and asleep in my own bed. Wait, what’s this? 

On the bed stand next to my beautiful Norwegian, Emma the Baroness, lay a clock with a digital read out that seared my brain — “2:30” (AM) and then “3:30” and then a surrender to awareness.  

Got up at 5:30 am, watched TV images on mute, heard the LA Times splat on our driveway and read it for a half hour.  

Nothing of interest piqued my curiosity. 

Then for the next hour recalled a vision — or was it a dream — from the vacation.  All it took was to ask, “What would Leo da V do?” 

He reminded me that I had laid awake in Oslo, Norway, listening to the rain and heavy breathing next to me, 2 am local time.  

That’s when it came to me.  

“The Book of Steves.” 

A Mark Maron-type of interview played out in my partial sleep night after night after night. And finally, I recalled the whimsy of a Patreon project with behind the wall research and ongoing comments funded by Steves and friends of Steves fed by LinkedIn and Facebook.

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Sometimes I feel the need to hold myself back from reading too much into one of Steves Holiday Tau.  Back from a vacation, finding a little fun project might help me shake the low energy sleep deprivation off just enough to proceed, right?

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “Have fun finding your new motivation.  Expose yourself to possibly exciting prospects to see what works.” Capricorn

Maybe.  McQueen’s Holiday Tau could describe how I searched for a “Book of Steves” on Amazon and in Google.  Wow, I’m not seeing it, though.  As always if you can use Steve’s TauBit, feel free to take it.

“3”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “You’ll be answering questions of scale, figuring out what size of life feels comfortable and enlarging it just a bit from there.” Aries

Can you believe the Holiday Tau two musical icons and a comedian share?  Except for you, I haven’t shared this passion project to anyone else.  It fits, and I want it.

“5”  Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69; Stephen Colbert, 56: “Things are going together that mean something to you, though others might not understand.  And anyway, you don’t have to share.” Taurus

Thank you two Gs & a K.  So, you’re saying if I use my time wisely this Saturday, by Tuesday will return?  I’m all in!

“5”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61; Stephen King, 72: “This is a fine time to start a good habit.  Things you do will have a cumulative effect.  Your energy three days from now will depend a lot on how you conduct yourself today.” Virgo

You know, I couldn’t agree with your Holiday Tau, Steve but I just not in the market for it after my second day of sleep deprivation. Except for the least resistance part.

“2”  Steve Smith, 30: “The struggle is real, but only as real as you want to make it.  Or go with the thing that offers no resistance.  Neither is better, they’re just different journeys and lessons.” Gemini

So, I have to say I misread the Holiday Tau for two comedians and a founder.  I read it as ‘when you find your way’, but it grabbed and held onto my interest just as I was about to down grade its wisdom.

“5”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “What used to be challenging becomes more palatable when you find your ‘why.’” Leo

I’m pretty sure what I need, both rest and inspiration, so I’m leaving your Holiday Tau alone for you to enjoy.

“3”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You’re not sure what you need more — rest or inspiration, food or fasting, attention or the fire that builds from knowing you are on your own.  Life will give you just what you need.” Sagittarius

Give me some sleep, then wake me up on Tuesday and offer your Holiday Tau again.  Thanks, Steve.

“3”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Don’t underestimate the power of your body to assist you.  Try new health methods and activities.” Pisces

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Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E86 — Day 86 of My 1-Year Natural Experiment

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

“5”  Steve Smith, 30; Stevie Nicks, 72: “Social media and self-esteem hang in a tricky balance.  It is easy to get seduced by the rush of approval.  But if it comes at the cost of being un-self-consciously involved in life, it’s not worth it.” Gemini

Will the number of selfies mess with our heads as we create memories? Heads up, we need to make sure we are mindful and present to have the best experiences.

Evidence 

Yea! It’s Saturday again and welcome to Episode 86 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this 31st day of August in the summer of 2019.  

So what’s been going on? Norway, in a word.  

