Category Archives: Books

What Are You Reading?

Posted on October 3, 2022 by Ray V.

Vacations for me mean getting caught up on my reading. I’ve brought three books with me and #1 to get behind me is Michael D. O’Brien’s “The Sabbatical” A novel. The opening paragraph: If you were to drive through the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Michael D O'Brien | Tagged Michael D O'Brien, The Sabbatical, What are you reading? | 5 Comments

Selective Disclosures

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Ray V.

“You don’t have to be an open book to everyone. Only show your pages to those who want to read your story”. -Nicole Addison My 11 years blogging have provided me the platform to share a few of my pages. … Continue reading →

Posted in 2021, 25 blogs, Books, Wisdom | Tagged disclosures, Nicole Addison, open books, telling your story. | 2 Comments

Opening Paragraphs

Posted on December 28, 2020 by Ray V.

Jacket Notes: One night in 1967, at a bar in New York City, the men who had gathered reflected on the family, neighbors, and friends who had been lost in the ongoing war in Viet Nam. And those not coming … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, 25 blogs, Books | Tagged J. T. Malloy, John Donohue, The greatest Beer Run Ever, Viet Nam stories | 5 Comments

On Discourse

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Ray V.

Back in October of 2006, we were in California for a family wedding. During some downtime, I was able to sneak off for a few hours to visit the Ronald Regan Presidential Museum and Library in Simi Valley. What a … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Books, Wisdom | Tagged business meetings, President Washington, Reagan library, Wisdom | 5 Comments

Opening Paragraphs

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Ray V.

Two monks were walking down a country road. They came across a beautiful young girl standing by a muddy stream, afraid to cross it by herself. One monk went over too her, picked her up, and safely carried her … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Books, Success, Wisdom | Tagged business, creating customers for life, forward thinking companies, McAlister-Smith Funeral Homes, Palmetto Cremation Society, Reading, Simon T. Bailey, Wisdom | 7 Comments

Opening Paragraph Quiz

Posted on January 8, 2020 by Ray V.

It’s been a few years since I’ve last read this book. First introduced to me in the late 1980s, I have read or listened to (I have it on cassette) this story dozens of times. There are parts that I … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Tagged Books, classics | 8 Comments

A Lost Art

Posted on December 14, 2019 by Ray V.

For the people who appreciate the feel of a book in their hand and the smell of ink and paper, here is a guide to preserving your investments. You are welcome.

Posted in Books | Tagged Books, caring for books, how to open a new book, opening a new book | 4 Comments

A Paradox

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Ray V.

When but a little boy, it seemed My dearest rapture ran In fancy ever, when I dreamed I was a man – a man! Now – sad perversity! – My theme Of rarest, purest joy Is when, in fancy blest, … Continue reading →