He Was Just An Ordinary Guy Or Was He?

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We tend to believe changing the world means we need to be out there, preaching, speaking, and occasionally being loud because we want to be heard. Isn’t that what the world wants us to believe?

I am incredibly sad today because a friend died. He was young, my son’s age, and that is when I first met David Paal Jr., as a little boy. I must admit over the next forty-some years I lost track of him. We moved and my son changed schools and we didn’t move back to our home community for ten years when my son was grown.

I connected with Dave again a few years ago because I began to see his photos on his media pages. They were breathtaking. As an author, I wanted to try my hand at creating my own book covers. I could see my stories and plots in Dave’s pictures so I messaged him and asked if I would be able to use one of his pictures for my cover. He immediately said yes. We met for coffee so we could hash out the details.

As we chatted I found a humble man with a great sense of humor. His photos were a part of who he was and how he saw the world, yet he didn’t seem to realize how special his talent was. He wasn’t out to make money just to share his love of his hobby. In fact, when I suggested ways he could make money with his talent he seemed to only want to pass the joy onto others.

We chatted recently, him giving me permission again to use his photos in a couple of new book covers, one to update a cover from a past photo I used, and another for my new book coming out in March. Again, his generous attitude registered with me. I am so happy I was able to share both covers with him before he left this earth to use his talents in heaven. I can only imagine the landscape he is seeing through his eyes.

I don’t like to use the word ordinary for anyone because each person is unique, but yet for this blog, I am going to use the word ordinary to describe Dave, even though he was extraordinary. The reason for this is we view those who influence us in the world as different than us ordinary joe’s that keep the world running, working everyday jobs in industries that are not recognized as careers that leave a mark or influence anyone. They are quiet, in the background people, some of who we don’t see because of their ability to keep us going and we take them for granted.

Dave was an ordinary guy with an ordinary job and a fabulous hobby that he excelled at quietly. He was kind, funny, and humble. Yet, this man influenced people on a wide-reaching basis in his quiet way of those he worked with and reaching out to the world with his photography, sharing it on social media so the rest of the world could for a few moments see the breathtaking work that God created.

Seeing his photo’s you knew who Dave was. He let us know through the pictures he took. He loved his country, he loved the communities he was part of, showing those of us that live here through his photographs what we miss every day, because we aren’t looking. He gave us the gift of seeing the beauty of our lives through the lens.

Dave loved nature and old buildings, but most of all he loved his family. His son, his mom, dad, and his sister and her family. Through any difficulties in life, I would say he had his priorities right.

Dave Paal, Jr., you changed lives. I do not think you realized how far-reaching your influence was. You will be missed and always remembered. Thank you for sharing your love of photography with us and for showing us and showing me what true generosity is.

I’m Questioning You!

questioningIt’s time to have a little fun. I haven’t given anything away lately. So lets play with a question. I ask a question today and you all can have fun answering. In the morning I will pick a random or a few random winners. I have 5 audiobooks of Granny Hooks A Crook to giveaway and I will also give away one Granny Forks a Fugitive choice of paperback or e-book. If you don’t do audiobooks and you want to gift it to someone in your life that is allowed. So have some fun with this question. And make sure to ask others to come on over and join the fun.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

The End!

My and Granny’s blog tour has ended. It is always fun to go on a virtual tour to different blogs and meet different readers and blog hosts. Along the way I get panicky wondering if I said the right thing or sound silly. It is easy when I become Granny, because I can get away with spaced out —missed the word — doesn’t make sense words and sentences. It is when I am the real me that I ponder my sensibility when it comes to posts and interviews

I am very grateful for Lori Caswell and the Great Escape Book Tour. It is always such a pleasure working with Lori. The tour she plans goes flawlessly every time. http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/completed-book-tours-2014/granny-skewers-scoundrel-julie-seedorf

I am also very grateful for the reviews of Granny Skewers A Scoundrel. As a writer it is always a little scary waiting for a review. Thank you to all my hosts which are listed below. You still may visit and read and learn more about me, Granny and the blogs that were gracious enough to be my hosts.

I try to be grateful for the abundance of the blessings that I have, for the journey that I’m on and to relish each day as a gift. James McGreevey

That quote sums up my feeling today. Thank you.

 This Laugh out loud whodunit will have you reading past your bedtime. ~Shelley’s Book Case

I really enjoy cozy mysteries like this one, with lots of wonderful characters including cute pets! Granny is a smart, funny lady who really likes to get things done. ~Readingnks – My Recent Favorite Reads

Well, Granny really skewered me in this book. Once I started it, I didn’t want to put it down. ~Melina’s Book Blog There are lots of twists and turns I did not expect. Kept me guessing. Lots of humor, crimes, memory problems and junk food. ~readalot

The characters are quirky and extraordinary, the plot a bit twisty, and altogether a fun read. ~Christa Reads and Writes

Now, there are many types of mysteries, ‘cozies’ being one of them. But add a sub-category here and call it a wild ride with a cool, funny lady. ~Latte’ Da

Granny is a spry, sassy little rascal and she makes me laugh out loud. ~Brooke Blogs

I love Granny! (Do you think she’ll adopt me?) ~Back Porchervations

This cozy mystery excels in lovable characters and zany situations. ~Author Teresa Trent

It ‘s a really fun book…a cozy mystery to be enjoyed from the first to the last page. ~LibriAmoriMiei

OMG, I fell in love with the cover of this book in a glance. Once I started reading, I fell in love with the series too. ~A Chick Who Reads

Author Links

http://www.julieseedorf.com,http://www.sprinklednotes.com, http://www.facebook.com/sprinklednotes, http://www.facebook.com/grannyfromfuchsiaminnesota, Twitter: @julieseedorf

Purchase Links

AMAZON B&N

Tour Participants

July 14 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review
July 15 – Kelly P’s Blog – Interview
July 16 – My Recent Favorite Books – Review
July17 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Guest Post
July 18 – readalot blog – Review
July 19 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review
July 20 – Latte’ Da!Review, Guest Post
July 21 – Author Michele Lynn Seigfried’s Blog – Guest Post
July 22 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post
July 23 – Back Porchervation – Review
July 24 – Teresa Trent Author Site – Review, Interview
July 25 – Omnimystery News – Interview  –
July 26 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review
July 27 – a chick who reads – Review
July 28 – deal sharing aunt – Interview