WHAT A MONTH!!!

It was a crazy month of July for us here at Delgado Guitars, but what a great opportunity to meet a variety of wonderful people. We had the CAAS show in mid July, followed by NAMM, then we took a short trip to California to spend some uninterrupted family time.

Although the Blog has not picked up a great deal of "members", I keep getting calls and e-mail from those of you who are reading and following along. I know "Google" asks you to "Sign-up", but if you'll take a minute to do that, not only can you stay connected, but you will be connected with others who are passionate about the creativity and beauty we are trying to expand.
My current project is one I have been working on for some time now and although it is not my primary focus (I still need to build guitars) it is taking up any free time I have, which isn't much. I can't go into details, but it would involve the opportunity to share the wonderful artistry and music of the world, to the world. I always ask and continue to ask everyone to offer up there prayers, thoughts, and positive emotions on our behalf. I believe that should this develop, it could be the vehicle I have prayed for to begin a program to help our inner city children have a shot at a brighter future. I tend to dream BIG, but I believe you have to in order to achieve an impact and make a difference. I have been blessed to find so many others who feel the same way, now it is just a matter of things falling into place. I am also encouraged by the possibility to get involved more locally in Nashville. It has to be the right fit, but again, it seems things are being put in place for this.
I will do my best to keep up with the blog, but with "Myspace", "Twitter", "Facebook", "Newsletters", work, a child, oh ya and life. You get the picture.
A brief note to look for us in late August at the Nashville Amp Expo held August 22nd & 23rd.
I encourge you to also continue to, or begin to follow your passion. And may God bless all you put your hands to!!!

It is not what we do that defines us, it is who we are that defines what we do.

I remember a time when the work and effort that was put into a project or job held value. Perhaps it was a value shared up to a generation ago, or perhaps it was how I was raised? I know I am not the only one who thinks this way though. The more I talk to people, I mean really talk, not small talk, but deep conversation about what matters in life and the realities of our world and its current situation, I am encouraged by the desire and longing for this mindset of "integrity" to return.
Just today, I spoke with a dear friend and wonderful creator of a product know as "Soundseat". JR Baker and Jack Bertron built their company on a dream and vision JR held, and the belief and commitment of Jack. Not only are they both men who embody the word "Integrity", but they offer a product that has integrity. JR and I have conversation regularly on the topic of Integrity and the lack of or surprising encounter with it. It is what we challenge ourselves daily to achieve as business owners, fathers, husbands, and friends. Before I go further, let's briefly look at the word.
Integrity. Wikipedia defines it like this; Integrity is consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome. As a holistic concept, it judges the quality of a system in terms of its ability to achieve its own goals. The ethical concept of integrity is that of basing of one's actions on a consistent framework of principles.
Based on this definition and my understanding of the word, this is why I not only use it to describe the character of a woman or man, but I will also judge a product by it.
But getting back to my conversation with JR, he was telling me of a comment on a popular forum by an individual who made the claim, "anyone who is in business is not to be trusted." We were both a bit taken back by the statement and it was obvious this individual has had poor encounters in life and apparently with every business he deals with, but it got me thinking of how many of us may feel like this at any given time. I am someone who tries to support small business and think better of people, but the reality is that there are few companies or individuals who strive to achieve greatness in what they are doing or selling. We will tip any server regardless of the service, but tip more for excellent service when in reality we should be receiving excellent service.
Many of us are afraid at times to have a high expectation or speak out for what we are paying for and this is not a matter of us "deserving better", I think it is more about us wanting to see passion and drive and desire in the world. I am not mad because my food order is not correct, I'm upset at the apathy the server has that it was not done well.
Please don't misunderstand what I am trying to say, this is not about the lack good service in business or my frustration with the world's work force. I don't get frustrated or spend much time thinking about those things to be quite honest. This is about a vast majority of people who have lost the desire and passion to have or see greatness. It matters little of what the product is; a hamburger, and mowed lawn, a painting or even a guitar. I want to be joined with the individuals who put their all into what they do. It is not what we do that defines us, it is who we are that defines what we do.
I will leave it at this for now, it is late and I am hoping to use this to begin a discussion with those who are like-minded. I leave you with a video I enjoyed and hope you will as well. Click here for Video and Thank you!

-Manuel

Dealing with work and colds

It has been a rough month for us here as we are passing a cold around our house. Trying to get back in shape and every time it seems I get hit with an injury or illness. Makes me think I was better off eating junk food and drinking beer. I have my family to think of and my health is just as important to their well being as it is to mine.
Working on multiple projects and feeling a bit over whelmed right now so prayers are always welcomed.
Keep posted and I will do my best to keep this Blog going better than I have in the past.