A Killer Saint Patrick’s Day!

How do you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in North Texas?  

Do you go to the parade?  Drink a Green Beer? Lead snakes out of Dublin Texas?
How about a new tradition starting in 2018?

A KILLER SAINT PATRICK’s DAY!

You are cordially invited to join us for a COMEDY KILLERS EXCLUSIVE Murder Mystery at our new venue on the water.  Bring your own favorite spirits and booze and enjoy the delicious food and killer comedy as you help us solve the crime.     

We are doing public, private and semi-private shows and this year we are fortunate enough to be able to so a special show on one of our favorite holidays (ST. PATTY’S DAY).  We also can help you celebrate your Birthday, Anniversary, Promotion, Company Party, Private Retreat, First Memorable Date or JUST FOR FUN!  Let us know you are coming and if you want to be part of the show.

BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE!  An affordable safe way to bring in Saint Patrick’s Day on the water.

WHEN: Saturday, March 17th at 7 pm.  Buy Tickets HERE
The boat leaves at 7 pm so plan to be at the dock around 6:45 pm

WHO:  The Comedy Killers.  The hilarious division of www.shane-arts.com
If you don’t know, be social and follow us

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Are YOU in a Healthy Relationship with a Salesperson?

You could be.  

Whether it is your first date or your 50th Anniversary, you agreed to go out with them in some capacity.  They connected with you on a level that you liked and you said “Yes!”.  Good and healthy sales professionals are typically emotionally intelligent and help us feel genuine authentic emotions.  They understand how to influence us to feel excited, safe and secure in our choice.  That is what many want in our personal lives.  How about you?

Human nature focuses on the negative, but the sales professional traditionally finds ways to turn that negative pain into a positive opportunity.  They are trained to see both sides (and many more) and understand how to leverage them into action.  Who doesn’t want more action?

Life is Pain, anyone you says differently is selling something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThDwS79HPhs

Both men and women alike want to be heard and their thoughts, feelings and opinions valued by their partner.  Sales professionals have to continually practice to be good listeners as an essential part of their craft.  They know when to speak, and when not to be silent and just listen.  We tend to buy from those that really “Get us” and can anticipate our needs.  We tend to stick with those people in our personal lives as well.  Do you?

Do Ask Don’t Tell

People do not like to be “told to” do anything anymore than they like to be “sold to” by someone.  A good sales pro knows “Telling is not Selling” but will rather ask questions.  This can be a real asset in personal relationships where you can come to important decisions together.  Do you like to make or be included in the big decisions?  

Those that may not have the good fortune of being in a healthy relationship with a salesperson and I hear them talk about how much work it is and all this talk about sacrifice.  Sales people know how to negotiate for win-win outcomes.  While speaking of good fortune, good salespeople often make good money for their hard work and usually have incentives to make them want to be better every day.  Is that something you would want in a partner?

They do not take you for granted.  They are usually confident, secure and have a thick skin because they are usually facing rejection and high stakes on a regular basis.  They know customers are loyal right up until something better comes along so they make sure to stay on the pulse of what you value and thinking about an upgrade rather than an out.    

Fortunately we are all in sales whether we realize it or not.  We wish you the best in your personal life.  If you can use some help in your professional life, you know how to reach me.

Goals 2018 Edition

What did you do?   

Those 4 words drive me to have the best answers.  This is where I put my ambitious goals and plans to achieve them out there to the universe (and the internet) but I am looking at a stack of journals and I see evidence I have been practicing this all my life.  If I can dream it, write it down, I can and most often make it happen.

It seems having goals and being successful seems to have fallen out of fashion in 2018.  While I appreciate fashion, I prefer to influence it rather than follow it.  Part of me wants to keep my goals private but the stronger part wants to share the struggle and the success because that is one of the positive aspects to this digitally social world.  

It is also challenging because in many ways this all feels like a dream and in so many ways I am starting over.  Looking at last year (or last two years as it turned out) I wonder if I should set these goals for 12 months or 24?  I am pretty sure I time traveled back to my younger self and said the future is crazy!  The Cubs won the world series (2016)!  Remember that joke about Ronald Reagan being President of the U.S. in the movie “Back to the Future”?  Well now Donald Trump is President but now it’s called POTUS.  Remember how you wanted to know what that black monolith was from 2001 A Space Odyssey?  It is a smartphone or tablet.   

What will I do?

Stay Healthy!  This is a big complicated one that sounds deceptively simple.  The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is we already have everything we need in mind, body and spirit.  However it seems everything is designed to distract us from that simple truth.  In recent years I have been fortunate enough to experience health in all three in varying degrees.  It is amazing and there is no substitute.  The mind has all the answers, emotions, drive, endurance, focus and fantasy if you keep it healthy and treat it right.  If you destroy it with drugs (of any sort), deceptive distractions, poisonous philosophies or just take it for granted it will not serve you as well as if you work it, feed it and test it.  As we get older it is even more challenging to take care of our minds and our bodies.  While I feel in good shape it must be a priority to maintain and improve.  I am proud of my accomplishments in fitness but also know from past years if I do not keep it a priority it is very easy to slip out of and much harder to get back to where I was previously.  It makes it even more challenging to improve.  Riding horses (correctly) turns out is an excellent workout, especially for my core so I intend to focus much more on that as well as participating in races and maybe exploring the Triathlon and IronMan world more.  The spirit is certainly the most private yet I will share the ways it ties to mind and body.  The euphoria I experienced crossing the finish line or cantering on a horse the first time was certainly a spiritual as well as physical experience.  Finally learning to measure adequate amounts of rest to match my ambition has been a major breakthrough for the trifecta of mind, body and spirit.    

Continue the Creative!

Although my creative talents have been utilized in development in the past few years, my creative juices have still been flowing and I look forward to get back to the mission “Seeking, Retaining and Cultivating Audiences and Talent to Enhance the Cultural Community”.  Specifically looking for new ways to use new technologies to maximize audiences and performances.  I hope to get back to writing, performing and producing starting with bringing the Comedy Killers Murder Mysteries back and not only getting the “band back together” but building a core ensemble for the next generation in a brave new world.

