Sorry, I didn't notice you...

Life moves very quickly! Sometimes so quickly we miss the tiny details that add meaning to the world around us. We are racing by at such a rapid pace that we don't truly pay attention to the story you heard over lunch or can't remember which old building was knocked down to make room for a new office tower. How about historical facts and sites? Have you or anyone you know ever stopped to read one of those historical markers located in nearly every city in the U.S.? Do you actually take the time to learn about the area in which you live or just not have the time to be bothered. Ironically, someone somewhere felt the information on those plaques was important enough to be immortalized in stone, slate, or steel yet no one really takes the time to stop. Recently I decided to make one of these stops and wound up being a little surprised.

I was driving by a local creek and off to the side of the road, mixed within the trees, was this metal plaque affixed to a cement pedestal. Having driven by this spot dozens of times without ever noticing the marker I was definitely curious. Did it mention something about the creek? Was there a reference to the old house across the street? I pulled my car over and walked back to take a look. Upon arriving I was slightly disappointed...the plaque did not provide any historical information, rather a list of names helping to revitalize and maintain the natural surroundings!

OK, so the first time I actually pull over to read a marker did not prove to be a huge success but I started thinking - maybe very few people read these historical markers not because they have a lack of interest in history but rather they honestly don't notice them. In an effort to blend with the local environment/habitat these markers may have gone too far and do not maintain any distinguishing feature. What if they weren't the traditional copper plaque on a cement pedestal...probably would catch your attention?

Promoting yourself or business should follow the same mindset: does the way you operate cause you to blend in with the surroundings or make people stop in their tracks? It's OK to be a little different from everyone else - in fact you might be better off!

Do you simply follow the norm or look for ways to try something new and daring?

Is the message you're sending out to potential client's memorable?

Are you getting lost in a sea of competitors?


Just remember to make it worth a person's while should they decide to listen - be sure to provide to them some valuable information. Even though my first attempt at following local history failed, I am always open to "second chances" and will try again next time I see one of these markers...make sure you don't end up hoping for a second chance!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

The Strength to Remain...

Sitting in contemplation or standing guard before this house...which do you think this man and woman represent? Was there a quarrel and the distance across this wall is indicative of the distance between their hearts? These may just be two stone statues in front of a house, but they could mean so much more!

I was driving by this vacant house, almost completely separated from the road by trees, and noticed this "couple" still standing near the front door. My first thought was, "that would be so cool to have nearly life-sized statues welcoming guests to my house!" As I walked closer, my awe turned to amazement due to the state of disarray in which I found the house - yet the statues were still standing tall, even with accessories (notice the faded red bow-tie on the man!). Despite the overgrown grass and vines, peeling paint, tattered windows, and crumbling stones, these two statues are a proud reminder of what this house was at one time.

I began to wonder about the inspiration of the artist when he/she created these "people". There lies a certain longing in their expressions and posture. (I know you can't see the female's expression, but if you check out Golden Pepper's Facebook page you can see additional photos, including a close-up of the female statue.) I couldn't help but imagine that their longing was initially for each other...possibly a love that could not happen - but now it's a matter of survival. They have been left to watch over this faded home as the world around them constantly changes; they have been charged with adapting to the current times and put their feelings aside.


How many times during the day are we all challenged to do the same thing...leave the personal problems aside and focus on the "important" issues?

How often are business owners forced to adapt and shift gears, doing what needs to be done instead of what they enjoy doing?

When trying to survive in the current economic situation, are you often struggling to remain competitive against strong outside forces?


While the true answer to why these statues are in front of this house is unknown, the important lesson is that they are still standing!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?