Jason Boyett - one of the best bloggers out there - but not for now...

So, a few years back I opened up one of the magazines to which I subscribe to find an article that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A google search later, and I find the writer, Jason Boyett, had a cool blog and some great books - like The Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse (I laughed so hard I didn't even realize I was learning!)

I e-mailed Jason to let him know how much I enjoyed his writing - he responded - and the next thing you know, we're exchanging ideas and information on a regular basis.

Jason is a truly talented writer (check out O Me of Little Faith), an exemplary blogger, and a thoughtful and intelligent person.

Here's a few random things I've learned from Jason:

1. It takes humility and skill to have a real discussion involving people from a wide variety of positions

On more than a few occasions, Jason's blogs have been places where deeply religious people have debated each other and atheists, agnostics, and people of various faiths have joined in the discussions. Jason seemed to always welcome good discussion and did everything he could to make all feel comfortable and treat them with respect.

2. It's OK to be wrong and it's important to acknowledge it

In September of 2010, Calvin College cancelled a scheduled performance by The New Pornographers - Jason wrote about it, criticizing the move - then he got more information and posted one of the most complete, comprehensive apologies I've ever read.

3. Humor helps in almost all situations


Whether it's expressed as a snarky observation or it's used to keep people interested in what could otherwise be a dry subject or to diffuse a potentially volatile subject - humor helps communicate in ways that straight prose might not - Jason's writing uses those humor tools extremely well.

There's a lot more, but you get the idea.

Earlier this year, Jason ended his blog on faith and doubt and focused on his blog about fatherhood.

This month, he's brought that blog to a close.

I am saddened by this.

I understand what he's doing (focusing on things that pay the bills and that more people will read), and I know I'll still get to enjoy the occasional article, book, TV interview, etc.  - but I'll miss the regular updates, the insightful observations, and the example of fine writing on a regular basis.

I hope Jason returns to blogging when the time is right for him and his family.

For now, I just want to offer a heartfelt "Thank You" on behalf of myself (and I assume your other readers) for inspiring, educating, entertaining, and encouraging. You've got a real gift and we appreciate you sharing it.

Jewelry on Video!

The Lovely Bride will have her jewelry available for viewing and/or purchasing this Saturday, April 23 - from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM at Bella Vista in Pike Creek (Click Here for details and directions).

So, THIS is exciting - we shot our first jewelry video!

I told the three starlets I was going after the look and feel of "Antique Road Show" - I think they nailed it:

Five years after I had my son kidnapped...

My son is 18 years old today (Yes, I feel old).

So, it was five years ago that about 20 guys got together and kidnapped Justin, took him out to a barn about 20 miles away, and put him through a series of tests.

Yes, I helped organize the whole thing (although the end result was so much more than I could have envisioned thanks to the awesome offerings from all the others involved).

Yes, Justin had "asked" for this adventure (though he didn't know exactly what he had asked for at the time) - and he had control during the entire experience - and all went well (I hope to have the full story to post soon)

Five years later...

Justin has embarked on several adventures, he's shown initiative, demonstrated compassion,  and lived loyalty to friends and family - and yes, he's had a few "learning experiences" along the way.

Justin is quite the musician, an impressive performer with a quick mind and ability to work with a crowd.

Justin has spent a considerable amount of time volunteering for a variety of organizations in the area, he has a knack for helping people address real issues - one time he was at the Empowerment Center in Newark and made sure two men got the job applications and interviews they needed - I think he was 15 at the time.

This year, Justin has been spending his Wednesday evenings as a camera operator for a local television show and an exciting venture known as IndiFilmNight.com - cool stuff.

Let me say this - I am both proud and impressed with my son - who he is, how he thinks, and what he does.

Allow me to follow that with this - I am both proud and impressed with the incredible community of friends and family we have who continue to teach, support, encourage, correct, help, and grow with us. I cannot express how much I appreciate all of the men who were part of the kidnapping five years ago - and I cannot tell you how blown away I am by all who make a difference in Justin's life.

Happy Birthday to Justin - I can't wait to see more of your life's adventure!

Questioning God

I want to introduce you to Jon Boulet.

Jon is one of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and insightful individuals I know - He's served numerous tours as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force throughout the Middle East - and he's one of the pastors at the church my family calls "home".

Jon is also a key person in making LOMA Coffee a reality.

So, starting this coming Wednesday evening at 7:00 - Jon is holding a series of conversations called "Questioning God" at LOMA Coffee - yes, there will be free coffee and dessert - but more importantly, I believe there will be thoughtful, intelligent, insightful discussion about that place where our thoughts about God and spirituality meet the reality of life.

Here's Jon to offer the invitation:

If you're up for some really good discussions - I hope you'll come to LOMA Coffee (3rd & Market Streets, Wilmington) any Wednesday evening at 7:00.

Special Election - Thursday, January 13

As most of you know, I've worked in politics and I've worked with probably a couple of hundred campaigns (state, county, municipal, even helped my daughter get elected class representative a few years back).

I can tell you that while almost all I have worked with have been good, decent people - there are only a rare few who rise to the level of "truly inspirational" - Thursday, one of those men will be on the ballot for a special election in New Castle County - that man is Tom Kovach.

Below you will see an e-mail from Andye Daley - I echo and affirm everything she says.

Tom Kovach is that rare individual who knows the issues, can work with all sides, and get the job done.

Tom Kovach has demonstrated real leadership in such areas as the Delaware Film Initiative and the Delaware Social Media Initiative - he is someone who "gets it" when it comes to job creation, transparent government, and service to taxpayers.

I cannot emphasize how important your vote can be Thursday - I expect extremely low turnout for this election - which means YOU can make a difference.

Please, if you live in New Castle County, vote for Tom Kovach.

Please, if you know people who live in New Castle County, ask them to vote for Tom Kovach.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you.

Ken

______________

There is an important Special Election tomorrow for NCCo Council President.  It is to take the open seat left when Chris Coons won the Senate Seat in November.  In full disclosure, I have been working on the campaign for Tom Kovach, and obviously, I fully endorse him.  I encourage you all to read up on both candidates and make an informed decision. 

 

I am backing Tom Kovach for many reasons, mainly because he will provide the much needed balance to a very lopsided Council.    He is against High Density housing because of the sever lack of infrastructure and already over crowed schools.  He's against any more tax increases and will work to repeal the damaging Workforce Housing ordinance.  He is a Chemical Engineer and an Attorney working to turn Brownfeilds ( broken down properties once developed and now out of business) to productive properties.  Here are some recent links that have articles on the candidates just writen in the last 2 days:

 

http://www.middletowntranscript.com/county_news/x1314137050/As-vote-nears-council-candidates-ramp-up-rhetoric

 

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110112/OPINION05/101120306/County-s-doctored-news-releases-only-make-cops-look-dishonest

 

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110111/OPINION09/101110320/It-s-time-to-stop-county-s-excessive-spending-habit

 

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110112/NEWS02/101120344/1007/Candidates-debate-status-quo-of-council

 

Please take the time to vote Thursday the 13th at your regular polling location between 7am and 8pm. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at any time.

 

Thank you in advance for voting! 
Andye Daley