It's for you.

“Operator, well could you help me place this call?

Well, I can't read the number that you just gave me,

There's something in my eyes, you know it happens every time,

I think about a love that I thought would save me.”

If you have been alive the past 335 days, not counting today since it’s not over, 2020 will be one for the record books. You will find it listed under, “please get this over with, because we’re done dealing with it.”

We certainly must have had some high moments during the year, but for sure we’ve had many low ones; but then again, if you are able to read this, life isn’t too bad. Many are no longer with us and that’s as bad as it gets.

Okay, let’s lift the mood.

A little more than 10 years ago, I concluded my daily blog, “Snap.Shot.” after writing every day for one entire year. Whereas I was truly ready to end it, in the back of my mind I thought about changing my plans. Since then, I have not been able to get the drive back….but…I am going to try again. 

If you want come along, please do. Hopefully you will find something to read when you click, but if you don’t want to read it, that’s absolutely fine. There were several readers who would tell me, “I am not into sports and I pass on those days.” I appreciated their feedback even though it was often just the photo that was sports related and not what was written below it.

This year has been a time when I’ve been able to get back in touch with photography. It seems, except for sports, I really had not been taking as many pictures as I had once done over the past few years. One year, I calculated I took I took over 300,000 pictures—thankfully we’re in the digital age!

So, if you’re up for it, I will be writing every day until November 30, 2021. I am really hoping I will have enough to write about. I guess we’ll see.

The photo above was taken many years ago at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. I went back to the museum a couple of years ago and it was either moved or now had a new home. This picture was in a previous “Snap. Shot”—it was when I wrote about calling my Mom when she was in the hospital battling cancer. Cancer won—that was 11 years ago.

To me, this phone reminds  me of the need to “reach out and touch” a lost friend or family member—-unlike this phone, there is no cord that needs to be stretched from one room to another and long distance….that’s long past.

See you tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Road.

“But the band's on the bus

And they're waiting to go

We’ve got to drive all night

And do a show in Chicago.”

When you travel for business or pleasure, there’s something new waiting for you around every corner. It might be a hidden valley, beautiful landscape, or a police car hoping you have forgotten to watch your speed—but there is something about being on the road that is appealing. Right now, being on the road, or even outside our homes, seems like a far away dream. 

I have been in sales my entire business career. In the beginning it was very exciting even though my territory was far from it. I would drive (there was no need to fly) and once in the town, I would settle in for a few days away from my normal routine. It was fun, especially with an American Express card. (Funny thing, I was often asked…”Why are you spending so little when you’re out of town?”) True story and still true today.

I have had some great, and not so great experiences on the road—there are three that come to mind. 

My first was when I was in a city, prior to a college football game that was to be played between the university in the state where I lived, and the state where I was I was staying. I was going to be home by game time, but it didn’t matter. I came out of my hotel and noticed my car was tilted to one side. That night, because I had an Illinois license plate, two of my tires were slashed. At first I thought it was a random act, but learned 2 or 3 other cars had the same thing happen to them. (The hotel said, “We heard something outside, but didn’t check.”) My last time staying at that hotel.

Once when I was in California, I was heading to my room after checking in; as I opened the door there were two people already in the room. Let’s just say they were occupied at the moment-—luckily they had other rooms available. Didn’t stay at that hotel again either.

But there were some great times on the road. 

Even though it started out as a  frightening experience, it ended up with a friendship that has lasted many years. One of my New York counterparts was traveling with me--- and as we were heading to a call about an hour or so away, we experienced what we were sure was a tornado. Cars were skidding into the median, and I knew something was up, because the rain stopped very abruptly.  Both of our faces reflected we thought this could be it; happy to report it wasn’t. (Right after it all had passed, I made one of my more brilliant comments..”I think it’s okay if we’re a few minutes late for our meeting!”} 

We haven’t spoken in years, but every time we do, we bring it up.

