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Imagination is Everything

12:50 pm by Burton Fletcher in Brother to Brother

“Imagination is everything.  It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

Throughout my professional career, I have observed a great many people who excelled in the area of imagination. I believe myself to be imaginative and this skill has aided me throughout my career.

Those with imagination have more control over their lives, their future and their destiny.

Without imagination, you cannot see over the horizon, much less around the corner. As Albert Einstein said, your “coming attractions” will be based upon your “imagination”, and the quality of your life will be more remarkable if you will develop and exercise your imagination.  Today, we commonly call this skill “thinking outside the box.”  

Burton Fletcher
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Lion Photos

7:15 pm by Burton Fletcher in 1970s, Photos

A significant piece of history was found in an old box of negatives - the installation of the first lion at the old E house. Please excuse the black & white photos – we really aren’t that old; I used b&w because I could develop them in my father’s darkroom (and cheaper).  I believe it was 1970 and one of the bothers told me about the, ahem… “procurement” of the lion (I remember Dennis Blazon called it a “five finger discount”). 

Although it was white when acquired, the first photo shows the lion’s condition after another fraternity had “disprespected” it one night (the first of several times) by splashing it with paint in their colors, when we had it displayed temporarily in front. 

When that happened, it was decided to mount it permanently so it was cleaned, painted, the foundation poured and the brick base was built (by Danny Taylor) and a dedication ceremony was performed after the final installation.  

- Not all of the brothers could make it to the afternoon ceremony; some had to work – I think that’s where Skip Hull was at the time.- Greg Brock performed the ceremony dedication and breaking of the champagne bottle.- Manny Glass read a poem at the ceremony end while others look on.- A great PAE cheer finished up the ceremony. 

During the installation, Greg is standing by the foundation, and the brothers carrying it in place include Randy Crastina, but the others are unidentified, so if you know who else helped, please comment below.  Andy Kelly was standing by me behind the camera. 

Names of the 19 brothers in the photo during the ceremony (before the bottle break) are L-R:  Dennis Blazon, (#2 is behind Dennis - don’t recall), (#3 don’t recall), (#4 don’t recall), Ernie Hendrix, (#6 don’t recall), (#7 don’t recall), Statts Howell, Bobby England, Manny Glass, Roger White, Steve Duke, Frank Craddock, Glen Bedonie (he is behind Greg), Randy Crastina, Harold Key, (#17 don’t recall), (#18 don’t recall) and Greg is standing by the lion.  My apology to the brothers whose names I cannot recall; I remember you, just age having its effect.  Any additions or corrections, please add comment below. 

Thanks to Andy Kelly and Wally Gonzalez for contribution of details.  I hope you all enjoy the photos.  Phi Alpha, Mike Davison

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Overcoming Shortcomings and Weaknesses….

8:27 am by Burton Fletcher in Brother to Brother

I received this from a fraternity brother recently.  I hope it helps you in all aspects of your life.    Burton Fletcher 

Brothers:A friend passed this along to me today. I thought it was appropriate for you as leaders, individuals and the Chapter. Please read and share it among yourself. Chapter has and will face challenging times. However, it is important as individuals and as an organization to keep things in perspective. SAE is about brotherhood. Brotherhood and unity has made us a legacy and what we are today. A brother’s shortcomings and/or weaknesses belong to all of us. Likewise, another brother’s strengths can compensate for any deficiencies we all have. Thus, as a whole the organization remains strong. However, this does not mean we should not be the best brother we can be individually. Thus, the below words of wisdom are appropriate for us individually and as an organization.John

Dr. Zimmerman’s TUESDAY TIP: “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way; if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”  Frank Banks

What Dr. Alan Zimmerman Has To Say:I remember the story of the pessimist who read his horoscope that said, “Make new friends and see what happens.”  He made three new friends and nothing happened.  Now he complains that he is stuck with three new friends.That’s the problem with pessimists.  No matter what happens … good or bad … they lack hope. 

And as I mentioned in a tip a few week’s ago, there are two critical factors in the formula for success.  You’ve got to HOPE BIG and WORK HARD.But that, in and of itself, is not enough. 

