I saw some Broadway shows while in New York. And I will tell you about them below.
9 to 5 the musical. 9 to 5 is headlined by the great actress Allison Janney. I loved Allison on t.v. and as the mom in Juno. I LOVED her acting in this musical, but not her singing. The other stars in the show were Megan Hilty and Stephanie J. Block and they can sing and act very well. I really liked the entire show, and it was very close to the mega hit movie with the same name, but it is very PG-13. I would not take my teen to this show. That is sad, because if they changed two or three scenes only slightly, it would be a great family view.
Mama Mia. First let me say I never saw the movie. I know I may be about the only person left in America, or the world that hasn't seen it. The musical was very, very good.
Brandi Burkhardt led the musical playing Sophie and has a very special voice. But who really sold the show for me was Gina Ferrall as Rosie. A great voice, a great actress and if I went back to New York I would find where she is acting and go see her.
Once again, there are some scenes that I would not take a teen to, very PG-13 and other than that, they had the audiance really into this show.
Chicago Chicago was good for me, great for others. I only watched half of the movie, and although I loved the actresses and actors in the broadway show, including great dancing, I don't like the story. The singing was great, the acting great. So if you like the story of Chicago, you will love this musical.
Next To Normal I really wanted to see this musical, and everyone that saw it said it is the best musical on Broadway right now, but it was sold out when we were there. Someday!
Avenue Q First, let me say that we saw the outside of the building when we walked by it, since it was right next to our hotel everyday. On the last night before we came home, we went to it. On the outside of the building it shows smiling actors with hand puppets, like on Seseme Street.
Ok, so I should have read up on it before I went. ALERT. If you don't have an adult sence of humor, DON'T SEE THIS. If you can handle adult humor, where they make fun of just about every living thing. YOU WILL LOVE THIS SHOW. So, did I like it, NO! I LOVED IT. Will most of my friends love it, about half would, and about half of them would be offended. It has won two Tony Awards, and let me tell you that the lead actress is amazing. A very stron supporting cast also.
Well that is the rundown. I would love to hear from you guys about these musicals. There are so many that we wanted to go see that we couldn't. Shrek The Musical has rave reviews also.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Naked Cowboy
My day job, well my night job too is a public relations person. And when I found out last month that I was going to Book Expo America in New York, one of the things I wanted to see was The Naked Cowboy.The is a marketing guru, and he makes a ton of money branding himself. You can see him on t.v., I saw him on Christina's Court, on billboards, etc. He has a comic book, ceramics, protein drinks, and he can even perform marriages. So, on the last day I was in New York guess who I ran into at Times Square. Yes, The Naked Cowboy.
I first posted this on my Face Book page and started getting a lot of feedback from it.
Below is a link to a story about him. Just a warning that it is PG13, but it is an amazing story and how he branded himself. We can all learn from him.
http://online.thomsonreuters.com/onemanbrand/
And if you are confused, I am the one on the right!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Book Expo America (BEA) a low point!
I put on Facebook a few minutes ago that BEA was a low point of my trip to New York. I wanted to post this tomorrow because I wanted to talk about it in detail, but I will post a shorter version now and after the questions come in I will do a follow up.
Last May I went to my first BEA in Los Angelas. Being my first time I really didn't know what to expect. I knew there would be a lot of authors there and a lot of book companies pushing their new titles. It was overwhelming how many books were given away last year. I talked with some that were there last year and again this year, and that was the biggest complaint. The book compaines were not giving out many books. That is fine, with me, because I didn't want to have to ship home a lot of books. I sent home $57 worth and filled another suitcase. Ok, I brought home maybe 40 books. I know that I could have brought home a couple of hundred but I don't read a lot of what was being given away. Last year I could have easily brought home 800.
I know that the economy is not in the best shape right now. I know that a few of the big publishers didn't even show up, and I know that a lot of the big named authors didn't come this year. Yes, there were a few big names, and that was great, but it was a lot less than last year.
Next, last year, I met with maybe 20 agents. And I could have met with more. This year, I talked with one for about 15 seconds. Did I just not see them. I thought maybe I was blind this year. So I asked others that were there, and they all argreed that they were missing. One of the people I asked said he saw zero, and another said he saw two.
Editors. Last year I talked with maybe ten editors. This year, didn't find any. I started scratching my head. Was I at the same show.
