Easter in Latta

There are moments when certain seasons, smells, days, and moments call you back to days gone by. At first you think it's deja vu, but then it becomes a memory. Easter Sunday, no matter when it falls, always - always reminds me of visits with my Great Aunt Anna Margaret in Latta, South Carolina.

She was all southern woman - towering at nearly six feet, with an imposing, yet welcoming presence; especially as she greats you with a bear hug embrace, forever burying your head in the largest bosoms you could ever imagine.

Fried chicken, ripe tomatoes, corn - she had it all made fresh and ready upon arrival. Locals brought tribute to her in the form of fresh vegetables from their gardens. Neighbors in large plantation homes that were slowly dying in the late setting sun with their inhabitants, expected visits from my sister and I. We always obliged, and truly enjoyed it. We went alone, even if we were little, and we were perfectly safe; though I'm certain parts of town, especially those on the "other side of the tracks" were not. Anna Margaret had the respect of all. She drove us around, saying hello to everyone, delivering food, care packages to people of all colors, ages, and economic standing. The purpose, of course, was to merely show us off. She was a proud southern gal, and the town granted her that pride without judgment. She was a legend in Latta.

Easter Sunday was spent at her church, where she served once as music director, and in later years filled in on the organ or piano. The choir was named after her. Another morning in the sun. In fact, it was always sunny on Easter in Latta. The summer heat was still at bay - there was dew on the grass. Easter egg hunts were under blue skies. Easter was perfect. Always perfect.

Anna Margaret's only fault was that she was a die hard Cowboys fan. We should have been sworn enemies, but we managed to coexist. Tom Landry, the dapper, classy couch of many famous Cowboy teams sent her a letter when he learned that she was ill and in the hospital. She was speechless at his kind, personal letter.

She left us many years ago. The town named a street after her and mourned her passing. I have driven out of my way to drive through Latta over the years and revisit fond memories. Her modest home is still there, though bare of shrubs and flowers she fussed over. The church is there, growing up in the center of town. And downtown oddly thrives, if only for two blocks. It is a town on the way to Myrtle Beach, and within a 30 minute drive of the booming Metropolis of Dillon. The pictures are from my last visit, though I have none of Anna Margaret scanned to share. It doesn't diminish my memory of her.

Easter will forever be in Latta, in the loving grace of one Anna Margaret.

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Sometimes television can be as compelling as a great book or movie. Deep in the bowels of entertainment, lies truth in television that manages to educate those blind to the daily plight of our neighbors; stirring emotions you never knew you possessed. All the while, this same program entertains you while strapping you to characters you laugh with, raise a glass to, and weep alongside.

HBO has once again done such a masterpiece. It isn't the Soprano's or Six Feet Under - clearly great works on their own. Still, they fall short of The Wire, which ended a five season run tonight. To say that I have an empty spot in my belly as the final credits rolled would be like saying McNulty has quit drinking (a reference not lost on the few fans).

Few fans indeed. The Today show had the creators of the Wire on for an interview prior to the start of season five. Critics rave that this show may be the best show ever made for television. So what if only the subscribers of HBO could see it in first run - if they new to tune in. Fortunately, you can now rent seasons 1-4 on DVD (or just buy them on ebay).

What's interesting is that each person tries to do the right thing in life at one time or another. Some manage to succeed, while others fail quickly. The outcomes vary regardless. The Wire captures the human drama of right and wrong better than any other medium. For the novice CSI viewer, easily impressed with flashy production, hot models, and cool location backdrops, you may find this journey a bit tedious; a point purposefully made by the shows creators. Our decisions have consequences. Really, is it a crime or a misdemeanor? Does the consequence reflect the degree of crime (and I speaking metaphorically).

Tom Waits captured the essence of this show with his gripping song "Way Down in the Hole", the shows' theme (yes, the Neville Brothers and the Blind Boys of Alabama, among others, have versions as well). Listen to the song - let it speak to you. Then expand into a new medium and take in the Wire for all 5 glorious seasons.

I was told that Barack Obama was asked who his favorite show in television was. The character was from the Wire. Omar. Rent it, see it through, and check back with me on this. Omar was one bad dude, but he lived by a code. And you must respect the code. Interesting choice for a politician. Perhaps Omar's persona was something Obama aspired to have - err - from a strong conviction around a code of conduct that is. As I said, Omar was a bad dude.

The final moments summed it all up for the fan. While just short of the amazing Six Feet Under conclusion, as well as the under appreciated Soprano's final moments, the ending to the Wire gave the fan the look into the future we both needed, and wept over.

Goodnight, western district. We will miss you all.

UPDATE: So Much for the Mariachi Band

Not even the joyous Mariachi video urging the Hispanic community to "get out and vote for Obama" could push him to close out Hillary and get the democratic nomination. The former First Lady has now won Ohio and Rhode Island to stay alive. Texas remained too close to call at the penning of this update, but Clinton held a slight lead. It looks like these democrats will continue to battle each other as the speed towards convention time. Goody, goody.

