This morning I found this painting on a website I subscribe to called “Religion News Service.” Artist Jon McNaughton's painting "One Nation Under God," depicts Jesus holding the Constitution and standing at the center of American public life.

I think it says it all

~!~

John

I only recently became aware of the fact that the AARP website has created the Social Networking section which they refer to as the Community. I have enjoyed other Social Networking websites but there are, of course, drawbacks given the extreme age range. I am very pleased that the 50+ crowd now have a place to go and enjoy the features we can find here. I also want to say I am very impress with what the website and the ability they have displayed to get this section up and running very smoothly. That is why I decided to write my “ABOUT ME” in a Journal entry rather than only putting it on the front page of my profile. That said, here goes.

HI, MY NAME IS JOHN

The about me question often becomes awkward as one does not want to project the appearance of being conceited, pompous, or a braggart. However, I believe if one plans to make new friends or become reacquainted with old friends on this type of website they need to answer the question.

I am a businessman who has lived and worked in the Miami, Florida area for thirty two years until recently when I moved  and am now in exile in West Central Florida . (Yes, It is a long story but you can go ahead and ask).  

IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN TO FLORIDA

YOU MAY WANT TO STOP BY HERE FIRST!

I have very strong moral and ethical values. I have been involved in sales, sales management, and sales training my entire adult career. I approach everything in life with a very positive attitude. And I try to be as respectful and honoring of others as I can.

When I first started my career I was very influenced by Zig Zigler the motivational speaker. I enjoy his wit as well as his wisdom. I’ve adopted his personal philosophy, which is “YOU GET EVERYTHING YOU WANT   OUT OF LIFE, JUST AS LONG AS YOU HELP ENOUGH OTHER PEOPLE GET WHAT THEY WANT OUT OF LIFE.”  That has worked very well for me.

I am told I am considered humorous yet with a very dry wit. I can carry on a good conversation, and above all I pride myself on being a total gentleman from the booming boomer year of 1948!

Most of my current friends are family members, current or former associates, people I’ve know from church or civic associations along with their friends and their families. I would be delighted to consider anyone reading this  a friend but I prefer to first know a little something about you.

Okay, now about my interests!!

My interests are very simple. I have very few hobbies, however, I thoroughly enjoy the company of and the communication with a few very important close personal friends. 

You will also probably come to understand that I take great pleasure in enjoying time with and living vicariously through my kids ( Carey and Rich ) including their cousin ( Vanessa ) who is like a third daughter.

(LtoR – Carey, Rich & Vanessa)

I also enjoy their friends and Carey’s two dogs ( my only grandchildren so far )!

I LOVE being involved in my church. 

 Further, I like playing golf (although I haven’t for quite some time), riding bicycles, swimming and other water sports, doing community service work, window-shopping at a good mall, and working in my small garden patio. I find a Sunday brunch or browsing in a bookstore to be a pure delight. 

One more thing, a close friend of mine plays in a band and I take pleasure in going to wherever they are playing, enjoying the music and I just love to....

Anything else Motown, along with anything by:

Bonnie Raitt,

Josh Grobin,

Elton John,

Henry Mancini,

Patti Labelle,

Santana,

The Righteous Brothers,

Most Movie And Theater Soundtracks,

With some old and new country and classic rock.

On another note (excuse the pun) I was also recently reminded of how great the old gospel quartets were singing “ ALL DAY SING ” and “ REVIVAL TENT ” music. Talk about great memories. I could listen to those folks for hours.

About my motion picture interests:

I enjoy a variety of movie types. Some of my all time favorite movies have been:

Monty Python And The Holy Grail,

Full Metal Jacket,

Message In A Bottle ( a major tearjerker but worth it ),

The Notebook,

Bull Durham,

Rudy,

Gung Ho,

Doctor Zhivago,

Harvey.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown,

And The Sands Of Iwo Jima.

  About my reading interest:

Because I have a mild case of dyslexia, I would rather listen to books on tape or CD. I read a variety of book types. Some of the ones that come to mind are:

The Holy Bible (Good News Translation),

Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance,

The De vinci Code,

The Secret,

The Purpose Driven Life,

Anything By Zig Zigler,

And Any Good Biography.

I find most biographies tell me quite a bit about affluent or successful people and how they overcame obstacles to become successful.

About my television viewing interest:

TV shows are subject to mood swings but I guess I would say I enjoy most current evening dramas and old classic sitcoms or anything else humorous. I am not a big fan of reality television but then again there is The Apprentice.

I would love to hear from any reader. We can compare our lives, interest and things as we are.

WELL, THAT’S ME. BUT THAT IS ONLY THE… WELL, YOU KNOW…. 

Aaaaah, young butta fly! You question names!

Must answer here!

Because I am often asked why on this site my name is changed with regularity I will explain.  Over the past ten or twelve years I have been involved in many church, social, volunteer and website organizations. In each one of these I have often been tagged with a name or have given myself a name that the group members would use to address me.

Now when I wake up in the morning, those little voices in my head tell me what name I should use as well as what song will be locked in my mind for the rest of the day.  So even though I am have an actual given name the voices tell me people may call me any of the following that may be appropriate:

Dad, Granddad, Grandpa John, Papa John, Farmer John, Cowboy John, Mister "O", Big O, Big Ho, Double O, Hardcore Male Tramp, Father John, Deacon John, Brother John, Crazy John, Coach, Trav’lin Man, Mov’n Man, Beachboy, Beach Guy, Beach Bum, Puff The Magic Dragon, Sarge, Colonel, Caveman, Maddog, Tubby, Emperor, Your Royal Highness, Your Majesty, Sweetheart, Sweetlips, Hot Lips, Baby Doll, Baby Boy, Bubbles, Wizzard of Oz, Grumpy, Dopey, Grouchy, Dog Walker, Dog Feeder, Kumquat Taster, Urban Cowboy, Badonkadonk, ****, Bubba, And/Or Tater Salad (Or Just Tater For Short). But you DOESN’T haz to call me Johnson!

I’m the guy who is incredibly picky, but when I find someone I like I want to spend the whole night curled up in their arms.

I am the guy who will gently move your head onto my shoulder, not because I think you are sleepy, but because I want to be closer to you.

I’m the guy who likes to kiss you in the rain, more than inside your bedroom or in an expensive restaurant.

I’m the guy who says, "Okay, but you owe me..." jokingly not because I actually want something, but because it means I get to spend more time with you.

I’m the guy you can ask to go absolutely anywhere and I will take you and have fun because it means I am spending time with you.

I’m the guy who never forgets all the sweet little things you do for me.

I’m the guy who loves to end a hug with a kiss.

I’m the guy who you can talk to about anything.

I’m the guy who will have many inside jokes with you and will remember each one.

I’m the guy who will brag about you to all of my friends.

I’m the guy who will listen when you talk.

I’m the guy who loves it when I can sneak up and hug you from behind and then kiss you just below the hair line on the neck.

I’m the guy who loves you for you, and doesn’t care what other people say about us.

I’m the guy who never gives up hope....