Horse Around!

 

Horses have become so much a part of my life yet I still feel as if I am just getting started.  It is my intention to always learn something new and no matter how much time I get in the saddle every day feels brand new.  I am beginning Dressage which I consider an intense level of performing arts, but it’s officially a “Sport”.  It is my intention to go to some shows and work my way through the ranks while continuing training and riding.  I also plan to go to Germany to get an overview of horsemanship in Dressage, Jumping and Cross Country.  I intend to get as much training and experience as possible in the coming months.  I am also very fortunate to have found a beautiful mare (with the help of my trainer at Rocking M Stables and Nikki Littrell at Starstruck Eventing) named “Artful Design” a.k.a. “Capri” (short for Capricorn, not skinny cigarettes or short pants).  She is a great partner and I think we are a good match.  My goal is to go as far with her as we can.  

Build your Business!

In my leadership roles in the incredible organizations I serve I have consistently assembled and served a dream team generating growth and opportunities.  From my days working in higher education to Better Business Bureaus, BOLD and now all my creative non-profit experience comes together with my aggressive drive for development.  The Bold contact center, now an affiliate of the Dallas Lighthouse For the Blind typically doubles in size year over year.  To do this again in 2018 is a challenge I willingly accept.  There are alot of moving parts  and infinite opportunities.  The more we build your business, the more we all win.

Specifically I have made 3 sets of goals for each category.  Maintenance goals to stay on track based on my current progress.  SMART Goals that are focused on improvement and growth and as always ambitious and epic goals.  

Goals 2019 Edition

ANNUAL GOALS POST!

My annual “goals post” is a favorite for many reasons. A benefit of this digital renaissance is that you can use blogs and social media to find out what matters to people. What motivates them? What do they want? This annual post is my personal report card to myself; a meditation on my progress, achievements, goals and ambitions.

Tim Shane 2018

I do appreciate you taking the time to read what I am sharing as being able to articulate the goal is both critical and crucial. More often than not I succeed at what I set out to do and learn some lessons from both the success as well as the failures. However part of this process is putting it out there so you can hold me accountable. I will spare you my goal setting systems that I have been evolving since childhood as they can be found in earlier entries of this blog.

First let us recap the post and accomplishments from last year (2018). I realized 2016 just blended into 2017 in the recap and 2017 was pretty epic. Now that I look back I seem to excel in the odd numbered years. When asked “How are you doing” even if I am at my best I reply with “getting better”. 2018 was good but seems like I was really setting myself up for success in 2019! In each area I will recap then put the 2019 goal.

HEALTH!

Tim Shane Spartan 2018 Medals

This becomes exponentially challenging with each passing year and 2018 had some ups and downs. 2018 was the first year that I wondered about how much better I could be if I made health a priority earlier in my journey. On the upside I am most certainly starting the year more fit and flexible than the past decade and possibly ever. While it seems my energy and endurance where things I may have taken for granted in my younger years, I admit I have to work to keep them from declining in my current state of youth. I explored some diets which led to a healthier lifestyle overall and I certainly find myself free of dependencies on sugar, caffeine, gluten, salt and harmful artificial ingredients. I foolishly intended to retire from Spartan Racing and OCR at the top of my game in 2017. Turned out I was still able to do enough races to keep my Trifecta status and make improvements. It is part of my lifestyle now and I find myself wanting to get out and run, climb, jump, hike, crawl, swing, swim, fly, hang, carry or whatever it takes to overcome the obstacle and I don’t need a medal to do it.

Recovering in the Eisenhower Suite at Rough Creek Lodge 2018

Jo DeSena, the creator of Spartan Race was at Rough Creek Lodge sitting at the same table that I determined I would get much better at Spartan Race 7 years prior. I wanted to ask for a picture with him and compare it to my first race in 2011. (Perhaps I didn’t because I could not back down from however many burpees he would have me do for the picture and it was the eve prior to Race Day). If that opportunity every presents itself again I will not hesitate because I had not realized how far I had come until I went and looked back. Another observation is Spartan Race made health my top priority in these entries since my first race 7 years ago. It has been an amazing journey thus far. Riding horses has had a fantastic impact on my health as well. I rode an average of once a day of 2018 and that also helps keep the weight off and the strength and flexibility up. It helps when you start to gain weight that you are making the job harder on your team mate. It also keeps you going on those hard days when you know you have a partner that loves you and is looking forward to your workout together.

Fire Jump of my Last Beast of 2018

On the other side as I crossed the finish line of my last race of 2018, the Spartan Beast, I could not make it the next few feet to the banana and water station. The next day I could not walk on my feet and seriously thought I would have to be in a wheelchair. That led me to the podiatrist where I learned I have a whole new set of challenges in my feet. I had to wear a boot for a few months and make some changes to my footwear. I thought I was doing so much better as I ended the year with all my toenails and in actually good shape. It was certainly humbling end of 2018.

2019 Health Goals are to maintain my college body weight (under 200 lbs) with increased strength and flexibility and ideal BMI. Remain in optimal shape for my fiance, my horse as most certainly myself. I will keep by Spartan Trifecta Tribe Status and explore the new Trail series. I will continue the streak with annual physical to keep all my levels optimal. I will protect my rest, spirit, recovery and relaxation as part of my overall health.

CAREER GOALS

Tim Shane with Executive Director Max Allen and some photo-bombers

What we do defines us. We may say, think, feel and want good intentions, but in the end it is what we do that impacts our reality. Here is the 2018 Recap. On the new mission to “Boldly Go” as an affiliate of the Dallas Lighthouse For the Blind, to continue the trend of growing and utilizing my skill set all came to fruition. The goal was to not only grow but return to the trend of doubling in size. This was achieved in revenue potential which is my job. However some things I used to feel in control of seemed to have been removed from my plate. (Keeping down expenses, optimizing resources, keep up retention, speedy innovation of new solutions).

