Dendroidal

Dendrochronology is a fun word to say and I can use it because I can spell "it". My father had a rule when I was a child that you could not use words that you could not spell. I learned to love to study the dictionary so I could impress my father with my growing vocabulary and spelling bee abilities. Volcanology (also spelled vulcanology) is the study of volcanoes not the study of Vulcans for fans of the original Star Trek series. During my graduate studies for my Master's Degree in Art History, I was able to study dendrochronology and vulcanology (my preferred spelling)as it related to the indigenous cultures of North American and specifically in the Four Corners area of the Southwest. Sprinkle (toss or heave) my ashes into the volcanic sinks of Wupatki National Monument from the top of the Citadel surrounded by the San Francisco Peaks with 360 degree views of Antelope Valley. Breathtaking and soul searching. Nirvana.

"O" is for Oculus

The oculus is a round or eyelike opening. The central boss of a volute. The "O" is for eye. "O" is meant to see, to comprehend, to be the focal point. It is easy to perceive or be perceived. What one sees may not always be what other's see. How we wish to be perceived or received is a matter of our presentation and our ability to be seen. Once you become the center of attention, it becomes difficult to always remain in a good light. Perception can become clouded while deception can blur the vision. How I see myself is the best way to ensure that my projection of same is true and correct. Everything else is just noise.

Hats for You

I love your custom beaver hats. We share our love for all things beautiful. Your beauty is enhanced by the Optimo hats that we have collected for you. Summer and winter we have your head covered.

Love What You Do

"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle." - Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address (2005)

Giving Thanks

There are always many things to be thankful for each year, good health, stable finances, close friends and a loving family. However, this past year has been a year filled with blessings and enlightenment. Darci has recovered from her two BCRA surgeries and I have continued my weight loss journey (40 pounds last year). This year we have decided to become parents with the help of an egg donor and a surrogate. The process has been intense, mind boggling as well as joyous. Darci and I are thrilled to have a child in 2013. Darci is the love of my life and I can think of no better way to express our love for each other than to be parents together. We have also created a new business and new opportunities to solidify our financial future. We are a tremendous team and I adore and admire my beautiful wife. I am so very thankful on this special Thanksgiving.

Toeing the Line

Life is always defined by boundaries. Personal boundaries and legal boundaries. Boundaries need to be respected and boundaries need to be maintained. My on-going personal growth has enabled me to fortify my personal boundaries and remove those toxic people hanging on in my life. I have strategically placed the toxicity outside of my walled boundaries. Shoring up my personal boundaries has been the best investment in my life. Toeing the line makes me healthier and much happier.

Through The Looking Glass

When I see you with your mother, I see a special bond. A special relationship. A mutual respect and admiration for each other. You two are a gift for each other. A Ying to the other Yang. Mother and Daughter. Sisters in life. Your journeys are courageous. Your discoveries are shared. Two lives lived in the best interest of the other. Love personified. Love admired. Love to be appreciated.