Waiting for Billy

A year ago, my best friend, Billy Atkins was called home. Rarely does a day go by without thinking of him and it’s still hard to believe he’s gone from our world. I loved him like a brother and I miss him deeply. I know he rests in a better place and one day; we will meet again. 

Billy was a husband, father, businessman and musician. He was well liked and would give the shirt off his back to help a friend. In our younger days, he would chauffeur me around the countryside until I was sober enough to drive. We would listen to music and talk. I miss those talks.

Both our hearts were in the same place talking about right verses wrong, honesty and our beliefs. We had a lot in common.

I learned at his funeral service that Billy and his wife, Michelle, donated the funding needed to excavate  a well for his cousin’s wonderful orphanage program overseas- Sending Hope International. The program rescues children from the sex slave trade and provides hope. The water used to quench those thirsty children will always be a gift from Billy and Michelle Atkins.Their generosity touches lives daily and is truly something meaningful!

When Billy and I were single, I recall him always being the last to be ready. Whenever a group of us were going somewhere, we always waited for him. We did so because, we knew it wouldn’t be the same without him.

But the day Billy was called home, I believe he was ready.

About a week before his passing he sent me a message and told me how proud he was of me. In 40 years of friendship, he never uttered those words. It was almost like a parting message; as if he knew his time was short.

Billy’s life was a song of epic and majestic proportions. The melody was his good cheer and the chorus was his big heart. The progression of his life  was a gift and his chords to us. His finale brought us to tears.

Now- he is waiting on us.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle Atkins, Dawn Kamen and their families, relatives and friends!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Be Good to Yourself!

The other day I watched one of the most picturesque snowfalls. It reminded me of the type of snow shower we wish for on Christmas Eve. Those soft, heavy snowflakes gently floating down covering pine trees in such an awesome display of majestic quietness.

For at least 10 years, I’ve worked in a basement office with no windows. The drive home is spent focusing on dealing with road conditions, traffic and a driveway in need of shoveling. Upon returning home from work, darkness begins to settle leaving little chance to see the beauty of a heavy snowfall.

We tend to become so caught up in the moment; we often fail to see the beauty around us. It reminds me how much I’ve missed over the years by not taking the time to recognize how marvelous something simple can be. We scurry through our days and years until we become a stranger to outside stimuli. We place ourselves in a loop, unable to stop long enough to notice what we’re missing or even care.

Maybe it’s time we change our minds? Instead of viewing everything as a “push” to get through the moment, maybe we need to spend more time with an open mind. The daily clutter manages to clog our brain with lots of negative and uncreative thoughts. We need an escape plan.

Let’s take the time to enjoy our families, surroundings and life. Put the rat race on hold and give yourself quality time to take a deep breath and observe the very things we take for granted. Separate yourself from conflict, drama and noise.

Be good to yourself.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Guest Post: Finding your Purpose!

I am delighted to be able to have my friend, Mary Martin, as a guest writer today. Mary has written regular blogs for The Mansfield News Journal, Montgomery Advertiser,The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspapers online at Cleveland.com and Bloggers.com.

For awhile, I simply knew her as “hug momma” which was taken from her website, Hug Momma- a Collection of Stories. As our professional relationship grew, I discovered she has a passion to make a difference. Mary is a prolific story writer, strong in her faith, passionate about politics, and a devoted Wife and Mother. Mary has inspired me with her stories, support and friendship.

Mary Martin is an artist. She is currently working on her first book and creating a new website focusing on politics and news. Mary is likely my most loyal follower, judging by her comments and number of visits. She is also the only person brave enough to hit the “follow button” on my website. I am honored to call Mary a friend.

Please give a special warm welcome to Mary Martin and feel free to comment and follow Mary on her website and her journey to success!

Jim Carver

Finding your Purpose

I can’t tell you how many books I have purchased, or motivational tapes I have watched, or sermons I have sat through in the quest to answer the craving question, “What is My Purpose.” I can begin by naming the ones off the top of my head by talented well known speakers, followed by the ones I checked out from the library, the ones I did workbooks for, I can spot those sporadically stashed on the book shelf, and finally, I can check my audio book collection and find a few there, as well. I, my friends, am a well studied purpose seeker.

