Goober—The Ultimate Adventure

by Dave Carlson

Thirteen dwarves and a wizard came for dinner. They came to invite Bilbo Baggins on an adventure. Now adventure not part of Bilbo’s vocabulary. To live a quiet, sedentary life was all one hobbit could ask for. Now Gandalf came to his dinner table and invited him on the adventure. Would he take it? Yes, after much persuasion.

I was reading about this in The Hobbit several years ago in the Atlanta airport during a two-hour layover. I was sitting off by myself, quite settled. Too settled.

I thought, “If Bilbo can have an adventure, so can I.” So, I closed up the book and started exploring the airport. I went down the escalators to the trams that go to the other terminals.

The gentleman standing in front of me had a familiar voice. I tried to peak around to see who he was but couldn’t make it out. The tram came. We all boarded. The guy turned around and standing in front of me was a cultural icon—Goober from the “Andy Griffith Show.”

We chatted as the tram moved us along. He was in town for book signing. And then I got his autograph. I didn’t have any paper on me so he signed the cover of The Hobbit. So appropriate. I went on my little adventure and came away with a memorable experience. I also ran headfirst into a too-clean window at Sunglass Hut, but we won’t talk about that.

I’m reminded of my need to seek adventure and build memories rather spending my life in front of the Tube. It’s worth it to take the little (and big) chances in life.

My big adventure from last year was to sell our house in Denver and move to Denver. Even with the faltering economy in Denver, and the drought, and the wild fires, it’s been a great adventure. I restarted my marketing business when the job market was saturated with out-of-work marketing gurus with too few jobs available.

I won’t spout a bunch of clichés about how we should always seek adventure. Life can be boring at times. And boring can be good. If it doesn’t lull you to sleep, boredom can create a hunger in the heart that can get you off your tush to do what you want to do. I wanted to live in Colorado and pursue bigger projects.

We bought a house we really love. I’ve met some great people since moving here. I’ve made some good new friends. And have been renewed in my faith and career.

So, I’m like the hobbit Bilbo who put aside his fear, went on a great adventure, and took into his possession a ring of great power. And me? I get to live in a beautiful city, with a great climate, and a rebounding business community. I took the risk of a great adventure. I wonder if Aunt Bea would approve?

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Dave Carlson is the owner of Green Chair Marketing Group, a boutique marketing firm specializing in developing comprehensive marketing plans focusing on Internet strategies to help businesses succeed. He can be reached at 720-922-3124. See his Web site at www.GreenChair.net.

© 2001, Dave Carlson, All Rights Reserved

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