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grin and bare it

A blog by Matthew Dicks

“Work under any circumstances.”

By mattyd | March 28, 2024

Benjamin Robert Haydon was a 19th-century British artist and writer who kept extensive journals throughout his life. He wrote the following entry in April 1845, when he was 59, and still determined to create art…

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I’m done speaking. At last!

By mattyd | March 27, 2024

Last night, after more hours than I wish to remember, I finally finished recording the audiobook for “Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Brand.” This was the third audiobook that I have…

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Vlad scares the hell out of me

By mattyd | March 26, 2024

“The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.” ― Vladimir Nabokov Thanks, Vlad. You’ve found a new and…

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The better way to announce a canceled show

By mattyd | March 25, 2024

Elysha, Clara, Elysha’s father, and I went to Broadway this weekend to see “Little Shop of Horrors.” Charlie had a play of his own – the last show – and needed to stay behind to…

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First concert

By mattyd | March 24, 2024

I took Charlie to his first concert on Friday night: Styx at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, Connecticut. Charlie and I fell in love with the song “Come Sail Away” last summer, and it began…

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Welcome to the Gen X Playground

By mattyd | March 23, 2024

I’d like to add one item to this Genx Playground list: No water bottles. Not a single water bottle could be found on any Gen X playground. In fact, most convenience and grocery stores DID…

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Storytelling gets you out of trouble

By mattyd | March 22, 2024

Storytelling, when done even marginally well, can do many things. It improves communication. Assists the storyteller in connecting with their audience. Helps the storyteller be more trustworthy and convincing. It also makes the storyteller more…

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He wrote back!

By mattyd | March 21, 2024

Back in 2023, I wrote letters to six authors whose work I adore. Near the end of 2023, I received a note from Kate DiCamillo, author of many books, including one of my favorites, “The…

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Coddiwomple

By mattyd | March 20, 2024

I learned a new word this week: Coddiwomple: To travel purposefully toward an as-yet-unknown destination. I love this word. In my book “Someday Is Today,” I discuss the importance of horizon goals. Too often, people…

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Foul mouthed parrots

By mattyd | March 19, 2024

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park accepted five African grey parrots in early 2020 and intended to merge them with the existing flock, except one of the parrots swore extensively, and then the other newly adopted four…

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