I’ve held at least three professional licenses, had several full of adrenalin bursts into promising careers each fizzling into unfulfilling monotony. I was like a little girl who had slid down the big slide with hands waving in excitement only to land hard at the bottom with a mouth full of sand. Full of disappointment, I’d ask myself what happened, and why didn’t I see this wipeout coming. I questioned if there was some flaw in me that was keeping me from achieving what most healthy people do. Was I a quitter, or perhaps just not the person I credit myself to be? In utter defeat, I would ask God, “Why?” and reason with Him that if I knew my purpose I could better serve Him.

Over and over people would ask me, “Well, what do you like to do?” and “What do you feel the most fulfilled doing?” I would draw a blank. The pace of raising my family offered little indulgent time, and with my past ventures not panning out, I had no confidence to take further risks. Others would encourage me to, “Keep going, you will find it eventually.” Those words were difficult to swallow, because to me it meant, “Continue to fail.”

Often, the simplest answers are the right ones. For me, this has proven true to the “what is my purpose” question. TRUST GOD. Every failure, every success, every book I read, person I met, every topic I studied has not been wasted. Every experience was forming a foundation of purpose. Like neatly stacked bricks and mortar, every day was part of building who God has created me to be. I couldn’t see it at the time, but with surrender and a determination to trust God and serve Him today, with whatever I have today, has freed me from the burden of needing to achieve greatness.

You have given me today, Lord, what would You like to do? Perhaps write a blog.

 IN His service – Mary Martin  http://hugmomma.com

 

Free at Last!

Earlier today, my boss walked into my office, stating: “Let’s take a walk, we have something to discuss.” The scene reminded me of the Prisoners of War being befriending by their captors and one day having to lead the walk to the gas chamber. ‘Just doing my job’ is what they were told prior to the executions. I am sure it was a stressful situation for him as well and people do what they must do to protect themselves.

The President of Human Resources and my department Vice President were seated in the room. The HR person proceeded to tear-up and give me the script of “Due to a reduction of staff, unfortunately your job has been eliminated.” I was extremely nervous, but relieved at the same time.

Our medical insurance expires at the end of the month. My head is spinning with thoughts of bills, debt and our very existance. What to do next? How can I even sleep? How can a system that two people gave nearly 65 years of your blood, sweat and tears just toss you aside?

Ethics require a Heart and a Conscience

With my wife being laid-off in June from the same employer, two questions have recently been on my mind:

When a company knows the husband and wife are depended on the income of the same employer would it be ethical to lay both spouses off?

 

When you lay-off the spouse, how ethical is it to fight against unemployment benefits when the other spouse is still employed by the same employer?

 

The Writing on the Wall

I was expecting to be laid-off partly because:

·        Last Friday, my wife won her hearing with the State of Ohio against her former employer protesting her unemployment compensation.

·        My boss has mostly steered away from me for a month or so.

·        The institution announced upcoming layoffs weeks ago.

The few take-a-ways from the last 32 years are getting to know some great people. I must thank my former employer for the inspiration for much of my writing over the last few years. It appears age, years of service, the strategic plan and challenging the system comes with a price. A price I have gladly paid to do Something Meaningful that Matters.

So ironically- on Martin Luther King Day; I am finally - Free at Last!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Wisdom to Know the Difference!

People often worry about circumstances out of their control. Worrying used to be one of my “other jobs.” Over the years, I have battled with creating “what if” scenarios and nearly every time the situation I feared- never happened. Slowly, I’ve realized spending time and energy by focusing on “what if” is a monumental loss of productivity and growth.

In A.A.meetings, one of the common slogans is “Let go and Let God.” Carrying worries, resentment and grudges not only lessons your chance of sobriety; it prevents one from moving forward with growth, opportunity and spirituality. The biggest factors most people find troubling are jobs, relationships and money. Mentally beating yourself-up over something that may never happen is never a solution.

Even if our worst fear becomes reality wouldn’t we be better served to focus on a solution after it transpires? Planning ahead for a possible catastrophe is foolish. By responding in this negative manner you are placing yourself as a “victim” with your mind and actions. Conditioning yourself to this attitude devalues your self-esteem, opens yourself up for easy defeat and guarantees failure.