We’d been following the same vacation checklist we fine tuned after our Italy Anniversary. Emma the Baroness’ older brother who’s tagging along with us and who is a little more technology challenged than we are throws some extra work and patience requirements our way as we share documents electronically. 

For this trip, Emma the Baroness wanted access to emails and the web which she didn’t in Italy.  We set her iPhone and computer up with Gmail and practiced T-Mobile WiFi which is supposed to be low to no extra charge for roaming fees and international charges.  

We’ll see, right? 

I spent three hours messing around with Volume Three — memoir, legacy, wisdom stuff.

Yup, our Holiday Tau prep with T-Mobile rings true.

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Deciding to teach things you don’t even know about is one of the fastest ways to learn.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Anything we can lift from the remaining Steves?  Yes, but not for this Saturday before a vacation.

Will the number of selfies mess with our heads as we create memories? Heads up, we need to make sure we are mindful and present to have the best experiences.

“5”  Steve Smith, 30; Stevie Nicks, 72: “Social media and self-esteem hang in a tricky balance.  It is easy to get seduced by the rush of approval.  But if it comes at the cost of being un-self-consciously involved in life, it’s not worth it.” Gemini

“3”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “Those who pay more attention to their own minds than to environmental cues often annoy those playing by the rules of context.  Then again, the renegades have something to teach.” Aries

Oh, so true.  So far, knock on wood as Emma the Baroness is fond of saying, we always seem to hear what a good job we’ve done raising Jazzy and Shaggy.

“5”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61; Stephen King, 72: “You get what you put into it with children.  They don’t have the same social references and currencies as people who have lived decades.” Virgo

And, again A-OK (haha)’s Tau feels worthwhile

“4”  Steve Aoki, 41: “Art is in nuance.  Nuance takes experience.  You’ll create something nuanced because you pushed for a bigger experience.” Sagittarius

And, especially if it is nuanced, right?

“4”  Steve Harvey, 62: “When you put something out into the world without worrying too much about what’s going to become of it, that is an act of love.” Capricorn

Oh, and Bon Voyage!

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E82 — Why Writers Aren’t the Only Endangered Species. Sigh.

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “You’re getting established into new communities and circles.  Just make sure before you agree that this is the group of which you want to be a part.” Capricorn

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Evidence

Hi and welcome to Episode 82 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this 24th day of August in the summer of 2019.

What’s going on?  Over this past week Emma the Baroness and I faced the kinds of technical hell most of us do as consumers that drag on for three days.  

Another one impacted just me when my limit to how much of Fantasyland’s Kindle highlights I could save.  My only workaround was to turn in the book and wait for it to be available again. 

I’m not sure how to value our Holiday Tau this Saturday.

“2”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Saying no can be an act of self-love.  And saying yes can be an act of self-denial. The key is to listen carefully and process thoroughly.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Smith’s Holiday Tau is so true, but not for me today.

“3”  Steve Smith, 30: “Only smart people doubt themselves.  Only ethical people question their own ethics.  And only the most evolved face these sorts of conundrums head-on.” Gemini

Yeah, sure we all skim and scroll to the bottom of terms of use.  And on a much larger scale half of us or maybe more can’t trust what our president says.

“4”  Steve Aoki, 41: “Before the technology and law inserted so much complication into life, a person’s word was his or her honor.  Now we don’t even read what we agree to anymore.  Not you; not today.” Sagittarius

Harvey’s Holiday Tau could mean if the folks I meet at the WordPress Meetups are people I want to include in my network. 

I’ve even thought that if for nothing else, being able to be the administrator for all six of my websites could qualify me for a newer career direction.  And, interestingly enough I briefly met a retired LA Times photographer who struggled like I did with setting up his site to showcase his gallery.  He told me with a sigh that the newspaper business he spent his entire in had changed so much. 

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “You’re getting established into new communities and circles.  Just make sure before you agree that this is the group of which you want to be a part.” Capricorn

I’m going to combine Nash’s and Jobs’ Holiday Tau for a Saturday, eh?