In his little book “On Hope,” H. Jackson Brown, Jr. says, “Hope is a cactus not a cushion.  It should make you jump up and do something.”He’s right. 

I’m sure we’ve all come across people who are filled with hope — but not much else.  They’re all talk and no action.  They talk a good game but their actual results leave a lot to be desired.Jackson’s father made my two points of HOPE and WORK even clearer. 

He said, “Work and hope, but don’t hope more than you work.”So what do I mean by WORK HARD … as part of the formula for success?  After all, we’ve heard consultants preach the message of “work smarter, not harder.”

Yes.  There’s some truth in that.  But some people misinterpret the mantra of “work smarter” to mean you should just “focus on your strengths” and “forget the rest.”  Then everything will be okay. 

Well I hate to burst your bubble.  The last thing I want to be is a spoil sport or a sour puss.  But I’ve known and worked with lots of successful, wealthy, and/or famous people over the years, and they all have one thing in common. 

They all recognize the fact they have to do more than merely “focus on their strengths.”  They have to keep on WORKING HARD.

Oh sure, your strengths and talents will get you noticed.  It will separate you from the rest of the pack, and give you a head start. 

But that advantage will only take you so far and last so long.Songwriter Irving Berlin knew this.  He said, “The toughest thing about success is you’ve got to keep on being a success.  Talent is only a starting point in business.  You’ve got to keep working that talent.”

And best-selling author Stephen King asserts, “Talent is cheaper than table salt.  What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”So how can you get your mind around this concept? 

And how can you get and keep yourself motivated to do what you need to do … to be as successful as you want to be? Well, that’s what the entire first day of my “Journey To The Extraordinary” program is all about. 

For a complete explanation of that 6-step process, go to http://www.Journey-To-The-Extraordinary.com/ For today’s purposes, however, let me explain the WORK HARD factor.

I suggest the following.=>  1.  Discard the “quick and easy, no-work” myth.You’ve seen the ads.  Lose 30 pounds in your sleep.  Become a millionaire by working 10 minutes a day … at home … in your pajamas.  Master the art of instant charisma in 3 easy lessons … or win big in Vegas every time.Exciting ads, certainly.  The only trouble is … they have no research-tested, verifiable proof for what they claim.  So you need to be a little cautious about those things that sound too good to be true.  Instead, listen to the advice

Ralph Waldo Emerson gave years ago.  He said, “Shallow men believe in luck; wise and strong men believe in cause and effect.”  In other words, successful people cause their own luck … by doing the right things … so they get the effects they want.  Successful people seldom, if ever, wait for things to happen.  They make things happen.And author, consultant, and President of Highpoint University, Nido Quebein confirms that.  He says, “You may have the loftiest goals, the highest ideals, the noblest dreams; but remember this, nothing works unless you do.”  So discard the “quick and easy, no-work myth.”

=>  2.  Distinguish between activity and accomplishment.When I say you need to WORK HARD, I’m not saying that the more hours you put in the more successful you will be.  We all know people who work an insane amount of hours and don’t have anything to show for it.You have to know WHERE your work is going.  You have to know what GOALS you’re working towards. 

Otherwise you’ll end up like Alice in “Through The Looking Glass” who asks the Cheshire cat, “Would you please tell me which way I ought to go from here?”“That depends on where you want to get,” the cat replied.“I don’t care much where,” Alice answered.“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” the cat responded.Without clear goals for your hard work, you’ll be busy; you’ll have lots of activity in your life, but you won’t have much in the way of accomplishment.

That’s why Ernest Hemingway said, “Never confuse motion and action.”Yes, WORK HARD, but work with a clear goal in mind.  Then you’ll be more than active; you’ll actually be accomplishing something.

And finally …

=>  3.  Practice persistence.Practice hanging on  … just a little bit longer.  It’s kind of like holding your breath under water when you were a kid.  You practiced holding your breath for 10 seconds, then 20 and 30 seconds.  And with practice, you could hold your breath a great deal longer … with a great deal more ease. 