Obsessing over negative situations should be replaced by focusing on changing the things you can make a difference with the outcome. Instead of being “stuck” inside your own prison walls, focus on doing something to help someone else. Checkout of the pity-party and lift your spirit up by doing something inspirational and motivational. If we spent half of the time doing something positive, instead of negative; our jobs, relationships and financial situations would improve immensely.

Worrying give us the excuse to do nothing. We sabotage ourselves due to fear. After all, worry is nothing but fear. It’s that little voice of resistance in our head attempting to stop you from doing great work, urging you to stay with the status quo and never venture outside the hut.

Several years ago, I was looking at the possibility of having lung cancer. After a botched biopsy procedure, I had to have major surgery to remove tissue for another biopsy. My time wasn’t focused on worrying if I had cancer or not. My concern was for my wife and would she have the financial stability to live without me?

 Once those fears were resolved I was completely at peace with myself situation and God.

 Now, one would reason having a terminal illness would send someone over the cliff with worry and fear. Especially me, I am a master of worry. I learned it’s the little things in life that keeps us in fear and prevents us from doing what we were put on this Earth to do. The big obstacles usually take care of themselves. Trust me, it’s true.

More importantly, it’s the wisdom to know the difference!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Do Something Meaningful





"Buckeye"



In a previous blog, I reported spotting a dog in a nearby park system upon driving home from work. I recalled reading on an employee’s bulletin board a story of a missing dog. The dog owner’s home had been burglarized and the thieves peppered sprayed the young dog. The door must have been open and the traumatized pup ran away despite wearing a radio-controlled collar.

I returned to my place of work and contacted the owners.

I drove by the park area again the next day (Friday) after work after I previously contacted the owners. The mixed-breed pup darted across Park Avenue West in Mansfield, Ohio during rush-hour traffic. How it kept from getting hit was probably an act of divinity on that icy day. I turned the car around and spotted the dog near the entrance to South Park.

 I stopped the car and (not remembering the dogs name from the “wanted” poster), got out of the car, attempting to coax the young dog towards me. He looked at me long enough that I recognized the radio-controlled collar on his neck. The dog turned around, pranced away and after about 20 yards distance from me, stopped, barked once, and headed back towards the busy intersection.

I had failed.

I drove back to my place of work and called the dog owners who confirmed from my description of the collar and coat, it was their missing dog “Buckeye.” They said they would drive down to our park system and look for the dog. I informed them I would also go back and search. I found the owners in the park and we couldn’t spot “Buckeye” at all.

We were disappointed and the owner stated he would walk through the entire park on Saturday. My wife and I drove through the park system on Saturday evening after a wedding searching for the dog. I know the drive scared her as we drove around North Lake Park and were followed closely by another car. The only relief came when we noticed two police cruisers sitting in the park.

At this point “Buckeye” had been missing for a week and the cold weather along with another new snowstorm and freezing temperatures had me realizing the young pup’s chances of surviving the elements, traffic and lack of food were running out.

I attempted to drive through the parks the next week after work and whenever I went through town. Nothing, Buckeye had disappeared.

Earlier this week we had a fire in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. It was reported two dogs died during the fire inside the house which was being used strangely enough, for storage. I prayed “Buckeye” wasn’t one of those poor dogs.

Then I received this email today:

Jim,

Were you the person who called me about the missing dog?! I hope so because I wanted to let you know we found him in Middle Park on the Saturday before Christmas! He was very dirty and smelly but otherwise OK and he slept for the next 3 days! Thank you so much for your persistence, Buckeye made it home for Christmas!

Ellen

My prayers had been answered. The young pup had been re-united after a terrible ordeal of theft. The last day of the year I realized this would be the most meaningful achievement I accomplished all year. I put my heart and soul in finding “Buckeye” and was successful. I am happy for the family.

Happy New Year and Thank you

After less than 6 months and 114 posts of The Rust Belt Chronicles on Blogger.com- my audience has reached 7,000 people from around the world. I couldn’t remain inspired without your views, comments and caring.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart while looking forward to 2013 and-  

Doing something meaningful that matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Quest of a Writer!

