Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 420
July 7, 2015
The Second Half
The second half of the year began this month. How do you view it so far, is it a success or a failure? In this case, asking the question is really more important than the answer. It empowers you to do more than just review the past, it is still 2015, we have half of it left to accomplish what we set out to do. If the obstacles have been more difficult than you expected, look at this month as a strategy session. Regroup, and allow yourself the ability to make a new approach.
You’re not starting over, everything you’ve done so far isn’t a failure, it’s just research. You know in July what didn’t work in January. You’re better equipped to achieve your goal because you know what this year holds. Anything you do from now until December 31st will have the same date stamp on it as if you started successfully on January one. Let me share with you three things that can help realign the second half of the year.
First, whether you are positive or negative by nature, allow yourself a mental reset. This doesn’t mean that the pain is gone, or that the wounds of it are any less new. What it does mean is that you are saying to yourself something very important. That everything that has happened that hurt you, along with the pain and injury, all happened before you began your recovery.
Second, while it’s the same year, realize that your inventory has changed. Whether it’s been a year of prosperity or tragedy, your resources are different. Please notice, I didn’t say better or worse, only different, here I’m not referring to your year’s experiences. This is in no way an attempt to lessen what you’ve fought to get to this point, it’s about your tools.
What you have in July is different than what you had in January. Everything from the climate, to the position of the Earth is different. What do you not have in July that was weighing you down in January? Or, what do you have access to today, that you didn’t have then?
Something is different, the key is to use that variation to your advantage. It’s not about a silver lining, it’s about mining your resources. Many don’t know that Mickey Mouse wasn’t Walt Disney’s first character. He created him after losing the rights to Oswald the Lucky rabbit. It wasn’t an ideal situation, but he was able to utilize it to his advantage.
Third, before you commit your new outlook and inventory to climbing that wall again, reevaluate your plan. Is it possible that the problem wasn’t your goal, but your plan of action? Most mountains have a side that is a better climb than the other.
If you don’t see any other way to complete your goal than what you have already tried, get a fresh set of eyes. Ask someone else their opinion. Someone has successfully traveled the road that is ahead of you. They know how to compensate for the higher elevation, they have lungs that can cope with the thinner air. Let them teach you how to breathe where you’re going, before you get there.
This year isn’t over, your goal is still within reach. You may have to alter your strategy, but this month is a good time to reposition yourself for success. Discouragements, circumstances, and shifts in resources may all be a part of this year, but they not the deciding factor, you are. Reset, restock, and rework your approach to make the second half, the best half of your year!
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July 5, 2015
iPainting: Amalgam Bear
Some very special friends are having a baby, and they’re huge science fiction fans. As a result, I thought this little guy called “Amalgam Bear” would be a nice gift. He’s the second in a series of Teddy Bears, the first being “Favorite Toy”, my own Teddy from my childhood listed below. We hope you enjoy them both.
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July 4, 2015
The Sea Horse: Hyperbole Rescues
“We have been marching on a collision course for a while now. Key players have taken their places in each camp.” “If it’s a war, you’re the orchestrator, this entire plan was yours.” “No, that’s not true. I didn’t plan for you. I thought you were half a world away.” “I was, now I’m back, but we are not.”
“You stand by your decision?” “I do, we weren’t right for each other. What happens next?” The two principal players in this conflict stood facing each other. “How did we get here?” He asked. She turned away. “You refused to play Hamlet, that’s how.”
With that, she walked away, right before the explosion. Hyperbole, dressed in a chef’s outfit, watched her go. The room filled with smoke, his assistant pulled his arm. He didn’t move. “Grab the purchases, and then we’ll leave.” He had paid a small fortune for the two paintings, and had a receipt to prove it.
This meant that he could walk out the front door without fear of the police stopping him. Galleon and Tournament stood waiting. He handed them their payment, ordered them to earn their commission, and disappeared like a magician. His assistant left via a motorcycle in the chaos.
Every costumed citizen of Oceania was embroiled in the battle. Armor had his hand at High Society’s throat. The Wonzu was fending off an attack from Spectrum and Inspector. Sea Horse and Carbuncle were trading blows. Swordfish was fighting Galleon’s crew, while Loggerhead faced Tournament’s men.
