From Salt of the Earth to Salting the Earth: When Christianity Goes Too Far

From Salt of the Earth to Salting the Earth: When Christianity Goes Too Far

Jesus once called his followers “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). It’s a beautiful metaphor—salt preserves, enhances, and sustains life. A little salt brings out the richness of a meal. Without it, food is bland, lifeless, and prone to spoil.

A visual reflection on faith, balance, and excess.

Jesus once called his followers “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). It’s a beautiful metaphor—salt preserves, enhances, and sustains life. A little salt brings out the richness of a meal. Without it, food is bland, lifeless, and prone to spoil.

“You are the salt of the earth.” — Matthew 5:13

But salt only works in balance. Too little and it does nothing. Too much and it ruins the dish. Faith is the same. Christianity at its best preserves what is just, inspires compassion, and brings depth to life. But when overused—when wielded harshly or imposed on others—it can overwhelm, smother, and even harm.

Sometimes the problem isn’t just too much salt—it’s salting someone else’s plate. When religion becomes a tool for controlling others, it stops being a gift and becomes coercion. What was meant to season life becomes a chokehold, a way of silencing difference and narrowing the world to a single taste.

We see this play out in public life. Religious rhetoric is often used to justify policies that restrict reproductive rights, deny healthcare to transgender individuals, or exclude LGBTQ+ people from public services. These actions are framed as expressions of faith—but they often function as instruments of exclusion. When belief is used to deny others their dignity, it ceases to be salt—it becomes poison.

This isn’t just a political issue—it’s a spiritual one. The right to religious freedom is meant to protect personal conscience, not to override the rights of others. When faith becomes a weapon, it risks salting the earth: leaving behind spiritual wastelands where people might have grown, thrived, or simply lived freely.

The Great Salt Lake: majestic, shimmering, and too salty to sustain most life.

Nature offers its own warnings. Ancient conquerors “salted the earth” of defeated cities to prevent anything from growing. Today, soil salinity kills crops. Too much salt chokes out life.

Historic depiction of “salting the earth” after conquest—symbolizing total destruction.

Religion can do the same. When wielded with care, it nourishes and preserves. When wielded without restraint, it scorches the landscape of society. Extremism, zealotry, moral authoritarianism—these are oversalting at its worst.

Salt flats: a barren landscape where nothing grows—faith without balance can do the same.

So perhaps the real challenge is this: to be “salt of the earth” without being bitter. To enrich without overwhelming. To preserve what matters without sterilizing life itself. To season our own plates well—and resist the temptation to dump our shaker onto someone else’s.

The world doesn’t need more brine. It needs measured seasoning. Enough to awaken appetite, not choke it. Enough to sustain life, not suffocate it. Christianity has the power to do extraordinary good—but only if we stop salting the earth.

Reflect

• What does it mean to you to be “salt of the earth” in today’s world?
• Have you ever seen faith used to enrich life—or to control it?
• How can we practice our beliefs without imposing them on others?
• Where do you see the line between conviction and coercion?

Why We Should All Be Like Bob in What About Bob?

If you haven’t seen What About Bob?, do yourself a favor and pause here—go watch it. It’s a quirky 1991 comedy starring Bill Murray as Bob Wiley, a neurotic man with just about every phobia in the book, and Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin, the egotistical psychiatrist who takes Bob on as a patient. What unfolds is both hilarious and oddly profound.

While it’s a comedy on the surface, What About Bob? has stuck with me over the years, not just for its quotable lines (“Baby steps!”), but because Bob’s journey—albeit exaggerated—is deeply human.

Here are a few timeless lessons we can learn from Bob Wiley:

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1. Everyone has needs—and that’s okay.

Bob is a mess. He knows it. And he asks for help. He needs help. And unlike many of us, he doesn’t hide it behind perfectionism, professionalism, or pride. His willingness to be open about his needs, even if uncomfortable or awkward, is something we could all practice more often—especially in a world that often rewards image over authenticity.

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2. Start small. Really small.

Bob’s mantra—“baby steps”—might sound silly, but it’s solid advice. We often wait until we have a complete plan, a perfect strategy, or all the courage we’ll ever need. Bob just moves forward, awkwardly and imperfectly. And guess what? It works.

