The inspiration for Fonts and Pints came from my first entrepreneurial venture.
I was about to accept a job offer that required me to move my family to another state. My spouse was on-board with the decision but when she told her boss about it his response was, "Isn't Brad thinking about starting his own business?" A simple question and a simple YES!. The result was some friendly capital and my video production business was underway. That was 30 years ago and I'm still chasing the dream of creating or being a part of an entrepreneurial venture. That initial YES has led to many more YES's and some "School of Hard Knocks" lessons.
The year was 1993 and video production equipment was becoming more "consumerized" which made it within reach for desktop computer type video production. One of my first real business clients was a sign shop run by a couple that actually have become great friends and neighbors. They are not only great artists and signage craftsmen but Dave created his own fonts! I had no idea that was a thing. Not only did I begin to learn about iconography but their work for other business' helped generate leads for my video production business. The relationship with Dave and Ann (his spouse) led to another important relationship with Rusty and his business "Know How Brew".
"Know How Brew" sold kits for home brewing, wine making, and other domestic home production resources. So of course one example of a unit of commerce is the PINT and choosing the right FONT to inspire and grab attention creates the foundation to develop your brand. "Fonts and Pints; Inspiration from Letters and Libations" has led to many YES's and relationships!
The alternate meanings for fonts and libations helped me stay connected to my Christian world view and my source of inspiration when the path has not been obvious. Its taken me all of my 63 years to try and connect the dots. They seem clearer now from a distance but I'm still navigating to right the ship and be affirmed that "The Place God calls you is The Place where your Deep Gladness and the World's Deep Hunger Meet." I guess I could lower my expectations. :-)
My dad Roger passed way 4 months ago and my mom, Sandy, passed four years previous. I never really asked them the questions I probably should have but they were always supportive and family was their main priority, that I knew for sure. My dad really suffered when mom died. He felt he should have passed first. I reminded him that she probably would not have done as well either. He missed her greatly but she had really done a good job setting him up for the next 4 years without her. It reminds me, "Why do husbands usually die first? Because they don't need permission!" The end comes for all of us and being with him through his suffering has been a blessing as well as a heart ache.
I learned much from just spending time watching football (American football) and golf with him. Sports and his favorite TV shows were most of our one on one time together. His health kept him from being comfortable away from his apartment. I wanted to ask him about some of his YES's in life but I didn't want to cause him any anxiety or concern if the conversation got to awkward. It wasn't that I was digging for any family secrets but just want to get a little more below the surface of things. Now that I'm in my "Orphan" stage I want to put the story together for my spouse, adult children and grandchildren. Grandchildren really get you thinking about your legacy and the world you're leaving behind. I don't know if it's wisdom but I want "Fonts and Pints" to be more than reflections about my career life but how all of my YES's helped shape me and what they might learn from my journey.
Finally this past weekend I watched one of my favorite movies "Yes Man". It is a comedy about a man stuck in a rut who attends a self-help seminar and commits to saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way. This new life philosophy leads him into a series of wild and humorous adventures, including learning Korean, skydiving, and reconnecting with an old friend. Through his "yes" journey, he not only finds love but also rediscovers joy and spontaneity in life. However, he learns that saying "yes" indiscriminately can have its drawbacks, and he must find a balance between openness and making responsible choices.
I might not be able to share my indiscriminate YES's but those are probably where I've learned the most, right? If you don't make a few wrong decisions you might not discover the power of humility. I've experience God's sense of humor it just depends how far out of bounds your YES's get and whether you can course correct, forgive, or be forgiven.
Mt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
A little story about another YES that keeps contemplative.
