Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 410

iPainting: An Early Snowfall

 We hope you’re enjoying whatever type of weather in your part of the country. This Sunday Afternoon Art Post we hope for “An Early Snowfall”. 

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Alaskan Silver Motive

  

Pin ducked on the floor, while Runner and Snowshoe lunged at the attackers. The two wolves had the two intruders huddling in the corner in seconds. “I warned you, now, do you talk, or do I let my friends talk to you some more?” The two never answered, Pin sighed, his bluff hadn’t worked.  

He called his men at headquarters to take the two into custody. Pin guessed they were too low on the hierarchy list to have known much anyway. They would spend a long time in prison regretting their encounter with his new roomates. 

Pin asked himself a question. “Am I getting close to something, or are there bosses just impatient? They attached much quicker than I suspected they would.”

He thought long and hard on this for the next few days. Carl Lafayette stopped to discuss it with him the following Monday.

“Mayor, has anything changed since last week? Is there some business deal happening in town that would force the group’s hands?”

“You thought they moved too quickly too? It doesn’t add up, they’re not amatuers. First the attack on me, which while bold, was stupid, and then …”

 The Mayor’s voice trailed off. Pin looked up suddenly. “It’s not about us. Something has happened, but not in town. They’re not getting ready for something here. They’re trying to get here ready for something or someone who is coming into town.”

“If they can disrupt the town, then no one will be able to prevent what they’ve got planned, and what better way than …” “To get rid of the Mayor and the head of the Police department would create a vacuum in town.”

 “Pin, who do they have in mind to fill it? What happens when they do?” “First, we have to know what or who is coming to town that they want to gain access too?”

“The Pick Axe organization is rumored to be all over Alaska, but especially in the Nome region. I’ve got contacts there, I’ll see if I can find out anything.”

“Specifically Mayor, ask one question.” “What’s that?” “What’s important enough to kill us both over?”

 Find out the answer to that question in next week’s episode of Alaskan Silver. 

 

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Teams Float

Each balloon has exactly ninety people manning them.  Though the shapes are much different, the insides are the same.  Some are bigger than others, but they all are filled with the same substance. All of the elements combine to make each Thanksgiving parade magical.  Leave out one part, and the formula is incomplete.  The same is true of teams and teamwork.

Without the air, you have a sagging piece of material.  Add the air, but use less than the proper number of handlers, and it will float away.  Like most of our life, it balances soaring for the clouds, with having our feet firmly planted on Earth.  Teams transport dreams from the drawing board to the living room.

I am privileged to be a part of several teams, the most rewarding of which, is our local Church.  Point Of Mercy, in Nashville, Tennessee, has been blessed with leaders who value working together.  It is more than a catchphrase, it is part of the very fiber of our Church.  Pastor Denny Livingston and Pastor Jason Potter have worked, from the beginning, to build a culture of teamwork and creativity.

As a result, no matter what person or department, when one succeeds, we all rejoice.  If anyone struggles, we all stand together.  The benefit of this goes so far beyond morale and mind set.  It is an underlying safety net for your organization.  This layer of reassurance that, each individual not only matters, but is personally valuable, insulates against fear and self doubt.

When someone knows how important they are to the hearts of those on her team, and not merely the work they do, it speaks volumes.  Like helium, the caring and support of the group lifts you.  The structure of a team grounds you to what’s important, and directs you in the pursuit of your goals.

This Thanksgiving season, of all the things that we should be grateful for, this should be at the forefront.  Our families, Churches, the places we work, and volunteer, are all different variations of teams.  If you are blessed with a good team, be thankful, and be vocal.

Tell those that are on your team that they are appreciated.  Look for new ways to lift your organization through encouragement and cooperation.  When we do this, much like Garfield a week from Thursday, we’ll all rise to the top.

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Alaskan Silver Wolf Pack

  Last week Pin purposely allowed a member of the Pick Axe organization to take a job on the force.  The plan, to play on the young man’s inexperience, and to use him to take down his contacts.  This week, Pin finds himself in the heart of a wolf pack, though not the one you might expect.

