As a woodcarver for over 30 years, I've participated in over 40 arts and crafts shows all over the state of New Mexico (where I live) and sold my work at shops and galleries as well.  I learned early on, not to talk about my work too much, especially at work, because I already know about how jealous and resentful people can be, including family members.  So I've learned over the years to keep things to myself, etc.

One day, the telephone rang, and at the other end, was a writer at the local morning newspaper, calling to see if I would be interested in having my work featured in the newspaper!  At the time, (mid 1980's) I had never done anything like this, so I gladly accepted.  We made arrangements to meet a couple of days later, and the writer came over.  We had a very nice chat, and she looked at my work and took several pictures, etc. (Little did I know at the time, that this would be one of my worst days of my life at work!)

At the time, I was working for a large engineering company for about six years, and as I said before, I rarely talk about my work to anyone, so most of the people at work, didn't know what I did.  So, a few days after the interview with the newspaper writer, a half-page story (with photos) came out in the morning newspaper, and when I saw it, I was pleased with it! 

But, when I got to work that morning...it was a different story!  Many of the employees at work, who saw the story, were surprised by the story, because they knew nothing about my work, etc.  As the morning wore on...most of the employees were distant and cool towards me, and most didn't talk to me! 

This type of behavior was  not what I expected...and I felt empty and hollow inside and I didn't want to be there!  Things were not right, for some reason!   I got the silent from most...at the time, I had devoted ten years to my work...and this is what I got...steely stares and the silent treatment?

Of a company of over 100 employees, only a few employees were nice to me all morning!  I wasn't expecting anything like this at all...and there were a couple of employees who were down-right rude to me, and told me to go talk to a reporter!  It was awful!  This was turning out to be one of the worst days of my life, and I should have gone home!

I should have left at lunch time, but I didn't, and finally the long, depressing day was over!  What did I do...to be treated so rotten by fellow employees?  And now, I had to ponder the question, that if this ever happened again in the future...what would I do?  At the time, I had no idea!  I was crushed that awful day, and I just wanted to go home!

I had plenty of time to think about it, because about three years later...another writer called my from the morning newspaper, and asked if I would be interested in getting my work featured in the newspaper!  Would I or wouldn't I do it...after what happened at work? 

Three years is a long time to think and decide about something...so I didn't hesitate with the answer!  YES...to told the reporter at the other end of the telephone!  I gladly accepted!  So, we made arrangements to meet, and when he came over, we had a nice time, and he took pictures of my work, etc.

I was still working for the same company, and most of the (negative/hateful) people were still working there as well.  But, this time...I would be ready for the people at work!  I wasn't going to let the "little minds of the world" ruin my life with their negativity and hate!  I had been devistated three years earlier...and I was determined that it wasn't going to happen again!

This time, I stood tall...I felt proud as ever...this would be MY day!  I was proud of my work!  The newspaper article would be out in a couple of days...and I would (again) be entering the snake-pit...filled with negative and hateful people! 

I went to work that morning, with a little bounce in my step, and even a little humor in my soul.  The article was in the paper that morning, and at work, nobody said anything to me...and I didn't say anything to anybody!  I loved it!  I just did my job, and spoke to nobody!  No thoughts of leaving early this time...as I was enjoying this too much!

My feelings were so much different than three years earlier when I was so surprised, and I was so devistated at the behavior I encounted at that time.  I felt great on this day!  But, the sad part, is the fact that I had worked with these people for so many years, and for something like this to happen...on THEIR part!  But, this is an example of what can happen when you have to deal with people with shallow minds!

*                              *                               *

In a related story, a few years later, I was driving to work in the morning, and I was listening to a talk show on the radio.  The guest on the show, was familiar to almost everyone in the U.S, and it was Leslie Stahl of CBS news and 60 Minutes.  Only this time, she was on the other end of the interview, so I thought it would be interesting. 

During the interview, she talked about, when she would visit one of the affiliate television stations around the country. she would make TEN enemies as soon as she walked in the door!  I was surprised to hear this.

Why did something like this happen?  Because the "little minds of the world," and the people of hate and jealousy are everywhere!  Leslie is attractive; she makes a lot of money; she successful in a man's world; she's popular; she's sexy...and all the "little minds in the world" hate her because she's successful, etc. She told the interviewer, that there was nothing she could do about this hate for her...except to say that "you can't please everyone...so don't try!"

SITEMAP; 350+ Links For Your Convenience;
Copyright; 2009; Jerry Aragon/The Humor Doctor
Website name; humordoctormd