'The Art Of Being A Great Canadian, Eh?' - Part 2

‘The I Want To Keep It simple Kind of Holiday’ or ‘I’m Broke This Year But Will Not Let Down My Family’

We, in Canada, pursue our work with great tenacity to achieve the absolute symbol of wealth…to answer the call & lure of the great outdoors of this great land. It is the only right Canadian thing to do, eh? Yes, our first adventures seem a little primitive and simple yet we proudly head down the highway with our station wagon packed to the nuts and legs stretched everywhere. The first sign of trouble is when the first question comes from the back seat…Wake us up when we get there, okay Johnnykins?’ I always know when they use my name like an adjective the camp games have just begun. With tent in trunk we pursue our special campground. We honestly believe no one else we know knows about our’ ‘special’ place except us. We secretly feel challenged and excited to seek anywhere with a fancy name. For instance, take ‘Pancake Mountain’…named by a famous bush pilot. I wonder what happened to this pilot, eh? Every visiting Canadian will have a different story. And how about ‘Little Mink Pass’…named by an old northern trapper. Was it because the mink were small or every time he had a bad season he would scream madly from his cabin “come here you ---dam little mink, your not passin’ by my door without a visit and your days are numbered anyway!”, or wild animal names such as Great Bear Lake. Something tells me no one saw a great sized bear just appear from out of the depths of that vast cold Canadian lake and walk on the surface of the lake to the shore to the amazement of all watching. As a matter of fact this great Canadian has fished this lake and it has some of the best trophy Lake Trout you would ever find in the entire world. Why is it not named Great Trout Lake? This is what makes this land called Canada so great, eh?! We obviously do not have a clue why we named anything. Great Canadian Maturity proves that names and locations on our maps could be one of two things; highly accurate or highly in-accurate, depending on 1) who chose to name it (I’m sure they must be Canadian, eh?), 2) how much of a sense of humor they had that day (Boy, do we have a sense of humor!), 3) it was the only way anyone including the finder would ever remember where the hell this particular spot is ever again. I’ll leave you to wonder the rest and imagine some of the other names; Mosquito Lake, Big Trout Lake, Beavertail Creek, Loon River, Babine Lake, Old Wives Lake, Gold Pan Creek…I’m sure you get the picture. Just be sure to have as good an imagination as any proud Canadian and you’ll be fine. A case in point: A trip to Mosquito Lake proves itself once you arrive. Within minutes of arriving, my wife recalls of childhood adventures, every mosquito in the vast expanse of Canada arrived to welcome her families’ arrival. The only problem was, they decided to stay for the entire families holiday festive experience. The simplest task of seeking tranquility in the outdoors then became a test of the true ‘Canadian’ family spirit. Sleeping in the tent, cooking on the open fire, quick trips to the washroom(outhouse!), playing cards at the picnic table, or taking the dingy out for an hour of fishing all proved easy to plan yet hard to attempt let alone master. Sanity became the primary objective to keep in place for everyone. Constant swatting, smacking, endless bottles of stinky repellant, endless waking hours at night listening to their flight runs all directly aimed at your face and any other possible bodily part remotely accessible. Modern radar and satellite GPS systems have nothing on those bastards. There isn’t a spot left untouched on the entire human body by these blood-sucking adventure capitalists. Now just imagine waking in the morning to the simple yet proudly Canadian truth you are not going anywhere for the next week.
To be continued...

If you were the CEO?

Welcome to a new week everyone! If you were the CEO of your own corporation and this was your board room, who would be your closest advisors? You can see by the picture where you are sitting- at the head of the table. Pretend for a moment you had only one choice for who you would place in each chair. These would be your closest advisors, your confidants, your people you bounce ideas off of. These are people you know with upmost certainty you could trust with anything you own- your home, vehicle, family, money. You also know they can be trusted with sensitve information of high importance to you.
Why don't you spend a minute and play along with this. Pretend. Place someone in each chair. It could be a friend, professional peer, relation, family member, health expert, financial advisor, someone who humors you, a 'pretend' person like a goddess mythical character, a pixie, a fairy, a musician, artist...it doesn't matter. As long as they are important to you. Let your imagination go wild on this one.
The one thing I ask you to do is to be serious and pick pople you know you have to be with for a one year period- just like a CEO would pick for directors, advisors, etc. You can't change them after giving them the honor of being placed at your table.
I have done this and still have the same people I chose three years ago. It's amazing when I look at my board room with the names of my people placed right on the chair where they are sitting. I do consult them when needed. Interesting is the fact that you know who in your close circle to ask a specific question or to get advice from.
Welcome to your new corporation and to being your own CEO. As noon is coming soon I have to consult my health advisor for advice on a great healthy lunch I should eat today. And yes, I do listen to the advice.
Until the next weblog...

