Paul's Corner

May we all find what you describe so eloquently: universal longings.

"A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life,
by he who interests his heart in everything." --Laurence Sterne

Good morning Millie and Evelyn!
Good morning Paul and All.
Love,
Whit

Having read the posts from the previous thread I felt compelled to post this:

Don't forget that sales is a numbers thing. You're guaranteed a percentage of rejection regardless of who you are. Though it's hard, keep trying to not take it personally. I know that's easier said than done when it comes to making a living, but the people you help so generously that walk out that door could just as easily walk back in and if there isn't a big savings to be had from buying somewhere else, I go with the store and the salesman that helped me the most. I think that's human nature and that's something you can count on. The more people you help, the more people you will inevitably sell.

Hang in there Paul. I see a bright rainbow colored light at the end of your tunnel! Just keep telling yourself that this is only temporary. It's getting you where you want to go by providing some cash on your journey. All of these people you meet provide oportunities for character studies. Who knows what roles you may play in the future?
Peace and love,
Whitney

Good Morning, Paul, Whitney, and All,

If it is universal longings that we seek, I guess it is summed up simply in "Follies" as the narrator says, at the opening, "We wish you good health, good fortune, laughter, peace, and love." Chorus starts:
"Love Is In The Air". Is there anything else?

We can't wait until you arrive, Whitney...Ellie and I are anxious to meet you, just like two teen fans waiting for their special celebrity! (Don't be embarrassed..you are representing all our friends on PC!)

Love,

Grandma Millie

I love this poem!!!!

Morning all at PC.
need good energy thoughts sent my way (please)
to rid self of terrible migraine.
Other than that, it's going to be a good day.

Hugz,
Katalina

Does our Greg do temple massages?
Sounds like heaven.....
Katalina

Paul, Your such a good soul, trying to help people and then having them fail to support you.
Many people only focus on the lousy dollar. They see it as some kind of challenge to get something for the least financial outlay. Stupid pricks. Apart from being unsupportive to the salesperson who may have genuinely tried their best to help, it also usually fails logic. How many people can actually afford to go from shop to shop trying to save a few lousy bucks. I know I can't.
I see the salesperson as a key player in the process. If I assess that they have genuinely supported me in the selection process (and the price is not unreasonable), then they will get the sale. I always go back to the people who provide good, reliable service, because I know that I can count on them when I need to. And they can count on me. Works bloody good.
It's wonderful that you put so much of your genuine humanity into your sales, but it's the very nature of that work that leaves you exposed to disappointment.
Don't even think for a moment that an unsuccessful sales attempt in any way reflects on you. You are in control of yourself, you may be able to influence the potential buyer, but ultimately they decide for themselves. Right or wrong, you can't control what they will do, so, you can't be responsible for it.

And I can't imagine that what you're doing in any way defines who you are. It's HOW you're doing it that describes your character.
I never allow myself to be defined by what I do.
I'm just me. I'm not Peter the engineer or any other thing. I'm just Peter. I had never aspired to be an engineer/PM, it's just where I ended up, because it's all that I could pursue at the time, but still, I've made the best of it. Given the right opportunities, each of us may have chosen quite different paths in life.
Ultimately though, it's not what we do, but what's in our hearts when we do it, that defines us.
Yeh, I know, ramblin Pete!

Katalina, here's a load of cool, soothing, quiet and refreshing energy to blow that migraine away....whoooooosh. Done.

Peter

first, if this is a duplicate post i apologize.
hey paul, my name is greg. I came across your site while i was looking to buy a strickly ballroom dvd. Wanted to drop you a line-i'm a pt/medical massage therapist in nyc.I was the pt/massage therapist for "TAP DOGS" for about 4 years. I met up and started to work with them when they came to the union square theater here in the city back in 1997, and then toured with the north american and european companies. I currently have a private practice here in manhattan and work with professionals in the fields of dance, theater, film and sports. Some of the shows i'm currently working with are THE PRODUCERS, HAIRSPRAY, 42 ST. & THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.(patrick wilson-the original lead in THE FULL MONTY here on broadway is also a client.) I wanted to extend my services-if and when your in the city next- for bodywork. My work includes deep tissue, stretching and medical massage. I've always loved australian flics-strickly ballroom,love serenade and muriels wedding are phenomenal. I had the time of my life with the australians and made life long friends on those tours. So when i came across your site i thought it would be a nice opportunity to write and offer something back. If your interested, or just need advice about ice or heat,(i found most dancers do), feel free to contact me. My references are available and i wouldn't be surprised if you knew some of my clients personally. Best of luck. greg

I'm still packing. I think I have everything in here, but the kitchen sink as they say!

