Tribute #22: Laura Quasarano

Some leading ladies win Oscars for over-the-top, scene stealing performances, while others win for subtle performances that brilliantly shine. Both roles require passion, but I have always had heart for those who embody the latter. One such leading lady in my family is my Aunt Laura Quasarano.

Aunt Laura came into our family when my cousin Leonard was very young and I believe she was the answer to my Uncle Phil’s prayers in more ways than one. She took on motherhood with grace and over the years she has been a caregiver to not only her three children, but our entire extended family.

I respect Aunt Laura for many reasons, but one act in particular beautifully displays her character. She opened her home to my Grandpa during the last painful years of his life, and with her calming presence created a loving and safe place for him. Though she had to make adjustments to her daily life, she never complained, nor expected any praise. She did it out of love and love alone.

Aunt Laura, thanks for showing me that being a strong person isn’t about having the loudest voice. You’ve taught me that all it requires is a sense of self and the ability to serve others. Know that the role you play every day is truly a tour-de-force performance in the motion picture that is your life.

  

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 A Very Fitting Pic

Tribute #21: Kevin Cruickshank

My first ad gig out of school was at Hill Holliday. I loved being part of the digital team, but due to us working in a "cave" we were somewhat sequestered from the rest of the agency. The majority of the other creatives worked on offline accounts and in spite of our lack of interaction at HH I was lucky enough to get to know Kevin Cruickshank. 

With a last name that sounds like a highly technical bike component, perhaps it was written in the stars that Kevin would become an avid cyclist. As I got to know Kevin I saw the strength and dedication he shows on a bike flow into other aspects of his life as well. When faced with extremely difficult situations he tackles them the same way he would a difficult climb - head down, focused, giving nothing less than his all. I believe Kevin's spirit and quiet defiance will carry him up and over life's toughest climbs. 

Kevin, thanks for being an amazing example of how to weather life's toughest storms. You are an inspiration on and off the bike. Wishing you many miles of great rides ahead. Write on. Ride on.

Today's Musical Selection >

Kick Ass Kevin

A New Year to Shine

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Tribute #20: Mike Gold

Friends that have known me awhile don't always believe me when I say this, but in new situations I'm an extremely shy person. When I was starting out in Atlanta it took me awhile to open up to my classmates. In group settings I tended to be the quiet one, and I'll always remember Mike Gold as one of the people who helped me come out of my shell. 

An extremely intelligent person, Mike is the kind of guy who takes the time to learn what makes people tick. Since our very first conversation I have always found it easy to open up to Mike. He goes out of his way to be a great friend and once you're his friend he's in your corner no matter what. 

Mike, thanks for being one of my first and best Circus friends. You're one of the most genuine people I know, and the devotion you have to your friends and family is amazing. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you and Jaime, and wish you both a world of happiness.    
  
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 A One-of-a-kind Guy

Tribute #19: Kristin Butler

One of my favorite jobs in college was working as a barista at a coffee shop. I loved getting to know the regulars and having their drinks ready the minute they stepped through the door. One of these regulars was a very creative woman who would come in to enjoy a latte (I want to say a decaf mocha, but it's been awhile) and work on her art. As it turns out, this awesome woman happened to be the mother of Kristin Butler. 

I felt like I knew Kristin before I even met her. Her mother talked about her with such pride, beaming about what a smart, creative, and hard working daughter she had. Kristin and I ended up attending the Creative Circus around the same time, and though parents can be a bit biased now that I know Kristin I can attest to her mother's claims.

Kristin, thanks for being a great example of where hard work can get you. You seem to excel at whatever you set your mind to and that's a great quality to possess. Hope you're doing great and congrats on your recent engagement!  

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She's Going the Distance

Tribute #18: Lori Hartlein

A few years back I ventured to Boston to meet up with my Dad for a wedding weekend. It was a rare opportunity to see him, and I'll always be grateful we got to spend that quality time together. I remember when I first arrived, in the midst of the wedding festivities, I felt out of place as I hardly knew anyone. However, throughout the weekend I became more at ease as I got to know the family and I'm very fortunate that I got to meet the groom's cousin Lori Hartlein.

There are some individuals whose positivity and warmth radiate from the core and Lori is definitely one of them. She's someone who's genuinely interested in people's stories and experiences, and wants to learn all about you instead of talking about herself. From what I did learn about Lori, her adventures far outweigh mine and she makes life a constant exciting adventure.

I greatly admire Lori's take on life. She left the corporate world to move to a small town in Georgia. There she lived on a lake and could paddle boat to her heart's content. Living simply and making a living through her art, she seems to have the recipe for happiness. 

Lori, thanks for being an excellent role model for leading a creative, free-flowing life. I really look up to your carefree spirit and hope that you're living life to the fullest. When you get a chance please give your Aunt Sandy my love. 

Today's Musical Selection >

A Role Model for Happiness

Big Hips. Big Thanks.

Every Thanksgiving we go around the table and say what we're grateful for, and every year I go with my standby of "friends and family." This answer is entirely true, but in deep thought on my commute I decided I should find a reason to give thanks for the things I typically view as negative, such as my hips. 

Last week I came across a homeless man digging through some dumpsters. My first reaction was to keep walking, but then I remembered I had a Special K bar in my bag. I turned around and asked if he was hungry. He shook his head yes, and I handed him my bar. I don't bring this up for praise. On the contrary I actually felt pretty horrible.

Here was a man, practically starving, and all I had to offer him was a 90-calorie bar. 90 calories! That wasn't enough to last him through the morning, let alone all day. I wish I could have given him something more substantial. 

This encounter made me realize that my constant struggle to keep my weight in check is a problem that some people in this world wished they had. I'm not saying it's bad to be healthy, it's just important to give thanks for our living, breathing, beautiful bodies no matter the size. For those who go hungry on a daily basis my hips are a sign that I am blessed. I think I'll start viewing them that way, too. 

Today's Musical Selection >

Happy Thanksgiving