‘The Art of Being a Great Canadian, Eh!’ Part One...

I believe, without undue modesty, that I have certain qualifications to write on ‘The Art of Being a Great Canadian, Eh!’ as I was born within the lands considered to be the lands of ‘Canada’. Even with this evidence in hand from being a youngster I found out that every time somebody wanted to know more about ‘me’ they would ask that inevitable question; Where do your parents and grand-parents come from, that is…what country were they born in. A young child like me thought everyone was born right on my street somewhere (at least in their own backyard). Interestingly, their question was a correct one, as my mother and father, although both born in Canada, had many blood lines from other countries starting with their parent’s backward in time. My mother had at least five known countries of origin in her background- Irish, German, French, & English. My father seemed to be the one in the family with straight Scottish roots dating from his parents backward. (Maybe that’s why my favorite drink of choice is single malt scotch, who knows eh?) They came over to the ‘new land’ to raise their family on a homestead on the prairies. The subsequent looks and remarks confirmed my suspicion to that inevitable question (Oh…he’s one of those, eh!). The undertones & change of mannerisms from that moment on confirmed I was not just your average kid growing up on Simple Street Canada. Even growing up in the 50’s in a middle class Canadian city had it’s streets of multiple diversities of culture. Our street had the same neighbors for years. No one moved. Everyone stayed in the same house for years. Garbage trash stashed close or on container by back lane Tuesday before dark. Lawns cut between 8:00 & 9:00 am on Saturdays. Laundry hung on the clothesline by 11:00. Car washed early afternoon. Seeds planted by May long-weekend. The list goes on and on. It was a major community event to find out someone was actually not following protocol, or worse, planning to move out of the area. Yet, I now realize many years later from being asked that first line of questions from ‘mature’ concerned citizens of this great land that no-ones roots were from that street anyways, or for that matter ANY street on the fee simple premises known as Canadian turf. What an eye opener that was. I had hit pay-dirt by the time I hit fourteen years old with this knowledge & understanding.
Until the next posting...

Sweet Summer Solstice and Waxing Crescent Moons

The first day of summer! This is what we live for, isn't it? Mix the longest day of the year with a waxing crescent moon with a 43% illumination and we've got one great day, right? Yes, I say! I went to the Navy Observatory website to get specific times for sunrise, it's highest point in the day, and sunset for today. Where I live in Vancouver this is what it is... Sunrise 05:07 AM, the sun's highest point in the sky is at 13:15 PM (1:15 PM Local) and Sunset is 21:22 PM (9:22 PM Local). That gives me exactly 16 hours and 15 minutes today to take in all the essence that the sun offers and bestows on me today.
Did you know that the definition of the summer solstice is when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, when the sun reaches its northernmost point on the celestial sphere. So there you go.
This got me thinking about the bird's eye view of the world from space. I believe when we focus on a little of what mother nature is showing us everyday there is something to be learned from her. And today, I have learned something. Putting attention and focus onto one apparently small event is actually a profound event in nature. And the greatest part is I am aware of this event and intend to enjoy it in this moment for all it has to offer. How about you?
It's now time to leave my computer and take my cup of fresh coffee into the brightness of the morning sun.
Until the next post...

Which Came First? The Chicken Or The...

Remember the story of the chicken and egg? Which came first? The logic is you cannot have a chicken without an egg nor can you have an egg without a chicken! When you think of the connecting link between these two apparently different things, would the same reasoning not be held for two critical desires we all want in our life– a high degree of WEALTH and the HEALTH to go and enjoy it all? Can these two actually be the same, have equal value, and it doesn't matter?
I think they are and they do. If you have wealth but your health is extremely poor, what chance do you have to enjoy all that wealth is supposed to offer. If you have extremely great health and limited or no financial resources, it will not be easy for you to be mobile and express yourself to the world and share your great energy and all of your beauty.
There are scores of examples of people who spent years building their wealth, arrived, and it was over- they died or had a serious health issue which restricted their life and enjoyment thereafter.
For most of us, it is going to require a lot of focus, planning and patience to acquire the wealth we want in our life. Since this is the case, we need as much energy and clear thinking to aid us with this outcome.
I think it is imperative to consider that the two, the chicken and the egg, are interconnected and both need constant attention to achieve the desired results- wealth AND health.
If I had to side with one or the other, I think I would choose the egg. Why? Because the chicken is fully grown and is what it is, a chicken. But the egg, if nurtured, will grow healthy and strong according to how I feed it and look after it. The egg I own is my own health. I choose to look after it as best as possible. That way I know I will have the energy and clear thinking to guide my thoughts daily for wealth creation & long term growth.
How about you? Which is first in your mind?
Until the next post...

