Greetings on this Sunday evening, and Happy May 1 from Colorado! The place where God vacations. I know I promised I wouldn't get too philosophical, but that's half the fun of this blog right? To tell stories, give thoughts, and to keep in touch. By the way, some of you have asked, and yes I'm aware of the tragedy that happened in HOD, I've been trying to wrap my brain around it. I will always remember him as being a kind, true southern gentleman and the epitome of a professional. Thank you everybody for keeping me informed, please continue to pray for the family.
Titles:
One thing I've noticed since entering my 20's and the working world is the emphasis people place on titles. Director of this, CEO of that. Titles are proudly waved as a display of success but the truth is, if you try, they are rather easy to obtain. In Delaware, I can actually incorporate myself and become Joel Hensley, Inc. I can be the CEO!
There are those who earn the right to their titles. I've been diligently praying to God about this and hope that he will help me obtain things of long-lasting value. That might not necessarily get me the kind of 'titles' which sound cool, but ultimately it will be more rewarding. The truth is, with hard work, the titles will follow. To me, character is more important and that is what I will do my best to strive for. Get into something for the right reasons and not for the prestige. What gets me (or as Peter Griffin from Family Guy would say, "Grinds My Gears") is when people seek titles at the expense of other people or of a cause, how many have sold out in many ways for the sake of titles?
So my advice is this, do not seek titles, work hard and do what needs to be done...sometimes you'll receive titles and recognition, sometimes you won't, but to seek a title solely for its own sake is a mistake. As Angus McFadyen (as Robert The Bruce) in the movie Braveheart said it best..."Lands,titles, men, power...nothing. I have nothing," or as Wallace said earlier in the film "What does it mean to be noble? Your title gives you claim to the throne of our country but men don't follow titles...they follow courage."
Castles and Empires
As the headline of this blog says, seek to build a castle instead of an empire. What is the difference? Castles last longer and are built on a strong foundation, they are stable, they build from the ground up, they do not move, they focus on reinforcing what is already there and making it strong. Empires on the other hand, stretch themselves thin, looking for more to obtain rather than strengthening what it already has. Empires with the exception of a few, typically don't last longer than a few hundred years, if that. This can easily be applied to politics, but in your own life, seek out the things that will remain and don't decay quickly over time. Go for quality and not quantity and ultimately the things that last forever which I will touch on at a later date :-) .
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Land Of Enchantment
Lives up to it's name. New Mexico, was unexpectedly awesome. In most places with good scenery, you are staring at the same scenery for miles while New Mexico had the unique ability to change it's scenery every 10 minutes. First you'd be look out at vast flat desert with snowy mountains in the background then you'd surrounded by hills littered with shrubs along the landscape. Incredible. The farther north you go, the better it gets as if it's leading up to Colorado, the epicenter for natural beauty.
Roswell
Ever see the movie Independence Day? Always wanted to see Roswell and Area 51 after that movie. Roswell is a humorous disappointment. They have a museum which is cool, but the entire town is way over the top(actually it's a city now but they still call themselves a town) is completely Alien themed, full of Alien memorabilia everywhere. You can go to the local bar and get your "Alien Beer" and the local Arby's had a sign that says "Aliens are Welcomed". It gets better, and I took plenty of pictures of some of this ridiculousness. The local Days Inn has an alien directing your entry and exit, downtown buildings have statued aliens peaking over the corners and ufo's crashed into their brick walls. The people there however, were quite normal.
In a days time, I left Amarillo, passed through Roswell and Albuquerque (a pretty cool city as well). So far, New Mexico has tied Alabama for most hospitable state...everyone I met in New Mexico were very friendly, talkative, and proud of their culture (keeping the travelers mindset). I stayed in Santa Fe that night.
I Must Say Santa Fe, You Intrigue Me
The whole state of New Mexico was interesting but Santa Fe was completely different than anything I'd ever seen before. I joked with a receptionist about there being a city ordinance that required that all houses be either Adobe or Traditional style...but he told me sure enough...the city DOES require your house to be one or the other if you live in downtown Santa Fe. They don't allow any new buildings to be taller than 4 stories. Incredible. Near the Governor's Plaza, everyday Native American descendants gather and sell jewelry, pottery, and other items along the sidewalks. It was just a cool place, you don't have any visual points to locate where you are in the city since everything is so small in size.
