The newspapers & TV evening news are full of stories about the bad shape of the economy; job losses, tight credit or even no credit, local communities which have to drastically cut spending, declining DJIA and NASDQ indexes. Banking, Auto-makers and Insurance companies on the brink.
I've heard enough. In fact I prefer not to tune in and hear story after story of doom & gloom.
The Economic crisis, did not just happen overnight. It may take a while to rebound, but we will. We have always had economic cycles. Yes, this may be more serious than earlier ones, but we will get through it. Timing is so very important in life. Have faith, things will get better. Organizations; both public and private have a tendency to get fat during the good years. Politics, growth, seem to breed excess.
Thanksgiving & the Christmas holidays are here. It's a time to remember what's really important in our lives; family, friends, our health, and a safe comfortable place to call home. If one is fortunate to have a job; let's be grateful for a source of income and maybe, just maybe - work of meaning.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Habitat For Humanity
I'd like to share a story that continues to shape my thinking & some of my own life choices.
In my earlier years, I used to believe in coincidences, but no longer. While, I will always cherish a sense of serendipity -- so much of what we enjoy in life is just being open; to new ideas, to new people, to new places. Things happen for a reason.
That is how I discovered Habitat for Humanity (or visa versa). It began quite a few years ago, when I was down in Atlanta on a business trip. As I walked through the hotel's elegant lobby, I made note of several well-dressed, dark-suited gentlemen, conversing nearby. I continued across the large, luxuriously appointed lobby to the elevator on the far side. Three of the gentlemen followed me; then pressed the red stop button. The alarm bell sounded briefly. How curious, I thought!
Moments later a white-haired gentleman, of medium stature, with a familiar face and an even brighter smile stepped into the small enclosure - it was Jimmy Carter (and his Secret Service entourage). Many thoughts raced through my mind. Elevator conversation with strangers is one thing; but just what do you say to a former President of the United States of America; especially if you voted for the "other guy"?
This was my second encounter with the former president. (the previous encounter is another story). He was very down-to-earth and mentioned he was in town for his soon to be opened Presidential Library & Museum, and also to talk with Millard Fuller and the folks at Habitat for Humanity. I had never heard of the later; so I made a mental note.
A few years later, I was visiting friends in Americus, Georgia and had a chance to hear more about Habitat for Humanity. Americus is in the middle of nowhere, some three-plus hours south of Atlanta; however it is where HFH has their World HQ, founded by Millard & Linda Fuller. It's my humble opinion that a safe, comfortable place to call home is at the top of the list of life necessities (family & friends, food, clothing, education, meaningful work & life purpose being among the rest).
Most recently, I moved here to Plymouth and was thrilled to hear that HFH was building a home nearby. Rather than the traditional, "Stick Build" (with a wooden frame), it was to be a "Green Build", an energy efficient, environmentally friendly construction. I was intrigued and when there has been free time, I have done my best to help. I wish I could have put in more hours, as I believe whole-heartedly in what HFH is trying to do. Not only did I meet some of the nicest people, but I also learned quite a lot about home construction and "green living". For me, the frosting on the cake came when we had the dedication, just recently. The long hours of toil & sweat were replaced with tears of joy by Jackie S. and her family.
Today HFH has built more than 300,000 homes for families here in the US and around the world. What I like most about the program is that is not a handout, but really it's a helping hand up. The houses are less expensive, as volunteers build them; and many folks & companies make donations for materials. It's a little reminiscent of the days of an old-fashioned barn raising. Families still have the responsibility of a low cost mortgage and have to put in some real sweat equity as well as help newer HFH families with their projects.
The Plymouth build has been a labor of love & sweat. It all began with a serendipitous elevator encounter in Atlanta, many years ago.
For anyone interested, here is a link: http://www.habitat.org/
In my earlier years, I used to believe in coincidences, but no longer. While, I will always cherish a sense of serendipity -- so much of what we enjoy in life is just being open; to new ideas, to new people, to new places. Things happen for a reason.
That is how I discovered Habitat for Humanity (or visa versa). It began quite a few years ago, when I was down in Atlanta on a business trip. As I walked through the hotel's elegant lobby, I made note of several well-dressed, dark-suited gentlemen, conversing nearby. I continued across the large, luxuriously appointed lobby to the elevator on the far side. Three of the gentlemen followed me; then pressed the red stop button. The alarm bell sounded briefly. How curious, I thought!
Moments later a white-haired gentleman, of medium stature, with a familiar face and an even brighter smile stepped into the small enclosure - it was Jimmy Carter (and his Secret Service entourage). Many thoughts raced through my mind. Elevator conversation with strangers is one thing; but just what do you say to a former President of the United States of America; especially if you voted for the "other guy"?
