Never Give Up

Someone with more wisdom than I will ever have noted, "Unproductive worry, like Parkinson's proverbial law, tends to expand to fill the time available." I have succumbed to this experience recently. Not sure where my various business efforts were leading--possibly into a dark corner somewhere to die a quiet death, I found myself nearly ready to throw in the towel on it all and join the masses in working for someone else in a mind numbing job (if I could find a job in this economy) that I had no passion for. After all I reasoned, "I have to make a living and take care of my family, finish the house I am building, etc., etc." While those are imperatives in my life, I woke up this morning with a Marilyn vos Savant thought on my mind: "being defeated is often temporary, giving up makes it permanent." I am not a quitter and I am going to see this through. But I also remember reading a saying on the wall of a test pilot's office back in my flying days that I am sure you all have heard: "If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got." I won't give up, but I have to get better at changing to meet the challenges. And I have to do it with humor and panache. Check out the "never give up photos on this site--they will raise a smile and a few wow's:

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/04/never-give-up-crazy-logistics-issue-8.html

So when I boil down the essence of Byblos Press, its Byblos Media division, the Treasured Principles experiment, and the other enterprises I own, they all have several things in common: 1) me (and my passion for these things), 2) similar philosophical goals of each company: connection (online and person-to-person), presence (removing social distance), and making meaning within a context, and unfortunately, 3) little or no funding... I will figure out how to make these issues work for me and I will keep you informed as to my progress. If you have any thoughts, let me know.

Greatness and Humility

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This quote has found its way into Nelson Mandela's 1994 Inaugural address, the Akeelah and the Bee movie, and countless blogs. It was originally written penned by Marianne Williamson in A Return to Love

There are days when I feel myself shrinking as the thought suggests, but there are other days when I feel just plain inadequate--no shrinking, no fear of greatness, just frustration at not being what I know I can be. I have been this way for most of my life--yet I have accomplished some great things for me. I have a wonderful, actually incredible family. I have a few degrees from institutions of higher learning, successful career, business leader, coach, scoutmaster, community and religious leader, published some books, some music albums, well traveled..., well you get the picture. But I believe this is all so very relative to what is really important. Some of the greatest people I have known are barely literate, or have had to work as a maid in a foreign country to keep her family fed at home, or have sacrificed their life for their child. They know the secret of overcoming this fear of failure: "Should there be anyone who feels he is too weak to do better because of that greatest of fears, the fear of failure, there is no more comforting assurance to be had than the words of the Lord: 'My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them'" These are the heroes I hope people offer for the Treasured Principles site. We all know the celeb names--and nothing against them, but I hope we can also celebrate the quiet champions of greatness that overcome the world everyday in their unique ways.

The companion thought to Williamson's words of counsel might be Kazuro Okakura's observation: Those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in themselves are apt to overlook the greatness of little things in others. So when we are trying to let our light shine for the right reason-- to liberate others, let's not forget that our light is merely a reflection of a higher light--not of our making and that we should celebrate the light of others--knowing its true source.

Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all. ~William Temple In releasing ourselves from that self thinking, we are able to give the one thing we can truely give. Neal A. Maxwell, said it this way: "The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we 'give,' . . . are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God's will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!" That is how to let our light shine, show greatness, be humble and teachable.

Long Live the Art of the Book

Warning, Warning!!! Soap Box diatribe ahead...

http://www.webinknow.com/2009/02/does-a-new-literacy-call-for-a-new-book-model.html

Interesting thoughts in the linked article, but this would be a tragedy..., to replace a book with basically a website, in print or digital... although over half a million Kindles have been sold since the Christmas shopping season... Geeks and the tech savvy would not consider me one of their own, but IT in particular does not scare me and in most cases I happily embrace it. Information is important, but it's not just about the information and the efficiency. Or is it? Maybe more is said with less construction, but you have to think--the suggested layout and content might be the lazy way--the basic tech way, but not the artistic and pure science way. Remember why the world was falling apart in the first book of Asimov's Foundation Trilogy? Nobody knew how to think anymore or what the human or pure science foundations under the tech were. Not every thing should be boiled down to a tech manual. I can just see To Kill A Mockingbird in this suggested style; the publisher could put a "contact us" link to the NAACP, or the KKK, or PETA (someone is going to kill a bird!?) depending on the reader's viewpoint, and a video of scenes from the movie, and links to other books written about this subject and about travel to the South, and of course some ads focused on the behavioral research on the type of person who would read this book, maybe a coupon for Expedia... Wow, really makes me want to curl up by the fireplace (a digital one on my computer screen of course) and get into the story.