“4”  Steve Nash, 45: “Go have fun by yourself.  It will develop the part of you that makes the most difference to your experience.” Aquarius

This is how I felt about reading and taking notes on Fantasyland by Kurt Andersen.

“4”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Choose a challenge that is interesting and not too hard.  Lose yourself in total engagement with the task.” Pisces

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E77 — Why This Caper Is Breaking My Mind

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “If you take it seriously — this caper you’re planning could change everything.” Aries

Evidence

What’s been going on? I used to monitor how I published drafts to one of my six blogs in a simple spreadsheet.  Over time I learned it took many drafts before I published.  So I included that information. 

Hi and welcome to Friday’s Episode 77 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this sixteenth day of August in the summer of 2019. 

And I knew for each post I needed to select a photo either one I took or from an open source site to add.  And, then I knew I needed to add a title and subheading, so I tracked that information. 

So, after while with practice and discipline I could tell where an essay would end up being published and where it was in the composing and editing process.  

Which brings me to this week.  I’m integrating columns and rows from my blog tracking spread sheet into a “Working on the Business” spreadsheet that will tell me across all my passion projects what has to happen next and when it’s due.

And it’s breaking my mind.

But what a great Holiday Tau for a Friday! Like take the afternoon off, because you stuck with your tracking how you spent your time all week?

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Introspection will be an important part of your care today, and you should give yourself gentle encouragement and time for pondering.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Wow, seriously?  I like McQueen’s Holiday Tau. It gives me something to believe in like a light at the end of the long, long tunnel.

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “If you take it seriously — this caper you’re planning could change everything.” Aries

How did you know I needed to lift your Holiday Tau? Thanks, Steve.

“5”  Steve Smith, 30: “There are surface-level challenges to make and strategies to apply in efforts to improve this scene.” Gemini

Oddly enough this makes perfect sense to me, yet I’m not feeling its energy today.

“3”  Steve Howey, 42: “Sometimes you project the past and remember the future.  It doesn’t make perfect sense, but your imperfect senses are better anyway.” Cancer

Well, it is Friday.  I’ll have to check in later with Emma the Baroness!

“4”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61; Stephen King, 72: “Today brings your favorite kinds of moments — highly amusing and unexpected.  This is partly because you’re observant and curious.” Virgo

Sorry G&G, I’m not totally buying your Holiday Tau.  Some of the work I’ve done drained me and bored me and ultimately drove me to change employment.

“2”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “There’s the work that pays the bills and the work that saves your soul.  It’s the same work, actually — same work, different approach.” Libra

I’m closer to buying what Jobs’ Tau is offering — there’s a fundamental message I believe in, but I’m not valuing it as much today.

“3” Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “All effectiveness will come from dealing in what is.  These things siphon your power: escape, distraction and any rejection of the circumstance.” Pisces

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E74 — You Know What To Do, Yeah Right!

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “You’ve been through trying times, and this isn’t one of them.  You already know the right action. Take it.” Aries

Evidence

Hi and welcome to Episode 74 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this ninth day of August in the summer of 2019.

What’s been going on? So far I’ve kept up with the first full week of tracking 30 minute blocks of time starting last Wednesday. 

Recently I solved what had been a long-term work around for extracting ideas and concepts I needed to rearrange, reframe, and repackage.  

Yes, with photos of pages you did record the exact page for attribution, but let’s say you photoed a gazillion pages and then wanted to find that one passage you needed to quote for your passion project.  

I couldn’t search like in text to find it.  But, Shaggy showed me how he used Kindle to highlight passages and convert them into searchable documents.  

So, I can’t tell you how many pages of Fantasyland I’d photoed the old way.  I could, but what’s the point?  The point is I felt ecstatic when my local library offered Kurt Anderson’s book in Kindle.  

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Armed with my Kindle, it’s so easy to see how relevant McQueen’s Tau is for me today.