This was my second encounter with the former president. (the previous encounter is another story). He was very down-to-earth and mentioned he was in town for his soon to be opened Presidential Library & Museum, and also to talk with Millard Fuller and the folks at Habitat for Humanity. I had never heard of the later; so I made a mental note.
A few years later, I was visiting friends in Americus, Georgia and had a chance to hear more about Habitat for Humanity. Americus is in the middle of nowhere, some three-plus hours south of Atlanta; however it is where HFH has their World HQ, founded by Millard & Linda Fuller. It's my humble opinion that a safe, comfortable place to call home is at the top of the list of life necessities (family & friends, food, clothing, education, meaningful work & life purpose being among the rest).
Most recently, I moved here to Plymouth and was thrilled to hear that HFH was building a home nearby. Rather than the traditional, "Stick Build" (with a wooden frame), it was to be a "Green Build", an energy efficient, environmentally friendly construction. I was intrigued and when there has been free time, I have done my best to help. I wish I could have put in more hours, as I believe whole-heartedly in what HFH is trying to do. Not only did I meet some of the nicest people, but I also learned quite a lot about home construction and "green living". For me, the frosting on the cake came when we had the dedication, just recently. The long hours of toil & sweat were replaced with tears of joy by Jackie S. and her family.
Today HFH has built more than 300,000 homes for families here in the US and around the world. What I like most about the program is that is not a handout, but really it's a helping hand up. The houses are less expensive, as volunteers build them; and many folks & companies make donations for materials. It's a little reminiscent of the days of an old-fashioned barn raising. Families still have the responsibility of a low cost mortgage and have to put in some real sweat equity as well as help newer HFH families with their projects.
The Plymouth build has been a labor of love & sweat. It all began with a serendipitous elevator encounter in Atlanta, many years ago.
For anyone interested, here is a link: http://www.habitat.org/
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
New Home
For a lover of the ocean, and a history buff, it has been a nice move to downtown Plymouth. Living on first street, in the colony's original settlement, near Town Brook and a stone's throw from the harbor - I'm not sure if it gets much better. My only caution is that the house happens to be a stop on the Dead of Night Ghost Tour - seems as if there might be a guest or two - or is that the other way around?
Sunrise over Plymouth harbor is a special event only a few enjoy.
Sunrise over Plymouth harbor is a special event only a few enjoy.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Provincetown Musings
A recent trip to Provincetown at the outermost tip of Cape Cod - quite a unique place unlike any other; for it offers a great cross section of folks; fishermen, writers, actors & actresses, historians, lovers both straight & gay and visitors from all over the world. No matter what your preference it evokes creativity, raw sexuality, nature at its best and memories. The food cannot be topped and of course, be sure to check out Spank the Monkey (R-rated).
Thanks to Joe of Captain John's (Plymouth) who added frosting to the cake on the return journey with a chance encounter with a pod of humpback & minke whales. We returned a little on the late side, but the experience was well worth the delay.
Thanks to Joe of Captain John's (Plymouth) who added frosting to the cake on the return journey with a chance encounter with a pod of humpback & minke whales. We returned a little on the late side, but the experience was well worth the delay.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Happy Birthday
This is the season for birthdays; friends, co-workers, family members, just about everyone I know; Rebecca, Kimberly, Kathy, John and Sue. And yes believe it or not JFK would be 91 this May 29th. I have to wonder just what was going on nine months ago during the month of August to merit such procreation !?
Of all the birthdays being celebrated there is one very special one; that of mom's 80th. I would be gently reprimanded if she knew I betrayed her age, as she appears some twenty years younger. We love our mothers, our life-givers, our nurturers. She has been there through good times and rough times with her unconditional support and love. Just what does one get mom for her 80th? Trinkets and treasures don't seem to cut it. So after much thought and discussion, we the children, have decided on a giving her a new memory. She loves the ocean and islands are one of her many passions. So off we go to Martha's Vineyard or Noepe (Wampanoag) for the first week of June.
Of all the birthdays being celebrated there is one very special one; that of mom's 80th. I would be gently reprimanded if she knew I betrayed her age, as she appears some twenty years younger. We love our mothers, our life-givers, our nurturers. She has been there through good times and rough times with her unconditional support and love. Just what does one get mom for her 80th? Trinkets and treasures don't seem to cut it. So after much thought and discussion, we the children, have decided on a giving her a new memory. She loves the ocean and islands are one of her many passions. So off we go to Martha's Vineyard or Noepe (Wampanoag) for the first week of June.
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