I will die loving books and the simple art of the word and what is said and not said in the white space between the words and if I really think about it, the letter font and the binding and the dust jacket (all really great books have a hard cover edition), and handwritten notes and fountain pens and different types of ink and handmade paper and the art and tactile nature of it all... (And a few people that follow me on Twitter would probably say--metaphorically speaking, "better off dead.") So, I have published these thoughts on a blog; now isn't that ironic.

Maybe I should just title the article: Sui Generis and say "so be it."

And then there is the library itself. In my personal library in my previous home my daughter had painted the words above the entrance: "When I step into this library, I cannot understand why I ever step out of it." -- Marie de Sevigne. Could a digital library ever look like this?

Check out some of the beautiful libraries of the world at:

http://curiousexpeditions.org/2007/09/a_librophiliacs_love_letter_1.html
You won't be sorry.

Treasured Principles

The Byblos Press sponsored wiki book project is rolling! Check it out at http://treasuredprinciples.com/ The good news is: we have 24 participants so far and already we have some great inputs. The bad news is: we only have 24 participants so far and our inputs seem to be acceptable by all those involved. Either these are the perfect inputs--which is entirely possible, or we have a very homogeneous group--which is also entirely possible. Hopefully this site will expand to new participants with varying backgrounds, different countries, and different paradigms. That's when the fun and learning will really begin.

The premise of this 'experiment" is explained on the home page:
Principles are universal, so let's invite the world to write a book about 365 principles, and principle champions.

Much is said in every society, religious group, organization, nation, etc. about principles. A few of these principles may even be listed, but in most cases, these foundation imperatives are left unlisted, undefined, un-researched, un-justified—and possibly misunderstood. To really understand a principle it is instructive to see it in action through a person’s life—thus the principles selected will be personified by a champion that exemplifies a specific principle.

The outcome of this project, the book, is not a discussion on the origin of principles. Whether we believe that principles are created by God, are the laws even God must follow, are created by nature, or by a rational human consciousness—they do exist. Any high school or college student who procrastinated all semester and tried to cram for the final exam on the last day understands the principle of the Law of the Harvest. It is universal--it applies anywhere, anytime, to everyone. Those who learn to work with principles are more successful and find contentment with life, no matter their situation. Those who continually bang their head against the stonewall of principles are usually frustrated and wonder why. What a great topic to engage the public in dialogue with the goal of coming to a consensus, compiling that work and publishing it for the betterment of us all.

Those who contribute here can have their name published as a contributing author and get the book at cost.

Byblos Press will own and sell the book to the public (those who sign up on the wiki and contribute automatically approve the author’s contract). Any additional profits will be donated to a charity selected and agreed on by the participants.

The public will discuss, make suggestions, and vote on the submissions and Byblos Press will maintain the right to work with the authors on editing final efforts.

I will keep you updated with posts here from time to time as to the book's progress and any interesting things that happen along the way.

Thanksgiving Dinner

I had this blog nearly written, when I lost power momentarily and lost it all. It was a masterful input, full of whit and wisdom. Instead, we are stuck with this entry for which I am only half interested now.... Here it goes:

My family and I attended Thanksgiving with her side of the family in Arizona. With eight other siblings, children, grandchildren and great grand children--it was quite a houseful. I found myself sitting quietly watching the family dynamics unfold and was nearly ready to start writing a book on my observations. It was great to see everyone, consider the sacrifices many made to be there--and then the sacrifices they made while there, from watching the children to early morning hours starting the turkeys (one brother-in-law stayed up all night to smoke a couple turkeys--tasted great). Two of my wife's sibling couldn't make it due to work commitments. They were very much missed. One sister was going to have an operation the next week. Cousins were trying to figure out how to reacquaint themselves. I began to realize that the sacrifices were really sacrifices but statements of love and the stories unfolding before my eyes were probably being played out in one form or another in many many households through out the country. Great theme for another wiki book! I need to get the first Byblos Press Wiki Book rolling first...

