When I was 17-years old anyone who was 32 was old, old, old. My grandparents were incredibly ancient (although in those days that was considered a good thing). And I was convinced that I'd never get old – somehow by some magic I'd maintain a firm grasp of youth and innocence forever.. Well, now I've joined the ranks of what some call "ancient" – My grand parents are long gone, but I've responsibly been walking in their shoes – and, hopefully, living up to their incredible example of industriousness and honorable stewardship of this place we call home. Now, I've [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Business – Not As Usual
Nov 112011
There's no denying it…winter is on its way. The blood is flowing a little bit slower and cuddling up with a good book is looking a whole lot more appealing than going outside. For many of us, the internet has opened many options for activities that require no physical activity other than sitting in a chair clicking a mouse or typing a few words…and, face it, it's really easy to get hooked into countless hours of looking a our computer screens. Times like this, it takes sheer determination to attend to exercise and much needed physical activities – especially if [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Denver, New York and other parts of the country have already had their first brush with winter snow. We, in Chicago, on the other hand have had a pretty easy time this fall. Gardeners are not disappointed. In Chicago we've been enjoying a delightful – though all too short - fall. Trees and other seasonal plants have been resplendent in their beauty. We're enjoying some spectacular displays this year – trees in our neighborhoods and flowers like of mums and other late blooming flowers are dazzling us with all their glory – a reminder that the bitter winter ahead is [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Oct 272011
Several months ago I wrote an opinion piece entitled "What Are We All Whining About?" Some people have expressed interest in more on that topic. So, I'll try to expand a bit here – and will probably need to write more posts in the future. This whole issue is like the tendrils of an octopus. Let's take, for example – politics. In 2008 we voted for Obama to be our President. It was a daunting task he had ahead of himself. But he promised to bring about change. We all remember those speeches. But, how many of us recall the [Click here to see the rest of the story]
We're all salesmen – at least that's what we're told. I, for one, am not the least interested in selling anything to anyone. But, I can see remarkable similarities between writing and selling. See if you agree. Salesmen begin every morning with a blank slate. They have to get out of bed and do something to make a living based on commissions. Writers also start each day with a blank slate. It's up to writers to get out of bed and write in order to create something of value and earn their stripes as writers.. Writers may, or may not, [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Oct 092011
Blogging is a two way conversation – even though it often doesn't feel like it. I've been getting some very nice comments and feeling like perhaps I'm making headway in developing a style and content that has value to you – my reader. I'm not setting the world afire with my incomparable wisdom and wit. But that's ok, I'm not really trying to do that. Some have asked me how often I update this blog. Honestly, I don't have a routing schedule…I normally try to write something at least once or twice a week….sometimes more, sometimes less. It depends on [Click here to see the rest of the story]
I have been fascinated by ancient Egyptian and Mayan history for a very long time. Most recently I've found some outstanding movies that explore their culture in a very different light. If you're interested, you might want to check out the The Pyramid Code. It's an extensive documentary including five episodes. I'm not an archeologist and I don't pretend to be an expert by any means.But this series is amazing…not just because it tells a fascinating story but because it raises all kinds of questions. I've also been deeply aware of what futurists like Toffler had to say about how [Click here to see the rest of the story]
I'm an avid enthusiast when it comes to self-help and positive thinking. There's a lot to be said for both. But a long time ago I found that there's a lot more to survival in this world than these have to offer. As a freelance writer and an entrepreneur I've had ample opportunity and lots of hard knocks to test my personal theories. While they may not work for you, I suggest you might want to think about the lessons I've learned. Positive Thinking Will Get You Only So Far. That's right. You must be an expert at positive thinking. [Click here to see the rest of the story]
