I Value... YOU.

I can’t tell you how much I dislike hypocritical and judgmental attitudes.  It really is my paramount pet peeve.

I won’t mention an actual name or location; merely it was at a foodbank which I volunteer at.  The organization serves a vital need and I don’t wish to dissuade anyone from contributing time or donations due to the bigotry of an influential individual.

What I overheard tonight was appalling.  Let’s call her Ms. B.

“Sometimes I wish we were a Christian foodbank.“ Said Ms. B. Unsure if I’d heard correctly I asked what she meant by that.   The reply boiled my temper.

“Well you know” As she flicked her head indicating two women who might have been a couple.  Might have been. I don’t know, it wasn’t my business and so what if they were?

This offended me on so many levels, including the assumption that I would share such a narrow minded view.  At a place meant to provide at least some help for the less fortunate, no less.  My possibly overly loud response was “I think you’re missing the entire point of what we’re doing here.”  At the very least, Ms. B. received my message.  I checked out shortly thereafter; I don’t think my services will be very welcome in the future.

The tragedy of an empty supper table is not lessened by religion.  A person’s worth is not defined by a belief or social status.  No one has the right to judge you, tell you who you may love or impose their own sanctimonious viewpoints upon you.  Life can be hard, as evident of where I was tonight and it can be unbelievably lonely. If you’ve found someone to share your life and affections with, good for you.  May you continue to have good fortune.

No matter if you’re rich or poor, gay or straight, you’re still a person; a fellow human being to be treated with respect and dignity. You have value.

Never let anyone define you.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Good Business? Dragon Chow!

For those who see no value in social media as a medium for business, today's blog will prove you wrong.  In today's world, the blogger has power.  We can rate, rank or rant about a product based on our individual experience and businesses should take note.  Real people and opinions matter more than the late night infomercial.  Make no mistake, the quill is in the hands of the consumer. This isn't a commercial or a sales pitch.  I just want to blog about a dice bag that I'd ordered a week or so ago. 

No, I don't play dice and I haven't been a "gamer" in decades but allow me to explain this unique product. The seller was someone I'd had intermittently spoken with on Twitter, mostly laughing at one liners but she mentioned dice bags in a tweet.  "I don't need dice bags" I thought and continued to tweet using my brand new phone until I put the device down.

Then it occurred to me.  A dice bag is a protective bag and my phone is just charging on my desk.  Unprotected.

Here's the kicker.  See @GeekyLyndsay specializes in dice bags.  I've made suggestions to some crafters claiming customizations but honestly to most that merely means a color choice.  Lyndsay took the time to hear me out on what I needed; it didn't matter that the product wasn't the intended construction, that of a phone rather than dice storage.  Custom build? She seemed almost excited at the challenge of different fabrics, colors and even a unique size.  I gave her my custom specifications  (far outside her normal designs I might add) and took the time to work with me to see that I'd be happy with a well made product.

OMG she took the time to meet the customer's needs?!

That's the point of this blog today.  Too often a manufacturer or crafter has a set idea and that's that.  The customer chooses from the existing array, if they want something special, too bad.  I cannot tell you how refreshing my design experience with Dragon Chow was and how rewarding to find the extremely well made bag in the mail. And it is quality.  Phone pouch users might indentify with the Golla or other pouches from Amazon and Ebay.  I bought one of those too and it ripped within the first few days.  The Dragon Chow as far as I can see is double stitched, REVERSABLE, handmade and at about half the cost.  

From the pictures you can also see something else.... something that you don't see often when ordering.  A personal "thank you" from the crafter.  Not "Hope this fits your phone" but actually mentioning the model by name.  That's pride in your work, pride in your quality of service and flat out how to treat a customer. This is how all companies should be run, a more intimate and thoughtful experience that leaves both parties feeling happy and willing to do business again.

Remember the Twitter name: @GeekyLyndsay

And take a look at the product page: http://www.dragonchow.com/zencart/

Ok, my rant is done.  But honestly people, I don't rave about a product often, especially one I have no affiliation with other than being a very satisfied customer.

