Archive for the ‘Opinions and Observations’ Category

Lifting the Veil of Depression – Peter Gabriel in Concert

Posted: June 24, 2016 in Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
51
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

There have been many memorable events in my life to date and many more to come.  It might not be apparent at the time the impact any one of them would have at the time.  I have never been diagnosed or treated professionally but I find myself dealing with depression from time to time.  It is impossible to know what triggers those feelings and more difficult to see your way out. On one of those times I could not break the cycle.  I had no motivation or inspiration.  In fact, I did not care at all.  About anything.  I had been through similar situations before so for weeks I kept telling myself it would pass in its own time.  I would get through this one as well.  But that was the only positive thought I had.  Life not worth living.  Nothing made me happy or sad. I forced myself through motions and obligations by shear routine.   I seemed like this would go on forever.  It felt unbearable even though most of my friends had no idea what I was dealing with.

I had tickets to see an amazing show under any circumstances, so I went to see Cirque du Soleil.  It is funny how this affected me.  I watched human beings do what seemed impossible even if you could think of the skills in the first place.  Art and amazing physical prowess seamlessly blended together to tell a story with few words.  Strength and perfection only achieved with years and years of unrelenting practice and sacrifice.  It again showed me the potential of mankind.  Dedication, creativity, trust, respect were all required to make this amazing performance happen.  I realized watching each scene that we are incredible beings when we try. That night I started trying again.  I saw the end of the funk that was created by myself – for myself.  I could see again the beauty of life and the result of hard work when things seem impossible.

History sometimes repeats itself. Funny to think of this after my recent event at a concert to see my musical mentor and hero – Peter Gabriel, performing on tour with Sting.  It is so refreshing to know there are others in the world that struggle to be good.  That work every day to promote peace love and all that corny stuff I could not live without.  In their music and through their lives they can impact so many.  I thought I would never be able to see Gabriel perform.  I have come close, but things did not work out. They almost did not work out this time either.  Of all the artists/people in the world, his music, words and projects affect me like no other person on this earth.  I am who I am with his unknowing help and guidance.  I struggle to be better knowing it is possible.

I grew up listening to Genesis and following his solo career.  I am not obsessed and do not own everything he has.  I do not know every detail of his personal life or career.  But I do think I ‘know the man’.  I understand him as a man and not an idol.  We are growing old together.

Sting was also amazing and sang a number of Peter’s songs, and performing his own tunes and some from the days of The Police.  For me, it was precious, unforgettable and one of the greatest musical experiences I have had.

Flowers For Mother’s Day

Posted: May 7, 2016 in Opinions and Observations
Tags: , , , , , ,
49

On this Mother’s Day, I would like to give you flowers.  Well, pictures of them anyway!  Each year our local Zoo and Botanical Garden has a tulip display that is quite beautiful.  The varieties and colors are just dazzling and the background landscape of the Cincinnati Zoo is hard to beat.  We go almost every year and as usual I bring my camera.  It is difficult to say if one flower is prettier than the other so I will let you pick your own.

So for Mother’s Day, have a few flowers from me, and enjoy your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Place for the Living – A Home for the Dead

Posted: May 3, 2016 in Opinions and Observations
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
38
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

In many cities and small towns throughout the globe, there are places where the living take comfort by visiting the dead.  Cemeteries provide a common burial place for relatives, ancestors and the unknown traveler.  Many believe these to be sacred grounds, spaces to reconnect and remember those before us.  For some a look ahead to our own mortality.  The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had a line I often think of from one of their songs called “Buy for Me the Rain”.  It looks at this from a slightly different angle; “Gravestones cheer the living, dear, they’re no use to the dead“.  All are valid thoughts and should be respected regardless of your personal views.   

 In my town there is a beautiful cemetery.  My wife and I have gone there for years to walk, watch spring take back the landscape and follow the seasons as winter inevitably returns. I often bring my camera as I cannot deny the beauty. People come there to paint, jog, stroll, get married and seek a type of peace hard to capture in the surrounding city.  The trees, surrounding lakes and flowers keep demanding our return.  Over the years I have taken many pictures and I would like to share a small sample with you.  This is where my mother and younger brother had their ashes placed, so it is a special place for me in so many ways.  While not intending to capture gravestones or monuments, they are a big part of its beauty.  Tourist attractions often include Spring Grove Cemetery for travelers and those not familiar with the city.  Fall is gorgeous there.  Peace can be felt there.  I hope some of these pictures will give you an idea why it draws so many people again and again. 