Mind Your Millionaire Matters

I recently read two books that I believe, together, are catalyist to transforming the fundamentals of attaining, keeping, and growing wealth. The first is 'Why We Want You To Be Rich' by Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki. The second is 'Secrets of the Millionaire Mind' by T. Harv Eker. So why would I make such a claim...
The Trump / Kiyosaki book takes you through the steps of understanding your 'role' in the economy and marketplace with an intellectual approach to money and the growth of it. This 'role' is explained with four quadrants. They are Employee, Self-Employee, Business, and Investments. The explanation is that when you transform yourself into the business quadrant and out from that build cash flow investments(quadrant four) continually back to yourself, you live with upmost 'freedom' and wealth.
This intellectual approach to understanding your relationship to the outer world with greater financial resources always growing & available is simple to understand. I think it is the 'left brain' approach to understanding wealth.
T. Harv Eker's book 'Secrets of the Millionaire Mind' takes you through the same steps but does an interesting approach. He uses the emotional approach to money and the growth of it. The 'right brain' approach. He has what he calls a 'Financial Blueprint' and says he can, from speaking with you, instantly tell if you are wealthy or not so wealthy- your financial blueprint. He takes you through the understanding of the 'emotional blueprints' that restrict or allow you to have, keep and grow wealth.
After reading both books, one after the other, it struck me how both are so important, and should be treated as one. The intellectual and emotional convergence of understanding wealth, the meeting of 'left brain' and 'right brain'. Everything firing at once. All cylinders, in harmony, in time, all tuned and operating at maximum potential and effiency.
My recommendation? Read both. Get your left and right brain thinking at once. You won't regret it. Then you will mind your millionaire matters.
Until the next post...

The Bumblebee Who Believed He Was a Birdie

'According to recognized aerodynamic tests the bumblebee cannot fly because of the weight & shape of it's body in relation to the total wing area. The bumblebee does not know this so he goes ahead and flies anyways.'



This was a plaque I had on my wall when I was a teenager. It is an amazing little piece of truth that stands as strong and profound today as the day I put up to read. You are what and who you believe you are. Plain & simple. And there are no rules in this game of life.



This brings me to John Daley, probably the most controversial yet highly successful golfer who hits the greens on his own terms- his way. He has had many personal and professional problems over his career- multiple marriages, alcohol, a temper. Yet, when this guy goes out on to the green he's a truly amazing man who simply plays 'his' game by 'feel'. He has said in interviews he is not disciplined like Tiger Woods or any other golfer who practices hours upon hours to stay at the peak of their game. He says he just goes out onto the greens and plays by feel. When he said this recently on a '60 Minutes' interview my wall plaque came back in front of my eyes in full color instantly, like the bee had landed on my nose, the bee had gone full circle. John Daley plays his game by feel! He knows when he is in the feel 'zone'. He also knows when he is in this 'feel zone' what kind of game is going to have. He is just like the bumblebee! He does not look, act, or carry himself in a manner which has the appearance of success. Yet he is loved on the course, respected by his peers, draws millions of fans, and has made a heck of a lot of money 'feeling' his way around the course. He just goes out there and does it!

I finally get the picture! I am finally one with the bee. The bee is me. I am the bee! I get it! There are no rules in this game of life. Only the rules we put on ourselves from our fears and worries which limits our 'feel', our 'oneness', our 'intuitiveness'.

Since I do not play golf, what would I place in my heading, my plaque, my game for my life for the world to see?...'The Bumblebee Who Believed He Was A Billionaire? Mmmm, what a thought...I'll think on this with my early morning cup of nectar.



Until the next post...

The Lottery Syndrome

This weeks lotto 649 at $40,000,000 which was won by 2 people is a fascinating example of a person expecting the best yet living with with something much less. I don't think millionaires, multi-millionaires and billionaires buy lottery tickets to 'live the best life possible'. They go out everyday doing what they each do best-there own special thing, business, art, etc. They do not stand back and watch the wheels go around to offer them, on a silver platter, their 'favorite numbers'. They are out in the marketplace doing 'themselves'. And when a lot of them have achieved a high degree of wealth they do not do things for the money anymore, because they do not 'need to'. They use perspicacious decisions and strategies always going forward.

