The Value of a Hand-made Gift
Elon Musk doesn’t have enough money to buy a few possessions I own because they are hand-made works of art created especially for me. One collection of such art hangs in our dining room; three hand-woven towels hanging on the rungs of an old wooden ladder. These were...
The Jim Brown Library: Part 2
Jim Brown grew up in San Diego, the son of an unassuming sailor and World War II veteran, Mike Brown. Mike was known as a man who could catch fish anywhere, at any time, and passed his love of the sport on to Jim. One favorite destination for them was Lake...
The Legacy of a Fly Fishing Library: Part 1
My father said you could understand a person by looking at the books in their library. When my Dad passed, I inherited that which he considered his most valued property; his library. Recently, I received the treasure of another man's library, Jim Brown of San Diego,...
For Pete’s Sake: A Tribute to Pete Hampton
Today, I’m changing the meaning of the phrase, “For Pete’s sake.” Usually, that phrase is spoken in exasperation or frustration, like the time my brother took the saw from me because I was cutting a crooked line and he said, “For Pete’s sake, here, let me do that.”...
A Marriage Proposal at a Service Project: Two Huggable Heroes You Need to Meet
How many marriage proposals have you heard about that happened at a service project? Well, here is one to warm your heart. Recently, at The “Brighten Your World” Sunshine Team Summit for the nonprofit I work for, The Outreach Program, Donald Dawes proposed to Cara...
The Grandkids Start Our Own Farm and Ranch Tour: 1st Stop, the Flaharty Family!
It is almost unbelievable, but true, that 16 million Americans think chocolate milk comes from brown cows. The more time passes, the more removed our children and grandchildren are from the land, and people, that feeds them. I want to do my part to ensure my grandkids...
An Open Letter to Farmers
Dear Farmer: You are my huggable hero. You might think your life is normal, perhaps even boring, but for millions like me on the outside looking in, we think you’re extraordinary. For those of us who are not farmers, we drive past your swaying wheat fields and hum...
Customer Service on Steroids
There is good customer service then there is customer service on steroids. Let me tell you a story about the latter. I ordered a package to be delivered on a certain day before I left town the following day for travel but was nervous about receiving it because it...
10 Lessons I’m Glad My Father Taught Me
My Dad has been gone for more than 30 years, but the lessons he taught me my first 26 years have guided me through life. Here are 10 lessons he taught me: Faith is more important than religion - My Dad was hungry to know God and to interpret all of the circumstances...
Farmers: People who Make America Great
America was founded by farmers and I vote we turn it back over to them as soon as possible. I'd be happy to vote for a guy or gal in Levi's and a Stetson or bib overalls compared to a greasy politician. The vast majority of the new arrivals to early America were...