The British Rose wasn’t sure who they were, but was facing four small quadruplet gentlemen wearing Cossack style clothing. They fought as one person, alternating kicks, punches, and backflips. It was a tornado of activity, exactly what Hyperbole had planned. Except for the result, he had hoped things would go differently.
Since it did not, he was left with no choice. He called her from the car. “Are you sure you won’t change your mind?” “Positive, it’s not negotiable.” “I’m afraid there is where you’re wrong. It is very negotiable, especially since I know where you are.” She laughed. “How?” No answer, at least not a verbal one followed, instead the door opened.
When it did, Hyperbole saw the love of his life chained to a laptop and a bomb. She did not speak, the laptop did, with a voice designed to mimic hers. “So you found your girlfriend. How did you get from Oceania to here?” “It doesn’t matter. Like you, I deal in illusion, now I know what you’ve done. The fact is, I am here, and we had a deal. Let her go.”
“If I don’t?” “Then I will carry out my objective. Over the course of the last few months, I have located every revenue source you have. One command, and each account will begin to dump money into multiple charities publicly. You’ll be penniless in seconds, and you won’t be able to recover them, because you’ll be on the front page. The famous philanthropist can’t take money back.”
“Take her, and go. I’ve disarmed the bomb. I warn you, don’t let me find you. Take her and hide in some remote area of the globe. Otherwise, you will pay for this every second of your life.” “Goodbye Leonard, I’ll be staying at our old location if you want to try.”
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July 2, 2015
Human Events
“When in the course of human events…”, it’s the way our Declaration Of Independence starts. I woke with those first seven words on my mind. It seemed ironic that, in this day and time, our founding fathers would pick that phrase. We truly have arrived where we are because of human events.
The next words are “it becomes necessary…”. Every Christian I know, believes that we are in the last days. With signs in Heaven and on Earth, from Israel to Washington, Europe to Asia, clues abound. Two thousand years ago, Christ became what was necessary to secure mankind’s salvation against this age.
He knew man was on a collision course with eternity, that time would run out. Jesus wanted us all to have something to hold to when this day came. He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” God was giving us a new pathway, truth to sustain us, and His life to redeem us.
As we go towards our country’s celebration of freedom, I would like to encourage you. If you know Jesus, then you are truly free, no matter what we face. What He is doing in you, is greater than the chaos that’s happening around you.
If you don’t know Him yet, I would tell you that there is still time. I know you’ve heard it before, but suppose for just a moment that I’m right. If there is any chance that I am, you owe it to yourself to consider the possibility.
If I’m right, then man is infected and afflicted by sin. If that is so, then all of us need a Savior. If I’m right, there is only one religion with an empty tomb. If I’m right, then the question of eternity must be dealt with.
Are you prepared to answer the question of forever and ever? Do you have a truth to hold to when that day comes? Our founding fathers believed enough to evoke God as they fought for and sought their freedom. “We are endowed by Our Creator with certain unalienable rights…”
Because of human events, Christ star shone in the east. Because of human events, He arrived to bleed, die, and rise again so that we would have a truth to hold on to. Finally, because of human events, eternity is calling.
We don’t have to face it unprepared, we have a Declaration of Independence from sin. Our country was blessed with this self evident truth, and as Christians, we are blessed with the evidence of His love. If you know Jesus, you have something to celebrate! If you don’t, He’s penned the path to your Liberty!
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July 1, 2015
The Ceramist
This is a, hopefully enjoyable little story, with a moral. Success isn’t about the notoriety, but the accomplishment. The work should be more important than the fame it may or may not bring. If the fame never arrives, it doesn’t lessen the beauty of the work.
Etric Mendelson was an ordinary man. He went to work each day, came home, kissed his Wife, and had dinner. Then he would retreat for an hour or so to his office/workshop to enjoy his hobby. It was for this hobby that he would become an Internet celebrity.
He was named for his Grandfather, a Russian Jewish immigrant, and prominent clothing merchant in New York. Etric and his Wife Lucy were both raised in Minnesota. His parents having moved there before he was born.
The short, graying man had just celebrated his sixtieth birthday last month. His brown eyes were still full of life. Lucy’s hair had complete control of her raven locks, while his brown was losing a battle to the aforementioned gray. Other than that he, and his green eyed beauty, both looked ten years younger than their age.
Over the years, Etric had his share of hobbies, as most men do. His latest was a video blog on a internet sharing site. Etric only talked about it with Lucy, never bringing it up to his friends. He did mention it in passing to their children Eric and Molly, but not in detail.