This all bodes well for Republican candidate John McCain, who clinched the nomination this evening. He can focus on unifying a party splintered more than the wood pile outside Paul Bunyan's house. If he doesn't keel over first.

Why is it that I feel that the best candidate for the highest office in the land remains anonymous? Probably because the job doesn't pay that well for the baloney you have to swallow.

It looks like 6 more months or political Oscar Meyer. Ugh.

Obama finishes Hillary, Deep in the Heart of Texas

This was posted on a friend's blog site and in a simple ad of song and support, signals the end of the campaign road for the former first lady. Enjoy!

Chris von Simson: Now I really think it it over for Hillary in TX

Life Wealth

There are times, more often than not, when you want to lay around and do nothing. After all, it's been a miserable work week, and you are entitled for some downtime, an adult beverage, to stay up late and sleep until noon. Not all of us can lay claim to that same litany of activity based on the current stage of life you're in (single vs. married, with kids vs. without), but there is some unproductive, passive activity which we can call our own.

And it feels good.

Then it feels lazy.

There are 4 phases in the evolution towards regaining downtime productivity. It is a natural progression present in life. But like all things, most people stop before you ever really start, satisfied that they've regained balance and perspective; falling short of achieving all of their dreams and wishes. And that's ok. We all measure happiness differently.

But if you ever wonder why that former exotic dancer just won an Oscar for their first ever screenplay and said to yourself, "why her?", then keep reading. Just as I believe the line between sanity and insanity, wealthy and poor, achieving your dreams or not - is razor thin; the path to life productivity producing happiness and wealth is really just around the corner.

Life Wealth isn't about money. It is about having all the people, experiences, and things in your life to make you happy and feel whole. Money can be a contributing factor to this, if only to provide time to experience life or step out and accomplish your goals. Tim Ferriss' book, the Four Hour Work Week (linked to by Whipple Wonders) really expands on this theory and offers many approaches to achieving your goals and becoming part of the New Rich (who have Life Wealth).

However, before you begin that, you must understand the cycle you are in each and every day, and determine what your ultimate goal is. These phases are:

Me Time: We're all to familiar with this. This is our withdrawal from society. This is playing video games all night, a pint of Ben and Jerry's over a ungodly horrible Lifetime movie, a drive to nowhere. We simply need to get away from the mundane and stressful clutches of daily life. This phase is first because we need to pull back before making strides to move forward. What makes this terribly frightening is that the masses never progress beyond phase one. Don't get trapped. Take a couple weekends ofr you, then move on. 60% of all people never escape "Me Time" and are content.

Busy Bee: There are the fortunate few who recognize it's time to give themselves a kick in the seat. They realize it's time to do something instead of waste away their downtime - i.e. life. To-do lists filled with put-off tasks such as changing light bulbs, spring cleaning, laundry, and basic house repairs and upkeep are born. This is a healthy phase because the lists typically consist of easy items to accomplish, providing immediate positive reinforcement for a job well done. 25% find joy at this phase are will repeat the first two steps with the same regularity as taking out the trash.

Experiential Living: Life is more than resting and "honey do" lists. It's there to be tasted, touched, and lived in. Here, we introduce social circles, day and weekend trips, and nightlife. These times become your stories. They mold you into the person you've always wanted to become. Experiences make you unique, and more importantly, feel special. You start to get some understanding as to who you are and what life is all about. This phase is home to 12 - 13% of us.

Manifesting through Discipline: Want to write a book? Travel the world? Create art? Start a business? Help the less fortunate? Run for office? Everyone has something grand they want to do. I always said the the sole difference between those who want to write a book and those who actually do is that those who do write that book actually did the work; whereas those who don't - don't. Discipline is the key to all success. Tiger Woods is the most focused and disciplined golfer in the world. These traits have also made him the best. People always say, "if you just put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." There has never been a truer statement. We can do anything we want. Achieve anything you want to do. Make money, start a business, give to others - if we fully embrace that dream and have the discipline to manifest it into reality. This is an incredibly difficult step; primarily because of the perfect self-discipline required. Focus and commit here, and you join the 2% New Rich, Life Wealthy, and joyous, accomplished folks in the world - the ones that others look to and say, "how were they able to do that?"

Let's hold each other accountable to ourselves. If you set goals to move out of your current phase, wherever you are, please let us know of your progress by updating readers on this blog. Inspire each other and we can make things happen.

Happy living!

Gambling on Snow

Living in Atlanta, there isn't much opportunity for snow. As WSB meteorologist Kirk Mellish put it, "it's usually one and done". Well, we had snow this week. I have the busted knee and elbow to prove it. Clearly I've lost my ability to walk on a snowy driveway by moving south. What has happened to me? The shame...

Now here we are again, just a couple days later, facing the prospect of even more snow than the inch or two we got Wednesday night. The prospect of snow just creates buzz. Not just the insane rush to the supermarket mayhem, but excitement at work and at home. Because down here, the threat of snow is given all due respect with the pre-first-flake closing of all schools and civic organization events.