Easter in Sante Fe
I decided to fast all day on Easter Sunday and it was surprisingly easy. Santa Fe was the perfect place to end up on Easter. I was able to visit some historic and famous churches including San Miguel which is considered to be the oldest Church in the US and I went to see the Miracle Stairs at the Lorreto Church. Now, legend has it, a mysterious carpenter came to the church sometime in the 19th century and helped build a staircase. The finished project was a helix-like spiral staircase (oddly resembles DNA) which defies engineering logic. The man left without even being paid for the project and nobody ever found out who he was or where the wood came from. Some say, it was Jesus himself. You know, magicians are good at tricks too. PS...It is a terrible idea to fast for a day and night and then splurge on Sante Fe food but onward and upward I went and passing through another awesome spot in New Mexico which I highly recommend seeing sometime called the Eagles Nest.
Buddhists Believe in Personal Property?
After passing Taos on the way to Colorado I stopped and saw a sign for a Buddhist Monastery..The Fa Yun.(there was also a sign for Shadow Mountain Academy, however, I avoided this). Heck, I've never been to one, lets see what this is all about. I made a 3 miles trek up this little mountain only to come to a fence and a sign that said "Warning: No Trespassing...Private Property". This dumbfounded me, what if I was seeking enlightenment? I would have been heartbroken and confused because I thought Buddhist Monks didn't believe in possession, let alone private property. I was enlightened, however I will not quit, I am now determined to meet a Buddhist Monk and have some good convo with one...I hear California may have a bunch.
Roswell
Ever see the movie Independence Day? Always wanted to see Roswell and Area 51 after that movie. Roswell is a humorous disappointment. They have a museum which is cool, but the entire town is way over the top(actually it's a city now but they still call themselves a town) is completely Alien themed, full of Alien memorabilia everywhere. You can go to the local bar and get your "Alien Beer" and the local Arby's had a sign that says "Aliens are Welcomed". It gets better, and I took plenty of pictures of some of this ridiculousness. The local Days Inn has an alien directing your entry and exit, downtown buildings have statued aliens peaking over the corners and ufo's crashed into their brick walls. The people there however, were quite normal.
In a days time, I left Amarillo, passed through Roswell and Albuquerque (a pretty cool city as well). So far, New Mexico has tied Alabama for most hospitable state...everyone I met in New Mexico were very friendly, talkative, and proud of their culture (keeping the travelers mindset). I stayed in Santa Fe that night.
I Must Say Santa Fe, You Intrigue Me
The whole state of New Mexico was interesting but Santa Fe was completely different than anything I'd ever seen before. I joked with a receptionist about there being a city ordinance that required that all houses be either Adobe or Traditional style...but he told me sure enough...the city DOES require your house to be one or the other if you live in downtown Santa Fe. They don't allow any new buildings to be taller than 4 stories. Incredible. Near the Governor's Plaza, everyday Native American descendants gather and sell jewelry, pottery, and other items along the sidewalks. It was just a cool place, you don't have any visual points to locate where you are in the city since everything is so small in size.
Easter in Sante Fe
I decided to fast all day on Easter Sunday and it was surprisingly easy. Santa Fe was the perfect place to end up on Easter. I was able to visit some historic and famous churches including San Miguel which is considered to be the oldest Church in the US and I went to see the Miracle Stairs at the Lorreto Church. Now, legend has it, a mysterious carpenter came to the church sometime in the 19th century and helped build a staircase. The finished project was a helix-like spiral staircase (oddly resembles DNA) which defies engineering logic. The man left without even being paid for the project and nobody ever found out who he was or where the wood came from. Some say, it was Jesus himself. You know, magicians are good at tricks too. PS...It is a terrible idea to fast for a day and night and then splurge on Sante Fe food but onward and upward I went and passing through another awesome spot in New Mexico which I highly recommend seeing sometime called the Eagles Nest.
Buddhists Believe in Personal Property?
