“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”
~Samuel Ullman
I’d like to thank my parents for the name. It’s nice. Like my nose, I never appreciated its true character until I was old enough to understand that looking or being like anyone else is the worst possible purgatory.
Last week, I penned the most significant thing I’ve thus far written. Not the best, but certainly the most monumental.
It was a letter to lift my family from one hilltop to the next.
Three years ago, Daisy and I left our jobs. We were working too long, not moving forward, and needed life to graduate.
We opened a preschool. Daisy left her job at the school district, I left mine at the flower shop. Daisy was leaving security, benefits, and a full classroom. I, my family and the daily soul food of a million petals (The shop is gorgeous. Flowers EVERYWHERE).
Our tiny school is wonderful, but it’s impossible to move forward if we cannot ever take a step. Workdays are ten hours, plus set up and tear down; five days a week, with no vacation outside a long weekend, for the last three years.
During this time, the children (students) are constantly learning. No television, ever. The children get music, math, reading, and writing, and all of it’s fun. Computer time is given to every student two years and over. We do an outstanding job, but it is positively exhausting.
A lot of comments have questioned how I balance family life with writing. Presently, not well. Not as I should.
That’s what this is about.
I write when my children sleep, or on the weekend. This means sleeping at midnight, and wearing the Macbook as permanent weekend accessory.
Neither is acceptable.
Daisy and I are closing our small family preschool at the end of this year; hitching the wagon with the young ones, and heading into frontier.
My heart tumbled as I wrote the farewell. The week tangled my stomach, as it seemed the sand took longer to slip through the glass.
Friday evening, we hit send.
Response was fairly immediate, and overwhelmingly positive. Our parents, though sad, were thrilled for us.
I started this blog as Writer Dad instead of Sean, because I didn’t know where writing would take me. If it removed me from the families whose lives I am a part of five days a week, I needed to know they’d hear it from me. Not stumble across it.
I haven’t told them about Writer Dad yet. Shock precedes awe. They’ll know soon, and when they do, I’m sure they’ll want to talk to you guys.
Please be warm, they’re really nice people.
Tomorrow, I’d like to talk a bit about the letter. It was an important piece of writing, crafted with intent. I think writers (that should be all of you) will be interested.
Writer Dad
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About Sean Platt
Congratulations, and the best of luck! I look forward to reading more about the letter.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Why do I blog?
Congratulations, and the best of luck! I look forward to reading more about the letter.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Why do I blog?
Congratulations, and the best of luck! I look forward to reading more about the letter.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Why do I blog?
> hitching the wagon with the young ones, and heading into frontier
Tell me more about this?
It sounds like the end of one adventure, but the fresh start of a brand new journey.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..SourcesOfInsight.com is One Month Old
> hitching the wagon with the young ones, and heading into frontier
Tell me more about this?
It sounds like the end of one adventure, but the fresh start of a brand new journey.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..SourcesOfInsight.com is One Month Old
When I read your writing it makes me think that an exciting and inspiring story doesn’t need an ending.
Bravo, brave Writer Dad
Dave Fowlers last blog post..My Hands Are Too Big
When I read your writing it makes me think that an exciting and inspiring story doesn’t need an ending.
Bravo, brave Writer Dad
Dave Fowlers last blog post..My Hands Are Too Big
I think that if you have managed to touch the lives of many parents whose children you have taken under your wing it is a wonderful thing. I know from experience that finding a good carer is hard but finding an inspiring one is near enough impossible.
I wish you the very best of luck with your new – ooo sounds exciting! – adventure.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Are we raising a generation of wimps?
I think that if you have managed to touch the lives of many parents whose children you have taken under your wing it is a wonderful thing. I know from experience that finding a good carer is hard but finding an inspiring one is near enough impossible.
I wish you the very best of luck with your new – ooo sounds exciting! – adventure.
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Are we raising a generation of wimps?
WOW! This sounds exciting and a little scary at the same time. I know it will work out for you guys and I hope for the best. I look forward to hearing updates though this blog as well as your normal excellent writing.
5 years ago my wife and I made a similar leap of faith when I started my technology consulting business. I had quit my regular paycheck/benefits for the hopes of having more freedom and potential for success. It was a little rocky at first, but has absolutely worked out for the better.
God bless you and your family, Eric.
“Motivate Thyself”s last blog post..10 Tips To Help New Bloggers Beat The Odds And Push Past Their Rookie Status
WOW! This sounds exciting and a little scary at the same time. I know it will work out for you guys and I hope for the best. I look forward to hearing updates though this blog as well as your normal excellent writing.
