danielincandela.com

This past year marked a notable growth spurt for this site – not just in traffic, but in types of content. It was a landmark year, where I introduced more posts and new types of content, including video, art concepts, a children’s story, and much more photography. This is the 2011 snapshot of danielincandela.com. I never expected the site to go in this direction, it was definitely a fluid approach.

2011 Blog Cloud

This site has now become more than just a hobby. It requires management, a direction, a content calendar and a strategy. That’s a really good sign.

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Filed under: Projects by Daniel
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It launched. Years in the making. Days of brainstorming. It took the work of my best friend Despi Ross to pull it all together. Her husband and brilliant artist, John Ross created the RobotoWear logo. Childhood friend and financial guru, Peter Dunn is on board as CFO. And former colleague and buddy, Matt Gipson handled the web design – which rocks.

RobotoWear.com

What am I talking about?

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Filed under: Projects, Robots by Daniel
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You’ll notice new posts from me every four to six weeks. It should be more frequent, but it’s difficult to carve out opportunities. I also write from time-to-time for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway blog, the INDYCAR blog and you see it differently than.me. I feel like I bounce all over the place.

Balance – it’s been a struggle over the past year – new baby, new job, new adventures, new projects, new challenges. Sometimes I think I barely made it. And sometimes I think I could handle more (that’s the balance issue for you).

I used to cook regularly. I’d dream of becoming a chef. I’d spend a big part of my Sunday’s creating recipes I’d never tasted. Those days are mostly gone.

Although I did whip this up this afternoon

I would love to attend culinary school. If I ever retire (or win the lottery) – I want to become a chef. Perhaps own a small restaurant. Or travel around the world learning about new cultures and recipes.

I consider cooking a creative outlet. It’s up there with writing and photography for me. There’s the process, decision making and final creation. It’s shared, offered and provides. And people love food.

I haven’t cooked a meal in months. I made my son a scrambled egg recently. I sauteed some spinach a couple of weeks ago. Today I made carrot cake. It’s been a tough year for cooking! How can I find the time with a hectic job and a baby son?

It’s okay though. Cooking’s not going anywhere – unless we all start eating space meals.

Unknowingly, I redirected my creativity into other areas because of such big changes in life.

I try to be creative in my approach to fatherhood. I use my rare free time to write more than I ever have. I take photos whenever I can. I’m more thoughtful about the personal projects I undertake. I’m leading a healthier lifestyle to best cope with stress and lack of time. I’m more selective in what I watch or read. I’m starting a clothing line. I actually feel like I’m hitting my stride and I’m lucky to have a wife that does nothing but encourage me.

Looking through the lens - enjoying photography

So cooking might be on the back burner, but I’ve learned that through the challenges – both personal and professional, I’ve not slowed down. I’m still creating and I’m definitely growing.

I think that one of the characteristics of creativity. It’s not something that can be suppressed. It always finds a way to emerge, even if you may not know it at the time.

I’m not cooking much anymore, but I’m creating more than ever – with less time, more responsibilities, and one year older.

Here’s to finding balance…

Filed under: Food by Daniel
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Over the past few months, I’ve listened to Pandora on a regular basis. Daily at work, in the car and also at home. It rocks. I created a bunch of stations, including The Pharcyde station, a hip hop group I somehow missed over the years, even though I was certain I would like them. I love them. One song hit me instantly – Runnin’. It’s a laid back track that reminds me of the west coast, palm trees. a cool breeze and being happy. It’s my current #1 song I listen to on a flight.

Aside from Runnin’, I’m also running again. I’ve had an on again/off again relationship with running, and in the last week, I’ve found it again and it feels great. There’s a new technology component to it as well. I run with my iPhone which lets me stream Pandora or listen to my music library through the iPod. It also allows me take photos along the way (something I always wanted to do). I can send texts, receive calls, and send a tweet – all admittedly, very hard to do while running. But I usually give myself a couple of blocks to cool down from a run. I use this time to record ideas or send e-mails that have come to me during the trek. Running is a healthier past time for me, but more importantly, it’s a creative exercise. I cover a lot of things while pounding the pavement and listening to music. Which is timely.

Outside of a hectic work schedule, I’m working on a few creative personal projects that have a pretty big scope. I’m lucky to be working on some of these with people I respect and love. Some of these projects have been in the works for years. Some of them are brand new. Either way, I’m really excited about them and hope to share information with you all very soon. I’m taking these one step at a time, but to me, they’re all big, big steps. It’s been a long time coming.

I’ve always relied on good ideas coming to me in the shower or on a long run. I’m glad I’m now doing both.

Snapped whilst running

Filed under: Random by Daniel
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Remember Ted the airline? It was a sub-brand of United Airlines several years ago. It was eliminated in 2008 because of high fuel costs and the general problems most US Airline carriers have in running a profitable business. I feel sorry for the airlines. What ever happened to the romance, the thrill of flying? It’s gone. I wish I had been around during the glory days of Pan Am.

TED offices

But, I’m actually writing about TED today. You know, the Ideas worth sharing people.

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Filed under: Random by Daniel
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