Last year, I think I saw three rows of very small publishers, this year, maybe a half of one. And they were scattered.
Ok, so last year, I spent a day and a half at the show and didn't see the whole show. This year after the first day on the top floor I was done. I didn't know that until I showed up the second day to see all of the bottom floor and found out that is was the childrens section. Yes, there was the autorgraph booths down there and I talked with some great people, but after being there for two hours on the second day, I decided that I had to go upstairs and start over.
Did I see great authors, yes. Did I bring home great books, most likely. Will I go next year, I have asked myself that a lot in the last couple of days. A maybe will be all I can say for now.
Did I meet some great people, yes. And did I see some great Public Relations gimmicks, yes. I will post some photos and stories about these soon.
And a highlight, I saw James Dashner. Wait, I always see him. No, he was a great signer and had a lot of fans there. He was signing so fast that the photo is blurry! Shadow Mountain had a great setup with their authors.
If you went, tell me what you think. If you didn't ask any questions. I will answer them.
Been in New York
I have been in New York last week, and did not have an internet connection at my hotel. WHAT. Every hotel these days has internet. So on the third day, I called to the lobby and asked how much the internet was. They told me $11.95 a day. I gave in and ordered it. And I tried to get on, and it wouldn't let me on. So I called back down 25 floors and was transferred three times. When I talked to the third person, he told me that the internet was down. I asked for how long, and he just sat there saying nothing. So I asked again. Then he said, You are in New York, it may be a few days, weeks, or months. I thanked him and hung up. Then i got out my Iphone and used it.
So I am back. Instead of making one huge post of my trip I will give you a lot of little ones. That way you can read only the ones you are interested in.
So I am back. Instead of making one huge post of my trip I will give you a lot of little ones. That way you can read only the ones you are interested in.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hugs make the world a better place!
For a couple of weeks I have been trying to get people to hold BE HAPPY signs with me. I know it would make a lot of people happy. When I was telling my son Nick about this he forwarded this video to me. Take a look, and then go out and hug some people. Come on, be happy.
Jon Schmidt
Jon Schmidt video has over a million hits. Look at it and you will see why. You can see more about that talented man by going to his website, http://www.jonschmidt.com
Dance, Dance and help make the world a better place!
What are these humans doing? Dancing. Many humans on Earth exhibit periods of happiness, and one method of displaying happiness is dancing. Happiness and dancing transcend political boundaries and occur in practically every human society. Above, Matt Harding traveled through many nations on Earth, started dancing, and filmed the result. The video is perhaps a dramatic example that humans from all over planet Earth feel a common bond as part of a single species. Happiness is frequently contagious -- few people are able to watch the above video without smiling.
My Step Father, My American Hero
When I was nine years old my mom married my step father. My step father was in the Air Force. He spent 26 years making America safer and I am proud to say that I am an Air Force Brat. When you are a child of an Air Force member Air Force Brat is what they call you.
When I was nine I moved with my step father, mom and sister to Zaragoza Spain. We spent two years there, and then moved to Madrid Spain, the countries capital for two more years.
After that we moved to Columbus Mississippi for two years, and then to Roy Utah where my step father retired from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant.
Most of his career he flew on H53 helicopters. They are known as the Jolly Green Giants because of their massive size. He saved peoples lives. People from pilots that got shot down to civilians that were stranded. He protected our country, and he spent many years in war. He was shot down twice. And he told me that he would do it again, because of the love of his country.
And he gave me that love of my country also.
I know how important this country is. I know that it hurt him to see people that would not take their hats off for the flag. It hurt him when they wouldn’t stand for the National Anthem. And it hurt him when people didn’t show love of their country when the troops came home from wars.
He was hurt while in the military and could have retired, but he kept going. He has more metals that most could ever dream of. He lost over half his hearing during his career.
So on this Memorial Day, I will go to his grave and I will place the American Flag next to his grave, and I will have a chat with him. And thank him for giving me the love of America, and for giving a great dad to look up to, to love and to always remember. CMSGT Win Smith, My American Hero!
On his headstone is a photo of the Jolly Green Giant helicopter!
Below is a 10 minute video of what he did in the US Air Force. God Bless him and all of the others that protect us now and always have.
and one more
When I was nine I moved with my step father, mom and sister to Zaragoza Spain. We spent two years there, and then moved to Madrid Spain, the countries capital for two more years.