Lucy smiled when her husband told her he had eight subscribers. Laughed when it had jumped to thirty two, and turned speechless when he announced it was at two hundred. “What’s the vlog about?” She asked, proud of herself for remembering the word she had heard on tv.
“It’s about my ceramic sculptures of famous people. Someone actually emailed me about purchasing my Itzhak Perlman for thirty five dollars.” Etric sent it to the man as a gift, but the man insisted on paying. Reluctantly, he cashed the check.
“Maybe you should start selling them on the side? At least it could pay for the website each year.” An so, he setup an online account, and started selling his statues. Before long, he was selling two a month, then four.
He announced that he could only make that many a month, so people went on a waiting list. Still, hundreds, then thousands of people subscribed to watch him make his masterpieces. Famous people from history that most had never heard of, were his primary subjects.
A student of history, he delighted in introducing people to those he felt they should know. From Swedish Kings to famous musicians, politicians and authors. He loved crafting and teaching others how to make them, as well as talking about who the subject had been.
After a year of this adventure, he had a telephone call. “Hello, this is Etric Mendelson.” “Mr. Mendelson, I’m Arthur Scott, you may remember me. I bought your Perlman.” “Of course, how can I help you?”
“I’d like to meet you one night this week, if it’s convenient? I’m in town for a few days.” “I’m free now if you’d like.” “I’ll be right over.”
Arthur Scott was a character himself. He was barely five foot nine, he shaved what hair he had left, and had deep blue eyes. Arthur prized his self on his goatee and mustache. He reminded Etric of an Austrian Archduke.
“Mr and Mrs Mendelson, do you realize how famous you are? You have 18,000 subscribers, and that isn’t all. Yesterday, I was offered five thousand dollars for your Perlman!” Etric coughed and Lucy gasped. “Who would want to pay so much for a hobby?”
That’s when Arthur shocked them completely. “The head Curator of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art! He’s a friend of mine. I’m an art teacher, and your ceramic is a work of art.” Ethic thanked the man, “I appreciate it, people enjoy watching and learning, but art?” “Unless you disagree with the Curator of arguably the world’s finest museum.”
They asked Mr. Stone to meet them for breakfast the day after tomorrow. Once he was gone, Etric looked at his Wife Lucy for her response. “If they’ll pay, then let them call it art.” They looked into Mr. Stone’s background. He wanted to be sure that they weren’t dealing with a con artist. Once they knew he was an honest man, they asked him to be their agent, or go between.
His first suggestion was one Etric didn’t like, to stop monthly orders. “I will not punish people for my own benefit. I have a backlog of some thirty figurines. I will feel them as promised.” “Alright, but will you at least raise your prices for new orders?” “How much?” “Five thousand apiece for the small, and ten for larger ones.”
Etric agreed, but not before contacting his previous patrons. Arthur gave them the option of reselling their pieces at the new price, and splitting the profits. Some agreed, others didn’t want to sell, but at least they had been treated everyone fairly.
Finally the day came to meet with Edgar Robinson, the Met’s Curator about an exhibit. He was a tall, slender man with short white hair, blue eyes, and glasses. “This is where we’ll display your wonderful collection.” “Thank you sir, but are these the pedestals you’ll use?” “Yes, unless you’d prefer something else.”
Etric took out a pencil and a small notebook, then quickly sketched something. “I was thinking some more like this. They are smaller and more accessible.” The man was amazed, not only at the design, but at the drawing itself. “You sketch too?” “Oh yes, I either sketch or paint my ideas before I sculpt them.” “Tell me Etric, could I see them?”
Edgar and Arthur looked at them together. Arthur kicked himself to think he almost missed this. “These are as good as your ceramics. Can we use them in the exhibit? Especially this one, will place him slightly to the right of your Perlman ceramic.” “Alright, but there’s no ceramic for it yet, just the painting.”
The piece they were referring to, was his Jascha Heifetz, the famed violinist. What made it so beautiful was that it wasn’t a picture of the imposing performer, but of the man holding his violin and smiling. The multiple sketches, and handful of paintings were strategically placed between the ceramics.
