“The Preface”
Not sure how I got myself into this spot. All I wanted to do at this stage of my life was to enjoy my remaining days with my memories. Of course there are some memories best forgotten. But if honesty is to be a virtue in my life, I must bare those evil deeds along with the good that I have experienced.
My intention at first was to find out if I had the ability to place more than one or more consecutive words on paper or a word processor that would be coherent to the reader. Thanks to my many followers I suppose I succeeded. It’s either that or I have a Tribe on the internet with “Attention Deficit Disorder” reading my Blog. For those reading this as my Blog Post, it’s your fault I find myself in this pickle. However without your constant nagging “You oughta write a book“, I probably would have completed the race before me without ever feeling the Love and Care of so many friends. For that I thank you. For those who have the misfortune of actually paying Cash to read this stuff, you have my sincere Condolences.
Often the question is asked what does “My Dirt Nap is on Hold” and “My Garden of Good and Evil” mean! Without going into a sermon on my belief in GOD I’ll just skirt around this subject with a few comments on just what is the final state of our lives. Whether you believe as I do or not is not the point. What does matter is we all are on the trip to the grave. “Timing” as an old sage once said “is everything”. I would be remiss if I left an impression that I have an inside track on how and when I will depart this life. But depart I will and it’s timing is definitely above my pay grade. Until then “My Dirt Nap is on Hold”. For the “Garden of Good and Evil”. My favorite book has a passage that says “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The implications are that we all have a Garden that we are planting with the seeds from our life’s work. I can categorically state that there are some big Honking Weeds in my Garden. So I borrowed “Garden of Good and Evil” from a production by Clint Eastwood adapting it to my Life’s work rather than the Cemetery depicted in Eastwood’s movie.
With so much of my life behind me I am discovering almost daily that I am not unique in many of my stories. So many who have visited with me share much of the same experiences. I guess my love of reading about others in Biographies has bolstered my belief that this is indeed a wonderful life. I can only encourage you to explore your life and put it down on some media that will trail you long after you also get planted in your own Garden of Good and Evil.
And finally, a word about my memory. Bill Cosby’s quote might apply here. “When you become Senile, you won’t know it.“ Many of my vignettes are in an area where I had to call on my older Brother to verify. His ability to recall past events is phenomenal. Aside from this asset, he also is able to verbally recount these stories with great humor. Our sister, who was also our best friend, would often remark that his stories were so funny and they seemed to get better every year. If only he would give up a few days of Golf and Bowling and put his life on paper for his Children and Grand Children. Probably not much chance of that. I suspect his life’s goal is to break 100 before he becomes 100. I can only hope that would be his Golf score and not Bowling.
There you have it. Another spoke in the wheel of my story. Now on to the hard stuff of Editing and rewriting. If I get lucky I’ll get published, if not my family can find this manuscript in the attic with the other meaningless stuff from a life well lived.
I'm a 74 year old man who loves this new medium of Blogging. I am also an Senior Manager in Send Out Cards which gives me a superior method of relating to the world through Greeting Cards. I have met and enjoyed wonderful friends who support me and actually LIKE me which is very rewarding. My online presence is growing and if I can hang on to life I will reap the benefits of establishing a business that will comfort me when I get old. Mostly however I Blog about my life which for some strange reason is well received. Like most of us the future is scary and the remembrance of older days give a measure of comfort. So I continue to reveal the past with optimism that the future will some day be the comfort of somebody else.36 Comments
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Steve L. Vernon, Nelson Schroeder. Nelson Schroeder said: RT @washouse “The Preface” http://bit.ly/aR2gp1 [...]
Hi Nelson, does this mean you’re another step closer to getting your book together?
