FollowCraig: Birthday’s

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I just love Birthday’s and today is my grand-daughter’s special day. Children really have it all, that innocence and peace that only childhood gives. They are so cute and so full of joy. Why do we forget how special those days are in our own lives? As we get older and begin to work and build families we so often forget about our own special days. In my life I’m blessed with three birthday’s; The first when my mother gave me life, the second when God gave me recovery and the third when I was reborn as a Christian. These are all days I celebrate with the greatest of joy and gratitude. But for today, I celebrate my grand-daughter’s birthday. May all the gifts that life and God give be hers today.

Happy Birthday Jewel!

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……

Craig

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FollowCraig: Courtrooms

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Just this week while watching the “John Edwards trial” we witnessed how judges, juries and courtrooms each come together and determine an outcome. Now this may sound as a bit of a leap, but isn’t that how partnerships both business and personal should work? You see in a courtroom all parties bring the facts, truths, lies and perspectives to an open forum in order to determine what really happened. The judge and jury then decide how to resolve the issue. It finally came to me that is how partnerships should be? When a decision needs to be made, all facts, details and perspectives should be brought out in the open and then ask the “Partnership” to determine the best course take. It all seems so simple and actually it is. The only hard work involved is doing it!

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following……

Craig

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FollowCraig: Mad Men

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I sure have a character flaw when it comes to men and women in business. It makes me wonder if I’m the only one? Please don’t get me wrong as I love women and especially smart strong women. They have a lot to carry on their shoulders that’s for certain. And I admire so many because they do what I can’t. I just cannot seem to discuss business matters with most women, I get frustrated and take many of their comments as personal attacks even when they are not. My defensive side come up almost always when trying to work with most. I have had people say about me that I can’t stand dealing with women in power and I think those statements may hold some truth. I only wish to say to all the women out there who are reading this, it’s not personal. Men like me are very difficult for many of you to work with and some of us “mad men” types know it. So to all of you wonderful, smart and strong women I will until my dying day; continue to work on removing that flaw with God‘s help.

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following…….

Craig

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FollowCraig: “One Message”

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I’d like a venti double mocha latte half-caf, the lady in line orders. It’s funny that we can go to any Starbucks in the world in any language and the menu is the same. The message is the same. I’m Christian and today is the celebration of “Pentecost“, many languages but the message is the same. The 12 steps of recovery is one message but many languages. Great lessons and profound messages are just that, they are one meant for all. No matter the language, the ethnic history, the color of skin but for everyone. We are all God‘s children and he has the same messages for all of us. Just like Starbucks, no matter the language we each know the proclamations. We all hear; One Message!

You’re still reading, I’m still writing, so please keep following….

Craig

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FollowCraig: “tell me about your Elevator?”

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Have you ever watched those movie thrillers where an elevator is falling several stories really fast and everyone on board is screaming? You know the end is coming for all and just at the last moment some hero or super hero saves the day? That’s how my life was and every once in a while still is! When I was still drinking and doing all the crazy behavior that everyone saw but me, that’s what happened. My elevator just kept falling, faster and faster. Falling faster than I could lower my standards. It was a super hero that stopped it for me, a power so big it over took that elevator and me. I survived the landing but by no means was it a soft one. I had a very rough landing, even today I have reminders in my life. Small elevator crashes still happen, but my super hero is always there. I’d like to hear from some of you about your elevator, when your life seemed to be out of control and how your super hero saved you? So you know, my super hero is God!

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following….

Craig

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FollowCraig: Green Demons! “the next day”

