Archive
With Malice Toward None; With Charity For All
I read that quote in the latest Esquire in an article about “the better toast” and instantly appreciated its meaning. The quote comes from Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address. The author writes “but a toast is a wish, and whether you believe in karma or not, it is always better to wish good than ill; far better to follow Shakespeare and “drink down all unkindness.”
This quote is more than a simple toast. It is a belief; a way of life that many do not follow. When you are wronged, a common reaction is to want revenge on the wrongdoer. I have been guilty of wanting revenge or vengeance on someone for any infraction. And for what, the brief feeling of satisfaction of knowing karma had made its presence felt?
When karma reigns, does that fix everything for you? No.
This may not come across as the most charitable thought, but if people spent the energy on fixing a wrong for themselves instead of any ill will at a fellow human being, that would figure to fix many issues across the board.
It is no longer worth the effort and time worrying about what people did to you. It is worth the effort and time to spend fixing what is wrong and bettering yourself.
Save yourself before saving the world.
I am applying the meaning behind the quote in my life more. Additionally, there will be something meaningful behind my toasts for years to come.
An additional side note about toasts: I recently learned it is good luck to look the person you are cheersing with. Keep that in mind, friends!
Is there a quote you use when you cheers or toast someone? What would you toast if you were with me?
I close with a toast to my friends, readers of this blog and my enemies. With malice toward none; with charity for all.
Jason
My Photo Shoot With High Heel Photography
As we all waved goodbye to 2011 and went into 2012, that brought on the unofficial restart and new beginning of many lives. “A new year, a new you” is a common mantra for people across the world. Goals, resolutions and to-do’s are created and hopefully achieved. One of my to-do’s: have a photoshoot.
Lucky for me, I know Nikki Duff of High Heel Photography, a Professional Portrait Photographer in Minneapolis. She has been a long-time friend and wife to my college roommate Nick. Nikki had me come out to St. Paul (yes, I was on the wrong side of the train tracks :)) and I quickly learned why she is good at what she does. While I saw random pieces, she saw opportunities for great photos. Below are the results of her efforts. Thank you very much to Nikki for her work.
This backdrop produced some of my favorites. And I thought it was just an old door.
The basic pose. Nice to have a photo where I show a smile.
Again, the great blue backdrop is used. This may be my favorite from the shoot.
Yeah, I have mad hops! Cool action shot.
Of course argyle would be a part of the shoot. This might be the new photo for #ArgyleFriday 🙂
Deep thoughts, by Jason Douglas.
Am I looking mischievous, or secretly happy?
Jason Douglas: happy.
Am I: a) confused, b) pouting, or c) not liking what I am smelling, likely from my cooking. 🙂
This picture says it all. Professional. Somewhat tan looking. Happy.
Again, I want to thank Nikki for taking some time out of her Saturday to do the photoshoot and all of her work on the photos to make them look awesome. If you’re looking for a professional photographer in Minneapolis, make sure to give Nikki a look.
Jason
Skating at the Xcel Energy Center
Those of you who know me well are well aware of my ice skating ability. That ability is non-existent. Born and bred in Minnesota, also known as the State of Hockey, I have only skated four times in my life.
Until January 26th.
First, a big shout-out to Garon Rowland for hooking me up with this amazing opportunity. It was an open skate for staff, family and friends at the Xcel Energy Center and Garon was kind enough to invite me.
I must note: while skating, I did not fall once! However, I did fall while on the ice. The story will be accompanied with a photo below.
Because seeing me skate is such a rare happening, pictures were taken.
I am close to the boards so my laps would cover more distance, never for balance. 🙂
I’m starting to feel confident about my skating ability. I’m cruising behind one of the goals here.
Now I am going too fast. If the picture is blurry, I apologize. That is what happens when you are going so fast the camera could not keep up.
I ended up in the penalty box for skating too fast.
Again, seeing me on the ice above is not a result of me wiping out while skating. After my speedy laps on the ice, I stopped to rest. However, I felt compelled to try the running man in skates. Note: I cannot do the running man in shoes on normal ground. Why I attempted such a difficult dance move on ice is beyond me. Clearly, it did not work out well.
Standing at center ice. The view of the Xcel Energy Center from the ice is amazing and completely different than from any seat in the stadium.
Again, thank you to Garon for the opportunity. I know there are people more deserving to be out there and people who are much better skaters. Rest assured, I enjoyed this as much as possible. It was an experience I will never forget.
Jason
Jason Douglas's Life Blog 