 

Perfect Pumpkins and Screaming Contests

Posted: April 18, 2016 in Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , ,
22

I make music and take pictures, but my wife is the creative half of the team.  She does it all.  I have threatened to list her abilities here before but none of us have that much time!  She loves to carve pumpkins during the Halloween season and would other times if pumpkins were around.  We would have the kids and grand kids come over and carve pumpkins in the back yard.  It was so much fun and the kids really loved it too.  She made the mistake of telling a few friends and the next year they invited themselves.  We all had a blast.  I am not great in the carving department so I would gut them for the little kids, make sure music was playing and everyone had a hot drink and a perfect pumpkin to work on.  It was a great family event and each year we looked forward to pumpkin carving time.

It seemed like a harmless mistake.  Friends told other friends.  Each year we had more and more people coming over.  We provided the pumpkins and you could take yours home after showing them off to everyone.  The carving tools got more elaborate.  The patterns and artwork more challenging and the carved pumpkins were AWESOME.  I served more hot drinks, gutted more pumpkins than I could count.

Soon we had more events; we had a screaming contest to see who had the most blood-curdling ear-piercing screams (the little kids were unbeatable!).  We had walnut trees and as a result a walnut throwing contest.  Haunted trails through the woods.

Then came the hay rides!  Not to be outdone, we had a haunted house the next year using lights, fog machines and other equipment from the bands I played in.  People started bringing soup and chili to share so we had contests for the best dish.  We started buying pumpkins by the skid!   It now took almost a month to plan the events and get masks, haunted house, hay rides and everything else ready for the big day.

My wife and I were so busy entertaining that she could no longer take the time to carve pumpkins!  This is why the whole thing started and now she could not carve any of her own.  WE were exhausted by the end of the day and even though we had a great time and everyone loved the event, we looked around and decided not to do it next year.  Or the year after.

Fortunately, friends of ours started their own carving events and we went over to theirs to carve pumpkins for a few years until they moved out of state!

With that in mind, here are just a few of the pictures.  Maybe one day close to Halloween I will post the winners of the screaming contest!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Still Looking – A View of Unemployment

Posted: April 4, 2016 in Opinions and Observations
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
91

unemployment

I joined the ranks of the unemployed the end of January this year.  A number of followers check up and ask me to keep in touch and I promised to do so.  Here are a few thoughts and observations from the unemployment line so to speak.

I worked at my last job for about fifteen years.  Needless to say it has been a while since I interviewed for a job.  To make things a little more realistic, I worked for the same company (but different owners) for about eight years until they filed for bankruptcy.  I found other jobs and a few years later the company built itself back up with new owners and products and I knew people there and was told of an opening.  I interviewed and was rehired immediately.

In fact, I cannot think of an interview I had that did not result in me getting hired.  There may have been a few interviews where I did not want to work for the company or in the available position, but in general, if I got the interview I got hired.

Since I am talking years ago even those experiences are irrelevant.  Today most applications are on-line.  You can upload your resume, and then there are pages of questions, evaluations, tests and responses to complete.  There seems to be a few companies that provide this service for large and small companies that need to hire workers.

Until this week I did not get a real ‘bite’ on my applications.  I use social networks, job blogs, hiring company notifications and other resources.  This week I had an ‘open house’ style interview with one major company and set up a phone interview for another.  Sounds like a good time to report on progress!

I grew into the position at my last job from years of experience, absorbing new tasks, proving I was able to take on new assignments and making things happen.  So I gradually moved into a position that by today’s standards would require a HEAVY and targeted educational background.  Not complaining here. I am actually proud of the success I made.  Add to that that I am a musician first (I would joke that working was my ‘hobby’) and my appearance and philosophy do not fit the corporate image at all.  In spite of all that I gained a lot of respect, responsibility, and knowledge.