Whether you're learning a new skill, improving your mental health, or navigating change, momentum starts with one small step. Even if it's just getting out of bed.

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3. What you say to yourself matters.

Bob is constantly repeating affirmations to himself: “I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful.” It’s kind of ridiculous, but it also works. The words we say to ourselves (out loud or in our heads) shape our reality.

Self-talk isn't just for the overly anxious. It's for all of us who are trying to quiet doubt, build resilience, or shift from fear to courage.

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4. Connection is healing.

Despite Bob’s social awkwardness (or maybe because of it), he genuinely connects with people—from Dr. Marvin’s family to random strangers. He listens, laughs, and brings out joy in others.

In contrast, Dr. Marvin, the “expert,” is isolated and focused on control.

It’s a reminder that healing and growth rarely happen alone. They happen in relationships—in being seen, heard, and valued. Bob finds belonging not through perfection, but through presence.

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5. Find joy in the simple stuff.

Bob delights in everything. A family dinner, a boat ride (“I’m sailing!”), a goldfish named Gil. He experiences the moment, even when the moment is small or silly.

In our quest for bigger goals and better outcomes, we often overlook the joy right in front of us. Bob doesn’t. And that’s worth emulating.

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6. Optimism is powerful—and contagious.

Bob’s hopefulness is relentless. Sometimes irritatingly so. But optimism, even the offbeat kind, has power. Bob doesn’t just “think positive.” He believes that things can get better. That life is worth showing up for.

Even when the odds (or the therapist) are against him.

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Final Thought: What if we all lived a little more like Bob?

What if we stopped trying to be flawless experts, and embraced being messy, honest learners?

What if we asked for help more freely? Took smaller steps? Chose joy on purpose?

Bob Wiley may be a fictional character, but his weirdly wonderful approach to life has more to teach us than most self-help books. I’m still trying to live like Bob—and I think the world would be a bit better if we all did.

A version of this article appeared on Medium on June 8, 2016.

Imagination and Creativity: The Inner Vision and the Outer Expression

 Imagination and creativity are often spoken of interchangeably, yet they are distinct and complementary forces. While imagination is the realm of possibilities, creativity is the process of bringing those possibilities into reality. Imagination takes place in the mind, forming ideas and exploring the unknown, whereas creativity happens in the external world, transforming thoughts into tangible expressions. Understanding their interplay can help individuals unlock their full potential in problem-solving, innovation, and artistic pursuits.

Imagination: The Inner Vision

Imagination is the ability to visualize what does not yet exist. It allows us to mentally simulate experiences, predict outcomes, and explore ideas without physical limitations. This internal process is where concepts are born, where we dream up solutions to problems, and where we ask, “What if?”

From an early age, we use imagination to navigate the world—pretending, predicting, and hypothesizing. It plays a vital role in science, engineering, storytelling, and even interpersonal relationships. The ability to picture different scenarios before acting on them allows us to prepare for the future and adapt to change.

Creativity: The Outer Expression

Creativity, on the other hand, is the act of making imagination tangible. It is the process of taking abstract thoughts and shaping them into something real—a piece of art, an invention, a business strategy, or a scientific breakthrough. Creativity involves experimentation, iteration, and refinement, requiring effort, skill, and often collaboration with others.

Unlike imagination, which can remain purely theoretical, creativity demands action. An artist may imagine a painting, but creativity is in the brushstrokes. A scientist may envision a theory, but creativity is in the design of experiments that test and prove it. Creativity requires risk-taking because turning an idea into reality involves trial and potential failure.

The Dynamic Interplay

Though distinct, imagination and creativity feed into each other. Without imagination, creativity lacks direction and novelty. Without creativity, imagination remains unfulfilled and unrealized. The most successful innovators, artists, and thinkers seamlessly blend the two—first envisioning new possibilities, then bringing them into existence through experimentation and execution.

Consider an architect. They begin by imagining the feel and function of a building. They mentally construct spaces, light, and movement. But their work does not stop there. Through creativity, they translate those ideas into blueprints, materials, and physical structures. The imagination envisions; the creativity manifests.