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “You’ve been through trying times, and this isn’t one of them.  You already know the right action. Take it.” Aries

Mr. Howey I presume.  May I swipe your TauBit of wisdom?  You see I’ve been skipping around all my life learning things — hell, even at the end of last week and by color code this week. There may not be a way to skip ahead, but you can anticipate years ahead, play if that, then this and wait for signals that today is the day to pull the trigger on a decision or opportunity that does accelerate you.

“5”  Steve Howey, 42: “People may skip around learning different things at different stages, but there really is no skipping ahead.  So don’t be jealous when you notice someone is at a stage that’s foreign to you.” Cancer

I’m suggesting this Holiday Tau for Aoki isn’t quite right for me.  Don’t take me wrong.  I don’t assume everyone is like me.  But this might turn out to be more helpful for you.

“3”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You assume that everyone is like you, but it’s not true.  Many aren’t paying such close attention.  All the more reason you should.” Sagittarius

Haha.  Now, this resonates with me.  It’s my Obama syndrome.  Sometimes I can’t help myself as the shear amount of information that automatically flows out of my mouth is nearly unstoppable. In fact, as a trainer I’ve had to train myself to stop and ask a question, like “Does that make sense?” or very closely look for signals like rolling of the eyes or popping up their smartphones until I’ve concluded. 

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “New people are interested in you.  Don’t let them get confused by too much information.” Capricorn

Kids, don’t try this at home.  But if you try tracking your 1/2 hour blocks of time because you really, really want to change a habit, then make sure you follow Job’s Holiday Tau.

“4”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Not celebrating your success would be a mistake.  The small wins especially need acknowledgement.” Pisces

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E73 — Do You Need a Little Leo da V Time Too?

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Steve Zahn, 51: “The thing you do in the moment might be impulsive or awkward or might lack a certain amount of emotional control that you wish you could claim.  Who cares?” Scorpio

Evidence

Hi and welcome to Episode 73 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this eighth day of August in the summer of 2019.

What’s been going on? My goal for this week was to make good on dividing my time among my four passion projects.  

So far I can view the first three days and see by color code how much time I actually spent on each activity.  

In preparation for our Norwegian vacation we scheduled interviews with TSA at the airport with four names to qualify for our pre-screening security treatment at the gate. 

I’d actually spent one whole day figuring out what was required to upload ebooks to Apple Books and how to market them.  I concluded there were lots and lots of moving parts before I could close the gap on that project. 

And, today while listening to Marc Maron’s podcast interview with Kurt Anderson my passion rekindled.  But my Inspiration software crashed as I sketched out how insights in my notes from Fantasyland fit my Volume Three time line.

I’ve been so over structured, that I needed a Leo da Va time.  Wait, do I schedule in time for that?  Or risk becoming distracted by just letting him flow in the moment?

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “The thing you do in the moment might be impulsive or awkward or might lack a certain amount of emotional control that you wish you could claim.  Who cares?” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Nash’s Holiday Tau is a cautionary tale for all of us introverts who just love them some solitude to concentrate on their (my) mega-projects.

“4”  Steve Nash, 45: “The same structure that protects us and brings shelter in our day-to-day life can also be a cage.” Aquarius

Harvey’s Holiday Tau describes my weakness, especially with timelines and deadlines attached to mega-projects.

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “With goal setting, getting the scale right is tricky.  You probably won’t nail this on the first try, so keep going until you do.” Capricorn

What is the definition of “if”?  I fell back on time-tracking frequently in my past when my natural instincts had to be redirected, so yeah Jobs’ Holiday Tau is just as pertinent at Harvey’s.

“5”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “It’s as though you’ve been through this scenario already in some kind of stimulated drill.  There’s a gut feeling left over that you can trust.” Pisces

Of course it would take the Holiday Tau for two comedians and a company founder to point out how this iterative tracking process actually plays out.

“4”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Whatever your weakness, that’s part of the design that can be worked with, the part that draws people in.” Leo

I don’t think so.

