I consider it a good thing to be able to say that at my age. I age, and I learn. I age and I perceive. Even as my steps falter, my stride not so confident and strong, still, I marvel at a machine that was created three fourths of a century ago and still moves down most whatever trail it is directed. As some of you who know me personally know, Kerry and I have been a part of the Texas Renaissance Festival for 32 years. It is a marvelous event, full of a magic of its own, and an energy that can be felt for huge distances around it when it is happening. I was in my early 50’s when I began. It was exciting to be a part of something that big. The crowds would descend on us Saturday morning and many of them would stay and more would come on Sunday. Our shop was built in the shape of an octagon, with counter space and displays of our products all around us. Indeed, some of our customers complained we made them dizzy, going in circles. But they were always smiling with that remark. We were dressed in the period garb for our personas and were ‘on stage’ for about 11 hours a day. The work was hard, but it was happy work. You see, when you have happy work, it gives you a different attitude about life. It motivates you to reach out for new experiences, and new ideas. It urges you to open your mind to new thoughts and concepts. It also helps you to gain experience to make judgment calls about your life and your goals. I had worked hard all my life, mostly for other people and businesses. I had worn many hats; I was a farmer, then I worked in factories, then I learned to operate heavy equipment. I worked construction of different kinds. And then, I was an OTR truck driver for over 20 years. None of these did little more than keep a roof over my head and food on the table. Now, I know those are necessary items, don’t get me wrong, but in most cases they do little to elevate the mind and help you reach for those stars that twinkle high above you. You may not know that you n
