Smoky Mountain High
August 6th 2010
Greetings from Highlands, NC
Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
That’s Enough.
July 11th 2010
If one adopts a child who arrives with a multitude of problems created at the hands of others, is one obligated to correct every issue in the first two years of the process? Is it even possible?
You all know the answer.
So why do people expect President Obama to do just that with America?
Our country is a troubled, damaged, over-fed, undernourished child emerging from years of all manner of abuse. Curing our ills will take patience, time and wisdom.
Predictably, it’s the very abusers who are now screaming the loudest.
Stop. You have done enough. We need compassion and creativity, not complaints or cruelty.
We’re not going to out-scream you. That’s a game with no winners. Instead, we’re focused on nurturing this country and its people back to health.
We would love to have you join us. If not, please step aside.
You’ve had your turn. Now it’s ours.
To Dads Everywhere: We Treasure You. Happy Father’s Day.
June 20th 2010
With special love to my friend George, who knows loss and knows we can’t waste time.
And to Dad. Thankfully, we said every beautiful thing we had to say to each other. You taught me to keep it simple and pure. I miss you every day. xoxox
Michigan: Brilliant Heart-Based Branding + Positioning
June 19th 2010
So here’s a state that has been decimated with the loss of much of its main industry- automobile manufacturing.
So what they did was shift the focus –from Detroit and its problems to their other abundant natural assets.
What they have done is respond to human needs.
First, there’s the series of Pure Michigan commercials that uses emotional and heartfelt messages of a quiet, healthy, safe respite in a really scary world, whether it’s on land or on their many unpolluted waterways. And they are telling the truth. Michigan is a well-kept secret and absolutely gorgeous with natural resources that take ones’ breath away. Don’t miss it.
Perhaps the most priceless resource they have is their people. They are honest, loyal, hard-working, community-minded survivors. They are midwesterners.
So, in the spirit of survival, they are working hard to become a film capital. Yes, you heard me. They have gone Film Friendly. In a big way. Last year, the Michigan legislature passed nearly unanimously the best film and commercial production incentive package in the nation. They know they need to create a new industry to replace what once was. What innovation! Incredibly creative thinking! In addition to Mother Nature’s stage, imagine all the available studio space that can be created from abandoned or closed auto plants.
Florida is really missing the mark here. We have, and have had for years, ample opportunity to become Hollywood West. We, too, have incredible natural resources and one more thing Michigan can’t claim-amazing weather.
I can’t imagine why we are not pursuing this.
Anyway, bravo to Michigan. Makes me proud to be a midwesterner.
What’s It All About, Alfie?
May 22nd 2010
Recently, I had one of those very casual get-to-know-you conversations with a new friend who is probably 6 or 7 years younger. I mentioned some upcoming Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood/Santana concerts. The response I got was, “Boy. Those guys are old. And not relevant anymore.”
What was probably intended as a simple musical commentary (my friend is a lovely singer/songwriter) landed in my lap like an unpinned grenade, loaded with all the human uncertainty and pain feeding our universal existential crisis (just look around, people).
I know. Big reaction on my part. Overreaction. He meant no harm. I’m just at this time in my life. I hear and feel things much differently than before.
The sheer abandon with which the line was delivered hit that nerve that’s in us all at one time or another in our lives:
– What’s it all about? Why are we here? Do I matter? Does it matter?
I’m not the first person to ever ask this question, mind you. I’ve read everything from the early philosophers to Kenneth Burke thru Alan Watts and Tom Robbins, who knows that Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, and passionately devour musical lyrics, which I consider poetry. So we know the question is one for the ages.
If Eric Clapton et.al can commit their lives to creating and forever changing the way music is played - and be tagged as irrelevant - then what is relevant?
Is Bill Clinton still relevant now that he’s not President? Buzz Aldrin? I mean, really, that old fart walked on the moon 50 years ago. HE’S SO OLD. What about Tony Bennett? Abraham Lincoln? My father?
We are all part of the soundtrack of someone’s life. How can that not be relevant?
The universe is not a happy place these days. Perhaps it’s because we’re all too quick to toss things and people off, without even once considering the heart of the matter. Without making any attempt to really connect and feel each other.
No, I am not having a midlife crisis. I don’t want new boobs, a tighter jaw, jewelry, a rich-and-almost-dead husband, a new car or any of that stuff.
It’s not about the stuff.
It’s about the heart of the matter. It’s about making a difference. Like everyone, I want to matter. To somebody. For some value I brought to their life. For making a connection and contribution that nothing can ever take away. Even when I’m so old.
If Women Ruled the World . . .
March 8th 2010
We are primed for the loving but firm touch that only a woman can provide. Take a look at this website that champions women and their accomplishments/creativity.
Notice the languaging in the stories and headlines.
Nurturing. Globalism. Basics. Sisterhood. Facilitators. Sustainability. Innovation. User Centricity. Global Community.
The common theme? Generosity and giving. What a brilliantly lovely platform upon which to create positive impact in the world.
The time has more than come for the United States to elect a woman president.
It’s Official. 60k Per Year is the Benchmark for Happiness.
February 13th 2010
When my company and big six-figure salary went away last summer, I thought I would completely fall apart.
Instead, with it went my stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, anguish, disappointment and a small army of dishonest, unscrupulous blood suckers who existed only to steal from me. No, I’m not bitter. Far from it. I am profoundly grateful.
In the past 8 months I have discovered happiness and peace of mind like never before in my life. I now surround myself with accomplished, integrous, positive, forward-thinking people. I am learning new business and personal skills, one of which is to simply relax and breathe. I still haven’t decided what I want to do next, but I am very clear on what I don’t want to do and who I don’t want anywhere near me or my life. That’s worth way more than money. So much is.
+++++++++++++++++
Here is one of 10 big ideas from TED2010, which concludes Saturday, February 13:
$60K a year can make you happy
Psychologist and Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman says millions of dollars won’t buy you happiness, but a job that pays $60,000 a year might help.
Happiness levels increase up to the $60K mark, but “above that it’s a flat line,” he said.
“Money does not buy you experiential happiness but lack of money certainly buys you misery,” he said. But the real trick, Kahneman said, is to spend time with people you like.
+++++++++++++++++
Happy Valentines Day to all.
Let’s Go from a Culture of War to a Culture of Peace
January 24th 2010
Just imagine.
If Halloween and the Fourth of July could change people’s behavior the way they have, then Peace Day should be able to change the world.
SEPTEMBER 21 - PEACE DAY.
Let’s all do our part to make a difference.
peaceoneday.org.
Failure Is The Secret to Success
January 23rd 2010
I am not only grateful for my ass-kicking failures this past year, but absolutely honored to be in the stellar company of these other amazing losers.
There are no sidelines for the people who make huge impacts in life, not just in their lives but in the lives of others.
You gotta be in it to lose it–and then you gotta go back and do it again to win it.
It’s about no fears and taking massive action. No judgments. ACTION!
I’m just where I need to be right now. And it’s a very exciting place to be.
