Tim Gluth

How to make an engaging and dynamic desktop/wallpaper image.

2010-07-30T03:36:56Z

I'm guessing that most of you have a wallpaper or desktop image on your computer. They let us express ourselves and customize what would be an otherwise bland experience. If you have a custom desktop image for your brand, there's no doubt that you'd like it to say more and do more than show off your logo. Below are some examples of how you can use your desktop image as a tool as well as a decoration.
Make a date with a calendar.
If you're like me, your always looking for a calendar to see what the date is or working to estimate a timeframe for a project. Adding a calendar to your desktop is a great way to help with that.

There are a few ways to add add dates to your desktop. There are software add-ons that will dynamically update the calendar to he current month and can also highlight the current day. These add-ons come in many flavors, so you're bound to find one that works for you.

Windows

Mac OS X

Linux

If you're looking for a more customized look, you can add your own static calendar to your wallpaper. The only drawback is you'll need to swap the imaged out every month, but you can craft the calendar to match any look you choose (like your branding perhaps?). Check out some examples.

To-do list or project board.
Another great way to benefit from your desktop image is to create compartments that can hold folders, apps, or whatever you need to help you with a project.

Taking this to the next, crazy step would be to develop something like Panic did for their project board. You could call it desktop image-ishe-sque, or you could just call it hardcore.

Create a mini-portfolio or a featured work board.
You've just designed an amazing Website and branding solution for a client and can't wait to show it off and generate more business. Why not create a scene, on your desktop, and make your recent projects the highlight?

By displaying your work on your desktop, you can quickly and easily give an example of what you can do to help an organization reach their goals.

I've even gone as far as posting projects that are in-progress to my desktop for critique and examination. One of the best ways to decide if a solution works is to see if you can live with it.

Add a QR code.

A new technology that is slowly crawling into mainstream view is the QR code. Simply put, a QR code is a barcode that many mobile phones are able to read and decipher using a variety of apps. When the code is scanned, it can redirect someone to a web page, twitter profile, a SMS message, email address, or other forms of digital content.

In a recent project for Escape Route, I incorporated a QR code into iPad and iphone wallpaper images. Now when the client is at a convention or trade show, they can display their iPad and let a prospective customer capture the code for later use. In this case, it will direct someone to the Escape Route site. Think of it as a business card on steroids.

I'll be the first to admit that QR code use in the United States is just in it's infancy and there's no telling how long it will take to catch on, but it's a great way to add some cutting edge tech into long-standing piece of static imagery.

Evolution or something like it.

2010-07-27T02:58:04Z

I've been thinking about my use of Social Networking/Media and how it's changed since I started participating in it a few years ago. My life-stream/what's happening now approach has changed and it was just recently that I've noticed this change. What I'm trying to pinpoint is why I've changed my usage/approach and where did this change come from. It's still a great communication source for my personal connections but it's also proven itself to be an invaluable business and self-marketing tool.

How about you, has your use of these services changed? Are you more personal or less personal with these tools since you first started? Let me know!

Mobilizing Me

2010-07-03T06:21:45Z

When I launched my new-look brand late last year, I had a list of goals that I'd wanted to accomplish. One goal at the top of my list was to create a mobile version of my site which would allow me to quickly display my work when on the go.
Even though most modern smartphone browsers can display a full-featured website without many issues, I think the user experience could be improved. The way people interact with touch-screen devices is much different than the point and click method that we've know for years. This is differnt, more intimate, more tactile (even for a digital medium).

Mobile just means smaller, right?
I'm a believer in the mobile platform and the future that it has for both creators and consumers of digital content. We're entering into a new era of user experience, and some changes are in order.

With mobile, you're dealing with a whole new way of thinking. Designing for traditional PCs (Windows, Mac, Linux, you name it) has always relied on the use of three things: a monitor, a keyboard, and a pointing device (mouse, trackball/pad, what-have-you). With the latest trend in mobile devices, these separate units have morphed into a more compact space. Devices running Android, the iPhone OS and other touch-screen reliant systems are changing the way people interact with their chosen content.

Designing a mobile site for point-and-click use won't work. Let me rephrase that, it will work but the experience isn't as great as it could be. The contact points are small and usually, there is too much content crammed into a compact space, so you're left to zoom in and out to find what you're looking for. This is what I wanted to avoid when building my mobile site.

