Donadoni Academy is flourishing. And sustaining some minor damage. I am seeing well enough to find my driveway now without assistance- which is good. But you know what is not good? When the man working on your house says, “Hey- did you see that tree?” And this is what he said to me as I emerged from my car.

Well, I sometimes can’t see the forest for the trees or the trees for the forest for that matter. But that is not important. The key word to me here was tree. And no, I had not seen the tree. But I was now growing afraid of a tree I had not seen.

Don’t be afraid of what you can’t see. But do be afraid of the look of concern on your wife’s face when she sees the tree. The tree, you see- was no longer in it’s original place. It had decided it could no longer withstand the force of the winds. And its roots were in soft ground. Bad combination. Know what I mean? Trees need strong roots. And Fences make good neighbors. Or something like that. But clearly, this tree no longer had any fight left, and gave into temptation to touch the ground on the other side. (Hate to tell ya tree,”The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”)

Of my fence.

That is not good. I don’t know much, but I know that trees should stand tall. And they should not fall onto your fence. But, this is the fence of the castle of the Academy- so guess what?

The fence did bend, but it did not break. Sort of like the people that live in the castle. Resilience is helpful as we live our dream. Of course, my Beautiful Free Spirit and Handsome Prince of Timing certainly know all this. That is why I know we have the best school around. Just sayin’.

The tree will get free from it’s fall. And we will celebrate a new brick wall. And hope that there is money left over to pay the piper. Always got to be prepared ya know. And speak your truth for chrissakes. These things help the trees grow tall and straight and bear beautiful fruit. Like in Florida, where my parents play golf among the grapefruit trees. I love grapefruit. But not everyone does. It reminds me that all of us are unique. And we should believe in ourselves as much as we can. Cuz not everyone does. You know what I mean cuz?

That’s all I got. Thanks for Coming!