Alexis Hartz, Author

The last time I went into the phone store to upgrade my cell phone I looked for one that was just a phone . "No such thing on your plan," the clerk told me. "Besides, it's good to have the camera on the phone, in case you are in a car accident, or something like that."   Really? My mother always told me about wearing clean undies in case I was in a car accident, but now I have to carry a camera too?   Like most of my generation I don't understand the fascination with phone cameras and caring a cache of images in my hands 24 hours a day. Of course needing glasses to see those tiny photos is probably part of the turn off. Oh don't get me wrong. I love my photos as much as the next person. But, I continually and carefully to edit my collection. Photographs capture so much more than an image. They are full of memory triggers --- which can be good or bad. They take us back to the past -- which can be good or bad. Seriously, photos of some of ...

Yesterday we prepared for today's rains.  Oh, and did they come. One cloud burst right after another. Rain. Wind. Hail. Game delayed.  Game on. Game delayed. Game on. Forty degrees. Wet and cold. Inning after inning fans and workers nestled together in any bit of shelter they could find. Any person in their right mind could see that the weather was not fit for man, beast, or baseball, but the show went on.  Whispers of when the game would be called circulated among the stadium staff, along with the inside info that ticket refunds would not be given if the team played a pre-determined number of innings. By the fourth inning even God had had enough.  A clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning came out of the sky and the game was finally and officially declared "rained out". I could tell you how miserable it was, especially cleaning up after all that, and how I came home wet, and dirty, and tired, and chilled to the bone. But as you can see from the images ...

Can you believe it?  I was actually invited on to the field. . . but not without strings attached. The stadium grounds crew was preparing for rain and asked our team to help maneuver an oversized tarp out of storage and over the field. Of course I graciously offered my assistance. Check out how the event unfolded. First the assembled the team. Then, I helped with leadership and direction. With Step 1 completed, we each grabbed a tarp handle and ran in unison to spread the tarp length-wise. Once unrolled the heavy tarp became a sea of billowing waves. With the process nearly completed, I took the opportunity to look around. Always willing to help, I moved unnecessary equipment out of the way. I did a little cleaning up, and checked out the equipment. Finally, I took a well deserved rest. How fortunate I am.  Not everyone can enjoy a day  out in left field .

I've got to disconnect. Few habits are as addictive as sitting in front of the tv, viewing mindless mediocre entertainment and eating delicious comfort food. It's been more than a few days and already I'm suffering from indigestion and snug pants. Why is it so difficult to turn that darn television off and get back to the activities of life? I know I'm not the only one that is challenged with the power switch. Today is a new day.  I am disconnecting.  Completely. Disconnecting the cable, wrapping it up, and stashing it behind lock and key.  It's the only way. Won't you join me?  If only for a weekend? We can all afford a little break from the tube. Choose one thing you could do instead of watching television this weekend --- and then act. Before you reach for that remote, choose another thing -- and act again. Continue acting instead of watching others act. Who knows what will come from living your very own reality show. . .

Oh I'm so grateful for my life!  Few days are as sweet as these at the California Angels' Tempe Diablo Stadium.       Players on the field, fans in the stands, and last minute preparations for Opening Day are in full swing.       I'm pretty sure that this is part of what heaven is all about -- all of the experience of a front row seat without the noise and flurry of the crowds.        Remember my no-fail investment strategy ? Well, this is what it's is all about.  We're just getting started. Opening Day is this Saturday, and there are still tickets available .  Act now.

Did you know that President's Day was originally established to honor George Washington on his birthday, February 22?   However, in 1971, as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the holiday date was changed as was its purpose: to honor the service of all  presidents, past and present.   Can you imagine a day at the office for the president? It's hard to do with all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds him. But, in more than a few ways his world parallels our own:   The president is required to participate in world politics, just like we are required to get along with our neighbors, be they friends or enemies.  The president must provide for the needs of its citizens, in the same way we must keep our own families fed and housed.  The president must manage the feuding members of congress, just like we have to manage our workplace relationships. Now obviously this is a very simplistic view of the president's many role...

Invitations to stay at friends' homes for extended stays are continually coming my way.  One even prefaced it, "If you want to stay in a real  house.....".   How ironic.  She lives in an apartment. I've heard others speak poorly about people who live in "homes on wheels".  Some do live in motor homes because it is their only option for shelter.  However, for most of us that is not the case. We choose this living arrangement because of the great opportunities it offers. Traveling the country, meeting people, and other experiences beyond what we can find in our permanent residences are abundant.  In fact, so much so that, within a few years of being on the road, a great majority of us gladly give up our permanent home bases. Phoenix was my home for over 20 years before I hit the road. Being back here to work the Spring Training Baseball Season has really made me appreciate how much this traveling lifestyle has done for me. I've gained confidence ...