Daniel's Life
(coffee - page 62 - work - travel - surf)
"inside the mind of a compulsive clicker"
 When the face in a wave...makes you think twice. Adversity... a word that I have come to appreciate. As we continue to wind down the road of Highway Covid 19, we have learned what works, what doesn't, and WTF (waffles ,toast, and fries)! As we hear the words "the Great Reset" and "Covid 21", I think its only fair to take a deep breath (no mask please) and exhale slowly with a thought of what makes you smile?
What I have learned the last 10 months is that adversity can be spoiled with a good attitude of flexibility... And a desire to enjoy the project regardless of the obstacles. In some ways I have succeeded, and others I wasn't even allowed to get in the game. I am fortunate that I have diversified my business life in ways that allow for a "no football season" and the opportunity to explore new projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed the surf and photo opportunities from December and my local effort to continue retailing at various locations. Its been fun to witness the power of a cell phone as people walk by displays... without missing a beat (lol). The people I have met recently and had the opportunity to engage, has been invigorating to say the least. I look forward to a 2021 with enthusiasm and getting "the shot" you have to have! Cheers!
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(Fiction - literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that describes imaginary events and people)... On that note:
It was an innocent text to my hair stylist. I had come to the conclusion I was due for a haircut and I had to see what the game plan was. After a quick text of "are you working" came a reply, "I'm booking in a week or so". Knowing the "shelter in place" was in effect and the opportunity to connect was a risk... I texted "let me know...". A week later, a text came that asked about "Wednesday at 3?". I replied, "sure...that works. At the mall?" The reply was, "yes...see you then". As I drove up to a bank (get some cash) across from the mall, I noticed it looked rather empty. In fact, the only auto in hundreds of open spaces, was a police car. He watched me turn left in front of him and another left, into the back drive through. It felt a little odd as I realized he was watching every car driving past his domain. His car started and drove off as I got some twentys from the ATM. I made the left turn and proceeded to the backside of the mall to a Salon office I was very familiar with. The odd feeling of isolation returned as I parked in a vacant lot of 500 plus parking spaces. We were obviously alone..as she greeted me at the door with a smile, "how are you" and a quick lock up behind us we walked down the dark...unlit hallway to her office. I commented "thats odd.. whats up with the lights"? She then intimated that the salon is "closed" and she only just started using it again the last week. I excused myself to use the restroom across the half lit hallway and returned a few minutes later. I sat in the chair, as she closed the door, and we talked about the "lock down" and latest news. Cuts and trimming proceeded with light conversation about family and the future of this madness called Covid19....for twenty minutes or so. And then it started... Hello...hello? A loud voice bellowed down the darkened hallway to our left. Hello? Anyone here? My stylist froze...The security guard radioed, "no ones here", are you sure he went in this way? A voice confirmed on the two-way... "yes, we got him on tape and his car is still in the parking lot". As he tapped on doors ..ever inching closer to our office... instinct told me to quietly tell her...as I got up and walked to the corner... "turn the lights off". She did and came past the locked door and stood next to me in fear as her career and income slowly evaporated in her mind. I couldn't decide to bust out laughing, scare the security guard with a big BOO!... or realize he may be armed and I could be dead over a haircut! TAP! Tap! on our door... HELLO? anyone in here...? DEEP BREATH... "wait, he said to dispatch, there's a bathroom here, as he opened the door slowly... yep, someones been in here ..the lights on"! You sure he didnt leave?... "No his car is still here", said dispatch. Weird... I'm going to look down this hallway... Tap...Tap... Hello.... Hello as his voice drifted off. My stylist looked at me..."what do we do? she whispered. Oh my God! Is this a movie? I thought....man gets haircut... man gets shot! Ok Ok...here's the plan I whispered, you go to the left... and I will go to the right down the dark hallway. Give me a few seconds and ask out loud... "who is it? whats up?" and that will divert him so I can get out the front door. Ready? A look of compliance was all I needed and I slowly began to walk down the hall way towards the door...when I heard... "Hello? who is it? Hello?", as my stylist perfectly navigated the situation.... I heard the guard....as I walked out the front door, "What are you doing here"? I was tempted to run for it...and then I realized I was on camera and walked slowly to my car. Got in...started...put it drive and headed for an exit. No cops... no one followed me...thank God! I made it a 1/2 mile away when I realized how intense, crazy and ridiculous this situation was! OMG! I could have been arrested or worse for a hair cut! FREEDOM! The adrenaline kicked in! Buzz.....buzzz....my cell....I pick up.... "That was crazy!" My stylist said, "its ok...were good, I explained that we were moving and re-organizing". Security reminded me I needed to call the office if I was to enter the Salon. My heart rate began to settle down... I realized my cut was about 80% done. "so... you want a diet or regular Coke,? I asked. What?, she exclaimed! "Yes..I said, I'm stopping for a coke and going back... you need to finish". Ok..uh... "just tell them I'm coming back with sodas and you are leaving in a few minutes", I said. She replies... "No I don't need to call them". "I think you do", as I left it with, "see you at the door in 8 minutes..." So I got there, we laughed...nervously.... thinking my God this is a movie! My 20% was done in 3 minutes... and we got out of there! Now that's a cut.... to remember! (names, events and dates have been changed to resemble a story that if asked about, is purely fictional)
 I am always amazed at the reaction of "who's Jim Rome" (its JIM ROHN...lol)? Or uh, huh...yeah, ok, as I know my comment that, "He's free on YouTube" is being dismissed unconsciously by the person I'm talking to. Thats usually when I ask, "to get a pen and write these names down". Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, Les Brown...That's a good start for the college graduate, entrepreneur, or business truth seeker. I met Jim Rohn in 1989 and his philosophies and story telling made a distinctive impact on how I see the business world and the results of my efforts. For a mentor to describe the outcome and predict your success based on the behaviors we exhibit (self discipline, learning, willingness, etc.), was refreshing and challenging. To know what the possibilities are through the experience of others, is a fundamental step to the enjoyment of learning and life. I have included a few photos that are a result of listening, adventure, and belief. Several prints are displayed in my home and remind me daily to "listen to the voice" and "you can do anything...if you take the first step". What are your goals this year?
 2018 The opportunity to take a week in MIlan was met with little resistance as my wife informed me she had a conference to attend in December. I have had the opportunity to visit Rome and surrounding cities, however did not know much about Milan and another stop known as Lake Como. After checking the weather (40-45˚) with sunshine forecasted, it was a pleasant surprise to find some incredible photo opportunities for fun and education. Milan is well deserved for its reputation as the fashion capitol of he world as I walked the streets the first morning I arrived. The degree of seriousness Italians take in dress and fashion was on full display. I was also pleasantly surprised to navigate with my cell phone to several areas within walking distance of our hotel (Westin Palace). My adventure is documented in the Travel section of this site and includes the Duomo Cathedral, Starbucks Reserve (another story), Milan, Lamborghini, and a day trip to Lake Como. I can't describe the food ( amazing) so I will let the photos do the tasting...Enjoy!
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CompanyDaniel Photography Ltd. California Company (Daniel Haniger LLC) based in Menlo Park. This keeps me busy:
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