After that we moved to Columbus Mississippi for two years, and then to Roy Utah where my step father retired from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant.
Most of his career he flew on H53 helicopters. They are known as the Jolly Green Giants because of their massive size. He saved peoples lives. People from pilots that got shot down to civilians that were stranded. He protected our country, and he spent many years in war. He was shot down twice. And he told me that he would do it again, because of the love of his country.
And he gave me that love of my country also.
I know how important this country is. I know that it hurt him to see people that would not take their hats off for the flag. It hurt him when they wouldn’t stand for the National Anthem. And it hurt him when people didn’t show love of their country when the troops came home from wars.
He was hurt while in the military and could have retired, but he kept going. He has more metals that most could ever dream of. He lost over half his hearing during his career.
So on this Memorial Day, I will go to his grave and I will place the American Flag next to his grave, and I will have a chat with him. And thank him for giving me the love of America, and for giving a great dad to look up to, to love and to always remember. CMSGT Win Smith, My American Hero!
On his headstone is a photo of the Jolly Green Giant helicopter!
Below is a 10 minute video of what he did in the US Air Force. God Bless him and all of the others that protect us now and always have.
and one more
Guest Blogger Anne Anderson for Memorial Day
Don’t Forget to Remember
By Anne Anderson
This Monday our thoughts should turn to those who have died in service to our nation. It is Memorial Day on May 25th. Back in the fall of 2005, my father passed away. About a year before his death, I helped him to reconnect with some of his war buddies that he served with in the Navy during WWII on the USS Intrepid. When he spoke to these men, I could see and hear in their voices the deep connection and bond they had with one another 60 years later. They were caught up in a situation much bigger than themselves and the simple lives they had come from to serve.
My father grew up in the small farming community of Hooper, Utah. He farmed up until joining the Navy, and upon his discharge, he went right back to the land. One time when he and I were going through some old newspaper clippings, we came across one about the LDS Church members at the US Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. The picture was taken while they were meeting for Sacrament Meeting. He was front and center in the picture with a big, young, handsome smile on his face. He tried to read the article to me, and he could not even get through the second line. His emotions came right to the service. It touched me deeply.
It made me realize how hard it would be -- to be a farm-boy from Hooper who enlisted in the Navy because the U.S. had been attacked at Pearl Harbor. He loved the farming life. He had always aspired to be an excellent farmer and had been attending Utah State University’s Agriculture Program. He was sent away from his small town, taught to fly and land an airplane off an aircraft carrier, and drop bombs on the enemy.
Like many WWII veterans he did not like to talk about the war. He did not like to hear anyone brag of their war experiences or glorify war in any way – which would explain his not wanting to talk about the medals he received. His family knew, and we were so proud for him. After all of his flight training and piloting hours he committed to becoming a pilot for his country, he never, not even once, got into an aircraft again -- No, not even a commercial plane! He said he was too aware of what could go wrong! We thought it was just an excuse he used to get out of traveling with our Mom. He was very patriotic, as many of his generation, and loved to go to the morning flag-raising on the 4th of July at the Hooper Park.
In 2004, a year before his death, my father and other WWII veterans watched on television as the survivors of D-Day returned to the beaches of Normandy to remember. The statistic I have heard is that there are less than one in four WWII veterans left in our country and about 1100 die each day. These veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice should be recognized on Memorial Day. It is difficult for them to talk about that ugly war and yet so important that the memory of it is not lost by their passing. I found this expressed well in a poem written by a man named Mark Wright in June of 2000. It is entitled “Heroes Unaware.”
I first saw him on a park bench.
I’ve seen him every day.
Sitting in a shady grove -
Where my children come to play.
Sometimes he feeds the birds and squirrels,
Or whittles little toys.
Sometimes he just sits and smiles
At the laughing girls and boys.
And, I never paid him any mind
‘Til one day just this year,
I noticed that he wore a frown
And on his cheek …. a tear.
I asked him why he seemed so down.
He looked up, began to say…
I lost half my friends, 60 years ago today.
He told me of the terror
As he fought to reach dry land.
By the time the beachhead was secure,
Half his friends lay in the sand.
That was just in one long day.
He fought on for 4 years more.
And the 60 years from then to now
Have not dimmed His sights of war.