It’s great these days, the way we can self publish! bye for now, Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl´s last [type] ..Social Network Marketing with Bookmarking
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Nelson Reply:
November 2nd, 2010 at 7:43 am
I might Julieanne have more trouble getting myself together. I’m seeing a period of concentration to complete this project that I have not experienced in my life time. We see how well I do.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Hey Nelson,
Woo Hoo, you’re taking it on! Glad to hear you’re writing a book. The humor and common sense you write with is so worth it. I know it will all come down to a great read when completed. Write on,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..A Reason- Season- or a Lifetime…
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Nelson Reply:
November 2nd, 2010 at 7:46 am
Val, your one of the main steams of inspiration for me to take this on. I just hope I able to take this on is a sensible and timely manner. Thanks for the “Woo Hoo”.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Ah Ha! It is about time you put all of these great stories in a book! Yes – you can do it! I would imagine you can achieve anything you put your mind to! I love that quote – “When you become senile you won’t know it” haha – and I guess it really won’t matter either:)
Glyna Humm´s last [type] ..Confessions Of An Online Marketer
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Nelson Reply:
November 2nd, 2010 at 7:54 am
Hmm, Do I know you.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Nelson,
I am so glad I came across you and this blog. It’s wonderfully inventive, and I can see that you are having great fun with it. Don’t be surprised if I call to chat you up sometime. Congratulations on your achievements. Awesome!
Angela Arnold´s last [type] ..Professional Development Can Help Brand You as an Expert
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Nelson Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Love to have have you call. Any time Angela. Thanks for you very kind comments.
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Awww, this message warms my heart! I’m thrilled to hear that you are taking on the book, you know you have a tribe of people waiting for it! Your preface is beautifully written ~ with the perfect blend of your story,wit, humor and love. I look forward to witnessing the story unfold, and look forward to being able to help promote it like crazy!
Keep rockin, Nelson, you’re the best.
Beth Allen´s last [type] ..Never Complain- Never Explain
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Nelson Reply:
November 4th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Awww, you sure you’re not a Blond under that beautiful Brunette Hair. Your so easy to please and make laugh. Thanks my lady for being so nice with the comments. I do appreciate you.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Nelson,
Congratulations on making the commitment to collect your stories into a book! Many talk about it, yet it takes discipline to make it happen. And now, you’ve got all of US to keep you honest and on track!
Wish you the best,
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck´s last [type] ..Do You REALLY Want A Better Relationship
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Nelson Reply:
November 4th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Thanks Doc. No pressure there. I love being held accountable because I don’t need any Motivation to Procrastinate. I need to write small motivational forwards to each chapter I choose to put in the book, I expect it will be several months before I have a working manuscript ready for editing. It’s nice to be old with no daily agenda to clutter my mind.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Awesome awesome Nelson! I’ve always thought that a blog would be a wonderful way to write a book. You’ll be there before you know it!
Love this post – A LOT
Thank-you for being you.
Andrea
(PS. have you thought about a podcast for your brother’s funny stories? – I bet that would rock combined with your stuff)
Andrea Goodsaid´s last [type] ..Marketing & Mindset- Video and please ignore the propane tank – we take the quiet where we can around here lol
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Nelson Reply:
November 6th, 2010 at 6:35 am
Great Idea Andrea about the Pod Cast. Main problem would be to get him (my Brother) on the computer or Skype. His idea of new Technology is when they “Enclosed the Trolley”. But it might be something to consider. Thanks Andrea for you gracious comments.
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Nelson,
They say that everyone has a book inside of them. The funny thing is, most never take to the time to let it out. I’m glad you’re letting your story free. I’m sure it will be a great book filled with wisdom and insight. Congratulations!
Don Enck´s last [type] ..How To Use Facebook For Business
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Nelson Reply:
November 6th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Yea I must have a really big book inside me. I’m about 40 lbs overweight. Thanks Don for stopping by I appreciate all my Tribal buddies.
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Nelson,
YES!! You say that your brother has a way of telling stories… well, it must run in the family, because so do you. We’ve read many stories in our lives, but none are like yours. We so look forward to seeing these gems in a book so that more people discover the storyteller, Nelson Schroeder. Congratulations on taking this on and sharing your gift with the world.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
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Nelson Reply:
November 9th, 2010 at 4:54 am
You guys are too nice to this old man. But don’t stop. I need all the pushing I can receive to get this project completed. Thank for being a true friend.
