“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
If you enjoyed these words, please subscribe by RSS or Email. Thanks.
About Sean Platt
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
Sean,
No doubt, the work that you have been doing with the pre-school can not be underestimated. Yet, these children have parents who need to take over the “bulk” of the work as their children grow. You have been blessed to change lives one at a time.
Nonetheless, you have a talent that can change the lives of hundreds, thousands – and hundreds of thousands of souls at a time: your ability to put words on paper.
The step you and Daisy have taken is not a small one; it is, however, a necessary one. I wish you the best of luck and success in all that you do – but I believe that all of your well-wishers understand that such wishes are based on the fact of the TALENT that lay behind the decision.
Go forward – and don’t look back.
Best,
Rita
Ritas last blog post..Prologue: Joey Gets a Phone Call
Sean,
No doubt, the work that you have been doing with the pre-school can not be underestimated. Yet, these children have parents who need to take over the “bulk” of the work as their children grow. You have been blessed to change lives one at a time.
Nonetheless, you have a talent that can change the lives of hundreds, thousands – and hundreds of thousands of souls at a time: your ability to put words on paper.
The step you and Daisy have taken is not a small one; it is, however, a necessary one. I wish you the best of luck and success in all that you do – but I believe that all of your well-wishers understand that such wishes are based on the fact of the TALENT that lay behind the decision.
Go forward – and don’t look back.
Best,
Rita
Ritas last blog post..Prologue: Joey Gets a Phone Call
@Sean’
I can relate. My last name has four consecutive consonants.
Wish I had a nickel for every time it was mispronounced.
And another nickel, each time I was asked to explain what the ethnic origins are.
And another 5 cents, explaining to them that I don’t know. Europe somewhere. Because my Great-Grandfather is the farthest that any records exist.
Argh.
Why coudln’t I have been named “Smith” or “Jones”?
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
@Sean’
I can relate. My last name has four consecutive consonants.
Wish I had a nickel for every time it was mispronounced.
And another nickel, each time I was asked to explain what the ethnic origins are.
And another 5 cents, explaining to them that I don’t know. Europe somewhere. Because my Great-Grandfather is the farthest that any records exist.
Argh.
Why coudln’t I have been named “Smith” or “Jones”?
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
Good for you, sugar!
Oh, and? You know there’s life in the desert if you know where to look for it. You’ll do fine.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Mabon
Good for you, sugar!
Oh, and? You know there’s life in the desert if you know where to look for it. You’ll do fine.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Mabon
Congrats is in order. I write and research on the topic work happiness and I think one of the hardest parts to working happy is taking risks. It looks like you got the risk thing out of the way, now it’s all about making it happen.
Good luck! If you’re writing is as good as your entrepreneurial skills then I think you’ll have no problem being a success.
Karl – Work Happy Nows last blog post..Imagination Isn’t Just for Kids
Congrats is in order. I write and research on the topic work happiness and I think one of the hardest parts to working happy is taking risks. It looks like you got the risk thing out of the way, now it’s all about making it happen.
Good luck! If you’re writing is as good as your entrepreneurial skills then I think you’ll have no problem being a success.
Karl – Work Happy Nows last blog post..Imagination Isn’t Just for Kids
My brother’s name is Sean. I LOVE that name.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Hi, Everyone, Long Time No See
My brother’s name is Sean. I LOVE that name.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Hi, Everyone, Long Time No See
Good Luck Sean. You are a very brave man. I’ll be following along.
Good Luck Sean. You are a very brave man. I’ll be following along.
Hello Writer Dad, or Sean. Which do you prefer now you have revealed yourself?
I have only just discovered you through blogger dad and Dave.
Where are you going? What are you doing?
Is your book finished? Have you sent it to anyone?
Sorry, I have read a few of your posts so forgive me if I am asking questions you have already answered somewhere.
I love your writing.
