viking fridays – raiding party.
August 29, 2008
First things first – this *great* piece of artwork was drawn by Karen JL – thank you, Karen! You must have been a fly on the wall at my triplets’ birthday party this year… it looks just like clumsy old dad putting his foot in it!
Raiding party, you ask? I’ve been away for a while on a raiding party (business), and generally unplugged from my everyday life.
What spoils of war did I bring back with me?
Hmm, let’s see, I have a couple of heads, an eyeball, 92 silver coins, 8 bottles of wine…
Actually, we went out to our sister site in Central Canada, to conduct research into my current area of focus at work. We met a great bunch of people who have unique experiences and perspectives on things, a bunch of people who were willing to share that with us.
So that is something that could be considered a war trophy. Spoils of war. But there was more.
And it wasn’t the 50 percent off t-shirts I bought at the airport, either (though the kids liked those very much).
It was a good time to reflect, to refocus. By good fortune, I met someone who once shared a dream that I now have, and it reaffirmed that dream for me. You see, he has already achieved his dream, through persistence and hard work.
I have met someone not unlike me – who is right now living that dream. He is much like I am, he worked at the same company where I now work, he has many children as do I, and he is now living in the land of his dreams.
As will I.
*Those* were the spoils of war I brought back with me that are of greatest importance. The experiences, the words of encouragement from that man, for he said to keep trying and never give up.
The knowledge that there is someone out there, just like you, who has achieved a dream just like yours, or very close to it.
If you are lucky, you may bump into this person by accident, as did I – if you want to accelerate things a bit, seek out people like yourself. You might find them online, or in your town. They might be someone you’ve already met through blogging, either at your own blog if you have one, or in the comments at another’s blog.
Even if you cannot seek out someone like this – know that you can do it, because someone else has done it.
And now is the time for you to do it.
Lower the sail, grab your oars, row like the wind to attack!
The spoils of war await all with the courage to take them.
How fortuitous is this!! Excellent! What things that cross our path to renew our enthusiasm.
I’ll email you more about this later…
I wonder when I’ll meet my twinner. It’s so obvious you were meant to meet. There are just too many coincidences! It reminds me of that Goethe quote you posted a while ago…
steph’s last blog post..Is It Okay for Me to be Selfish Yet?
PS. Karen: fantastic cartoon!!
steph’s last blog post..Is It Okay for Me to be Selfish Yet?
@steph,
I agree, I crossed path with that person for a reason. As did all of us, out here on the web. You and I met for a reason, for instance.
Interesting, isn’t it…
What a fabulous experience for you! I hope that one day, I’ll have the same kind of fortune and meet my twin. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the wisdom I get from other sources
RL David’s last blog post..Pissing Under the Eiffel Tower
@RL David,
I know! I was quite fortunate. I believe that you also will have that chance.
And I continue to do the same as you, I read words of wisdom that others share (I like your latest post, quite a lot).
Well thanks, I appreciate the compliment!
RL David’s last blog post..Pissing Under the Eiffel Tower
That is so cool Brett.
See what happens when you put your stuff ‘out in the universe’ (Dave is gonna be on my ass…). If you had kept your dream only to yourself I bet that meeting wouldn’t have happened.
Great sign to show you “Hell yeah, it’s possible!”.
@ Steph – Thanks! No Friar so Brett *needs* a cartoon dammit. I figure I don’t have much to offer as a guest poster so maybe I can be a ‘guest imager’.
Karen JL’s last blog post..The Art of the ‘Hook-Up’
@Brett: Indeed. We were meant to meet. Just as Bilbo was meant to find the ring, if I may geek out here for a moment!
steph’s last blog post..Is It Okay for Me to be Selfish Yet?
Karen,
Love your guest image! Superb!
Brett,
Glad you had a nice trip, and made a contact that had such impact. Sounds like you were exactly where the universe wanted you to be this week.
At the “someone not unlike me, living my dream” part I was thinking, the Internet has really been wonderful for me in that regard—then a couple of sentences later, you said so. Yay to that.
Whatever the field, we probably all know someone who’s written a book or a mag article who seems to be a bit father along on the path. A little online digging may turn up a blog or a website, and the stalking of your career mentor begins.
I’m a devoted stalker of several Experience Designers who work with huge client companies. I work with small biz so it’s a bit different, but I learn from their blogs, I share and sharpen my own ideas, and it’s been ultra-beneficial. Love love love raiding the brains of other warriors on the ‘net.