Cultivating Both for a More Innovative Life

To harness the full power of imagination and creativity, one must nurture both.

• Stimulate Imagination: Engage in activities that expand your ability to think beyond the present reality—reading fiction, traveling, brainstorming freely, or practicing mindfulness.

• Strengthen Creativity: Take action on ideas, experiment without fear of failure, and develop skills that allow you to execute your vision—whether writing, coding, painting, or designing.

Conclusion

Imagination and creativity are two sides of the same coin—one forming the unseen, the other making it visible. By embracing both, we empower ourselves to dream bigger and create with greater impact. Whether in science, art, or everyday life, the bridge between internal vision and external reality is where true innovation flourishes.

Developing Imagination and Creativity: Practical Steps for Expanding Your Inner and Outer Worlds

Imagination and creativity are not fixed traits—they can be cultivated, expanded, and refined through intentional practice. In previous articles, we explored the distinction between imagination (the inner vision) and creativity (the outer expression). Now, we turn to practical strategies for developing both. By adopting the right mindsets, habits, routines, and interactions, anyone can strengthen their ability to think beyond limitations and bring new ideas to life.

Mindsets for Expanding Imagination and Creativity

The way we think about imagination and creativity influences how much we allow them to flourish. Developing these abilities starts with cultivating the right mindsets:

1. Curiosity Over Judgment – Adopt a mindset of curiosity rather than immediately dismissing ideas. Ask “What if?” and “Why not?” instead of “That won’t work.”

2. Embracing Playfulness – Many of the most creative breakthroughs come from playful exploration. Be willing to experiment without the pressure of immediate results.

3. Growth Mentality – Understand that imagination and creativity improve with practice. Avoid labeling yourself as “not creative” or “not imaginative.”

4. Comfort with Uncertainty – Creativity often involves navigating the unknown. Embrace ambiguity rather than fearing it.

5. Failure as Learning – Shift the mindset around failure from something to be avoided to something that teaches and refines ideas.

Habits and Routines to Stimulate Imagination

Building imagination requires engaging the mind in new ways and stepping outside routine patterns of thinking. Some habits that help include:

1. Daily Reflection and Free Thinking – Set aside time each day to reflect without distractions. Journaling, meditation, or simply letting the mind wander can stimulate new thoughts.

2. Exposure to Diverse Inputs – Read widely, travel, and engage with ideas outside of your usual sphere. The more varied your influences, the richer your imagination.

3. Mind Mapping and Brainstorming – Regularly create mind maps or lists of ideas without immediately filtering them. This practice strengthens the ability to connect unrelated concepts.

4. Engaging with Fiction – Reading novels, watching films, or even playing narrative-driven games enhances the ability to visualize and imagine different possibilities.

5. Reframing the Ordinary – Challenge yourself to see everyday objects or situations in new ways. Ask how they could be improved or what other functions they could serve.

Practical Exercises for Strengthening Creativity

Creativity thrives when imagination is put into action. Here are some practical ways to bring ideas into the real world:

1. Idea Journals – Keep a notebook specifically for capturing ideas, even if they seem impractical at first.

2. Creative Constraints – Set limitations (e.g., write a story using only 50 words, draw using only two colors) to force creative problem-solving.

3. Rapid Prototyping – Instead of overthinking an idea, create a quick version of it. This can apply to writing, art, design, or business concepts.

4. Reverse Thinking – Ask, “What would happen if I did the opposite of what’s expected?” to break out of habitual thought patterns.

5. Daily Small Creations – Make something every day, even if it’s just a sketch, a paragraph, or a new melody. The act of creating regularly strengthens creative muscles.

Interactions That Encourage Creativity and Imagination

Surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives and engaging in thought-provoking conversations can expand creative thinking. Ways to foster this include:

1. Collaborating with Others – Work with people from different backgrounds and fields to gain fresh perspectives.

2. Participating in Thoughtful Discussions – Engage in conversations that challenge your viewpoints and introduce new ideas.