What stays and what goes?
With many of the distractions stripped away in a mobile site, you can put your content "under the microscope" and focus heavily on it. The question is, what do you keep and what do you leave off? You don't necessarily need to transfer every bit of content from your standard site over to your mobile site, but that's up to you. It also depends on the size of your site. With the mobile sites I've done in the past, I relied heavily on the usage stats from the traditional site. What content were people consuming using mobile devices? Once I had a clear understanding of what people wanted, I began building the mobile counterparts.

This mobile site is different. For starters, I don't have a lot of content categories, so everything that's on my standard site would fit on a mobile version. Secondly, I've designed my mobile site with certain goals in mind, namely the ability to show my work, contact info, and articles quickly and at any time I choose. That settled it, I threw everything I had into this site. Literally.

Another fresh start.
Mobile Web sites are relatively new and with the wide array of devices that can view them, there are many new ways to conceptualize a site and how people can view it. I see room for experimentation in the navigation and presentation areas of a mobile layout. It takes me back to my time in college when anything was possible and the Internet had yet to be tamed. Fast forward a few years and there is even more ground to be broken in this area. This is my sandbox, and I'm bringing all of my toys. Without further introduction, I give you m.tiglu.com.

I've already started working on version two.

Use your imagination & better yourself

2010-06-25T05:27:23Z

While watching my oldest son play in our front yard, I found myself paying close attention to what he was doing and what games he was coming up with.  On the surface, it looked like he was talking to himself (something that I'm guilty of doing even at 30 years old).  But as I watched him playing, I was amazed at the little story that he had come up with for himself. The all-powerful, and often ignored, imagination was hard at work.  Not only was his imagination running wild and making his playR time fun, but it was helping him solve a problem, boredom.

For him, nothing was unattainable, nothing was too odd or unacceptable (he proudly proclaimed he was a superhero named "Tootsie Roll"), he was having fun the way he wanted to.  Watching this made me wonder where my imagination has gone.  It's not that it has disappeared completely, but I don't let it run as freely as I once did, or feel I could.  I've let myself become too complacent with solving problems and I've fallen into a trap that's all-too comfortable when it comes to generating ideas and taking action on new projects.  I've also noticed this in others as well.  We've become too obsessed with determining the worth of something based on what it's been designed to do and stop short of thinking what it wasn't designed to do.

Let's free our inner superhero, color outside the lines, imagine the unimaginable, and any other cliche you wish to add to this list.  Bottom line, let's get creative and bring back the fun, not only in our work, but in our lives!

Four Tools To Get Your Business Noticed

2010-03-14T20:37:17Z

In an increasing world filled with information and overflowing with details, it can be a challenge to have people notice your business.  So much so, in fact, that it can seem like a full-time job.  There are many options and avenues to choose from, but which choice will help your business the most?  Here are four great options that will get you going in the right direction.

Google Local Business Center
Chances are, you've used Google Maps a time or two to find the location of a business or event that you wanted to go to.  Did you know that Google Maps (technically Google Local Business Center) offers great tools and stats for the owners of those businesses?  If you're a business owner, you can take advantage of this too with Google Local Business Center.

If your business is already listed on Google Maps and Google Local, you can claim the listing and access information about your Google Maps/Local listing.  You may also create coupons and offers that will be displayed when someone searches for your business.  To claim your listing, you'll need to verify ownership by either phone or postcard.  If you have multiple locations, the process can be a bit tedious, but it's well worth the effort given the information and possibilities that exist.

Yelp
A site that's been at the forefront location boom is Yelp, a site built on not only showcasing busniesses in a given area but also giving customers the ability to write reviews and rate them.  Like Google's Business Center, Yelp allows business owners to claim or add their own locations.  You will need to verify their ownership by either a phone call or postcard.  You might think that adding or claiming your business on only one of these services is necessary, but to get the most out of these services, you should set up a presence on as many networks as possible.

Location-aware Social Networks (Foursquare, Gowalla & Brightkite)
The latest trend in social networks are services that are aware of your location and let you share that location with others.  While this sounds "big brother-ish"...it can be.  It is also incredibly beneficial to businessowners and their customers.  You can check in to the bakery down the street and let your friends and followers on other networks (such as Twitter and Facebook) know where you are.  They can meet you or learn about that location if not already familiar with it.  There is also a game element baked into these networks, rewarding you with virtual badges, check-in points, and mayorship designations for the most visits.  Some great services that are evolving this new trend are Foursquare, Gowalla, and Brightkite.