5 years ago my wife and I made a similar leap of faith when I started my technology consulting business. I had quit my regular paycheck/benefits for the hopes of having more freedom and potential for success. It was a little rocky at first, but has absolutely worked out for the better.
God bless you and your family, Eric.
“Motivate Thyself”s last blog post..10 Tips To Help New Bloggers Beat The Odds And Push Past Their Rookie Status
Congrats Sean! I know it must seem scary and overwhelming but I know it will be fabulous!
Congrats Sean! I know it must seem scary and overwhelming but I know it will be fabulous!
Sean,
I read your words here, and I am truly excited for you. Anything I can do to help you on your way (still working in the background over here, btw) – let me know.
Wherever you go, know that you are steering the ship, you are choosing the course – and that is great.
Good luck – but I have a feeling you’re making your own luck.
-Brett
Brett Legrees last blog post..the thing that should not be.
Sean,
I read your words here, and I am truly excited for you. Anything I can do to help you on your way (still working in the background over here, btw) – let me know.
Wherever you go, know that you are steering the ship, you are choosing the course – and that is great.
Good luck – but I have a feeling you’re making your own luck.
-Brett
Brett Legrees last blog post..the thing that should not be.
“Making your own luck” is truly what it takes, and you’re obviously good at that. Be bold, be brave, dare to take the chance. More and more I’m convinced my struggle for the last 20 years has been trying to work for the paycheck and ignoring the determined urge to write that just won’t go to sleep. Quite a few of these blogs tell an interesting story of leaping into thin air and learning we truly can fly.
Kip de Molls last blog post..Pens & Hammers
“Making your own luck” is truly what it takes, and you’re obviously good at that. Be bold, be brave, dare to take the chance. More and more I’m convinced my struggle for the last 20 years has been trying to work for the paycheck and ignoring the determined urge to write that just won’t go to sleep. Quite a few of these blogs tell an interesting story of leaping into thin air and learning we truly can fly.
Kip de Molls last blog post..Pens & Hammers
Sounds exciting! I hope you plan on telling us where you’re hitching wagon up to go to! I know from experience how hard it is to make a big change like that, but at the same time, it sure gets the adrenaline going.
Gidgets last blog post..Weekly Surf Spots
Sounds exciting! I hope you plan on telling us where you’re hitching wagon up to go to! I know from experience how hard it is to make a big change like that, but at the same time, it sure gets the adrenaline going.
Gidgets last blog post..Weekly Surf Spots
Blogger Dad: Thanks. I’m banking my luck right now.
J.D. Meier: We’re clearing our calendar, and trading income for time. Hopefully, we’ll make up the difference without too much loss.
Dave: Thanks, Dave.
Tara: Thank you so much Tara. The response from the parents has so far been wonderful.
Motivate Thyself: It is exceedingly scary, but how can I not be inspired by the potential.
Emily: It is scary. It is overwhelming. It will be fabulous.
Brett: I don’t want to be below deck, finding out where I am only when I’ve arrived. No, thank you.
Kip de Moll: Twenty years seems too long to not listen. Thin air, I believe, is the best place to fly.
Gidget: The wagon trail is metaphorical. We have a few projects that we’re working on. Any one might lead to Shangri-La.
Blogger Dad: Thanks. I’m banking my luck right now.
J.D. Meier: We’re clearing our calendar, and trading income for time. Hopefully, we’ll make up the difference without too much loss.
Dave: Thanks, Dave.
Tara: Thank you so much Tara. The response from the parents has so far been wonderful.
Motivate Thyself: It is exceedingly scary, but how can I not be inspired by the potential.
Emily: It is scary. It is overwhelming. It will be fabulous.
Brett: I don’t want to be below deck, finding out where I am only when I’ve arrived. No, thank you.
Kip de Moll: Twenty years seems too long to not listen. Thin air, I believe, is the best place to fly.
Gidget: The wagon trail is metaphorical. We have a few projects that we’re working on. Any one might lead to Shangri-La.
Writer Dad,
That’s it exactly – where you are standing now, at the wheel, no doubt you can see land already – I think you’re almost there.
Brett Legrees last blog post..the thing that should not be.
Writer Dad,
That’s it exactly – where you are standing now, at the wheel, no doubt you can see land already – I think you’re almost there.
Brett Legrees last blog post..the thing that should not be.
Sean,
Best of luck. I never had the courage to go off and do something different until I was old enough to be able to do it with some financial security (aka pension).
And now your doing it for a second time.
Again, best of luck!
Mike Goads last blog post..Last week… a couple of images from one of our days
Sean,
Best of luck. I never had the courage to go off and do something different until I was old enough to be able to do it with some financial security (aka pension).
