ROL: Seek Inspiration.

ROL (Return on Life) is a weekly post. ROL is the life style enhancing metric similar to the business measurement ROI (Return on Investment). Just as ROI increases with incremental additional investment generating large gains, ROL is about small life change strategies that can provide significant increases in quality of life. Today's ROL is about seeking inspiration.

" I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately I am inspired at 9 o'clock every morning." - William Faulkner

I enjoy blogging. Sharing my thoughts is my pleasure. When I express my self so clearly that others find a reason to comment, I'm absolutely over the moon. Of course, since I've set two regular weekly features (ROL, Weekend Magazine) and now post five times a week my joy is equal parts trepidation. Many times I go to bed Sunday night unsure of where the Monday post is going. (Hopefully, it doesn't show in my writing). Still, I find a way to make it through the 5 posts a week (No picture lined up for Weekend Magazine, yet).

source: morgueFile

Even though I don't know any brain surgeons, composers or ditch diggers, I'll bet it's the same for brain surgeons, composers and ditch diggers. I do have dinner prep responsibilities 5 days a week and I can tell you I am not always inspired to deliver a meal at dinner time. Still five nights a week, there is something tasty, filling and nutritious (OK 2 of 3) served for dinner. Why? Because there isn't a better alternative.

Anything worth doing requires persistence and discipline. Many choose the inspiration/perspiration formula. I prefer to think that success is as much about attitude as it is about aptitude. No matter which metaphor you choose, it's easier to find your muse when you routinely search for a spark.

How do you find regular inspiration to produce whatever you need/want to produce? Or do you just wait for a moment that moves you?

The Company We Keep.

Alleged serial child rapist Jerry Sandusky has hired another member of the Penn State family as his lawyer. Attorney Joe Amendola knocked up a 16 year old client. I can't wait for the list of character witnesses.

Everything Old Is...Just Old.

The last couple of weeks have been nice. I've had the chance to spend time with Little Suzy. Halloween, Doughnuts for Dads and just hanging out with Play-Doh has been really good. Suzy is on the express for eight years old. Mario was different (I know they're all different) at seven,  with the ensuing Asperger's diagnosis just down the road.

source: Wikipedia

Saturday, Suzy was doing her Play-Doh thing at the kitchen table while I was cutting vegetables for crock-pot stew. T.V. was in a time-out due to a joint venture between Suzy and Mario. I took the opportunity to indulge and queued up "Beatles For Sale". The boys hadn't even reached the bridge in "No Reply" when Suzy said, "Dad, why don't you play music kids like, like the stuff on Bob-FM." Bob-FM is the local we're so cool we play whatever we want format station.
     I said, "Suzy, they play the Beatles on Bob-FM".
Suzy said, "No they don't."
     "Suzy", I said, "Everything they play on Bob-FM started with the Beatles".
Suzy said, "No it didn't".
At that point I stopped talking and enjoyed the music.  Later, Little Suzy said, "Eight Days A Week doesn't make sense. Everyone knows there are only seven days in a week." At that point my head blew up.

I realize Suzy is still too young to understand that much of what we see, feel and hear is based on what others have seen, felt and heard before us. I assume as Little Suzy grows, she will gain perspective. Then again, she might subject her kids to the musical stylings of "Lemonade Mouth."