Comments on: The Shoveler and his Golden Shovel

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:50:33 +0000

You are so right. I have the utmost respect for anyone that does a job to the best of their abilities, regardless of what that job may be. I love your statement “I’d sooner be a skilled ditch digger than a clumsy brain surgeon.” It speaks much of your character. Thanks for sharing your true life story of trench digging.

By: DiscoveredJoys

DiscoveredJoys — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:32:18 +0000

Years ago I used to issue contracts and pay for contractors to dig trenches and lay cables for the utility firm I worked for (most utilities are underground in the UK). The contractors were paid so much per metre and their charges had to cover the cost of permanent repair to the road or footpath surface. The workmen digging those trenches were skilled craftsmen – the trenches were exactly the specified depth and as straight sided and narrow as they could make them (to save the cost of repair to the surface material). They even had special narrow shovels, but could still dig very quickly.

Whenever I hear anyone criticising manual jobs like trench digging I point out that a skilled job is a skilled job and carries its own satisfaction. I’d sooner be a skilled ditch digger than a clumsy brain surgeon…

By: A Choice and a Purpose; Entering this Earthly Realm — Eden Journal

A Choice and a Purpose; Entering this Earthly Realm — Eden Journal — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:50:15 +0000

[...] you should experience, I’ll help you choose. Ah, I have the perfect fit. How about a man named Mack. It’s a tough life, and you’ll have to learn to find the positive. You will not be wealthy, and [...]

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:41:05 +0000

Thanks Tim. Sounds like you have some great parents. Your dad gave you some great advise. Not my dream job, but it could be to someone

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:57:04 +0000

Eric:

Very nice, well-written story. It reminds me of something my dad told me a long time ago while driving…he said, “I don’t care if you shovel elephant s**t for a living, as long as that’s what you like to do and that you do your best every day.” It stuck with me and I’m thankful my parents have never pressured me to become a doctor, lawyer or whatever. Thanks for sharing this!
Tim´s last blog ..The Magic of Showing Up

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:21:46 +0000

Ha, that’s good stuff. It’s interesting how we often read something that is exactly the lesson we needed.

P.S. I’d like to share our outlook on cooking. First, it takes practice. Second, we try many new recipes. Some are duds, but every once in a while we find a winner that becomes our new favorite. That new favorite is worth a few duds.

By: Patrenia

Patrenia — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:50:59 +0000

Awesome story!!! The lesson for me is to find joy in WHATEVER I’m doing! What’s funny is that I’ve been posting twitter today how I don’t think cooking is my forte. I guess I need to aplogize to myself .

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:13:34 +0000

Thanks Krissa. The pencil drawing was not mine, but seemed to fit the story perfectly.

By: Krissa

Krissa — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:43:36 +0000

Great story! And I love the pencil drawing as well.
Krissa´s last blog ..Soup D’Jour

By: Eric Watermolen

Eric Watermolen — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:21:54 +0000

Hi Trisha. Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate you leaving a comment. These comments mean a lot to us bloggers. I am a big fan of Raptitude, I love reading about David’s adventures. I’m glad you found your way here, and am very happy that you enjoyed my story.