He said they have reunions…
Just to keep in touch and share.
And for each comrade who has gone on,
They leave an empty chair.
Well, His park bench has been empty now
About 6 months or so.
And if I’d never took the time
Then I never would’ve known,
That sitting on that simple bench
With bread crumbs and little toys,
Was a man who gave his all…
To guarantee my daily joys.
So give thanks to all the men and women
Who’re still here or have gone before,
And made the highest sacrifice
In both Peace time and in War.
Because, they bought our freedom.
Paid their own blood, sweat and tears.
Then, endured the heartache of those empty chairs
For all these years.
So please do not ignore them,
Or speed by without a care.
‘Cause you never know
When you might pass by,
A hero, unaware.
This Memorial Day, as we take time to enjoy friends and family, have a barbecue, visit the cemeteries, or go to the lake, we need to remember. Please don’t forget to remember that you are able to enjoy these pleasures because so many others have fought and are fighting now to defend our freedom, our peace, our faith and our families.
By Anne Anderson
This Monday our thoughts should turn to those who have died in service to our nation. It is Memorial Day on May 25th. Back in the fall of 2005, my father passed away. About a year before his death, I helped him to reconnect with some of his war buddies that he served with in the Navy during WWII on the USS Intrepid. When he spoke to these men, I could see and hear in their voices the deep connection and bond they had with one another 60 years later. They were caught up in a situation much bigger than themselves and the simple lives they had come from to serve.
My father grew up in the small farming community of Hooper, Utah. He farmed up until joining the Navy, and upon his discharge, he went right back to the land. One time when he and I were going through some old newspaper clippings, we came across one about the LDS Church members at the US Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. The picture was taken while they were meeting for Sacrament Meeting. He was front and center in the picture with a big, young, handsome smile on his face. He tried to read the article to me, and he could not even get through the second line. His emotions came right to the service. It touched me deeply.
It made me realize how hard it would be -- to be a farm-boy from Hooper who enlisted in the Navy because the U.S. had been attacked at Pearl Harbor. He loved the farming life. He had always aspired to be an excellent farmer and had been attending Utah State University’s Agriculture Program. He was sent away from his small town, taught to fly and land an airplane off an aircraft carrier, and drop bombs on the enemy.
Like many WWII veterans he did not like to talk about the war. He did not like to hear anyone brag of their war experiences or glorify war in any way – which would explain his not wanting to talk about the medals he received. His family knew, and we were so proud for him. After all of his flight training and piloting hours he committed to becoming a pilot for his country, he never, not even once, got into an aircraft again -- No, not even a commercial plane! He said he was too aware of what could go wrong! We thought it was just an excuse he used to get out of traveling with our Mom. He was very patriotic, as many of his generation, and loved to go to the morning flag-raising on the 4th of July at the Hooper Park.
In 2004, a year before his death, my father and other WWII veterans watched on television as the survivors of D-Day returned to the beaches of Normandy to remember. The statistic I have heard is that there are less than one in four WWII veterans left in our country and about 1100 die each day. These veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice should be recognized on Memorial Day. It is difficult for them to talk about that ugly war and yet so important that the memory of it is not lost by their passing. I found this expressed well in a poem written by a man named Mark Wright in June of 2000. It is entitled “Heroes Unaware.”
I first saw him on a park bench.
I’ve seen him every day.
Sitting in a shady grove -
Where my children come to play.
Sometimes he feeds the birds and squirrels,
Or whittles little toys.
Sometimes he just sits and smiles
At the laughing girls and boys.
And, I never paid him any mind
‘Til one day just this year,
I noticed that he wore a frown
And on his cheek …. a tear.
I asked him why he seemed so down.
He looked up, began to say…
I lost half my friends, 60 years ago today.
He told me of the terror
As he fought to reach dry land.
By the time the beachhead was secure,
Half his friends lay in the sand.
That was just in one long day.
He fought on for 4 years more.
And the 60 years from then to now
Have not dimmed His sights of war.
He said they have reunions…
Just to keep in touch and share.
And for each comrade who has gone on,
They leave an empty chair.
Well, His park bench has been empty now
About 6 months or so.
And if I’d never took the time
Then I never would’ve known,
That sitting on that simple bench
With bread crumbs and little toys,
Was a man who gave his all…
To guarantee my daily joys.