3. Teaching or Explaining Concepts – Explaining ideas to others forces deeper understanding and often sparks new insights.

4. Observing and Asking Questions – Study the behaviors of highly imaginative and creative people. Ask about their processes and inspirations.

5. Attending Workshops or Conferences – Exposure to new techniques, disciplines, and thinkers can reignite creativity.

Building a Lifestyle That Sustains Imagination and Creativity

Beyond individual habits and interactions, the overall structure of one’s life can either nurture or stifle imagination and creativity. Consider these elements:

1. Balancing Routine and Novelty – Structure provides stability, but regular exposure to new experiences keeps creativity alive.

2. Creating Space for Deep Work – Uninterrupted time dedicated to creative endeavors allows for deeper exploration of ideas.

3. Prioritizing Rest and Play – Overwork can kill creativity. Rest, relaxation, and playful activities refresh the mind.

4. Engaging in Physical Activity – Movement, especially activities like walking, dancing, or yoga, can help unlock creative blocks.

5. Surrounding Yourself with Inspiration – Decorate your space with art, books, and objects that spark curiosity and encourage imaginative thinking.

Conclusion

Developing imagination and creativity is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort. By adopting a growth-oriented mindset, establishing stimulating habits, engaging with others thoughtfully, and designing a lifestyle that fosters both imagination and creativity, anyone can unlock greater potential. Whether for artistic expression, problem-solving, or innovation, these practices lay the foundation for turning ideas into reality.

Check out a "infographic" of this information here: https://claude.site/artifacts/9d2ae423-2c39-4df2-83d4-ff6c43ebf7b4

The Practical Value of Imagination

 Imagination is often relegated to the world of childhood, creativity, and fiction. It is seen as the domain of artists, dreamers, and storytellers—an entertaining but ultimately non-essential faculty. However, imagination is not just about spinning fantasies; it plays a crucial role in problem-solving, innovation, and even day-to-day decision-making. In reality, imagination is one of the most practical tools we have.

Imagination in Problem-Solving

Every great invention or breakthrough begins in the imagination. Scientists envision solutions before they test them. Engineers imagine new structures before they build them. Business leaders use imagination to anticipate market trends and devise innovative strategies. Without the ability to picture possibilities beyond what currently exists, progress stalls.

Consider Albert Einstein, who famously credited his scientific discoveries to imagination. Before the equations of relativity were written, Einstein conducted thought experiments, picturing himself riding on beams of light and exploring the implications. His ability to visualize abstract concepts led to groundbreaking scientific advancements.

Imagination in Personal Growth

Imagination is also crucial in personal and professional development. The ability to envision oneself in different scenarios—whether rehearsing for a job interview, planning a career change, or preparing for a difficult conversation—allows individuals to build confidence and adaptability. Athletes, for instance, use visualization techniques to improve performance, mentally practicing their moves before executing them in reality.

Moreover, imagination is essential in fostering empathy. When we imagine ourselves in another person’s situation, we develop a deeper understanding of their experiences, leading to stronger relationships and more effective communication. This ability to mentally step into different perspectives is a powerful tool in conflict resolution and leadership.

Imagination and Everyday Decision-Making

Even the most routine choices rely on imagination. Deciding what to cook for dinner requires picturing flavors and ingredients together. Planning a vacation involves envisioning destinations and experiences. From budgeting to home organization, imagining outcomes helps us make informed, strategic choices.

In the workplace, imagination helps employees anticipate challenges and develop creative solutions. Companies that encourage imaginative thinking foster innovation, leading to new products, services, and more efficient ways of working. Organizations that stifle imagination risk stagnation.

Imagination as a Catalyst for Change

Many of history’s greatest social movements began with the ability to imagine a better world. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi envisioned societies that did not yet exist and inspired others to work toward those ideals. Without imagination, change remains impossible.

Today, the challenges we face—from climate change to global inequality—demand imaginative solutions. The ability to think beyond existing frameworks allows us to create sustainable technologies, design inclusive policies, and improve the human condition.