What waits for me in Florida? I know I have a loving greeting to look forward too. As a representative of Paul's Corner, I'll be on my best behaviour. It won't be hard, since that's my natural tendency these days. After all, I'm 40. By the way Paul, your 39th is coming up again isn't it? ;)

I wish I could pack everyone in this gym bag and take you all with me, but as I can't, I'll take tons of pictures and have plenty of fun with the lot of you in mind.

This is so exciting and scary! I better get back at it. I have to deliver my puppy to his babysitter. I could leave him in my mother's kennel and he would have been so grateful to see me when I got back, but instead I'm leaving him with his dog friends at a farm way out in the country. He'll be like a rebelious teen when I return: wild doggie! I'd rather he have a great time because I know I will!
Love,
whit

Thanks Peter!! Needed that whoosh!
several hrs later...it seems to be diminishing (the migraine).
i think it's old age (hahahahaha, like I'll ever catch THAT even when i am!! *wink*).

Whitney: yes, yes take many pix for us!!! We're with ya in spirit! Have fun.

I feel for ya Paul on those customers who waste valuable time and don't buy. Disappointing! me...on big purchases, i try to research stuff for a while, read consumer repts first, read testimonials, look at performance, service records if available, then go in knowing exactly what I want, where to go, and am prepared for price...I guess I hate shopping on a whim, and like to be prepared. Wishing you better days on this, and sending big virtual smiles to cheer you.

Katalina

Oh yeah, the middle path. My goal in life. Loved the poem Paul.

This brings to mind the film Little Buddha. I watched it a while back and thought it was beautiful. At one point in the story they tell of Buddha leaving his father's kingdom to see the world and to find out how to end suffering. He goes and lives in the forest with a group of men who live off the land and give up everything that might make their lives more comfortable (clothing, shelter, nourishing food). He just sits and meditates until he is emaciated and filthy.
At this point, he hears a man boating on the river nearby playing music. The man tells his daughter that "if the string is too tight it breaks, and if it is too slack it won't play." Buddha knew then that he was WAY too tight too play. Being so extreme with his efforts did not bring enlightenment any closer. From there forward he strived for the middle path in all things.

Perhaps some of you were already familiar with this story as well as the concept it teaches. It seems so simple, yet I find myself referring to it regularly. I try to stay on that middle path, but I often find myself over-doing things to the point of exhaustion or not putting out enough effort to feel I've done the best I can. I'm trying to just be more mindful about everything in my life and not worry so much about the outcome.

I have had to learn that moderation does not necessarily equal mediocrity. Big lesson for me. Thanks for reminding me Paul.

Michelle in Chicago

Paul,
beautiful poem!!! You do amaze me with your poems each and every time, but especially knowing about what you are experiencing right now, that you are able to describe something so beautiful and moving, blows me away, esp. if I were in your position, my writing first of all would most likely not be a poem, but definitely an angry, furious rant. You have an amazing loving, gentle, passionate soul & nature and I sincerely wish that your desires and aspirations for balance and success both as a salesman, a performer and a human being will come true. You so deserve it!!! And as Peter already said, try to separate the "negative" reactions of your customers from how you feel about yourself. They are not a reflection of who you are & if you find a "Screw them!" or "Piss off" attitude helpful to make that separation, do it. You have every right to be upset, because you are putting so much of yourself into everything you do, but at the same time, let it not pull you down, because you don't control their choices and actions--even though you might just want to do that, understandably so.
By the way, the title to this poem and/or post has thrown me for a loop, intrigues me. I always felt that when I start looking after having gotten lost or when lost, that I find my way again. It seems that the opposite is your reality. With this comment, I in no way mean to invalidate your experience, just a thought that comes out of my experiences, although, the choices that come my way in such a situation can be very overwhelming once I start looking. Hmmm, I more or less contradicted myself here, I think.
I wish I could tell you that all will be well, but on some level I don't think I can, for how am I to know what will come your way, but nonetheless, I have that deep down underlying faith, that in its own way, you, I, everyone will be well, even though it might not take on the form and shape that we want it to.
Hugs to you and may you find the balance, the rainbows, the sunrise, the harmony, yourself--and may you find.

