Posting daily at 1pm central about all kinds of things. One day it's dating, the next it's TV commercials. I hope you're entertained. Professional photos on SmugMug – https://benwilder.smugmug.com
This morning when it came on the radio, I wasn’t exactly ready to hear “I Guess I Just Feel Like” by John Mayer. And yet, it was the perfect song at the perfect time. Every once in a while I go beyond allowing myself to feel hurt. I get down in those feelings like a dog rolling in the dirt. Probably not the best thing to do, or anything that’s going to help me grow, but listening to this song was a pleasure, letting feelings bubble up instead of just suppressing everything. Here’s the song…
I know it’s OK to embrace hurt. Sometimes as a Christian I think I’m supposed to always be happy or joyful, never letting negative circumstances shape me. Not admitting that sometimes things can just stink and it’s OK to be frustrated. Listen to those sad songs, scream if I have to, and let out a few very meaningful exhales.
Today I just felt like it was going to be one of those days. Even December with its lights and holiday cheer can have moments where we’re in a valley, huh?
We didn’t start the fire… It was always burning, since the world’s been turning… The latest commercial for Apple Intelligence features a song that will 1) get stuck in your head and 2) remind you of the cadence of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” At least those two things are 💯 true for me. I use that 💯 emoji on purpose because the ad is all about creating your own images using Apple Intelligence. Take a look then scroll down for more info… including the song that is definitely NOT Billy Joel’s hit.
The Song. This is a custom song called “Anything You Like” by an artist who goes by the name The Dare. His given name is Harrison Smith. He’s a musician, creator, singer, and has worked on projects with Charli XCX so clearly he’s got good things going on professionally. Give him a follow on Instagram @itsthedare.
Less Than Meets the Eye. Apple Intelligence gives you the ability to create your own emojis, Apple is calling them Genmojis, which I’m assuming is a combination of generate and emojis. What they’re barely telling you, though, is that you won’t be getting exactly what you’re seeing in the commercial. Check out the fine print…
What are some emojis you’ve been dying to send to friends and family? Chime in below!
December for me is more than just the signal of a new calendar year on the horizon. It’s also when I turn another year older. This month I find myself reflecting on 2024 and age 45; all the amazing experiences, the hard ones, laughter, anger, excitement, worry, wonder, hope, despair… it’s almost like every emotion I’ve felt was, at some point in the year, counterbalanced by it’s opposite. I’d still say, though, that 2024 (and 45) was a great year. Of course the mountain top experiences are wonderful (and welcome) but as I told my sister the other day, and I don’t know if I’ve ever said this out loud, but I kinda like the valley, too. It’s in the valley that I’m most reminded that I can’t do anything good on my own. I need help.
But it’s not just the need that I embrace, it’s who I need from. And that’s God. He’s the only one that can rescue me from all valleys (and mountaintops, too). I’d hate to have a life where everything is easy and comfortable. The risk of shuffling God to a side priority would be so high, so those valleys, they aren’t really that fun but there’s a song I’m reminded of from back in the day where the lyrics say, “valleys fill first.”
When God pours out his blessing, mercy, grace, love, rescuing, the valleys fill first.
That was a little bit of a tangent, wasn’t it? This year has been a lot of fun from the camping/travelling, triathloning, working, generally being with people that mean a lot to me whether that’s family, old friends, new friends, my dogs, the neighborhood horses, the pup across the street who stretches in the most cute way, volunteering around town, it’s been a good year.
I find it a nice fit that next year the pastor will be preaching on Ecclesiastes, probably my favorite book in the whole Bible. In chapter 3 is that familiar part where it says there’s a time for this, a time for that, etc. But the whole book is about all the things the author has experience and accomplished in a search for meaning. At the end, and this is sort of a spoiler but go read the whole thing anyway, he says this:
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Isn’t that refreshingly simple? The other day I was staring at my sleeping dogs and admired them. They don’t worry. They don’t have much anxiety about life. They get fed and they’re happy. In a way, I want to be just like that. Not tangled up in trivial matters, but just living each day knowing God is going to take care of me. Peace. Rest. Excitement.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew)
I look forward to the days when I am fully dependent on God alone. It won’t happen overnight, I’m a feisty Capricorn after all. But I’m pretty pumped that each day I’m changing, even if it’s little by little, into someone more selfless, more compassionate, more willing to listen, more patient, and more happy. 2025 is going to be great.
I keep seeing commercials for the Hummer EV highlighting the crabwalk feature. I’ve written about it before, too. Recently, there’s one airing for the winter holidays with a Hummer showing the crabwalk in a completely useless snowy scene.
I’m old enough now that I don’t drive in snow. I just don’t. But if I did, I’d definitely feel comforted knowing I can drive at a slight angle (said no one ever!). I don’t see a real-life scenario where this crabwalk serves any meaningful purpose. Now with that said, I do think the independent shifting of the front and rear set of tires can be great when they’re used to turn tight corners. In other words, the front and back are positioned in opposition positions, as shown towards the end of this YouTube short…
Do you think the crabwalk will be useful as it’s being advertised (sliding left or right)? I can say this for sure: Having a big vehicle that can make tighter u-turns is a very nice benefit, but otherwise, just give me the usual.
The lights dimmed. The music was queued. Standing in a group of four and off we went! There were meltdowns, swings, California twirls, and a lot more in last night’s techno contra dance (although techno-cally there wasn’t a right and left through as the title of this post might lead you to believe 🫣). Using pop/techno music is a twist on the traditional folk music/ live band usually accompanying contra dances. I was only a little bit sure of what to expect because I’ve participated in just one other contra dance that featured pop music… and… last night…
The sounds, the energy, the people, the laughing, all of it was such a high. Like a great workout at the gym but with music and friends and dancing. I was talking to someone about it recently, saying how contra dance is a welcome addition to my life. I have triathlon stuff, church stuff, family stuff, but going out to dance allows me to embrace a different aspect of my personhood. If you have a chance to try contra dancing in your city, I think you should. You might end up liking it!
But then don’t do what I did afterward: on the way home I accidentally hit a possum. Very sad. In its honor, I named it Rosanna because that song came up on my Spotify playlist this morning as I passed by the scene of the incident. Rosanna… I’m sorry. I hope you had a fulfilling life and thanks for your work in the woods! You were awesome.
Out of the Wilderness 