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mara williams
on Jun 18 2013 - 06:00 AM
Hey, manchild, mama says: clean your room, wash the dishes, don't drink and drive.
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Emily Parnell
on Jun 16 2013 - 06:00 AM
Eating fresh, local produce is good for body and soul
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Jim Cosgrove
on Jun 13 2013 - 06:00 AM
I just want to buy some pants. Please, turn down the music.
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- mr. stinky feet - Profile | Pictures | Blog
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Kids are loaded with questions. And they're willing to ask things that adults are too polite (or too boring) to ask. That's one of the reasons I think kids are so cool. I envy their insatiable thirst for being nosy and the naive charm that allows them to get away with it.
When I visit elementary schools around the country, I always look forward to the barrage of questions from curious little minds.
Is that your real name? Do your feet really stink? Why don't you just take a bath? Wanna smell my feet? Eeewwww...do you really have bugs in your basement? Are you telling the truth about that dinosaur dancing in his underwear? Have you met the president? Are you Miranda Cosgrove's dad? Are you famous?
Most of the time I just smile and nod vigorously like a bobble-head. But there is one question that gives me pause every time I hear it – Are you rich?
Many kids assume that since I carry a guitar and have my name on some CDs that I must be rich. And anybody who has been interviewed on TV by a local weather personality has got to be famous.
"It depends on your definition of 'rich'," I tell them. "By my standards, I am very rich."
I do what I love, and I love what I do. I get up with my girls every morning and read them stories and cook them breakfast. I sometimes get to nap with them after lunch. I play for a living. I get to travel around this great country and sing with kids. I've got food in my belly and a roof over my head. My family is happy and healthy. I own an automobile that works most of the time. I pay taxes, and I had a dental appointment this year.
That may not sound very rich to some people, but it feels pretty well-off to me.
(Here's an ironic aside... A financial planner had been hounding me for months to become his client. I finally agreed to meet with him, and once he found out how little I make, he hasn't called me back! Now, that's rich.)
If I'm ever feeling stressed about money and or some perceived "lack", I just plug my seemingly meager salary into a “world wealth calculator” (check one out at http://www.leastof.org/createyourown). I’m instantly reminded that I'm living like a king compared to most people on this planet. Check it out and you’ll be amazed to find that most of us in the U.S. are among the richest 10 percent in the world, and 25-50 times wealthier than a billion people.
Humbling indeed. Blessed indeed. I am living the dream.
You are one lucky man, indeed! Thank you for reminding us of what "rich" really is: Happy, healthy, surrounded by love. Keep sharing the wealth!Thanks for reminding us that "RICH" isn't about money -- I consider our family very rich. We have 4 beautiful happy and healthy children and I have been able to stay at home with them. It's not always easy but you do have to remember that family and love are the most important things in life, not material things :)Senor Ped El Stinko, What a great article! This is the first one I have read of yours and I am impressed with not only your obvious musical talents, but now your gift for storytelling. Such a nice message to send to your children that money is not what makes us rich. Best of luck! http://nursemommylaughs.comWhat a great perspective! Kids are so honest and earnest. You make the world riche for them as well.Good thing to stop and think about every so often. I like shopping at 1,000 Villages in old OP where $ goes back to artisans in developing countries.Dear Stinky Feet, many years ago your wonderful mom made a comment that made so much sense to a then young mom. You have obviously learned the lessons she taught you well. My kids love it when you preform for them in the southland (STM)Thank you for putting it all into perspective! Many times my husband and I have said, "If you have a roof over your head, food in your tummy, and are in good health, you're doing good." Hope we said that loud enough for our kids to hear. Please post more often, as it's wonderful to read positive things here. P.S. Love your concerts!
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