What an incredible drive in this morning. http://www.visitriverroad.com/

The deliciously long days of June mean my early morning commute does not seem so early; nature has already been up for awhile.

My drive takes me down the quiet river valley, past the small towns frozen in time, farm fields with corn just up, summer homes in their relaxed seasonal garb hugging the cliffs; a landscape worthy of the Hudson Valley School.

I feel the need to counterbalance my last "down" entry with some positive thoughts, and this is a perfect morning to do it on. The clouds are gone from the sky, and from my thinking.

An online friend who knew I was in a funk asked "if I was in a better place". I responded "yes, nothing has changed around me except my attitude; the only thing I can control."

Such negative thinking is not healthy, but it can lead to re-assessment, and the realization that, hey, things are not so bad, in the scheme of it all things are pretty good:

I have a job that not only engages my passion, it pays the bills. My pencil to paper guides millions of dollars in construction each year, homeowners trust me with their needs to create something unique to them and their land. While people do tend to want the same things, all jobs are still special and have their own blend of joys and problems. I will continue to attack each one with enthusiasm, drawing on my years of experience.

In the gym I do train for something; my life. Each time I go I make a deposit into the retirement account of my health, something way more precious than any 401(k). Perhaps I will choose to train for and compete in an event someday; that opportunity will present itself when the time comes. No need agonizing about it.

For direction, well, I need to work on that. Sailing's been good, but it does need to head somewhere. I see this place helping me work that out; it's one reason I am still here. Finally, as to how much man I am, I must pledge to follow my college coach's advice and "keep my eyes in the boat". We all are given different gifts in life, and while we do have the power to change many things we do not like; I must embrace, accept and be thankful for what I am.

So my day begins, blue sky, cup of coffee, and a long, wonderful summer to look forward to.