Be remarkable ..

Photo by Teresa

Photo by Teresa

This photo is intense. Teresa took it along The Stillwater River on a recent hike. That red maple leaf contrast so beautifully with the rocks and the water. Other leaves are dull, and blend in. I love this picture! 

This photo reminded me of several blog posts by Seth Godin. Like the red leaf in this picture, when you do your best work, you too will stand out and be noticed. Be it your work, your attitude, or your approach to life, standing out requires an intentional effort. Seth calls this doing something worth making a remark about. It’s about being remarkable. It is easy to ‘fit in’, but to ‘stand out’, and be remarkable takes effort.

Shortly after I accepted my 1st job out of college, I transferred to work in the Electrical Systemes Engineering Department at Hobart Corporation. I worked for this bright electrical engineer. He was not flashy, but he was (and is) remarkable. His ability to understand very complex problems, and find elegant solutions to those problems left an impression on me that impacted me and my approach to engineering. His work was always remarkable, and his attitude was focused and clear. He was an amazing mentor, and a great friend. 

Sometimes you find people that try to stand out by being a jerk. That’s not remarkable. We have all encountered jerks. Move past them, and make a  difference. Do something remarkable today. 

~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab. 

Learn, adapt, and change

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If you take the bike trail from Piqua, to Troy (Ohio), you will cross this bridge. On the southern edge of PIqua, this bridge has been repurposed to be a walkway for bikers and runners .. and people like me, trying to stay close to Mother Nature.

I don’t know the history of this bridge, but I believe it is special. It’s not beautiful, like the Robert J Shook Bridge that is about 4 miles to the south. It is functional, but its not unique in it’s structure .. many bridges use this design. 

So what is so special about this bridge?

Its has stood the test of time .. it’s weathered many years of heavy loads. It has been repurposed and by doing so it has stayed relivelant.  

I have spent my career doing this. Going to school at nights, taking on special projects, learning on my own time by reading and tinkering. Learning is the key to adapting .. and adapting is the key to dealing with change and moving forward.

What we have here is a key to a long and happily life: Learn, adapt, and and be willing change.

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab. 

Curves in the road

Photo by Teresa somewhere between Urbana and Piqua, Ohio.  

Photo by Teresa somewhere between Urbana and Piqua, Ohio.  

When I was young, I remember being told that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The reality is the road we call life is not always straight. Health, money, relationships .. the good and the bad - curves in the road. I believe a bit part of life is how we respond to the crazy curves puts in our road. They often enter our field of vision when we believe we are least able to take them. Perhaps at a low point, we we feel down and depressed. 

Adapting, not simply accepting, is one of the keys to taking the curves. When I was learning to drive, I recall a habit I had of accelerating as I entered into a curve. The instructor would remind me to slow down before I entered the twist in the road. Learning to corner: how to use the breaks, and how to accelerate out of the curve is empowering. It allows us to move forward gracefully, and find more happiness. 

Enjoy the day, and the drive!  

 ~ Rick

 

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab. 

Finding peace

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This picture speaks to me deeply today. Sometimes when I can’t sleep due to stress or a mind on overdrive, I reflect on scenes like the one captured in this photo ... nearly still water, a clear, warm and embracing sky. It is peaceful, while holding the promise of a warm sunrise. The promise of another day, and another adventure.

The news of the past day was full of sadness and loss. Embrace those you love, and find peace in experiencing today! We can do better, together. 

~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab. 

Reflections on life ...

Overlook Pond at Stillwater Prairie Reserve (23 Sep 2017)

Overlook Pond at Stillwater Prairie Reserve (23 Sep 2017)

Life is filled with beautiful moments, as well as difficult times. This thing we call life is the sum of all of these experiences and moments. Stop and reflect on the big picture .. enjoy the beauty, accept the challenges, and never give up. Hugs!  

 

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab