Stop and Smell the Donuts

Dear Members and Constituents,

As I was driving-in this morning, having missed a week of donuts, I was anticipating the sweet taste while contemplating how to follow-up on Ed Stocker’s semi-prophetic Tim Tebow e-mail. How might I build on it? How could I top it? I was so focused on trying to find a way to grow on this theme that I almost neglected to enjoy the beautiful colors now manifest on the trees, the way the sun cast strong shadows on the snow capped mountains or the crisp fall air attempting to sharpen my senses. Suddenly, it dawned on my that I have a propensity to take things for granted (unless, of course something happens to upset the status quo). And it’s not just me (I think it’s save to generalize in this case). We’re always trying to improve our lives, grow our wealth and increase our joy. The lucky billion or so living in countries with an average gross income per capita of $12,196 or more are pursuing technological luxuries while the least fortunate billion or so living in countries where that average gross income is $995 are pursuing the luxuries of food and shelter. It’s not until something we’ve taken for granted malfunctions, breaks or is missing that we take a step back and appreciate what we have (or had). “Fortunately” there is no shortage of these reminders. We try to steer the rickety boats of our lives towards better shores with buckets and corks in hand with new leaks springing-up left and right. And so, life rushes-by constantly preoccupied with getting what we don’t already have –when we’re not shoring-up what we do have.

So too, it is with the Friday Donut Club. Karin Ratchinski makes her debut as donut girl late in the rotation –but not at the end because there was a gap I needed to fill. She delights us with four dozen Winchell’s donuts which I propose we deliberately pause to enjoy. Take a break from your empire building and savor a donut.

Happy Friday!

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