Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion and Humility.
.....this is a portion of the "introduction" or prologue to the book (not yet completed)...email with your comments.
The books title;
Character Happens! The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues, describes my belief these five important virtues (
Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Humility), are sporadic in use and diminishing in personal character. The books message is in recognizing this “fleeting” nature and from that reinstitute a more virtuous choice in your decision making.
The paradox of the two words; Character Happens, with another two words: “S### Happens”*
(decorum prevents use of actual word) is not without merit. My belief is that observed human character is much like, well...s###! This kind of observation can be disconcerting at times. So confusing that society can hardly make the distinction between the two words and there obvious different meaning. Individuals make virtuous and un-virtuous choices/decisions for innumerable reasons, both consciously and without deep thought. If we postulate; can an individual make a 'more' virtuous choice in life’s decisions should they want to do so? Answer—perhaps. How does one 'reinstitute a more virtuous choice' into their personal makeup...making the response more automatic? Answer—practice. With a concerted effort at 'practice' I believe...an individual might just develop a more 'repetitive'
decent response...much like grooving a golf swing.
I love golf. I think the game is like no other. The five stories that make up
Character Happens! have a golf storyline. Some readers may not be able to relate to the game of golf or its vernacular or for that matter, why people...a large number of people...love golf. Too bad! You should try it sometime...because it’s more than a game...it can be a life experience. The golf course environment alone is enough to put most people at ease.
Golf is a game played by the individual as opposed to being a member of a team, like baseball. Baseball has umpires who enforce the rules of the game. In golf you are the umpire. Because of this unique method of enforcing the games rules—golf is a “hotbed” for testing the players character...their honesty, their integrity, their courage and sometimes their compassion. And, because all golfers started from knowing nothing about the game; like how to swing, how to putt or chip... they also learn of humility. Now doesn’t it make perfect sense that a book about character would juxtaposition a storyline with the game of golf? Anyway, I thought so.
There are five stories, one for each virtue. The book has six main characters that make up a group of what I call 'golf buddies.' The storyteller, Spencer Madison, in reality is me. Well, somewhat like me...as I have a better golf game than Spencer. The five others vary in age, gender, education, religious beliefs and definitely personality. The 'binder' of the group or what brings them together;
golf.
The reader will hopefully discover in their own lives a similar incident with one of the story’s in Character Happens! If not, that’s okay too...as the stories are earnest while humorous, carefree yet compelling. And, I believe each chapter or story makes a 'point' in this wonderful, wacky, dynamic world in the 21st century.
The stories are fictional as are the characters. Names, personalities or incidents are fictional and in no way resemble or refer to a living person. I’ve used paraphrasing of many authors’ ideas and concepts and have referenced them in a special section. Because of these references and the specific genre where the book is to be found, it’s categorized as a non-fictional, personal development book.
*...sorry for the language but this word best describes the thought I want to convey. In
Forrest Gump the term was used to describe situations that happen to all people for no particular reason.
It seems the newest member to our golf group, Rick Wyatt, has lost his mind at the tender age of seventeen. He decided to forego an upcoming big regional golf tournament, an event he’s favored to win, to attend a ceremonial recognition function for his older brother...the druggie. 
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I've always like the angel Garry, it is comforting. Angels as a symbol have so many meanings throughout the world, that it can appeal across a wide audience, good thinking since '04! I also like the red of the cover too, one of the most eye catching colors there is.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean? "Has he lost his mind." In my mind he is the "KING" of men. There will always be another golf tourament but when will there be another ceremony for recognizing his brother. Family trumps all. How could be so selfish as to even think about missing. Maybe selfishness ought to be a virtue too
ReplyDeleteHey Garry, I agree with Susan, the angel is very comforting and universal. Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteI love the angel. Your cover sticks with you after you see it, I think you've done a nice job.
ReplyDelete