Yesterday, I failed to post a blog. I really didn’t have anything gnawing at my soul to deliver to you, but as the night wore on- I was torn by not producing an article. The inability to create a little magic for a night made me feel like something was missing. Call it guilt or laziness, but it was anything except- a night of relaxation.

For me, it was another moment of realizing I am a writer.

It’s my love, journey and a quiet time to reflect, think or share. The chance to discover what determines how actions, relationships and ideas determine our reactions.

Searching to discover what’s behind the daily messages or noise by dissecting the moment and seeking truth. It’s about the moment of breaking down obstacles, underscoring lessons learned and engaging in tribulations with my readers. Writing is the opportunity to help others by giving back, educating and sharing hope, inspiration and insight.

This is what I love to do and my purpose for being here!

I am a writer, certainly not the best or worse. Better yet, I am a writer who cares and wants to make a difference. Sometimes reaching out where others will fail to venture. This is my calling, my passion to serve by attempting to do something meaningful and hopefully make a difference.

I hope it’s a legacy others follow. The quest to make an impact in people’s lives.

It is simply my gift to you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Raising the Bar of Leadership!

 

“Do not take the agenda that someone else has mapped out for your life.”
― John C. Maxwell

Hold On

The quest to push “the powers in charge” is simply a call for integrity and accountability. One of the main reasons for the lack of those morals is fear. Management plays the fear card and employees respond. Government practices the same measures. Although those in hallowed offices and chambers view it as a form of strategic marketing management- it's not!

A plan designed to hold people in fear, keeping them from recognizing truth and limiting their resources. In truth, it’s a deployment of walls within a calculated plan to harness your mind and productivity. Business and Government have manipulated the public successfully for years. The plan worked extremely well until it contributed to the fall of the Industrial Age.

Blinded By the Light

Greed, power and corruption led to a blinded future. The outcome few cared about. The end-game played out and the deck was stacked. Those who bought into the cycle of fear lost. Only a few walked away unscathed.

The gatekeepers under those at the helm are actually fueled by a higher degree of fear and caution. The ability to placate both ends of the spectrum, while maintaining position or elective status is a stressful job. Selling out their souls for a title to serve the employees or voters in mass requires the skill to not recognize “the man in the glass.”

Come Together

We need people to become involved in politics and business for honest reasons. The heck with party lines- let’s fix something broke. Recognize the playing field and develop a sound strategic plan based on principals to bring integrity and accountability back to our purpose in life.

Stop the whining and babble. We want honesty, truth and something worth standing up for. We want to feel alive and live a purposeful life.

Last Train to Clarksville

 I believe we have forgotten our strengths and our ability of courage to create change. We’ve become numb from listening too much, believing everyone else’s agenda or just plain given up.

Enough’s- enough, let’s reclaim our spirit, our freedom and our rights.

What can you do to create positive change today?

“We cannot become what we need by remaining what we are.”
― John C. Maxwell

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Difference Makers!



Photo courtesy of: Silicone Prairie News.

 

Several days ago, I wrote a blog about the apparent political choices inducing a negative outcome between government, employers and employees. The day after the election some companies began to introduce massive layoffs and/ or the reduction of full-time jobs with benefits. I failed to cover some obvious positive possibilities during that blog due to time constraints. So let’s talk about the upside to another seemingly down-economy.

The best time to start your own business is now

The corporate uncertainty has created a seam within industries. Some corporations cease performing specific functions for consumers due to overall costs. Perhaps you know of a simple way to streamline one of those lost services and can start your own business by offering a solution without the overhead or added cost. The idea doesn’t have to be original, it just needs to provide income and grow.

Hours cut, remember that business idea you had? 

You have the window of opportunity to attempt to make it happen. Use your free time creatively and work up a business plan to start your own business. Keep it simple and effective. Focus on specific ways to bring your product or services to market, and then do the additional research as required.

Some other tips:

·        Seek advice from those with a positive knowledge of experience. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your plan with people who failed, family members who don’t understand or friends who don’t really care. This is the recipe for failure! While they may have good intentions this will produce nothing worth the time or effort.

·        Seek out those in online forums or send emails direct to someone who has professionally succeeded. You’d be surprised how many people will respond with helpful information. Virtually every function necessary to run a business is freely available through the Internet. Study the choices- some are free; others are costly.  

