A Day Made of Glass
This commercial from Corning pretty much blew my mind. With all of its impressive concepts and suggestive actualities wrapped up in such a pristine clear-colored bow, you can be inspired and wow’d simultaneously as you enjoy this reality-based, modern-day version of the Cleaver family.
Another gem sent to the Sunshine Club from Al Gerney.
Conquering Chirripo – An Incredible Three Generation Adventure
Norma, Neil and Melanie Kahn Conquer Chirripo Mountain in Costa Rica
“Climbing Chirripo, the tallest mountain in Costa Rica with an altitude of 3820 meters or 12,500 feet, has been what I thought was an impossible dream. With each passing year, it seemed further out of my reach. Several months ago my son Neil invited me to climb it with him before I was too old. I’m 72.
After immediately accepting, the doubts began, but so did the determination to succeed. My husband, Ken, climbed with me daily, giving me his total encouragment. I never was able to train at much above 5,000 feet- and certainly never hiking 14.5 kilometers up, up,up.
Neil, my granddaughter Melanie, age 13, and I set out at 6:30AM on Monday, Sept. 5. LABOR DAY – and labor we did. The first kilometer took us 1 hour – daunting, steep, muddy, rocky – a harbinger of things to come. Let me say that Neil was amazing throughout – incredibly helpful and patient. After a few kilometers, Neil was carrying my pack along with his. At certain points, he was carrying Melanie’s as well. Graceful, strong Melanie made most of the hike look almost effortless. Some sections were more difficult than others. The last one, Cuesta de Arrepentidos, certainly made you want to repent. 9 1/2 hours later we actually made it to the Crestones ‘hut’ at 3,392 meters or 11,130 feet where we were two spend the next 2 nights. We ate lunch and crashed.
The hut had electricity 2 hours a day, internet 4. There was NO HOT WATER – the coldest water ever according to Neil. Neil, Melanie and I did have our own room with bunk beds. The reigning indoor outfits were heavy, heavy coats, sweaters, hats, gloves. Inside my cold weather sleeping bag, I was wearing several layers of clothing. We had hired Oscar to cook for us, but some others fixed their food on little gas stoves. This hut experience added to the adventure.
Tuesday morning we had breakfast at 5:30 and then headed up to the summit. People said this was easier, but I can’t say I agree. It was shorter – 5.5 km, but with the higher altitude and the pure rocky steepness of the last portion, it was TOUGH. I had to stop every 3 steps or so to breathe. Neil got behind me and pushed. I told you he was great. I could not have done it without him.
The feeling of exhileration, pure joy, sense of accomplishment when we arrived at the summit was incredible!!!
The next morning we headed down, which some said was more difficult than up. I didn’t find it so, but when I got to km 1, my body pretty much wilted and Neil held my hand for that last bit.
With every step down I wondered how in the world I had been able to climb that mountain, what had ever possessed me to think I could. But I could, and I did!
Thank you Melanie and Neil for this wonderful gift. I couldn’t love you more.
“World’s Happiest Boy”
Yep! How’s that for a business card tag line?
It belongs to the teen-aged classical pianist, Jason Cordero, who’s on a quest for Juliard. Every Sunday he sets up shop in the New York subway to practice, treat passers-by with a free performance… and collect future tuition. Brilliant!
“Pianist, Music Star, World’s Happiest Boy.”
Best wishes Jason! -mp
Thanks again to Mike for sharing another great Sunshine Club Submission with us.
Deal With It
Sometimes in life and in business, you find yourself in a situation that isn’t exactly ideal. It could be a result of the weather, the economy or even the local geography that makes for some challenging times.
I’m fascinated by forward-thinking people who simply do the best they can under the circumstances and “make it happen/make it work.”
Life goes in with or without ya. It’s up to you. -mp
Thanks again to Al for sending over another Sunshine Club gem.
Accomplishments and Acquisitions vs. Joy and Meaning- Marcello Recommends: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown, Ph.D, L.M.S.W
If you find that a little relentless introspection can be just as good for your soul as a big bowl of chicken noodle soup from time to time, chances are you’ll dig this compilation of quantitative and qualitative research via courageous story-telling.
After a pretty deep chat with my good friend, Miles Gilbert, a few weeks ago- he sent me the book, “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who you Are – Your Guide To A Wholehearted Life.”
The author, Brené Brown, doesn’t hold anything back when she shares her real-life experiences and scientific data regarding courage, compassion and connection. Brown also touches on what I think is the key to personal fulfillment… the ability to define what “enough” means to you and how to avoid the trap of “comparison.” Derek Sivers, the founder of CD Baby, wrote a great book called, “Anything You Want,” that really drives home the “enough” concept. Derek’s book is already in the Marcello Recommends book queue. Look for it here this fall.
Brown writes with brutal honesty. And not just in the ‘I want the reader to think I’m humble’-kinda way either. She’s an imperfect perfectionist who happens to be book smart, real-world wise, tenaciously curious and pretty damn funny too. -mp
The Gifts of Imperfection
Here are a few excerpts to whet your appetite…
“I heard stories about the power of embracing imperfection and vulnerability. I learned the inextricable connection between joy and gratitude, and how things that I take for granted, like rest and play, are as vital to our health as nutrition and exercise.”
“We don’t want to be uncomfortable. We want a quick and dirty “how-to” list for happiness. I don’t fit that bill. Never have. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to skip over the hard stuff, but it just doesn’t work. We don’t change, we don’t grow, and we don’t move forward without the work. If we really want to live a joyful, connected, and meaningful life, we must talk about things that get in the way.”
“Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives.”
“I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration and faith.”
“If we want to make meaning, we need to make art. Cook, write, draw, doodle, paint, scrapbook, take pictures, collage, knit, rebuild an engine, sculpt, dance, decorate, act, sing- it doesn’t matter. As long as we’re creating, we’re cultivating meaning.”
Inspired Artwork/Badge
Featured Quotes:
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” – Marianne Williamson
“Comparison is the thief of happiness.” –Laura Williams
“The opposite of work is not play. The opposite of work is depression.” – Dr. Stuart Brown.”
Connect with Brené on her blog, Twitter or Facebook.