The photo above was taken in Utah a few years ago. One of my favorite places to take a photo is right in the middle the road. I always listen for cars, and have at times laid down to get a better vantage point. I really hope one day I don’t become road kill, but if I do, there should be a photo to see my final shot.

Thanks for stopping by.

Today, tomorrow, and the next days.

“Remember when the days were long

And rolled beneath a deep blue sky

Didn't have a care in the world

With mommy and daddy standing by.”

It was around this time of year, when as a boy, ice cream trucks would begin to make their way into the neighborhood, baseball mitts came out, and weeds popped through the soil. Right now, I would be happy to see the weeds as long as we could be outside with our neighbors and friends. 

Weeds were not my friends; I hated them and my father really wanted them out of his garden, planters, and around the bushes in our front yard. I will never forget the very sharp triangular black rocks that were spread around the bushes and the need to kneel on them in order to pull the weeds. Obviously, picking weeds in the hot, humid weather St. Louis is known for, made going into the house with that first rush of air conditioning the best feeling of the day.

I never realized how these days would shape me as I grew older. They became stories I would tell to others, especially when there was a need for humor; for example, one time when I was playing catch with my Dad, actually pitching to him, I forgot to tell him I was going to throw a curve ball. It was one of those rare pitches that really did curve and it hit him right in the middle of the forehead. If I had a camera, I would have taken a picture of the seams from the baseball that were “implanted” there,  but if I had done so I would likely be back to picking more weeds. (My Dad was the nicest human, so he really would not have done that.)

Truthfully, growing up I didn’t have a care in the world; every day went by and usually ended on a positive note…at least of what I remember, and I will live with those thoughts…especially right now during these uncertain times

The photo above was not something I did often. In fact, I can only remember playing hop scotch once or twice. But it’s the memory of seeing the chalk to the side, the squares and triangle in a straight line, that let me know these were times of innocence. 

Times I hope we see again soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

The bridge.

“When you're weary, feeling small

When tears are in your eyes, I'll dry them all 

I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough

And friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.”

Right now the lyrics above have taken on significant meaning. As we hunker down in our areas of dwelling, from homes to apartments to wherever people can find a roof, I personally feel very small as I am one in a sea of global population. But, as one, I can make a difference and I really hope others believe they can too.

I have never really been all that fearful of dying. I simply have joked, “When it’s my turn, it's been a pleasure.” Candidly, I have thought about it recently and for sure it’s no laughing matter with our world today. I believe we all know of someone who has been effected; whether it’s their family, relative or a friend, we are definitely at a level we never thought we would have to consider outside of a movie theatre. The big difference? We could walk away from it two hours after it began—-I want to have a happy ending to this situation we are in the middle of right now, and I certainly don’t want a sequel.

Okay, enough of that happy talk.

When you go through times of trouble, it is essential to be selective in who you can trust to confide in. Prior to the virus, we dealt with any and all issues that came into our personal lives—from love to health to what to eat, by talking to a friend or professional who could help to guide us. (Hey, when you’re hungry it’s a big deal but not worth a therapists hourly charge.)

As we get older, we find our friends sometimes move on and we lose touch. But what’s amazing is, when you have a deep bond with someone, and the going really gets tough (not food related) you know who you can connect and re-connect with. I have a few friends who I can call and they will be back in touch within a matter of moments. They know they can do the same with me—simply when a shoulder or back is needed, you know who will be there for support.

In the scheme of things, we are all pretty small, but in terms of helping others, we have the opportunity to be much larger than we think we are capable of being. Let’s help, if for no other reason, it feels good.

The photo above was taken outside of St. Louis heading back to Chicago on Highway 55. I had driven by this bridge probably 100 times. But in order to take the photo, I would have to take the turn off, head south, and then find the road that would take me to it. One day I said, “Today’s the day.” As we look at the bridges that can take us over these troubled waters, we have to remember…they can hold a lot of weight and are happy to do so.