I believe most of the buyers for the lotteries are people who are not living up to full potential and live lack in areas of their life- one of those being money. I call this 'The Lottery Syndrome'. It is the need to seek a better tomorrow. What is striking is how we believe this 'better tomorrow' is outside of ourselves. It's out there somewhere.

There is a mind freshing belief system called BE DO HAVE. It simply states, be the person you desire, do the actions to back up this strong belief, and you will have everything you desire come to you.

Since the odds are so much against most people dramatically changing their lives by winning a lottery, put the odds in your favour. Stand up today, get rid of all lack thoughts, be the person you desire, act in a manner of success, and watch the magic happen! Everyday push the negative thoughts out and re-inforce the positive thoughts. Do a 90 day challenge for yourself to plant habits so strongly in place you will never go back to the old. Cheers to your fortune!, maybe YOU will be the next self made millionaire...

Until the next blog...

Value vs. Time - Who is the winner in your day?

What is more important to you? Time or Money? What an interesting thought! Like this question has to be asked. Upon further investigation some interesting things develop...
1- Time has to be broken into fragments in order to track it properly. eg.- How about the all-mighty paycheck. Most bosses want to know how many hours you worked. This is the way they understand it- hours for money. If you are late arriving in the morning you know what happens; management eyes you and voila, upon strike 3 your to the bosses office to poured over the coals. It doesn't matter if you missed the bus, car broke down, had a sick child to tend to, etc. YOUR ONLY VALUE TO YOUR BOSS IS THE TIME YOU WORK. Summer vacation? How about 2 weeks a year during a time before or after more senior employees are back from their prime time July/August fun time. Then you spend your 'time' away. You know the story...

Imagine working for a boss who only valued your VALUE, not your time. Eg. You know how to do the required work required in 4 hours vs. 8 hours. You boss says 'go home' when the work is done. Short and simple. If you could do your work in 7 months of the year take the rest off. Wow! How many bosses you know operate this way? Do you know ANY? I sure don't!

The only real true way for a person to operate by their own value is to be their own boss. Yes, you heard it right. BE YOUR OWN BOSS. There are so many ways to do this in this day and age with computers and mobility it is mind boggling. A diligent search for the RIGHT type of business to fit your personality and you only need perform value at all times to achieve reward- including money...unlimited money. Remember, their are no 'ceiling caps' on income when you work for yourself. Your value cannot be broken into fragments. When your day is governed by 'value' instead of 'time', time is subordinate to value. You choose how many hours you perform your 'work' and WHEN it is completed. What a lovely thought, right? Of course. There are thousands of people working from home (in home based businesses) working the hours THEY choose, having the lifestyle THEY choose, and income level THEY choose. Some make as much monthly income as many people make in a year. Believe me? It is true. And, yes, they are very happy. They only perform value how and when they choose to. They travel when they want to, take days off when they want to, shop when they want to.

Yes, there are happy people working at jobs every day, yet statistics show that 80% or more people would like something better. You can have the 'something better'. You do not need to carry on under the pressures of 'time' ever again. Choose 'value' and miraculously, you will find you get your life back. Simply perform more value out and watch the dividends come back home- to you! I personally choose value in my day & life and, yes, operate my own home business. Would I look back ever again? Not for anyone's TIME!

Until the next posting...

Jettison the Junk...

This past weekend was an adventure in the art of doing the obvious, but not recognizing it until after the fact. Yet having profound results. Let me explain...

I drove up to where I use to live where I still have some of my possessions in storage. These 'possessions' have been in storage for over a year. After ruffling through my stuff for over a hour it hit me. What the hell am I doing with all this old stuff, stuff I have owned for many years that are;
1- Old and warn, 2) would look horrible in my newer place, 3) look like I'm still hanging out in the '60's listening to The Beach Boys with a poster of a surfer gal on the wall...etc. You should have seen the old chairs I don't even think my pet monkey would take residence in ever again. Like, what is this? After spending what seemed like hours in this square box with the pouring rain outside, it hit me like a ton of bricks. GET RID OF THIS STUFF. The decision was made right on the spot. Over half of what I have is going to people who can use it or to direct to the dump. Plain and simple. I was hanging onto stuff that has no value whatsoever to me any more and I can assure you no monetary value either!

