Play it for your kids. Play it for you. "What I Am"

via skepchick.org

I stumbled on this while reading one of my favorite blogs, "Skepchick." The post simply stated, "This has been stuck in my head." When you hear that how could you not press play?

So, I did.

Then, I did again.

Then I played it for my kids.

You know, sometimes as adults we tend to get moving in such a hurry that we don't really stop to contemplate who we are, where we're going, or more importantly who we want to be, and where we want to go.

See, just because you're going somewhere doesn't mean it's the right place, and who you are may not be the best you. Sometimes you have to stop, look deep inside yourself, find that center and say, "Hey! Wait a minute... this just isn't who I really am. I'm going to do something different and change things."

I believe it's a noble path, the path of self discovery. When you figure out who you truly are then you can share that with your colleagues, partners, friends, and family. Change can be infectious and motivate others to do the same.

I wrote this down the other day, and it seems to apply here... "You are the coal. You are the shoveler. You are the engine. BE SELF PROPELLED."

You are the engine. You are the change. Figure out who you are, then do something different. -Oran

Posted via email from The Parker Brand Picture Post!

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A Simple Question

These days, it's nothing so see questionnaires or personality profiles passed around by friends on Facebook & Twitter. My radar tunes most of it out, but every now and then someone will post a question that strikes a chord with me. Even then it's got to be something really special for me to stop and answer.

The Question

Today, a friend dropped this question into his Facebook feed, "What can we as a country do to ensure that all children grow up to be healthy, productive members of society?" That's a pretty heavy question; one that you should really think about before answering.

I've always taken my fatherhood very serious, and I feel like I've asked myself this question in one form or another many, many times. I suppose it was because of this that I was compelled to give an answer, albeit off the cuff.

My Answer

"I'm not sure what the whole country can do... but if the Constitution remains intact, that's something to start with. If I (as a father) can at least trust that (the Constitution) as a solid, then I have a foundation to try to give my children a chance at being whole, healthy, happy adults.


Things I try to teach my children are:

• Encourage them to identify their strengths very early on.
• Be open to new ideas; try things.
• Learn how to think about things on a deeper level.
• Develop fearlessness, or at least try.
• Be kind, fair & just; develop an internal sense of justice; right & wrong.
• Figure out what you believe in (this doesn't have to be religion).
• Defend what is yours.
• Learn to wait.
• Learn to act.
• Learn to help.
• Be dependable.
• Protect the weak.
• Don't take more than you need.
• Remember that the country is FREE, and truly contemplate what that means.

Ultimately, I believe it's an individual responsibility.
I made my children, therefore it is my responsibility to see that they are prepared to live in this country.
As an adult, I have to first understand things like community, freedom, and justice before I can teach them.

Basically, I must be a deliberate parent."

Why I'm Sharing This With You

This blog, for the most part, focuses on things that I'm interested in, ranging from art & creativity, to comic books & entertainment. I've always carried the tagline, "The Creative Goods + A Decent Dose of Truth." Well, that's what this is gang... a decent dose of truth... Parker Brand style.

I'd like to share more of these thoughts with you from time-to-time, but I'd like to hear what you think first. Is this something that those who frequent this feed would be interested in, or do you just stop by for the pictures and such. This blog is your door to my brand, so I want it to be something that this community will enjoy and appreciate. I do want to put out an honest signal though, and sharing my thoughts on living, working and playing are a part of that.

Thank you for your time and feedback. -OP

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"Medusa Man & Gizmo" A Few Parker Brand Family Sketches

I tell ya, it's really been one of those weeks where I can barely see the light of day. I've got advertising projects popping in from every direction, so it's all I can do to keep a handle on them, and since in the proper amount of creative juice. By the time I get home, I'm kind of spent and really haven't felt much like putting any ink down. Lucky for me, my children have been working on some creative projects of their own, and I'd like to share a couple them with you.

My 6 year old son came up with this little treat the other night. When I asked him who it was, he says, "It's Medusa Man!" I love it

"Medusa Man" by Jonah Parker, Age: 6

My 12 year old daughter wanted to treat me to a couple of ATC sketches, so I asked her to draw Stripe and Gizmo from the Gremlins. She finished up the Gizmo card a few nights back.

"Gizmo" by Lily Parker, Age: 12

It's nice to have kids that can pick up the creative slack when I'm feeling burned out. I hope you guys dig on these. I'd really appreciate your comments. I'm sure the Parker Brand kids would love to hear what you think.