In 1967 a group of musicians got together in San Francisco and formed a band.  Musician union rules required they designate a band leader.  For no other reason than that they had to pick someone, Carlos Santana was chosen.

The band was named Santana and issued their first album, eponymously  named, in 1969.    The band went on to phenomonal success issuing a total of 24 albums to date, many with gold or platinum level sales.

Four of the founding members plus two additions formed the “classic” line up of the band – 1969 to 1971.  This period covered the issuance of the first three albums.  Since that time Carlos was the focus of the band with a largely revolving door of other musicians.

Classic era members went on to found hugely sucessful bands like Journey and fusion band Go.

 Nostalgia Reigns

The bands first three albums were titled Santana, Abraxas, and III.  On April 14th, 2016, the classic lineup issued a new album – IV.  This lineup had not played together since 1972 and included all but the bass player (he died)

As is often the case with exceptional rock bands (e.g. the beatles, stones) you can hear them mature and grow musically through their first 3 or 4 albums .

Amazingly the new Santana album sounds just like what the fourth album would have been in 1972 if they had not separated.  It is complex and powerful but true to the chemistry of the original players.

Often classic lineups reunite but the fire is gone and music stale.  This is not the case for Santana IV.  I strongly recommend giving it a listen if you enjoy the latin rock fusion genre at all.  This album is five star.

We have not had a baby in our house for thirty years.  To say I had forgotten what it was like is an understatement.  I am surprising myself by really enjoying the experience.

On arrival home in the evening I first get to follow her on a tour of the house (toddling/crawling).  I have seen drunken sailors walk staighter.  Although she has been here a week the tour is still daily

A couple of months ago, on an Easter visit, she found some chocolate eggs in the basement .  The basement seems a popular place for regular check.  Next year maybe we’ll put the eggs in a diferent place.

Then of course there is always a short time playing games on the ipad, dinner, bath and a personal favorite of mine rubbing lotion on a rash she has.

My daughter does the lotion rubbing, I just hold our granddaughter in place.  As you might guess she is not that interested in being held while bad mommy puts on the cream.  What a mean grandpaw I am.

This leads to the conversation before bed, which continues into the crib sometimes for a hour.  This part is a little frustrating as we don’t speak the same language yet but I am sure the story she is relating is fascinating.

Often in the middle we get a shouted rendition of ” MAMA MEE” which I think translates to “your not paying enough attention, get with it or I am going to throw a fit.”

Or it’s Italian and she wants a pizza.

Were my children this entertaining?

I think the context is a big part of this experience. As a young parent with a lot of balls in the air I did not have time to smell the roses as they say.  This time around I want to relax and enjoy it all.

But they are going to leave, right?

Years ago I carved toys from blocks of wood for my children to play with.   While I would have if Fischer Price had not come along.  Okay so I am not that old.

Playing with my grandaughter the last few days I have discovered childrens entertainment has entered the digital world.  And maybe it is better.

My stock of toddler/ pre-school learning apps and games has reached twenty and seems like I am just getting started.  From peek a boo barn ( a real favorite) to My Tom for toddlers I have to admit there is a broad variety.

Is it better

Real books, where you can turn the pages, and toys you can touch and manipulate ((a toy car, Vroom, Vroom ) will always have some place, however, I definitely see the value in the digital toys.

Combined, old and new,  the most recent generation of kids has the opportunity to broaden their experience.  I would counsel caution though , relative relying on the digital world too much.

Probably the most obvious failing is the generally sedentary nature of these type of activities.  There is some physical activity involved but it is limited.

Exposure and experience with physical beauty, smells and sounds can be duplicated digitally, but really nothing compares with the real thing.

Balance

A common theme through my posts is the value of balance .  Activities at the outdoor playground mixed with the intellectual stimulation of finding a pig in peek a boo barn must be weighted together and both used wisely as your young child discovers the world and travels the journey to adulthood.

(It is corny but I have always wanted to write something like that last sentence.)

Today’s topic arose from recent events resulting in our oldest daughter arriving suddenly on our doorstep seeking refuge.  For my wife and I, empty nestors since 2006 (ten years), this was a bit of a shock.

This surprise visit was compounded by the grandaughter and son-in-law she dragged with her.  Oh joy , the population of our home more than doubled overnight.  All because of a few  wildfires in Fort McMurray Alberta.

Before the comments start rolling, I definitely have tongue firmly in cheek.  If a little humour is not needed in the face of such an enormous natural disaster, then I don’t know when it is appropriate.

As an aside, on occassion I have been said to be a bit of inappropriate with my humour on occassion.  But hey, I am definitely no Lenny Bruce  (google it if you are not sure who he was).

Evacuee or Refugee

A little browsing of the Internet makes it clear I am not the first to stumble over the distinction between these terms.  For me the confusion arises from the fact evacuees are forced to leave and seek refuge elsewhere, while refugees are forced to leave and seek refuge elsewhere.  Sounds very similar.

And the answer is

Kudo’s to my wife for pointing out that refugees generally have no intention to return.  In fact,  usually they intend for their refuge to become or at least lead to a new home.

Evacuees have every intention to return and rebuild.  This of course is the case for my daughters family or at least I hope so!  For me the sooner the better of course ( just kidding, inner voice).

A sincere thank you

To all those who have opened their homes to strangers ( like our youngest daughter) or helped in some other way, good for you.  Now if we can only get rid of our kids (again).

One of our most important personal behaviours is self awareness.  This is an understanding of your personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and emotions.

Self awareness allows you to assess how others view you and act appropriately.    Building your self awareness capabilities is a key skill  for all but hermits.

Where to start?

With any process, from issue resolution to self improvement, the most crtical step is recognition of the need for change.  Thus acknowledgement is step one.

This concept is key to improving your own self awareness.  The key here is motivation.  Is there a value (or a need ) to make the change.  In the case of self awareness it is very personal.

Most importantly though if you do not recognize a need or value it is unlikely you will take action.  Conversely, if self motivated, the potential for success is high.

What next?

You need to have a clear understanding of the objective.  Improved self awareness on its own is still pretty vague.  Begin with a more detailed definition of what self awareness looks to you.  Focus on the results.

For example, in my case, one result I strive for positive results stemming from is my different approaches to personal interactions.

For some people I interact with creation of a close bond of friendship . For others a looser relationship (e.g. an aquaintance) makes more sense.

Or if  I want to collaberate with a person but am aware there will never be a strong bond, I focus on approaches that will work for both of us. That is satisfy both our needs.

Ultimately, for me the practice of self awareness is a foundational behaviour which enables me to ensure interpersonal relations our pleasurable experiences for me with detracting from others needs.