Conclusion

Far from being an idle pastime, imagination is one of the most practical and necessary faculties we possess. It fuels problem-solving, personal growth, decision-making, and progress. Encouraging imagination in education, workplaces, and daily life is not just beneficial—it is essential. By harnessing the power of imagination, we open the door to limitless possibilities, shaping a future that is not only innovative but also more compassionate and visionary.

How 'The Customer is Always Right' Culture Damages Businesses—and Better Ways Forward

 The phrase “The customer is always right” has long been a staple in the world of customer service. It suggests that businesses should prioritize the customer's desires, feedback, and demands over almost anything else. While this mantra may have been effective in creating a customer-centric culture in the past, it is increasingly becoming a damaging mindset. This one-sided focus can lead to a toxic workplace, entitled customers, and unsustainable business practices. It is time to rethink customer service with a more balanced, empathetic approach that benefits both businesses and their clients.

Why "The Customer Is Always Right" is Problematic

1. It Undermines Employee Morale and Well-being

When employees are instructed to meet unreasonable customer demands without recourse, it can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. Workers who feel unsupported by their employers may become disengaged, which affects the quality of service they provide. In essence, prioritizing customer satisfaction at the cost of employee well-being is a short-term gain that sacrifices long-term success.

When the mantra "The customer is always right" becomes policy, it can reinforce an expectation that employees must tolerate abusive, rude, or inappropriate behavior. This not only impacts their mental health but can create a hostile work environment that discourages employee loyalty and retention.

2. It Empowers Entitled Behavior

The message that customers can do no wrong emboldens those who behave poorly. It fosters a sense of entitlement, where the most demanding or rude individuals expect preferential treatment, regardless of how they treat employees or other customers. Businesses that prioritize these difficult customers over others send a clear message: behaving badly gets results.

Entitled customer behavior disrupts both the workplace and the overall customer experience. When the loudest and most problematic individuals get their way, it often leaves respectful customers feeling overlooked.

3. It Doesn’t Encourage Constructive Dialogue

The mindset suggests that businesses should always yield to customer preferences, even when they are wrong or misinformed. However, customers are not always experts in the products or services they are purchasing. The adage discourages businesses from offering valuable expertise and guidance, leading to unsatisfied customers who are often misled by their own expectations.

4. It Neglects Long-term Business Success

In an effort to satisfy every customer's immediate desires, businesses can lose sight of their long-term goals. Trying to meet unreasonable or impossible requests may compromise product integrity, quality, or even the overall brand image. When companies overly cater to customers at any cost, they risk burning through resources and compromising the standards that actually attract loyal clients.

Alternative Approaches to Customer Service

Recognizing the flaws in the “customer is always right” approach doesn’t mean dismissing customer service altogether. Instead, businesses should adopt a more balanced, people-centered model that fosters respect for both employees and customers. Here are some alternative ways to think about customer service:

1. Prioritize Empathy and Understanding

Instead of putting the customer on a pedestal, focus on understanding their needs and concerns. Empathetic customer service involves listening to customers without judgment and working toward solutions that satisfy both parties. While the customer may not always be “right,” their concerns should always be heard, and their problems taken seriously.

An empathetic approach not only leaves customers feeling valued but also allows employees to establish boundaries and guide customers to more realistic expectations.

2. Support and Empower Employees

Companies should equip their staff with the authority and tools to handle difficult situations. Empowered employees are more likely to resolve conflicts quickly, reduce stress for everyone involved, and create a positive atmosphere. Employees who feel supported by their management are more likely to go the extra mile for customers, leading to better service in the long run.

Creating policies that protect workers from abuse or unreasonable demands not only benefits employees but also leads to more sustainable and fair customer service.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Not all customer demands are reasonable, and that’s okay. Businesses should set clear policies on what can and cannot be done, both for the protection of the company and its employees. When boundaries are communicated effectively, customers are more likely to respect them. Companies should focus on creating realistic expectations for what services they provide, ensuring that the experience is transparent and fair.

4. Value Constructive Feedback Over Entitlement

Encourage a culture that values thoughtful feedback rather than capitulating to every complaint. Customers who provide constructive criticism help businesses improve, while those who simply complain often lead to rushed or unsustainable fixes. Engage in meaningful dialogue with customers to understand their perspective, but don’t allow negative voices to overpower reason.

