The Overnight Success is a myth After 57 years of riding the roller coaster of high hopes, dashed dreams, and hairpin career curves, I find myself “an overnight success.” I cannot tell you how many friends and acquaintances have wished me well and offered congratulations following my recent professional appointment. Some of these folks I…
Author: Gene
Less Baggage, New Luggage: A New Year’s Resolution for 2019
IN 2018, Donya and I bought new luggage. We did so because we had big plans to see places we had never seen. First, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine…and then Rome! Looking back on the year that has been and looking ahead at the year to come, the places we saw and experienced and the things…
Thank God for the Patriarchy and Pocket Knives
“You say ‘Patriarchy’ like it’s a bad thing,” I said. “It is,” he replied. “The age of Toxic Masculinity has come to an end.” “Indicting masculinity because toxic males exist is like blaming pollution on oxygen.” “I don’t know what that means.” “Then ask your Dad.” I am exploring the mental database of distant memories…
Remembering Rayburn: A trip down memory lane
Dr. Rayburn Blair Eloquence and influence I have been in Tallahassee, Florida two weeks today. Hurricane Michael plowed through Florida narrowly missing its capital (leaving only scattered and mostly minor damage in the city). The ravaged coastal area of Panama City and Mexico Beach, however, are not far from here. So, here I am, doing…
A Birthday Manifesto: Learning just to be…
A Birthday Manifesto learning just to be (Not) on the shelf Written on the occasion of my 57th birthday, september 28, 2018 My Manifesto in Brief I turned 57 today, which seems apropos when I look back on my journey, I’m like Heinz 57 – a mixture made from a multitude of experiences. I have been…
Let me tell you a Bible story from a far-away place a long time ago
I am glad you dropped in. Got a minute? Have a seat. I want to tell you a bible story… The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It…
A word of encouragement…
Please, as you seek to make your mark on the world, as you decide what sort of influence you will be on those whose lives you touch, do not overlook the role of Encourager. Encouragement empowers those who feel powerless. Encouragement improves the outlook of those in distress. Encouragement leaves an indelible impression on the…
PONDERING WHILE WANDERING – SUMMER VACATION 2018 | Part Six: WITCH HUNTS
They say, “All good things must come to an end.” But do they have to come to such a brutal one? You growup hearing about the Salem witch trials. You get a little of it in your history lessons. Maybe you research it online. You realize “witch hunt,” the massively popular modern term (especially on…
PONDERING WHILE WANDERING – SUMMER VACATION 2018 | PART FIVE: THE MAINE THING IS LOBSTER AND LIGHTHOUSES
After a fantastic day in the Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, we headed for Bangor, Maine. We did not know we would be escorted by the participants in The Great Race, an annual event involving street legal vintage automobiles. At first, I was like, “Man! Look at that Model T.” Then, it was,…
PONDERING WHILE WANDERING – SUMMER VACATION 2018 | Part Four: The Old Man on the Mountain
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] Before any of you smart mouths sound off about the title of this piece being autobiographical, I will have you know I was not the oldest man on the mountain that day. Shortly, I will introduce you…