And the same principle applies to any task you undertake.As author Samuel Johnson noted in 18th century England, “What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn just to do with diligence.”And yet lots of people fail to persist because they’re afraid they’ll fail. 

Of course, that’s possible, but that’s a stupid way to approach life.   In fact, if you go through life, afraid of failure, you may never pursue the goals, the tasks, the dreams, or the relationships you want to pursue. 

As H. Jackson Brown advised, “Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”The same goes for the time involved.  Lots of other people fail to persist because they think their goals will take too long to achieve.  Again, that’s a stupid way to approach life. 

Brown continues, “Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it.  The time will pass anyway.Patsy Meisel taught me that.  She was a fellow professor along with me at the university many years ago.  And even though she had been teaching for decades, she had the dream of going beyond her master’s degree to earn a doctorate.Everyone told her she was foolish.  After all, she was in her 60’s and would only teach a few more years; so why bother?  Besides that, the schooling would cost her a lot of money that she would never have the chance to recoup.But Patsy was a person who believed in HARD WORK and practiced persistence.  She didn’t let the odds of getting her doctorate … stop from pursuing her doctorate.  And she didn’t let the amount of time it would take to finish the degree … dampen her enthusiasm.  She took a leave of absence from her job, went back to school, got her doctorate, came back to the university as Dr. Patsy Meisel, taught 2 more years and retired.A waste, you think?  No way.  Patsy achieved her dream … and continues to live today into her 80’s, knowing the pride and satisfaction that comes with HARD WORK.

Action:Before you engage in any hard work, define your motivation.  Clarify your goal.  What are you trying to achieve with your hard work?If you’re not sure, you’ve confused activity with accomplishment and will never know the joy, the benefits, the success of HARD WORK. 

So go back and clarify your goal.

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Pensacola Area Alumni Association Reunion

2:39 pm by Burton Fletcher in '08 Reunion

A Note From Burton Fletcher

                It was a wonderful experience joining with brothers from across the Realm of SAE to unite in Pensacola this past weekend!  Those Brothers, Sisters, Minervas, and Supporters of Florida Sigma and the Pensacola Area Alumni Association in attendance were certain to have an excellent experience in the bonds of brotherhood.

                In the days that follow, I am confident that a great many brothers and sisters of Minerva will come forth with their recollections, clouded as they might be, by the merriment shared by all. 

A Bit About Me

                I enjoy travelling and I plan to travel quite a bit this summer.  During my visit in Pensacola, I shopped and purchased in various antique stores.  From yard art to crystal, I can shop without tiring in antique stores.  We shopped in some outstanding stores during our visit to Pensacola.

Alice Dent and Emiko “Amy” Takeuchi:                 My significant other, Alice Dent, a French teacher in Jacksonville; and my companion of more than a decade, Emi Takeuchi, who suffers from dementia as a victim of medical malpractice, were impressed and delighted by the events. 

Perdido Bay Sun

The hotel accommodations at Perdido Bay Sun were first rate and a very enjoyable stay! 

              With Garmin, and GPS, I had a wonderful opportunity to explore the University of West Florida with Brother Joe Peake.  UWF has grown remarkably since I graduated with my MBA in June 1976.  The growth of that institution during the past 32 years is remarkable! 

                The more I am around Joe, the more I love him.  Joe was also a recipient of the Order of The Lion and the SAE Badge he manufactured and the True Gentleman Plaque that he and I both contributed to were works of art!  Thank you Joe for your friendship! 

Friday Morning/SAE House

It certainly was great to visit the “E” House!  Alice, Emi and I met with Brother Joe Peake at the E House in the morning!  What a clean house!  I want that maid service myself! 

                I dropped off 14 bronze Abraham Lincoln banks, statues, desk items and 4 law office photos by a famous artist.  These items, when sold on eBay, should bring in a good sum to the fraternity.  

                It is my hope that a program will be developed to encourage annual giving and bequests as we are all aging and we never know when the Grim Reaper will give us a knock at the door.  Giving to Florida Sigma seems like the right thing to do…. 