Envision Mission

The Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind merged with a much larger organization named Envision.
On the upside Envision is a non-profit organization with a mission and resources that I have only previously dreamed. This organization has a positive and productive impact for the blind and visually impaired as well as the lives of so many people every day. Fortunately all my experience being able to navigate and embrace change gave me opportunities to shine, landing new clients, some of which setting new records for the largest contracts in history of Bold. This sets the stage for growth despite the chaos going on in the world in 2019. On the downside mergers and acquisitions can bring a great deal of change, stress and fear. As a result many of the core team that were vital to the thriving culture of the early days of Bold are no longer officially part of the team, (although I will always consider them a part of mine). These changes also further inspired my creative and philanthropic roots with Shane-Arts bringing everything together.

The Haunting of Whiskey Ranch

In recent years I have separated the “Creative” innovations from the revenue generating “Development” in my goals. Much of my success can be attributed to my ability to optimize both. We got the “band back together” and returned to Lake Ray Hubbard as well as launched a new venue (TX Whiskey Ranch) in October with some of our original core members and some excellent new talent. In 2019 I plan to bring them back into alignment.

Tim Shane as Sam Diamond at the Haunting of Whiskey Ranch

2019 Career Goals are to seek and secure new revenue generating and mission driven philanthropic opportunities resulting in a minimum of double digit growth (10% or more) for my clients and campaigns and to balance the creative innovations with the developing success.

Horsing Around… more seriously though

Tim Shane and Artful Design at the USDF Regional Championships

2018 was the best year so far, as it was our first full year as a horse and rider team. We progressed all the way to regional championships and have been happy with our two champion and numerous blue ribbons and scores from recognized shows. For the Dallas Dressage Club we took our top 4 scores and averaged them together and it came out in the 70’s. Perhaps my most proud achievement of 2018 was officially making “Artful Design” mine, or me hers depending on your view. The bond and connection we share is amazing and continually rewarding in so many ways.

Success in 2018

2018 was very good to introduce me to the world of “horse show business” making new friends and connections as well as reconnecting with old ones. Germany did not happen and I am scratching that goal for the foreseeable future.

2019 Horse Goals

Excel through the next level and beyond collecting more top ribbons than my debut year. I also plan to explore Freestyle and Eventing as that is what initially attracted me to Dressage. It is my assessment that this is quite an audacious goal as I am at the most competitive level in the region so the odds are against us. It is also important to declare as a goal that I not allow my competitive nature to dominate the winning connection I have with my horse.

PERSONAL and RELATIONSHIP GOALS

2018 had some personal and relationship twists and turns as well.  With my knowledge of digital marketing I will keep some personal, spiritual and relationship goals off line, but they do exist (Having boundaries was a goal I achieved a few years back).  Before the digital world I would still only focus on and grow the positive, and in the digital world so many people only put their best on the internet.  That does not mean there is not loss and struggle.  It seems I am coming of an age where we are losing some crucial people in our lives.  Just within Shane-Arts we lost both Rhiannon McMillen and Ginger Mensik way before their time.  My “family” is growing far more than so many of you have come to know and love over the years.  Some of those goals are not to be “measured” the way I approach my other endeavors, but they are still a priority.

Thank you so much for reading and looking forward to a very good report as we enter the “Roar’n Twenties”!

2018 Austin Spartan Super (Prep & Post)

The struggle is real.
The struggle is required!

This year’s Austin Spartan starts a new chapter, or rather a new book or possibly life era for me.  It was my intention to hang up my OCR gear at the end of 2017 and go out having exceeded my goals in Sparta, Greece .  Then I started to realize I had a whole new perspective from other years. It was less tempting to make unhealthy choices when eating and I embraced the opportunity to push myself.  It became a way of life. I realized how much my journey enhanced my mind, my work, my creativity, my drive and most surprisingly my spirit.

One of the reasons I thought I would retire is every year the courses get harder and Spartan comes up with new obstacles and challenges as my physical body gets older.  I quickly learned my journey as a Spartan has given me strength, balance, endurance and discipline

In 2018 my Spartan journey goes beyond the starting line to the finish, but the entire lifestyle leading up to it.  The first is the people. Each race has tales for friends, family, foes, companions, lovers, trainers and life events that all play an important part to each medal, wedge and “Did Not Finish”.  About a month before the race I connected with Stephanie Hengstenberg and we had synergies on many levels. As a “dancer momma” she fit the profile of the artist that built her own success through sales and authentic human connection that I am evolving my profession into, and I fit the profile of the kind of client she was looking to coach.  I shared with her the trial and error of finding the healthy lifestyle for training for a Spartan Race, horse shows and other such adventures and we thought we would explore her coaching me using her ISAgenix system.

To be transparent I am not selling the ISAgenix system nor did I purchase the products so I would not have the bias of defending my choice, but rather having tried many supplements in my journey opened my cynicism to any shortcuts for such a demanding endeavor as a Spartan Super.  The Austin Super Spartan race is among the only two DNF (Did Not Finish) in my OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) career. A few years ago that I attribute to misjudging my nutrition the night before the race. I treated myself to a nice steak to celebrate the days victory and thought I could use the protein.  This may work for some and maybe it did for me in my younger days. This was still during the struggle when my body was adapting to the extramed. This year I learned my body seemed to go into rest and rebuild mode when I eat beef. I learned this by my muscles seizing up at the very top of the “Stairway to Sparta” obstacle.  Since then I learned never do anything new on Race Day and pay attention to my body’s nutrition leading up to and actually on race day. The role of coach and trainer was open this year and she thought she could put together a custom solution for the little over 2 weeks leading up to the race.

Stephanie brought her family to the All British Car Day and loaded me up with parts of the ISAgenix system with very clear instructions and a plan.  I explained my strategy for the Super is to cut any excess body and water weight to stay lean yet hydrated for the race. I would need to stay hydrated, flexible and powerful.  She put together a plan that did not include the entire system but some things she thought would help.