I love your passion for writing even more.
aconfusedtakethatfans last blog post..Status Symbols
Hello Writer Dad, or Sean. Which do you prefer now you have revealed yourself?
I have only just discovered you through blogger dad and Dave.
Where are you going? What are you doing?
Is your book finished? Have you sent it to anyone?
Sorry, I have read a few of your posts so forgive me if I am asking questions you have already answered somewhere.
I love your writing.
I love your passion for writing even more.
aconfusedtakethatfans last blog post..Status Symbols
Hi Sean: My article today is about insights from Seth Godin and one of the things he says is that people who become “the best in the world” at their craft know when to stick and when to quit. I guess you have to quit your pre-school so that you can devote yourself to an area where you can create something truly remarkable. And I like your nose.
Marelisas last blog post..Creativity Insights from Seth Godin
Hi Sean: My article today is about insights from Seth Godin and one of the things he says is that people who become “the best in the world” at their craft know when to stick and when to quit. I guess you have to quit your pre-school so that you can devote yourself to an area where you can create something truly remarkable. And I like your nose.
Marelisas last blog post..Creativity Insights from Seth Godin
Harmony: Thanks Harmony. I think it’ll spill with a couple hours of quiet (wish me luck on that one).
Vered: I grew into it. I haven’t been this excited since the ninth month of our last pregnancy.
Rita: Thank you Rita. Your support is never flinching.
Friar: Because then you wouldn’t have developed the keen edge of humor that makes you such a joy to read.
Kyddryn: Great point, and it made me smile. Thanks.
Karl: I’ve no problem with risk. Fuel for the best life; at least as I see it. I’ve been in business longer than writing, so hopefully the skill set will blend nicely. Thanks for the congrats. I appreciate it.
Hayden: It is a cool name. Soft and strong in equal measure. One syllable. I’m glad your brother spells it correctly. There’s nothing worse than a Shawn who wants to know why you spell your name Seen. Well, actually, there are a lot of worse things, but it’s still annoying.
James: Thanks for the well wishing. Brave is better than bored.
A Confused Take That Fan: Writer Dad or Sean. Either are fine, though there’s a nice quality to being called Writer Dad around these parts. I’m not going anywhere, other than a quiet space to write. My main book is not finished, and I have not sent it off. I do have another project that is nearly ready for another’s eyes. I’ll be able to send it shortly, I’m hoping. Thank you for the compliments. They are appreciated.
Marelisa: I like Seth because he is a genuine thinker. He’s also almost always right. Thanks for liking my nose. I like it too, it just took me about twenty years to get there.
Harmony: Thanks Harmony. I think it’ll spill with a couple hours of quiet (wish me luck on that one).
Vered: I grew into it. I haven’t been this excited since the ninth month of our last pregnancy.
Rita: Thank you Rita. Your support is never flinching.
Friar: Because then you wouldn’t have developed the keen edge of humor that makes you such a joy to read.
Kyddryn: Great point, and it made me smile. Thanks.
Karl: I’ve no problem with risk. Fuel for the best life; at least as I see it. I’ve been in business longer than writing, so hopefully the skill set will blend nicely. Thanks for the congrats. I appreciate it.
Hayden: It is a cool name. Soft and strong in equal measure. One syllable. I’m glad your brother spells it correctly. There’s nothing worse than a Shawn who wants to know why you spell your name Seen. Well, actually, there are a lot of worse things, but it’s still annoying.
James: Thanks for the well wishing. Brave is better than bored.
A Confused Take That Fan: Writer Dad or Sean. Either are fine, though there’s a nice quality to being called Writer Dad around these parts. I’m not going anywhere, other than a quiet space to write. My main book is not finished, and I have not sent it off. I do have another project that is nearly ready for another’s eyes. I’ll be able to send it shortly, I’m hoping. Thank you for the compliments. They are appreciated.
Marelisa: I like Seth because he is a genuine thinker. He’s also almost always right. Thanks for liking my nose. I like it too, it just took me about twenty years to get there.