Love,
Evelyn

Paul...Ah, yes, the right balance! How to find it? I keep searching as many do. I keep expecting as many do. Someday soon all will be known. You seem to be coping well with life's high and lows.

Whitney...Just wanted to know that at the SOFA exhibit you are not selling your work, but showing it in the hopes of getting a commission. I met a very talented artist there, Zachary Oxman, who does great active bronzes. He and his wife, Janna, are working with me for two of my clients. His website is: oxmanstudios@aol.com and his email is: oxmanstudios@aol.com. I am sure they could tell you how this show has benefited them. When I have more time this weekend, I will look through your site.

Linda

Paul: Congratulations on the audition, hopefully you will know more very soon. If you are not compiling these lovely poems for future publication you are sorely missing a great opportunity. You never cease to amaze me with your words of enlightment and thought provoking wisdom.
As for the sales, you cannot take it personally. Unfortunately you can't always tell the tire-kickers from the real buyers. DH and myself try to let anyone helping us in our shopping endeavors know when we are just looking and that if we have questions we will hunt them down for answers. I know how difficult it is tho to spend a lot of time with a customer and have them walk out empty handed. But even worse is to find out that they came back in and made a purchase and did not even ask for you. Fortunately I've only had one job that paid any kind of commission and I only stayed about 18 months. The manager was stealing our sales, not just mine but others as well. We reported it to the upper management but did no good.
Whitney & Grandma Millie: I hope you have a wonderfull time together this week. I have great confidence that the Follies will be splendid.
Tim: If you want to you can come help me do income taxes. I figure we still have about 3/4 of our clients to do before April 15. Of course, everything has to go thru the Boss and unfortunately that is the bottleneck of the operations.
Inn: hope your boo boo is better. It made my whole hand hurt!
To everybody out there in PC world, hope your week is sailing along as smoothly as it possibly can in these rough waters. Hug the ones you hold dear to your heart. Pray for better days ahead.
Hugs to all of you,
Sherrlyn

Spring Break in Florida!! Girls gone wild! Who? Well the whit and mil, of course! And to think they met at m'curio's place!!!! Ah, don't you know they'll be having the best time!!

early day tomorrow...better call it a day...

later all

Paul, I took the time to read your poem.
I wish I had your talent and understanding. It seems that you're a genuine artist, no matter what you do. Such soul.

Sure, Bluedog, girls gone wild is right!!! Ellie and I are waiting rather impatiently to pick up our Whit in just 2 hours...then the wild stuff begins, with Ellie as chaperone, of course!

Couldn't sleep a wink..the opening show last night was received with raves, raves, as early morning emails informed me! The theatre was packed to capacity, and we had to take 2 extra bows at the end! The audience loved the format, the the choice of music, the singing, the dancing, the comedy, etc.

The first applause came in the darkness before the curtain was raised. Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Seranade" played 11 seconds in the dark, and then as the scene was lighted, 12 couples were seen dancing, and the narrator came out and explained the theme of "Love is in the Air"...then the dancers became a chorus...

Tonight should be the mother of all performances, and we should get it right...one microphone failed at one point, but my production chief quickly gave the performer another mike, and the show continued without any further misshaps.

We will go to the theatre tonight with Whit, and I will introduce her to the cast...they know the story of her visit, and all about our chums on PC.

Everyone have a great day, and remember us at 8:00 p.m.tonight, (Wednesday) (Eastern time) as the curtain rises on the last performance of Follies 2003: "Love Is In the Air."

Love,

Grandma

Grandma: it sounds just beautiful, and so glad it was so well received, but how can it have been otherwise?!!! Wish i was there to toss a rose or two on the last night of Follies 2003! I'll be there in spirit and Love IS in the air, I am sure!!!