Yowza
Finding deals and offers that are near you, right from your mobile device.  There's an app for that.  Put a Hollywood star like Greg Grunberg together with a great designer (Rick Yaeger) and a great developer (August Trometer) you've got Yowza!, an app that can show you what retailers are offering deals in your neighborhood.  As a consumer, this is a great app and as a business owner, it's not too shabby either.  You can easily set up a merchant account on Yowza's site and begin to create offers for your products and services.  Consumers will see it appear when they have the app open and are near your place of business.  The offers can have expiration dates on them and customers can be notified of new offers via messages on their device.  While not free, this is a great way to get in front of your customers and behind a service with some star power.

Pondering the iPad

2010-01-30T05:09:37Z

Aside from the presentation on Wednesday, I was also looking forward to seeing what new product Apple would release at their media event. If all of the rumors were to be trusted, we could expect a tablet computer that could cure all disease, save the world from destruction, and would allow for easy integration into our digital lifestyles. What we got was something else entirely.

I want to get this out of the way before I go any further. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t own every Apple product ever made. I don’t have the Apple logo tattoo. I don’t have a shrine to Steve Jobs in my basement. I do like the occasional shot of apple-flavored Kool-Aid, but only because I find it refreshing and delicious. While it may seem to some that I’m an Apple fanboy, I’m not. I’ve come to that realization over the past year, noting many areas that I’d like to see Apple improve not only their products, but some of their practices. That being said, the idea of an Apple tablet computer didn’t interest me at all. Until yesterday.

I have yet to watch the full video from the presentation. Wednesday night was the earliest opportunity I had to dig into the details a bit more and talk to a few people to get their impressions of the new device.

After a spirited Twitter conversation, and reading reviews and thoughts of the iPad, I had written the device off for my own use. Apps are limited to those found in Apple’s App Store (as opposed to being able to freely install anything I’d feel like installing on a typical computer), no Web-cam, no multitasking, no replacement value for any device I already own. I didn’t need it. It was too restrictive. I didn’t have this and it doesn’t do that.

I quickly found my feelings for the device changing. Between some more conversation in the hallway at work and listening to other thoughts on the device, my interest is turning around. I also stopped focusing on what the iPad couldn’t do and turned to what it can do. While it still doesn’t replace anything that I have or fit into any area of my life that isn’t already covered by an iPhone or laptop, I can think of many people who’s lives it does fit into.

The Traveler - With a screen that’s larger than a smartphone as well as many GPS units on the market, this may be a perfect device to take with you in the car or on a hike. Not only can you find your way with it, but you’ll be able to entertain yourself and others along the way.
The Educator (and the Student) - There will be a time in the future when paper books will no longer exist. I’m not going to venture a guess as to when this will happen, but we’ve already seen the beginning with the Kindle and Nook. Take that a step further with a device like the iPad. Teachers can have their plans and itineraries on them while their students can use them as text and workbooks. When working in groups, the tablet style is much more inviting than that of a laptop, making conversation and technological tools great partners rather than awkward neighbors.
The Businessperson - Right after my hallway chat, I found myself needing to print out a booklet for an afternoon meeting. With a device like the iPad, that could go away. Relying on email and the built-in PDF reading capability, countless reams of paper could be saved. Drawing from the earlier student “group-work” example, I have a feeling a tablet device would be received better in a meeting environment than say, a smartphone or laptop. I’ve tried using a laptop in face-to-face meetings before. The key word there is tried. Not only was it an awkward experience for all parties involved, I felt like I was alienating a person that I wanted to share ideas with, simply because of the monitor that was propped up in between us. Imagine running an app like Bump on an iPad during a meeting, and quickly exchanging information in an interactive way.
The Doctor - Saw this one coming a mile away, didn’t you. Monitor patient information as well as get any other type of info you’d need on something that’s slim and relatively lightweight.
Families - One minute it’s a digital photo/movie frame, the next minute you can pick it up and take it with you to read the latest news or share photos with family members.

All that being said, I’m excited to see where this device goes, and who takes it to new heights, whether it be developers or consumers. Regardless of the vehicle, I can see many paths that the iPad can take, and most of them point upward.

