It’s been 10 years since I wrote my first post for this Contoveros Blog and looking back I feel a little like Ken Burns, the producer of PBS specials on such things as war, music and other all-American things.
I started the Blog shortly after attending the funeral for my last surviving blood relative, Uncle Dominic Hagel, my mother’s brother who together with his wife – Aunt Frances – helped to raise me when sent from Philadelphia to Egg Harbor, NJ. My mother had postpartum depression after the birth and I was sent to my grandmother who shared her house with Uncle Dom.
Something clicked inside of me. I had just gotten help for PTSD from the Vietnam War and learned to meditate from a VA psychologist who taught veterans mindfulness meditation. I also finished a 6-week course of dream-journaling after reading about Carl Jung.
After meditating, I rose from the pew and stepped out as if I was going for Holy Communion. I walked backwards and studied the various statues. Each had a story to tell and I internalized that understanding and wanted to share my own story.
On my return home, I began to write about what I was taught in second grade as the “purpose of life.” That is “To Know, Love and Serve God,” according to the Baltimore Catechism. I wrote about all three.
In between I had a dream about Socrates and coupled it with what Jung called “active imagination.” I saw people in my life as Angels or Guides who directed me in my path to include my teenage mentor who taught me to sing Doo Wop harmony, my oldest brother who guided me into Officer’s Candidate School and eventual service in the Vietnam War, and a Scottish neighbor of my parents who suggested I study journalism when he heard I took printing courses in the high school trade school I attended.
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I wrote about the war and PTSD, securing a not guilty verdict on my first jury trial and serving as a newspaper reporter covering Three Mile Island.
I shared my understanding of the Kabbalah and my journey to Jerusalem, my studies of WON Buddhism and my trip to South Korea and how I learned to dance a mean dervish whirl while learning about the Sufi and the Muslim.
My total count is now 881 posts, something I never imagined I would reach way back then. I made so many good friends from all over the world to include Russia, Great Britain, Iceland, Greece and Canada, not to mention my fellow countrymen and women.
It has been very therapeutic and enlightening particularly when receiving comments from readers who shared my view and added to the discussion.
I hope I can continue for another 10 years and use the old Al Jolson line “You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!”
Contoveros 
Congratulations on your decade of blogging – an impressive achievement and thanks for liking my comment on another blog! 😀🙏💛👊🎉
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I enjoy writing and visiting others who want to share a little bit of themselves with the world outside of themselves.
Keep up the good work. See you later!
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Thank you and you keep up the good work also!
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Congratulations!
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Thanks. I feel as if I just completed the sacking of Troy in the Iliad and now I’m on a voyage with Odysseus enroute to our home in Ithaca!
I’ll let you know how the next 10 years go, Cyclops or o Cyclops . . .
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Ha Ha Ha! Love this answer!
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It is a pleasure to read your blogs… You graciously let us into your world with earned insight. There is a piece of all of us in your stories, making us excepting to our own atonement. Thank You for inspiring us to live another day questioning our human truths and spiritual reach. Peace, Tina
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It feels like only yesterday that I was cranking out a post every week and — for 30 days in a row — once a day! I enjoyed the contemplation and reflection that goes into writing a Blog and I never knew what the next one was going to be about until I sat down at the computer and “let ‘er rip!”
It’s been fun.
Thanks and Peace be with you too!
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Congratulations, and looking forward to all you have to share in the years ahead!
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Us “old heads” may still have some good things to pass onto these youngsters.
And like a good wine, we will only get better with age!
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The following discussion appeared on Facebook:
Sharon Sabrarose Ivanov:
Hope you continue another 10 years too! Your life’s been exotic! OX
Contoveros:
“Exotic!” When I see that word I want to stand up and do a Greek Snake Dance like my father would do with very little prompting!
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Janet Mather:
I second Sharon’s motion!!
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Contoveros:
So sweet of both of you. Thank you very much!
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Abby Cohen
Mazel tov! Hey I haven’t seen you in a while. I hope all is well
Andrea Hornett
Ditto
Abby Cohen:
To you too Andrea. Time to get yourself back to CLF.
Contoveros:
I’m doing really well Abby. I got a 2-year-old grandchild busting into my bedroom early each morning and climbing into my bed looking for mischief. . .Jameson reminds me so much of how we all had so much energy and were thrilled to face a brand new day!
Hey Andrea Hornett. Ditto. That’s one helluva statement. But you always had a way with words . . .
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Terri Kiral:
I am grateful for your continued presence and hoping you’ll be around for a long time. I always look forward to your writing, Michael. Bowing to you and your dedicated writing practice. 🙏🏻
Contoveros:
Writing is part of our lives and I look forward to whatever adventures await both you and I as we explore this venue!
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You have come a long way since your younger days in Brewerytown.
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Congratulations on Tenth Year of Blogging. Awaiting many more post. 😊🙏💜
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Writing is good for the soul. I believe everyone should try their hand or computer keyboard at it!
I look forward to many more writings, thank you . . .
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You are certainly welcome, Sir. Writing is definitely good for the soul. Thanks for commenting.
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Congratulations! And of course you’ll be blogging for another 10 years, at least! And we’re all the better for it. Looking forward to all your next posts. ❤🤗
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Thank you sweetheart!
You know the thrill and value of writing a Blog and I look forward to another 10 years of reading you too . . .
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