And now your doing it for a second time.
Again, best of luck!
Mike Goads last blog post..Last week… a couple of images from one of our days
Nice to meet you Sean (have always liked that spelling), I’m Nicole. :)
It seems as though change is the word of the day this Monday morning. This post has me both excited and nervous for you and yours, despite having just discovered Writer Dad mere weeks ago. I do wish you the very best as you step ahead.
Nicole Brunets last blog post..Gary: 2002
Nice to meet you Sean (have always liked that spelling), I’m Nicole. :)
It seems as though change is the word of the day this Monday morning. This post has me both excited and nervous for you and yours, despite having just discovered Writer Dad mere weeks ago. I do wish you the very best as you step ahead.
Nicole Brunets last blog post..Gary: 2002
You’re on a journey Sean! One that is exciting and sometimes scary. But, you are choosing the path of your journey, and that’s what it’s all about. I know you will do well. In this new frontier you will seek… While ending one this can be sad, the possibilities that lie in front of you are exciting and new. Godspeed, my friend…
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
You’re on a journey Sean! One that is exciting and sometimes scary. But, you are choosing the path of your journey, and that’s what it’s all about. I know you will do well. In this new frontier you will seek… While ending one this can be sad, the possibilities that lie in front of you are exciting and new. Godspeed, my friend…
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Sean, I’ve been following your journey with great interest and a huge helping of fellow-feeling. You’ve made an extraordinary success of this blog and you and Daisy seem like true partners. I have no doubt you’ll continue to write well and live well. Enjoy and keep letting us glimpse the sights on your road.
Lisas last blog post..Words I like today
Sean, I’ve been following your journey with great interest and a huge helping of fellow-feeling. You’ve made an extraordinary success of this blog and you and Daisy seem like true partners. I have no doubt you’ll continue to write well and live well. Enjoy and keep letting us glimpse the sights on your road.
Lisas last blog post..Words I like today
Sean,
there’s little for me to say that others haven’t already said. It’s great to have met someone who’s made a success of his blog by being heartfelt, and I look forward to hearing more about the big change!
Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Restoration
Sean,
there’s little for me to say that others haven’t already said. It’s great to have met someone who’s made a success of his blog by being heartfelt, and I look forward to hearing more about the big change!
Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Restoration
I love the “not Seen” part.
Reminds me of one of my childhood friends when I went to French school. He was also called Sean.
a.k.a. “Seen” by the francophone teachers who couldn’t quite get his name right. ;-)
At least you’re not “Sine-Aid” O’connor.
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
I love the “not Seen” part.
Reminds me of one of my childhood friends when I went to French school. He was also called Sean.
a.k.a. “Seen” by the francophone teachers who couldn’t quite get his name right. ;-)
At least you’re not “Sine-Aid” O’connor.
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
Oh wow Sean. These are the days of wonder, of miracles, of invention: there is mystery, and adventure, and intimidating fears. Your fans stand at attention – how can we help?
Harmonys last blog post..The Art Of BEING in My Own Business – Part 1
Oh wow Sean. These are the days of wonder, of miracles, of invention: there is mystery, and adventure, and intimidating fears. Your fans stand at attention – how can we help?
Harmonys last blog post..The Art Of BEING in My Own Business – Part 1
Wow! What a brave move.
Thanks for sharing your story. (I wanted to say, “Nice to meet you,” but I feel that I’ve already done that.)
Keep up the good work!
Wow! What a brave move.
Thanks for sharing your story. (I wanted to say, “Nice to meet you,” but I feel that I’ve already done that.)
Keep up the good work!
Ah, I’m happy it went well and that you received a positive response.
You guys must feel amazing. What a release! I’m excited for you!
Told the kiddies yet? If so, how do they feel?
stephs last blog post..Magic in the Air
Ah, I’m happy it went well and that you received a positive response.
You guys must feel amazing. What a release! I’m excited for you!
Told the kiddies yet? If so, how do they feel?
stephs last blog post..Magic in the Air
First of all, well said. Starting off as a writer is kind of like wearing clown shoes through a minefield at night. You don’t know if it’s going to work out or your dreams will blow up in your face.
Being honest helps, and you’ve definitely got that down. And it certainly takes courage. When I told my dad – a former Green Beret – that I was on a similar path as you, he responded that I had more guts than he did.
Thanks for the post. There are allot of readers & fellow writers pulling for you out there, including myself.
CK Lunchboxs last blog post..We Are In The High School Musical Movie!
First of all, well said. Starting off as a writer is kind of like wearing clown shoes through a minefield at night. You don’t know if it’s going to work out or your dreams will blow up in your face.