Social is Simple

2010-01-29T04:48:35Z

I’d wanted to write this last night, but my brain was buzzing and bouncing with leftover energy from a trip to Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Every time I visit the city, I come back more energized and invigorated than ever. Forget Red Bull or Monster, drink in Milwaukee. That energy carried over into a great event.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Chris Brogan, social media guru, entertaining speaker, and co-author of Trust Agents If you ever have the chance to hear Chris speak or meet him in person, I highly suggest making the most of that opportunity. You won’t be disappointed. Many of the “vibes” I’ve been feeling & seeing with regards where social media is heading were echoed, and I picked up many new ideas as well. What mattered the most to me was that he didn’t talk about Twitter and Facebook and how to maneuver through those services. He talked about people.

Coincidentally, that’s what social networking is all about too. People and the connections that we make with one another. Don’t focus on the number of fans or followers you have, focus on the connections that you make and the people that you meet along the way. Take the time to listen and acknowledge others and they’ll do the same for you. This is true whether you’re a one-man shop or a giant corporation. It’s all about people. Simple as that.

Where I’m At (And Letting You Know About It)

2010-01-20T05:12:25Z

Looking at the landscape of social networking, it doesn’t take long to notice an increasing trend in location-aware services and communities.

Gowalla, Foursquare, and BrightKite are some of the frontrunners in this area and all of them offer the ability to share your location and post about it on Twitter and Facebook. While this seems like a great idea, and I believe it is, it has stirred up some interesting conversation regarding the usefulness of notifying people that follow or friend you of your every move. Some might also argue, “who cares if you’re at Applebees?”. I have mixed feelings on the topic of location announcing, both in how I personally use these networks and how I see these networks benefiting not only individuals but businesses and organizations.

Will you be checking in?
One of the great benefits these location-based/aware services offer is the opportunity to meet new people, not only only, but face-to-face. However bridging these two worlds often means announcing your whereabouts to the world. This is where things can get a bit stickly among your followers and friends. The first time you post about going to a certain location and checking in there can be fun. I’ve had multiple instances this past week where my checkin posts have spurred further conversation from some of my Twitter and Facebook friends. Doing it too much, however, can possilbly have a negative affect. The constant notification can be both overwhelming to followers that don’t participate in networks such as Gowalla, Foursquare and BrightKite. A conversation that took place at work today solidified this point in my mind.

Discovery.
That being said, there are two exciting aspects of posting my location. The first is the possibility of meeting someone face-to-face and finally making that “real world” (I hate that term, by the way) connection. In fact, one of my location notifications from this past weekend made me aware that someone I know on Twitter happened to be at the same restaurant that I was at around the same time. To me, that was cool. The only think that would have made that better would have been actually meeting the person, but we were able to talk about it afterwords and might run into one another in the future.

The second aspect is the discovery of a hidden gem. That little shop in the Northwoods that makes ceramic and metal-sculpted basins and home decor. If something or some place is cool, I want to let people know about it. I also like to give people a shout if their making my life easier and more enjoyable. The United States Post Office in Elm Grove, WI is run by some of the most helpful and friendly people I’ve ever met. With that in mind, I’ve made a point to share my location, along with a little note about their unbelivable service, during my recent stops there. But I realize that may not be meaningful to everyone.

Location in moderation.
I’m going to try a little experiment. Maybe it’s not so much of an experiment, but rather a reigning in of how I share my check-in info on Twitter and Facebook. I don’t like to put myself into a box, so I won’t say how much or how little I’ll post check-in info, but it’ll be given thought before it is/isn’t posted. Gee, that was vague.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this subject. I know some people that have leapt into these location networks with much more zest than I have, and I applaud them for that. Do you like seeing location posts from your followers, do you not like it, or do you not care one way or the other? Feel free to share your comments!

Marking up a draft business card. Thoughts on horiz vs vert layout?

2009-12-30T22:30:22Z

via tweetie

Taking a new approach to mobile podcasting

2009-12-14T05:06:22Z

After using AudioBoo and CinchCast for a while, I've decided to change things up a bit and use the 1-2 combination of standalone recording apps and Posterous.

Download now or listen on posterous

Hungry Geek - Reviewing Chipotle’s iPhone App

2009-12-12T16:27:30Z

Earlier this year, I discovered Chipotle Mexican Grill, a wonderful restaurant with a bare-bones menu, great interior design, and most of all, great food. As soon as I learned about their iPhone app, I knew I'd have to try it out.

After a month passed of me having the app on my phone and not taking advantage of it's time-saving graces, I decided to take the plunge a little over a week ago. A friend of mine (and a client) had set up a lunch meeting and settled on Chipotle as the meeting place. This was the perfect time to test out the app. Not only could I test out the before-mentioned elements, I could add a second order to the app, not only testing it's ability to keep items straight, but to also test the interaction with the restaurant once we got there.

