A Tribute to "Stubby"

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!