The exhibit was a hit, people were excited about the quiet man from Minnesota. It would have been very tempting to let it go to his head, but not Etric. His Grandfather had taught the family how to deal with both success and failure. Etric knew the balance that you had to maintain. After all, the goal had never been celebrity, instead it was about making something beautiful.
His bank account knew the difference between pre vlog and post vlog, but not his ego. Etric returned to his workshop, and to teaching how to craft his hobby. People asked him how he could remain an ordinary man. His reply was classic, and the moral of our story.
“I work in ceramics, a very common and fragile thing. No matter who we are, what we do, we are ordinary men. Every man can accomplish great things, that is our common gift. The extraordinary is not in the gift, but The Giver of the gift.”
“If we produce something valuable with that gift, we are merely fulfilling expectations. This should be common and ordinary, in the sense that it is regularly achieved, for we all should try. Fame does not dictate accomplishment, it is merely a side benefit. If you have not achieved yet, it only means your success is a few steps ahead of you, so quicken your steps.”
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June 30, 2015
Sketches: Bob and Stan
We hope you enjoy this bonus ink sketch of Bob Kane and Stan Lee, i.e. Batman and Spider-Man. It’s taken from an old conversation, we call it “Bob and Stan”.
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June 29, 2015
Vacation Plans
A vacation, it’s what most Americans dream of, but fewer of us are taking them. Why are they important? There are many reasons, but I’d like to focus on three.
First everybody, at some point, needs to regroup mentally. The cares of this life can, at times, be overwhelming. The ability to unplug for a few days functions almost like a reboot on a computer.
Second, whether it’s a staycation, (time off at home), or a trip, your body could use the rest. You work hard everyday, between commitments at your job and at home, you could use the break. Time off isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, just as sleep is.
The last reason is that it gives you a chance to reconnect as a family. Spouses, children, and even friends need you. They need the you that isn’t overworked, sleep deprived, and stressed. A vacation allows you the time to spend with the people you love.
These are just three reasons why we all need a vacation. I’m sure you can think of many more, but I would ask you one last question. Do you have a vacation planned? Is there a block of time you’ve set aside that you can look forward to taking?
I would strongly recommend, at the very least, you schedule a day off, and write it on your calendar. It will function as a relief valve on high stress days, giving you a pleasant reason to look ahead. Last year, a mini trip, reset my perspective at a very crucial time in my life. I’m excited about this year’s vacation, because I know firsthand how vital they are to my health.
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June 28, 2015
June 27, 2015
The Sea Horse: Siegel Heights
“To understand the Wonzu’s plan you have to understand the key to her exception. We knew when we asked her to confine their activities to their own base, that she had a loophole. That loophole is Siegel Heights.” Swordfish explained to their allies.
The Brittish Rose was frustrated. “Then why give her an out at all? Don’t tell me it was the best deal you could make, you defeated her, she had a blood debt.” Inspector shot a look towards him. “It’s not the deal she had to make, it’s the one we wanted.”
Loggerhead projected a holographic 3d map using his drones. “Alligate was once the richest area of the city. It’s no longer, because of her organization, with one exception. Siegel Heights forks, one area makes up the docks. The other, although rezoned, is still technically Siegel Heights.”
The Sea Horse continued the briefing. “Only now it’s known as Tyson Row, and the crown jewel of the area is the Colonnade.” “You want her active near the Colonnade, why?” “Because that’s where everything is going to happen. This isn’t just about Hyperbole’s plan, it’s the center of the war zone.”
“The remnants of the old crime organization, the leftovers from your agency’s failed agenda, and all the freelancers are hungry for control. They have a catalyst that has set them in action. He’s got them swirling around his whirlpool day and night.”
“So your idea is to what? Play into his hand, hope that Wonzu takes down everyone else, and then take her out?” “No, we can’t be sure what Hyperbole is planning, or anyone else for that matter.”
The newest member of the group spoke last. “What we can do, is force everyone towards the center, and minimize the collateral damage.” The figure was clothed entirely in various shades of yellow.
He could tell that the tall, muscular six foot-two man was Native American. His mask and vest were golden yellow. While the gloves and boots were a more fiery yellow. His pants and boots were a dark yellow, and he seemed to have no symbols of any kind on his costume.
“What do we call you?” “Spectrum.” Was his only reply as his costume instantly changed to hues of blue, red, green, and orange. “I’m the one who’s going to end the Wonzu’s reign of terror in Alligate!”
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