My New Book Title, Astonishment / Torpor, The Return of the Sun, Living a Blessed Life

“Work is about a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying.”

— Studs Terkel

Good morning, my friend. The sun returned this morning; she’s been hiding in the clouds and snow storm these last few days, nice to see her beautiful face. We worked in the morning and then left to meet our G.C. on our home project Matt. We reviewed plans, talked scope, wood, and other details. It’s exciting getting ready to update your home; we plan to be here for a while.

I had some other calls; I’m working with some economic development offices across the country; it’s interesting how different areas respond to requests. Some don’t bother to return a call, but I’m a persistent little feller, I’ll find you eventually. I met my friend Sam to catch up. He was in good spirits; his kids are kicking ass, his company is thriving; it was good to share some time with a mutually optimistic fellow.

It’s September 11th; I’m sure you remember where you were 19 years ago and the horror we all faced that day watching the events unfold. Prayers for the families that lost a loved one and the scar it left on our country; I fear the war in Iraq was a mistake perpetuated by the industrial war machine. That machine seems quieted as of late but is just waiting to return to form.  

I started the process of editing my new book. It’s long, tedious; most of my books are in the 225-page range, this one is a monster clocking in at 540. I’ve asked my graphics person to work on the cover, the work to organize and format my soups into a book takes a few hours; I have a new title since my Queen didn’t like my last. The new working title is The Rule of 8%, and for now, I’ll go with that; it may change a couple of times before the final edits. But right now, I think that is an apt title.

My Queen asked what the rule of 8% is, and I reminded her that it is my rule when vetting humanity. I don’t believe we are all a match, I think we all have a frequency, and my frequency matches about 8% of the population. The other 92% are fine humans, but not a match for me. I used to have a friend that wanted to be liked by everyone; I always thought that was a little silly, I don’t like everyone I meet, and I’m sure others feel the same way.

I think people have a stickiness to them. I meet a lot of people, but not everyone sticks; some I meet with and never connect again; those are the 92% people—kind, wonderful, but not sharing my frequency of creativity, humor, and sense of wonder.  If you are not aware, not everyone is a fan of you, and that’s ok, lean into the fact you are not for everyone, and everyone is not for you.

My 8% know who they are; my 8% is a large gathering of individuals; as an owner of a company, I pick my clients and say no more than yes when seeking new customers. I’m not particularly eager to do business with assholes, and I suspect you might be of a similar mindset.  It’s funny when I meet with a new prospect; they often share their rule of not working with jerks or assholes; it’s usually a clue we will be doing business together in the future.

I’m joining a call of thought leaders this morning, working to become better leaders. I’ve got coffee scheduled with a good friend, then a couple of hours of work before hitting the links for the first time in a couple of years. I’ve organized a foursome, playing nine at a fun course close to the mountain house. I have no idea how I’ll play; I gave up golf when traveling weekly; we will how much rust has formed on these old bones.

Tomorrow we plan to do our morning hike and then connect with our friends at Brooks Place Tavern. We are co-sponsoring their first anniversary, the owners are friends, and we are helping offset some of the expenses to highlight our place in our community. We’ll have our bus, swag, and meet the community whilst listening to some great blues music. We’ve ordered a photo booth to capture some memories and can’t wait to dance, sing, and engage with the folks from Galt’s Gulch.

I learned this morning I should not bet. I’ve never been a gambler, but recently my friend Nate taught me how to be; he’s my bookie, I place bets through his app and then pay him when I lose. Yesterday I bet on the under of 53.5 points in the opening game of the NFL season. The final score was 54, thus putting an end to my betting career. I have no idea what I’m doing; I lost my last $20.00, I don’t need another vice, I’ve got enough on my plate these days.

My Queen just filled up my coffee cup; she’s silly, I believe a woman’s place is in the kitchen barefoot cooking for her man. I remind her of this, and she looks at me and holds up her middle finger. I don’t believe that but like to kid my driven, assertive, mate reminding her of her perceived place in society. She is a force of nature, but also a force of nature that will serve me if asked enough times.

You made it another week; it’s Friday, end strong, get that to-do list wrapped up, kill it so you can enjoy and relax this weekend. Be kind, do good stuff for your mate, kids, and neighbors. Pick up some trash, buy your partner flowers, and enjoy the spoils of your $9.99 grocery store purchase. Start your weekend off with some adult gymnastics; you can thank me later. Get funky, dance, and swing like no one is watching because between me and you, no one is interested in you; they are only interested in themselves.  Be yourself; everyone else is taken.

“Work is about a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying.”

— Studs Terkel