                Joe Peake dropped off the hand-carved SAE Badge with his badge number on the back of the badge.  He also dropped off the True Gentleman Plaque that he built at my request after I provided him with the porcelain Leo for the plaque.  Well done and A BIG PHI ALPHA Joe!  You, sir, are a True Gentleman! 

Jerry’s Cajun Café & Catering

                Joe, Alice, Emi and I enjoyed lunch at Jerry’s Cajun Café & Catering, after we finally found it!  I recommend this restaurant just as it had been recommended to us by actives. 

Friday Afternoon/Touring The University of West Florida

                Joe, Alice, Emi and I toured The University of West Florida.  After 32 years, the changes and growth was remarkable.  We shopped in the bookstore, located in the Commons, and took photos at the campus entrance and on the steps of the John C. Pace Library where I stood for photographs in 1976 when I received my MBA from UWF.  Sure, I’m greyer and fatter, but, like the campus, my core values remain and I push forward as I have been doing throughout my professional career. 

Friday Evening/SAE House

                Friday evening, Alice, Emi and I arrived late due to business activities.  Even at 8:30 p.m., there remained a great number of brothers and sisters in attendance.  It was great to visit with these folks.  We have our shared experiences and our bonds remain, in spite of the years, and my love for Florida Sigma is considerable.  The leadership within this organization is considerable and new leaders are emerging to train future generations and carry the load of responsibility that has been borne by the founders since the beginning.  

Seville Quarter

                Dancing in Seville Quarter was fun, and though the music was not to my liking, the brotherhood was enjoyable.  Alice took a spin on the dance floor with several brothers who warmed her up before I took over….

Saturday Evening/National Museum of Naval Aviation: The events on Saturday Evening were remarkable. 

                First, the Naval Museum is a must see if you were unable to attend or have not enjoyed the experience previously!  The facility is outstanding and overwhelmingly beautiful!  Florida Sigma has a long history in support of those who served our country by providing military service as enlisted or officers.  This former USMC, E-4, (1970-1973) greatly respects the many individuals who have distinguished military careers.  We thank you for your service! 

                The food was great and the ladies looked exceptionally fit and beautiful Saturday evening!  My date, Alice Dent, looked radiant and beautiful.  My loyal friend, Emi (“Amy”), joyfully shared the event with us.  It was great to meet Hondo Davids and his lovely wife and former Little Sister Migi Davids.  Hondo was initiated at another chapter but lived in the E House during his training as a Naval Officer in Pensacola.  Their love for SAE remains strong. 

                Brother Jerry “Fubar” Mock is the funniest brother I have ever known, except for Skip Hull, but that is another story for another time!  FUBAR introduced a retired Admiral at the event with considerable aplomb, and I’m certain the admiral, an SAE and academy graduate, receiving his “50-Year Certificate,” will never forget the event or the “E-5” who introduced him. ;o)  The Admiral proudly proclaimed that his ring from the Naval Academy has SAE on the face of the ring.  Phi Alpha! 

                Jerry entertained us with his repartee and kept things moving along.  Ken Jernigan is to be commended for his efforts and those of the many other brothers who pulled the event together in True Gentleman fashion.  These details will follow at a later time!  Everyone is encouraged to call, write and email Ken and other brothers so you to can be “ONE” with the rest of us.  Ken, please provide me with a write up on the many persons who contributed and their respective roles. 

The Order of The Lion: 

                I was deeply honored to hear the applause for myself and others who received the “Order of The Lion” “for recognition of continued leadership, dedication and loyal service to the Fraternity.”  This portion of the evening was particularly poignant as the Pensacola Area Alumni Association took a historical approach to honor some of the many individuals who have contributed above and beyond the call of duty to our great fraternity as founders and subsequently.

                I thank the Pensacola Area Alumni Association for including me among those honored for service to Sigma Alpha Epsilon from the founding through the present.  I can think of no greater honor received during my lifetime.  It was a very special moment that I will always respect and be humbled by as it was a great honor to receive the affection and recognition by the bestowal of this award on those who have excelled at service to Florida Sigma and the Pensacola Area Alumni Association.   We are a band of brothers who celebrate brotherhood through the Spirit of The True Gentleman!

