In a world of
never ending errors and omissions, where information is always flowing and
comments are always required, there is one who has always been up to the task;
the venerable Red Pencil. For decades it has stood ever ready to correct the
grammar of a poorly worded callout note, to adjust the track head locations in
a museum gallery that's been completely rearranged without your knowledge, or
to ask such seemingly simple questions as "wasn't this a conference room
in the last revision?”
Yet, despite
their usefulness, the red pencil is so frequently neglected. Too often it is
caught up in papers destined for the recycle bin, it’s tossed into a purse or
laptop bag never to be seen again, or tucked behind an ear and inadvertently
taken home where it is chewed by the dog and summarily discarded. Time and
again, through all of these indignities, the useful life of this loyal office
tool is tragically cut short and it's soft red light snuffed out before it's
time.
Today, we at
Abernathy Lighting Design wish to take a moment to pay tribute to one of our
own. While no one can remember just when Stubby was first removed from his
crisp white box in the supply closet, we can all remember his many days moving
from desk to desk, from pencil cup to pencil cup, marking and commenting his
way through shop drawing submittals, electrical drawing reviews, and even the
occasional contract rewrite. Stubby served his time with dignity and grace and
it is with great pride that, today, we bid a fond retirement to our old friend after
a lifetime of faithful service. While it is always hard to say goodbye to
long-time colleagues, often it is for the best as, quite frankly, Stubby simply
doesn't fit in the pencil sharpener any more.
And so, as we
reflect on the storied career of our dear friend Stubby, we encourage you all
to glance around your desks, your work tables and conference rooms, and bid a
simple Thank You to the many daily implements of design which so many of us
take for granted.
Stubby, we
wish you well in retirement, and while we know that there are many in the
supply closet who can perform your tasks, you can never truly be replaced!
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