So here are a few potential chapter headings for the book I saw this Thanksgiving:

Matriarch Knows Best
Prodigal Brother
Mumbai and Cherry Pie (the terrorist attacks in Mumbai were a part of the conversation over desert--the sad juxtaposition was not lost on us)
Out of Work, Over Worked, and Still Working It Out
Family and Fudge: Mostly Sweet, Some Nuts
Different Flowers, Same Garden
Listening Ears, Trust, Acceptance -- Whatever
Goth, Goethe, and Gastronomy
Today Will Never Happen Again, but Let's Try Next Year

Prisoner of Birth and TSAR

I just came back from a trip where I had planned to read two books. I did some online research on both before purchasing them. I was disappointed with one book (and my faulty research on it). I didn't finish it. The other book I completed and enjoyed it.

The two books were Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer and TSAR by Ted Bell. I didn't complete TSAR because of the foul language, Bell's overstretched efforts to make his hero Hawke bigger than life, and the gratuitous sex and crudeness in language of some situational depictions that I choose not to read. I didn't come across any reviews which warned readers of these issues and so when I went into the book store to pick them up as I was leaving on my trip, I didn't take the time to thumb through the pages and read a few passages. My dumb mistake. For this reason, I will not review the book, but if you are looking for any of the above or if you are trying to avoid it, you are now forewarned.

I enjoy Archer books, even though I wish the author were a little less prideful about his talent. This is as good as any he has written. I enjoyed Kane and Abel and The Prodigal Daughter more, because they were the first books of Archer's that I read, but this was written just as well. Archer provides and interesting twist on Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo. Archer's tale takes place in the UK, on London's East End, in Belmarsh Prison, the posh West End of London, and brief visits to Scotland and Switzerland. Along the way the reader is treated with insights into the details of prison life, class structure and the legal process in the UK, Swiss banks, some really good people and some truly despicable people. There were few surprises, but I found myself cheering on the good guys--especially at the end of the book. Archer allows his hero treat retribution and revenge with the same semantic meaning, which was disappointing, but perhaps that was a flaw intentionally placed in Danny's character on purpose.

Apart from the issues of class structure in the novel, the author does a good job of pointing out that no matter where you are born or find yourself along the path of life, you can be a good person. If you are looking for an enjoyable read, only minimal deep thought, and a chance to cheer on the good guys, this will be a happy purchase.

So I Voted

So I have my “I voted” sticker. I did not go to Starbucks, or Krispy Kreme, or Ben and Jerry’s, however, to celebrate my freedom of franchise, nor to cash in on my patriotism as I have sadly heard some joke. I left the voting booth in deep thought and needed to discuss those thoughts with my keyboard.

I entered the voting booth with my prepared list of yes’s and no’s for the 12 California propositions. I had decided to make a write-in vote for President, but passed on that part of the ballot and voted for local offices with surety. I made it through all the propositions because of my previous preparation in less than a minute. My previous study on the presidential race had left me in a quandary. There are things about both candidates that I greatly respect. There are things about both I don’t like. And then, there are the policies each represents or proposes. Again there are things I like and things I simply and adamantly disagree with. I never understood how a person could “throw their vote away” in voting for a candidate that had no chance to win. I thought I had overcome that feeling and had decided that if the perfect candidate existed for me, I decided I would vote for him or her even if I was the only vote that person got. Then I looked at my ballot and had second thoughts...

For a fleeting moment I had thoughts of leaving my vote for President blank. The words “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote,” came to mind. I do believe Eisenhower’s words that “The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” So I voted.

And, I will support whoever is elected as the chief executive of this country. I remember the statement by another President, Kennedy, that said, “There is no city in the United States in which I can get a warmer welcome and fewer votes than Columbia, Ohio.” I say hurray for Columbus, Ohio for being big enough to support the President, and enough of trying to get things done in this day by pointing out the faults of the other person and party, or automatically dismissing something because the other party thought of it first. Are we Americans first, or party members first?