Thanks for stopping by.

Letting my mind wander.

“I can't wait to show you where I grew up

Walk you 'round the foothills of my town

Probably feel like you've been there before

After hearing all the stories I've been telling you

For six months now.”

With where we are in our lives right now, heading back in time would be a welcome gift of knowledge and preparedness. Just the ability to anticipate would be more than a feeling of science fiction and more of a reality check. (If you are reading this in the future, we are in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.) 

Growing up in St. Louis all those years ago, I remember introducing friends and others to my life. I wanted them to be excited about it, some were, most weren’t. I mean it was my life, not theirs—but as I look back on those times, they were ones that made me who I am. 

Going back and thinking about your life can bring memories of happiness and the days that really sucked. I would love to say that my life was one of continuous joy, but it wasn’t—-but all in all, I can look back as I approach another birthday, and know it could have been so much worse.

But what if? What if I could change some of the stories and make them better? Would I do it? Of course I would, who wouldn’t?

It might be the first girl I ever asked out; she gave me the equivalent of needing to wash her hair as an excuse (she actually was going to a St. Louis Blues hockey game—-the same reason I asked her to go out) but even though I “suddenly” came down with a bad illness for the next two days and missed school, I made it back and lived to tell. But I never had the guts to talk to her again.

Would I change that? No, because it's part of who I am. 

There is one area of my life I would change. I would want to know more about my roots. What makes me who I am today. My grandparents were around as I was growing up, but we never got into deep discussions as I believe that was not part of the normal conversation of the day. I do know some information about my family, but not enough to feel I had a grasp on what they went through as they immigrated to America to start their new lives. I know I can find out through sources such as Ancestry.com, but that’s not the same as being told by an elder.

I do believe in time travel, and I know the easiest way to do it. Often when I walk I’ll let my mind take me back in time, into the future and even spend a few moments, if needed, on what’s happening right then and now. It’s what I need to feel whole and for me it’s a way to visit those I have loved, lost  and  keep deep in my heart. 

The photo above was taken in a New York subway station. Although I didn’t grow up there, it reminds me that no matter what I do, or where I go, I will always have the memories to take with me and allow me to travel anywhere my mind wants to take me.

Thanks for stopping by.

A Football Life.

“They didn't let just anybody in that club

Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood

To get to wear those game-day jerseys down the hall

The kings of the school, man, we’re the boys of fall.”

Anyone who has followed my sports career knows it never existed; if there could have been a worse athlete, I would like to meet them and compare notes. Just like the movie Airplane, when Elaine is asked for “something light to read?” and replies “Uhh...how about this leaflet, Famous Jewish Sports Legends?” That was in reference to me. Check that I wouldn’t even make a fortune cookie.

But I did like sports a lot, and as I have gotten older, I recognize how gifted these humans truly are at their crafts.

But there’s another side to the story. It’s the athletes and families that devote so much of their lives to the sport, only to see them end one day. When it does, whether it’s pop warner, the minors or professional leagues---when it’s over, there is a huge void in their lives. Often times before they are prepared.

Many years ago I was fortunate to attend two different sales meetings where I met professional athletes. One was a speaker at a conference, the other at a bar where many of us were hanging out; both showed a side of life that left a big impression as this was easily 25 years ago. They had been at the top, and after the lights dimmed down….looked for what was next in their lives. 

The first was a meeting where Jim Plunkett, who rose to fame as the quarterback of the Oakland Raiders, spoke to our group. Afterward, I saw him walking to the lunch area we where we were to meet—-he was alone. I was actually shocked, so I walked up, introduced myself and for probably 15 minutes we talked; not about football, but about the time he left the field for the last time. I think he was surprised by the conversation---I know I was. We just kept talking until we ended up at the location where lunch was  to take place and shook hands. I was very honored he spoke with me, and happy he didn’t ask about my sports career!