That means that work could also be delayed and outright canceled. Who isn't stoked about that? So what if you still have to work from home, it's still a snow day. No shower, no commute, lots of window gazing.

"Look at the fluffy snow...aaahhhh....oooohhhh."

The forecast has also sparked some childlike behaviors inside me. I am gambling on percentages, probabilities of enough snow to have a snow day. I am effectively wagering on snow odds to convince our self to do weekend type activities on a "school night".

"Stay up late - why not?!? It will be dangerous enough out there that the office couldn't possibly be open until noon if at all!"

"Let's eat rich food, junk food even. Diet be damned. It's a special night, why not?"

Why not, indeed. Because after all, it is the south, and the likelihood will be that it will be work as usual. But what fun it was to watch the flurries, stay up late, and act like a kid again.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

There is Crying in Football

Tom Hanks told the Rockford Peaches in "League of Their Own" that there is no crying in baseball. He is right. There is emotion for certain as baseball is the greatest game on earth. But it is a game than unfolds slowly over time with pauses for drama and strategy.

Football, particularly the NFL, is different. Emotion is everywhere. At the end of every NFL game, there are players who form a prayer circle no doubt giving thanks to God for making it through with their health and body in tact. It is a rough game. Look at the injury to Bills TE Kevin Everett who, at one point, looked like he would never walk again. Tears flowed around the NFL and his family. He then made a remarkable recovery and came back to inspire the Bills and encourage their fans - he encouraged them! Waterworks sprung forth.

As a fan, there can be tears as well. It sounds silly, but so is being a fan. Giving your time, money, and emotion to an organization who doesn't know who you are (OK, I've written on that today, so back to the point). Twice in the past couple years I found myself so emotionally spent at the end of a game that an emotional response, tears and all, came effortlessly from me.

I recall a game against the Cowboys at a time in my life when work was hard, money was tight, and I was flat out exhausted. I was praying for a win. I needed a win. The Redskins needed it, too. And we got it. I was so overjoyed and having this simple pleasure given to me that I wept. I can't explain it, it just happened. And the relief that came over me was overpowering. I let it all out and had no shame in doing so in the dark privacy of my home.

This afternoon, my beloved Redskins lost in their playoff bid. It was a magical run stemming from the tragic death of Sean Taylor that had this team playing together as a team for the memory of their murdered teammate. Though my tears were not at the loss; rather the dramatic telling of that story by the game commentators Tom Hammond and Chris Collinsworth. Their words perfectly captured the collective feelings of the Redskins franchise and its fans. It brought me to tears. We were all trying so hard to bring the team a win that the emotion overwhelmed us (yes us, as you know that I am a honorary member of the team).

Joe Gibbs, head coach for the Washington Redskins, was asked in a pregame interview if he felt his team had enough "in the tank" to make it to a 5th straight win and Gibbs candidly replied, "I don't know."

What I do know, and so does Gibbs, there will be tears shed tonight by Skins players and fans alike. Not because of the loss of the game, but for the loss of a young man who not only was a Pro Bowl athlete, but a man who was changing his life and beginning to inspire others. If he could only see how he inspired this team to come together, unified in his memory.

A very sad loss, indeed.

Revolution from Resolutions

January 1st is simply just another day. Not one year later, just a Jack Bauer day - 24 hours. Like a birthday, it is simply a milestone in a pilgrimage through a calendar year leading you only to a December 31st alcoholic bender of mythical proportions (unless you are married with little kids); only to set out on the road to nowhere once again in the morning - or noon if it was a really top drawer party.

Then comes the inevitable series of pledges, or resolutions as they are renamed. I won't eat as much, I'll be a better person, I will exercise, I will work harder. Friends, you won't do it. And the good Christians out there will realize that in March and narrow the resolution list to one or two big areas of self-improvement in the spirit of Lent - a season of shorter duration than a calendar year.

I am not implying that these odes to thyself are not of value. A resolution, properly executed of course, can have world changing impact. Sadly, we don't have the will power, stomach, and sheer vision for seeing through our goals.

How do you defeat the invincible self-destruction failure you are setting yourself up to be with each and every resolution you ask? Start by doing what we Americans have come to do best - nothing. No goal, no failure. No expectations, no accountability. Darwinism will gain another step and the strong will survive, while the weak will fade away.

The bottom line is simple: you want a better life, a better you, to sleep at night, to not worry about money, to be healthy - then make it so. It is not as hard or daunting as it seems. I often say the line between all things is a very thin one. Sanity vs. insanity; wealthy (in life more than money) vs. enslaved by money worries; healthy vs. heavy; enjoying life vs. watching it pass you by.

Start your own revolution in 2008. Find a way to bring living back to your life. Travel, savor, laugh, grow, learn, and do so at all costs. Be vigilant, passionate, compassionate, and determined.

And try not to tell anyone - let them discover the new you for 2008 all by themselves.