Being honest helps, and you’ve definitely got that down. And it certainly takes courage. When I told my dad – a former Green Beret – that I was on a similar path as you, he responded that I had more guts than he did.
Thanks for the post. There are allot of readers & fellow writers pulling for you out there, including myself.
CK Lunchboxs last blog post..We Are In The High School Musical Movie!
You’ll be more than fine. Flowers , children, words…tended well and sent on their journey. It’s all of a piece Sean, all of a lovely piece. A creative life.
Smiling here. Heartfelt best wishes for you and those you hold dear.
You’ll be more than fine. Flowers , children, words…tended well and sent on their journey. It’s all of a piece Sean, all of a lovely piece. A creative life.
Smiling here. Heartfelt best wishes for you and those you hold dear.
Brett: I think we’ll probably have to pass through desert before we reach forest, but that’s fine. It will make the moisture twice as sweet.
Mike: I don’t believe I could bear to wait that long. I’m guilty of being an impatient soul. Thanks for the luck.
Nicole: Me too, now anyway. Thanks for your good thoughts. It gives me strength to know that others are thinking kindly of me.
Lance: Thanks Lance, as always. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the children, and their families. They are all wonderful. It is however, a worthy trade for unspoiled horizon.
Lisa: Thanks Lisa. Part of the shift is so that Daisy and I can allow our partnership to blossom without constriction. Regardless of dollars, that will be the bar to which I measure my success.
Beth: You’ll have to wait until tomorrow, but I promise I won’t let you down. Thanks, Beth.
Friar: Seriously, for the first ten years of my life… “Why are you named seen?” Grrr, so annoying.
Harmony: That’s a wonderful question to ask, Harmony. Thanks. I guess my answer is to at least consider downloading whatever I lay down for sale, and pay close attention to next week. I’m working on a post that explores what I’d like from Writer Dad, but I’m not sure just how to approach it. Thank you sincerely for caring.
Laura: It is my daily pleasure to share. Thank you for the interest.
Steph: The relief is palpable. Coffee + Too much acid in stomach + comfort food = Dude, I know better than this. We will tell the children shortly. We’d like to do it in clear air, which means there’s still a bit of dust to settle.
Clark Kent LB: Thanks, kindly. I really like that story about your father. My own would call me fearless, just probably not to my person. Thanks for the cheerleading; it helps.
Janice: What a wonderful comment. I have nothing to add, except thanks.
Brett: I think we’ll probably have to pass through desert before we reach forest, but that’s fine. It will make the moisture twice as sweet.
Mike: I don’t believe I could bear to wait that long. I’m guilty of being an impatient soul. Thanks for the luck.
Nicole: Me too, now anyway. Thanks for your good thoughts. It gives me strength to know that others are thinking kindly of me.
Lance: Thanks Lance, as always. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the children, and their families. They are all wonderful. It is however, a worthy trade for unspoiled horizon.
Lisa: Thanks Lisa. Part of the shift is so that Daisy and I can allow our partnership to blossom without constriction. Regardless of dollars, that will be the bar to which I measure my success.
Beth: You’ll have to wait until tomorrow, but I promise I won’t let you down. Thanks, Beth.
Friar: Seriously, for the first ten years of my life… “Why are you named seen?” Grrr, so annoying.
Harmony: That’s a wonderful question to ask, Harmony. Thanks. I guess my answer is to at least consider downloading whatever I lay down for sale, and pay close attention to next week. I’m working on a post that explores what I’d like from Writer Dad, but I’m not sure just how to approach it. Thank you sincerely for caring.
Laura: It is my daily pleasure to share. Thank you for the interest.
Steph: The relief is palpable. Coffee + Too much acid in stomach + comfort food = Dude, I know better than this. We will tell the children shortly. We’d like to do it in clear air, which means there’s still a bit of dust to settle.
Clark Kent LB: Thanks, kindly. I really like that story about your father. My own would call me fearless, just probably not to my person. Thanks for the cheerleading; it helps.
Janice: What a wonderful comment. I have nothing to add, except thanks.
I hear you. So I will be waiting. I know you will access the right information within yourself, because you already opened the door to your own intentions… blessings!
Harmonys last blog post..The Art Of BEING in My Own Business – Part 1
I hear you. So I will be waiting. I know you will access the right information within yourself, because you already opened the door to your own intentions… blessings!
Harmonys last blog post..The Art Of BEING in My Own Business – Part 1
Hey, your nose is not THAT big!
:-)
Your future plans are so exciting. I’m excited for you!
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..A Weekend In Napa: 3 Days, No Internet, No Problem