. . . we're mistaken about the meaning of the word. . . success . . .
Success
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
My latest solo offering, Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak, featuring original, instrumental piano music is now available at - Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak
(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)
I offer my deepest appreciation and my most profound apologies to the plants and animals whose lives were forfeit for our good health this day.
We give thanks to the ranchers and the farmers, their workers and their hands whose skill, sweat and toil have brought forth this bounty from the Earth.
We are grateful to the workers in the fields who pick our food, the workers in the plants where our food is processed, the teamsters who carry it to market and the stockers and the checkers who offer it up for our selection.
We are particularly appreciative for those at this table who have prepared this food with love and affection for our enjoyment and nourishment this day.
We remember fondly those who the miles and circumstance keep from joining us today as we remember those who are no longer with us and are grateful for the time we have shared with them.
We enjoy the warmth and fellowship that surrounds this gathering as we share the fervent hope That people the world over can share the good fortune, warm feeling and conviviality that embraces this gathering.
(“Nonbeliever’s Grace” by Paul Diamond, who was inspired by a column in Ann Landers where an atheist asked what to say when asked to say “grace” before a meal)
OHO's
"Ocean City Ditty," the
CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if
you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak
My latest solo release, '2014' of original, instrumental piano music, can be downloaded digitally at:
(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak4)
I worked in an office for a freight forwarder for thirteen years. It was my first real, full-time job after graduation from college. I didn't always like everything about that job. I made many attempts to leave this job for a better one. Success on that front was elusive for thirteen years though, but was finally achieved. When I finally left, management expressed their disappointment, offered their 'desire' to keep me in their employ and in the end, wished me the best as we parted on good terms. And as a last and magnanimous gesture and a fond farewell, they expressed their appreciation of my years of service in celebration with a 'pizza lunch.' Yes, a 'pizza lunch'.
Well, it certainly could have been worse. Then for that matter, it could have been better too. It was in accordance with their general approach to good employees; in short, it wasn't much.
But, in my situation with this firm, no one lost a life and no one's health was in jeopardy. . . unlike
CHEVRON. . .
(from http://www.npr.org/2014/03/25/293875192/chevron-pizza-scandal-leaves-small-town-divided and http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chevrons-pizza-coupons-no-scandal-bobtown-pennsylvania-locals-say/)
. . . Chevron responded to an explosion of one of its natural gas wells by giving nearby residents coupons for free pizza. The explosion killed a young worker. None of the patrons has voiced outrage, he said, and residents laughed about how people who have never set foot in Bobtown claim to speak for its citizens.
Many critics of fracking seek stricter regulations or bans to protect air and water from pollution, while supporters speak of the economic benefits for an energy-hungry nation. Each side claims the high moral ground.
About 12,000 people have signed an online petition demanding Chevron apologize, according to petition organizer Karen Feridun. Chevron says they work to be a good partner in communities, that it has been "overwhelmed by the support" from residents and that it appreciates their understanding. . .
OHO's
"Ocean City Ditty," the
CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if
you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD)
As far back as I can remember, I have always possessed a great appreciation for humor. I don't just mean the telling of jokes good or bad, or listening to jokes per se. Even though all kids, myself included, go through the 'knock knock" stage. (I remember when our youngest did. He would concoct the most nonsensical knock knock jokes which evoked the most hilarious laughter from himself, non-stop at the dinner table.) And I certainly enjoy certain stand-up comedians as well as humorists in literature.
Maybe I should more specifically say that the appreciation to which I am referring was (and is) for individuals possessing a natural, innate quality in their ability to inject a humorous element in ordinary conversation to the degree that they become, for lack of a better word, humorous.
I have personally encountered several of such personalities throughout the years. In the past I even enjoyed them so much that I wanted to be like them. But this mysterious, humorous quality is not something that can be taught or learned. It appears to be a genetic trait and a natural characteristic that one either has or does not, such as blue eyes or the ability to curl your tongue.
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