Keep rowing!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Happy Small Business Friday: The Merriment Post
Brett, I am so glad that you had this encounter. Tonight as I sat in front of the computer with mind maps, calendars, and old notes surrounding me, I needed to read this post. Yes, when you are drowning, there is always someone who will throw out a lifejacket. Thank you my friend, can, will, believe.
DId I miss losing the Friar? I really need the Friar back, the world doesn’t seem perched quite right without him. It’s like a few of the lights in the chandelier are burnt out.
Anywho..Karen very nice picture, you do have a nice style.
Brett, If you keep your eyes open you will always find exactly what and who you need to point you in the direction of your dreams.
And we are all here for each other. I know that if ever one of us sent up the help flag the rest would come running, our community is the best.
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Collecting Words of Wisdom
Wendi,
*sigh* I miss him, too. Y’know how I say on other blogs, go take time for yourself, we’ll all be patient?
Turns out I don’t mean it. Not about the Friar. I miss his giggles.
(He’s gonna get a swelled head from this.)
Few lights burnt out: When all but the very last bulb burnt out yesterday, I finally prioritized going in search of light bulbs for the ugly chandelier in the apartment’s dining room. Eek.
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Happy Small Business Friday: The Merriment Post
@RL David,
Hey, you deserve it! I loved that story.
@Karen JL,
I agree completely – this is just amazing. The power of positive thought. The power of sharing your dreams.
And you can be a ‘guest imager’ here any time.
@steph,
By all means, geek out any time! I hope you’re enjoying your nice new laptop. You put up with an unreliable machine for too long.
@Kelly,
I believe so too. Exactly where the universe wanted me to be. And I didn’t even want to go on the trip!
I like that – raiding the brains of other warriors. Keep rowing, indeed.
@Karen Swim,
I’m happy to have been able to throw you a lifejacket. You’ve done the same for me, many times. Can, will & believe for sure.
@Wendi,
The Friar will be back soon – he is well missed for sure. It’s been pretty quiet this week without him!
Funny, isn’t it. Opportunities are always just around the corner, where you least expect them. And I agree, too – this community is something very special.
@All,
Thanks for stopping in to chat – I’ll be heading off to a cabin for two nights around lunch today, and I don’t think there’s a connection there, so carry on and I’ll catch up with you when I return!
Great cartoon Karen! And yay to kindred spirits! (yes, I’m an Anne fan – but resisted her until a Kids’ Lit course in University)
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome’s last blog post..Insecure People are Self-Absorbed and Egotistical
@ Alex, Kelly and Wendi – thanks a bunch! I really appreciate it.
Karen JL’s last blog post..The Art of the ‘Hook-Up’
Brett there’s another guy just like this one you can talk to and you know him very well. He’s your future self. The one who has already made the move and is enjoying the hell out of life. Just sit down with pen and paper and ask him what you want to know. He’ll tell you and he’ll probably ask you want you’ve been waiting for.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Time to Walk Away?
Hi Brett – This is wonderful news. Things always seem much do-able if you speak to someone else who’s already achieved them don’t they? Even better that the other guy’s circumstances were so similar to yours.
I love Tom’s idea to on speaking to your future self. I think I’m going to try it.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..The Power Of Blogging For Business Without A Business
@Brett: loving my new laptop…til 2:am every morning!! Time to get some work done…I even got the EQ edit of the web copy done, just because I wanted to stay on here…
steph’s last blog post..I’ve Been Meme’d
Brett – Tag, you’re it.
Allison Day’s last blog post..Hotate Special, and More Randomness
@Tom,
You know, you’re right – and I’ve done that before, sort of “planning my perfect day”, or “laying out my life goals” – but that’s a hell of a great way to do it. I’m going to try it tonight, when it’s quiet. Thanks for another great idea (you are good at that).
@Cath,
Let me know how Tom’s idea works for you – I think it’s a good one. And it certainly does help to talk with one who’s done it all before.
@steph,
That’s the way it should be! You’re on your way, my friend.
@Allison,
Ack! I’m it! Well, now I have an extra post to write – thanks!
Tom,
I missed coming back to say that is an utterly brilliant way of looking at getting advice. I’ve done the “write a letter to you future self” thing, and the “where do you want to be in five years” thing, but I’ve never thought of asking that future person what’s up. LOVE IT.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Summer Is a Great Time to… Get Some Intelligence
I just got back from vacation (and got the tail end of this).
How about Karen’s cartoon? DAMN…!! She’s GOOD!
Friar’s last blog post..Travels with the Bear: Northern Ontario
@ Friar – you are too kind, sir.
