The larger perspective

We are alike, you and I. We have a shared love for music, so much so we have this perpetual soundtrack of our lives in our heads. I shared with you why when artists pass, I mourn them; not because I know them but rather how their songs made me feel. Indeed, when I am happy, their beat drive me higher and when I’m sad, the lyrics soothe me.

Typically, when there is a soundtrack, there is also a screenplay, ie a plot, with a beginning, and then an ending. Sometimes, the ending even has a new beginning: a sequel. The point is there is always something more to play for, to reach a larger goal.

The best movies, the best books, in fact all the best stories are so because there are highs and lows. The lower the lows, the higher the highs, and the better the plot.

You’ve recently had a number of lows. You can let the lows consume you or you can get out of it, learn from it and go seek and achieve a higher high.

Getting out of it requires an ability to step back. Understand what you did wrong. If it was a stupid mistake, own up. If it’s not, comfort yourself that you could not have avoided it in any case. In either case, move on.

Moving on means learning from the episode(s). Some are lessons in judgment, some to do with trying harder, and most are about being more careful.

Seeking the higher high is the sweetest revenge you can inflict on the lows and the forces that cause them.

 

There is so much more to enjoy in your life, M, and I know you are so well set up to make the most of these: your knowledge in particular your understanding of what the problems are, your intuition on who is good and not, your care and support for your team, be it when losing and winning together.

Most of all, there is so much more music to discover, enjoy and even to play. We all write our own screenplay to this soundtrack.

So, darling, every time you are feeling low, go listen to the blues, hear the words, then step back, see the larger perspective and know that your movie is far from over and the lessons will get you higher

Some things are worth collecting

Montblanc is to pens what Patek Philippe is to watches.

 

Both are masters in making a good product. But what they really know how to manufacture is desire; and then to sell it for a premium. This is the true art of brand management.

 

Make it well. Let everyone want one. But then make it scarce. As it becomes valuable, manage its value. Control all parts of the value chain: from the raw materials to the production to the distribution and even to the after sales service. Never commoditise.

In my case, I like things well made. I want them to last. Beyond me in any case, so others can enjoy things made by people of my time. No doubt, the objects of the future would be different; in fact, it's quite likely that there would be no need for pens and watches then. Indeed as I write this on my keyboard at a computer, both are already obsolete.

Mine may be the last generation to use the pen and the watch because we had to. Now, I do do because I want to. In a way, that's the real statement. To live a life we want to, not the one we had to.

I sometimes feel (and you would have read somewhere in the entries in this blog) that I am a demanding parent/boss/brother. In a way, I made others do what they had to. Then there comes are time when they muster up enough knowledge, and also enough guile to chart their own course. The course they want.

I hope they break free at the right time. I know I did probably around the age of 16-17. J and M are also asserting themselves similarly.

So, one day, my collection shall be theirs. Right now, I am just procuring works that D and I like. May it remind them of what it means to live a life we want.

 

 

(photo credit: a collector from the fountain pen network, so above are not mine but this picture perfect shot is too good to pass up)

 

Present

J, sometimes stuff happens to remind us of what is important.

Take this gift of a camera: it is more than just a replacement for the one lost in linville gorge. In fact, it's more than just a birthday present; though a 21st birthday ought to be celebrated with a commensurately meaningful gift 😀. It's a testimony of love for a wonderful son from his parents. A visceral reminder that though he is now legally an adult and can do many things independently, there will always be people who will love  him and do what they can to see to his wellbeing and happiness. That is what this gift is. And made all the more poignant because it is meant to help overcome the loss of another gift.

As an adult, J, inevitably you will lose a number of things. But these are mere objects and can be replaced. Often the act of replacement is a joyous one (or can be certainly made into a happy occasion). In this case, the new camera represents the very latest in visual technology and the Sony Alpha cameras are widely regarded to be the benchmark today, not unlike what Leica was in the last century. But what really makes a replacement truly joyful is the people who help make it happen.

Credit: bhphotovideo.com

https://m.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7-ii

It is therefore so fitting that this new camera will accompany you on your 21st birthday, on your first spring break. May it capture happy moments to remind you of the love you have created and deserve.