The second person I met was Ron Greschner who played for the New York Rangers for many years. It happened at a bar where one of my “less-than-intelligent” associates, decided to get into an altercation with his personal body guard. Not that he needed one, I assume ihe was someone who was there to stop people from bothering him. Like me. Ironically.  I had no idea who he was, but I knew his former wife had been in one of the models in a Sports Illustrated Swim Suit edition. We didn’t talk about her if that’s where your mind was going---we talked about finance and investing. Specially about stocks and the market.  He was very well versed on the topic, and as I was leaving, I asked if he would sign a card, for my son. He said, “Give me his name and your address and I will send it to him.” By the time I arrived home a few days later, it was there. How cool is that?  You’re probably wondering about my associate? I don’t remember his name, but I do recall he was lucky to have lived through the evening.

The photo above is from the Iowa State v.Oklahoma game a few years back in Ames, IA. Knowing I was going to be lucky to be on the sidelines, I asked a friend which players I should be watching? There was only one name that kept coming up…his name was Baker Mayfield and he was quarterback for the Sooners. I also learned he was up for the Heisman Trophy which he won that year. That night, I was just a picture taker among many on the sidelines, but as I left the field at the end of the game--I realized this was my football life.

Thanks for stopping by.

There's a rainbow above us.

“Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dreams that you dream of

Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

And the dreams that you dream of

Dreams really do come true.”

I was not planning to start “Snap.Shot.” again, but now with time on my hands and thoughts in my head, it just seems like something I would like to do. If you would like to come back for the ride, feel free to do so, if not I certainly understand. But I am hoping you do.

We are in a time unlike anything we most likely have ever experienced; we’ve lived through 9/11, storms, floods, and fires (and of course, H1N1, Sara and others) but nothing like we have going on in our lives at this time. If this is the only time we have to do this, I am just fine with it.  Just as long as we can all make it through to the other side. 

Although it was nearly 20 years ago, the morning of September 11, 2001 was a day that stopped our nation and the world. The difference, if there was one, is we didn’t see it coming; it came and we responded. With the Coronavirus we were aware of it being out there, and had waited for it to make its way to the states. Either way, it is a very alarming situation and whereas we will work through it, it’s the unknown that has completely turned our world upside down.

Let’s turn this upside down and make it more optimistic. I think we need it right now.

After every storm, there is often something that comes after that is positive. Whether it’s neighbors coming together, friends and family reaching out, or just the world coming into view—-we will find the good from a bad situation. 

In one of my previous jobs, the company came up with a concept of helping those in need. Think about this. A catastrophe hits, homes are destroyed, people are displaced, and as the skies clear—-thousands of families need the basic necessities. In this case it was to have clean clothes to bring a slice of normalcy back into their lives. 

The area hit was hot, muggy and filthy from a massive hurricane. The idea that was brought to market quickly, “Loads of Hope” by Tide laundry detergent. It was an incredible response that took a decimated area and helped bring it back to life; although only one component to getting back on their feet, they had clean clothes and they were THEIR clothes. We all know how important that critical step is and Tide delivered it to them.

The photo above is more than it appears. Recently I was in Arizona and after attending a spring training game, the Cubs versus the Angels, I headed from Mesa down to Tucson. About 45 minutes from my destination I saw it on the horizon. At first I was not sure, then as I got closer and closer I witnessed one of the most vibrant rainbows I had ever seen. Moving closer, it got bigger and bigger. I was hoping for a pot of gold when I pulled over to take a picture, but all I got was an incredible image. For me, that’s even more valuable. (Unless there really was a pot of gold, and then I would have taken that instead.)

We are in a time that we really don’t want to be in. There is little we can do except do what we are asked to do; we need to stay indoors, away from people, and be extremely careful of spreading this virus accidentally to those who are most susceptible to catching it. But let’s remember the Wizard of Oz…behind the curtain is the real story, and once we know it, we will be able to look back and see that over the rainbow are better days.

Thanks for stopping by.