An in-app experience
With my stomach and taste buds anticipating the research reward that lie ahead, I launched the app. The interface was very intuitive, giving me options to view the menu, to place an order, find the nearest location and learn more about the company. Having been there before, I knew what I wanted, but looked through the menu anyway. When I found my menu item of choice, I pressed the "order" button. I expected to have my selection carry through to the next phase of the process. This, however, wasn't the case. I still needed to make a menu selection from within the "order" section of the app. I'm holding out hope that this will be corrected in a future version.

From that point on, the process was very smooth and intuitive, which is a great thing if you're looking to put burrito to mouth in a short amount of time. After I had set up my order, I put together the order for my friend and proceeded to the checkout.

And how will you be paying today?
At this point of the lunch selection process, I had two lingering questions about the remainder of this process. The first question dealt with payment. I was hoping that I would be able to pay for everything from within the app, although paying in person wouldn't be the end of the world (it would just gum up the entire process). My first question was quickly answered when I was asked for my CC info. One down, one to go.

I'm here to pick up an iOrder.
After a short drive, we were at the restaurant, ready to experience the second leg of the experiment. My biggest concern now, was how cumbersome the in-store experience was going to be. One of the last messages in the checkout process informed me that I could go right to the checkout to pick up my order. That's when my overly-nice nature kicked in and said "what about all of the other equally hungry people that I'll be cutting in front of?".

As it turned out, there weren't that many people in line that day, so by the time I got close enough to the front counter, I would have been just as well off ordering in person. Regardless, I indicated that I was there to pick up an iPhone order, and was then instructed to wait by the cash register. A minute (less actually) later, my order came out, neatly bagged and ready to go.

Takeout takeaways
It wouldn't be a true experiment if I didn't learn something, so here's my breakdown:

This app is truly intended for larger, takeout situations.

While there were a few hiccups in the ordering flow, the overall UX from the app was smart and enjoyable.

While the "interface" with the restaraunt itself was good, it could be a bit better. Maybe include an iPhone order line or "outside order" line.

Chipotle makes a darn good burrito.

Let’s Not Take This For Granted

2009-11-01T15:18:26Z

Age. It grants wisdom, makes us reflect more, and creates an appreciation for life’s finer details. It also makes us forgetful, shortsighted, and blind.

As a parent, I’ve found I can take my children’s youth for granted from time-to-time. It’s easy to think of them as “babies”, however they grow up and remind me that I need to adapt to their changes. It’s a great “ride” to be on, watching them grow and learn and come into their own, but it’s also an possibility where memories can get lost, at least the fear of them being lost and replaced. You might be asking yourself, “where is he going with this?”.

The same applies to technology.
When I was first introduced to the Internet (at least AOL’s walled-garden version) back in 1995 I was in awe of a chat about Star Trek that I was having with someone in California. The topic wasn’t what had me so amazed, it was the reality of what was taking place. From my parents house in Wisconsin, I was exchanging thoughts and views with someone thousands of miles away. That was one of my first realizations of how powerful this new network of people and ideas could be.

Now here we sit, almost 15 years later, and this network of people and ideas has grown and intensified. Earlier this week I was having a great conversation on Twitter with Stuart Manning, a Web developer from Ireland. It wasn’t until after the conversation ended that I became amazed at what just took place. From my home in Wisconsin, I was exchanging opinions, and with someone in a country. This was combined with the other experiences I’ve had with people from my own state and throughout the nation. The awe from 14 years ago set in again.

The more things change…
With new ways to connect with one another emerging, seemingly each day, let’s not forget that original spark of “wow”. It is that moment that made me interested in the Internet and what could be done with it. As information flies at us and past us at break-neck speeds, take a little time off to step back from it all and remember where it all started. Let that moment of awe seep back into your mind and inspire more innovation.

Organizing Your Thoughts (and Your Work Life)

2009-03-08T21:02:00Z

We’ve all lived this scenario before; deadline approaching. Notes strewn about. Mass clutter all around. How do you focus on what needs to get done to complete a task? Sure there are tools that can be used, but which is the right one for and how do you make it work with your routine?

I’ve been asking myself this very question multiple times over the past year. As project opportunities increase I’ve found the need to get a crystal-clear picture of what needs to be done and when. After many Web service and software trials, I’ve found what works for me, and hopefully it can benefit you as well.