“2”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “Today you’ll see people move away from overly controlling influences and toward those who comfort and assure.” Aries

Haha.  This reminds me of the time I attended a networking event where the guest motivational speaker handed out paperback copies of his book, and I’m paraphrasing here, “Help Me Help You” and I politely listened wondering if I had to become him to make a living as a consultant and advisor promoting myself with “knowledge products”?

“4”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61; Stephen King, 72: “There are people in the business of helping others who only really help themselves.  Don’t buy into a model that shows sign of greed.” Virgo

Wait, isn’t kind of projection on display first in the election runoff among republican candidates, then again in the 2016 election, and yet again currently on Twitter?

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “Pointing fingers will be a temptation.  Of course, it wouldn’t bother you about another person if you didn’t notice the quality somewhere in yourself.” Sagittarius

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E72 — It’s Taken so Long, I Could be Wrong

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Self-esteem is tricky.  It’s not based on what you do.  It’s a matter of evaluation.” Pisces

Hi and welcome to Episode 72 in the first season of ” My 1-Year Experiment” on this fourth day of August in the summer of 2019 .

Evidence

What’s been going on? So this is becoming the first full week of following Peter Drucker’s Effective Executive tool for tracking your time.  

I actually began it on 7/31/19 by just getting used to filling in 1/2 hour blocks of time. Then, I began color coding activities.  Tan for Working on the Business; blue for Volume Three Manuscript about a Legacy Memoir; green for Volume Two Manuscript about Work; and red for freeing up time for free flowing creativity — What Would Leo da V do?

I was so hoping the Holiday Tau for Zahn, Winkler, Emma the Baroness and me would reflect what I’m up to.  Not so much for today.

“2”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Storms are named after people.  You know first hand why this is so.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

I’m not proud of myself when I’m forced to lift a Holiday Tau from the other Steves, but sometimes you just can’t help it. If not you, then what? Jobs and Howey to the rescue.

And it’s a matter of who does the evaluation. 

“5”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Self-esteem is tricky.  It’s not based on what you do.  It’s a matter of evaluation.” Pisces

So, if I don’t harness my muse, Leo da V, then yes I’ll flow from thing to thing like what happens when you dump quicksilver onto a surface.  There’s a time for it. And Howey’s Holiday Tau can be my curse or blessing.

“5”  Steve Howey, 42: “Like the tide, you roll in here and you roll in there, seeing many a distant shore.  Yet none can keep you.” Cancer

McQueen’s requires quite a contortion for me to twist it to fit.  Exposure — if I fill in time blocks after if finish a task, maybe that helps to face the fear?

“2”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “Fears are overcome with exposure.  Relax first and then face the fear.” Aries

So confidence and ignorance is bliss, or am I miss-reading this?  I’d rather be a Man of Knowledge instead.

“2”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Confidence is more easily obtained through ignorance than it is through knowledge.” Leo

Sure, but …

“2”  Steve Harvey, 62: “There’s no place for regret in today’s discourse except to use it as a signal to stop to find something that will get you back to ‘now’” Capricorn

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E65 — Focus Your Mental Energy

Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69; Stephen Colbert, 56: “You’ll use the finite resource that is your mental energy to focus on what is under your control.” Taurus

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Day 65 of My 1-Year Experiment

Summer July 2019

What’s been going on?  I continued transcribing more hand written journal entries into manuscript chapters.  

Welcome to Episode 65 of My 1-Year Experiment on today, July 14th.

Here’s a snapshot of the latest: 

“Shaggy had three games in three days. Was hit in the small of his back near his left side. Came up the next inning and got a hit. Told him how proud I was for him to face his fear. He had reluctant to play Triple-A because he might get hit. This weekend— helped Vickie and Mike move out of their house back to Michigan. Brian was Jeffrey’s best friend and Shaggy grew attached to him too, Elizabeth and “Craigers” became permanent fixtures at our house. Elizabeth was a surrogate daughter for Emma the Baroness. They barely escaped becoming “homeless.” With Mike’s two Pizza stores undercapitalized — they drained their IRA’s etc. and had escrow attached. They barely made it out of town with anything to show for the time they spent in California.”