“He’s beautiful Frank.”  “Please my friend, Francois, my reputation.”  Pin laughed.  “Your reputation is as phony as that French accent.  The closest you came to Paris was buying post cards on the East side.”  “I do not say I am from France, I merely allow my patrons to hear me speak.”

“You’re a showman Francois,  P.T. Barnum would be envious at your circus.”  “No, not a circus, a menagerie.  At it’s heart, my trained Siberian Wolves.  I maybe fake, but they are very real.”  “I know, I remember when your Dad brought them back, illegally I might add, on the ship.”

“It’s not illegal when you have the Tsar’s permission.  At least not illegal to leave Russia with them.  He didn’t ask opinions on his arrival though, I’ll grant you.”  The two of them, old friends, stood watching the wolves sleep.

“Francois, I can’t take them, I can’t care for them.”  The trainer, and ringmaster laughed. “You are not meant to care for them, they are to care for you.  You are a stranger in a strange land, these people I do not trust.  These, I do.”

“They are still young now, you will grow together, they will adapt to you.  Soon, you will be their pack leader, and family. You will protect each other, I will have no argument.  Your Mother, I promised her to watch out for you. I cannot stay, they can.”  

The two men parted, Pin, Runner, and Snowshoe made their way home.  Pin made them a place to sleep, fed them as Barney’s Dad had trained years ago, and sat down.  Runner, the male, and Pin had their first staring contest.  

For an hour, neither would give.  Pin was wondering who owned who, when Runner suddenly turned.  A low growl, and Snowshoe standing up alerted him.  Pin did not move, Runner growled louder.  

“Whoever you are, you have a choice.  Either show yourself, or face my friends here.  They have pretty big teeth!”  “So do we!”  Was the reply, along with two gun shots.  Their problem was, they aimed for Pin.

Find out what happens next week in the new episode of “Alaskan Silver.”

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Three Soldiers

This Veteran’s Day, PruittWrites would like to briefly spotlight Three Soldiers of World War 1. It was after this conflict that Veteran’s Day was enacted. So we find it only fitting to look into the lives of three men who defended our nation during this time.

General Of The Armies

Only two men hold the title, and one of them was George Washington. The other, actually held it first, while in command, General Of The Armies.  His uniform included the wearing of four gold stars instead of silver, and any soldier that knew him, would tell you he deserved it. General Pershing was a man ahead of his time, a believer in equality, fairness, and in the American Soldier.

The famous epitaph he was given, “Black Jack”, came first as a derogatory slang for leading African American troops. Before joining the army, he taught local African American children in his home state of Missouri. In 1895 he commanded one of the original Buffalo soldier regiments in the 10th Cavalry. He led the regiment in the battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War.

A lifetime of faithful, and expert service resulted in him being chosen to lead the entire American forces during World War 1. He was appointed the title General Of The Armies on the same year that Veteran’s Day was instituted in honor of our soldiers, 1919. This teacher, this soldier, this general, would go on to win the Pulitzer prize for his memoirs on the events of World War 1.

Sgt. York

Sergeant Alvin Cullum York, became one of the most decorated soldiers for his bravery during World War 1. He was awarded the Medal Of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun post that eliminated 32 machine guns, and captured 132 prisoners. The son of a blacksmith, he was born in a two room log cabin near Pall Mall, Tennessee on December 13, 1887.

As a young man, after the death of his Father, he worked to help his Mother support a family that included eleven children. His two older brothers having already married and relocated, it became his responsibility. Alvin would travel to Harriman for work in construction, and later logging to make the ends meet.

It was General Pershing himself awarded Sergeant York the Medal Of Honor. Alvin would go on to win nearly 50 decorations for bravery. A strong Christian, when asked about his accomplishments, he replied, “A higher power than man guided and watched over me and told me what to do.”

Sergeant York retired a hero, and though many would have been content to leave it at that, he wasn’t. When World War 2 arrived, he attempted to re-enlist. He was turned down, due to poor health, but that did not stop the man from Tennessee. He was commissioned as a Major in the Signal Corps.

At his own expense, he toured training camps, inspiring the soldiers. He taught them that well trained soldiers can fight their way out of any situation. Although he rose to the rank of Colonel in the Tennessee State Guard, to us and countless of Americans, he will always be Sergeant York.

