"You aint no kinda man if you aint got land."

Wealth, Change and Defining What we are.

I am not a land owner of much consequence. Banks; dang it! foreclosing sons a guns. I have not lost any property to the bank, and plan not to, but I feel for those who have. Yes some folks bring it on themselves, but I'm not here to be the judge.

Delmar O'donnell (O Brother Where Art Thou?) said it best; as the title above states- ownership of tangible assets makes you feel more like you are empowered to take part in the process of producing and making a contribution. I came to the realization a while back that a man is defined by what he produces, and is not defined by what he consumes or wears or owns.

My formative years were spent in part being taught that by my parents and grand parents. True wealth is measured by the number of bed time stories you have heard or have told or the times you made your grandma laugh at something silly you said (like the time I called my Grandpa an "old stogy" I meant old man not cigar but she laughed like she was going to pee her pants) I'm sure you know what I mean. God has blessed me in my life to have an abundance of material wealth as well as relationships that far outweigh any thing that is measured in monetary terms. Have I been through some tough times or hurt those who love me most? Hell yes, and so have you. If you have not you are in a small minority.

My family and friends have all been contending with our own share of worry and care, but as I see the way we all treat each other when times get tough, it makes any dread I feel for what the future may hold, look less like an obstacle and more like a milestone.

If you have read (and are with me) this far- you know that I am no longer employed with Investools. ;) I want to thank EVERYONE that I have know as a result of my association with SWIM. I wish you all the VERY BEST and hope to see most of you again. Being with you over the past several years has been a great time for me, and like all other things in life it had its down side. Like we all chant to each other- "ride that trend til it ends" this was a good play and I would probably take it again if the set up was right for me, but like many stocks I trade, now that I am out of the position I wont be looking to force any kind of re entry.

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