So give thanks to all the men and women
Who’re still here or have gone before,
And made the highest sacrifice
In both Peace time and in War.
Because, they bought our freedom.
Paid their own blood, sweat and tears.
Then, endured the heartache of those empty chairs
For all these years.
So please do not ignore them,
Or speed by without a care.
‘Cause you never know
When you might pass by,
A hero, unaware.
This Memorial Day, as we take time to enjoy friends and family, have a barbecue, visit the cemeteries, or go to the lake, we need to remember. Please don’t forget to remember that you are able to enjoy these pleasures because so many others have fought and are fighting now to defend our freedom, our peace, our faith and our families.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Purple Shirt Story
This was first blogged about on another blog back in 2008. One of my favorites so I thought I would share it with you.
My wife is out of town with work for a few days. Before she left, she set out my work clothes because she doesn't like me to be embarrassed for my lack of knowledge of what colors go together.
I tried and tried to fall asleep last night, but due to the time change, my wife being out of town, and trying to listen for my mom's alarm to go off, I didn't get much sleep.
So when I woke up this morning, I was running a little late. This is rare for me, because I am usually very early. I checked on my mom, let the dogs out, and put on my brand new purple shirt. (Purple is my favorite color). I figured that I would put my tie on during the drive, when the traffic would make my car sit still on the freeway. That I did, and was pretty proud of the fact.
It is now lunch time, and I went to the restroom just now. My new shirt looked really weird. It looked like the left half of the shirt was about two inches lower than the right side. I sat there and moved it back and forth wondering how someone could have made it like that. I also wondered why the 20 or so people I had talked with hadn't noticed.
I returned to the restroom, and took a second look, seeing if I took off my tie, if it wouldn't be as noticeable. I figured out that that was the only solution, so I started to take it off, when I noticed that while driving and putting on my tie, I didn't button my tie to the collar buttons, but to my regular shirt button.
I know, it was dumb. It was dumber not to notice it when I went to the restroom the first time. I fixed it, and as I walked out of the bathroom, I noticed that I forgot my belt today also.
Honey, hurry home, I need you!
My wife is out of town with work for a few days. Before she left, she set out my work clothes because she doesn't like me to be embarrassed for my lack of knowledge of what colors go together.
I tried and tried to fall asleep last night, but due to the time change, my wife being out of town, and trying to listen for my mom's alarm to go off, I didn't get much sleep.
So when I woke up this morning, I was running a little late. This is rare for me, because I am usually very early. I checked on my mom, let the dogs out, and put on my brand new purple shirt. (Purple is my favorite color). I figured that I would put my tie on during the drive, when the traffic would make my car sit still on the freeway. That I did, and was pretty proud of the fact.
It is now lunch time, and I went to the restroom just now. My new shirt looked really weird. It looked like the left half of the shirt was about two inches lower than the right side. I sat there and moved it back and forth wondering how someone could have made it like that. I also wondered why the 20 or so people I had talked with hadn't noticed.
I returned to the restroom, and took a second look, seeing if I took off my tie, if it wouldn't be as noticeable. I figured out that that was the only solution, so I started to take it off, when I noticed that while driving and putting on my tie, I didn't button my tie to the collar buttons, but to my regular shirt button.
I know, it was dumb. It was dumber not to notice it when I went to the restroom the first time. I fixed it, and as I walked out of the bathroom, I noticed that I forgot my belt today also.
Honey, hurry home, I need you!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
It is 12:34 AM
I am a number person. I like numbers. Right now it is 12:34 or 1234. I seem to look up at the clock when it is 1:11 or 1:23 or 2:34 etc. I was taught numbers are good luck.
You are supposed to make a wish on the same numbers on a clock. Like 1:11 or 2:22 etc.
Some people add all of the numbers up. So say it is 3:59. they will add 3 plus 5 plus nine and that equals 17. Then they add the 1 and 7 and they get 8.
People usually have favorite numbers also. When I ask them what their favorite number is, it is usually a number they had on a sports team when they were young. And it sticks to them.
Because it is late, I am sure I am rambling, but I know some numbers for me are lucky. And I believe that 1234 is my favorite number combination. 1 plus 2 plus 3 plus 4 equals 10 and 1 plus 0 equals 1. and you can't get much better than that.
You are supposed to make a wish on the same numbers on a clock. Like 1:11 or 2:22 etc.
