Diamond Mike Watson's Blog, page 14

DACA and Immigration

All of us have opinions on immigration. Wherever you live, it has always been a touchy subject. Some say immigrants make our country strong. Others say immigrants take away our jobs. Whatever your feelings, America has always seemed to use its heart while establishing its policies. This is the spirit of America I have grown to love.

On September 5, the White House announced it would end the program established in 2012, called DACA, that protected about 800,000 young children and adults who were brought to the US illegally. After March 5, 2018, these young adults will now become eligible for deportation.

I understand there must be laws for people who come to our country illegally. People need to play by the rules. But any law established should be formed to create an outcome that is beneficial to all of us. The action taken by the White House was not legally required. It was a political decision that created nothing more than unnecessary fear in the hearts of approaching one million people. It was cruel.

Imagine if you were brought here through no fault of your own. You were encouraged to trust the government and taught that through hard work, belief, and determination you would be able to partake in all the wonders America offers. You learned the English language and built lifetime friendships. You went to college, received a loan for your automobile, and entered the workforce. You became a scientist, a schoolteacher, or even a first responder. You served in our military. You saluted our flag. You were promised the chance to stay here and earn your citizenship. As a person who has lived here all my life, I sometimes take for granted the opportunities continuously offered to me. Unlike me, most Dreamers do not take America for granted. It may be the only country they know. In their hearts, they are simply patriotic Americans.

Let me ask two questions: First, wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on those who come here illegally with the intention of harming us? And second, if we want America to grow and be safe and secure, shouldn’t we first pass legislation that protects the very people that help us grow and keep us safe and secure?

I know I am using Facebook as an opinion platform, but I’m doing so in defense of these immigrants who are now frightened to use their voices.

I would like to share a saying, passed down from my adoptive mother and eternally instilled in my heart:

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Filed under: Life Adventures, Philosophy, Society

Evil by it’s True Name

With carefully selected words, our president has neglected to let white nationalists know he is not their friend. No one is born a racist, they are cultivated through example of how we live and speak. Charlottesville did not simply have a “deadly car attack,” it was invaded by hate, prejudice, and ignorance from domestic terrorism.

 

Whether evil is a real entity or born from the darkness of our hearts, it must be called out by name and rebuked. Money, jobs, and healthcare are worthless in a world without love, understanding, and the mutual respect for one another.

Filed under: Life Adventures, Philosophy, Society

Ten Questions for a Jewelry Store Owner

Interview by Ashley Vitar.

1. What type of jewelry do you sell?

We offer fine diamond jewelry and everything from antique to modern including custom designs. Today, we are the largest seller of fine mothers jewelry in the nation. As purveyors of estate jewelry, we have antique pieces that date more than 140 years old.

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2. How did you get into the jewelry industry?

Many people think I carried the tradition of my family. Actually, after I graduated with a business degree, my university informed me a diamond importer needed a salesperson. I prepared an attractive resume, dressed sharp, explained I was the best candidate and was hired after an intimidating polygraph. That was 1981, and the year the love and mystery of diamonds changed my life forever.

3. What motivated you to start your own jewelry business?

After moving to California in 1989, I had jewelry passion and experience, but felt I lacked the necessary capital to launch my own business. My new employer explained that he was never interested in jewelry and had never even examined a diamond with a jewelers loupe! He admitted, half ashamed, that his business was merely passed over to him from his parents. Although I felt sad for the man who seemed trapped in his unwanted destiny, that was the moment I was compelled to open my own business.

4. What steps did you administer to open your jewelry store?

It was 1991. Two years had passed. I had always dreamed of opening a diamond jewelry store and squirreled away a portion of my paychecks in case opportunity knocked. I read business books while basking on the beach, returning them to the library bearing pages smudged from suntan oil. Unfortunately, the economy was sluggish and jewelry sales dwindled mercilessly. J. Herbert Hall implied rumors of a company takeover and, just before their doors closed forever, I escaped to a rival across the mall. Then that store filed Chapter Eleven: then Thirteen. The lighted marquis of the entrance quickly changed names, and I found myself working for a third employer. There was nothing that could shock me about the accelerated transformations of my California world.

The jewelry market hit bottom. It couldn’t get worse. I remembered asking my boss in front of a customer if he would verify a diamond’s quality. Although I was an expert on the subject, I wanted to show respect to my employer who owned several jewelry stores and drove a black sports car. I embarrassed him, and he admitted he had never louped a diamond in his entire life!

