Notes from the Swamp

Notes From The Swamp
April Edition

Happy Spring to one and all. This is always a time of year that comes with mixed feelings. We are happy that the weather is warming up and we can be outside more; now the Easter is over the wedding season picks up in full force; and we prepare for the blossoming senior season. Ahh yes, let us just briefly mention a negative side to April. Do I really need to mention those three nasty letters, (even though I am currently sitting in Columbus, Ohio I don’t mean OSU) I am referring to the IRS. Let us deal with the bright side of the image today.

Spring brings a new birth to nature and everything around us. The trees come out in blossom, the grass greens up (hopefully without crabgrass) and we feel invigorated. It is also a time to break out of our cocoons, spread our wings and take those first few trail flights with new programs. This year has seen a great growth in membership for MTPPA. Some of our new members new to our profession could use a helping hand on their trail flights, like a mother bird does with her little ones. For the older members; find a new member who could use some advice and lend them a hand. For you new members; find one of our seasoned members and ask them that question that has been just driving you nuts. This is called mentoring today, I called it teaching. This is how we perpetuate our the craft that we love. The act of giving is one that just keeps on giving. For the past few months, I have been currently mentoring one member which has been a truly rewarding experience.

Those of you who attended the Kirk Voclain program for Blitz were will entertained. Although Triangle did gain four new members and had some old ones re-up of the 80+ attendees there were only 28 who were MTPPA members. April will present all of you another great learning opportunity. Ben Chen, our April speaker, will be putting on a program from 1 to 5P.M. entitled “Fast Track Weddings”. Following dinner he will present a program on location. Following an award-winning career as a photographer for the Los Angles Olympics, the Los Angles Dodgers, Lakers and others Ben has shifted his focus to high-end weddings. Here is the great part; BOTH programs are free to Triangle members. If you know a non-members bring them along. The cost for them is only $49.95 plus $19.00 for dinner for a LOW total of $68.95. I just need to have the reservations in ASAP. As an added benefit, Ben called me last night here in Columbus, to inform me that he is bringing door prizes from his sponsors to be raffled off at his program.

In closing, I have to admit that this year has truly flown past although my wife may differ. When it comes to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, which ever the case may be, be sure to show them how much you appreciate them even though you may work together 24/7. After all without their support where would we be.

Dale
P.S. Don’t take life too seriously. It’s not permanent.