Make that repeat customer.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Don't Let Us Sick

There's a song by Warren Zevon that really touches me; it's one of those I can listen to repeatedly and never tire of.  For those who only knew of Warren Zevon from "Werewolves of London", you're really missing out.  The song I enjoy so much is "Don't Let Us Get Sick", a wistful tune to be sure about friendships and those closest to us. I've included a link at the bottom of the blog, the singer is Pat Guadagno.

Each year I try very hard to get into the holiday spirit but the stark reality is that the holidays have always depressed me.  There's always someone you know who is out of work and you worry for them. Many of my family are ill or getting on in years so the gatherings are getting more difficult to plan and attend.  The economy makes you wary about spending too much because there's no guarantees in the job market and every year there's another empty chair at the table painfully reminding us of our own mortality.  I'm working on getting that sprit that almost all of us have had at some point in our lives, but it's not easy.

Relationships are particularly tough.  For those that only know me as 'Grim' online, I try to be funny and light.  The truth is in person, I tend to actually be rather grim.  I'm an introvert and a loner, I don't make friends quickly nor easily anymore and tend to cherish a small number of intimate friends rather than a large number of acquaintances.  It's a defensive measure, I suppose and words to live by are "Don't get close, people leave."  They get sick, they get old and then they're gone.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total humbug; I don't begrudge those who do take extreme joy in the holidays, I'm glad they're able to embrace the spirit of giving.  Goodness know we can use more of it in the world today.  Although I've been more social this year than practically in decades, I just see commercials, couples and children and the warm fuzzy intentions just adds to the feeling of funk.

So dear reader, if you've found this blog either by interest or by accident maybe you've learned a little about me.  I'm not one to usually open up about my personal life.

But I'm working on that, too.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avcKCZb-HCk

What I'm Thankful For.

Thanksgiving!  The day where families get together and celebrate all the blessings received in the past year.

(Not to be confused with Festivus, where you explain in great detail how each of your family members and dinner guests have disappointed you.)

No, this is Turkeyday.   A day of tons of food, unabashed gluttony, football and most likely a nap.

I usually try to be thankful for the little things each day.  Comfortable shoes, green lights, friendly smiles and the Three Stooges.  The simple pleasures.  But really what's a little thing is a matter of perspective.

This year, I'm thankful for my family.  Each year we seem to be smaller and more geographically scattered but we're hanging in there.  Despite disagreements and challenges, we continue to support each other through a foundation of love. My mother, my sister, my nephew, all of my family are truly a wonder.

I'm thankful for my friends, new and old.  I don't make friends as easily or as often as I did in my youth but each of them, far too many to list, have a special place in my heart.  I hope in reading this you realize how important you all are to me.  Many of you have given me a lift in times when I needed it, offered words of encouragement and helped me maintain my balance.

I'm thankful that yesterday there were more volunteers at my local food bank than necessary and I wasn't needed.  I like to be needed but this is one instance where I wish a business no influx of new customers. If you have the time and resources, I encourage you to seek out your local food bank.  It's an important cause filling a desperate need.

I'm thankful for a roof over my head and food at my table. I'm thankful I'm healthy.  I'm thankful I'm someplace warm.  I'm thankful I'm one of the fortunate ones to have a job in this economy.  There are far too many in this world without these blessings and they are in my thoughts and prayers. Despite a long year, I really have so many blessings and an impossible task of enumerating them all appropriately.

Mostly I'm just thankful that I'm fortunate enough  to be thankful.  I'm alive and tomorrow the sun will rise; no matter what happens I'll be thankful for that, too.

It's Your Blog, Too!

I enjoy blogging and speaking my mind but according to some guidebooks I've read, a blog should have a central theme.  The blogger should focus on his or her interests but not ALL of their interests.  Seeing how I am only reaching out to a little more than a dozen readers, I'm thinking my blog may be too scattered.

