Submitted by rlp on Wed, 04/09/2008 - 12:36.
I've begun a writing project for The High Calling for which I'm going to write about every job I've ever had. Well, I'm starting with my first job and working my way from there. Who knows how far I will ultimately get. The High Calling Blog Network is seeking stories of lessons learned in odd jobs. You can read about that here.
I grew up in a working family, and I began working in 6th grade. Along the way I've done everything from bagging groceries to driving forklifts.
The professional writing I do for The High Calling is a little different from the free-wheeling style of rlp. For one thing, I'm searching for the lessons in the stories.
Here is the first. The second is done, submitted, and will be online soon.
My First Job
In the summer of 1974, just after I completed the sixth grade, my father came home with a box of business cards for me. They read:
Gordon Atkinson
Lawn Care
497-2862
I thought it was pretty cool to be 12-years-old and have my own business cards. But when he told me that I had to walk around the neighborhood passing them out, I must admit that my excitement lessened considerably. Click here to read more.
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ears to hear and stuff
Gordon, thanks for the link. What really struck me about this piece is your idea that "People cannot hear things until they are ready to hear them." It makes me wonder what I'm not able to hear.
Puncted!
Loved this piece. Although you might want to release those obnoxious hyphens from "12 years old." :-)
Good story. I love reading
Good story. I love reading your writings. Thanks again.
Nice one, G.
:)
that picture of you on the
that picture of you on the high calling's site looks ... different ... from your other pictures.
i mean the picture of you
i mean the picture of you pushing the manual lawnmower, not the picture that actually IS you.
i have never laughed so hard in my life
you have a way with words!!! "....what kind of father forces his young son...." I laughed until i lost my breath!!!! but the lessons are so true.
You have busted some long-term prejudicial stereotypes that I have of Baptist clergy (and I have one of those in my family).....You have the love and energy of an Episcopal priest in you, "Father" Gordon :)
Gordon, What a great piece
Gordon,
What a great piece of writing. Simple, honest and beautifully open. I love the way you write. Keep it up.
Thanks,
chadders
RLP, I love it. It's a
RLP,
I love it. It's a lesson I need to continually keep in my mind. Unfortunately, I don't always.
Thanks!
Brenda in Flagstaff
Cool lesson
RPL,
The lessons you learned are oh so true. As said by others it is unfortunte we do not always keep them in mind. Thanks for sharing. I appreciate it.
An aside, but one fact you might not want to know ... at the same time (1974) in San Angelo, Texas I was getting $15 a lawn for the same basic work you described. Somehow I was not really any richer for it though .... other than lessons learned.
Keep the good work up,
-DB
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