Post date: Apr 28, 2012 8:15:35 PM
Some of you have breathed a sigh of relief, not hearing from me in quite a while. Unfortunately, I have not passed on to the big bird sanctuary up yonder, had my jaw wired for saying something inappropriate to someone needing anger management or have my fingers trapped in Chinese finger cuffs and can't type and send out these missives.
Actually, since the first of the first of the year, my life has been like a giant slalom ski race. It has been totally down hill and at a too blazing speed. There were the deaths of my close friends. Work finally showed up, but unfortunately, it didn't pan out to be what I had hoped. Ran into a client that thought I should kiss their derriere and be on call 24/7, until they made up their mind as just what they wanted to do. Those of you that have worked with me, know that once we agree to put the pedal to the metal, that we are moving on. I am not going to drive 300 miles and then sit on my behind and be on hold for days until you replace the batteries in your favorite devices or find your best position or location to enjoy them when they are re-energized. If you have time to do something wrong, then you have the same amount of time to do it right. When someone calls you condescending, you can only reply that you are "discriminating". I do know what dog poop is and I ain't gonna step in or pick it up. My name does not go on or is affiliated with any of the poop you may want to leave on your lawn or someone elses. Some have called me egotistical, self centered or dictatorial, but I have never had to advertise in the Yellow Pages or on Angie's List. Have always been a good team player, but have never been in to building camels, horses designed by committee. You get the picture.
Fortunately after my disappointment, I was treated to a day at a spa, by another client, who truly knows me, but had no work for me, yet didn't want me to burn the other individuals residence down. Feeling a bit better after my hedonistic experience, the bottom fell out once again. My computer crashed and on Monday I will be going back to Best Buy and the Geek Squad for the eighth time to resolve the issues. What makes it worse, is that I have to take a bus, as I blew a head gasket on my 87 Caddy or "Jew Canoe" as my friends Michael and Howard call it. Was a great match for me. A bit old with 107K miles. Still in touch with today with its fine leather and power and automatic features. Also, sort of classic with the spoked rims and whitewall tires. And it gave you the smoothest ride, just like its owner. Many, many good memories associated with it, but as life, nothing lasts forever, but feel blessed for being afforded the opportunity to experience. Need to find a small reliable pick-up truck to basically get me around and allow me to do those little jobs when they happen to come my way. Having limited resources these days rather limits my options. Went on Craigslists and did find a used Asian pedicab. Thought the bicycle aspect would be good for my physical fitness and I could convert the passenger seat to transport my tools. I might also be able to provide a mini taxi service for those too lazy to walk from the parking lots to the casino entrances or up and down the strip. Would have to dye my long hair black, braid it and wear one of those funny little hats. The difficult part would be developing just the right accent. Am sure that the girls up at 7-11, who have taught me several phrases and words in Mandarin, could coach me with that. I asked an elderly neighbor to keep an eye out for me or if he had any friends who might know someone that had one for sell. His response was that when old timers don't need them anymore, they get rid of them rather rapidly and don't want them parked in the driveway. He said they have the tendency to remind an elderly old boy of a hearse that could be picking them up any day. Life is wonderful, isn't it?
Today, I present another of my new pieces of art in this latest series. It is simply titled "TEACH THEM". It is 10" long x 5 1/2" wide x 6" high. Inscribed on the bottom is the following statement: "TEACH THEM, Not Tell Them, To Pull And Carry Their Own". Colin Powell, after he retired following the first Iraqi war, would have a small red "Radio Flyer" wagon displayed on the speakers table during his presentations. His early speeches were about teaching not only children, but also adults, who had forgotten how to pull their own weight and obligations through life and not become dependent on others for their personal survival. It is each of our duties to constantly learn and teach, no matter how young or old. That little red wagon was symbolic of the vehicle, that through life, we picked up and placed our new learned knowlege, experience and obligations. We stored in them the necessities that would not only help us, but others we passed along the road get by and have a successful life. Life is like a humanistic LEEDS Green recycling project. Collect the good stuff. Use it when needed or required. When you no longer need it, pass it on to someone who may or try to figure out how to turn it into something useful and positive to benefit oneself and all or dump the rest of it, like garbage scows, into the deep seas. Was always fascinated as a young boy by the "ragmen" and "scrappers" who passed my home on 3rd Street. The had a great sense value and capability. They also were very selective and discriminating. You could be sure that after they rummaged through a pile of trash, that only TRASH remained and the rest needed to be disposed of permanently to allow the new and truly beneficial items of life to have room to grow, prosper and spread.
Well that's it for today. Have to put my walking shoes and head up to 7-11 for some smokes. Keep your eyes and ears open for me in regards to a small pick-up. One smart ass friend told me I should just pack up and move back to New York, where I wouldn't need a vehicle. Can't you see me trying to convince a Nigerian cabby to let me load up my tools and some materials into his cab or me with a few 8' 2x4s on the subway during the morning rush hours? Could have company shirts with "Bohemian Builder, Our Services and Materials are delivered daily by MTA and Yellow Cab".
Do have a good one and keep those comments and opinions coming.
John Michael, Ralph, Rocko, Frank or Whoever?
(To see photos of the above art piece "TEACH THEM", go to https://sites.google.com/site/jmdodigartphotos )