“Mike,” he began. “I have no idea about the quality of diamonds. My parents gave me and my brother their jewelry stores when they died. I always dreamed of being a baseball player.”

I almost went into shock. I possessed so much more than my employer. I had knowledge. I had passion. The only thing I lacked was enough money. That was the day I decided to open a jewelry business! I sold personal belongings to raise capital. Venture capitalists ignored the small dreams of a single jewelry outlet. Banks considered a loan if one were already in business for at least two years. With meager funds, Gallery of Diamonds was born in Costa Mesa with a metal safe and security alarm system, and a humble inventory of about five diamonds, twenty rings and a few chains. There was no fury of holiday shoppers during that founding year, and the fledgling firm produced only moderate sales. My fiancé, Carmen, and I tossed flyers even in drizzling rain, and advertised till the checking account dipped below one hundred dollars. We had to do something different– something no one thought of before. Something that would leave a positive impact and create goodwill. I wondered what unforgettable life experience I could offer others. Then an idea struck… (Continued to Question # 6.)

From the book Moon Over Mountains by Diamond Mike Watson. 2016. Moon Over Mountains Publishing. Pg.113.

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5. How did you expand your jewelry business over the years?

In 1991, there were few options for a retailer to advertise. We chose the local newspaper, vowing to run a small advertisement every week. The grand opening ad cost $1,400. We enticed new customers by offering a free small sapphire to those who would simply drop by the new store. Only three customers responded. The first sale was a gold chain for $249.00. The promotion did not pay for the advertising expense, but we learned a lesson that it takes much time to establish any business.   We realized it wasn’t the size of the advertisement that was important, but rather the frequency of getting in front of potential customers. The business gradually took hold when we ran a small ad every week in the Sunday newspaper for a year with a photo of one ring and our address and phone number.

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6. Can you describe your “Why Mom Deserves a Diamond” contest? What motivated you to start it?

The contest was established to both provide a greater store presence and to give the opportunity for all school kids to express their appreciation for their mothers.

Since I was adopted and always felt the importance of honoring our mothers, I would give a diamond to a student who would write the most heartfelt essay about his or her mom. Although there was little room left for wondering about my biological beginnings, the contest would give kids a chance to express their love and appreciation for their own moms. The winner would receive a quarter-carat diamond to give to mom on Mother’s Day. I hoped a news reporter might spread the good news. If so, the name of the jewelry store could receive more recognition. The title of the contest would be called, Why Mom Deserves a Diamond®.

No one knew it at the time, as the first Diamond Winner presented the precious gem to her mother on Mother’s Day, but the course of history would forever be changed in the way thousands of kids could honor their moms.

From the book Moon Over Mountains by Diamond Mike Watson. 2016. Moon Over Mountains Publishing. Pg 114.

7. What are some challenges you face as a business owner, in retail, and in the jewelry industry? How do you overcome them?

In our modern word, the rules of growing a business constantly change. In retail, the days of waiting for someone to come to a brick and mortar store with cash are becoming obsolete. A business must always think ahead, think innovatively, and try to predict the means of future commerce.

Business owners must always put themselves in the shoes of their potential customers. Always ask why they should buy from you, or come to your store, or order from you online. What do you offer that no one else does?

In overcoming the price challenge, do not be concerned with competitors who offer products for lower prices. Realize that there will always be someone who has something similar for less money. It is much more enjoyable to confidently offer ones products at a fair price while adding additional value such as guarantees, maintenance services, or the positive buying experience itself.

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8. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to start a retail or jewelry business?

I believe with passion, knowledge, and perseverance, human potential is limitless.

First one must deeply desire to want to own a business. Second, do your homework by checking out the competition and explore twenty reasons why a customer should give you their hard-earned money. Be prepared for a slow start, and save enough money for at least six months of your total business and living expenses.

You will never have everything you desire at your grand opening, therefore, use the tools at your disposal. More “tools” will be given to you along your journey.

9. What are your predictions for the future of the jewelry industry?

The diamond has always been the king of gems in the jewelry business. When a girl is proposed to, a diamond ring remains the most popular item to consummate the relationship between two persons. However, one must always be prepared for change. When I joined the business in 1981, a man had two options to mount his fiancés diamond –

A 4-pronged solitaire ring, or

A 6-pronged solitaire ring.