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Remember my Green Demons? In short, this is how the following day unfolded. God truly let me sleep and I awoke feeling so rested. So much different from the day before, it was nice. I was still frightened as everything in my life was screwed up! I found myself in my kitchen reading a phone book that seemed to just open to the Alcoholic‘s Anonymous phone number. I really was not looking for that number, it just appeared! So I called, they were nice and gave me an address of a meeting happening that day. After some him-hawing around I got dressed up (shirt & tie) and drove to the noon meeting. The meeting place was at an old run down dive bar on Sahara Blvd in Las Vegas. There were a bunch of motorcycles outside and what looked to me some real lost souls. I will never forget walking in only to see all these people drinking coffee, smoking, talking, playing games and such. Not at all the kind of place I would ever hang out at. What was this place? I’m in a suit and all these people look like biker people. Did I come to the right place? I was shocked to say the least, but I stayed. About noon people began to move thru an open door leading to a room filled with several tables and chairs. A lot of people all taking seats so I finally sat down in the middle of the room. The door closed and the meeting opened. I don’t remember much about the meeting, but I wondered about the list of 12 Steps posted on the wall. People began to introduce themselves and when my turn came, I quietly said I’m Craig and this is my first visit. I was so nervous and no one looked like anyone I would want to visit with. However something kept me sitting there, listening and crying inside. I thought to myself “has life had turned to this, was I one of these low life’s“. When the meeting ended and we were moving out to the common social area a fellow came up to me and just asked if I would like to have a cup of coffee with him? Sure I said, why not? It’s funny now but I don’t remember his name and I have never seen him again. We talked for what seemed like hours, I just opened up and he listened, I cried and he gave me towels for my tears. He never judged me, he just welcomed me. I didn’t feel alone anymore, it was as if some small voice was telling me I would be; OK. As we spoke another fellow stopped by and introduced himself, his name was Bob D. Now he must be the head A.A. person I thought as he was dressed very well, looked like Kenny Rogers and walked with confidence. A very charismatic man, my kind of guy! He gave me his phone number and invited me to a “Speaker Night” the following day. He said I should come, but if not at least call him. I said; OK Bob! When the afternoon was over my head was spinning. What is this A.A.? What about those 12 Steps posted on the wall? Little did I know the path my life would take, the journey to unfold ahead of me?

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following…..

Craig

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FollowCraig: Garage Sale

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It’s Saturday morning and today is,Garage Sale Day!” That’s a big day here in Glen Cove, California. You see, we have over 3000 people in our community and once a year our residents sign up to have their address posted on a map pointing to theirs and all the Garage Sales happening today in Glen Cove. It’s so very cool, people are emptying the garage, neighbors are talking and others are buying. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and today no truer statement could be said. It reminds me of the times in my life as a career salesman, when I could not sell enough cars to pay the bills, I would sell the bicycles, the lamps, the furniture and more. My life seemed a constant Garage Sale. My final Garage Sale came and went about 9 years ago and I didn’t get a single dollar. That’s the day and time I cleaned the crap up inside of myself and started anew. Just like Glen Cove every year I stop, clean up the stuff that’s gathered in my life and get rid of it! I guess that’s why this annual event here is so intriguing, it’s not random but rather focused. I Like that!

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following…..

Craig

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FollowCraig: “I’ve Evolved”

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Just the other day, President Obama stated he has evolved regarding his position of same-sex marriage. That has made the news big time! Historical it’s called, a sitting President taking this position at such a crucial time in politics and our nation. Was he brave, was he bold? I don’t really know and whether you are in agreement with his statement is not really the point. We all evolve overtime, as we grow older and our experiences build the foundations of our lives. In my own life I have evolved from a non-spiritual point of view to a very strong faith-based point of view. I’ve evolved to be more responsible, to be a better father, a better husband, a better son and perhaps a better man. You see as the world moves and we become more engaged in its importance, we become less involved in ours. We evolve! I commend Mr. Obama for taking a stand, but mostly that he was willing to and continues to evolve. Maybe we should all work a little each day in our lives to explore, learn, engage and continue to evolve.

I’m still writing, you’re still reading, so please keep following….

Craig

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FollowCraig: Thanks!

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It’s time to take a short break from writing and say thanks to all of you for following me. This is one of the most enjoyable adventures I have ever experienced. What a joy to share my thoughts, ideas and my crazy personal life journey with all of you. Your comments, encouragement and support means so much. I’ve decided just for today to list a few of my recent and most viewed posts for you to read, comment on and perhaps share. So once again, thanks for following….

Craig

My Mom

Changing Diapers

Demons are Green

What Color are Your Grandchildren?

Miracles

Junior Seau

U+Me+?=1?

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FollowCraig: Lessons from a friend!

Simple lessons from my friend John!