Choice

Yesterday was my last evening of canvassing. The weather and people were surly. Maybe it was due to the fact that I was canvassing during the Husky game. They got spanked by Standford (41 - 0). Ouch. Anyway, on the drive back to the office one of my fellow canvassers told me that he encountered a 25 year old that didn't know if he was going to vote. When asked why, he said it was because the choice was either

Pithy Socialistic Atheists

or

Autocratic Oligarchical Crusaders


Now, that's an astute young observer of today's political landscape. He probably graduated from Standford!

Happy Halloween and VOTE ANYWAY

Jim

Leo

Borrowed Thoughts for the Day

I came across this in today's searching-for-a-job-on-the-internet activity.

From Seth Godin's blog

Demonstrating strength
Apologize
Defer to others
Avoid shortcuts
Tell the truth
Offer kindness
Seek alliances
Volunteer to take the short straw
Choose the long-term, sacrificing the short
Demonstrate respect to all, not just the obviously strong
Share credit and be public in your gratitude
Risking the appearance of weakness takes strength. And the market knows it.

Now, a random picture from me.

Omdahl's Back Yard Phase One

The fire pit and sitting wall are the first phase of our backyard.

Next year we'll add more patio area and a water feature.

Signs 2.0

So it seems many of us are recieving messages. As some of you know it has been a hard week for me. Apparently someone else is aware as well. I'm still disecting the meaning of the messages and what they are intended to convey - but I know exactly who they are coming from.

Friday afternoon walking back to the office I had a black cat walk past me. Technically we passed eachother on the sidewalk so he didnt cross my path.

Today, I left the house to go to starbucks and get some work done. The picture in this post was taken on my walk. I stopped, snapped the photo and carfully walked around the ladder.

Love to all. Thanks for being such important parts of my life.

Hans

Signs

I am continuing my GOTV (get out the vote) canvassing job. I am getting paid, but it also feels good to be participating in the political process. The political ads are particularly nasty this year. The main goal seems to be to create fear and confusion. It's nice to just deliver the message that every vote is important.

Anyway, as I was canvassing yesterday, I came across this sign at one of the houses which I canvassed. Later, it occurred to me that it meant that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I think it's always the little things that give me the most information.

Happy Birthday Piper

Piper's First Birthday Party

Piper's birthday party was last night. She'll be one on the 19th. Here are a couple photos. It was a great party and a great day. The Huskies won!

Two Subjects

Monna's store, Chic Essentials, is up and running in the expanded space. She and I are now working on her marketing plan. Here's an iphone photo of the new space.



This is not a view from my window, but it is a view from the neighborhood that I was canvassing in tonight. It's my GOTV (get out the vote) job. A view of Seattle is in the middle of the road. Iphone didn't capture it very well.

A view from my Window

Piper

While Chopping Potatoes for a Farmer's Omelette This Morning

I thought of Theone--a woman who

was also known as The One

never failed to speak her mind

was a temperamental card player

thought deeply about her loved ones

remembered poverty

made a mean pan of sweet rolls

became a social advocate

could make a meal when the cupboards looked bare

loved the waters of Rainy Lake

said "I love you" with food

didn't worry about being politically correct

started the day with a cigarette, aspirin and a glass of water

valued order and cleanliness

was always a bit of a kid herself

understood the importance of forgiveness

sent Mary Engelbreit calendar pages

noticed nature's gifts

passed gas and laughed

had systems for recycling before it was fashionable

was proud of her family

was soothed by the daily routines of life

had a saying for everything

knew loneliness and depression

had beautiful handwriting

always carried her loved ones in her heart

relished small town life

had a deep faith

cherished the meals with her family at her table

had a love hate relationship with cigarettes

could always make better food than any restaurant

saw all her grandchildren graduate from college

loved "being home"

made an impression on everyone who knew her

and

was deeply loved.

Barbara A. Bernard

Fortunate daughter-in-law

10/9/10

Remembering

July, 2002

A Day on Vashon - Dog Trials

My friends, Shafel and Shelley, and I went to the Vashon Sheepdog Classic last weekend. It was pretty fascinating. It became more interesting the longer we watched it. I, of course, thought it might be harmful to the sheep, but it didn't appear so.

The object is for a sheepdog to herd four sheep through a course laid out on about a 1/4 mile long pasture. The dog must get the sheep through three fence gates. It ends when the dog gets the sheep in the pen or 10 minutes elapses. The dogs absolutely love it.


The object is to get the sheep into the pen. We did see a few dogs actually get the sheep in the pen.


The "crowd". There was probably a couple hundred people there.

October 3rd, 1993

Mom, Ramona Christian Wilson, died 17 years ago today. I'll never forget how beautiful their yard and garden look that day. She's always on my mind. More today than most days. Please do one of your favorite things today in honor of her.