Vision Place of Souls

"In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to  ponder and dream; And lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls."

Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: 20th Maine,

Speaking at the dedication of the Monument to the 20th Maine
October 3, 1889, Gettysburg, PA 


Last week we traveled to Pennsylvania for a family vacation. We spent five days exploring the Amish Country, visiting Hershey Park and see the sights of Lancaster County.  But, the day that sticks with me is the day we spent at the Gettysburg battlefield.  I had no idea how hard the emotions would hit me, how this place would resonate with my own soul.  To say that I am moved is an understatement. The quote above by Colonel Chamberlain completely sums up how I felt that day.  So powerful is the feeling that still lingers in me.  Without Chamberlain's word's I would be speechless.


So, I leave you with photos. I know that they cannot convey the eeriness, the stillness that you experience there. 
Gettysburg Battlefield National Park, is more than an national park, it is  a 5 mile cemetery. A memorial to the approximately 50,000 men who gave their lives in this struggle. 


As you walk along the roads and fields, as you view the memorials and markers, the soul of the place enters you. It is haunting and powerful. If only we could listen to the message this place sends to our souls.

World Traveler

Well friends and neighbors, it's that time of the year again. Time to take the show on the road and make my annual trek to Asia. My day job, for a large outerwear/snow sport manufacturer, sends me to mainland China and Taiwan, about this time very year to finish up the development cycle and put our products in to bulk production.

My job, as a Technical Design Supervisor is to oversee all the specifications for fit and construction of our outerwear lines. I work with a fantastic team of people who help me make pattern corrections, fit styles on a live model, advise sizing specification and work out all details of quality for each garment we manufacture.

This year we have add two new cities to our tour. For the first time I will be headed to Vietnam and Bangladesh to work with facilities there. It should be a very exciting learning experience. I am looking forward to working with this group and to the inspiration each country will reveal.

So, until I return, my best wishes for a safe and happy holiday.