Today, the single diamond has continued its romantic tradition, however, the choices of ring designs have exponentially multiplied, including rings that are encrusted with diamonds to accent the main diamond.

The natural color of gold is yellow, but for the past 25 years white gold has led the market in bridal jewelry. A jeweler must look ahead to see what is trending in precious metals, such as rose gold or platinum.

It is also important to know that there are many luxury products that compete with fine jewelry. Years ago, a man might have purchased a diamond bracelet or a pair of earrings as a birthday or anniversary gift. Today, a girl may prefer an electronic device or would rather enjoy an exotic vacation.

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10. What are your future goals and endeavors for your jewelry business?

With the internet at our disposal, it is now possible to reach potential customers everywhere. It is important to be present in social media so others can see you are a real person. I love to share my new products and jewelry creations, but I also like to share myself. After all, before a potential customer trusts your store or products, they must first trust you.

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The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest has currently touched nearly every state in the nation and my goal is to one day allow every school age child to express their written words of appreciation for their mothers. From the growth of the contest, several thousand families now come to Gallery of Diamonds Jewelers every year to participate in an unforgettable mother and child experience. Not everyone buys jewelry, but more importantly, every family that comes takes home a wonderful experience that will be remembered for the rest of their lives.

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www.galleryofdiamonds.com

www.whymomdeservesadiamond.com

To read and comment on Diamond Mike’s blog: www.diamondwatson.com

To purchase books by Diamond Mike Watson on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Mike-Watson/e/B01N8ULPI0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1499465074&sr=1-1

To purchase books signed by Diamond Mike: http://whymomdeservesadiamond.com/books.html

Filed under: Ask Diamond Mike, Gallery of Diamonds, Jewelry, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

What is Our Legacy?

Have you noticed how difficult it is for humans to agree on anything? How wonderful when a couple agrees where to go for dinner or which movie to watch. How remarkable when employees share their founder’s vision. When people come together with a common goal, there is no limit in potential.

On a global scale, I am both inspired and amazed how 195 countries came together to agree on a noble cause- to protect our world by reducing carbon emissions.

Although there will always be a few attorneys, doctors and plumbers with bad intentions, the essence of most humans is goodness. Even when we slip, we justify our actions by saying we were acting in good faith.

Without any benefit, President Trump has pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement. China may now become the world leader in innovation and technology to curb global warming and offer its services, expertise and products to the rest of the world, including us. From this fatal decision, we are no longer the admired pioneers who paved the way for other countries to admire. (Besides the US, only two countries in the world are not part of this movement- Syria and Nicaragua.)

In the words of President Trump in the Rose Garden on June 1, 2017, “We are getting out, but we will start to negotiate, and we will see if we can make a deal that’s fair.”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/06/01/politics/trump-paris-climate-decision/index.html

The problem is this was not a “deal.” It was a voluntary agreement to look beyond our immediate selves to the generations that will succeed us. There was nothing to negotiate.

A person of average intelligence understands that clean air, water and energy concerns us. By pulling out of the Paris Accord, we have made it clear that we simply do not care about the future of ourselves or the rest of the world.

I do not solely blame the leader of our country. I also blame us, who voted for the author of negative rhetoric and tweets that doubted the seriousness of climate change. Instead of “shaking up” our government, our president has unsuccessfully attempted to inject ignorance into our world.

We all have lived separate lives and each of us has uniquely experienced the world. We are who we are because of these experiences and how we have perceived them. However, the decision to turn our back on ourselves and the rest of the world may one day be seen as a crime against humanity. The only answer I can give may seem haunting- our president is not intellectually capable of understanding the message he has proclaimed to the world.

I also wonder what type of legacy he wants to leave. What would he want inscribed upon his tombstone?

A more important question is- What do we want inscribed on our tombstones?

Filed under: Life Adventures, Society

Hugging the Entire World

My wife once said if my arms were long enough I would stretch them around the world. She said this endearingly, but also as a way to poke fun at how I tend to think galactically by grasping beyond my reach.

When I began the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest I invited a small handful of local schools to participate. When I saw how dozens of families came closer together, I invited more and more schools. By the tenth year of the contest, over 24,000 kids were writing letters of love for their mothers.

We continued to stretch our arms.