5. Foster Long-term Relationships Over Short-term Satisfaction

Instead of focusing on immediate, transactional satisfaction, businesses should aim to build long-term relationships with their customers. This means offering consistent, high-quality service and being willing to say “no” when necessary. Businesses that prioritize integrity and honest communication will foster a loyal customer base that values the company's approach, even when things don’t go perfectly.

Conclusion

The phrase "The customer is always right" is increasingly out of touch with modern realities. A healthier, more sustainable approach to customer service acknowledges the value of employees, sets clear boundaries, and fosters mutual respect between customers and businesses. By shifting away from an outdated, one-sided mindset, businesses can create more meaningful relationships with both their employees and their clients, leading to long-term success and satisfaction for all.

A different approach and application to personal digital data gathered passively (digital footprint)

• Who owns it and controls how it is used for the benefit of the individual and society as a whole?
• Can this data show something about a person subconscious?
• Can this data be applied to help people make better, benevolent choices more than just choices that are consumeristic and political?

I think there are a lot of possible applications but I will focus on career decisions and career development.

The closest thing to this is personality assessments such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. The problem with these types of assessments is they gather data based on how a person is thinking or feeling at one instance of time. It also relies solely on how a person thinks about themselves and really has little connection with a person's actions in real life. It also seems to pride itself in being something that doesn't change. It doesn't take into consideration, as an instrument, that people change.

Because so much of a person's life is lived online, the data gathered through digital means could very well be applied to give a clearer picture of who a person is and how they spend their time, the actions they take, the things they are interested in, and generally the choices they make. Google's motto of "Don't be evil" is fine, but I think it really misses an opportunity to do some good for people beyond providing goods and services and even to some extent, the data/information. Because the waters are muddied by the fact that Google profits by using your personal data, it might make it hard to convince users to provide more data willingly even if the promise was more about improving life. 

The general public doesn't understand what is "out there" about them-- what kind of data marketers (data mongers) have and what kind of inferences are made about that data and how that data is used to sell them stuff or even a bigger deal change their way of thinking. I see this as not only a problem but a missed opportunity. If a user allowed data to be taken about them and they were able to see all that data and in most cases control what data becomes their "profile" the conversation can change from that of capitalism to that of "Who am I?" It makes for a more thoughtful and introspective approach. "These are the actions I make on a regular basis. Are they leading me to who I want to be?" And from there, open themselves up to suggestions and information through technological means that can point them in the right direction. The conversation changes from "what do I want to have" to "what do I want to become."

What do you think? Am I making sense? Do you think technology and data can facilitate this kind of change in people? Do you think people would want this?

An original poem, written by me.

Simple Career Centered Design

Writing a General Cover Letter

As a career coach, I will get asked by job seekers about how to create a general cover letter. This is the wrong question to be asking. Cover letters should not be general. They should be specific. If you are applying for a specific job or at a specific company, your cover letter should be tailored according to the job description and/or the company. Tailoring your cover letter should not step on the feet of personal authenticity and integrity. If you don't have a job description or a specific company you are applying to, your cover letter should be specific to the unique value that you can add and the specific interests/goals you have. Your cover letter should represent your personal brand.

Should I Write?

Should I Write?

If the things you want to write always come out sad, do you, should you, continue to write? If the things you write don't seem to have value, is that a reason to stop writing? Is there any way to ensure that what you write will be positive and of value? I think the important thing is to continue writing. I am saying this to myself because I don't have any authority to say it to another person. I am that person who talks himself out of writing because of time or laziness or lack of anything to write. But those things are simply not true.

Write Regardless of Outcome 

Writing and to be more more general creating, needs to be done regardless of the outcome. Once you have something down, you can go from there. With that being said, there is a second part that can take writing to the next level and that is editing and sharing. Those things are what has the potential of adding value to another person.

