Craig Ruvere

19Jun 2013 by CJ

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love

On June 18, 2013 my beloved grandmother, Madeline Ruvere, peacefully passed away at the age of 92. [caption id="attachment_75" align="alignright" width="296"] A beautiful picture of grams with my great-grandfather.[/caption] Though her health was in continual decline over the last few months, it might sound strange but her passing was still a surprise. I realize it was probably expected given her age, but when you lose someone who once occupied a huge part of your living, laughing and loving, I assure you the loss is still profound regardless of how old you are. Over the last few days my memories of her have been very strong. Beyond the love and support she always provided me, I think the greatest gift she left me was a treasure chest of memories I can…

16Jun 2013 by CJ

Sharing life with someone special makes the journey easier

Love & Relationships

“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.” Fred Rogers Life is nothing more than a journey – a series of highways and byways filled with unexpected turns and roadblocks, which can oftentimes seem insurmountable. The pathways between our personal and professional lives; the joys and the sorrows often intersect in ways we never imagined possible and repeatedly complicate our ability to navigate and stay the course to utter happiness. But our journey through this chaotic and many times complicated existence becomes considerably more tolerable when not taken alone. To have someone to lean on for support and guidance when the terrain seems impassable is truly a blessing - especially when those individuals provide us with unconditional affection and appreciation and…

14Jun 2013 by CJ

Sometimes you just feel a little “blah”

Life & Living

I’ve been pretty quiet this week on the blogosphere. I wouldn’t say there was anything wrong with me necessarily, I just found myself kind of neutral – enjoying the simple pleasures of life, while managing the more frustrating ones. Sometimes it’s that very balance which leaves you somewhat “blah” as you make your way through any given work week. But like I said, there wasn’t anything specifically wrong with me, it was just one of those weeks – and we all have them. I was reminded of a song I used to love (and need to download again) called “Sometimes It’s a Bitch” – powerfully sung by Fleetwood Mac and solo artist Stevie Nicks. The refrain goes something like this: Sometimes it's a bitch, sometimes it's a breeze Sometimes love's…

07Jun 2013 by CJ

Stories of Jeep fires are becoming propaganda

Information & Education, Life & Living

A headline some of you might be familiar with is a recent request by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, asking Chrysler to recall 2.7 million Jeeps from 1993 – 2007 – believing they’re at risk of a fuel tank fire in a rear end collision. As is often the case with journalists and media sources looking to make a name for themselves in the competitive news landscape, the propaganda has already begun on this issue. Propaganda is simply defined as “the spreading of ideas, information or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person.” And sadly, that is what is starting to happen with the Chrysler story above. The other day I read a post online, from what I thought was a…

06Jun 2013 by CJ

Learning the importance of education from our first teachers

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth

I’ve always believed that a successful education, regardless of geography, is contingent upon the commitment of three groups: teachers, students and perhaps most importantly, parents. Now I’m sure you’re all scratching your heads as to why I’d say “parents” might just be the most important part of the educational equation, but think about this. Our parents or guardians are our first “teachers”. They provide us with a logical, behavioral and moral foundation we then apply to every facet of our lives. They guide us in making decisions, ground us to what’s truly important in life and support us in following our dreams. If you’ve taken the time to truly “parent” your child, rather than be their “friend”, they will undoubtedly learn the importance of equality, compassion, charity and education. If…