This past week was when my family would have spent a day at the Wisconsin State Fair, one of our favorite annual traditions.No cream puffs this year. 
Yet another loss in a long line of losses thanks to the jerkhead that is COVID-19.Kim has been busy on the phones talking to clients who are booking our virtual experience for their organizations and teams. One emotion that has been consistent with the people she’s been talking with is grief. Parents have lamented the losses their children have experienced, whether it’s a senior year, a graduation, the first year of kindergarten, or the first …
You & Improved
Whimsy is Underrated
I saw this car in my neighborhood the other day. It’s a real head-turner, with all of its whimsical flourishes and flair. They don’t make cars like this anymore.And that’s a shame.In the 1950s, cars featured all sorts of angles, fins, and bright colors. They were sleek, fun, and bursting with personality. The Jetsons gave us the wrong impression. Not only do we NOT have flying cars yet, we actually seem to have devolved our automotive design, settling for something that resembles a safe deposit box with the sharp edges sanded down and all the personality of white bread.Car designs these days …
Did You Know How Great You Are?
This shark is awesome. You can tell how awesome he is by his gold teeth. Obviously, the male sharks want to be him and all the ladies want to be with him. The fact that he is a success is a foregone conclusion to everyone.The joke is on the shark though, because these teeth are not long for this world. You see, sharks continually shed their teeth, (some shedding approximately 35,000 teeth in a lifetime!) That’s a lot of lost bling. What a shame!The tragedy though, is that gold grill or no, he already was great. He just didn’t believe it.I don’t know about you, but I make this mistake all the …
2020: Your Best Year Ever?
Eating a peach, in season, perfectly ripe, is pure magic. But also messy.Oh, sure, you can eat peaches before they’re ripe and they might drip less, but they’re not nearly as good. The best peaches are always messy.Now I’ll admit it: I prefer tidy. I like the structure of a good plan. I feel good when the dishes are done and the counter is cleared. I’m easily disturbed when piles stay piles for too long.Is that an Adultitis-fueled trait? Perhaps. But I do find that I am more present, relaxed, and creative when clutter and chaos are minimized. In general, I don’t think it’s a terrible trait to …
Do This Before the World Ends
Well, it’s official: The end of the world is upon us.It sure seems that way, doesn’t it?2020 has not been for the faint of heart, and just when you think it can’t get any worse, well, just wait for tomorrow. The thing is, every generation fears it’s living in the last days. And so far, every one has been wrong. I’m old enough to remember some of the Cold War and the events that transpired on 9/11/2001. Things looked bleak then, too. This cheerful painting was inspired by a song about the end of the world. The words are from the lyric of a catchy tune from the 1980s by a band …
The Secret to Great Steaks (and Happiness)
I love a good steak. Especially on the grill. One of my favorite tips for getting great flavor and tenderness is marinating the meat beforehand. (I like a mixture of soy sauce with a splash of Worcestershire.) And one of the best accompaniments to a perfectly-grilled medium rare steak is a big ol’ Idaho potato, loaded with butter, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Speaking of Idaho, that’s where Kim and I celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary. We booked a gorgeous, secluded home surrounded by pine trees complete with an infinity deck and spectacular view of Lake Pend …
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What to Do When Your World Turns Upside Down
When I’m working on a painting, I have to step back from time to time. I have to literally stop the activity of painting and be still before the work. Otherwise, I can’t see the painting through the brushstrokes. You might think that pausing slows down the process. What it really does is help me make better paintings. If I don’t step away every so often, I’m liable to get stuck overdoing part of the painting and end up ruining the whole thing. Giving myself some distance helps me notice certain aspects that I can’t see when I’m up close. I can examine the overall composition, …
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Different Is Cool, Except When It’s Not
Is it possible to be correct when all the experts think you’re nuts?Iggy was a doctor who lived in the 1800s and was greatly concerned about the high rate of women dying after childbirth. He knew there had to be a reason for the problem, so he experimented with different solutions. Finally, he figured out a simple practice that was easy to do, and when it was followed saved lives.His colleagues rejected and ridiculed his idea, branded him a quack, and he was eventually committed to a mental institution where died two weeks later. The thing is, his idea worked, he just couldn’t explain why. His …
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How to Win the Battle Between Light and Darkness
Antonio Gwynn is an 18-year old high school student. He’d been watching all the unrest on the news and witnessed the damage that had been done in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. He decided it was time for action.If you watch the news, you may have heard that we are at war. It’s true, but the war is not between races, or political parties, or people who say “pop" versus “soda." We are in a battle of light versus darkness. Only when you understand that can you figure out how to achieve victory. I am saddened that when I see people talk on the news about what actions need to be taken, …
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America is Angry
The bald eagle has long been a symbol of our nation. This painting is a symbol of how our nation is feeling right now.There is a lot of anger.We are angry at the injustice that has gone on too long.We are angry at people who don’t seem to understand our point of view.We are angry at the unproductive violence and destructive looting taking place in our communities. We are angry at our leaders and the media and this damn virus.First of all, let me say this: It’s ok to be angry. I am reminded of my first visit to Miami. One of the main things Kim and I wanted to do was experience South …