Writer Dad, I’ve been trying all day (ALL DAY) to come up with some thinly diguised mechanism to introduce a silly play on words involving your name.
I’ve failed. I just can’t do it.
I wanted to say, that as a writer your work will be ‘Sean and not heard’ – but that’s just not true, at least not once you’re top of the audio book charts.
Humph.
That’s it. I’m just not funny anymore. Wait! What if I was never funny to begin with? Oh no, I’ve got to go and lie down in a dark room.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Women’s Work: The Hardest Work I’ve Ever Done
Writer Dad, I’ve been trying all day (ALL DAY) to come up with some thinly diguised mechanism to introduce a silly play on words involving your name.
I’ve failed. I just can’t do it.
I wanted to say, that as a writer your work will be ‘Sean and not heard’ – but that’s just not true, at least not once you’re top of the audio book charts.
Humph.
That’s it. I’m just not funny anymore. Wait! What if I was never funny to begin with? Oh no, I’ve got to go and lie down in a dark room.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Women’s Work: The Hardest Work I’ve Ever Done
Friar, if you’re on Facebook, you could join the group, “People who always have to spell their last names for other people,” of which I am a proud member.
Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Restoration
Friar, if you’re on Facebook, you could join the group, “People who always have to spell their last names for other people,” of which I am a proud member.
Beths last blog post..MonHaibun: Restoration
I’m quite proud of you, Sir.
I’m quite proud of you, Sir.
I’m quite proud of you, Sir.
Wishing you success in your new horizons.
Cool picture, too.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Some Bits About Me
Wishing you success in your new horizons.
Cool picture, too.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Some Bits About Me
I’m venturing into the unknown, too. I admire your moxy!
Glad Doggetts last blog post..Tough as a rose
I’m venturing into the unknown, too. I admire your moxy!
Glad Doggetts last blog post..Tough as a rose
Dave Fowler: You put more thought into your comments than some do into their blogs. Good job, Dave.
Dereck: Aw shucks.
Bamboo: Thanks. Just another reason I love my Macbook. I didn’t have to get the camera out or anything. I just looked up from typing for a moment. Good stuff.
Glad Doggett: Moxy is a sorely underused word. Thanks for bringing it back. I’ll try to use it in a post this week.
Dave Fowler: You put more thought into your comments than some do into their blogs. Good job, Dave.
Dereck: Aw shucks.
Bamboo: Thanks. Just another reason I love my Macbook. I didn’t have to get the camera out or anything. I just looked up from typing for a moment. Good stuff.
Glad Doggett: Moxy is a sorely underused word. Thanks for bringing it back. I’ll try to use it in a post this week.
Congrats for introducing yourself, Sean. I bet that must feel a little scary and a lot of awesome. Writer Dad is already developing into a great brand, so don’t lose that (I’m sure you have no intentions to). But it’s nice to have a name associated with that brand.
Here’s to whatever comes next!
Michael Martine, Blog Consultants last blog post..Remarkablogger WordPress SEO Teleseminar
Congrats for introducing yourself, Sean. I bet that must feel a little scary and a lot of awesome. Writer Dad is already developing into a great brand, so don’t lose that (I’m sure you have no intentions to). But it’s nice to have a name associated with that brand.
Here’s to whatever comes next!
Michael Martine, Blog Consultants last blog post..Remarkablogger WordPress SEO Teleseminar
Michael: Little scary, lot of awesome; well said. I’ve no intention of letting Writer Dad evaporate. I agree, it’s a great brand. I never set out to do that, it just kind of happened. I noticed it early, and fertilized it. I like what it’s growing in to. I’m glad to have a name. I’m glad it’s out there. Secrets make me uncomfortable.
Michael: Little scary, lot of awesome; well said. I’ve no intention of letting Writer Dad evaporate. I agree, it’s a great brand. I never set out to do that, it just kind of happened. I noticed it early, and fertilized it. I like what it’s growing in to. I’m glad to have a name. I’m glad it’s out there. Secrets make me uncomfortable.
