Tim, so great musing with you. Yes, you had a special vision some ten (maybe more) years ago. It had to be frightening for you to even finally consider the all the changes you made professionally and personally. There was so much to loose and total uncertainty of any gain much less a livelihood. I could see your early passion and it certainly came as no surprise that you would eventually tag your new business with such an appropriate name.
Then you send this message during the Christian and Jewish weeks of passion, a very different kind for those of us who may lean to the more secular existence. I come from a family of mixed faiths and tend to lean more to the Judaic teachings - but Easter is a wonderful time along with Passover as they occur at my most favorite time of the year, that being Spring (as in Springer, pun intended) because it is when life is fresh and spontaneous.
You, my friend, have certainly been spontaneous by going to the pen (actually the keyboard) and sharing precious moments of the past with us. As I have previously told you, I am likely at a point in life when I am beyond another timepiece acquisition but were I able, I would follow you much more closely in your pursuit of support for these wonderful independents. It will likely best be through you, and other of your peers, that these artist/craftsmen are able to be more greatly exposed to the most appreciative buyers. That you and your independent watchmakers depend on those buyers it behooves you to work hard, give up sleep for personal contact and to never compromise your personal relationship. You have worked hard to gain the trust and respect of so many, even some who may appear to have fallen by the wayside, so to speak.
I just want you to know that Bud and Mickey have not fallen, merely slowed down a small bit. We still want to be honored by your communications so keep us on those mailing lists.
Cheers back at you, as always, Bud Springer