Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

John's Jorney

As most of you know, I am new to the area. But after more than a month with you, I am beginning to come out of my shell.

Several Gurdon folks, and elsewhere near here, have reached out to me in friendship. This is something I have appreciated more than anyone will ever know.

Having been brought up on a farm in Indiana, by my dad's folks, I was used to the ways of a century or two ago being instilled in my thinking as the point of reference for right or wrong.

I have found some old fashioned values here in Gurdon with people I can believe to be real friends, as they seem to understand my way of thinking.

Without naming names, a couple out at Whelen Springs (with the initials Ruby and Arvil Purifoy) has renewed my faith in the honor and decency I was taught as a boy.

As I may have mentioned, I was the prodigal son. I had a dream of owning a chain of newspapers and that was what I was going for  no matter who it hurt. When I doubted that my dream should be first in my life, I would go out and kick up my heels until I could not realize the truth for a few hours.

As time went on, I learned from my mistakes. I had four successful businesses in their time and four successful marriages. The reason they did not last was because my priorities were wrong. Don't get the wrong impression, dreaming is a wonderful thing. But friends and family are what a man has to put first, or those wrong priorities will catch up with him.

The truth I share with you is about what the world taught people my age. The "Baby Boomer" philosophy was the promotion of being selfish. I am here to tell you that lifestyle does not last. When being selfish becomes a temptation, go fishing. Not only that, but go fishing with a buddy. If you have been blessed with a spouse or special friend of the opposite sex, spend a few minutes with that person alone. Don't put it off... Or share an afternoon with someone who could use an ear.

I have no idea why, but I have been given another chance to get those priorities straight, right here in Gurdon. Since this opportunity is there, I am trying my best to leave the past in the past, only to be brought up as a point of good reference. So it is time to open the flood gates and let in friends who also know what priorities are really important and that is what I am talking about to you. I want to visit the Gurdon light with a buddy guiding me.

I want to go find the special spring water I was told about somewhere on Kansas Road, with an excited companion. I want to live every day I have left like it was my last  because it might be. So Gurdon young folks, when people tell you this little town holds nothing and you need to hit the big time, come talk to the editor. I will tell you about my experiences in Sarasota, Florida, Memphis, Tenn., Indianapolis, Ind., New York City, London, England, Paris, France and so many more places I don't need to name.

I was trying to "find myself" up and down the road as an editor, advertising director, publisher, or just plain adventurer. Follow my lead, if you must.

But remember what I learned, Dorothy was right on the Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home. The Gurdons of the world are our homes. Go sit on a bench at the park and be glad to be there. Wave at someone you have known all of your life and be glad you still know them.

It is easy to get discouraged when you spend too much time alone. It is also easy to get negative about how things are never going to be good again. I believe new friends will mean new experiences and there is a lot in life to be thankful for having.

Grandpa used to say if you have your health, you have everything. I think he meant spiritual, mental and physical health. Because without all three, there is an empty feeling in your gut. I had that feeling as a businessman, even trying to help five kids and a beautiful wife. I believe God would have let me stay a successful businessman and a husband if my priorities would have been different.

For me, it is time for bonds that last. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see reality is hard. But with love and friendships coming first, things begin to get better. For example, in Gurdon, I no longer have that empty feeling in my gut.

Perhaps nobody will get a thing out of what I just tried to explain. But if even one person starts prioritizing and thanking his or her Maker for what is, this was worth writing.

Many of you who have read this column might remember me saying I am a singer and songwriter. My friends at Whelen Springs are too. I hope to find an old guitar to share my work with them and others soon.

One of my songs, that had two recording artists' interests peaked years ago, is a piece called "So Easy."

It describes the beauty of two people falling in love. I honestly believe that if a persons' top priority is love, life will be something seen as half full instead of half empty. If you remember nothing else from this column today, listen to this  don't let anyone talk you out of who or what you are.

Until next time, may your journey be a happy one. This is John, still on his journey.