Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 412

Hisbits: Pyle, Sprague, and Lawson

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When I think of the Andy Griffith show, I think of some roles individually, and others as a group. Of the groups, two that come to mind are Floyd and Goober, and Goober and Howard. In today’s #Hisbits, I would like to spotlight the actors behind the roles.Goober

George received a Bachelor Of Science degree in 1952. After that, he joined the Air Force, and later taught High School. He was accepted into the American Theater, and upon graduation from it, appeared in two Broadway plays. George decided to move to Los Angeles and to try television in 1962. Two years later, he would take the role that America fell in love with on the Andy Griffith Show, Goober Pyle.

…you don’t have to prove how smart you are, instead, seek to share as much love and laughter with others as you can. Tweet This

His other work included the Walt Disney company. He had animated roles in three different films, the Aristocats, Robin Hood, and the Rescuers. Lindsey would play the character of Goober in two other shows, Mayberry R.F.D. and Hee Haw. His last series as Goober would actually be the longest he ever played the mechanice. His work on Hee Haw spanned 1972 to 1992, twenty years.

George was as kind as the character, raising over 100,000 for the Alambama Special Olympics through seventeen years of a celebrity Golf tournament bearing his name. He also served as the Head Coach for the Winter Games in the Minneapolis, Minnesota Special Olympics National Competition. Lindsey setup the George Lindsey Academic Scholarships at University of North Alabama, his home state, as well as a film festival there.

The man famous for playing an uneducated, but kind hearted country bumpkin, proved something in the process. That was this, people may not only be much smarter than they appear, they can be even kinder than you first suspect. He embedded the same layering in the character of Goober Pyle, showing that you don’t have to prove how smart you are, instead, seek to share as much love and laughter with others as you can.

Howard

Every character on the Andy Griffith show had something unique to their costumes that fit their personality. From Andy’s lack of tie, to Barney’s constant wearing of it, to Goober’s hat, and Floyd’s barber’s coat, they all pointed to aspects of the character’s personality. For Jack Dodson’s Howard Sprague, it was the bow tie, the perfect prop for the lovable county clerk.

Andy himself chose Jack, after seeing him on broadway. He would return to the theatre in 1985, and to Howard Sprague on the reunion movie, Return to Mayberry. Before this, he was Ralph Mouth’s Dad on Happy Days.

My favorite Howard episode was the one where his quick thinking not only secured the local Church’s foundation, but the relationship of the people closest to him. Friends and family meant more than anything to the character of Howard Sprague. The same was true of Jack. While he played the perennial bachelor, the actor enjoyed a long marriage to art director Mary Dodson, from 1959 to his death in 1994. The bow tie loving everyman, quietly did his work, and faithfully cared for those around him.

Floyd

To tv watchers, he was Floyd The Barber, but to radio listeners, Howard McNear was the first Doc Adams on Gunsmoke for nine years. His old friend, Parley Baer, later Mayor Stoner, was Chester on the radio show. McNear, a San Diego native, served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After this, he came to prominence playing Clint Barlow on the radio serial Speed Gibson and the International Secret Police.

Challenges may alter the way we do things, but they don’t have to stop us from doing them… Tweet This

He was good in authoritative roles, but preferred comedy, and it fit him like a glove. In 1958, on Leave It To Beaver, he guest starred as a barber named Andy. Three years later, he would become Andy’s barber. A stroke forced him to first leave the show, but Andy asked him to return.

Even though it took the use of the left side of his body, the show made allowances for that. Any episode where you do not see Floyd walking, means that it was after the stroke. Even in those scenes where it showed Floyd standing, a frame was holding the actor up.

Disabilities are not easy, but Howard McNear proved they do not have to be either career, or life ending. Before and after the stroke, Floyd’s value to Mayberry was priceless. Challenges may alter the way we do things, but they don’t have to stop us from doing them, just ask Floyd.

Trios

In our life, we are blessed enough to be a part of certain groups. Some are families, teams, and organizations, the joy of them is the fact that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Too often, we allow pride to sabotage great relationships for the spotlight. Aren’t you glad that Andy Griffith didn’t feel that way? Instead, he assembled a crew of people that did their best to make everyone shine, and in the process, each left behind characters that we will always remember.

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iPainting: Chicago

  I love experimenting with different styles. We hope you enjoy this Sunday Afternoon’s Art Post.  It’s the digital watercolor “Chicago”.

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The Sea Horse: Kidnapped

  The three villains and their army struck during the night. Soldier and his recruits did their best, but Dr Melvins was still abducted.  The ransom note was sent to Spectrum over the airwaves. “Your freedom for his safety, nothing else, nothing less.”

Spectrum was already on his way when the Sea Horse contacted him.  “You can’t go.”  “It means his life.”  “His welfare is jeopardized when you walk through the door.  They need you both at first.  Him to control the machine from the inside, and you to power it.  Once they have that, they intend on you dying in the explosion.”

