Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa

Once in a while, someone comes along that really makes you laugh.  Not the polite kind of laugh that we use to suggest we're good-natured or that we "get" the joke...but the kind of laugh that hits you right between the eyes.  A one-two punch.

A friend of mine introduced me to Ennio Marchetto a while ago, and I have to admit that I've been hoarding him -- something this good you want to keep to yourself, at least for a little while!  Well, I'm over it and prepared to unleash to the world this incredible talent.

You may not find this funny.  It doesn't matter, because I do and this is MY blog!  I can't imagine how anyone could come up with this particular shtick, but I suspect it has something to do with being locked in a room at a young age with a pair of scissors and some glue.

Out of respect, I ask that you find some undisturbed time with a glass of wine when watching this video.  And remember -- never underestimate the power of cardboard and a little imagination!

The Dash

Life is fleeting, they say.  I came across a photo of this tombstone recently, prompting a little introspection and pondering of the meaning of life.  Hey, let's face it -- sooner or later, we're all going to be "six feet under" and I'm no exception.  While my namesake, memorialized on this gravestone, tragically lived only four short years, I hope to live to be -- well, let's just say a long time.

I decided to undertake a bit of an experiment, and Halloween gave me the perfect excuse.  I purchased some old clothes at Value Village and contacted an Emmy-Award winning make-up artist to transform me into myself as an 80 year old man.  A cane and some bad teeth helped to complete the makeover.  I shuffled my way onto the SAIT campus, where I work, and began my experiment.

Friday October 30th also happened to be SAIT's fall Open House, so young people were in abundance.  To most I met, I was just an old man with bad teeth.  Some were so affected at the sight of me they had to look away.  I was one of the "undesirables" of society -- to be avoided, shunned, ignored.  Others, however, politely held doors open, offered an arm or gave up a seat.

My 85 year-old neighbor, still living in her own home, suffers from scoliosis of the spine.  Over the last few years, we've watched as her spine curves increasingly to the left.  There is no known treatment, except to increase the dosage of painkillers.  The resolve and stamina of this woman, however, are remarkable.  She shops for groceries on foot, carrying her purchases home one slow step after the other.  And sometimes, remarkably, strangers offer assistance -- some going far out of their way to do so.  A few weeks ago, a construction worker clad in overalls drove her home and even helped her unpack her groceries.

The kindness of strangers.  We are a self-absorbed society for the most part, but there are those among us who do go out of their way to be kind.  Like my neighbor, I was heartened by the generosity of some toward me.  A single random act of kindness can truly make a difference.

As I look at the tombstone of young Brian Bowman, I am reminded of the Linda Ellis poem "The Dash" -- I know of at least one person who has the poem posted on his fridge.  It has profoundly affected the lives of thousands, and I hope it makes an impression on you too! Spend a couple of minutes of your dash and watch this video.