Write to Add Value

Writing in the first place, and just writing for the sake of writing, can have value for the individual writer, but editing and sharing are what makes it possible to add value to another person. One of the benefits of writing is that it gets things out of my mind. Another benefit is that writing creates an action. Creating action overtime is required if you want to have habits. I need to formalize and stick with the habits I want to have in my life. Writing is one of those habits. I can say that it doesn't matter what I write, and that may be true in the beginning, but beyond that I need to create and write in a value-added way.

It is good to write, it is better to write every day, it is best to write things of value every day.

Write to Become A Better Writer

If I learn to write good sentences. And then learn to write good paragraphs. And then learn to write good papers. That is one way to look at becoming a good writer. Something else that I can add into this is learning to begin with the end in mind in my writing, but also with all other things I do.

So there are a number of reasons I could write:

1. For me, writing can be a form of planning. So that could be the first thing. 
2. For two, writing can be a form of something to add to a blog and 
3. (three) show/demonstrate that I am a good writer. What other reasons are there? 
4. I could write to create a journal of my experiences and thoughts (four). 
5. I can write to think or organize my thoughts (five). Most of my writing, especially in this system has come under that reason. 

Begin Writing with the End in Mind

Determining the reason before I start writing can affect what I write. If I am just writing to organize my thoughts, it might be appropriate for me just to write, much like a brain dump of sorts. If I am writing to share, I might be a little more methodical and focused. It would be good to remind myself before I write, the reason I write as well as remind myself after I write, why I wrote.

Review What You Write 

After writing, it would be beneficial because I can determine what action to take next. Most of the time, especially if I am working on (1) improving my writing or (2) making a record that I or someone else will read again, I will need to re-read what I wrote. I can add paragraphs, fix sentences and generally make what I write more readable. I can also add it to a blog or place to post. That will take a bit more effort because I talk myself out of posting and sharing the things I write. I need to remind myself that it is OK to share what I write even if it isn't perfect.

My Daughters

I have two of the cutest daughters on the entire planet. I am not sure how I am so blessed. They are funny and smart. I am glad they like each other. I really hope they grow up liking each other too. It is a sad thing to see siblings that don’t get along. I would think with as close as they are in age that they would be friends. I really wonder what kind of parenting encourages (or discourages) siblings being friends. I am lucky to have the girls I have, but I also think my girls are lucky to have each other.

Why and How I Write

I know that writing is really something that helps me. It helps to organize my thought. It helps me to clear my mind. It helps me to feel accomplished. It helps me to not waste time. It helps me to understand what I am thinking. It helps me to remember what I am thinking. It helps to come up with ideas that are hopefully good enough to share. It helps me to work more diligently. I really don't have any good reason not to write everyday. I seem to be pretty good at making excuses. I have had a few times that I have run out of things to write, but that doesn't happen very often.* And lately I have had tons of things to write and tons of ideas that I would like to remember and tons of good things that I happened to me.

I have set up for my web browser (Chrome) to open up to 3 pages.

One of the pages is http://www.dailytodo.org. This is a site that is basically what it says. You create a list of daily things you want to do and then you track it and it shows up over time. I just recently found it.

Another page is http://750Words.com. This is a site that is also very simple. It tries to encourage you to write 750 words every day. I have been on the site for a while, but I have a difficult time getting up to 750 words, mostly because it takes a while and I have distractions that get in the way.

The third webpage is http://writeforten.com (which is the site I am writing this on). I am more likely to write on this page because I know how long it will take me to write and I can focus (fairly) easily for 10 minutes.

*If you ever feel like you would run out of things to write about, I suggest checking out http://www.plinky.com. There are daily prompts to write about that are usually pretty good. I have set up to be notified each day and even though I rarely write about the prompt, I use it as a conversation piece.

Tomorrow I will be graduating with my Master’s degree. I am pretty excited.

5 Blogs Featuring Great Artists & Illustrators

I follow quite a few blogs and I don't usually have time to read every word of every blog. It is nice to have a few blogs that deal mainly in pictures rather than words. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Matte Stephens http://matteart.blogspot.com/
2. MATTIAS ADOLFSSON http://mattiasa.blogspot.com/
3. iotacons by Andy Rash http://iotacons.blogspot.com/
4. INCIDENTAL COMICS http://thoughtballoonhelium.blogspot.com/
5. ABSTRACT COMICS http://abstractcomics.blogspot.com/

I considered writing a description of each of the blogs, but pictures speak louder than words so go to the blogs and let me know what you think. What are your favorite blogs with art and illustration?