Some people add all of the numbers up. So say it is 3:59. they will add 3 plus 5 plus nine and that equals 17. Then they add the 1 and 7 and they get 8.
People usually have favorite numbers also. When I ask them what their favorite number is, it is usually a number they had on a sports team when they were young. And it sticks to them.
Because it is late, I am sure I am rambling, but I know some numbers for me are lucky. And I believe that 1234 is my favorite number combination. 1 plus 2 plus 3 plus 4 equals 10 and 1 plus 0 equals 1. and you can't get much better than that.
I Am Not That Old
This was posted last year on another blog. I thought you might like to laugh with me over it.
It all started about four months ago when I took my eight year old daughter to get a get well present for my mom (McKenna's grandma). My mom has been sick for a long time, and four months ago she was in the hospital for the fifth time in 12 months. She got home that day, so we went to a closeout store in Salt Lake City to get her the gift.
McKenna found the perfect gift. It was a stuffed pink poodle, and since my mom has two poodles, we bought it.
After paying for our purchase, we were approaching the exit, and there was a lady sitting at the exit and checking all receipts to make sure no one was stealing.
I didn't have a problem with what the lady was doing, I had a problem with what she said to me. She looked at the stuffed animal, at me and then my daughter, and said, "Sir, that is so nice of you to buy your granddaughter a stuffed animal". My daughter laughed so hard she had tears running down her face, and I, well I had tears in my eyes also, but not of laughter. By the time we got home, my daughter had called all of her brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and anyone else she could think of to tell the story.
That night, I had my daughter Chelsea dye my hair, and I shaved off my beard. Only last month, I turned 43.
What happened yesterday, will be post 2 in this series, after I figure out why this person said what he did.
Until then, I will get my walker out, take my Geritol and try to drive the speed limit on the freeway.
It all started about four months ago when I took my eight year old daughter to get a get well present for my mom (McKenna's grandma). My mom has been sick for a long time, and four months ago she was in the hospital for the fifth time in 12 months. She got home that day, so we went to a closeout store in Salt Lake City to get her the gift.
McKenna found the perfect gift. It was a stuffed pink poodle, and since my mom has two poodles, we bought it.
After paying for our purchase, we were approaching the exit, and there was a lady sitting at the exit and checking all receipts to make sure no one was stealing.
I didn't have a problem with what the lady was doing, I had a problem with what she said to me. She looked at the stuffed animal, at me and then my daughter, and said, "Sir, that is so nice of you to buy your granddaughter a stuffed animal". My daughter laughed so hard she had tears running down her face, and I, well I had tears in my eyes also, but not of laughter. By the time we got home, my daughter had called all of her brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and anyone else she could think of to tell the story.
That night, I had my daughter Chelsea dye my hair, and I shaved off my beard. Only last month, I turned 43.
What happened yesterday, will be post 2 in this series, after I figure out why this person said what he did.
Until then, I will get my walker out, take my Geritol and try to drive the speed limit on the freeway.
A Feel Good Story from my Journal
I just opened the door at the newspaper office at 9:05 this morning, and a very nice older lady walked in. She had her hair in curlers, and slightly hunched back, and smelled like Ben Gay. I opened the door for her and she said she wanted a hug. I had seen her before, but I didn’t know who she was. I got up to her and gave her a hug.
Which I thought a little strange.
"Do you know why I gave you a hug?" She asked
"No, but if I was 40 years older, we might be a couple now", I replied
In today's newspaper you said people are not as nice as they should be. You always have a way of making people feel better about everything. I just love your column in the paper. It is what I always look forward to reading first. And I live by what you write. Someday you will be famous. Then she winked, and walked out.
That was the end of wrote that day. But it has me wondering why she though that. And for the few days I have been staying in Morgan, Utah, where I ran that paper. And during the day I have been cleaning out my moms old store, and at night I have been reading a lot of my old columns. I think the last count was 289 of them. And as I am reading them this last few days I have seen that almost all of them were positive.
Then I wonder why? I was going through a divorce during that time, I was struggling to make enough money and I was putting in a lot of hours, way to many.
As I look back now, I think my column was positive because I wanted and needed positive examples in my life. I still try to write about positive things, because I still need reminders in my life and my readers that there are good people out there.
Which I thought a little strange.