·        Attend business seminars or ask questions of others in small business or local entrepreneurs. Again, helpful advice is at your fingertips. It’s not like you’re asking for secret ingredients!

·        Some small businesses or agencies provide locations (space) to run your operation. Perhaps you need a kitchen setup or a small room for machinery. Spaces can be leased and sometimes grants are available to fund those startups. If not, maybe lease a small building and start your own business leasing space.

I was discovered many choices and sources available when I decided to author and self-publish my book. I studied options and researched the choices extensively to find a suitable situation.

One of the simple pleasures in life is building something and doing the work required to allow the process to mature. Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business isn’t something you do from beginning to end in one afternoon. But, it doesn’t require a degree or years of work either to start.

The quality of the people you seek information from and your own passion are the difference makers.

While being laid-off or having your hours reduced can be psychologically or cash crippling, it gives us that one opportunity we’ve possibly never had- to live our dream and do something meaningful!

When the economy is suffering for some, new roads become available.

Don’t allow a scheme to pigeon-hole you into sleep, depression or suicide.

Find your passion or dream, start living and feeling alive.

That’s all we really need! 

I’d love to hear your comments, views or ideas. Feel free to contact me with your questions!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Artist Manifesto

Here’s an essential item for any aspiring artist, writer, procrastinator or just someone in need of an inspirational pick-me-up.

Photo credit: Ashley Goins.

 Jeff Goins the author of Wrecked, penned the Artist Manifesto.  Jeff’s words resonate brilliantly concerning our how to be a creative force of good for the world through art.

He commissioned Mandy Thompson to create the visual art to his manifesto. Mandy did a superb job and she offers various sizes of the print through Etsy. Mandy is a terrific artist in her own right. Her blog looks great and judging from her artwork for Jeff, Mandy has a very promising future doing what she loves to do.

Note: If you enter the word “Manifesto” in the coupon code during the purchase before Monday the opportunity exists to receive a 25% discount off the purchase.

I was fortunate to purchase a copy the beautiful artwork last evening and I wanted to share it with my readers. In case you didn’t take a look and read the first link I posted; you may read Jeff Goins- The Artist Manifesto below:

The Artist Manifesto~ by Jeff Goins

This is it. NO TURNING BACK. No excuses, no delays. Time to sit down and focus. To show up and create. To paint and play and craft. To DREAM and vision-cast.

To make all things new.

This is beauty in action. Life in full swing. THIS IS ART.

There are no ringside seats or sick days. Everyone must play. No second chances. You only get one shot. All you have is today.

THE TIME IS NOW. To inspire wonder and awe. To speak up in a world fast asleep at the wheel.

We’re counting on you. To be creative. To AWAKEN our souls with beauty. To use your heart and hands to bring meaning back into the universe.

Because without you we are all lost.

Life makes no sense without prophets and poets.

We need you to DO THE WORK and honor your call. To tap into the Muse and find your voice.

We cannot do this alone. We have lost the child-within. That part of us content to stare at clouds — at home with magic and mystery. We need your help to find her. So that we can dance and laugh and sing. So that we can BE WHOLE once again.

WILL YOU GUIDE US?

If you are a writer, I highly recommend Jeff’s blog and newsletter. He is one of the best bloggers for aspiring writers in the world! Mr. Goins is climbing the ladder of success and has had an impact on my life. It’s refreshing to see a young man who spends much of his time helping others accomplish their goals.

Jeff has given everyone permission to share his manifesto to anyone through a blog, Twitter, Facebook or any other form of social media. So feel free to share, distribute, or copy The Artist Manifesto.

Better yet, purchase a beautiful copy today!

 Keep it near you to remind yourself “why” you are an artist and “why”- what you do matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Door is Open!

Photo courtesy of: mRio.

 

Many of the things we could achieve in our lives are within our grasp today.

We no longer need permission from a higher authority to begin.

Recognition by the fraternity, a degree or license isn’t necessary.

The door is open!

Find your passion, spread the idea and build your tribe.

Do what you’ve always dreamed or talked about.

Give it your best shot.

Just do it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.