After passing Taos on the way to Colorado I stopped and saw a sign for a Buddhist Monastery..The Fa Yun.(there was also a sign for Shadow Mountain Academy, however, I avoided this). Heck, I've never been to one, lets see what this is all about. I made a 3 miles trek up this little mountain only to come to a fence and a sign that said "Warning: No Trespassing...Private Property". This dumbfounded me, what if I was seeking enlightenment? I would have been heartbroken and confused because I thought Buddhist Monks didn't believe in possession, let alone private property. I was enlightened, however I will not quit, I am now determined to meet a Buddhist Monk and have some good convo with one...I hear California may have a bunch.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Travelers Mindset
Since doing this trip, my attitude towards some things has changed. I've been more open, not only to experiences that I never would do back home, but also to people. There hasn't been a day where I haven't been able to hold a long conversation with a complete stranger, most of the time more than a handful in a given day. This doesn't happen as often when I'm in the regular day to day mindset and I think I miss out on meeting some tremendous people b/c of that.
When people are on vacation they are naturally more open to experiencing things and observing the beauty around them. How excited are they when they see a mountain they've never seen before or a waterfall? Or trying a different restaurant. Maybe the exciting factor, is simply the fact that it is something different, but a lot of it is the mindset.
But the reality is that there is beauty all around us, we just have to be open to it. God has planted beauty in every part of the world for the people who live there to enjoy day in and day out, and beauty all over the world for us to explore endlessly. I see locals, who take places that fascinate me for granted and I'm sure I do the same back home.
I pray that the mindset I've had on this trip, I will keep for life, no matter where I am. So look around you, try something different, get excited about the food that you eat, the places, experiences, nature, and people around you and know that there is nothing else better...just different. Enjoy what God has given to us in our own locality because after all, we're all just travelers through life anyway.
When people are on vacation they are naturally more open to experiencing things and observing the beauty around them. How excited are they when they see a mountain they've never seen before or a waterfall? Or trying a different restaurant. Maybe the exciting factor, is simply the fact that it is something different, but a lot of it is the mindset.
But the reality is that there is beauty all around us, we just have to be open to it. God has planted beauty in every part of the world for the people who live there to enjoy day in and day out, and beauty all over the world for us to explore endlessly. I see locals, who take places that fascinate me for granted and I'm sure I do the same back home.
I pray that the mindset I've had on this trip, I will keep for life, no matter where I am. So look around you, try something different, get excited about the food that you eat, the places, experiences, nature, and people around you and know that there is nothing else better...just different. Enjoy what God has given to us in our own locality because after all, we're all just travelers through life anyway.
Texas Left-Overs
Dad, You Prankster
When I was in San Antonio, originally had planned to pass through it in a day, but when I realized that it would take me 8 1/2 hours to drive to Amarillo from there, I decided to stay an evening. My Dad insisted on me staying at the Menger Hotel, "Son, You HAVE to stay there...for the experience." I didn't know why at first other than the fact that many famous people had passed through this hotel including; Teddy Roosevelt(he used the bar to recruit rough riders), Oscar Wilde, Babe Ruth, R.E. Lee, and Bill Clinton. That's what I thought he meant...well apparently the place is haunted and I didn't realize this until I had a weird vibe in my room and I decided to google the hotel. I gave him a hard time about how he forgot to mention the haunting part, but it was fun. There were certain areas where Sallie White is seen walking the halls, the main lobby door likes to mysteriously open on it's own, and some dead chick plays the piano in the lobby. The workers there have plenty of stories of their own too. So, I stayed up a while trying to "ghost hunt", unfortunately I didn't see anything, I guess Ghosts don't like the fact that we can snap pictures of them and upload them on facebook nowadays...and then tag them.
Last quick thought on San Antonio, another good place for a couples/family vacation. The River Walk is pretty cool and there is enough to do in the city for at least 3 days. Hensley Approved.
The 72 Ouncer at the Big Texan.
In Amarillo, I paused for a bit, saw the Cadillac Ranch and went by the Big Texan. I seriously contemplated going after the 72 ounce. Now, I can handle getting lost in the ghetto, losing my tires in Arkansas, a demon lady, and seeing eye to eye with a bear (I used to joke about how the best way to 'go' would be wrestling a bear....I no longer find this comment funny.), Miami, haunted places, and roughing it for the night in my car, but I could not handle the 72 ounce steak and chickened out. I settled on a 20 ounce. I could've done a 40, and I would have done a 60 but I would have been sick, and I still would have had 12 more ounces to go. That's 5 pounds of food (you have to eat the rest of the meal as well) and this is broadcast'd live on webcam. Plus if you fail, you're out 80 bucks which is how much the meal costs. No thank you.