"Do you know why I gave you a hug?" She asked
"No, but if I was 40 years older, we might be a couple now", I replied
In today's newspaper you said people are not as nice as they should be. You always have a way of making people feel better about everything. I just love your column in the paper. It is what I always look forward to reading first. And I live by what you write. Someday you will be famous. Then she winked, and walked out.
That was the end of wrote that day. But it has me wondering why she though that. And for the few days I have been staying in Morgan, Utah, where I ran that paper. And during the day I have been cleaning out my moms old store, and at night I have been reading a lot of my old columns. I think the last count was 289 of them. And as I am reading them this last few days I have seen that almost all of them were positive.
Then I wonder why? I was going through a divorce during that time, I was struggling to make enough money and I was putting in a lot of hours, way to many.
As I look back now, I think my column was positive because I wanted and needed positive examples in my life. I still try to write about positive things, because I still need reminders in my life and my readers that there are good people out there.
Really Famous Person Leaves Me Wondering
I wrote the following blog last year on another site. Hope you enjoy.
I am a people watcher. I watch people everywhere I go. I always have. I was in IKEA this weekend, and I was checking out this older couple. They were probably in their 80's. Holding hands and walking the entire store. They were so happy. I watched young couples, store employees and everyone else. This brings me to the reason for this link.
A VERY famous person was there. I will not tell her name, because I don't want to embarrass her. I will tell you this much. She is very famous, mostly in Utah. If you held up her photo there would be 90 out of 100 Utahn's that would know her, and thousands of others around the world. She was walking with three other people. One woman, and two men. One of the men was most likely her husband and the other two were a couple also.
The problem, she was almost naked. There was less material on her top and her bottom than on a dish towel. I promise you that there are a lot of people that would wear more clothing at a beach than she was wearing.
She knew people were staring, and she was proud of it. I watched as people would look at her. Some women hit their husbands, some women shook their heads. I am sure most knew who she was. My wife pointed her out also.
Don't get me wrong, she is amazingly beautiful. BUT, here is the problem. I don't need to see her that way, and no one else does either. The things I know her for, and what and who she represents, would absolutely die if they knew she dressed like that, and I am sure she would lose a lot of people from ever buying a product she sells, sees a movie she is in, or listens to her on the radio, etc.
Like I said, I am not telling who she is, so the last sentence may not be one of the things she is famous for.
So, famous person at IKEA, show some respect for yourself, your husband, and the people you represent and put some clothes on.
I am a people watcher. I watch people everywhere I go. I always have. I was in IKEA this weekend, and I was checking out this older couple. They were probably in their 80's. Holding hands and walking the entire store. They were so happy. I watched young couples, store employees and everyone else. This brings me to the reason for this link.
A VERY famous person was there. I will not tell her name, because I don't want to embarrass her. I will tell you this much. She is very famous, mostly in Utah. If you held up her photo there would be 90 out of 100 Utahn's that would know her, and thousands of others around the world. She was walking with three other people. One woman, and two men. One of the men was most likely her husband and the other two were a couple also.
The problem, she was almost naked. There was less material on her top and her bottom than on a dish towel. I promise you that there are a lot of people that would wear more clothing at a beach than she was wearing.
She knew people were staring, and she was proud of it. I watched as people would look at her. Some women hit their husbands, some women shook their heads. I am sure most knew who she was. My wife pointed her out also.
Don't get me wrong, she is amazingly beautiful. BUT, here is the problem. I don't need to see her that way, and no one else does either. The things I know her for, and what and who she represents, would absolutely die if they knew she dressed like that, and I am sure she would lose a lot of people from ever buying a product she sells, sees a movie she is in, or listens to her on the radio, etc.
Like I said, I am not telling who she is, so the last sentence may not be one of the things she is famous for.
So, famous person at IKEA, show some respect for yourself, your husband, and the people you represent and put some clothes on.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I Missed American Idol
I watched every episode of American Idol this season, except the final. Yep, just because I knew that Adam Lambert was going to win. I knew it so much so, that I drove 30 miles away to buy a new set of scriptures.
And then I got the call. My son Nick called me and told me that Kris Allen won American Idol. WOW.
Kris Allen winning would be like the Utah Jazz winning the NBA Championship in its heyday without using Stockton and Malone.
I not only didn't see it, I didn't record it.