I am ‘disqualified’ for a lot of things quickly during the rigid on-line application process.  Either I make too much money for the position offered or I do not have the formal education required these days to do similar jobs.  Add to that my age, and the process often ends abruptly.

Fortunately it allows me to narrow down positions that will be good for me.  I do not need much and in a strange way I can be a bit choosy.  I also have a good track record, and if I can land an interview, I have confidence I will be fairly considered for the position.

I will keep you posted and let you know how it goes.

For those of you also looking, how is your search going?  What is your feel for the current job market?

 

Simple Fascination

Posted: March 21, 2016 in family, Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , ,
43

Below you will see what are probably my favorite pictures that I have ever taken.  For complete disclosure, you will want to know the subjects of the picture are my eldest daughter, Teneca, and her eldest daughter, Mary Jane, so I am admittedly and undeniably influenced.  These pictures were taken a few years ago in a local wooded area that leads to a small and well-hidden city park.  During our walk, they stopped to look at the amazing beauty of nature.  Teaching, sharing, and appreciating the fall paradise.  These wonderful times are available for those willing to look and listening to sounds of creatures all but hidden in plain site.

Seeing the smile, the simple fascination and pleasure of life all around, mixed with love and the comfort of family makes me feel young; glad to be a part of a continuing story.  To have played my part earlier and to watch it played out again.  Nothing but awesome.  I believe we can influence the future of our children’s lives in positive ways when we take the time at an early age.  You just can’t accomplish this in schools or on-line.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

The best that America has to offer?

Posted: March 11, 2016 in Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
63

IVotedStickers640

In my last job, it was my pleasure to report to the president of the company and the Executive Team in regular formal meetings.  My part was to present the thoughts, concerns and suggestions in any and all facets of product, services or communications that interfaced or affected the customer.  John Larson was the president at the time and he formalized this process as “The Voice of the Customer”.

I was to bring up any issues that we heard in the Call Center, Retail Store outlets, Social Media, Live Chat and other communications.  As part of his directive, I would not only give him and the Executive Team perspective from feedback we would hear ‘in the trenches’, but also to offer suggestions to improve customer experience, relieve processing delays or perceived road blocks to any and all customer interactions.  This report included everything from product design, repairs, support, marketing, communications and many other company efforts.

In his wisdom, John Larson realized it was important that everyone in the company understood what we were all there for in the first place, and that each of us had a role to play in how positively – or negatively we impacted our customers.  He understood the Executive Team might think they are successful and doing a great job in their own perspective fields yet still fail miserably in the customer’s eyes.

I bring this up in a political climate where watching the debates (from both parties) leads me to ask two questions from my usual sarcastic point of view;

1) Of all the talented and educated people in this country, are these candidates the best America has to offer?  Is this really the best we can do as a nation?

2) Who speaks for Americans?  I know there are party-faithful people out there but when I listen to the politicians that climb to the top of the heap I realize none of them speak for me.  I have not heard my concerns reflected for a very long time.

I also would like to make sure you understand that I do not ‘buy in’ to the common and fatal cultural mistake of blaming everyone else but me and criminalizing others for our problems.

There are politicians – policemen – civil servants – lawyers – teachers – people of faith – people without formal religious beliefs – immigrants – poor – or rich – that are dedicated, sincere, hard working and unselfish in their attempts to do what is best, even though it is not easy and certainly not appreciated.

I would love to help.  I thought about entering politics at an early age as a noble way to serve my country.  I still do.  But then President Kennedy was assassinated.  Then Bobby Kennedy was struck down and to my horror the list kept growing.  As my last name is Kennedy, that talked me out of politics quickly.  Maybe I let ‘them’ win.  Maybe that is what they wanted.

And here we are.  Voters that believe in ‘democracy’ only as long as they are in the majority.  Only if they continue to control every aspect in our lives and can influence each decision to make sure they fit their beliefs or allow them to benefit from disadvantaging others.  Powerful people that feel it is their option to take as much as they want from whomever they can; because they can.  If you make the laws, you can never be convicted of breaking the law.

Does it make sense to elect more and more politicians from a narrowing list that only includes the wealthiest candidates?  Do we benefit most Americans when the rich only talk to the ultra-rich to decide what policies, laws and directions our nation will take?   Who speaks for Americans?  More importantly, who listens?

