Craig Ruvere

“Don’t ever lose hope because better days will come.” - Ana Monnar It was probably the first full week of November when I began noticing Christmas lights strewn across trees, shrubs and rooflines – proudly illuminated before the Thanksgiving turkey makes its debut. While retailers began installing their Christmas displays back in late September, this was by far the earliest I’d witnessed homeowners, from various neighborhoods, decking the halls before Black Friday. At first, I was annoyed by the complete disregard for the celebration of Thanksgiving. While I recognize the motivation of retailers, I find it difficult to understand how anyone could enjoy their Thanksgiving feast with a Christmas tree shining brightly in the front window. It wasn’t until I was driving home last night, mesmerized by Christmas lights sparkling…

“Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing older.” – Louise Hay Growing older has been weighing heavy on my mind of late, but NOT for the superficial reasons you may be suspecting. Yes, my hair is going grey and isn’t quite as thick as it used to be. Yes, it’s getting harder and harder to lose those pesky few pounds even with diet and exercise. And after a day of intense yard work, my body now aches in places it never did before. I’m willing to accept all that (okay, maybe not losing my hair) as typical signs of the aging process. But what I find myself struggling with is my own mortality,…

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.”  - Steve Jobs  What separates “good” people from “great” people in the business world today? In my opinion, it’s consistent quality that’s delivered, not promised. Regardless of how big or small the task at hand may be, “Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.” (John Ruskin) The other day I overheard a high-level executive tell one of their creative designers, “Not everything has to be a masterpiece. We need to get things out the door and that’s what matters.” I understand that a deadline is a deadline. I spent many years as a Graphic Designer for a high-end lifestyle magazine in New Jersey. For anyone who’s ever worked…