                When I receive a complete list of award recipients, I will post the information on www.FloridaSigma.com.  Please note that Brother Steve Duke is a regular contributor on that site and he has published many articles on that site.  Thank you Steve! 

Eminent Supreme Archon

                It was a great honor to hear the words of the Eminent Supreme Archon.  He spoke of the power of “ONE” individual to make great changes in the lives of others.  It was a powerful speech and a challenge to each of us to exercise the power contained within each of us for the good of our fraternal order.  Our Future

                I heard a couple of comments that made me beam with pride.  Someone announced plans to “honor” Brother Lloyd Smith “next year.”  There are two parts of this statement that everyone should note.  To honor Brother Lloyd Smith who entered Chapter Eternal a couple of years ago in a plane accident near Atlanta saddened us greatly. 

                Lloyd’s wife, Arleen Smith, amksmith@bellsouth.net, continues to grieve and she, herself, contributed greatly to Florida Sigma.  Please email Arleen from time to time to support here.

                Lloyd was a noted Chapter Advisor and friend to Florida Sigma.  Chapter Hall is named after Lloyd and that statement made me proud as a brother.  The second part of this statement was “next year.”  I hope it becomes a reality and, why not?! 

                Brother Tom Gunter expressed his belief that the Pensacola Area Alumni Association is prepared for great things in the future.  Tom, I believe you are correct and I am with you my brother.  We need a telephone list that is updated regularly so we can call each other and provide the kind of deep emotional support that brotherhood engenders. 

Thoughts:“One never knows what each day is going to bring.  The important thing is to be open and ready for it.”  Henry Moore

“The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.”  Eleanor Roosevelt“Dream as if you’ll live forever…live as if you’ll die today.”  James Dean

“Life is what you make of it.  Always has been.  Always will be.”  Grandma Moses

See www.Lyonco.com for inspirational plaques.  http://www.lyonco.com/product_line.aspx?category=-20464&parent=-20426#_top

Miscellaneous

                We have Brother Robert Randle running for Sheriff.  Robert has given his leadership and support for Florida Sigma for a long time and it is only fair that we support him in his endeavor.  Email Rodney at rr@rmw.gccoxmail.com and send him a donation!               

Please support Robert and give him a financial donation.  From personal experience, I can affirm that political contests, on any level, are expensive propositions.  Donate! 

Please call Ken Jernigan at 850.433,2453 or write ken@kenjernigan.com to share your appreciation.  Better yet; VOLUNTEER so, if you have not been already, you too can be invited into and honored as a Brother in The Order of The Lion. 

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Super Reunion by a Super Committee

8:32 pm by Steve Duke in '08 Reunion

There’s a definite downside to being “on the road” most of the time with my chosen field of work.  The obvious ones are being away from wife, kids, grandkids and friends.  Another negative is that I am not in town to participate in the Alumni Association.  None of you really know how much I enjoy frequently seeing men that I am proud to call “brothers” and how much I miss it when I am unable to.  For the present, I must be content to participate via e-mail.

To each and every member of the Reunion Committee, I say “thank you” for your time, your dedication and your selflessness.  You are all heroes and could serve as a model for the active brothers as they begin building their own lives, families and careers.

I look forward to see all of you at the initiation later this summer.

Steve Duke ‘73

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• Burton Fletcher
  Lawyer; Retired Professor of Business Administration; Monument Builder; Servant Leader. Raised in Suwannee County, FL, USMC 1970-73, UWF Grad 1975, 1976, J.D., 1980. Taught for 9 colleges and 4 universities. Valdosta, GA Entrepreneur! Most important of all: Dedicated Florida Sigma Brother! Phi Alpha, ya'll! ;o) Burton@GeorgiaLoanClosers.com
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  Married twice: Suzanne, 12 years (2 daughters, Kim and Lindsay) Wife: Belinda, 22 years (2 daughters, twins, Amie and Heather) Retired claim manager, Allstate Ins Co I enjoy golf, biking, hiking, iPod. Retired reservist, 34 years.