Monday, January 14, 2013

14 oz. Reactive Glazed Mug


Glass America- 4723: 14 oz. Blue Sterling w/ Black Matte Interior
Also available in other colors.
WWL (Why We Like): unique artisan “reactive glaze” finish; no two are truly identical.  Distinctive square shape.

Special 144 min: $2.85 each

Monday, August 3, 2009

Pencil Marks on Paper...

Last week, a long-time friend of mine lost his sudden 3 month battle with Leukemia and opted out to a life of eternal riches. He was quite unassuming; yet a remarkable person. He was only 51.

A few years ago, several of us were playing a game of high stakes cards (no money involved, just bragging rights) when a minor dispute unfolded. Jim mediated the situation with a terse observation: "Relax, you're playing for pencil marks on paper".

And so apparently was disclosed the secret of life with an appropriate perspective... our time on Earth is merely pencil marks on paper compared to the balance that awaits us. Jim never sought fame, but he was highly involved. He wasn't blessed with a family of his own; but he knew this was a gift he possessed, so they took in 83 foster kids and helped get them safe refuge, counseled, provided and loved them as though they were family--because everyone was "family" for Jim. Indeed, one of those kids adopted Jim as her legal father. In a world that seems to always be searching for recognition and the spotlight of fame, a humble, simple guy was rewarded (and deserved) the ultimate compliment of being called "Dad"...and by CHOICE of the child.

Memories of sitting shoulder to shoulder with him at the end of the high school basketball bench, crazy times shared through college and recent "men only" annual get-togethers create an interesting bond....and yet, he was totally taken for granted. His passing stirred the realization that simple people, and their actions that touch others, are indeed quite remarkable.

He made plenty of insignificant little scratches on paper in his life; but when the final tally was calculated it comes out to a pretty impressive total that allowed him to add his scratch mark on a saint tally board in heaven. The sum was far greater than the total he ever imagined.

Morale: don't fret the little stuff; worry about the larger issues of your ideals and convictions...the rest is just scratches on paper. (Warning: the next time someone obsesses about trite product details--"this pen should have a different style pocket clip"--please be prepared for a short lesson on "importance"...especially the self-centered kind). Some things matter alot; others not much....hope we all know the difference.

Love ya Jimbo; hope to see you again.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Ruskin's Wisdom

Funny, how ocassionally one's memory needs a little 'refreshing'. Often, I stumble on things/info that are not truly "new" knowledge or more likely stirs the revelation of "I knew that"! By chance, a recent "budget sensitive" project occurred at precisely the same moment I found this Ruskin (well known philosopher) in a file.

"Values"...by John Ruskin (how appropriate and true!)...yes, I added a bit of emphasis on parts.

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's (equally, or more) unwise to pay too little.

When you pay too much you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little, you somtimes lose EVERYTHING, because the "thing" you bought was INCAPABLE of doing the thing you bought it to do.

The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting alot...it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it's well to add something ($ factor) for the RISK you run...

And if you do that, you'd have enough to pay for something better." ~ John Ruskin

As your counselor of the myriad of marketing items available; it's my obligation to ocassionally remind clients that rather than spending money unwisely, they may be better off waiting until the appropriate budget becomes available to actually achieve their intended objectives. It's our responsibility to make certain your projects are done with reputable partners who share the notion that delivering quality (and meeting your event timelines) trumps "cheap" (or late) everytime.