Apparently Parenting

Most parents inately understand their role in who their children become.  Teachers and coaches, scout leaders and clergy also accept and acknowledge their roles in growing children into productive adults.  Even civic leaders, who taut children as the reason for enacting certain laws, recognize the importance of tending to the next generation.  We all have become who we are because of the community of adults that guided our growth. Remember Hilary's book "It Takes a Village"? Like her or not, she was right on point. It does take a village or a community to raise strong children.  As a whole, we are called to parent, apparently. 

So why - as a society - do we tend to blame solely the parents when a child's behavior goes awry? "Where were the parents?" "Why were these kids allowed to act like this?" "Fine the parents, that'll make them act like parents." "How could the parents not have known?"  Like Harry Truman, culturally we believe the proverbial buck stops there. They have the ultimate responsibility and when a child causes harm to others, our culture sees it as a failure on the parent's part.  We're right yet we're not focused on the bigger picture.  The community too bears responsibility. 

MYOB doesn't work where the growth of our future is concerned.  It is our business 'cause it affects us as individuals whether directly or indirectly.  Act as if every child is your child and understand that discipline is not a dirty word. 

Invested Interest

Non-resident property owners (aka investors, landlords) aren't necessarily known for taking the same interest in their properties as an owner occupant does.  Shouldn't they though? Taking care of an investment is after all in the owners best interest, right?

They've invested their hard earned money expecting to make more money. Known as return on investment, ROI is the bottom line for every investor and that includes owners of rental property.  So why is it that it seems most non-resident property owners don't show interest in their investments?  Unfortunately, many find it more cost effective to do the minimal amount of upkeep to ensure the highest ROI. 

They'll hire local property managers to tend the investment, collect the rents and keep the city's Code Enforcement Department at bay.  They'll hire the least expensive one they can find without properly vetting them and as long as code doesn't fine them (fines cut into that ROI), they think that what they're paying for is getting done.  In turn, these property management companies (who have ROI's to think about too) will do no more than they have to to keep their bottom lines healthy and the investor happy.
 
Buildings are much more than mere brick and mortar. They're living testaments to history. The history of architecture and architects. The history of business owners and employees. The history of leaders and congregants. For most property owners, taking care of their home or place of business is of utmost importance. How they care for their property displays their character.  It's time to see some interest invested by non-resident owners and their paid management companies too.

Persevere to Preserve

History counts. I know it's not exactly everyone's favorite subject in school yet it is as important as math, science and reading.  History teaches us not to make the same mistakes and to applaud the strength of our ancestors.  When I argue for preservation of a property, I urge honor for our ancestors and hope for our children's children.  When something can be touched, seen, felt its impact is greater.

Some are asking what a church in Watervliet has to do with Troy.  It has to do with history.  Watervliet was once West Troy so holds the hearts of Trojans in a strange way.  St. Patrick's soaring structure - its pure magnificence - is the beacon of Watervliet for all who travel 787 & Route 7 every day.  No supermarket will be that and that's for sure.

I will persevere to preserve.

It's a Hard Knock Life for Us

A post on fb this morning by my friend Lisa Belli got me to thinkin'.  Quoting her mom  "You're living my tough life now.", her post was about how difficult it is being strong all the time.  It's a way of being that I am all to familiar with. I stopped asking "What next?" a long time ago.  I figured out that I'm better off NOT asking, just accepting whatever comes my way.

Little Orphan Annie had it right. It's a hard knock life.

Did ya miss me?

I've been a little lax in writing, did ya miss me?  I hope so.  I've missed writing.  2012 was a transitional year for me.  2012 was one of those years (we all have them) - a life-changing year.  2012 wasn't a sharing kind of year for me.  2012 was a year of passion though.  I've had to learn new ways of relating with this world.  New ways of living from a different view.  A broader view.  Historic.

Me, myself and I have gone through some stuff together.  Haven't we all?  Funny how we use that phrase; A triumphrirant of self awareness.