Creativity is just connecting things

Music Memories: The Early Years

Music Memories  is a series of blog posts that include musical memories and the role that music has played in my life. To see other posts in this series, click here.

The earliest memories of music that I have of music include record players and cassette tape players or maybe the voices of my mom and dad.

Care Bear’s records at my parents house

I remember in kindergarten singing “This Land is My Land” or was it “America the Beautiful”... (maybe both). Mrs. McDougal talked about the lyric about purple mountain majesty and showed us all a picture of the mountains that seemed to be purple. In that class we also listened to records about different personified letters of the alphabet.

I was in a singing group which was called Talent Sprouts for 8 years starting when I was 3 or 4 years old. I remember a couple of songs that we used to sing.

When I was little I remember quite a few Wee Sing cassette tapes. I also remember a few videos that my brother and I used to watch with my cousins, especially Wee Sing in Sillyville and Wee Sing The Big Rock Candy Mountain.

I also probably listened to and sang many songs from the Children’s Songbook, but I don’t have any specific stories or examples.

Music Memories: The Influence of My Dad

Music Memories is a series of blog posts that include musical memories and the role that music has played in my life. To see other posts in this series, click here.

My Dad has been a big influence in my life. Especially musical influence. My dad loves music and some of that love for music has brushed off on me.

The first concert I went to was Boston with my dad. My aunt Lana bought tickets. We had floor seats. Everyone on the floor stood up the entire concert. I was 12 or so and not very tall. I couldn’t see a lot of the concert. But I do remember a cool spaceship thing above the stage that was lowered down and it moved. I also remember an organ solo.

My dad listened to the Beatles a lot growing up. I am a big fan of the Beatles, especially Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The first album I remember owning was given to me by my father. It was Weird Al Yankovich in 3D. He gave to my brother a best of Men at Work CD. I also remember convincing my dad to buy me a collection of cartoon theme songs.

Riding in the car and listening to music with my dad is fun. He knows a lot of music and will sing along and even harmonize with many songs.

Other musicians that I claim to know about and love thanks to my father include: The Who, Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Elton John, The Cars, Pink Floyd, Wings, and many others.

Huntsman Holiday Card Contest

I created the Holiday Card in a very short amount of time.

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business is doing a Holiday Card Contest. The school is looking for holiday cards that they can use... I suppose to send to alumni or whomever they feel like. Students create a holiday card and upload it via a Facebook app. Then people will vote for the card that is the best. I wasn't going to participate in the contest, but late Sunday night I noticed a Twitter post from the Huntsman School say their was only 45 minutes left to enter, so on a whim I decided to create the greatest holiday card the world has ever seen. 


(You can vote for my card here.) 

I used a picture that I had drawn in the margin of one of my notebooks that I had colored and scanned. Then I used the built-in Creative Kit in Google+ to play with some of the color and contrast settings and add text. Here is my finished product/submission: 

If you would like to vote for my submission to win the prize, you have until Friday, December 9. You can vote once every 24 hours. I have decided that if I win the grand prize, I will send a holiday card to everyone who voted for me. Here is the link to vote: http://bit.ly/vF8hJK. Thanks in advance.


And happy holidays.

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

I have never written a novel. But that doesn't mean I can't try.

I just signed up for National Novel Writing Month (http://www.NaNoWriMo.org).

One time I started writing a novel. I wrote the beginnings on one of those free notebooks that they have on side tables at hotels. I think I kept what I wrote, but I don't know what I ever did with it. I bet the idea was worthy of a best selling novel.

Have you ever taken part in NaNoWriMo? Do you have any advice for writing a novel? My friend Jen (who invited me to take part in this - Thanks) gave me the advice to don't edit, rewrite, or criticize until the month is over.

I think this could be fun.

Everything's Going to Get Better

That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved. -Ralph Waldo Emerson