Johnny Blogger

Under the Spotlight

If you're looking for material to give me a hard time, have I got something for you.  Vermont Business Magazine did a profile of Laurie and me in their July issue (click here for article).  It's a well-written story that reflects a lot of what our company is about, but be forwarned: it's long.  As in, how could anyone write that much about us. If you manage to dig through it, you'll see me refered to as a "power yuppie" with "chopped white hair" who "thinks he's funny."  While I'm the comic relief in the article, Laurie is the "slim, fine-boned" genius.  Pretty accurate reporting, I guess.

Hysterical Time at Historical Society

Every other Thursday Wild Apple holds an all company staff meeting. We look at new artwork and new licensed products, we go over financial results, sales trends, company projects, as well as mundane houskeeping items.

Today, at Dee's suggestion, we changed it up and held the meeting offsite. It wasn't far, only a 5 minute drive, but it was like stepping into a different universe - one that's hidden in plain view. Our venue was the Dana House, home of the Woodstock Historical Society, a compact gem of a building with a treasure trove of art, furniture, toys, maps, musical instruments, fashion, and I can't even remember what else.

How long have I lived in Woodstock? (21 years.) And how many times have I toured this museum? (Um, zero.) It's that too-common phenomenon of taking for granted what your home town offers.

We had a shortened Wild Apple agenda (and coffee and donuts) in the library, followed by a five minute intro to Dana House, and then all were free to roam the house, museum, gallery and gardens. Like me, most were pleasantly surprised at the depth and richness of the collection, and feeling kind of guilty for lack of awareness.

A nice way to break the routine, get the intellect and visual senses stimulated, and have a non-business outing with co-workers. Note to self: field trip = good thing.