Footnote: No, I do not believe in Ghosts.
When I was in San Antonio, originally had planned to pass through it in a day, but when I realized that it would take me 8 1/2 hours to drive to Amarillo from there, I decided to stay an evening. My Dad insisted on me staying at the Menger Hotel, "Son, You HAVE to stay there...for the experience." I didn't know why at first other than the fact that many famous people had passed through this hotel including; Teddy Roosevelt(he used the bar to recruit rough riders), Oscar Wilde, Babe Ruth, R.E. Lee, and Bill Clinton. That's what I thought he meant...well apparently the place is haunted and I didn't realize this until I had a weird vibe in my room and I decided to google the hotel. I gave him a hard time about how he forgot to mention the haunting part, but it was fun. There were certain areas where Sallie White is seen walking the halls, the main lobby door likes to mysteriously open on it's own, and some dead chick plays the piano in the lobby. The workers there have plenty of stories of their own too. So, I stayed up a while trying to "ghost hunt", unfortunately I didn't see anything, I guess Ghosts don't like the fact that we can snap pictures of them and upload them on facebook nowadays...and then tag them.
Last quick thought on San Antonio, another good place for a couples/family vacation. The River Walk is pretty cool and there is enough to do in the city for at least 3 days. Hensley Approved.
The 72 Ouncer at the Big Texan.
In Amarillo, I paused for a bit, saw the Cadillac Ranch and went by the Big Texan. I seriously contemplated going after the 72 ounce. Now, I can handle getting lost in the ghetto, losing my tires in Arkansas, a demon lady, and seeing eye to eye with a bear (I used to joke about how the best way to 'go' would be wrestling a bear....I no longer find this comment funny.), Miami, haunted places, and roughing it for the night in my car, but I could not handle the 72 ounce steak and chickened out. I settled on a 20 ounce. I could've done a 40, and I would have done a 60 but I would have been sick, and I still would have had 12 more ounces to go. That's 5 pounds of food (you have to eat the rest of the meal as well) and this is broadcast'd live on webcam. Plus if you fail, you're out 80 bucks which is how much the meal costs. No thank you.
Footnote: No, I do not believe in Ghosts.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
One Month Ago And Amarillo
T'was a month ago that I started this journey. The first month of this trip could be summed up with the slogan "Just Do It." I didn't plan ahead, I merely went wherever I felt like going and stayed for as long as I felt like staying. The lack of planning was fun and landed me some adventures but it also got me into some tight situations and wasted funds. What I learned, is that you miss some even better experiences if you don't plan ahead accordingly. I didn't want this trip to be merely touristy stuff and my intent was not for it to be simply a vacation either, although of course it is to a large degree but there is an even larger end goal in mind.
So, for Part II of this trip, my slogan word will be "Authenticity". A word so hard to come by in todays world. I'm going to try to get the most authentic experiences I can and I expect to get bogged down out in the west for quite a while since there is so much beauty here that I have never seen and who knows when/if I'll get to see some of these things again. The Southeast Tour featured a lot of things and places which I feel as though I can go to and do anytime. Some of these places out west however, who knows.
I've been parked in Amarillo here for a couple days gearing up and actually, finally, doing some planning so I can make the best out of the wild west. I got some things up my sleeve. Also, in addition to that, my goal is to update the blog more frequently (daily if possible) with shorter posts, followed by some end of the week longer posts maybe. I'll try to make the blog daily entertainment as best as I can.
I'll be leaving Texas tomorrow. I did some sight seeing, saw some friends and enjoyed some fantastic scenery. And let me tell you, it's no joke, this is one big state. I've been here a little over a week now and drove for ten hours just the other day.
At the end of the trip, I'll try to put together my own "top ten" lists for different categories. So stay tuned for that. Once again, thanks to everyone for your comments, txts messages, facebook messages, wall posts, etc. etc. They mean a lot to me. Love and Blessings to you all.
