Despite appearances, I do in fact have a traditional day job. While my fledging creative enterprises do contribute a modest return to Haley Manor & Studio 48s bottom line, I am eternally grateful to the executive management and staff at the Silicon Valley high tech firm where I work for continuing to find value in what it is I do there (though I think they would be hard-pressed to articulate exactly what that is), thereby providing ample renumeration sufficient to maintain my beeswax and oil paint habit. This past week, I was honored for my 15 years of service with the company, complete with a certificate of achievement, a grip & grin photo-op with the Chairman/CEO (he hired me, after all), and a $200 gift card (those art supplies). The appreciation is quite mutual. Sure, I have loyally served through 15 tumultuous years and a multitude of wildly fluctuating business cycles without opting out for greener pastures when opportunities knocked, but they have also stood by my side at some of the most difficult times in my life - fully supporting me beyond the call. Weve built something together. Thats what families do. All the attention I garnered this week has initiated a run of obligatory old-timer jokes around the ol water cooler. All in good fun, of course. Yet, the hard truth is that some day - in the not too distant future, when I have served beyond my usefulness, my number will be called and Ill be cast alone between the furrows of a field no longer sown by anyone. When that time comes, Ill continue my efforts to cultivate the freshest flower this garden ever grew. Beneath these branches I once wrote such childish words for you. But thats okay, theres treasure children always seek to find. And just like us, you must have had, a Once Upon A Time. - With apologies and all due respect to The Captain & The Kid.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 06:36:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015