June 10th, 2021. Yesterday, Parrot Heads in the Villages were reminded once more that life is short. Over the several years I’ve been writing this daily post, I’ve learned a few things from the quotes I’ve read. Don’t put off doing what you want to do, tell the people you love that you love them, often and “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die” is a good plan. Today is Alcoholics Anonymous Founders’ Day, Ballpoint Pen Day, National Black Cow Day, National Herb And Spice Day and National Iced Tea Day. Now to the history part of the post: On this day in 1720 Mrs. Clements (England) sold the first paste-style mustard. Ben Franklin performed his lighting kite flying experiment on this day in 1752. On this day in 1793 the 1st public zoo opened in Paris. This is the day in 1845 Andrew Jackson’s African Grey parrot was removed from his funeral for swearing. A funeral attendee recorded: “Before the sermon and while the crowd was gathering, a wicked parrot that was a household pet got excited and commenced swearing so loud and long as to disturb the people and had to be carried from the house”. Too funny. I’m going to end this post with some advice from the people who have gone before us. Buddha tells us “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Walter Hagan tells us “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” Marcus Aurelius said “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” I’ve decided that I’m going to take the advice of some of the smartest people that ever lived and enjoy myself today. I suggest you do the same. Life is short. Abide.
