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Embrace the Chaos
I recently watched a talk by Ben Chestnut, founder of MailChimp, recently. Being a longtime fan of the Chimp, I was interested to hear what Ben had to say about creativity and encouraging a creative environment in what seems to be a very creative and successful business. Two ideas that I really liked: 1. Humans…
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Off and On
We got back last night from three weeks in Holland. Three long short weeks away from our routine, enjoying family, walks and bike rides, good food, playing, seeing sights. In a resolve to fully unplug during our vacation, I left my laptop behind. My tendency to be “always on” is only compounded by the possibilities…
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One… Two…
Olivia, ever since she first sat on my shoulders and ran up the stairs, giggling the entire way, has been learning the magic of the number “Three”. One and Two contain all the suspense, the winding up and taking a deep breath. Three is where the magic happens. Of course, for her it’s pronounced “fwee”,…
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The Artist Stands Back…
The artist, when close to the canvas, is asking How questions related to the craft; when he steps back, he raises Why questions concerned with the whole of the work and its purpose. – Frank Chimero, The Shape of Design Maybe that’s what vacation is for.
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Focus Your Energy
I had the privilege of attending the Chick-fil-A Leadercast today at one of its satellite locations. With the likes of Marcus Buckingham, Andy Stanley, Patrick Lencioni, and even Tim Tebow taking the stage, there was a lot to learn! But one of the main thoughts that stuck with me is the need to focus. Tebow’s…
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It’s Not a Race
Isn’t it funny how sometimes just saying it’s not makes it one? Canoeing with friends a few years back, someone said, “Let’s race back to the lodge.” Though we discussed and agreed against it, suddenly everyone was paddling a little harder to win this “non-race”. I’ve been realizing lately just how competitive I am. In…
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Celebrating Two Years of Olivia
Over the past couple of days we’ve had the chance to celebrate Olivia’s birthday with our family. Sunday included a picnic in the park and a trip to the zoo. Olivia’s favourite part (besides the canine guest of honour: Coda) was probably riding around the zoo in a little “safari Jeep” wagon as we looked…
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Everybody Has a Junk Drawer
Or, as a friend put it strongly a couple months ago, “Everyone’s a shit show”. We were talking about building friendships after moving to a new place, and how difficult it is to get to know people. My friend suggested that it was hard to develop deep relationships because most of us have such a…
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Merry Christmas!
Christmas is nearly here! Above’s a little Christmas postcard, from our family to yours :). In the midst of all the busyness of buying and making gifts, decorating (yes, we got a real tree, and no, Olivia hasn’t even threatened to pull it down yet!), and working through what is the busiest season for my…
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Tea Time
This kid of ours is amazing.