Now, this revelation had interesting after effects in my mind Sunday morning with my fresh cup of java. I realized how much 'junk' I 'possess' that hinders my acceleration towards my goals of optimum health and wealth! The more I hang onto all the old junk the less capable I am to freely go forward. I cannot put my new wine into an old bottle. How could I accept new value and greatness into my life when I would not even let go of the old? Wow, what a question for a guy who thought he had a lot figured out. The things I desire are the new, fresh and abundance of new possessions, relationships...all things on a higher level of thought and energy than where I have hung my hat. So Yes!!! The decision to jettison the junk became an easy one once I recognized it was truly junk and does not serve me any more.
Until the next posting...

Critical Point vs. The Point of No Return

In our life's choosings, it is fascinating to note how many times decisions are based on fear vs. faith. I know many points along the road which have proved this in my own life. Yet there are also times when the choice was a firm 'YES' or 'NO' based on a 'gut feeling'- knowing what was 'the right thing to do. A deeper drive based on faith regardless of outcome. Did it always work out? No, but most times the 'right thing' opened new experiences that created new directions and people in my life which I would not have experienced otherwise- new growth, new opportunities. Would I take back any of my experiences? No on your life!

This brings me to my main thought to project out today- the critical point vs. the point of no return. This term is used in aviation. I'll explain with a personal example I had. I departed an airport on a 450 mile flight in the high Arctic to a destination that had questionable weather. There were very few options as an alternate , with limited information to other possible airports. The decision was to go and if the weather did not improve above the minimum weather required, at some point a decision would be made to either go to an alternate airport or return to the airport we departed from. The critical point was at about 2 hours into the flight. A decision had to be made at that time to continue to the destination or 1) go to an alternate airport 2) return to home base of departure. Well, as you guessed it, we arrived at this critical point in the flight, the weather still had not improved(it was questionable if we would be able to land). there were no other options for an close-by alternate airport to wait for the weather to improve. It was at this point a decision had to be made. Continuing on this flight path further would have put us at the 'point of no return' the point which we would not have been able to return to the departure airport with a safe amount of fuel remaining. There would be no turning back! The right decision had to be made NOW. What was it going to be? Continue with the hope the weather was going to improve or return home? The limited information I was receiving to make a proper assessment aided in the decision to turn around and go back to the departure airport. We got back safely to the home base to a sunny day and the flight ended normal, with the decision to try at a later time or day.

This experience came back to my thoughts after recently reading a new book out about building and keeping wealth. We all get to critical points at various times in our life when a decision has to be made 'NOW', beyond which we will have gone beyond the point of no return. No going back! If the decision is based on a high degree of good information balanced with your 'gut feeling' you will base it on smart judgement- faith, rather than fear. Do not expect to get ALL the information. That will not happen. The only person who can take care of you is you. The only person who can make the decision at this critical point is you. Rise out of the walls of your resistance. Trust yourself, be yourself, walk the way you walk, talk the way you talk. Back this up with faith and information on what you desire and GO FOR IT! Push beyond the point of no return! No you will not be able to go back. But is it worth it to not choose the higher place in your life path rather than continue to choose the lower comfortable, fear driven life of mediocrity, obscured, unfocused. Rise up, take the challenge you know down deep you want & desire, tell your lack thoughts to get out of your head once and for all, and go forward with acceptance. Do it today. You will never look back. Why would you want to??? Choose the point of no return.


My word of the day- 'Superlative'
‘In my choosing, I choose the summit of my ambition, my highest superlative’

CaptainsBlog 15:29 PM June 1st, 2007

Welcome all to my new blog! First, I want to let eveyone know this is all new to me. This is my first time venturing into new territory, the expression of the e-world. I look forward to the rewards and value of sharing my thoughts, wisdom, humor, goals, vision... my primary goal is to write and articulate intelligent stuff that stimulates thought and action. I will certainly be sharing specific high goals and plans I have as well. I am presently in my office on a gorgeous warm sunny afternoon in the lower Vancouver mainland area. My decision to create this e-journal of open communication is my first step to go to new realms of speaking whats on my mind and start the actions of new beginnings. Everything from aviation (yes I am a long time pilot!), Donald Trump, Richard Branson, Mark Cuban(the billionaire clubbers) building my business edge, wealth, health and anything else important to be expressed, shared. So, I look forward to this adventure and promise everyone disciplined & consistent writings. Everyone enjoy your day. Until the next post...