Pops Rock! Happy Father’s Day

Yesterday, I was thinking about my dad and father’s day today.  Pops is in ill health right now but his spirit is strong.  He might forget where he’s at from time to time, but I know that deep inside his spirit is as strong and vibrant as it has ever been.  Every now and then he will surprise us and just talk, and talk, and talk about the good ol’ days gone by.  He is eternally faithful to my mom, and I really feel he hasn’t abandoned ship yet because he fears for her when he is gone.  Guess what, Pops?  We’ve got your back.  You can enjoy what time you have left worrying about what to eat, what show to watch, how long to sit in that front porch rocker, or just waiting around for football season to start so you can see the Saints repeat!  You know, the big stuff.

You see, my dad is a quiet man.  He has always been a quiet man.  I can honestly say that I have never heard him use curse words.  Sure, us boys surely tested him, but he was able to maintain his composure during those crazy days with kids running and screaming all over the place.

As I was reflecting on him today, I realized that he taught me some of the most powerful lessons anyone could ever learn in life.  It is amazing that he did so without saying a word.  I can’t think of anyone that can pull that off like he did.

When I was growing up, I didn’t realize what he was teaching.  It never dawned on me that you could teach without using words; however, it’s certainly true.  To give you a taste, here are some things that he taught solely by his actions and without saying a single word:
• Always help someone in need.
• Never complain when helping someone.
• A life without service and compassion is no life at all.
• Work hard and always support your family.
• Assist any family or relative that could use your help.
• Absolutely stop for anyone having car trouble.
• Give the shirt off your back to anyone less fortunate than you.
• A good home cooked meal is a blessing.
• Growing a vegetable garden has healing aspects to it.
• It’s much better to be barefoot, broke, and kind than rich and unkind.
• Always, always know there’s someone out there who has it worse than you.
• If someone steals from you, give them what’s in the other pocket.
• Love doesn’t have to be spoken to be given.
• A simple life is a full life.
• And of course, actions speak much louder than words.

Pops, you ROCK!  While you may have been silent most of the time, you taught me more by your kind actions, gentleness, compassion and undying love for your family.  I can only hope to achieve the softness and empathy you have for everyone you have ever met.

As I sit here, wishing to call him but knowing he is already in bed, I can’t help but hold on to the faith that he will get stronger one day and be back to normal.  Unfortunately, lately he has had more bad days than good days.  But maybe, just maybe, Father’s Day will be one of the good ol’ days!

Happy Father’s day!  I love you!  Your son and eternal friend,
Bill

Dramatic Paws

A couple of weeks ago I was working on a last minute project.  It was one of those projects that have you working long hours over multiple straight days.  Some of you may be aware of this but recently we adopted my son’s dog and my best friend, Rooney.  She has been a complete blessing in more ways than you can imagine.

After 4 straight days of watching me sit at the computer and work, she decided to take matters in her own “paws.”  During these long hours, she started jumping in my lap, probably just wanting some much needed attention.  On the fourth day after many hours of work, I had to run an errand and had her go for the ride with me.  That is something she loves.  When we got home, I sat back down in my desk chair.  Rooney immediately jumped in my lap.  I thought, that’s sweet. 

My head was turned away from the screen as I reached for the keyboard.  Something was different though.  Something was keeping me from reaching the keyboard.  I tried again, same result.  On the third time I put a little more force to it and turned my head to see what in the world was going on.  I looked down and Rooney had both of her paws on my right arm.  As I reached with more force, I saw her wrap her paws around my arm and then throw all of her weight on it with a determination I had never seen before.  I totally cracked up.  I realized she figured out that when my hands were on the keyboard, she got zero attention and was determined to make me play with her.

I immediately stopped work for the night and we played tug-of-war and I chased her around the house until she was wiped out (and me too!).  Sometimes we need subtle reminders to take a break.  Rooney gave me that reminder and I am very grateful that she did.

With peace and gratitude,
Bill

Books Campaigns Today

There are a few book campaigns going on today that you take a moment to check out.

Robin Sharma’s The Leader Who Had No Title helps you with confidence, productivity and provides a slew of other important skills.  There are all sorts of prizes, like 24 iPods being given away along with a ton of bonus gifts for purchasing the book.

Scott Blum’s Summer’s Path is another book you to check out. The endorsement from Debbie Ford just about says it all: “On this transformational journey, Blum shares profound life lessons on how to overcome adversity when life deals you the most unfortunate of hands. This healing book is an insightful gift of hope and wisdom for anyone who finds themselves in difficult situations. A must-read.” – Debbie Ford, the co-author of The Shadow Effect

With peace and gratitude,

Bill

Pretty Cool Book – Learning to Live

Take a few minutes to check out the newest book from DailyOM titled, “Learning to Live.”