Sean- I love knowing your name although I was getting very comfortable calling you WD at the Book…
I am very excited for you. When I was 12 my mother, a single mother quit her *paying* job and set out to start a brand new business to take care of her kids. There were no guarentees but the past was a fixed income with no future and the future was unknown but filled with hard work and hope. She banked on hard work and hope and life was great.
I pray the same future for you. I already know you have the talent.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Remembering Pen Pals…
Sean- I love knowing your name although I was getting very comfortable calling you WD at the Book…
I am very excited for you. When I was 12 my mother, a single mother quit her *paying* job and set out to start a brand new business to take care of her kids. There were no guarentees but the past was a fixed income with no future and the future was unknown but filled with hard work and hope. She banked on hard work and hope and life was great.
I pray the same future for you. I already know you have the talent.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Remembering Pen Pals…
It’s always inspiring to hear of someone taking a chance, reinventing themselves and greeting opportunity with hard work. Good luck with your next endeavor – and thanks for commenting on my site earlier. I just might give your Guitar School idea a try. Let’s stay in touch.
Guitar Dads last blog post..Lunch Buddy
It’s always inspiring to hear of someone taking a chance, reinventing themselves and greeting opportunity with hard work. Good luck with your next endeavor – and thanks for commenting on my site earlier. I just might give your Guitar School idea a try. Let’s stay in touch.
Guitar Dads last blog post..Lunch Buddy
Sean,
I admire you and your wife for the gutsy move you are making. I’m sure you will be very successful at whatever you do.
It is amazing to see how fast your blog has grown. You must be living right and you are a good writer.
I read once that Gabriel Byrne thought HE was Keyser Soze and he didn’t find out until he saw the final cut.
malathionmans last blog post..The 100 Million Dollar Question
Sean,
I admire you and your wife for the gutsy move you are making. I’m sure you will be very successful at whatever you do.
It is amazing to see how fast your blog has grown. You must be living right and you are a good writer.
I read once that Gabriel Byrne thought HE was Keyser Soze and he didn’t find out until he saw the final cut.
malathionmans last blog post..The 100 Million Dollar Question
Wow, I love big moves. Just did one myself, moving from Sydney to Melbourne a few months ago.
It sounds exciting. Best of luck. And I’m sure you’ll keep us informed.
Wow, I love big moves. Just did one myself, moving from Sydney to Melbourne a few months ago.
It sounds exciting. Best of luck. And I’m sure you’ll keep us informed.
Sean,
Congratulations. I must confess, I am a big fan of yours. I will most definitely be purchasing your fully-grown novel. (Which I’m sure will always stay young at heart.)
Matthew Drydens last blog post..Stride
Sean,
Congratulations. I must confess, I am a big fan of yours. I will most definitely be purchasing your fully-grown novel. (Which I’m sure will always stay young at heart.)
Matthew Drydens last blog post..Stride
I love the name Sean. We all have to make changes and get ourselves into the path that will ultimately fulfill us. Best of luck.
I love the name Sean. We all have to make changes and get ourselves into the path that will ultimately fulfill us. Best of luck.
You sound like you’re going to be in for an adventure when you head into the frontier with your family. It sure sounds exciting!
Your blog has done so well over such a short period of time. I can only imagine the hours that you’ve put in. Don’t overwork yourself though. It’s always good to take a breather, recharge and rethink strategies.
Take care and all the best!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Mind Travel To Ancient Egypt
You sound like you’re going to be in for an adventure when you head into the frontier with your family. It sure sounds exciting!
Your blog has done so well over such a short period of time. I can only imagine the hours that you’ve put in. Don’t overwork yourself though. It’s always good to take a breather, recharge and rethink strategies.
Take care and all the best!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Mind Travel To Ancient Egypt