Archives at Zinester: "Quite the Character". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "Quite the Character" - February20, 2007

"I Believe in you!"

A message of Hope...stories from the road.

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Little by little I keep hearing from "friends I've never met"

who were long time readers and we lost touch. I love to reconnect

My last story "A swipe and a promise" stirred up some old memories for

some. It was the oddest thing. When I heard that phrase, I thought it

sounded familiar. As soon as I read a message from one of my "friends"

it all came back..."A lick and a promise!"

Read some comments below.

I hope this Monday has been a good one and the week ahead

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"Don't talk about what you will do. Talkers stand still.

Doers get ahead because they act on their beliefs."

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Would you help us, please?

It is a mission of the heart completely supported by my

"friends I've never met"...You!

We have a great collection of cards, posters, mugs,

shirts, and gifts for your dog, too.

Or...Make a d o n a t i o n to help support our efforts

to "Touch the world one person at a time."

This link will take you to my web page for more information,

shopping, and ways you can help.

I humbly thank you in advance...

Love always and all ways,

Bob and Marianne Perks

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I can remember when I was a child in grade school, my parents would

attend the Parent Teacher Association meetings. I stayed at home

shaking in my boots, fearful of what my teachers had to say about me.

I don't know why. Most of the time when they returned home, my father

would say, "I asked how you were doing in class. She said "Bob's a charmer."

I'd smile and sigh with relief.

"You're quite a character, Bob," my mother would tell me.

So, for most of my life I thought being a character was the most important thing.

Being a "charmer" didn't hurt either.

Then one day when I had been much too long in adulthood, I heard someone talk

about my reputation.

It wasn't very flattering. Most likely truthful to some extent, but not something I'd want my

parents to hear at PTA.

Being a charmer doesn't always work for good.

I also discovered that being a character isn't has good as having character. Being a character

is like being a clown, an actor of sorts.

Having character involves morals and ethics.

"What kind of reputation do I want?" I asked myself that day.

It was then I really grew up. (Well, almost)

You see, I began to spend way too much time worrying about my reputation. During a discussion I

was involved with one day, a man made a very strong point. One that lit the fire and sparked the desire

for me to make changes in my life.

He quoted, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because

your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely

what others think you are."
- Dale Carnegie

That was it. If one focuses on their character, one need not worry about their reputation.

Reputation is someone's interpretation of who they think you are. How they see you is based on

their judgments, prejudices, and personal experiences.

Like all other views and opinions in life, it all comes down to the way you see it, the way I see it and

In regard to reputation, how do we define "the way it is?"

Simply by using some standard, some level of basic expectations in regard to morals and ethics.

Be of good character and worry not what others think. For if anyone should think ill of a person of good

standing and character, the fault lies with their judgment.

Still, I love being a charmer and quite a character sometimes. It is the sunshine after the rain for someone

who may be hurting or lonely. It is the smile after the pain for someone who knows only sadness.

By the way...you look wonderful today!

Bob (The Charmer) Perks

I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and

contact information with my work.

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Have a comment about today's story?

please write to Bob@BobPerks.com

RE: "A swipe and a promise"

Thank you, Bob

I totally relate to your story about "A Swipe & A Promise." I've been on both ends.

18" ... I'm in Newburyport, MA ... we got right around 12" I am grateful, since if we

had all this cold and no snow, my perennials would be very unhappy. The snow keeps

them warm and cozy till Spring.

I love all your stories ... you're one of my favorite writers.

Love & Blessings,

Adele

Bob; Your email today was wonderful. One can think and ponder on it for hours

as I suspect I will.

The reason I'm writing those is because "of the SNOW" ......I just wanted

to give you my sincerest regrets. We don't have much here in Wis but it's been frigid.

I agree with your first poem. Snow Snow go away springtime please come out to play ....

Bob and Wendy want a day !!!!

Anyway I hope your weather get's better and all is well with the others who have

suffered all the snow that has fallen.

Wendy

hi Bob & Marianne,
I recall the phrase , but we always said
a lick & a promise. but then I come from
w.va and we always say things in a way
no one else does. :)
now I live in lower s.w. Michigan and
we nearly always get the snow first.
and we also got about as much snow
as you did possibly a little more.
but take heart we are going to get near
40 degrees by the end of this coming
week. HURRAH. hurry spring hurry.
Nancy

Bob,

I have always heard the phrase as "A Lick and A Promise" but I think

this was referring to the 'art of housecleaning' which I took as meaning

'if I don't bother the dust, it won't bother me.'

I hope others choose to send you their meanings when they heard the

phrase used. You just might wind up with another story for all. Thank you. Daffy

Bob, I loved this .....it would work in so many different circumstances.
Snow is so beautiful falling but I don't envy you.......just glad we only
had about
two inches here in my part of West TN but promise of some more tonight.
Love your stories, Iris

From the time I was a child I have heard this saying except it was as "a lick &

a promise" brought back a lot of my Mother's wisdom. Thank You so much for

the enlightenment on the wording . A loyal reader,,Imogene

"I Wish You enough!"
(c) 2001 Bob Perks

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."