Category Archives: Uncategorized

Taking the fork in the road

Posted on December 6, 2012 by John Stampen

When you come to a fork in the road, take it! – Yogi Berra Being a parent and watching your children grow, change, struggle and/or thrive can be quite interesting. Every so often you recognize parts of yourself reflected through … Continue reading →

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One Last Time

Posted on September 20, 2012 by John Stampen

Beginnings and endings are a part of each of our lives, and we often use the milestones created by them to define who we are. My oldest son Jake is about to begin an ending of sorts called his senior … Continue reading →

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A Certain Number of Times

Posted on April 30, 2012 by John Stampen

“Because we don’t know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well, yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember … Continue reading →

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The whole truth or something like the truth

Posted on March 19, 2012 by John Stampen

There is a scene from the movie “Princess Bride” that I’m often reminded of when trying to get a straight answer from my kids.  In it, the heroes are trying to find a way into a castle that is blocked by … Continue reading →

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Ba Rum Pum Pum Pum

Posted on December 25, 2011 by John Stampen

My all-time favorite Christmas song is the Little Drummer Boy, which tells the story of a boy who gives the gift of the song in his heart and finds out, despite his initial doubts, that it is a most worthy … Continue reading →

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Criminy – A Thanksgiving Story

Posted on November 21, 2011 by John Stampen

“I jus go nuts at Christmas” is a vintage holiday tune by Yogi Yorgesson that in a thick Scandinavian accent tells the tale of a family celebration gone awry. It is a favorite in our household because half of my … Continue reading →

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Walking the Mom

Posted on November 21, 2011 by John Stampen

“Are you ready to go?” “Yes Mom.” “Do you think you’re dressed warmly enough?” “Yes, Mom.” “You know it’s only 50 degrees outside?” “Yes, I know Mom.” “Because you could run back in and get a sweatshirt, I would wait.” … Continue reading →

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Little big things

Posted on May 18, 2011 by John Stampen

There is a quote I like by Kurt Vonnegut that goes, “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things. “ Achievements and accolades are nice but if you really … Continue reading →

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The Musicians Among Us (From the Archives)

Posted on March 6, 2011 by John Stampen

“Music cleanses the understanding; inspires it, and lifts it into a realm which it would not reach if it were left to itself.” ~Henry Ward Beecher The Musicians Among Us Every now and then you experience something that makes you … Continue reading →

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Birch Legs (From the archives)

Posted on February 23, 2011 by John Stampen

A milestone for Dad. I am not sure why we often tie our celebrations and recognitions to the base ten system… 10 year reunions, 50 year anniversaries, bi-centennial, millennium, etc… I guess it makes it easier to remember or recognize … Continue reading →

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