I learned that to have a positive effect in our world, we must act with love but also in abundance. Although I admire those who plant trees in place of ones chopped down, I now understand to have a measurable effect one must plant a forest. If one desires to transform the hearts of others, he or she cannot just send a single thank you card, but thousands. How much bright yellow paint does it take to brighten a bucket of black paint? How many candles does it take to illuminate a dark cave? Can we ever do enough?

We must praise our children ten times more than scolding them. We must encourage our friends ten times more than criticizing them.

If we desire a legacy to create a better world, we must think beyond our physical limitations. When we know we have been loved we can accomplish anything, including reaching outward and hugging the entire world.

Filed under: Life Adventures, Philosophy, Society, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

Do we really care about the future?

I have noticed how humans confront problems. We always seem to address the problem we immediately face. For example, if a vehicle swerves in front of us we are not concerned about the shirt we wish to wear the following day. If we find that shirt has a tear, we are not concerned with what we should eat for lunch.

In between these thoughts, we contemplate our personal relationships, the food in our fridge, and bills that need to be paid.

If this is the case, climate change will never matter to us. The future of our children and grandchildren will never matter either, for it is a problem that doesn’t immediately face us.

Climate change is real. Perhaps part of this change is natural and beyond my control. The other part, on the other hand, is a part I am directly responsible for. I have transformed my once lush planet into a giant, hot greenhouse by not protecting it from carbon emissions. I say this as I drive a fossil-fueled vehicle back and forth from work and and as filthy factories continue to manufacture my perceived necessities.

So I ask what is more important- more tiger lilies, polar bears and bumblebees, or oxygen masks, plastic grass and artificial foods?

Am I a bad person? Am I not an average human? Do we really care about the future of our offspring?

If we do not have a hopeful vision, who will be a leader to guide us in the right direction? Or must we all become caregivers for the mother that has unconditionally forgiven us? Our Earth.

For more information on climate change:

http://timeforchange.org/main-cause-of-global-warming-solutions

Filed under: Life Adventures, Society

Climate Change

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I have noticed how humans confront problems. We always seem to address the problem we immediately face. For example, if a vehicle swerves in front of us we are not concerned about the shirt we wish to wear the following day. If we find that shirt has a tear, we are not concerned with what we should eat for lunch.

In between these thoughts, we contemplate our personal relationships, the food in our fridge, and bills that need to be paid.

If this is the case, the future of our children and grandchildren will never matter, for it is a problem that doesn’t immediately face us.

Climate change is real. Perhaps part of this change is natural and beyond my control. The other part, on the other hand, is a part I am directly responsible for. I have transformed my once lush planet into a giant, hot greenhouse by not protecting it from carbon emissions. I say this as I drive a fossil-fueled vehicle back and forth from work and as filthy factories continue to manufacture my perceived necessities.

So I ask what is more important- more tiger lilies, polar bears and bumblebees? Or should we accept oxygen masks, plastic grass and artificial foods?

Am I a bad person? Am I an average human? Do we really care about the future of our offspring?

If we do not have the vision for a hopeful future, who will be a leader to guide us in the right direction? Or must we all become shared leaders as caregivers of the mother that has unconditionally forgiven us? Our Earth.

http://timeforchange.org/main-cause-of-global-warming-solutions

Filed under: Life Adventures

Vote for Diamond Mike!

Please Call and Email

I have been chosen as a nominee to be an Angel in Adoption for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Awards for 2017!


 


Through the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest, I have turned my life story into an event where thousands of families are brought closer together each year, (many in which adoption has touched their lives).



Please go to the following sites to email and call the offices of the following senators and representatives to nominate me.

 

What to say when calling or emailing:

Say this is for an Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.
Say Diamond Mike has already been nominated and you are requesting the Senator/Representative to cast his vote for the State of California in his district.
Say why he deserves this and about his connection with adoption. You can mention his contribution from his three adoption books, his Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest, or his positive connection to you.
Say the deadline is July 1, 2017 to vote. (They can vote through this link easily. http://www.angelsinadoption.org/, Phone: 202 544-8500.)
Be passionate, personal, and don’t forget to thank them.

SENATORS

Senator Dianne Feinstein: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public

Use the E-Mail Me form.

415-393-0707.

Senator Kamala Harris:

https://www.harris.senate.gov

Use the Contact form.

213-894-5000.

REPRESENTATIVES:

Luis Correa 46th District Representative

https://correa.house.gov

714-621-0102.

Mimi Walters 45th District Rep

https://walters.house.gov

949 263-8703.

