Celebrate the journey

I saw that my daughter posted something about her Anniversary to Superman and as I reflected the time, I could still see her sweet face looking up at me and screaming bloody murder, because her mom had left me with her alone....if I saw my face from that vantage point I would also...she was so young and so was I ...where was I going with that...so her reflection made me think about my Anniversary. 30 years at The Wichita Eagle. Wow! Have I seen changes. From paste up of the paper to all digital imaging. The Linotype to computer age. From over 700 employees to 450. I have been acquainted with over 6 different Publishers and Ad Directors, 2 different corporations, count less friends that have come and gone. Marriages, children, divorces....earth shaking world and local events. Shameless self-promoting of my family....and myself in ads, TV and billboard. My kids will never forget the photo shoots that brought them fortune and fame....at least their friends chuckles and an occasional trip to Taco Bell. What a journey...and the best is yet to come....new ventures and exploration of my abilities. Abilities and talents that have led to garnering over 100 various advertising and marketing awards. Some even international. I have been blessed to have enjoyed all of this. But change is on the horizon.... I will post more later. Many friends have traversed these waters and found the adversity and struggles have forged strength. 30 years and counting...did I mention the 5 weeks of vacation every year.....be grateful for what you have and don't stumble in the challenges that you will face ahead... celebrate your journey as I do mine. Has yours been affected lately by the economy?

What would you do....

....to make a difference in the world if you had all the resources needed at your disposal?

father and child reflection

Just the other day I was returning home from work and decided to go to the store to pickup something to munch on..this was about 11:30pm. As I pulled into the parking lot I observed in the car parked next to me, still running, a man sitting in the front seat looking at his phone or Ipod and jumping from app to app. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement in the backseat. It was a young person, maybe a son or daughter, playing on a electronic device. I could see the illuminated screen.... I went into the store and returned about 5 minutes later to find the car still there and the people in it still engrossed in their electronic world. I got in the car, and sat there for awhile just observing...and in the whole time I was there there appeared no verbal conversation between the individuals...now maybe they were texting each other, but it seemed to me to be a sad commentary on this high paced, electronic gadgetry world we live in.
My youngest is 16 and we still have verbal conversation, though it needs to be jumpstarted by me a little more often now days...but when younger my kids and I would talk, share thoughts and feelings when an opportunity like this was afforded. I did not want to pass up those time because I knew how fleeting they are. I still miss constant conversations with my oldest kids, though they are usually bombarded by some kind of message at least once a week. One is half way across the country and the other nearby, but thanks to the electronic and digital age I can communicate quickly. So, there are advantages of this age, but it comes with responsibility to see that we don't lose touch with true feelings and emotion that is present when we verbally communicate. Make sure you reach out and stay in touch with your kids, but try the old fashioned way of walking, driving and sharing time and conversation together. It will lift you in a way that no electronic device can...shocking isn't it!
When was the last time you talked face to face with your kids? Have a story you would like to share....unloaded it here for all to share

A Wonderful Message

> The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
> shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
>
> We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.We have
> bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We
> have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more
> experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
>
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too
> little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired,
> read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.We have multiplied our
> possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
> hate too often.
>
> We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added
years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and
> back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered
> outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
>
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom,
> but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but
> accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to
> hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less
> and less.
>
> These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
> two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days
> of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands,
> overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to
> kill.
>
> It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the
stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time
> when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
>
> Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going
> to be around forever.
>
> Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because
> that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
>
>
> Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
> only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
>
> Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
> but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
> from deep inside of you.
>
> Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will
> not be there again.
>
> Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious
> thoughts in your mind.
>
> AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
> Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
> that take our breath away.
>
> George Carlin
>
> Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and
> 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
>
>

Disposable society

Growing up with a dad from the depression era is truly a blessed event. My dad could, and still does, fix anything. Automotive, electrical, plumbing, construction, gadgets, whatever. In his day and age you fixed again and again until it was worn out, then you used those parts to fix other things. It was the same with clothes. You patched, darned and sewed until it was proper to wear. The skills that our "greatest generation" have are dwindling. We are prone to throw out instead of repair. Why? It is easier to replace instead of repair, and more cost effective in a lot of situations. Computer, video and electronic repair is staggering in cost. The systems are so complex you would have to have degree to know how to fix them. This all has consequence that are far beyond the simple money issues. What about our bulging land fills? Are we really greening the future when we dispose instead of recycle. Learn at least where to take old equipment for recycling. Better yet, learn how to fix things. Find a skilled friend that will teach you a new skill in home or automotive repairs. You will find that when you do start taking a part in this movement you will find more "disposable" income at your fingertips, to invest in your future. So, my dad attempted to teach me a thing or two...some caught on, some skipped a generation to my children. I am reaping the benefits now. What skill was passed on to you? Tell us your story.