Rough drafts and brain drippings

When I start a project, I first turn to my sketchbook. I can rapid-fire thoughts and plans onto it as well as establish what the client wants, all in a nice tidy package. Great, i’ve got my initial thoughts and some rough sketches down, now what? I’ve got to get those ideas over to my computers (yes, plural) for expanding and finalizing. Thankfully, there are a variety of tools that I use both individually and combined to get things done.

Evernote

After I signed up for the Evernote service, I scratched my head and wondered how I would work it into my routine. It wasn’t until recently that I started to understand the power of this service, and I find myself wondering how I ever got things done, or at the very least remembered things, before it.

What’s the key to Evernote’s power? Syncing. With applications for Windows, Mac, Mobile and iPhone platforms, not to mention an uber-handy Web interface, you can create notebooks, add, edit, and delete notes wherever you may be and then access them on the device of your choosing. More importantly, you can write down a note when you want and not risk losing it to the rush of information that we deal with on a minute-by-minute basis. Don’t feel like you need to whip out the laptop or smartphone every time you want to jot something down either. Evernote does a great job of handwriting recognition that is searchable, so that note that was written in a sketchbook or on a bar napkin can be archived and found for later use.

Dropbox

With multiple computers comes great responsibility (apologies to Stan Lee). What is that responsibility? Keeping track and remembering where you placed your latest layout files and project notes. I use two (sometimes more) computers on a daily basis and when I need to continue or start on a project, I’d better be sure I have what I need, especially when deadlines are looming. Enter, Dropbox.

With Dropbox, my work life becomes much clearer. Once set up and running on the machines I want, I have not only a local copy of my files, but as soon as I change those files, they are uploaded to “the cloud” and pulled down to any other synchronized machines. Sounds great, right? Picture it this way; you can be at your local Starbucks (or coffee shop of choice) making changes on your laptop, save what you’re working on, and by the time you walk out the door, those files can be waiting for you at home or at the office.

Getting things done

As mentioned earlier, it took me a while, not to mention much trial and error, but I’ve settled into a system that works for me. Hopefully this can help clear some clutter for you too.

Tropicana Thunder

2009-02-24T03:19:00Z

On a trip to the grocery store this past weekend, I needed to pick up a few breakfast items for my family. One of the items on my list was orange juice. Being the design geek that I am, I first looked at the packaging, then the price. If you haven’t already heard, Pepsi recently refreshed the branding on almost, if not all of their product families, including their Tropicana brand. There’s no doubt that a large sum of money was invested in this rebrand As I surveyed the landscape of juice before me, the Tropicana cartons stood out. All of the other brands had imagery plastered over every square inch of real estate and the gratuitous use of whitespace made the PepsiCo product stand out, to me.

(Not from) concentrate

That’s when the individuality got lost. As I examined each Tropicana carton it became clear that the option I was looking for (No Pulp) was as hard to see as the tiny bits of orange themselves. It was only after I took a closer look at each carton that I was able to locate the type of juice I wanted to purchase. Slight usability issue, but I got what I was looking for (not to mention the price was too good to pass up, regardless of the brief hassle I encountered).

The squeeze

Now just a few days later, I’ve read that due to an enoumous amount of loyal customer backlash, Tropicana will be reverting back to it’s previous look (from the logo to the carton graphics). When this happens, I hold out hopethat some of the new look design considerations will live on, aside from the proposed cap design.

Admiration and loss

2008-06-23T13:04:00Z

After reading about the death of George Carlin, a man that without doubt burned the candle at both ends, I’ve given thought to all of the people that I’ve drawn inspiration from. George was on that list. When I was either 15 or 16, I found “Class Clown” in my parents basement. Not knowing much about him, I did what any adolescent would have done. I put the record on and cranked it up. As the needle reached the outer rings, I knew I was a different person than when the ride had started. A change for the better. Going forward, I pocketed his words, along with words of others and traveled forward on my journey.

Words

To quote George “All we have are words, really”. Our lives are filled with words coming in from so many directions that it’s easy to lose track of who said what. The words that stick with us the most, the ones that we pass along in the forms of advice and guidance, those are the ones that can be traced back to their original sources. Parents, grandparents, friends, spouses, children and the occasional celebrity. All of these sources define and shape us with their words, for they are all we have. As a parent, I’ve realized the power that words have, and I work to wield them with caution and skill.

As life moves on, as it tends to do, I will use these words, learned from various sources, to help me along the way. Thanks to those who’ve made their words worth remembering.