The AMAL post got me thinking back to my crew I've had over the years. Most of them have moved on to other things as we downsized. I am still truely grateful for each of them. They came to work each day and worked with their heart and hands to assist me as I worked at what I loved. I tired to create a happy, challenging working environment.
They all had their own dreams and priviate lives separate from work. And I never for a moment thought otherwise. But they put aside their dreams each day to work with me. And what a blast it was.
We made it fun to come to work. I encouraged lively discussions, commeradery, practical jokes (safe of course). They discussed their dreams and ambitions at work. The crew cared of each other, especially at work. I took an immense pride in my work and encouraged the crew to do the same. We would celebrate each project as it was finished. I took the time to notice progress and skill development. The top members of the crew lead their respective teams well.
Some folks here may remember the 12 I brought to Banff Letterheads. The fun spirit and teamwork shown there was typical of each day at work. ALways just on the edge of control, and always full blast. They happily challenged each other and me to produce an incredible amount of work each day, and always better than they were able to produce in the past. The bar was always going higher.
I have kept in touch as they drop in on us from time to time. They all continue to do well and each makes me proud.
My son Peter has just graduated from Vancouver Film School... classical animation. Top of his class of course... he started his carreer as a professional animator last week and is enjoying it immensely.
Rebecca (most favored daughter)continues to work with us. She discovered a wonderful skill and awesome talent as a landscape designer through her work at Giggle Ridge. The passion she has shows through in the world class flower display we proudly display there. Phoenix works with us too and does great. This fuels his passion for what he loves... music and he continues to dream and work hard to realize these dreams.
Heather is now a registered nurse... her dream we were able to help her with as she worked with us for 4 years to save up for the expensive education she needed. Still the same ball of fire and source of happiness for those around her.
Ryan & Emily (both worked for us) are happily married and in Nova Scotia. They just had twins girls. Their first child, Macy is the cutest kid in the world. Ryan is working towards becoming a professional firefighter. He still has the creative stuff running through his veins... and I look forward to seeing what he will be able to accomplish in the future. Emily is living her dream of being a full time mom and devoted wife. Both are wonderful, caring people.
Wendy is working for herself, living her dream as she & her husband Cory build a gorgeous ranch and craft store on their 80 acres.
Cam is starting his own business doing funky landscaping. His wife Tracy (also worked for us) became a registered nurse.
Jason became a professional golfer. He and his family drop by Giggle Ridge each year to play a round and catch us up on family news.
Rob became a certified welder... He and his wife Sharon (also worked for us) have moved back to B.C.....
Timothy just got married to a wonderful gal just last year and lives in a remote camp on Vancouver Island working with kids and families.....
I could go on and on about each of my fine crew.
They have all made me proud. Not because they have achieved huge things as professional artists, but more importantly because they got it right about the important things in life. They continue to show their love for family and friends by living it each day of their lives. They are all working towards achieving their personal dreams. They all have a passion for life and what they do for a living.
I am glad each of these fine folks came into my life, some for a shrt while, others for many years. Each taught me a great deal. I am glad I was able to provide a place of work for each of them. Through friendships made and discussions and even example each of us influenced each other in positive ways. I am grateful for each of them.
They continue tomake me proud!
-dan
Posted by Colleen Henderson (Member # 906) on :
Dan, it was truly amazing to see your crew work together in Banff. You guys had such a blast together and at the same time there was a huge amount of respect for each other and the job you were doing. It definitely was one of the highs of the Banff meet along with Larry's speech. If everyone could live by your philosophies the world would be a much better place.
