This business.

The last few days have been a whirlwind. And this morning I have a few moments to reflect.

How lucky am I that each day I get to do what I do.

I get the adrenaline rush of a new business pitch with the serene and oh-so-talented Kathryne. She is the Ying to my Yang. Kathryne is so like me in her sincerity and commitment to her work and our clients, but such a calm and determined force....steady and rock solid. We've been through a lot together over the past 16 years. I can't imagine doing what I do without her incredible talent and her complete trust in me. "You're the skip! Just go out and make the shot." she always confidently says. Whether we win that piece of business or not, I'm always proud of what we present.

Amanda never fails to amaze me. She juggles 27 jobs all at the same time with a cheerfulness that is so valuable. How many times do I say to her....."I don't know if you actually have time to do this....but I need.......whatever." And she always responds..."I'll try." And she ALWAYS gets it done. It must make her crazy - especially in the mornings trying to implement whatever ideas I came up with through the night. Those first discussions in the morning are the ones I truly value - because she never knows what I'm going to dump on her first thing. And her work is far, far more skilled than her years in the business would indicate. She is definitely an Advertising Art Director - and that's a high compliment from me.

Shaun is always there. Even though he's no longer here, he's always there. Thank goodness.

I have the greatest clients. I actually adore these people. So many of my clients become my friends. And I'm so grateful to them not only for trusting me with their advertising dollars, but in recognizing the value of the entire Picante team. They are unbelievably enjoyable to work with - good, honest, sincere people who truly care about their own organizations and goals.

I just want to mention a few here that we've been busy with lately - because I am in this reflective and grateful mood this morning....thanks to: Kellie, Mark, Steve, Randy, George, Jamie and John, Glenn, Kaydee, Tim, Tim and Tim, Ron, Harry, Stan, Ivan, Diane, Garry and Yvette.

Other people in the industry that keep the Picante engine chugging along - top of mind are Simon and Adam, Denise, Lori, Tony, Iain, Wally, Ric and Ben and of course, Ken. I pick up the phone, make impossible demands, and they always say "No problem." How wild is THAT?"

My professional support team, Bill, Bill, John, and Bonnie - again - sometimes quite urgent phone calls with odd questions, always patiently answered.

Certain friends who have weathered occasional and recent storms with me...Teresa and Alys, Pablo and Paula and Jorge...a very important and select few.

And the two most important members of Laura's keep on keeping on team are Allan and Shea. They are forced to review and critique endless creative concepts, rough cuts...answer continual research questions and occasionally are pressed into service in any number of ways. (Sorry about freezing you under that running water outside in October Shea.)

This post was triggered by a discussion late last eve with Adam from Elemental who is putting his all into the Dental Hygienists spots. His enthusiasm and commitment to a great product is so gratifying. And the quick note of thanks from Kellie (see earlier post) that she took the time to write. And the awesome meeting Kath and I attended yesterday. And Allan who believes in me and what I do no matter what.

I feel very, very lucky, proud and privileged.