TIP– A quick sidebar in case any of my friends in sales and swear by Shakeology, Kyani, Herballife, Nuskin and all the new stuff on the horizon and know I am a hard sell on any one of these nutraceutical or fitness products, but you never know 100% what someone is struggling with (Sometimes we don’t know 100% ourselves) or all the luck and science that goes into timing, but Stephanie got my buy-in on 2 things.  The first is that she believed in me and her product so much she was willing to cover the cost and second she offered a system that would save me time and money between all the supplements and diet hacks I was juggling. A Beach Body rep named Melissa McAllister did something similar in 2012 and really helped me on my way.

Week 1 – ISAGenix

I was off to a good start in the first week which consisted of 2 Shake Days followed by a 2 day cleanse, then picking back up the shake days.  I researched the products and was happy to learn it was a clean and natural solution pretty close to my original plans that made me so successful the year before.  The shakes tasted great and actually saved me time in the mornings and the evenings with my lifestyle and still delivering the protein, carbs and calories that I needed.  I measured immediate weight loss in the first few days and was feeling pretty good. Following the system and he daily check ups for accountability helped me resist the unusually high amount of temptations to falter that week.  Then came the “Cleanse” and that is when things got complicated.

The Cleans for Life drink seemed well enough but I did not have access to the other items that typically go with the cleanse so by lunch I was already “hangry” even with the IsaSnacks.  I am a pretty big guy so I was feeling it in a major way. Stephanie kept encouraging me through until I realized I was losing energy. My rest days can be considered work out days to most and I was getting ready for my first horse show. My dress rehearsal was a disaster so we opted to turn it into a Shake Day until after the race.  Also I was sure that I measured the amounts I was supposed to take and maybe I should have taken a bit more.

Week 2 – ISAGenix Adjusted

WEEK 2 – Most of the other aspects of the system were actually already part of my regime.  For example there is a Natural Accelerator Capsule is pretty similar to my Irwin Naturals Triple Tea Burner combined with my Cool Cayene from Herb Mart.  The Recovery Drink is similar to my FIT AID which is only at Central Market, Amazon or as a sponsor at some Spartan Races. When I total up the time spent tracking down my normal routine, some of the redundancy of some of the supplements and the actual cost, I can appreciate the savings in time and money of getting them all from one system.  

THE 2018 SPARTAN RACE

Of all the Spartan Races I have done I always feel like I could be more prepared.  That being said I felt pretty good about this one. I was up in front on the starting line and I overheard a female voice basically telling a similar story (Did the Ultra Beast last year, thought I was done and somehow right back here) and I turned around and recognized her.  Just as my mind said “Yea she’s late 20’s maybe early 30’s tops and maybe I am the oldest one still being so insane” the emcee gave a shout out to the oldest person in our heat, George at 76 Years Old going for his 5X Trifecta. #NoExcuses is a great #Spartan hastag for 2018.

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I had a good handle on the course as it was a similar layout to 2017 Super and Hurricane Heat with a few additions of my favorite portions of courses past (Granite Cliffs, The Granite Chapel and the legendary green PVC Tube).  The sky had low fast moving clouds strobing the Texas May Sun that caused a cool Zack Snyder effect on the course and I had my custom soundtrack. While there were plenty of water obstacles, the sandbag carry was more of a muddy terrain than the sharp gravel I always dread on the Austin course.  

I was actually about 30 minutes earlier than my projection but made up for it with burpees on the end.  Found a nice balance of improving my time and fitness while enjoying the power, beauty and soul of the terrain each Spartan course is notorious for.  Many of the famous competitors opted for the BIG BEAR race this year both gave me an opportunity to shine but also missed the feeling of sharing the same course with such legends.   I am evolving the #WhyIRace part of my journey.

The Austin Races usually have severe thunderstorms and as I finished the wind was picking up and the dust was blasting the racers and spectators alike.  For the first time I am aware of Spartan cancelled the Sprint due to weather. This was fine because I was looking at the AT&T Stadium as my Trifecta Sprint.  

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RECOVERY & CLEANSE

The Recovery was good.  About 2 days until I was back 100%.  Minimum bruising, no blood, and the recovery drinks from ISAgenix supplemented much of the routine, but still relied on BeetElite and FitAID who was at the finish line this year.  There was a new recovery drink called Armor but their drinks were warm and pulling a can or two of FitAID out of the ice cold barrels was becoming a tradition.

Upon my return I started the ISAGenix Cleanse for life following the instructions to the letter.  It did get me to an all time low as far as weight loss but not sure the lack of energy was worth it.  I will say I am open to continuing to try the system if I can find the right balance for my lifestyle    

Returning to the Scene of the CRIME!

25 Years ago I was an ambitious artist that was going to revolutionize the performing arts by forming a “Theatre Coming Near You”.  Determined to bring new kinds of theater to new audiences, I teamed up with some incredibly talented and brave artists and put theater on wheels and on the water and in basements and warehouses or whatever non-traditional interactive venue we had  access too.  There was a period where our shows were being performed around the world every week of the year and we could make a living off of being a performer.  We could feed our tummies as well as our creative soul.  

As we entered the 21st Century nomadic performing companies were popping up and we always wanted to develop new works so we opened a venue in Deep Ellum as the primary home and our historical venue the Texas Queen Riverboat was docked permanently.  Many of the core performers went on with their careers and graced the stages of Texas, the USA and the world as well as screens large and small.  

Of all the roles I have played and all the shows I have written, directed and appeared in, Sam Diamond in the Comedy Killers has probably seen the most live audiences from all over the world.  We are thrilled to reboot the role in this new era where everybody walks around with their own stage and production company in their pocket.

Going back to where it all began and returning the the scene of the crime with new cases and faces, as well as your old favorites, we plan to take our crusading creativity to the next level.  We must!  We have the technology! We have the venue!    

