Boy, do I need to learn how to write xhtml.  Let me put that down on my over-extended “to do” list.  I tried to respond to another blog that had linked to this one (www.condofire.wordpress.com) but I entirely messed up the link I was attempting to insert.  Oh well.  Here is the point I was trying to make: 

Condofire ran a post saying, “By far the most views we’ve had on this site are for Paul Potts. I decided to look and see if there was anyone else writing about him… I was surprised not only to see a lot of people writing about him, but of some people’s obsession. Take a look at this site:(www.thepaulpottsstory.com.)”   

The gist of my reply was this:  To think that the Paul Potts Story is all about Paul Potts, is to miss the point.  My real fascination is with the manner in which that initial video of Paul, at Britain’s Got Talent, so endeared him to hearts around the globe.  Paul’s story has much more to say about us, than about him. 

It may be that I am getting hung up on the management (or lack thereof) of Paul’s career, however.  Maybe I need to take a look back, to the initial purpose of this blog, and reconsider my efforts.  The Paul Potts story is not about singing opera…it is about those human attributes that we admire and need.

Condofire is right about one thing:  The exploits of Don Sturgill–the details of my own struggle to live the dream–would not be as eagerly scooped up as articles about Paul Potts.  That is why I entitled this blog “The Paul Potts Story.”  His name is big-time, mine is not.  This blog could as easily be named after you, though.  Your story is every bit as interesting and impressive as Paul’s.  That can be said for all of us.  And that is why I continue to hammer out these daily posts.  It is not just that Paul’s story matters; it is that our own stories matter.  We are not just “about” life…we are life. 

Condofire’s post reminds me that it is fine to get all stirred up about the management of Paul Potts…but that I should never fail to consider my own need for management.  You see, the danger in focusing on a celebrity, or a sports team, or identifying oneself with any outside entity–is that you will lose sight of yourself and begin to live vicariously, on the back of another.  Paul’s success matters a whole lot; but mostly it matters to Paul.  My family is directly affected by the results of my endeavors.  My family needs for me to live my dream.  Paul’s family needs him to live his.

So it is back to packing up.  We are moving to the Kentucky hills.  I accepted the English teaching job there.  It doesn’t pay much, but it sure is a great place to raise kids.  And it is a wonderful spot to keep writing and pushing towards my own dream of the life that was meant for me.  It may even be that working with the young folks in Appalachia is the best thing I could ever do.  I sure am anxious to find out.  We hope to be on-board there by November 1st.

Hold it, that reminds me, Brian Gardner–one of my favorite site designers and all-around great guy–is running a contest to give away copies of his incredible Revolution News Themes.  You can read all about Brian’s work, including the Revolution at http://www.briangardner.com/.  Anyway, the rules are that entrants must describe, on their own blog, why they want the theme and what they would do with it.  So, Brian, if you’re reading, here’s mine: 

I have accepted an English teaching position at a Christian missions school, situated deep in Appalachia.  The poverty rate in the region is astounding, and the school’s website is static and blah.  They have been trying to update it, but the only teacher who can write code is having a hard time making it validate (here we go again…note to self:  Learn to write xhtml and css.)  Meanwhile, the students are putting out a monthly newsletter (by hand) and your Revolution News theme would be a major blessing to their efforts.  They could shine.  Not only that, but your theme would be a catalyst to boost the “We can do it” level of these mountain kids.  Who knows, Revolution could spur a revolution in some of the hearts there and encourage one or more of the students to pursue site design as a career… Once again, folks, see Brian’s work at http://www.briangardner.com/.  Win or lose, Brian has talent, heart, and soul.

Wishing you all the very, very best.  Don’t give up!   

Don