Tuesday 9 November 2010

So Being Good Is Not Enough.


I know, I know I should not just stop without saying anything and I apologise. I have been greatly moved by the concern of fellow bloggers that I had not posted. That they took the time to check out that I was okay had me sitting in my study chair in tears. I know Susan keeps telling me that more people read blogs than comment on blogs, but it does not always sink into my brain. I thought long and hard about closing down both blogs and in the end decided to close down one. Thanks to those one or two who followed over and joined this one. So back to my daily stories, thoughts and “Stravaiging.” Now there is a word for you I hope you like it. Stravaiging is a Scottish word meaning to roam, but not to roam without purpose or meaning. I like to think that my daily roaming and wandering is full with meaning and purpose and intent.


Yesterday was not a great day for stravaiging; it was a wet, windy foul day. Today started off in a very similar vein. My son refused to have his weekly run it was so windy and the rain was not just rain but hail. Last night I walked the coastal path as the darkness fell, I now feel I know the path so well I could almost walk it blindfold. The wind was wild forcing the tide high on the beach, at places so high it splashed up on the rocks and onto the path. Marvellous adventure and I enjoyed it.

Earlier in the day I had walked through the village. The taxi drivers were there in full force, they always love wet windy days, and they say it is good for business. It was sad to see them though blocking the disabled parking bays. I pointed this out to them and they made a comment that disabled people should not be driving in such weather. I left with a sad and heavy heart.

The incident reminded me of another friend I had years ago, he ended up driving a taxi but he was the opposite to those I encountered yesterday.

He had been a managing director of a firm and had worked long hours often seeing little of his family. He was successful, but unhappy. He felt there had to be more to life than this. He decided to resign and buy a taxi.

he very soon built up a successful taxi firm, but he never gave up driving his taxi, even though he employed others to work with him. He built up a reputation for care of customers. His cabs always had a newspaper folded neatly in the back seats. There was always a selection of music tapes the passenger could listen to if they wanted. He always got out the cab to open the door s to let passengers in and out, and he always helped with their luggage or groceries. He was a caring cab driver who went the extra mile.

I remember him once telling me it was easy to drive a cab. it was simple to be a cab driver. The thing was he wanted to be not just a cab driver but an excellent one.

He once said this to me, “One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being 'great' better than just getting by on 'average'"

This brings me back to my starting point. I thought I had reached average in writing blogs. Average has never been good enough for me. Thanks to those of you who yesterday made me feel a bit above average for you I will continue to collect my stories and share them.

I will do some more stravaiging and take you with me. I hope you can come along.

Have a great day.

5 comments:

  1. Good Morning Ralph, today will be a great day and I am happy you have returned! My November calendar is out of sync with your blog posts but I will get over that! You have told me not to be a counter so this is a case where the teacher has to listen to himself! It is this blog, your blog that always begins my day and helps set a positive mood and I thank you for that. It was YOUR blog that introduced us to the plight of Autumnleaves and encouraged us to be better than perhaps we are, and YOUR blog that has introduced me to others all over the world and I thank you for that! and YOUR blog that rekindled an interest in me to write again! and YOUR blog
    that inspires me, well maybe not to actually run
    but to at least to do better and get stronger!
    Now, about your other blog! I miss it. I am not a painter although I play at it and certainly couldn't judge someone's painting, although I know what I like. I liked, on your other blog that you would share your struggles, take us through a process and introduce us to your "art of the day", what you were working on at the moment. I still think that it is the artist behind the art that makes "great art" and this was a door through which we could see you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ah, at least we know you and yours are now fine!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm still here Ralph. Keep writing. Your fan and friend, Pamo.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you, my friend, for brightening my day with another thoughtful, inspiring story. Your posts have helped me and so many others. I wish I could have all of your stories bound into a book. Now there's a new project for you to consider! It would be a bestseller for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  5. please don't stop this blog. we need your warmth. thank you for your comments!

    ReplyDelete