I would personally love to see you at an audition or at our public show.  For more information
please visit: www.shane-arts.com 
or https://www.facebook.com/ComedyKillersMysteries/

 

2017 (and 2016) Years In Review and Missions Accomplished!

This is the time of year when I reflect on my wins and learn from my losses and share them with anyone that is willing to read or listen to help me be accountable to the solutions.  Say what you will about 2017.  It was one of my best years ever.  It seemed to be a year of things coming together like a giant master plan.  As I look back at previous years I caught something.  I usually don’t share the bad stuff.  Last year (2017) seemed so good because it also included 2016.  Most of my bold wins of 2017 where me addressing to the epic failed attempts of 2016, so in all honesty these success were two years coming.  It was surprising to look for the 2016 recap and find that I did not even pause for the failures but kept on going until I succeeded.  Come with me back to early 2016…    https://shanespeare.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/2016-i-am-in-you/

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Best Health! Best Race Season Ever!
ULTRA BEAST, Hurricane Heats, Triathlon and Trifecta Deltas

I am so proud of my performance and lifestyle change I happily went to the doctor at the end of the year just to get a full physical to back it up.  The results were great.  Much of it can be attributed to a few key moments I will talk about in other entries, but the primary one was Spartan Race!  Whenever I am worried that civilization is doomed, I know we are fine because there are “Spartans” all over the world, and I have traveled to meet so many of them.  I pursued the Trifecta Delta (https://youtu.be/9yEf_HG9520 for those that do not know), completed the Ultra Beast and Hurricane Heats and the Colorado Rockies Beast and finished out 2017 with my tenth (10th) Trifecta in in the first official race in SPARTA, GREECE!  

However looking back I totally got my ass kicked in 2016 attempting it which is probably why the success is so much sweeter to me now.  I returned to the Hawaii Trifecta to do the Ultra Beast towards my Endurance Trifecta and was cut from the race missing a “time hack” by ten minutes.  This sucked more because I had so much more to give but I was mismanaging my effort.  They gave me a radio and let me be the “Sweeper” which was an amazing life experience in itself.        

That “set back” launched me forward as soon as I returned stateside to finish the Beast hours ahead of my fastest time.  I started to measure metrics I never understood prior and learned you do not have to choose between macro and micro, you can do both.  I got a bike and started swimming and training to do Triathlons and set goals not from race to race, but from day to day and workout to workout.  I treated myself to a Garmin Fenix 5 watch and committed to never doing less than I did yesterday.  I trained a bit with a Half-Ironman who told me there was a James Bond themed Triathlon that I thought I would “tri” and came in 2nd place.  I soon realized that I didn’t need the Spartan Race to put myself to the test, but started looking at them as a chance to document my improved performance.  Although I didn’t need a race to do my best, I began exploring virtual races to keep raising the bar.  I committed to traveling to new races and completed the Hurricane Heat, the Colorado Rockies Beast, the AT&T Stadium Sprint (which is the first one my mother attended and finally got “why” I do this) and the first Dallas Ultra Beast better than I predicted and recovered on a plane en route to the real SPARTA to finish my best race season.       

abstract heart

LOVE and LIGHT

Picking up on the “LOVE and LOSS” I certainly feel I made some wise decisions that put my heart in the right place for “LOVE and LIGHT”.  Especially in this digital age of swiping left at the slightest inconvenience and over sharing what I would consider intimate details I did find love and it is beyond anything and everything I ever imagined.  To share any more would contradict the breakthroughs I’ve had regarding closeness and intimacy, but I can tell you what resonates with what we generally hear; trust yourself and follow your heart.  Perhaps I always take the long way around to get there, but I feel my heart and soul are healed and very capable of loving and being loved well in return.  This continues to be the biggest win in my life so far.  The only reason I didn’t lead with this was following the structure of the last entry and I did not want to disgust those of you that have read this far.  Love is the most amazing thing ever!

CAR FANTASIES FULFILLED!

Long before I could legally drive and while most boys were obsessed with girls or video games I always had a thing for exotic european cars, particularly those of British heritage.  For decades I have been pushing, towing, fixing, troubleshooting and cleverly customizing my dream cars with no payoff other than occasionally people saying “I love your car”.  I was never saving on gas mileage, never had a warranty and never took arriving at my destination for granted.  When I did have to go to a mechanic they were usually a specialist and we usually had to brainstorm about innovative and creative solutions.  During this time I had the second incarnation of my beloved Triumph TR-6 https://shanespeare.wordpress.com/2015/06/, my James Bond BMW Motorcycle, the reincarnation of my LandRover Discovery II and my Wildest Dream, my V12 Aston Martin convertible.  Do you remember that poster of a car barn that had a dream car for every day of the week?  I made it, although I don’t know what I would have filled the other bays with.   

The Aston landed my first Blue Ribbon at All British and European Car Day and the Rover saved our lives when we were somehow picked up into the air and dropped on our heads.  It was truly a supernatural paranormal out of this world experience but to land upside down in opposing traffic and for us to walk out with a minor scratch and a bump on the head was pretty amazing.  They built them like tanks back then and I found a replacement in the same color with a few upgrades while at the hospital being checked out.  The good folks at North Texas British combined all the best to make my third Rover.  Much like all the letters after NCC-1701 I think I am sold that I will always have one of these in my collection.  

Now this could have been me dodging my next regeneration.  Whether you are a Whovian or believe a cool cat has 9 lives I was pretty much dead when I hit a deer on a motorcycle in 2002.  Then when 7 years later almost to the day I was hit in Deep Ellum on a motorcycle I was paying attention.  Some might say “stop riding motorcycles”, but I was pretty clear the universe was saying third time’s the charm (in 7 years).  I thought I was good until 2016-17 when I looked around and saw the drivers on their phones all around me.  I parted with the motorcycles and saw this was my way of cheating my next regeneration the way the 10th Doctor did for my Whovian friends.  I live every day hoping I was right.     

“MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE” ~Shakespeare

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”
~ Winston Churchill   

Fortunately horses have often found their way into my life and my heart and in 2016 it was presented to me by a brilliant and very influential saleswoman that I could train, ride and even compete for almost the same budget (in both time and money) as I was allocating to my other endeavors.  I always say you should be learning something new because it helps with your perspective with all things and being around horses is changing my life for the better.  

There are many paths that converge on this.  As part of my healing heart I shared my passions and also embraced those that were shared with me.  That opened my eyes to how often I see horses around while I’m running, walking or training on my bike.  Even in the city when I would train for the races I found myself at a barn right off the trail behind my house that goes to White Rock Lake. (Rocking M Stables).  Trying to climb the stairs after a Spartan Race is quite a challenge, and then you see a horse jumping over the fence or traversing the terrain just puts it all into perspective.  Maybe I’ve been going about this all wrong.       

I started taking lessons and progressing on school horses but was not able to ride as much as I wanted so began the search for my own horse that I could ride, bond, train, learn, grow and essentially evolve.  Many warned me about this process and I consider myself fortunate to have found such a great horse with the help of my trainer and insight from trusted friends.  I am on the right track with a beautiful and talented mare named Artful Design.

The Five Year Mission… To Boldly Go… Blind?  

Over the past five years many good friends that have become my work family have come to work at Bold.  Bold; Our brave venture into human connection through sales, marketing, call centers and emerging technologies.  Just like Star Trek, we “boldly go” and some have come on for a cameo or an episode, season and some have been part of the entire series.  Bold has consistently grown year over year, pretty much doubling what we did the previous year.  As with all the other things lining up this past year we strategically joined forces with the Dallas Lighthouse For The Blind.

This has so much potential and opportunities going forward I feel this is the cusp of something entirely new professionally.  This also gives me the flexibility to continue my creative pursuits with Shane-Arts as we go into our 25th year.

What’s next?

It is quite satisfying to cross such epic life goals off my list.  I am sure there will be a way to top them in 2018 and beyond.

What is a Spartan Race?

“What is a Spartan Race?” is a question that seems to come up more each year and there is yet to be an answer with satisfaction.  It seems everyone has their own definition so here is mine.

The Spartan Race is a test of endurance, bravery and courage for the mind, body and soul.  It is the leader in the obstacle course racing (OCR) phenomenon that is increasingly impacting the globe.  Take the fast thinking agility of the Ninja Warrior and the determination of an Ultra marathon runner or Ironman and have them face themselves and their fears in the hero’s journey and it starts to give you an idea of the mindset of a Spartan Racer.

Spartan commands it’s own distinction in new world of endurance and adventure themed events.  At the time of this writing it seems there is Spartan Race, Tough Mudder and “Everything Else”.  In 2010-2011 I discovered the world of “Everything Else” while working with first responders with my job with Praetorian Group.  Running seemed boring but playing “Jailbreak” or “Warrior Dash” was a blast.  Perhaps it was a chance for adults to get dirty and play in this world of safety helmets and antimicrobial tech.  For me there was no real training, planning or lessons to be learned.  It was just a bunch of us playing and drinking afterwards.  

When I mentioned I was registered for a Spartan Race many were compelled to counsel me on what it was as if they were paying their final respects.  Tough Mudder gets similar reactions and I notice many favor one over the other but there is a mutual respect yet bias between the two. Racers usually have a preference and I favor Spartan.  (If you want to know more check out “Rise of the Sufferfests”.)

Spartan Race come in all shapes and sizes from inspirational workout tours, blogs and Spartan Sprint all the way to 12+ Hour Hurricane Heats, 26+ Miles Ultra Beasts and Agoge.  https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview

Spartan Race attracts racers of all shapes and sizes because it transcends just the physical athleticism and balances the importance of the heart and mind which often levels the playing fields for those that may not be the fastest runner or the strongest climber.  It is brilliant because it truly strengthens all three.  If you start with all heart, those burpees will get you off the couch and training your body for the best shape of your life.  If you are in top physical condition these obstacles will test and strengthen your mind and your spirit.  If you have soul these races will transcend you to another level and another plane.  

Spartan Races are mental.  I got over fears I never knew I had in the very same race (Claustrophobia in those tiny green underground tubes in Austin anyone?).  Can you run 26.2 miles?  How about 28 miles over rugged terrain, slippery rocks, waist deep mud or waist high fire in extreme climates and epic destination terrain?  You must learn to psyche yourself up and how much of an influence the mind actually is over the body and soul.  Thanks to Spartan Racing I pushed my physical and spiritual farther than I could in any gym or place of worship.        

Spartan Races are spiritual.  I distinctly remember thinking I as a few levels beyond a “near death experience” when suddenly storm clouds parted and light shined on a cross in a chapel carved into a granite cliff.  I also remember the multi-cultural spiritual experiences of the Hawaii Trifecta and if you are monotheistic your mind can certainly empathize how early Greeks had so many gods if you experienced the Spartan Race in Sparta.  “This is blasphemy!  This is madness!”  You know your cue.    

Spartan Races are physical.  You might think this goes without saying but top NFL athletes are put to the test and humbled.  I was running alongside Lance Armstrong in Austin a few years back, and know ultra fit pop stars that have taken the challenge.  My body may not look it as fit as I would like it to, but when I show up to a gym, cross-fit group or triathalon in a Spartan Finisher shirt it feels like having the pride of some well earned chiseled abs.  

Spartan Race changes your life.  I remember the traffic to for the Texas Beast a few years back.  Cars were lined up for miles filled with amped up racers that took their pre-workout a bit early.  I got out and jogged almost 8 miles to the start line with a smile on my face.  I was honored to be the last volunteer sweeping the course after the Ultra Beast in Hawaii.  I no longer need a race to get out there and push myself.  I do it every chance I get.        

Who am I? I AM A SPARTAN!