I have many interests and they're very hard to compartmentalize.  I enjoy writing, sketching, sports, fishing, cooking, scifi, technology and discussing politics.  The question I'm posing to you, my loyal 15 readers lol is what (if anything) do you enjoy reading about?  If I had to limit my blog to one particular topic, what would be your preference?  What would keep you coming back?  This is your chance to chime in, it's your blog as well so weigh in!

We look but do not see.

The holidays are fast approaching.  Shopping last week just before Halloween I saw the signs of Christmas decorations even before Thanksgiving.  I know retailers are hurting but honestly, that's a little early for me.

For some the holidays are a magical time; it's gathering around the hearth singing carols, spending time with family and the smell of gingerbread in the air.  For some it's at best just another time of year.  At worst it's a struggle to survive the elements and fearful of their safety.

I had every intention of a lighter blog tonight, until I got back from my local food bank that also helps with a homeless mission.  I try to spend a few hours when I can helping to fill bags, unload trucks, whatever use they can find for me but sometimes the images are a little hard to shake. 

They're the invisible citizens.  The ones we may view in passing and try to forget.  Afraid of the stark reality that "there but for the grace..."

In the wealthiest nation on the planet, we have children going hungry and veterans sleeping under bridges.  Alone, cold, forgotten and wondering whatever it is they may have done to deserve such a fate.

Here's some facts on the homeless.  Over 3.5 million will face homelessness at least temporarily in a given year. 40% of those will be families with children and 23% of the homeless are veterans. 1.37 million homeless will be under the age of 18.  When I was 18 my biggest source of anxiety was whether stonewash jeans were going out of style.  No child should ever have to worry about having a roof over their heads or food to eat.

I'm not saying we should all run out and give away our possessions.  Many of us are struggling to make ends meet ourselves, some only a paycheck away from being a statistic.  What I am saying is we can do more and it's not always about money.  If you are in a position to help, please do so in whatever manner you can.  Food banks need canned goods and the Salvation Army can use old clothes and toys.  Want to know a surprise? The biggest demand at most homeless shelters are for new socks and tupperware.

The common thread among all of the charitable organizations is need of your time and attention. We can't wish away the problems and we can't ignore the voices crying in silence. Just be involved and each day be thankful for at least one blessing in your life.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Your Right. Your Voice. Vote.

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Tomorrow is election day in the United States and if you're like me, it hasn't come soon enough.  In September I wrote a piece (http://grimagination.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-sing-body-politic.html) speaking of the partisanship divide in this election cycle.  The Jon Stewart 'rally to restore sanity' aside, the word still hasn't gotten out that we're tired of the rhetoric and the ads from both sides of the aisle have been caustic to say the least.  I'm still waiting for the ad beginning "Is Candidate XX a cannibal? He's never publically stated he isn't.  What is he hiding? Vote for Candidate BB.  He doesn't eat people. And that's on the record."

Ok maybe that's a little farfetched but you get my point.

I'm not asking you to vote in any direction, whether you vote Republican, Democrat or Independent, your views are your own as is your right to a private ballot.  All I ask is that you do vote.  Vote with your conscience and your mind and be informed.  Use this evening to explore the candidates' positions and propositions/initiatives within your state.  This fundamental process is the most precious of all rights and the bedrock of the Republic.  Our nation was founded upon and paid bitterly for your right to vote; it's our voices that dictate the direction of the nation.  It baffles me that most are willing to wait in line for hamburgers and dry cleaning, only to proclaim they can't make the time to cast a ballot.

If you've not registered, please look at your districts as there are some that allow same day registrations.  If you're confused at the booth by electronic voting machines, ask questions of the polling attendants.  While they cannot tell you for whom or what to vote for, they can assist in the process.

I will leave with a final thought; it doesn't matter if your candidate or issue fails.  What matters is that democracy endures and that can only be achieved with a vote.  It's the one day that 'We The People" play an active role in the governance of our nation. It's your right and your voice.  Please use it.

Thank you for taking the time to read.