The picture is taken only 34.5 miles from our home in the foothills. I have a similarly serene view from my own home. It is interesting, now that I have a bit more time to ponder these issues, that we often want to travel to see the world when we have so much to explore in Idaho. It was Mothers Day and although Karen reminds me that she is not my mother her daughter Megan made arrangements for us to go to the Sawtooth Winery celebration. Many of the Idaho wineries were represented and the venue included a very good jazz group featuring a fine singer and most importantly a spectacular view and manicured grounds – a great place for adults and children. They also had a face painting and balloon animal stand. What exactly is the fascination with balloon sculptures? Even though they are fragile and there was a lot of popping and running back for new swords or crowns, balloons are an important part of any really good party. Hank was a swashbuckling pirate and had a rather scary black balloon spider on his shoulder. This was a very good setting to sit back, enjoy the day and relax with family.
I chair a board meeting which is always opened with an invocation. The Reverend, who I have promoted to Bishop several times, asked the group to close our eyes and take a deep breath. He went on to explain the concept – give yourself a chance to stop the multi tasking, be in the moment, and get your mind clear for the task at hand. So simple but I am taking the idea to the next step by including it in my own daily routines and sharing it with you. You might ask why a retired person needs to relax- for me I have just as many things to do but no “job” to keep me on a business schedule. Time is precious and I think I can get more out of life by being present. Karen has long said my multi-tasking is better defined as attention deficit disorder. In a world where nearly everyone is busy texting or twittering while trying to work or listen, this lesson is priceless.
I have to recount a recent experience as my family and I drove to a downtown destination for a birthday event. My son in law, who was organizing the party, was driving when he received a text. Wanting to be responsive to his friends he instinctively looked at the text and considered a reply. Those of us in the car gave him a ration of input about the statistics around this practice and being a wise and intelligent person he understood the issue and promised to cease and desist. A few blocks later his memory obviously clouded and he started to look at and reply to new message. The facts are irrefutable, driving and texting puts us all at risk. Take a deep breathe before you give in to your compulsiveness about instantly responding.
I hope all of you had a chance to hear about the Boise Metro Chamber Small Business of the Year and Chamber Excellence Awards luncheon this week. Small business is the engine that moves employment and our economy in Idaho. This does not take away from the importance of our larger employers in Idaho but the fact is that new job creation is small business centric. I hope you will take a minute to review the finalists on the Chamber website. I also give of a tip of my cap to the Chamber for their recognition of Dennis Johnson, President and CEO of United Heritage and former Chairman of the Board of Boise Metro Chamber. Dennis and his company are always there for our community and his acceptance words reflected his humility, team and family focus. Idaho is fortunate to have business leaders who invest their time, talent and treasure to provide volunteer leadership.
Finally, those awards recognized the Salvation Army for this year’s Nonprofit Excellence Award. Coincidentally, the next day the Salvation Army announced the public portion of their capital campaign. I am a member of the team that is led by Jenifer Delgard and Mike Ballantyne. The campaign is the first in over four decades and is long overdue as the frugal entity continues to make the best of deteriorating and inefficient facilities at three separate locations. The Building Futures campaign will create the critically needed, modern facilities to allow the organization to continue to serve people in the valley for another century. Thanks to all of the volunteers who are a critical resource for our nonprofit community.
“Good mom’s let you lick the beaters great mom’s turn them off first.” Anonymous. And finally. “I am not saying I am wonder woman I am just saying we have never been seen in the same room together”
Mike