Good Saturday morning to you! I’m on my second cup of Go-Go Juice, laundry is going and the little one just finished a bowl of tomato soup. She’s very picky – it’s like a ritual every morning on picking out what she is willing to eat. Sometimes, I think, “this is truly a bad habit…I should not let her have a choice – just make her something to eat and put it in front of her; eventually training her to realize she can’t be picky”. I’ve tried that and the three-year old wins every time. Her will can be greater than mine sometimes. Lol. I just don’t want her growing up “picky”. It’s a tough world out there and people won’t just give her what she wants. This is what our grandparents taught our parents who taught us. But I do see a bit of a change in mindset. While a “picky” person may have challenges up ahead, in one way, their “pickiness” has the ability to make him or her more competitive and work hard to obtain what he or she wants. Those who learn to accept what they’re given may just learn the opposite – to accept mediocrity and deal with less than what is desired.
An interesting observation…however, there are truly people out there who aren’t picky or at least, choose to live in such a way that is un-cumbersome to others, un-demanding and quite frankly, self sustaining without much of any societal interaction. Have you ever given it much thought to the people you meet or read about? I find the human behavior very interesting and worthy – one can learn so much from the idiosyncrasies, lifestyle and the overall experience of another person’s life. I was touched by one story I read last night.
At 94 years old, he lived like a Hermit. Yet, he was an entrepreneur of the land. He lived his entire life without the technological conveniences of TVs, telephones, microwaves, etc. And he didn’t live in a house – at least to what society would deem a “home”. His abode was carved out from natures best minerals and soil produced by Idaho’s finest – he built a cave. In fact, he carved out many caves and rented them as a means for other people to live. He never worked for anyone, just himself; yet others were still benefited from having known him, either as a friend, as a consumer of his self-made goods and or services as a unique proprietor. He was a celebrity, written about in books. He even turned down invitations to appear on the Jay Leno show and was well known and respected among the locals. While he was not a churchgoer, he remained faithful and kept a bible in hand frequently. And, he was one of America’s soldiers having served in the Army during WWII in the Pacific and served out his time, only to return to his “home”. While many were concerned with his health, well being and way of living, he was removed from his lifestyle by a close friend and put in a “care center” at the age of 93. But he would not conform to modern living and actually left the facility on foot only to hitchhike his way back to his caves. Given many nicknames, he was best known as Dugout Dick. He was considered one of Idaho’s last legendary loners.
Now, here is a man, who looked like a true prospector and lived like one too. After reading the brief story about him, I felt a warmth surge my insides and a deep respect for him surfaced with awe and amazement. So many people could learn from his experiences and means of living. He was a determined soul who was creative, independent, enlightening, and obviously made an impact on others; and I bet he was as stubborn as a mule! He sadly passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010.
Do you have a lot of friends, neighbors and contacts? How much do you really know about them and how can their life experiences enlighten you? Definitely something to think about over this weekend! Enjoy your Saturday and let your Go-Go Juice strengthen your relations! Have a fantastic weekend and we shall chat again on Monday.
Dedicated to the Memory of
Richard Zimmerman
(Dugout Dick)
1916 - 2010
Read His Story
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