Listen to those with other opinions.  They are not your enemy simply because they have a different perspective.  Read more than just ‘bumper stickers’ to make your decision.  Go out and vote.  Pick the lesser of two evils until we get a real choice.

Sunshine Blogger Award – Challenge Accepted

Posted: February 15, 2016 in Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
40

Thank you Solani for the nomination! I appreciate it and I thoroughly enjoyed the process! Vintage Sapience: Old fashioned wisdom. Understanding good sense, discerning intelligence. This says it all.  If only we could find more of these attitudes in the ‘real world’!   https://vintagesapience.wordpress.com/ 

THE RULES:

  1. Thank the person that nominated you
  2. Answer the questions from the person that nominated you
  3. Nominate some other bloggers for this award
  4. Write the same amount of questions for the bloggers you have nominated
  5. Notify the bloggers you have nominated.
MY ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS:

What makes you smile?

So many things.  My children learning and growing.  Solving complex problems even with little or no facts to rely on.  Great music of all kinds and the wonderful comments and support I get on my blog from followers

What do you do to relax?

Playing and writing music.  LONG bike rides or hiking.  Yoga.  For me, physical exercise is a great way to relax as my day is usually focused on mental challenges……

What made you start a blog?

The best way to answer this is to link to an article from my daughter as the catalyst for starting MIDIMike:

https://midimike.com/2015/02/24/a-message-from-my-daughter/

What is your biggest dream?

To be able to travel around the globe and meet members of my blog

What do you expect from your readers?

Mainly honesty.  Sharing thoughts from all over the world that can help open my eyes to things I cannot see on my own.  To allow me to learn from their experiences and           observations.

What motivates you?

Others in need.  Again I love to solve problems.  The desire to make my little piece of the world a better place however I can. To be liked and appreciated by those I love, admire and  respect.

Who/What is the inspiration for your writing?

To let the constant whirlwind of emotions I keep inside out.  To state something in a way so others can see the obvious irony in and around all of us.

 

HERE ARE MY NOMINEES FOR THE AWARD:

http://photographyofnia.com/

https://nicodemasplusthree.wordpress.com/

https://rockandrollsupermom.wordpress.com/

http://elusivetrope.com/

http://tracihalpin.com/

http://bruces23.com/

https://tammymezera.wordpress.com/

https://behinddistantdoors.wordpress.com/

https://denisebalog.wordpress.com/

https://patriceclarkson.wordpress.com/

http://boldblindbeauty.com/

https://michnavs.wordpress.com/

https://nicolesnarratives.wordpress.com/

https://othermary.wordpress.com/

https://redrebelremarks.wordpress.com/

https://mynameisjamie.net 

 

QUESTIONS TO MY NOMINEES:

Question 1  If you won the lottery or became very wealthy, what would you do differently than today?

Question 2  If someone’s ideas clearly opposed your beliefs and needed help defending them, would you help them?

Question 3 If you could tell the entire world one thing, what would it be?

Question 4 Are you a ‘big picture’ person or a ‘detail’ person?

Question 5  Assuming you believed in reincarnation, other than human, what animal would you want to be?

Question 6  Other than a job or something you get paid to do, what do you think is your greatest talent?

Question 7  What was the last picture you took?

Congratulations to all the winners. I can’t wait to read your answers!

Nothing Personal, Your Job Has Been Eliminated

Posted: February 8, 2016 in Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
84

There are many times when there is no time.  Projects get pushed back, things that are important to me get put off.   The things that I love get thrown onto the back-burner or get turned off altogether.  Last week was another one of those, but I would like to let you know why, as I have been off line for a lot longer than I wanted.  I miss you guys.

Last Friday began as a great day.  I go into work on Fridays and the first time I meet co-workers I say “happy Friday” with a big smile.  After years of this it spread throughout the company and everyone greets others with a smiling “happy Friday”.  Ten minutes into the day everything changed.