Chapter 10 – Pride and Extreme Prejudice

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife…

“…or a life or at least something like that.” charmingly chimed Greg Vestal
“I acknowledge it” acknowledged Miranda G. Gilliam enjoying romantic literary references while running around the world much like Noble Nikki Robertson along with Amanda Garcia, Lori McCarty, Sandy Kreps and Wendi Medling.

Therapist Beth Lewis grabbed the progressively narrative mic and said….
“Yes, and as everyone knows acknowledgement is power.  Therefore it should also be acknowledged that everyone may not know it at the exact same time.  The consequences of that happening are too much to disclose at this part of the story, however it is safe to say that everyone will come to this understanding at least some point in their life.”

David Ristuccia boldly hijacked the microphone channel to give history lessons on the bad ass men and women that have all acknowledged this.  Among them he noted David Ristuccia for his power lifting persona and of course his fair cousin Rachael Bower and the Marvelous Mikaila Munoz who were both making their way as a mermaid and a sexy lobster which is the hidden meaning to him always suggesting you take your fish oil.

Amy Beth Hinkhouse-Dunavant proposed that they should all acknowledge it at the same time just to see what would happen.  Carrie Campbell Gerdes, Christie Douglas and Nick Kriofske all being the acknowledgement daredevils they all were quick to volunteer.

Joel Ferrell felt it could be more powerful adpated for the stage. Katharine O’Sullivan Spadacenta stepped up as the stage manager and the cast was quickly assembled including Cheryl Ammeter, Jessica Hoffman, Stephanie Dunnam, Stephanie Renee and Debbie Ramsey Lofland.  Shawn Patrello insisted there be clowns or “mechanicals” and Mark C Guerra (Markasaurus Rex) insisted on fairies.  Debbie Ramsey Lofland insisted they do the show in the dirt and Fred Curchack said he would just do it all himself with a few puppets and a some bic lighters for lighting.  John Venable thought he would hold out for Martin Scorese to direct him with Steve Martin. Joe Chapa supported that choice.

Eldon Wriston, Shane Owens and Bella Eden Alexander-Johnson all realized they had something magical. Daniel Driensky and Darlene Hammond thought they would help get the word out and organized an awareness campaign

“What shall we call this production?” posed Wendy Powell
“Batdad vs Superteacher” immediately contributed Daniel Thomas Jones
“Dead Bloggers Society” threw in Krystal Gable
“The Never Ending Birthday Story” offered Elizabeth Owens and everybody silenced in agreement, then cheered at the pure resonance of it.

Haven Powers asked if there would be a Luck Dragon and Sher Jean Bear assured her there would be a variety of dragons.  Jamy Porter also demanded there be Bounty Hunters and Sith Lords with fabulous hair.  Benjamin Davis mentioned he has a place for that.

The creative group began rehearsals, production meetings and publicity campaigns while Patricia Pell and Charity HopperMotorplex Jones presented the celebratory cake and lit the candles.

What they may not have yet realized is that each candle they lit was a world that was burning.  Kimberly Kay Lucas acknowledged she was the bright light of one candle as the others were lit.  Morgan McClure let her light shine it created a shadow on everyone else.  Laurel Hoitsma filled those shadows with her light.

As the light got brighter and brighter one might think it could not possibly be brighter. “That is what one might call limits” said Law Michael Sullivan and his alter ego Lawrence Sullivan.

Jamie Matlock said “I don’t subscribe to limits“.  Theresa Vance and Kristin Sutton Ford nodded in agreement.
“I don’t believe they really exist” added Deborah Longworth with all her Urbanity.
“I will have to agree.  Any limits I thought I had I created myself” admitted the AmaZING Mikaila Muñoz Lotierzo.
“Well if we create our own they still exist” debated Maggie Grant.
“I like to refer to a limit as a #TIMIL.  That’s limit spelled backwards to remind me I created it” contributed Jennifer Besser.

By this time all the candles were lit and the light was brighter than they all imagined.  They began to transcend their reality and each emerged surrounded by their wishes.

Paige Nash, Steve Luce and Darlene Munger wishes all popped up like bubbles in the air, or in the water, or in space.  Lauren Dunnaway, Frieda Austin and Elias Sahwani had as many wishes as there were grains of sand in an hourglass.

While blinded by the brilliance, brighter lights seems to shoot from the center.  Sandy Degen Ledbetter, Jennifer Eiffert and Carol Reed were each brighter than the sun but streaked across the brightness like a firework. Jamie Matlock and Adrianna Cervantes Grinke were like lasers. Louisa Lawless and Don Long where like shooting stars.

Elvis Monroe and Pamela Ann knew these lights had to come from someplace.

“They come from here” answered Gwendolyn Michelle Phillips gesturing towards a source.  The funny thing is no matter who was looking, they all saw the same thing.  It did not matter if it was Taylor Rea, Carrie Campbell Gerdes or Traci Towers Clark.  They saw the same source that Dianne Kelly Samoff II and Dianne Samoff III saw.  It was as if they were looking into a mirror when they looked into the light.  William Bill Gartin and Brandon Enriquez all saw the same thing, but they all saw something unique.

Guy Robison said “It’s our heart light.”
“Whoa, slow down there Neil Diamond” quipped Chris Garcia Peak.
“He’s right!” said John D Kolinofsky
“The light of the world is in my heart” realized Derek Phillips
“What color is yours?” asked Cathrine Hatcher  “The color matters”

“Mine is silver-ish” said Joseph Di Lorenzo
“Mine is green” said Tom Green
“So is mine.  It’s the color of love” said Melissa Knight
“Mine is pink.  I think pink is the color of love” Michelle Polvado
Brenda Johnson and Brenda Johnson both chimed in and said “Mine is purple”
“I’d say mine is azure” added Jordan Roth
“We can all be right.  We can all be love” claimed DeDe Boozer
“Not today!” Cried Eric Dobbins
“Today only I can be right” demanded Cynthia Kirchner
“There can be only one!” proclaimed the beautiful Jessika Bouyer

And as silly as it sounds that was the dawn of prejudice.
“Extreme Prejudice” added Gabriel Wheaton going for title credit.

