Author: Buddy McElhannon
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Simple Pleasures
In the elusive pursuit of happiness, 21st Century man has learned the more you have, the more you want. Once we obtain it, we must continue to get more, do more, or experience more to remain happy. More, it seems, is never enough in a culture drunk on materialism. It almost seems as if the…
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We All Need A Ninja Zone
I rarely visit any of my grandchildren when this Poppy does not come away with some new life lessons. A few years ago, one of my grandfather therapy sessions (i.e., babysitting) with three of my grandsons provided a prime example of the insights available to anyone who has eyes to see and ears to hear.…
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Men Play Checkers, Women Play Chess and Other Differences Between Men and Women
Not too long ago, one could safely comment on gender differences without the fear of being “canceled,” condemned for not being “woke” enough, or accused of sexual discrimination. In today’s world, one must be careful as free speech can instantly become hate speech if someone, somewhere, is the least bit offended. I’ll take that risk.…
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My Imaginary Friend Did It
My three-year-old grandson ran down the hallway, dashed into our master bedroom, and took refuge in his favorite hiding place – a spot behind my LazyBoy rocking chair. Having just knocked something over in our living room, he knew the noise would bring Poppy to see what havoc his rambunctiousness had wrought. Young Luke sought…
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3 + 200 = 92
After writing my grandmother’s memoirs in the late 1990s, I realized I should start sharing my own stories and personal reflections. A growing number of friends and family agreed as requests to be included in my email list continued to grow, if for no other reason than curiosity as to what “that fool will write…
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The Gentlemen’s Guide To The Do’s and Don’ts of a Valentine’s Day Card
For all you romantically-challenged gentlemen who struggle to navigate the minefield of expectations that accompanies every February 14th, I have a suggestion. AT LEAST BUY HER A VALENTINE’S DAY CARD! Last Valentine’s Day, my wife stopped by the card section at our local Publix supermarket in hopes of finding the perfect Valentine’s card for you…
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Isn’t That Romantic?
Did you ever consider the word “That” to be romantic? I discovered so just this past week. Or so I thought. My wife serves as editor for my musings on TheBuddyBlog.com. Without her, I would dangle far too many participles, misplace a truckload of commas, and overuse passive verbs. This time, her editing prompted a…
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Falling On My Face
Mary sat in her office pondering the mission and ministry she had dedicated her life to for the past decade. A growing sense of frustration overwhelmed her spirit. Was she really making a difference? It had become a daily battle – the will to serve vs. the heart-rendering failures. It was time to reconsider…
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Clarifying Confusing Culinary Terms
I am a man uneasy with vagueness, approximations, and the lack of specificity. For me, “Close enough” is the mission statement of mediocrity. I am an analytical, left-brain, logical, linear thinker that finds peace, confidence, and comfort in knowing specifics and details. Formulas are meant to be followed. Recipes specify ingredients for a reason. Deviations…
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The Right to Choose…What?
But then, maybe they had “pro-choice” abolitionists in 1860 too.This may be one of those moments when passion overcomes prudence, as I cannot remain silent in the face of such seduction. This may be one of those moments when passion overcomes prudence, as I cannot remain silent in the face of such seduction. We have…