“Sea Horse, do you have a plan?”  “Yes, but it’s risky.”  “It’s better than doing it their way.”  “All right, meet us at these coordinates, I’m bringing someone I want you to meet.” Spectrum touched down and waited for the Sea Horse, Swordfish, and the other allies.

A short while later, the villains were chaining their two victims to the inside of the Infantino Machine. “What if the President refuses your price?”  “Well then, it will be unfortunate for the East coast.”  Mammoth responded.  High Society spoke from the rafters.  “He’ll cave, they all do to pressure.”  Mimic, was the only one that was speechless.

“Do you want this enough to hurt that many people?”  It was then that Hyperbole strolled in, or rather his hologram did.  He floated around the room, taking it all in.  “Silence.  You three see what they are doing don’t you?  They want to get you to fight among yourselves.  Really, not that hard considering your past history.”

“Why are you here Hyperbole?”  Mimic asked, suspicious.  “Too bargain of course.  While you loot the countryside, I want the museums.  All of the artifacts that fill the Met, the Smithsonian, and more.”

“What makes you think you can demand of me?”  “Actually I don’t, you see this is what’s called stalling.  Sea Horse and his crew needed to get in, and I didn’t want to see the Statue Of Liberty crumbled to dust.  So we made a deal.”  “You’re a hologram, you can’t do anything.”  “Oh no, except relay the visuals around me, including the way to open your door.”

Mimic ordered, “Start the machine now!”  Titanic complied as the energy drained from Spectrum’s body.  Dr. Melvins spoke, “One factor you ignored.  Now that you have us both, and are hurting him, I have no reason to direct this machine anywhere.  You will die with us!”

High Society responded.  “I don’t think so.  Do you think that you were the only kidnapped victim.  Look at your monitor, I believe you’ll recognize your daughter.  She is safe, as long as you obey.”  The Dr. had no choice, piloting the sphere deeper into the Earth and the fault line.

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How Well?

  John 19:2626 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Exodus 33:11

11 And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Did you ever notice that in all of the sufferings of the Cross, it did not impair His eyesight? I’m sure His eyes were bloodied, but He made sure that He could still see. His back was beaten, His flesh torn, and His beard was plucked. Through it all, the pain of the Cross, never blinded The Savior to our needs.

It’s a guess, but I believe Christ’s eyes were the color of the dust. We have always been the pupil of God’s spiritual eyes, I tend to think the physical were no different. The eyes that looked into Matthew’s soul at the receipt of custom, have never stopped watching over us.

When we mention the Cross, people prepare for a message on Salvation. As strange as it sounds, there is so much more to the Cross than salvation. Setting aside the issue of eternity, I have a question. 

One that I would like to ask you to ask yourself over the next few days. The question is this, “As individuals, how well do we know Jesus?” Too many Christians look at Calvary as the climax of their relationship with Jesus, to Him, it’s simply the beginning.

We view Calvary from our perspective as humans, salvation for the entire world, and it was. For The Sacrificial Savior it was a very personal place. Just like His relationship with us, our relationship with Him must be very personal.  

This question I’ve asked, isn’t for the corporate altar, but the private one. You see, I don’t doubt our love, commitment, or devotion to Jesus. That is not the question. The question is, how near to Him are we?  

My concern is that we’re so busy, tired, etc, that we sacrifice closeness with The One who gave Himself for us. We think, “He’ll understand”, and I’m sure He does, but should He have too?  

I asked a few today, if they had to describe Jesus to a stranger, using five words that didn’t include Personal, Savior, and God, what would they say? The majority response included the word Friend. More than anyone else, you know what your close friends feel, like, and think. 

The word friend is made up of letters that, in the Hebrew, are based on pictures. The two pictures for friend are a picture representing the eyes, and the face of a man. Combined this means “man watches”, it portrays a Shepherd watching His sheep. Often the flock are His only companions, the dear friends He protects.

Friend can also mean either a brother, a husband, or an associate. Obviously two are much closer than the other. The choice is in the one who defines the word’s meaning. Jesus called both Lazarus and Judas a friend. One defined the phrase, the other defied it. 

The older I get, the more I want to know Jesus. Are we a conversing Christian or a consignment shop Christian? We find time to get close when there’s a need, but what about when there isn’t?  

When in the hospital, it’s easy to find time for Him. If you’ll excuse the play on words, it’s easy to see Him from the I.C.U., but what about in the morning when all is well? How often does He hear from us when we don’t have a problem?

 If you struggle with improving your relationship with Jesus, I have three points that may help. They’re based on a pattern that Pastor Denny Livingston outlined in his recent blog, “Leadership Rhythm“.  I’ll place the link here, rather than doing it an injustice by an attempt to condense it. The points though, for applying a closer walk with Jesus through Scripture, are listed below.

1. Find someone in Scripture you identify with.

2. Study their relationship with Jesus

3. Implement what you learn

If you do this with a different person for twelve months, you’ll have spent a year drawing closer to Jesus. If you only learn one thing from each, that will be twelve ways to draw closer to The Savior. I guarantee this, once you know Him better you’ll seek to know Him better!