Anthony Skibell Ph D harmonized a sound and #OurPro appeared with an understanding smile. Kristen Prezbindowski and Heather Sanford understood and said that’s why you always see her with a skull.
“In homage to Shakespeare?” asked Kevin Brandon understanding it’s his Birthday too.
“In homage to all things” said #OurPro placing one hand on the shoulder of Anne Young Fritsche and the other on Jessica Layman “And what is your wish?”

 

Chapter 9-It’s Your Party

It’s the start of Spring with a full moon and a full basket of goodies.  Ophelia Flame is bound to ask “Is #OurPro dead?”

Kenda Taylor suggests maybe just dead tired and sleeping very heavily.  After all it’s been an emotionally exhausting battle of dimensional forces crossing over making all the wishes come true.  Merilee Effingham would also like you to please note this is on top of manifesting nightmares for those that are not specific in their desires.

“Know what you want!” declared Angela Lay Roberts

“...And be specific or you’ll be learning lessons in specificity for lifetimes” mused Brett Alexandria Unruh

“Be prepared to get what you want, otherwise you may see your blessings as curses” assured Meredith Shook

“Perhaps #OurPro has yet to live, in the sense as we understand it” explored Lilly Law.

Our protagonist is referred to as #OurPro for those of you just now joining us.  You might want to catch up as there are planes, trains, boats and ships and exotic vehicles that are all emerging in different worlds.  Entire moons and planets that are transported with a single thought.  There are epic battles and romances, but most importantly parties, dancing and celebrations all in honor of you.  Yes YOU!  Why you?

“You say it is your Birthday” says Timothy Noonan.
“It’s my Birthday too” jammed Ilona Scheel on a tamborine.
“We’re gonna have a good time” added Gretchen Neary

Randy Clower and Nicoya Mothershed took you arm and arm and thrust you forward into the scene.  Martin Ezelle flashed a smile with such smoothness you’d think that Lando Calrissian was his pupil.  Fred Villanueva places your favorite drink in one hand and Taylor Bunn puts your favorite party favor in the other.  Everything seems grand.

“Or does it!?” dramatically poises Nicole Pearce as she has a way with words.
“Maybe a little too grand…“thought Heather Kidd
“Or maybe we are just getting started” optimized Judith Prueitt-Prentice

However #OurPro still felt a bit off.  Something or someone is missing.  Who can it be?
Joanie Bannister sent for a magic mirror that can reflect the truth in any situation, and Jamie Singer ran her wild horses with the help of Lisa J Miller and Cindee Mayfield.

“Are the birthday guest from the Riverboat arrived?” she asked Ginger Mensik.
Ginger nodded and #OurPro requested that she conjure up that ridiculously good looking world famous highly skilled private detective to help her find what is missing.

“What is missing is essential” pondered Emily Murdock.  #OurPro agreed and charged her and Kamelle Mills, Tanya Brooke Dunlap and Bruce Allen Stewart to track down the Birthday Guests from the transdimensional railroad conducted by Skip Waters and make sure they make it to the party.

Marie Quevedo volunteered her league of endurance athletes to explore the terrain looking for anyone that might have gotten lost in the shift.

Amanda assembled a crew for the fasted ship in the dimension and commanded “Prepare to set sail“.

“Who will take to the air?” asked #OurPro as George Ashcraft, Lisa Marie Wright and Dayna Delux all volunteered simultaneously.

 Ethan Norris and Cara Cassaday produced a dance card of all of the characters and realized it was only about a quarter full.

“Still plenty of openings” chimed Ruth Engel-McEntire
“So many songs” added Tash Kouri
“So many dance partners” charmed Mary Friesen

Shanae Chandler fondly remembered one of her high school dances with a date with two first names and Melinda Imthurn served as a valet for the limo full of guests that pulled up.  Claudia Acosta opened the gates for Keith Randal Duncan and the royal Reka Reek.

“We’re going to need a bigger ballroom” referenced Kenda Taylor
“We’re going to need a bigger heart…” added #OurPro “to give all the love and wishes”
“How do you do it?” asked a curious Courtney Gayle
“How do WE do it.” corrected our beautiful protagonist as a statement. “That is the secret I am going to share with you.”
“Well let’s have it!” aggressively suggested Marty Van Kleeck.

“Secret! Secret! Secret!” Started chanting Rachel Hull and Angela Heenan-Gair and soon the entire vibration of the dimension began to change until a sphere of light appeared.  A hush quickly fell across all the spectators and witnesses.  The timeless moment was measured by Terry Robertson-Baker gasping quickly followed by Chip Joslin asking… “Is this it?”

#OurPro asked if anyone knew what it was and the answers were plenty!

“It’s a world” offered Noble Tse
“A UFO” added Jon Lee Hart
“It’s Love” romanticized Cindy Walker Seely
“It’s light” obviously stated Lauren Claiborne Black
“Its’ beauty” declared Liz da Silva
“It’s an egg” stated Jim Bigner
“An Easter Egg!” quickly added Christina Shelton
“A surprise visit with custom comedy” shamelessly plugged Jill Christine Peters
“It’s a seed of something spectacular“offered Allison Rogers
“It’s one of them She-Ra’s” suggested Zach Touchon
“Like the Princess of Power? I Love her” comically saved Cassidy Crown Confer
“I think he means Chakra” corrected Marty Copeland
“It’s my wish” you said quietly to yourself.

#OurPro told them they were all correct, even the shameless plug.  Then the light became brighter and our beautiful protagonist couldn’t sustain it any longer.  It got brighter and the sphere began to crack….

“It’s hatching!” observed Joanna Holden with just the right amount of dramatic intensity.
“Is it Lady Gaga?” Asked Robin Devoe

The light seemed to go nova and as it dimmed the silhouette of a figure appeared in the classic superhero pose and a powerful voice said “I am your antagonist.  You may call me #YourAnt for short”