Journeys Renewed

I could see every star in the universe. At least that’s the way it felt to me. There could have been more diamonds in the heavens than darkness for all I knew. The moon itself was an ink black orb. The celestial canvas was an infinite study in brilliance, darkness, and depth all presented by an artist’s sensibility; known only to those who take time to explore.

I traveled that night; through place, space, and time. It seemed like the thing to do. At first there were questions. Then there were fantasies. Ultimately memories came onto the scene and claimed my conscience. Memories; they’re perfect moments of a personal universe. Family, friends, adventures shared and lessons learned all experienced again under a sea of diamonds and infinite worlds.

(Excerpt from my latest book)

(NASA photo, The Whale Galaxy)
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What are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to get out and "make some memories." Embrace the journey!
Cheers, Ken

Leisure and Human Development

There’s been an interesting discussion recently taking place throughout the country. Many of our colleagues are exploring the following question; “In twenty words or less, tell what the value of leisure is to human development.”

The question would appear to be set-up for a straight forward response. On the contrary, the further we delve into the process the more diverse the answers become. Here’s just a few we’d like to share –

From Shaun Cavanagh

“The value of leisure to human development can be expressed by considering what life would be like without it.”

From Thom Anderson… Lyndon State College, VT

"Freedom isn’t won on a battlefield or found in a bank account. It resides in playfulness. Play and be free."

From Bruce Larson… Western Kentucky University

"Most of what I need to know in life I learned by 5 while playing. The rest I learned while jogging." (Sorry for being so verbose. That was 21 words.)

From Chris McCutcheon (haiku version)

Work: Done to survive
Play: Creates social people
No one is an isle


Here’s our response (Chris & Ken)

"As essential as water and air -- leisure is elemental for complete human development."

Take a moment or two and give the original question some thought. What would your answer look like?
Cheers, Ken

POTATO LOGIC

REC Programmers this one’s for you...

Potatoes are thick-skinned, thin-skinned, multi-eyed or one-eyed wonders; they are white, yellow, tan, brown, red, purple and black, super-sized jumbo to tiny and all sizes in between...

(Take a deep breath)

You can bake them, fry them, boil or broil, barbeque them, mash, chip, slice, dice, wedge, puree, even stuff them...

(Whew! Hang in there I’m trying to make a point)

Programs are like potatoes! Feed on the potential and embrace exploration.

Exploration=Variety
Variety=Interest
Interest=Appreciation

Appreciation will breed loyalty and participation. Now that’s using “Potato Logic” to boost your program’s potential.

Cheers, Ken

Love what you do, do what you love

Often times we struggle to find our true, authentic self- who we are and what we're meant to do- our passion. We often trudge through life day to day, collecting a pay check, working for the weekend and are rarely inspired in what we do. We dream of greener pastures, a better job, and easier life and what's stopping us? Most often, it's us. Period.

So try this one on for size...Spend an hour or two reflecting on the things you truly enjoy doing- that thing you do, that when you're doing it, it doesn't feel like work. When you've narrowed it down to one or two things, critically think of how you can turn that thing you love into a vocation and take a step toward that passion.

On a recent weekly jaunt to the Sierra, I passed a car advertising an eco-photography company. I remembered the name and later looked up the guy's website and read his bio. He loved the outdoors and shooting photo's- that was his "thing". He also felt unfulfilled in the suit & tie corporate world, so armed with a VW bus, a mountain bike, and his camera equipment- he pursued his passion throughout the parks and wildlands of the West. He also made a living doing it.

That's part of the message through our blog. Both Ken and I love what we do and do what we love and encourage others to pursue the same by exploring the planet that is our playground.

Live Well- Chris

The Legacy of Sunrises & Sunsets

One of the gifts of legacy I’d like to continue to provide involves introspective time. In particular, I wish to share the experience of appreciating sunrises and sunsets. Both of those magical moments offer the perfect opportunity to discover the wonder of “time, place, and inner space.” It’s a grand pleasure. Sunrises and sunsets are catalysts for focus and reflection.

I was given this gift about 40 years ago. An art & photography instructor inspired me to “slow down and see the changes…see the possibilities.” I adopted the experience and continue to do it almost daily.

I am also motivated by John Muir’s work. Here’s an excerpt from “The Wilderness World of John Muir”, from his observations of Illilouette Falls in Yosemite. It focuses on the soulful experience of enjoying “pure light.”

…………….“ When I reached the foot of the fall sunbeams were glinting across its head, leaving the rest of it in shadow; and on its illumined brow a group of yellow spangles of singular form and beauty were playing; flashing up and dancing in large flame-shaped masses, wavering at times, then steadying, rising and falling in accord with the shifting forms of water. Nothing in the clouds or flowers, on bird wings or the lip of shells, could rival it in fairness. It was the most divinely beautiful mass of rejoicing yellow light I ever beheld – one of Nature’s precious gifts that perchance may come to us but once in a lifetime.”

Cheers, Ken

Welcome to our podium for Terra Otium

We hope to inspire each of you to explore your world through recreation & leisure. We're honored to have the opportunity to share our careers with you in the recreation/education industry. Stay tuned -- it's a journey -- one worth experiencing!
Best Wishes, Ken & Chris

Contact Info for Ken and Chris

Chris Chamberlain
leadingedgetd@aol.com
(925) 570-9854

Ken Hanley
kenpacx@yahoo.com
(510) 657-4847

Trends & Events

Coming soon.............

Training Opportunities

We customize all of our training experiences to best suit your needs.

Samples may include:
Program Design
Program Implementation
Staff Development
Staff Assessment
Marketing Strategies
Effective Communications Techniques
Team Building
Leadership Strategies
Putting Fun Back Into Your Work Place (Stress Reduction)
Risk Management
Professional Networking

Please contact us to discuss your organization's needs. We look forward to working with you and your team!

Testimonials

“From planning to strategizing; from execution to evaluation; from fund-raising to marketing…Ken has done it all masterfully well.”


Paul Ferreira (Supervising Naturalist)

Coyote Hills Regional Park



“Ken happened to be one of the first outdoor industry professionals I sought council from. He provided me with sound business advice and mentorship. In 2006, we entered into a five year commitment to work together to explore, develop, and promote unique fishing destinations around the world.”

Keith Kaneko (Owner)

Angling On The Fly



“Our staff learned a great deal about teamwork, trust, and initiative. Ken your training has enhanced our staff’s ability to continue providing excellent service to our community through our recreational programs.”

P.J. Mellana (Recreation Technician)

City of San Ramon Parks and Community Services Dept.




“When I decided to move from being a consumer of the industry, to being an industry provider, Ken was able to help me make that transition as smooth as possible. I was able to launch my guide business on a level that without his consultation and support would have taken years to achieve.”

Kevin Doran (Owner)

Delta Adventures