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Imagination

  

The necessity of imagination, from the mind of a child, to the world’s greatest writer, is equally important. The ability to creatively project ideas is vital to both age groups. We know the value of this as a child, but we must not lose it as an adult.  

Contrary to popular opinion, we all have imagination, just as we all have biceps. The problem is, we exercise one about as much as we do the other. I would like to share three ways to reenergize your imagination. 

The first is innovation. It’s a big, at times intimidating word, but it doesn’t have to be. Innovations start small, like the manufacturing plastic coffee stirrers. At one time, this, today common product, was an innovation.

Looking at your world differently means viewing Earth through another lens, not exploring Mars. How can you change one simple task at your work to save five minutes? Over time, a handful of those small things has cut your workload by thirty minutes. This saves your company money, and makes you more valuable, you’re now an innovator.

For example, a wheel can be any color, any material, as long as it’s round. Too often, we begin to think of only those wheels we see. Black tires, are fine, but white wall tires are more expensive. Innovation isn’t about crafting something totally different, merely better. As with anything else, imagination must be balanced.

Second, write it down. Whether it’s a paper and pen version, or a digital one, you need a sketch book of ideas. Putting ideas, no matter how small, on paper does two things. It ensures you won’t forget them in the busyness of life, and gives you something to build on later.

You may find that a lackluster concept from two years ago, with slight modifications, is exactly what’s needed today. Give yourself, and your thoughts, the benefit of the doubt. Right it down, then regularly review the pages.

Third, read something new. Whether it’s a book on an area of your life, such as leadership, or a biography, read. Even if your time is limited, read articles, or something that will stimulate your brain. Children’s imagination build off of what they’ve seen and heard, we are the same way.

Your imagination can thrive, regardless of age, position, or circumstances. It just needs a little attention, exercise, and time to grow. Smile, get ready, and imagine what awaits you today. 

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iPainting: River Bank

  We hope you enjoy our newest digital watercolor “River Bank” in this Sunday’s Afternoon Art Post.

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The Sea Horse: The Fall Out

  “What happens when three partners fall out, especially when one tries to kill the other two?”  “Nothing, if he succeeds.” “What happens when he doesn’t?”  “Then they kill him, if they can. If they can’t, they do what you’re doing, negotiate.  You still need me, or I’d be dead.” 

The two, tired villains had escaped through a skylight, just ahead of the debris from the explosion.  They had found Titanic’s lair, making a new entrance through the ceiling.  High Society and Mimic we’re willing to listen, but their patience was thin.

“I may not survive if I go in the Infantino machine, but I will, if we use a proxy.”  “Who would volunteer to take your place?”  “No one, but then I have no problem with drafting either.”

Mimic sat down, “Who?”  “Of all Oceania’s costumed annoyances, Spectrum is closest to my power abilities.  He will accommodate, if it means saving someone he cares for, such as his stepfather. Why do you think I chose Dr. Melvins?”

“Leverage, you had a backup plan.”  “A good soldier, or scientist, always does.”  “How do we get him?”  “He is hiding in their “New Protectors” training facility. We take him by force, very simple.”

“We’re supposed to forget you tried to kill us?” “No, you’re supposed to compartmentalize it, and move on.  We have a scientist to steal!” 

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Hot Glue Guns

  

  

They are the weapon of choice in the world of crafters. Hot glue guns, as we call them in the South, make possible a thousand different creations. The problems we face, could use some adhesive as well, especially when the temperature rises.  

I’ve watched different family and friends complete many projects with glue guns. Things that seemed impossible were resolved with a little glue, and some electricity. I’d like to share three ways we can apply the crafter’s principle to our own situations.

First, in any conflict, like the glue itself, be clear. Clear in your motives, and intentions. Do not seek to color the solution in any way. To be the glue that keeps a family, friendship, or team together, the resolution must be good for all.

Second, relegate the temperature. If a glue gun gets too hot, it will do damage in spite of the glue. Tempers can flare beyond any reasonable answer if not kept in check. If we keep in mind how important the other person’s friendship is to us, we’ll keep our cool much easier.  

Third, know when to unplug. A glue gun left unattended is a recipe for trouble. You cannot continually solve problems without recharging. To help others, at times, you must separate yourself, and care for you. You’re not being selfish, your merely maintaining yourself to serve others.

It’s been said that every crafter needs a glue gun. So does every successfully resolved conflict. Someone must step up and, for the good of the group, be the glue that holds things together. 

A glue gun isn’t only about the glue, but the energy that powers it. Bring your love, energy, and caring to your team today. They’ll need you to be plugged in, and ready to work.

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iPainting: Autumn Scarecrow

  #Pruittwrites hope you enjoy this limited edition, “The Autumn Scarecrow”.

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iPainting: Bride

  This Sunday Afternoon Art Post, I’d love to share with you my iPainting, “Bride”.  The picture pales in comparison to the subject, my Wife Ashley.

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