WITHIN THE CLOUDS OF OUR IMAGINATION
We will play with light and dark.
And in the end, a whole picture emerges.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
YOU HAVE ONLY SECONDS TO REACT. WHICH WAY WILL YOU GO …
I’m a big fan of spontaneous moments of unexpected joy.
Like watching the reaction of the elderly woman at Denny’s Restaurant when a stranger paid for her and her friend’s breakfast. Her face lit up like a perfect Christmas morning.
Or the look of surprised realization when a child sees the bunny in the sky instead of just the clouds.
But this morning I was taken aback when, in an instant, what would normally be considered a day-ruining event became a wonder-filled celebration.
The rain had fallen suddenly and fully. Sewer grates and curbs were overflowing. Umbrellas were the uniform of the morning.
The gentleman stood close to the intersection, waiting to cross, dressed impeccably in suit and tie, lost in the screen of his iPad. A car driving a bit too close to the curb, without warning, created a splash that literally drenched the middle-aged executive. Most people who saw it happen visibly gasped in sympathetic reaction.
He stood motionless for a few seconds. He put his iPad in the inner pocket of his soaked suit, closed his umbrella, looked up into the falling rain and smiled. Then broke into the opening lyrics of, “Singing in the Rain.”
Most of those who had moments before gasped in sympathetic reaction now looked at him as if he were crazy. I just smiled, for a I realized that he had consciously decided to take a negative and turn it into a positive. His joy was obviously genuine, and I for one was thankful for it.
The rest of my day was sprinkled with smiles, every time I remembered the gentleman who turned a splash of unexpected adversity into a splash of unexpected joyfulness.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE …
Is this a “real” picture or a ‘shopped photograph?
In the real world of writing, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that it is a rich and dynamic source of storytelling. And whether you need to review art magazines or you can just sit back and let your mind put together a mix of unusual sights (or sounds or smells or whatever), just do it.
See it, hear it, smell it, then write it. You’ll be amazed at the wonderful worlds where your imagination can take you.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
FORGET YOUR
It was one of the more unusual statements I’ve ever heard an 8-year-old utter.
“I’m fierce. I’m bold. And you will remember me. Always.”
I asked her how she had come to proclaim such a statement.
“My mom always said that.”
“Said?” I asked her. “Doesn’t she say that anymore?”
“She died of cancer seven months ago.”
I told her how sorry I was about her loss, but I had to ask her why she said it.
“’Cause I want to be just like my mom,” she said with absolute conviction. Her eyes started to tear up, but after a few moments, she interrupted her gentle crying with, “I’m fierce. I’m bold. And you will remember me. Always.”
That happened almost ten years ago. And while I don’t know whatever became of her, one thing is certain … I do remember.
If you only had ten words to guide and motivate you, what would they be?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
WHAT DO THEY GET, AFTER THE NET …
The pitchman said, “One hundred percent of all net proceeds is donated to …”
All of the emotional tugs and tearful hugs up to that point was having its intended effect. Purses, wallets, checkbooks were opening, debit and credit cards were getting ready. Most people would respond to the emotions. But there is a caveat.
Net proceeds.
Let’s say I’m offering a nice looking lapel pin for your donation of $1 and that I’ll give the net proceeds to charity. The pin cost me 15 cents to produce. After all, it really is a nice looking pin, all shiny and sparkly and noticeable, and those Chinese workers do have to get paid something. Then there’s shipping and handling – say 45 cents. Handling is always this nebulous charge, also known as a profit center. Add the promotional costs, administrative costs, and miscellaneous costs of, maybe another 30 cents. So far the gross cost is 90 cents of the $1 you’re donating. That leaves 10 cents. Oh, but I forgot the 7 cents in “other necessary” costs. So now we’re down to 3 cents out of that $1 you’re giving me. That’s the net proceeds.
Three cents. Not much real money going to help those in need, is it?
I’m not saying that all charities have such high costs. I am saying that the wise and careful contributor looks behind the tugs and hugs to see what how much of their dollar is really going to help.
But what happens if you donate $5 or $10 for that $1 lapel pin? Well, the unscrupulous will suddenly find that their shipping, handling, administrative, promotional, miscellaneous and “other necessary” costs increased. The net proceeds are, after all, a line item in the budget and may not be subject to change.
As we draw closer and closer to the holiday season, we are going to be subject to more and more appeals for our help.
Give generously. Give wisely.
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