Author: Carl Setzer

A blogger blogging from just north of Seattle.

The glory of special snowflakes

Carl Setzer

​I’ve heard the idea that “we’re all special snowflakes” used derisively. I take issue with that, yet also get the concern. 

Acknowledging uniqueness often gets mistaken for privilege. That we’re supposed to bend rules, expect exceptions. Because of our wonderful uniqueness. I see something quite different. 

EVERYONE is unique and wonderful made. There’s no privilege to our exceptional gifts and talents. Yet there is joy in finding that way of contributing. By becoming the best we can be, we make the world around us better. Maybe not transforming the earth, all of humanity, maybe just a small, local piece.

In this world of social commoditization, where mediocrity is the safe place, pushing ourselves, and everyone nearby, towards joyously maximizing their unique giftedness, with a humble, thankful heart, is powerful. It’s what will save our rage filled, egocentric society from itself. 

My theme song for the week

Carl Setzer

Pretty trippy and weird. Which fits my mood of late. Plus, well, it really is nice weather for ducks.

 

A thought for your Monday

Carl Setzer
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though Everything Is A Miracle" - Albert Einstein
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though Everything Is A Miracle” – Albert Einstein

 

Just some positive energy for your Monday morning.

 

Seattle’s Wind Storm

Carl Setzer

​The wind is singing 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Fiercely calling in the dark 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Beast untameable 

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My Storify of the #WAWind Storm

Carl Setzer

Autumn 2016’s First Storm Of The Season

https://storify.com/carlsetzer/washington-windstorm-october-2016

Our First Autumn Storm : PNW Weather

Carl Setzer

Up in Lynnwood and Marysville, where I live and work respectively, we’ve had a few significant wind gusts and some heavy rain, but nothing too dramatic. So, I’m fine and so’s the rest of my family. However, below are a few things to show the progress of the storm throughout the region. storm-preparedness

 

Storm clouds approaching 

Carl Setzer

​Storm clouds coalescing 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Blue, grey blend into darkness 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Change’s doom comes forth 

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Inspirational, Aspirational & Grounded 

Carl Setzer

Ah, meetings! This evening’s have me some ideas about leadership. 

We’re tasked with coming up with a plan to implement a new vision, which is in process. It’s an awkward place to find oneself. Trying to continue forward motion while leaving room for the input of others. I guess we’re in that proverbial “build the plane while flying it” place. 

In this place, while considering such things as agile methodologies and such things, I was struck about a key element of leadership. Keeping disparate mindsets working together. Especially when they strongly disagree. Then I came up with the line in the subject: inspirational, aspirational and grounded. 

Inspirational: having a focus on something bigger, moving towards something greater than the sum. And the ensuing excitement. Creating and sustaining that energy. 

Aspirational: doing something new, stretching, growing, moving towards greatness. 

Grounded: that feeling that this is something that can really be done. Non-vaporware. 

These elements are critical for creating and sustaining projects. The function of leadership, in my not so humble opinion. Navigating thorough the wilderness, creating the new and wonderful. That’s what delights me. And, so, these need to be parts of my life. 

An evening haiku

Carl Setzer

​Night is falling fast 

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p style=”font-family:"”>Darkness magnifies the lights

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p style=”font-family:"”>Points of sheer brilliance 

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National Poetry Day 

Carl Setzer

​Strain to see within 

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p style=”font-family:"”>The poet pointing the way 

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p style=”font-family:"”>To finding ourselves 

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