Hi Whit!

(& Hi Inn, howzit going girl?!!)

Hugz,
Katalina

Millie...Bravo!! Bravo!! Linda

I'm here!!!!! You should see the computer set-up Mil has!!! And such a lovely and comfortable home! I can't wait to see the follies! Then it's "Girls Gone Wild" right bluedog?

Poor Katalina! I get migraines too. I hope yours is gone by now. I usually keep them until I go to bed.

Thanks Linda. It's very kind of you to look at my stuff. I didn't know that SOFA worked that way; I have so much to learn. I'll visit the site you mentioned and check out his work.

Thanks for your well wishes Sherrlyn! I'l try to go easy on Millie, but it will probably be me who gets worn out. She's full of spunk!!

Paul, Mil has to be your greatest fan. She even has a slide show screen saver with images from SB. It's very distracting ;) ;)

Evelyn, I wish you could be here too. I'm looking at a picture of you right now. Millie keeps it on her computer: so tasteful and beautiful! I think the word I'm looking for is "demure".

Well, I'm getting off the computer now so I can hang with Mil and Ellie, but I'll keep everyone posted.

Love,
Whit

CONGRATS!!!!!! Congrats on a fantastic show! No doubt we will hear more about it from Whitney! I feel like I have been a part of it from the beginning - so thank you Grandma for allowing us to come along on the journey.

I wish I could be there on Wednesday night but I will have to just send my spirit self over and stand up the back and watch!!

Chooka's for tonight I'll be watching!!! In fact the curtain may be going up this very moment with Glenn Miller seranading the audience, whilst 12 elegant couples move with the music and every one can feel that love is in the air.......

I can hear the music now, Millie. Think I'll go waltz around the garden and enjoy the birdsong. What a nice treat for Whitney to spend such a grand time with you and Elliott. You are a very special couple! Enjoy, Whitney. I'm with you all in spirit.

Welcome, Greg!

Here's a tip of the Stetson to ya' Ramblin' Pete!

Sherrlyn, I'm mentally massaging your shoulders and your temples as you plow through tax returns.

Katalina, I hope your head is all better now. You might want to look into possible dietary causes of migranes. I'll look through some of my stuff because I seem to recall reading about that.

Paul, thanks for your thought-provoking poem. It seems I'm in constant motion day after day and all I can do right now is breathe.

Peace,

Diane

If my math isn't off and you guys didn't start late, grandma, then Follies 2003 is about to receive its standing ovation one more time, and I'm definitely part of it, cheering you on, applauding---and definitely looking forward to getting the video tape of the show. Being there in spirit each and every performance was great fun, but now I want to see it with my physical eyes as well. Congrats!!!

Oh and Whit, I am there (in spirit). You can't get rid of me that easy :) and re. the photo I sent grandma, just keep in mind that's one of my "special occasion looks," not the every day look, way too much work. "Demure" perhaps, it was at the beginning of the photo shoot and I don't like being in front of the camera all that much in the first place (I'm much more comfortable behind it!!!), thus hadn't totally loosened up, but I like it a lot anyway. Towards the end, the photos captured a bit more of the sassy part of me ... perhaps I'll email you that picture. Now go have fun with spunky grandma --hey you stole my phrase!!!--and give her a big hug for me!

Diane, take some time out to relax! look who's saying that to you, not too long ago you said that to me. And by the way, in the poetry section of PC there is a beautiful poem on "taking a breath" by yours truly .... upps, Paul that is, not me. Go look at it, if you haven't already.

Katalina, I hope your head feels better.
Sherrilyn, thanks for reminding me to do my taxes, sent them in today and I'm glad that's the only one I have to do. Hang in there for one more month and 3 days. You can do it, you can do it, you can do it & be well!

Love to all,
Evelyn

Well, I'm hoping the Follies went great tonight, and the girls..and Ellie..didn't go *too* wild!
Loved the poem Paul. Finally have my car back, it's purring like a kitten..should be for the price of repairs! My dear Kat, I hope your head is all better. Write me soon.
Inn.