Karen JL’s last blog post..Are Your Cuts Making the Cut?
@ Kelly, Brett & Cath,
When I do that exercise of soliciting advice form my future self I do get a dialog going and just stay with it. I think it works best if you’re an optimist. That way you’re talking to a future self who has enjoyed some confident success.
Another note, I’m not really sure if I’m talking to my future self or to my higher self but what does it matter? It’s a self who knows more than I do at the time. he’s also I guy I really trust to have my best interests at heart.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Time to Walk Away?
@Friar,
Welcome back! I love that picture of the bear (probably the most excitement Wawa’s seen in years…)
@Tom,
It really did work. As I said, I’ve sort of done that before anyway (writing out my perfect day, perfect life etc.) – yet this is a more interesting way to do it.
And as you say, it doesn’t matter if it is your future self or your higher self – just that it’s someone looking out for you.
Brett,
WOW! It appears that you did a tremendous amount of self-reflection while we were sitting here eating bon-bons and missing you.
What you have written is truly inspirational, and the advice that you shared is indispensable. I’m so glad that this trip was a success for you.
Finally, those t-shirts are critical. I can’t go away WITHOUT bringing something home for the babies (17 and 20) even though they tell me to STOP IT already! I can’t. I want them to know that I was thinking of them – no matter where I was, or how busy I might (or might not) have been.
Welcome home!
Rita
Rita’s last blog post..George Washington, the Cherry Tree and Learning “Frum” the Quiz – Part I
Rita,
I sure did, and I continue to do so – it is amazing what you can do when you sit down and talk with yourself.
And thank you, that was very nice for you to say that – I’m glad that you enjoyed what I wrote!
T-shirts… my parents did it for me, and so I do it for my kids… they were all smiles!
It is good to be home…
Hi Brett,
Like this picture! Karen JL is talented.
It’s nice to meet signposts along the way. It sounds like this person was a sign post for you, showing you you’re on the right path.
Hope things are going well. Take care.
Ellen
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..The Disappearing Barns of the Midwest
Hi Ellen,
I was so happy when Karen JL drew that picture – she’s welcome here any time!
Yes, he was a sign post – I know I’m on the right path. I do believe that the path will take me on many back roads, and I don’t believe it will be the most direct route – but that’s okay. Those are the most interesting drives.
Things are going very well for us – and I hope that things are good for you, too, my friend.
-Brett
Brett,
What a happy accident (although I do not believe in “accidents”; I believe that everything happens for a reason). I hope it brings you much success in achieving your dream.
(What will you do with the heads?)
Rebecca Smith’s last blog post..The scoundrels’ dictionary
Karen JL has amazing talent! Wow!
Yes, the people who have achieved my dreams are a great reminder that IT CAN BE DONE! Stay the course. Persevere.
Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywood’s last blog post..Kiss Kiss Bang Bang The Bucket List Goodbye
@Rebecca Smith,
I believe that this pointer will guide me forward – like you, I don’t believe this was an accident. A sign, rather.
The heads, I will pile in the garage next to the soccer net – neatly, of course
@Jaden,
I agree – Karen JL is very talented indeed! We must all stay the course, we must all persevere.
Brett,
How fortunate you are to have found a “mirror” whose reflection was a man who had fulfilled your dreams! Keep the dream alive. The best thing for that is in meeting someone who has shown you that your dreams are realistic!
TRIPLETS????? Dear Lord. If I were your wife, my dream would include your vasectomy!
Rita
Rita’s last blog post..Prophet and Loss Statement – Part II –Surprise!
@Rita,
Oh, I will, believe me. Step by step, inch by inch, we make progress.
Though once the triplets are on the way, it’s too late for the vasectomy…
Brett, dear,
Trust me – it is NEVER too late for a vasectomy!
Rita
Rita’s last blog post..Prophet and Loss Statement – Part II –Surprise!
LOL the heads. An the eyeball? I suppose Halloween is coming …
Rebecca Smith’s last blog post..The scoundrels’ dictionary
@Rita,
LOL with us, it doesn’t matter… (fertility)
@Rebecca Smith,
Oh yes, Samhain is approaching quickly (my fav), but first, Mabon!
(sorry, pagan moment)
Great words of wisdom. Will be re-reading this one for a while!
Jenny’s last blog post..Laughter is the Best Medicine
Jenny,
Thank you very much, my friend. I will also be re-reading it – sometimes one’s own words are the best guidance.
[...] another one I did was for blogging buddy Brett over at 6 Weeks. His whole blog is based around the Fight Club thing (what is it with guys and that [...]