I know few people more interested, informed, and capable of understanding the complexities of national and global conduct than my mother. Last night we had a discussion about Presidential elections. We both agreed that it was a national embarrassment and a terrible waste of money to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on campaigns. That money could do so much good in so many ways. I mentioned that I was glad and even excited about the election finally being here. Even with my struggles with candidates and policies, I am an optimist and no matter who is elected I believe this country is bigger than one person (even if that person is the President) and as long as the country has our support, that person will do fine. My mom on the other hand feels like she has been burned too many times. The last time she really believed in the candidate was Goldwater. I don’t know whether that means Goldwater was the last good candidate or that from that time on she was no longer living under the influence of her staunch Republican father (party first person second), or her naiveté was lost. I saw this somewhere and had to search for it this morning because it seemed to sum up my mother’s feelings: An unsolicited email arrived which said thanks to those who had voted for Clinton-Gore and among other things: Thanks for making Jimmy Carter look competent, Gerald Ford look graceful, Richard Nixon look honest, Lyndon Johnson look truthful and John Kennedy look moral. So whoever is elected, they owe it to the citizens of this great country like my mom to not jade their outlook on the US political process. A lot of promises have been made that simply can’t be fulfilled. On the other hand, the new President needs to be meek and teachable, yet strong and true to the principles which allowed him to seek and eventually accept the responsibilities of office.

In my last blog I offered up some thoughts about the book, Raintree County. I now take a quote from that book (pp. 44-45): In the year 1826, the Scotch philanthropist Robert Owen founded New Harmony on the Wabash River in southern Indiana. Down the Ohio and up the Wabash came a Boatload of Knowledge÷scientists, artists, and educators imported from the East and from overseas to found a New Moral World in the western wilderness. People were invited to come and join a paradise regained by innate human goodness. The noble experiment lasted two years and collapsed in the usual picturesque wreckage of innate human selfishness and inefficiency. But many gifted people remained and fostered an interest in science and art so much advanced for the place and the period that New Harmony came to be known as the Athens of the West. Among the New Harmonians were students of natural science, and it was one of these who brought to New Harmony the seeds of an exotic tree, which he planted by the gate of his house. Make your own metaphors, but the book itself could be a passionate search of Raintree County—this American experiment, for the raintree—the principles of this great country—the seed of what makes us unique, and teachable, but strong and unwavering.

In an early dream sequence, the tragic protagonist, Shawnessy finds a map of the county, “He was certain that in the pattern of its lines and letters this map contained the answer to the old conundrum of his life in Raintree county. It was all warm and glowing with the secret he had sought for half a century. The words inscribed on the deep paper were dawnwords, each one disclosing the origin and essence of the thing named. But as he sought to read them, they dissolved into the substance of the map.”

As I held the ballot in my hands today, I felt a little bit like Shawnessy in his dream. I wanted to see the answer, but like the Shawnessy hero of Raintree County seeking for his Golden Bough, any certain answer dissolved away. But action in the midst of uncertainty is at least party what faith is all about—so I voted.

As I left the polling place I held the door open for an older gentleman with a patriotic T-shirt on. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” he walked with a cane and stooped shoulders. But behind his aged eyes was a determined stare and he had a smile on his face. He lifted my spirits and confirmed in my heart that I had done the right thing. I have no idea who he would vote for or how he would vote on the issues. It didn’t matter whether I would agree with him or not. He had come to vote again and I had just voted. As I walked to my car I understood anew the scripture in Revelations 3:16: "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." I would not let myself become lukewarm, but rather continue to try to fulfill the requirements laid out in Isaiah 61: 1-3, that I might become my own tree of righteousness.

With editing on my part the words of William F. Buckley (my edits in bold): I will not willingly cede more power to anyone, not to the state, not to industry and commerce, not to the natural man or worse. I will hoard my power like a miser, resisting every effort to drain it away from me. I will then use my power, as I see fit. I mean to live my life an obedient man, but obedient to God, subservient to the wisdom of my ancestors; never to the authority of political truths arrived at yesterday at the voting booth. That is the lure of the Zeitgeist, is it not? It is certainly threat enough for me to keep my conservative side compassionate and teachable, and my liberal side infused with Christian spirituality and a healthy does of individualism. And I pray, the nation free.