First Lieutenant

Our last soldier, cheated to get into the Army. His eyesight was considered so poor, that he was turned down for service. This happened both at West Point, and the Missouri National Guard. Harry wouldn’t let it stop him though, he secretly memorized the eye chart to get in.

He was determined to serve his country. Others saw this determination and Harry was made First Lieutenant. A sudden attack by the enemy in the Vosges Mountains could have proved disastrous, had it not been for Harry. His unit began to retreat, but Harry encouraged them to stay and fight, leading his men.

On another occasion, his quick thinking in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive saved many American lives. Future World War 2 hero, General Patton’s tank brigade, would receive cover from his men as well. Like General Pershing, and Sergeant York, Harry would go on to serve his country during World War 2. First as a Senator from Missouri, then as Vice President, and finally as President Harry S. Truman.

In their own way, these three WW1 Veterans, taught their fellow Americans something. No matter what age, no matter how old, or how young, we are never too anything to stand for our country. 

The soldiers that have fought, bled, and either perished or survived in the defense of our great country deserve all of our honor. No matter what political persuasion, regardless of opinion, passion, or background, we can all stand together in this. The American Soldier doesn’t stand for a platform, candidate, or temporary argument, they stand for us. May God bless our soldiers, the frontline for all that we believe in and hold dear.

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Ingredients

  Not long from now, millions of homes will be preparing the same dish. The base of the recipe will be similar, some areas use cornbread, others white or wheat. Part of the country calls it stuffing, others call it dressing. It’s the extra touches that will make each unique, just like those around us.

Part of the joy of Thanksgiving is spending it with loved ones. The people God has placed in our lives enrich us through their love and diversity. Friends and family bring both stability and adventure to our existence. Our most precious memories are filled with faces, laughing, crying, and holding each other.  

As you go through this Monday morning, fighting the hustle and bustle of work, cherish those dear to you. As you are tempted this season to be irritated by all the obstacles between you and preparing the perfect holiday, remember the faces of those you love. It doesn’t matter that the turkey wasn’t perfect, or that Arnold had to go back to the store for the forgotten nutmeg.

What matters are the people in our hearts. They are the ingredients that add both spice and flavor to our days. In this life you are not alone, someone cares for you. They care about your joys and your sorrows, your hopes and your fears.  

No matter what you are facing, they are there to fill your heart, and to protect it with their own. When all else fails, and our hearts do break, they’re the ones waiting with tweezers and super glue to help put us back together. The stuff we face, is nothing compared to the people who dress our lives with love and support.

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iPainting: Highlands Sgt Major

We hope you enjoy our Sunday Afternoon Art Post, “Highlands Sgt Major” this week.

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Agent Silver Plants And Rats

  No one expected what they saw when the lights came back on. It was Carl Lafayette that was holding the gun, and it was pointed right at Hunt McCluskey. Two of the Pick Axe men were covered in glass and bleeding, and handcuffed. Pin was standing over them with a rifle in his hand. 

“As Mayor of this town, I believe in law and order. I was threatened by the Pick Axe men to resign or be killed. I don’t like threats. Sgt. Silver and his department are going to keep this community safe, but he needs men. Men that aren’t afraid of people the Pick Axe organziation. This is your chance to stand up to them.”

 Only one person took them up on their offer, and that was Ralph Hearns, a young man barely out of his teens. Pin made him a deputy and the three men took their prisoners to the jail. “You two get in the cell there. McClusky, you’re coming with us. The Mayor and I want to talk to you.” Pin said as they went into a separate room.

 “Ralph, I’m about to give you your first lesson in police work. Things aren’t always the way they seem. Meet Nathan Clark, otherwise known as Hunt McCluskey, our man on the inside.” “Hello Ralph.” “Hello Nathan.”

 “When I heard that the Pick Axe’s wanted to kill the Mayor, I was in deep enough to volunteer as the trigger man.” “What’s the plan now?” “Nathan will be transferred, in reality he’ll return to his job as police detective in Oregon. Those two will go to trial, and the Pick Axe men will be vulnerable.”

