Seeking for the simple things of life...

As we strive for that which truly matters in life, we find joy! Joy is not found in the complexities of the world, nor is it found in the contentions of the society in which we live, but in the simple truths of eternity. In seeking for simplicity, ridding ourselves of contention and complexity; and in experiencing joy, we don't necessarily find it as we might hope, even so it is joy none the less.

In 1987 when we felt compelled to simplify our lives, we found joy amid the sorrows of travail and tribulation in cancer. The greater lesson of perspective was a tender mercy and blessing that came thereby. Recently, whether borne of the stress of it all, we again have felt a need to seek for more joy in our lives, and have thus sought again to simplify. Who knows what may be in store. Even so, after the challenges of 2005, we have sought to simplify in 2006. We are progressing!

In January we closed a chapter in our lives with the unwinding of a great and profitable partnership in SRS, and the creation of sole ownership of SRS Capital Partners. In August, we closed another chapter in the sale of Moneyline. In September, we will close another with the sale of the Sunchase Apartments and dissolution of Comco III. We also completed the funding of Oxford Media and related acquisition of SVI Hotel Corporation. Although purchasing a new company may not seem a part of simplification, it stabilizes Oxford and thus provides for less complexity in our lives. By year end we will have recapitalized Strawberry Farms and sold our interests in Ruby’s (maybe), and re-created Kilravock Holdings, Inc. as a partnership. All in all, the simplification continues, thus affording time, energy and resource to those things that truly matter in life, thus JOY! More time with our children and grandchildren; more time at the Temple; more time in church service; more time in worthy causes…Care For Life and Mitt Romney’s presidential pursuits. All in all, 2006 is becoming the year we had hoped, more joy!