Good evening all.
Whitney, Millie, Elliot: Tonight must have been stunning. I could hear the applause from here.
Put in the SB cd and balanced my checkbook and bankstatement. Seems I forgot to put my paycheck from March 1, in the bank. Has created quite a mess, but this too shall pass. Blamed the boss, told him I was working too hard on taxes.
We have several waiting for him to look at, so we can get them out to clients. He's already given me 3 more Trust returns to work on. They are actually a lot easier that farmer's returns, but can be very time consuming.
We filed our return electronically thru Turbo Tax. It is really quite easy, and the refund will be deposited in the bank. We don't have to worry about anyone tampering with the mail that way.
Inn: Glad you have your car back and the booboo is better.
Diane: Thanks for the massage of shoulders, I really appreciated it.
I think I have become addicted to this site.
I can't seem to get anything done without checking in to see what everyone is up to.
Tim: What are you doing, I hope not pouting over the job. You will find the right endeavor soon. How did the interview go for you wife. Hope you are both well and the kids too.
Paul: Hope things are smoothing out at the computer store this week and that you will be able to tell them to "Take this job and Shove It!" soon!!! How did the experience with the high school theater group go? Was it fun or exasperating? Should have been different at least.
Hope all is well with Andrea and the girls. Let us know something about the outcome of the last audition. We are anxious to see you back in your element again.
Hugs to all,
Sherrlyn

Hey to the PC!!!!
Hi & thx for the headache well wishes..that silly light-migraine went away after a day or so. (no real pain..but i get weird flashy lights that spaz out my eyesight and make me dizzy and nauseous sometimes.) I'm usually quite healthy...it's only been about 4 times in the past yr. I think I may have found the common denominator...(i'm not completely convinced it's dietary yet.) I'm lucky..most folks get the painful version. I just get tripped out w/my vision for brief bouts. but i'm ok....it's my own non-drug version of the sixties. all those vibrant patterns and pulsating colors. If my brain could think during those times, it would be cool to draw them. hahaha. anyways..thx again..

Hi Inn sweetie! How're you? Life is pretty good this week. Can't wait for 1st tango lesson. verrrrry nervous. but it'll be ok. I'll PM ya soon..we'll catch up. s'been an interesting weekend and week. good, good..but interesting. strange how life picks up in pace sometimes from the stops and starts...and then races ahead and you can barely catch up.

Hi to Diane, Evelyn, Sherrlyn, Paul & the Mercurio clan, Tim, Peter, Whitney, G. Millie, Elliot, Greg, Michelle, Linda, bluedog..and anyone else i may have forgotten. Hope you guys are well, happy, having fun..what's everyone up to? How go the juice fasts, sales number crunching, art projects, post Follies, "girls go wild" (wink wink) in FL, career scouting, workout sessions, test taking and prep for the intl dance competition finals?

Take care all...and nighty night to the PSTers, good morning & good day to everyone else!

Hugz n kicks...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Katalina zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Yes, Paul, and everyone, the show went off without a hitch, and the Glenn Miller opening was exactly as you imagined! As "Moonlight Serenade"
was heard, the audience started to applaud, even before the curtain lifted!

This last performance, the mother of all performances, was the most gratifying...the audience laughed and applauded in the right spots, and our Whit was in the audience!

She is such a lovely and loving human being, and Ellie and I are indeed fortunate to have her as our guest, even for such a short visit. Her soft
West Virginian accent only adds to her sweet persona. We love her, and she is a wonderful representative for all of you!

She made a big hit with the cast backstage, and she took loads of pictures which I am sure will make their way to the Internet somehow! She moved easily among the seniors backstage and later, as we all went out for a bite to eat after the show was over. I teased her, saying this late eating is a two Pepsid AC evening for Ellie and me!

Today, we will do some sightseeing, and then, in the evening, we will be the guests of 2 couples, friends of ours for over 30 years, who wish to honor us on our anniversary. They will also love Whit, I am sure! Tomorrow, we will see "Chicago" for Whit has not seen it...we don't mind seeing it again, for it worth seeing more than once!

We'll keep you posted on the wild life here in Florida... today it is going to be in the high 80s, weather almost made to order for Whit's visit!

Have a great day everyone..we surely will also!

Love,

Mil