Sometimes it is the unexpected that provides a wonderful opportunity.



I am currently blessed with such a surprise. A sad circumstance provided an unexpected opportunity to visit my sons. I have enjoyed Halloween celebrations with my son Jim's family and on Thursday I will have the fun of spending time with my son Tom and his family.

You never know what a new day might hold. I hope all your life detours take you on adventures to fun-filled happy experiences.

Last week a very dear friend's mother died. Although not totally unexpected, as she had been mostly bedridden for a long time at an extended care facility, it is never easy for someone to say goodbye to their Mother.

Yesterday, I learned that another person close to me is currently in the hospital waiting her turn to return to her home in heaven. Mary Logan has been an inspiration to me over the past 20 months as she battled cancer that has spread throughout her body. It is most especially in her lungs and brain. Despite numerous operations, a fall that resulted in a broken hip, chemo and various other treatments her faith has remained strong and her husband vigilant by her side. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love, not even when you know that their suffering will end and they will soon be with God, our father.

I have had many "aha moments" in my life. There have been many life changing events. One that forever changed the way I view and live my life was the conversation I had with my dad in the wee small hours of the night at their home on ash street. I've written about it before; the conversation is echoing in my mind.

My dad had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer and like most people who find out that kind of news my dad went through a roller coaster of emotions. My sons and I were staying with my parents and I was wandering around the house with my insomnia when my dad came into the living room. He looked peaceful, different than he had earlier in the day. I asked him how he was doing and he said he was doing fine. He realized he had been given a gift. A gift? How outrageous. He was told he had cancer, that is a hell of a gift. My dad went on to explain that everyone is going to die someday. That when this adventure is over we go on to the next. To his knowledge no one ever didn't die sometime. He said he was given a reminder, a wake-up call that life is all too short and fleeting and you should make the most out of each day. He was absolutely right! As it turned out the original diagnosis said my dad might have 2 years he had nine. The other thing my dad said was that doctor's are mortal men and they can only make their best calculated guess, miracles happen and life is unpredictable.

I have lived each day as though it might be my last. Mostly this has been good actually mostly great. The only unfortunate side effect is that when I think about the future I sometimes feel overwhelmed. I get restless wanting to do everything today and I want to see my family and loved ones each day but geographically that isn't possible.

As I start this new day, this new week my heart aches for those who are suffering and those who have lost loved ones. I miss my parents, dear friends and grandparents that have died. I find comfort in looking up at the stars and envisioning them as windows where our loved ones look down and keep watch over us. As I start this new day, this new week I feel blessed to have been given these moments, "the present" of today.

So much for blogging and rambling thoughts it is a fantastic day of untold possibility. I hope you remain safe, heed my dad's words and enjoy your today.

Not all the brave leave the "home of the brave" to enter battle; some are required now to be the brave of the home.

I was looking for some addresses and found a box filled with pictures, cards and momentos that I had saved. I smiled, laughed and even cried as I looked at everything and my memories were stirred.

A Scottish friend had wriiten on his blog last Saturday about true net worth. As I read his words I smiled thinking of the people I have met during my life adventure that calculate their success by the size of their bank account. They believe, "the person with the most toys wins." Below is an excerpt from his blog:

"Now as for me your humble scribe. I think the true measure of net worth is what in my country is called fond memories. All around the world many agree with me at least on New years Eve or as we like to call it Hogmany when they sing Rabbie Burns song Auld Lang Sine. Now here's a hand my trusty friend and give me a hand of thine. Not as poetic in English as Lalands but you get the idea. Lalands for those that do not know is what some politically correct people call "Border English of the Scottish Lowlands." Fond memories now think dear reader about how many of those you hold in your treasury of the mind. Fond memories of loved ones past and gone and those still here to enjoy and share. Special moments with family and friends shared yet never to return. The sad times, the glad times and on occasion the mad times in your life.

You came in to life with none of these fond memories and God willing you will get to take them with you. Certainly you will take no money or toys. No real estate or wardrobe full of designer clothes. Yes like Pharaoh you can be buried with them but take them with you . . . no.

So today all I ask is that you store up more fond memories in your life. Cherish time for time itself is the most precious gift you have. Call a friend, tell a loved one you care, make a moment for a child, smile at a stranger and better yet write an old friend. You see your net worth is measured by God on judgement day and He measures not material wealth. He measures the fond memories you left behind in the hearts and minds of friends and loved ones as He hears their heartfelt prayers for your soul and especially by how many times His Comforter has to dry genuine tears of sorrow at your passing."

To read his complete blog go to http://www.applied-wisdom.blogspot.com

I wish you a life fill with an abundance of cherished memories.

I filled this weekend to overflowing. I was feeling concerned about finances so I decided the remedy was to remind myself how many fantastic life experiences are free. My only costs ended up being gas for my car and a few dollars for something to eat when I was out and about.

With the help of the Weekender section of the St. Pete Times and free tickets for the Bucs/Titans game I was ready.

Saturday was breakfast at the Seaside Grille at the edge of the Gulf.

Then it was downtown St. Pete where my feet truly got a work-out as I went from the Saturday Morning Market, to investigate doing a signing at the Barnes and Noble at USF. Then over to the St. Pete Pier (still walking) to view all the motorcycles participating at the BikeFest. Then to the top of the Pier for refreshments at Cha Cha Coconuts.

Next it was back to the car. My next stop was in the beautiful Kenwood neighborhood for their art show. The homes here are magnificent, most are bungalows in the Craftsman style of architecture.

Continuing my trek across the county, I found myself at the Asia Pacific Rim Festival held in Pinellas Park. It was their first annual and from the look of the participants and vendors it won't be the last. I was fascinated by the large number of islands and countries represented. Many people wore the dress of their homeland and served and sold delicacies from their country. They even had a juice made from sugar cane.