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

So, let’s see.  Is there any reason I should renounce my birth date and sign on to another?

Hmm.  Sorry.  I’m not feeling McQueen’s Holiday Tau today while submerged in my manuscript transcription project.

“2”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “You’ll gravitate toward results-focused programs and teachers.” Aries

Leave it to WW&C’s Holiday Tau to mean more.  I’ll dive right in moving from one hand written journal chapter to the next until the whole morning has passed and the late afternoon shift in shadows draws my attention to my severe energy depletion.

“5”  Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69; Stephen Colbert, 56: “You’ll use the finite resource that is your mental energy to focus on what is under your control.” Taurus

For my consulting work, Smith’s Holiday Tau hit’s the mark when it comes to meeting new potential clients to prepare proposals that lead to contracts.  It’s one of the most difficult processes to master for me.

“5”  Steve Smith, 30: “Ask for what you want, request what you need, and adjust your offerings along the way.” Gemini

Nah.  Not going to do it.  Trends are my thing.  Anticipating how they influence my long term financial, career and family plans are critical. Sorry, but it might work for you as a TauBit for the Taking.

“2”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Instead of jumping to the next trendy thing that has the potential to take off, hang back to see what happens.” Leo

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E 64 — Father and Son Rituals out of Storage

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Summer  July 2019

Steve Zahn, 51: “Your brain depends on repetition to build mental storage facilities for all the life-enhancing practices you’ll be picking up.  Repeat lessons often so they’ll stick.” Scorpio

What’s been going on? Transcribing more chapters into a draft of what I’m calling “Volume Three” a memoir.  Welcome to Episode 64 of My 1-Year Experiment on today, July 13th.

This one about early morning father and son rituals.

Shaggy sneaks into our bed anytime before 6 am.  He sleeps either between us with his head on my pillow, or with his feet in our face. We’ve been working on incentives (stamps) leading to toys for not coming into our bed during the night. The brown wood grained Panasonic clock radio kicks into KNX-FM at 6:30 am. 

Lately we’ve gotten up about 15 to 20 minutes earlier than Shaggy. Once re-awakened, he insists I put on my dark blue robe and pick him up. We mosey downstairs, stopping at the front door to see what kind of day it is. For the next part of the ritual, we retire to the far wall of the family room and snug on the couch for a few minutes. Until he wants to play something. Castle Legos vs. Robin Hood — most often. Each man has to have his hands, weapons, hats, posture exactly like Shaggy’s.

I try to take care of any of my business as best I can, but usually to no avail. Shaggy demands I play.

So, Zahn’s Holiday Tau resonates with my memoir passion project.

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Your brain depends on repetition to build mental storage facilities for all the life-enhancing practices you’ll be picking up.  Repeat lessons often so they’ll stick.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Needing to recoup my energy and being an introvert, Aoki’s Holiday Tau feels A-OK.

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You enjoy being social when you’re ready for it and in the mood to connect.  But you need your solitude just as much.” Sagittarius

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Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E 63 — Day 63 of My 1-Year Experiment

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Summer July 2019

What’s been going on? Today, July 12th, I continued transcribing four more chapters into a draft of what I’m calling “Volume Three” a memoir — legacy of sorts.  It described returning to Jeffersonville, Indiana for number one son’s high school graduation.

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Nash’s Holiday Tau came closer to my experience, mood and feelings. 

“3”  Steve Nash, 45: “Complaining is boring to those who aren’t sharing the undesirable experience.  It might even be boring to those who are.  In any case, avoid negativity.” Aquarius

Did I leave something out of Aoki’s Holiday Tau?  Why did I choose it — slim pickings?

“2”  Steve Aoki, 41: “Today there are clear-cut goals that are higher met or not met.  Almost doesn’t count.” Sagittarius

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate