Why big American businesses fail in China

Failure or the possibility of, will result without a clear understanding and acceptance of guanxi. It’s not just a way of doing business, it’s China’s culture. “Spend any time in China, and you quickly learn the power of “guanxi,” or social connections. Guanxi drives business deals and government contracts. It’s the invisible glue that ties people together. It’s the sense of connection and mutual obligation that Chinese society prizes in personal relationships.” by Shawn Mahoney in China Daily Mail

 

A New Day, Brooklin, Maine

I love this snapshot. I had this photo included in a collage for a new blog post. After reviewing the collage I felt this church photo was a stand alone. There’s a certain calmness to the image. Perhaps the correct word is tranquility. Or, perhaps I’m just a romantic at heart!

Maria

The Handwritten Note – June 1884

There’s something to be said about a handwritten note. The sentiment behind the note littered with emotion and character makes a handwritten note so much more appealing, inviting, and attractive. Sure, the note takes longer to reach your recipient; but, what a smile it brings! It does take longer and more effort has to be made. After all we are forced to use the old fashion pen and paper, stuff it in an envelope, buy a postage stamp and send it via snail mail.

In this microwave era we don’t make time to actually pen a note. We want everything quick, easy, and convenient. Everything is and has to be faster. The quicker the better. It’s an obsession! The more technologically advanced we become the further away we get from creativity and imagination.

When was the last time you sent a card in the mail? No, not that awesome app that you send the picture to and it creates a card for you then sends it out to your loved ones. I mean when was the last time you actually sat and wrote out a note or card and mailed it out via snail mail? When was the last time you didn’t rely on spell check and grammar check to ensure your notes were properly composed?

I spent the first part of July traveling throughout Maine, USA,  and visiting different antique shops. I wanted something vintage to add to my collection of, “Old” things (no punt intended towards my husband ha ha) I happen to open a journal of sorts and saw the following note. It’s a simple note; but, the sentiment is beautiful.

A note from John E. Milton from Danforth, Maine.
June 1884

 

 

A side note: One of the most romantic things to receive besides a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or flowers is to have a love letter accompany such a sweet gift. Or a , “remember when”, card. Well, when it’s for your loved one of course. As a mother and wife, I love to receive cards and letters of all types. When the note is from my children it’s especially touching when its handwritten.

 

I See The Light – By Mari Madrigal

The following photo’s were taken by my daughter Mari. Mari is 13 and loves photography and anything relating to the environment. Her photo’s were taken with a Windows 920 phone. I asked her to pick 3 of her favorite shots so I could share with you. 

The photo’s were taken at the Roann Covered Bridge, Roann, IN. A small little town located in the midwest and nestled between two small but larger towns.

Hope you enjoy!

#1 – Strange Questions From Innocent Minds and Mouths

Do you see black people where you are from? Have you ever touched a black person? Wow! I couldn’t believe such questions were being asked and that they were coming from an 11 year old. I took the time to answer his questions and explain there is no difference. The following is a brief transcript of our conversation. 

Boy – Do you see black people where you are from?

Me – Yes, of course. America is very diverse with all cultures and people from all over the world. (I had to explain what diverse was). 

Boy – Have you ever touched a black person?

Me – (With a smile). Of course, I have friends and family members that are black. My nieces and nephews are part Mexican and part Black. They are biracial. 

Boy – With wide eyes and somewhat of a frown he said, “You Do”?

Me – Yes. They are beautiful children just like you. 

Boy – No, not like me. I am light yellow and you are white. They are black. 

Me – Actually, you are darker than they are. My skin is light but I am actually Mexican (had to explain that). See we are all the same just lighter and darker than one another. I further explained that my older daughter purposely goes to a tanning bed (had to explain this one to) and likes to sit outdoors to sunbathe. She likes to be really beautiful and dark. 

Boy – He frowns and shakes his head. My mom likes to be white because it is beautiful. 

Me – I smile and respond, yes that’s beautiful too. I purposely changed the direction of the conversation back to the lesson at hand. 

Racial discrimination, oppression, persecution and abuse of all cultures is still very much alive all over the world. Our world continues to evolve into a greatness; however, discrimination is one topic and fact of life that we can’t seem to get beyond. A difference can be made one person at a time.

Maria