It's a typical Sunday morning. I'm up early doing "fun" work, Sheila's still asleep and Molly's curled up on her bed in the corner. I love the quiet and peace that seems to come with Sunday mornings. The house is silent, it's cold outside - a bone-chilling fifty degrees and my old buddy Bob Nunn sent me a picture of his backyard on the Jersey shore after I complained about the weather! It's one of those days when all is right in our world - not the whole world, just our little corner of it. Over the past couple of weeks a few old friends have popped up, Bob being one of them. It's Sunday morning and being reflective, I started thinking about the friendships over the years and how they make this business special. This is a great industry for making lasting friendships. First, there's the common interest in imaging and everyone's mutual love for the craft. Second, so many of us have multiple companies we've worked for in the past, and with each new career path another circle of friends and associates have come into our lives. The longer you're in this industry the more those circles start to overlap like the Olympic rings! Third, we all go to the same conventions, workshops and rubber chicken dinners! Every year there are opportunities to connect face to face. Last but not least, social media has changed our lives. For me it's become the mortar that holds us together. It's the way we keep track of many of the ups and downs in each other's lives. As sappy as it might sound, it's also the way we laugh and cry together when we're thousands of miles apart. A few years ago we started a "Friend Wall." It all started after a trip to AZ and staying with Michele Celentano,and her husband Paul for a few days. When we got home we started a new tradition - a grab shot with close friends when we're together. The wall has become a daily reminder of how lucky we are and brings back a lot of smiles. And there's my entire point this Sunday morning. It's our friends, both old ones and new ones we make along the way who give our lives a better sense of purpose! Over the years I've been accused of being the perpetual optimist and somebody actually thought they were insulting me when they called me "the industry cheerleader." Well, it's a title I take seriously, and if nothing else I'm a perfect example of that old line about, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Like so many of you, I love what I'm doing and while it's not always easy, it's never without passion. So, on this beautiful crisp morning in south Florida, I'm wishing you a perfect Sunday. A day filled with the time you need to remind a few good friends how much you love having them in your life, and time to kick back and smile with a big stupid grin like Alfred E. Neuman. Don't worry about work today - it'll all be there tomorrow. Hug whoever's near you right now and make it a day to remember - not because you have to do anything exciting but because you're taking the time to appreciate everything in your life right now! I shared the perfect quote for today on Twitter a few minutes ago... Sunday clears away the rust of the week! Happy Sunday everybody and don't forget those eleven-second hugs!
1 Comment
Tina Rusiski
12/11/2017 05:50:45 am
Wow, Skip...this is SO true, and so timely in a rather uncanny way!!! I am now visiting my son who just moved to Bradenton (works at the Apple store in Sarasota) and I was just talking about you yesterday to him, and giving him the details of the AMAZING photography seminar you presented at Derry Area Middle School way back in 2003 with your dear friend Terry Deglau. I often wonder how many young lives you two incredible Photo wizards inspired that day. And...yes, I can see why you love this beautiful area...it really is a little piece of paradise. Thank you for ALL you do as our beloved Industry Cheerleader! Keep on cheering everyone on’
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