Dana Rohrbacher 48th District Rep

https://rohrabacher.house.gov/

714-960-6483.

Thank you!

Filed under: Adoption, Why Mom Deserves A Diamond

Seven Seconds

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In 2016, a man appeared out of nowhere onto our television screens. He proclaimed, “I, Donald  J. Trump, am running for the president of the United States.” We saw a person who stood tall and looked straight into the camera without blinking. We heard what sounded like the brave conviction of a person who promised to “Make America Great Again,” whatever that meant.

Trump was passionately convincing, a trait that is important to all successful salespersons. I can understand how this newcomer of the political world was impressionable. After all, we know the importance of that first seven seconds with any person whom we engage.

Within seven seconds, we decide that apples taste good. (Note: if you finely chew about 200 apple seeds they will be converted into cyanide and you will die.)

Forming opinions during initial encounters have helped us survive. We learned that bees sting, fire burns, and it is perilous to stand on the edge of a cliff.

Within seven seconds, whether good or bad, it is difficult to reverse our perceptions. To many people, candidate Donald Trump was the first bite of a delicious apple. Each bite has taken us closer to his core and we are now faced with a man who can no longer distinguish facts from fiction.

But we still support him.

In our physical world, we can count votes, people, and dead bodies. Hence, the following statements made by Trump are verifiably false.

His inaugural crowd was larger than he proclaimed.

2-3 million people voted illegally.

Crime is higher than it has ever been in the past 47 years.

Any media portraying him negatively is fake news.

Bad people are coming to get us.

And finally, must we live in constant fear of an enemy we cannot see? (With modest research, one will find that Trump has always had self-proclaimed “enemies.”)

I am concerned for those who struggle with the constant need of admiration and attention as the case with extreme narcissists. If this personality disorder elevates to inventing and propagating lies, the inflicted person becomes a dangerous time bomb. This person cannot be the president of the United States.

Would you agree that the following are noble traits of school principal, manager, president or any leader?

One who shows compassion, temperance, caution, and reserve.

One who weighs both sides of an argument before making a decision.

One who admits and learns from defeat.

One who listens to those who are experts in their fields.

One who considers the needs and safety of his followers above his own.

One who weighs the consequences of harm to others.

Is this Donald Trump?

Should a leader diminish the pursuit of one’s happiness by inventing false enemies? (In 2016 Trump called for “a complete ban and shutdown of all Muslims entering our country.”)

Should a leader encourage and inspire us, or should he dominate us to show his own worthiness and importance?

Is our president mentally healthy?

As our civilization has advanced, we have harnessed marvelous technology that makes our lives fun and enjoyable. On the down side, this same technology can decimate the same civilization that created it.

As tensions between nations and within our country rise, we place ourselves in such a fragile predicament. Yes, there is an enemy amongst us. You will not find this enemy across the street or even in another country. The enemy is trapped inside our own brains, and has arisen from our own ignorance and fear.

Within seven seconds, I wonder how will we form our opinions as we view the intercontinental ballistic missiles in the sky? Should we bury our story entitled, “The Complete Book of Humanity” that we can share with the next generation? Or should we conquer the invisible enemy by standing up for our friends and all those who have been oppressed? The beauty of being human is that we can look up and perceive the puppet strings by which we have been moved.

Filed under: Life Adventures, Society

The Glass Swan

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This glass dish belonged to someone I have never met. The bright orange color and design might be a little out of style but it is precious to me. I’m sure it holds secret memories of the past. Maybe beautiful memories, maybe memories too painful to forget. Maybe it once held fresh mints. Maybe filthy cigarette ashes.

The glass dish belonged to my birthmother, Betty Price. In a court document I later received, she said, “she never saw her baby, and it was all like a bad dream.”

She had always proclaimed I was stillborn, probably to prevent other family members from asking embarrassing questions that would forever haunt her. She died at the age of 46. She drank herself to death, and died with the secret that I was ever born.

I’m sure, as she gazed into the eyes of the orange swan, she would often think of me, wondering if I was okay.

To Betty, I find comfort in believing you relinquished me to be loved. If that is true, thank you for making such a brave sacrifice. I am eternally grateful to have lived the life of an adoptee.

Yes, I am doing okay.

NOTE: Some people look at this picture and see a person sitting in a rounded chair with a robe and glasses. Can you see this mysterious image?

 

Filed under: Adoption, Family Life, Life Adventures