Just when you think that would have been enough of an adventure to make anyone's Saturday special, I received a voicemail message from my son, Jim, letting me know he had placed the "button" on my blog so visitors can just click and order my book, Sell More... An Entrepreneur's Guide To Marketing On A Small budget. Strategies That Make A Big difference.

I was surprised he found the time around his busy schedule. It was an awesome surprise. I had him and his travels and family on my mind, wondering what they were doing over the weekend and wishing they could have been joining me on my adventure. I also would have beamed my son Tom and his family down from Tennessee to join me or if I had been very fortunate I would have beamed me up there to watch Noah and Hope play their last soccer games for the season. If money had not been an issue that would have been where I would have been. Maybe I will see everyone at Thanksgiving or sometime before the year ends.

Since I have been so busy on the computer this week, I have apparently earned a new label: "Mouse Potato."

"When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President. Now I'm beginning to believe it."
Clarence Darrow

Wow, I didn't know how today could follow yesterday but it did a magnificant job. Thanks to my sister, Wendy's detective work. She let me know that Sell More is now available on amazon.com I had been advised it would be 6 to 10 weeks. It was a wonderful surprise.

As today unfolded, I received e-cards, e-mails, calls and voicemails from people congratulating me. I even heard from a couple of people that they have already placed an order for the book. I may have written a book filled with sales and marketing ideas but I am at a loss for words to express my appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and support. Thank you to each of you from the bottom of my heart.

I am hoping that this little book will ignite imaginations and entrepreneurs will be able to use it as they move towards their goals. More than anything I am hoping this book will be helpful. I wrote it as a resource that is my wish. May each copy be underlined, highlighted and used. Now that will truly be awesome!

When I arrived home this afternoon, I was surprised to see a box by my front door. No mail delivery today but Federal Express was operating and hurray that they were. The box contained my author copies of


To say that I was, that I am excited would be a total understatement. I can't wait until it is listed on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com as well as various bookstores across the country. It is currently available through the publisher iunverse.

With the assistance of my son Jim, I am hoping to place a link on this blog and various sites to provide easy access for purchase.

I am enormously grateful to all who have inspired and supported me. I am so excited I could do cartwheels. Thank you!

I hope that Noah and Hope each won their soccer games on Saturday.

The Tampa Bay Bucs lost to the Colts. In fact the Colts galloped over them. I can't say that this loss either comes as a surprise or is even much of a disappointment. Truthfully, Peyton Manning is awesome and I have been his fan for years.

I am happy that the Titans won yesterday. My son, Tom, and his lovely wife, Shelia, were at the game. Thanks to television, it looked like the weather was beautiful.

Unfortunately, the Indians lost last night against the Yankees. It was asking for a sports miracle to expect them to go into the Yankees house and sweep the series. There is still time for the Indians to win one more and move on in the playoffs. I have my fingers crossed.

Today is a new day. Happy Columbus Day! In honor of Christopher Columbus and his courage to explore, I am exploring possibilities and discovering new adventures.

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Abraham Lincoln

It took extra innings but the results were awesome! Congratulations Indians! Now it is on to New York.

If there is a sports bar in heaven, I am sure David Hallal and his Uncle Eddie are together celebrating the Indians win over the Yankees last night. Go Indians!

It was just another example of the unexpected coming to fruition. I hope they continue to win.

Not since the 90's have I been so excited at the possibility that the Indians could be a contender for the World Series. Back then it was the Braves that stood in their way. It was a fun time to watch play off games with my son Jim and my dear friend David Hallal. Jim was for the Braves and David and I for the Indians.

Listening to Sports Radio it seems that the Cleveland Indians are given little chance of beating the Yankees and moving on in the playoffs. I hope the team proves them wrong.

Go Cleveland! Beat the Yankees!

Wrong!!!! Words have the power to make somewone feel better about themselves. They can create a spark of hope. They can also destroy a person's self image. Words can create pictures that can be misleading even false.

You may never know when you might have said something, even casually, that makes a positive or negative difference in a person's life. Children are especially susceptive. People write on the slate of who they are everyday with words of praise and/or disapline. They also learn, sometimes even more, from listening and witnessing the examples that they see and hear everyday.

I don't understand why some people have determined it is okay for them to use "bad words" but not others. I have sat through several meetings where ladies have said with pride they are the "B" word and yet are offended when men use it. Society seems to accept black people using the "N" word but not anyone else. Wives say, "I can talk about what's wrong with my husband but no one else can." The same is true about talking badly or critically about children, wives and friends. The person doing the talking seems to think they have permission while others don't.

I know I am naive. I know I have said many things that have not always been positive, that were hurtful and wrong. I know that the emotions of the moment often take over and we lose control. Still we each must remember that words have enormous power. It would be awesome if we could all just be nice!

I spent today at the VA Hospital here in St. Pete. My friend Mark had to have some out-patient-surgery and his significant other was unavailable to take him to the hospital. Hospitals in general provide an instant reality check and remind us that we are blessed when we are healthy.

Being in a Veterans Hospital gives an even greater wake-up call. It is a reminder that there are men and woman who now live without limbs and facing recovery from a wide variety of wounds both mental and physical from protecting our freedoms. I confess I haven't considered the struggles of those that return from war with injuries. I have taken time to morn and appreciate those that have died but failed to remember those that live daily with the after effects that they live with daily.

Happily Mark's surgery wasn't a result of any combat or directly related to any military action. It was a blessing that in this age of ever increasing hospitalization and insurance costs, the VA hospital offers treatment for those that have served our country.

Mark is currently home and his lovely lady is nursing him through his recovery.

May all those who are struggling with health problems find their way to the road to recovery. A special thank you to those that staff Veterans Hospitals and provide care for our Veterans.