Why Did I Check My Doggone Email?

So I'm on vacation in Yellowstone last week, staying at the ancient, timbered icon known as Old Faithful Inn -- a family favorite. It was a final few days of summer with my wife and son, before he heads back to school. The twisting, warm-water chute at Firehole Falls was as exciting (and rocky) as ever. The hot springs, geysers and paintpots were as wonderfully mesmerizing the umpteenth time I saw them as the first. The buffalo were still wandering in the middle of the road. The rainbows remained parked over the dramatic Lower Falls. And the Inn itself was as quaint and comfortable as I remembered from previous visits.

And then I checked my email by iPhone.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Suddenly I was no longer in a volcanic wonderland, I was mentally at my office confronted by an irate client who was incensed about an estimate for TV production. My heart sank, my stomach wobbled, and my mind became overwhelmed with worry. In a flash, the hot pots weren't so hot, nor the geysers so great.

Modern portable technology had invaded my idyllic getaway. It was my own fault, I realize that. Sure, I have that phone in order to be easily accessible, and to be constantly in communication. But "constant" should not include my vacation.

Fortunately, my wife talked be down off the ledge, calmed my heart, and rehashed Dale Carnegie principles I could use with the client upon my return. But in the process, I learned my lesson: Keep the vacation and business silos separate. A vacation is supposed to refresh me, to make me giddy to return to the Richter7 advertising chores at hand. I almost blew it. Thankfully, I can still hear the Canadian geese honking on the Madison River's banks.

A Little Piece of Positivity

I recently heard Alex Bogusky say that every day in advertising seems to come with a kick to gut. That was his summation statement after discussing how difficult the ad business can be -- especially nowadays. That's why he tries to practice what he calls "dilusional positivity." I suppose that's his way of saying that regardless of the often trying circumstances, he endeavors to put an upbeat spin on things. It's a good philosophy.

A man I respect a lot, named Gordon B. Hinckley, was always preaching optimism. "Have faith, be believing, and things will work for the best," was how he put it once.

I'm trying. But after Richter7 has had to reduce pay, lay off people, and cut others back to four days a week, it's been an uphill battle. But I'm really trying.

It helped to stop by one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth last week while doing some filming on behalf of the Polynesian Cultural Center, a Richter7 client. The accompanying photos give you a glimpse of this tranquil place of contemplation. I've always had a soft spot for all things Asian, since living in Taiwan for two years while serving as a missionary. So this place, called the Byodo Inn Temple, brings back wonderful memories -- and helped me focus on the positive. There are certainly worse places to have a client than in Hawaii.