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Nelson – may your hands be blessed as you write the book. I look forward to it with anticipation for soaking up wisdom and wit.
I kinda guessed what the dirt nap on hold was all about… but now the Garden of Good and Evil is much clearer… thanks for this post!
Blessings again!
Paul Klaszus´s last [type] ..Mentality on Money
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Nelson Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Those are mighty fine words of comfort Paul. You more than many know the power of blessings. Thank you so much.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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I love your ever so serious humor and wit. Can’t wait for your book. Self publishing seems to be the way to go lately. You know how to market yourself so you should not have any trouble in that arena. I am also working on publishing some of my writing so many people have offered advice on e-book formats to me. Lot of changes going on in the publishing world lately. Keep up the great work.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..Wishing You a Muse
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Nelson Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
You do know Nicole that in the months to come I’ll be whining to you help me with this stuff. But your encouragement is most appreciated. Thank you.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Nelson,
This morning had some emotional moments for me, so I came to your blog because I knew there would be something humorous to connect with, and you didn’t disappoint me!
Historians say that you are forgotten after three generations. Your book will keep you “alive” for multiple generations to come. You have an extraordinary way of connecting with people:)
Darlene Davis´s last [type] ..Teamwork At Its Best
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Nelson Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Darlene, everyday you battle more things that most of us can not imagine. You’re a ICON to me and I count it a blessing to have you comment on my blog. My book will either bless my prodigy or serve as a good fire started for a family barbecue. The fun for me is in the moment as I recall my life.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Preface”
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Nelson,
It’s exciting that you’ve decided to write with your special skill and let the world know about the interesting facts of your life. All of us… and your posterity will be forever grateful that you took the time to do it! It’s not just the stories it’s how you share them that make them particularly interesting and mesmerizing.
Look forward to more!
Deborah
Deborah A. Ten Brink´s last [type] ..Water It’s not about lack it’s about availability
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Nelson Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Hi Deborah, I’m thankful for the many friends who encourage me like you do. Thanks my friend for leaving such gracious comments.
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That was fun. I found you via a FB post. Thanks so much for writing your stuff. I’ll keep track of you now, if that’s possible, Michele!
Michele Anderson´s last [type] ..3-Track Record- What Not To Do Online
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Nelson Reply:
November 12th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Michele, welcome. I’m please that you were able to find my blog. I try to write about things that all of us can relate to. Please continue to come back.
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Hi Nelson’
Oh my you are immensely creative, I just love your blog, was given the link by a very good friend who actually left you a comment (Michele) I am so glad she forwarded you to me…thank you for your humor, it’s been a pleasure..
joy´s last [type] ..Introduction- “Creative Messages”
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Nelson Reply:
November 13th, 2010 at 5:07 am
We aim to please Joy. However I probably have displeased more in my life that pleased. But I still aim to please as many as possible. Lord knows this world need a little humor to accent the “JOY” the LORD has given us. Pun intended. Thanks Joy for taking the effort to comment and leave a bit of yourself here.
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Nelson,
Kudos to you, you have such great stories that should be put into a book. I really enjoy them, keep the great work.
Lori
Lori Robertson´s last [type] ..Have You Met Your “Other Self”
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Nelson Reply:
November 13th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Thank you Lori for the Kudos. I relish and need the support from my buddies. and I might add you are one of my better looking buddies. Thanks.
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Hi Nelson,
Congrats on working on writing a book! I think every person should write their story at some time in their life. We all love to read the stories of others – hopefully it might inspire some wisdom to emerge earlier than it usually does – LOL! You have a gift to tell a story and a following that is waiting to read it – so “just do it”.
I can’t wait to read more!!
Clare
Clare Kelway´s last [type] ..By- Tweets that mention Attraction Marketing Professional – Clare Kelway – Topsycom
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Nelson Reply:
November 13th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Clare, comments from you are always top drawer stuff. I value them as gold and my thanks to you please don’t take lightly. You’re a leader in the Tribes and one who leads by example, thanks.
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Nelson I would honored to even buy one of your books. You have some amazing stories.
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