After you purchase the book, be sure to click here to register for free gifts and contests.
With peace and gratitude,
Bill

New IDONTSTINK.COM Launches!

After considerable work completed by SUPER COOL Nat, idontstink.com has launched the newest version of the website.  We are in the process of adding more content and images while also giving you some fun ways to work on that STININ’ THINKIN’.   You may some some things look kind of wacky from time to time, but not to worry.  We are working through them.  If you do see something that doesn’t appear right, please shoot us a quick email or leave a comment on the blog.  We have a few fun surprises coming soon too so please keep checking back with us.

I am personally very grateful for all the incredible work my web designer Nat Harris has done getting this phase of the website launched.  He is the most amazing web designer and graphic artist I have ever met.  Thanks Nat!  You ROCK!

With tons of gratitude,

Bill

STINKIN’ COOL Dudes!

happy_face1The other night I did something I haven’t really done before.  I started reading literature (OK, sure, I read some in college & high school but that was because I HAD to and hated it!).  I bought the book Essays & Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson because I use so many of his quotes in my daily positive point emails.  I figured that he must be a pretty cool dude because his quotes are my favorites.

Well, I discovered something new about myself in the process.  The moment I started reading, I absolutely loved it.  That was very surprising for me.  I found that it was harder to put down than it was for the last dragon book series I just finished.  That really shocked me.  I guess all the other times I have read any literature was because of a grade involved.  Now I am enjoying reading it for pleasure.  Imagine that!

Emerson ROCKS!

With peace and gratitude,

Bill

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The Green Drink Saga continues… Days 2-6

Yes, I am still alive in case you were wondering!  It has been a really interesting time starting “green” drinks.  The first two days all I can say is that it was just awful!  I barely kept them down if you know what I mean.  Something strange did happen on day 3 though.  It was a lot easier.  In fact, each day that I drink it, it gets just a little easier.  I can tell you that it doesn’t taste good by any stretch of the imagination but it is certainly tolerable.  Now when I gulp the drink down, it merely tastes like I am drinking grassy water.  Not bad.  Not good.  But the health benefits are well worth it.

Now I am off to drink the greenies for the 7th day in a row.

With peace and gratitude,

Bill

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Day 1: The Green Energy Drink Saga

Well, today I finally did it.  I drank my first Pure Energy Greens drink from the Tony Robbins.  I had been putting it off for a week now but decided today was the day.  I opened the lid and smelled what I was about to drink.  It actually smelled like chocolate so I thought this might not be so bad after all.  That quickly went away as I mixed it with 16oz of water bottle.  It looked like dirt mixed with water and pretty much tasted the same.  I was able to choke it down though.

I am going to continue doing this for a little while to see if I can tell the difference.  I am starting with just one drink a day and will graduate to 2 on the 5th day.  If you have ever tried one of these energy green drinks, please let me know how the experience was for you.

With gratitude,

Bill

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Baby Bella on the way!

I have been at the hospital today with my niece who is having her baby.  It has been a really cool experience for me because the family has had the opportunity to experience the whole thing.  As I type this up from her delivery room, she is still having contractions but it might be some time before she delivers.  I am still amazed that all of us are allowed in the room while this is going on.  We will have to leave once it gets much closer but I can say that it has been such a joyful experience.  Smiles and laughter, priceless!

Come on baby Bella!  We’re waiting!  We love you and can’t wait to see you.

Love, peace and gratitude,

Bill

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"A Raisin In The Sun" – Another Stunning Performance

araisinposterLast weekend my wife, friends and I went to see “A Raisin In The Sun” at the DeSoto Corner Theatre.  We also went last year and it was just as good this time, if not even better.  I tell you, I don’t know how the cast can do a performance like that night after night.  The show is yet another gem by the African American Repertory Theater.  If you recall not long ago I put a post on another play they did called, “A Soldier’s Story.”  Man, these guys & gals are GOOD!

The play stars an incredible Irma P. Hall, Vince McGill, & Regina Washington as well as some other very, very gifted actors.  I truly believe that kids of all ages should see this play as well as anyone interested in watching a moving performance filled with character growth and a peek into the American past.  Just when you were about to give up on the main character, he does a 180 and you really do not see it coming.

Thank you to the cast of “A Raisin In The Sun.”  You are all absolutely awesome!  Thank you.  The show dates are through April 12 on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays.  The DeSoto Corner Theater is located at 211 E. Pleasant Run – Desoto, TX  75115.  Do not miss out on this incredible performance.  You will not be sorry.

Peace and gratitude,

Bill