Well...even though I have possibly three folks who read my random thoughts, on the off chance someone I don't know stumbles across this 'blog,' I'll explain why it's been nearly two years since I posted. (Yes, it's related to why my earlier posts focused on the manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy.)

My father spent most of his working life at the glass manufacturing plant in the small city where I grew up. They made shower doors, oven door windows, glass table tops for patio tables with a hole in the middle for the umbrella support pole, and even bullet-proof glass. We still have a pair of book ends made from the overrun of one order for bullet-proof glass. They're triangular shaped and about four inches thick, made from layers of "flat glass" held together by layers of some transparent plastic. And they're heavy as all get-out.

Dad never recovered from a major stroke he suffered in April of 2008. And he really went into decline shortly after I launched HerdofOne. I was close to my dad. And his death in January of 2011 hit me very hard.

When the news broke that the plant where he worked was closing its doors (after two changes in ownership and a shift to glass specifically for the solar industry), I thought about re-starting this blog. But I still wasn't ready. Finally, I'm strong enough to "put my thoughts out there" in the blogosphere; however, I'm changing the focus. I think Dad will understand.

If we can't rely on "other people" to "create jobs," we'll just have to do it ourselves. That's exactly what I've done. I have created a job for myself. Besides, the freelance writing gigs have completely dried up. Am I making a profit? Not by a long shot. But I'm investing in me.

This will not turn into a "Hey, buy Brand X from ME!!!" Or "Do you need ABC services? Then I'm your gal!" I'd like to report on small companies, entrepreneurs, and self-employed folks in a positive way. Those who may be worried, but have not given up the ship. Those who continue to believe they are responsible for their opportunities and get up every day to make things happen.

And I'll do my best to not let another two years lapse before I post again.

[I still miss you, Dad.]