Onward and Upward!
Joel
PS: Sorry if I've been bombarding your facebook feeds, sometimes I think of something funny and I don't have a side seat passenger to share it with so facebook is the next best thing! I probably need a twitter account, although I refuse to stoop that low. I'll try to tone it down :)
So, for Part II of this trip, my slogan word will be "Authenticity". A word so hard to come by in todays world. I'm going to try to get the most authentic experiences I can and I expect to get bogged down out in the west for quite a while since there is so much beauty here that I have never seen and who knows when/if I'll get to see some of these things again. The Southeast Tour featured a lot of things and places which I feel as though I can go to and do anytime. Some of these places out west however, who knows.
I've been parked in Amarillo here for a couple days gearing up and actually, finally, doing some planning so I can make the best out of the wild west. I got some things up my sleeve. Also, in addition to that, my goal is to update the blog more frequently (daily if possible) with shorter posts, followed by some end of the week longer posts maybe. I'll try to make the blog daily entertainment as best as I can.
I'll be leaving Texas tomorrow. I did some sight seeing, saw some friends and enjoyed some fantastic scenery. And let me tell you, it's no joke, this is one big state. I've been here a little over a week now and drove for ten hours just the other day.
At the end of the trip, I'll try to put together my own "top ten" lists for different categories. So stay tuned for that. Once again, thanks to everyone for your comments, txts messages, facebook messages, wall posts, etc. etc. They mean a lot to me. Love and Blessings to you all.
Onward and Upward!
Joel
PS: Sorry if I've been bombarding your facebook feeds, sometimes I think of something funny and I don't have a side seat passenger to share it with so facebook is the next best thing! I probably need a twitter account, although I refuse to stoop that low. I'll try to tone it down :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Alamo
Greetings and Happy Good Friday/Easter to Everyone!
When I was a kid, I loved history and war movies. John Wayne's version of the Alamo was by far one of my favorites. I used to watch it so much, that when I had a birthday party when I turned 6, my best friend cried b/c he thought I would make him watch the Alamo...I think we watched gumby. Anyway, seeing the Alamo in San Antonio the other day was a real treat for me since I dreamed of seeing it since I was able to read. To most, its just a historic monument which represents freedom and sacrifice, to me, it was that plus a cool way to reconnect with my childhood.
I hope none of you cry, but here is a link to what I still think is one of the most epic battle scenes in movie history! Enjoy!
http://www.myspace.com/video/duke-wayne/the-alamo-final-battle-scene-part-one/18085512
.
When I was a kid, I loved history and war movies. John Wayne's version of the Alamo was by far one of my favorites. I used to watch it so much, that when I had a birthday party when I turned 6, my best friend cried b/c he thought I would make him watch the Alamo...I think we watched gumby. Anyway, seeing the Alamo in San Antonio the other day was a real treat for me since I dreamed of seeing it since I was able to read. To most, its just a historic monument which represents freedom and sacrifice, to me, it was that plus a cool way to reconnect with my childhood.
I hope none of you cry, but here is a link to what I still think is one of the most epic battle scenes in movie history! Enjoy!
http://www.myspace.com/video/duke-wayne/the-alamo-final-battle-scene-part-one/18085512
.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A Message to All of you Attached Ladies
It's a simple fact of life that will never change, but us guys, we need to keep our egos strong. So ladies, don't be afraid to build your man up. You will be rewarded for it tenfold. If I may let you in on a little secret? Most of the things we do in life, we do it for you all. As Proverbs 12:4 says "a worthy wife is her husbands joy and crown a shameful wife saps his strength."
Do not think that our heads will become so swollen that we'll up and leave. We won't. We know where the source of our ego comes from and that is you.
Do not think that our heads will become so swollen that we'll up and leave. We won't. We know where the source of our ego comes from and that is you.
Don't ask me where I got the inspiration for this post. I will not tell you. Just know that we men thrive on the encouragement from our women. So let us know when we are doing well, and be sure to let us know when we are not as well. If we are failing and it's beyond our control, don't say anything...or as the wise man Larry The Cable Guy would say, "stay in the truck." Always be encouraging and we'll be better men. Otherwise, we would all be unshaven, dirty nomads.
My 2 cents for the day.
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