In the last fifteen years I have worked for the same company.  However, the owners and president have changed many times in that period.   On that Friday morning I was summoned by HR.  Once in the conference room with senior staff I realized this would be my last day and that I was being terminated.  Mergers and acquisitions – nothing personal – your job has been eliminated.  I was escorted out of the building and sent home.  In a weird coincidence, I got a winter cold that day and it got worse as the week went on.  I am still not back to normal but feeling almost human, so I wanted to let you know why I have been out of the loop.

For the first fifteen minutes or so driving home I was quite angry.  By the time I was half way home I was happy to have a day off – made only better by the fact that I did not have to go back to work on Monday.  I love the people I work with.  I love doing what I do – did.  The newest owners took all the joy out of that and it was stressful in so many ways that I came to hate going in.  Problem solved.  Just not the way I wanted to solve this particular problem.

I called my wife and let her know.  I felt it was coming for a while now and we were preparing for this a little bit here and there, but it still caught me off guard.  We have to make some dramatic decisions; income, insurance, bills, resume updates, and on and on.  All when I was really not feeling healthy and energetic.  Moving slow and needing lots of rest.

I am a logical person as I have tried to portray on this blog, but as you all know (great friends that you are) I am also very emotional.  This is what helps drive some of my creative projects – seeing two sides of the same story.  So;

Here I am

Unemployed

Too soon to retire and possibly too old to get another job in a similar position or pay.

Many of us are facing the same thing.  I am not alone in that.  These challenges are everywhere.

When my daughter Alisa came over that day she wanted to show me an older blog post she had discovered from one of my blog friends.  I read the post slowly and so you understand how much of an impact it had.

http://mynameisjamie.net/tag/midimike/

This is one of the most precious and sincere posts I have read.  It hit me hard not only because I truly needed to read this – on THIS day, but the beauty behind it is truly remarkable.  I try every day to affect others as positively as I can.  I want to think that the world is a tiny bit better because I am here.  I don’t know any other way to say this, so I will stop there.

As I read the post and listened again to the attached musical performance I felt more and more.  More of her pain.  More of her wisdom, more of her gratitude.  Each new emotion uniquely tied to a tear as I cried.  A week later while writing this I am again brought to tears.  Many of us have no idea how important our actions – good or bad – affect others around us.  I never wrote a response as my list got longer and longer and less important things took my time and attention.  I will try harder to focus on the important things.  Not as an apology but as a promise.

I am not sure what the near future will throw at me.  I cannot guarantee how much time I can steal for things I truly enjoy and appreciate, but I thank each of you, as you have no idea how important your thoughts, support and comments are to me (and maybe others as well).  Thank you for sharing and allowing me to share with you.  WE are not alone – we are a community.  Family.

http://mynameisjamie.net/tag/midimike/

 

 

 

Multiple Moves – An Experiment

Posted: February 1, 2016 in Opinions and Observations
Tags: , , , ,
18

download

I started a project a while ago; coming from me that usually means decades!  I have worked in a number of manufacturing plants, sales and service positions, you get the idea.  So I have worked with and under a lot of managers.  As I lazily wondered one night which was the best and worst manager I have known, I came up with a simple test and I would like your help broadening the test base.

This is the only question to the managers in this survey;

“Are you a chess player?”.

There are many facets to being a manager or a person that instructs others.  I understand the volume of demand and deadlines they are responsible for.  But the good managers I have known in the recent past have been chess players at some point in their lives and many still play.  I think the reason for this very subjective observation is the ability to plan multiple moves ahead.  And that means you also have to plan your opponent’s multiple moves ahead…..

All the other rules aside, that is the heart of the game.  If you are a chess player,  you get that driven into you quickly or you end up losing every game you play.  If you cannot see the trap being built, you cannot avoid it even if it is right in front of you.  The possible combinations are mind boggling and attacks can come from any direction or all at once.  Enough about playing chess.

Sports training seems to be different though there are a lot of exceptions and comparisons. Team sports of course must predict what the other team is going to do and prepare for it.  Many people making many decisions about actions in their assigned position.  Individual sports concentrates on doing the action until it is perfect, but once perfected is simply repeated.  EASY FOR ME TO SAY!

Has that been your experience?  If you ask the best managers you know if they play chess, how many say yes.  Ask the worst managers you have worked with and see how many times they say no.

Just curious.

Older Entries
Newer Entries