Some times in life we think that life is going to turn out one way, and it changes. We think that everything will be fine, and then it goes the other way.
The horse that everyone knew couldn't win, wins.
The President that almost everyone knew wouldn't win.
And Kris Allen. Congrats to him, I hear that the show was great.
This just shows, never give up. Never stop trying.
And then I got the call. My son Nick called me and told me that Kris Allen won American Idol. WOW.
Kris Allen winning would be like the Utah Jazz winning the NBA Championship in its heyday without using Stockton and Malone.
I not only didn't see it, I didn't record it.
Some times in life we think that life is going to turn out one way, and it changes. We think that everything will be fine, and then it goes the other way.
The horse that everyone knew couldn't win, wins.
The President that almost everyone knew wouldn't win.
And Kris Allen. Congrats to him, I hear that the show was great.
This just shows, never give up. Never stop trying.
No More Chicken!
I lived in a small town for nine years, and at least once a week I stopped in to the gas station to chat with Stan, the owner. He is a really nice guy. And he makes the best chicken I have ever had, really.
So, I am up in Morgan and I stop by to see Stan and wait until the first batch of chicken comes out of the oven.
No Stan. No cars. No trucks. No gas pumps. NO CHICKEN.
My heart sunk. I was so sad. So I went to the gas station across the street to get a drink. It didn't smell like Chicken Hut, it didn't have Stan standing there. It just wasn't the same.
Things change in life, and we need to be prepared for them. Kids move away, you change careers, you die.
Something inside me died today! But I know I will see Stan driving down the road, smiling and waving. And I will always have the memory of the chicken, the chicken strips and the conversations.
So, I am up in Morgan and I stop by to see Stan and wait until the first batch of chicken comes out of the oven.
No Stan. No cars. No trucks. No gas pumps. NO CHICKEN.
My heart sunk. I was so sad. So I went to the gas station across the street to get a drink. It didn't smell like Chicken Hut, it didn't have Stan standing there. It just wasn't the same.
Things change in life, and we need to be prepared for them. Kids move away, you change careers, you die.
Something inside me died today! But I know I will see Stan driving down the road, smiling and waving. And I will always have the memory of the chicken, the chicken strips and the conversations.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Amazing Author Site
Every now and then I meet someone that really sticks out. Some for the good, some for the bad. Recently at the LDStorymakers Conference I met Michele Ashman Bell. She is one that sticks out for the best. Not only was she very friendly, but is a friend of mine on an online group.
At the conference she gave me a copy of the book, A Modest Proposal. What a great book.
Now there is a problem loving this book. The problem is Michele is the author of almost 20 books. So, for Father's Day, Christmas, Birthday's etc., I am going to put her books on my want list.
Please read her books, they are great. Also, check out her blog at ttp://micheleabell.blogspot.com
At the conference she gave me a copy of the book, A Modest Proposal. What a great book.
Now there is a problem loving this book. The problem is Michele is the author of almost 20 books. So, for Father's Day, Christmas, Birthday's etc., I am going to put her books on my want list.
Please read her books, they are great. Also, check out her blog at ttp://micheleabell.blogspot.com
Well, Glee had its moments, a few
I am not a t.v. critic and I never have been, but PLEASE. Glee, I have been waiting, Facebooking about it, and even blogged here about it, and there were some great moments, but....
Why did you have to have all of the hazing episodes that nothing ever happens to the responsible parties. The in the dumpster, putting the boy in the wheelchair in the porta potty. The paintball etc. In today's world, they would have been taken out of school.
Next, why did they have to show the words that kids wrote on the paper. They showed the words for a mans body part, a rear end and I didn't catch the others.
I have a nine year old that I set my DVR to record the show, but will not let her see that part.
Other than that, they set up a good show. I will watch the show, but I will not for much longer if this keeps up.
The music is good.
Why did you have to have all of the hazing episodes that nothing ever happens to the responsible parties. The in the dumpster, putting the boy in the wheelchair in the porta potty. The paintball etc. In today's world, they would have been taken out of school.
Next, why did they have to show the words that kids wrote on the paper. They showed the words for a mans body part, a rear end and I didn't catch the others.
I have a nine year old that I set my DVR to record the show, but will not let her see that part.
Other than that, they set up a good show. I will watch the show, but I will not for much longer if this keeps up.
The music is good.
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