When I got involved in Meadow Fresh Farms, (@ age 17), I met a person who has since passed away - Carlton Ferguson. It would be difficult to find a more eccentric and energetic man. Ferguson was a:
- Devout Mormon
- A widower
- An inventor.
- Quoted poetry with precision and without hesitation.
Books were stuffed in every nook and cranny throughout his house.
When he died, I had no knowledge that he ever possessed a social security number. He represented himself in front of the IRS, and using their own Internal Revenue Code, proved that as a U.S. citizen he did NOT have to pay taxes.
I don't think he ever did.
Ferguson drove a beat-up old station wagon with wood on the side. That wagon would get around 60 miles per gallon. He was a very intelligent, curious & articulate engineer. He had invented some type of additive for the fuel system and it generated not only power, but fuel efficiency. When I met this man, I had an opportunity to get my curiosity fueled in ways that were very impressionable at that time in my life.
In his late 70's, Ferguson could do a thousand deep knee bends, and hundreds of sit-ups and push-ups without any trouble. Inside his living room he had a trampoline that was about three feet in diameter. Because of his belief in stimulating his lymphatic system, he would watch TV programs at night and he would bounce on that trampoline until the TV program was over.
Ferguson was one of the most amazing men I have ever known. I will never forget him. Recalling this story makes me think that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get to know people who are different from you. Make a point to get to know people who are interesting and who are eccentric. You will be shocked at how much you can learn from them.
Just as Ferguson was critical to developing my own insatiable curiosity, be open to the interesting people that you come in contact with. Slow down, listen to them and ask them interesting questions.
This one idea properly focused on in 2015 will add texture and meaning to your life.
Remember to share your interesting stories with me. I'm interested!
Peace, Love and Gumbo,
Marvin LeBlanc, LUTCF, CNP