 The rest of the night was uneventful. Pin stayed with the prisoners, the Mayor went home to his family. Ralph headed home as well, but not before making a stop. His cousin Eric was waiting. “Tell the Pick Axe men that Silver knows how to get a man inside their group. Hunt McCluskey was a plant, a cop out of Oregon.”

 “A plant, well, this new guy is smart. Of course, not smart enough to know we were already grooming you for the same thing. This just gave us an opportunity to strike early.”

Two hours later, Pin got a call from his man in the field.  “The rat took the bait.”  “Good, the Pick Axe men don’t realize that sometimes, keeping your enemies close, is better than getting close to your enemies.”

In next week’s Agent Silver, discover how Pin feeds bad Intel to an unsuspecting  rat.  

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iPainting: Christmas Shopping

  See who’s doing some early Christmas shopping in our new iPainting.  After all, there are only 49 shopping days until Christmas.

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An Airport Thanksgiving

Carlos was worried.  He looked at his wife Nita and could see that she was unhappy.  Holly and Joquin were miserable.  Why shouldn’t they be, the family was supposed to be in New York for Thanksgiving.  They had an amazing view of the Thanksgiving parade thanks to Carlos’ Mom’s apartment.  Instead, they were stuck in a small airport outside of Toronto, snowed in.

It could have been a recipe for disaster, had it not been for a single sound, Holly heard a sneeze.  She looked over to see a young boy crying.  Holly, thirteen and afraid of nothing, went over to see what was wrong.  Neil’s Aunt Paula explained.  “His Dad is coming back from a tour overseas.  This is going to be their first holiday together in four years.  Now it looks like we may miss Thanksgiving.”

That was when everything changed.  Holly looked at her Mom, Nita looked at Joquin, and they all looked at Carlos.  He wasn’t sure what they were asking, but he instinctively agreed.  Holly whispered something to Paula, who wrote something down and handed it to her.  Holly promised she would be back, and made her way to the small restaurant in the airport.

Nita went with her, and in a few minutes, they gave Carlos and Joquin their instructions.  For an hour, they made their way to every store and person in the airport.  Everyone agreed to help and soon, Neil could hear music coming from the far end of the airport.  Before he knew it, he was watching a make shift Thanksgiving Parade filled with security guards, home made costumes, and one man who was handing toys out from the gift shop.

The music came from assorted smart phones, portable speakers, and a few singing travelers.  Everyone knows that the last float in a Thanksgiving parade is Santa Claus, so naturally Neil looked for a make shift sleigh.  What he saw was more than he could have expected.  It wasn’t a sleigh, there were no reindeer.  It was a small cart with a tablet computer, and on the screen wasn’t Santa Claus.

“Hi sport, I told you we’d be together on Thanksgiving.”  Neil and John wiped the tears away as they talked.  “I just wish it was in the same room.”  “It will be, but don’t worry.  Grandma is keeping the dinner warm, we’ve taped the parade, we’ll still celebrate Thanksgiving together.”  “But I won’t get there until tomorrow.”

John smiled.  “Son, it doesn’t matter what time you get here.  I’m so thankful to be with you, and I intend to give you all the love in the world.  Do you know what that means?”  “What?”  “That Thanksgiving isn’t about a day, a parade, or a dinner, it’s about being thankful for the people that God has placed into our lives.”

The two talked for almost an hour, and then all the stranded passengers were guests of a make shift Thanksgiving dinner.  The little restaurant was a hamburger place, so the closest thing to Thanksgiving was an apple pie milkshake.  It didn’t matter, one little girl had rescued everyone’s Thanksgiving.

The next day the snow let up, and soon everyone was on their way.  No one felt cheated, or sad, it wasn’t the Thanksgiving anyone planned, but it was what they needed.  For years to come everyone that spent Thanksgiving in that airport would cherish both it, and every Thanksgiving that followed.

They were reminded, Thanksgiving isn’t a commercial holiday, it isn’t about the turkey.  It’s the people, not the side dishes that matter.  The day isn’t measured by how big the floats are, or how well dressed Santa is.  Instead, our Thanksgiving is a success when we review the parade of blessings that God has placed in our lives.

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