Tag Archives: January

February 8, 2010 · 3:42 pm

Achievers: Meet Michael Gates Gill, National Best-Selling Author (Exclusive Interview)

(photos taken by Travis Levius)

We’ve all heard triumphant “rags-to -riches” success stories in our lifetime- but have we witnessed a riches-to-rags story…and still consider it a triumph?

It may be difficult to believe, but author and Starbucks barista Michael Gates Gill challenges millions of people about what a great, inspiring life looks like.  Best-seller “How Starbucks Saved My Life” is an autobiography by Gill who was raised in the highest social circles on Earth- meeting Jackie Onassis, Queen Elizabeth, and Ernest Hemingway, going to Yale, and landing a six-figure ad agency job immediately after graduation.  He was living the high life in New York City and made no apologies for it…then situations rocked his entire life.

He was fired from his prestigious job because of his older age, went through a divorce due to his adultery, and ran his own consulting company only to see it crash and burn. This “born rich” man became unemployed for 10 years, and during this time discovered he had a brain tumor.

Through desperation he sought out an open position at Starbucks Coffee near Harlem, serving customers, cleaning bathrooms, and handling the register- not exactly the glamorous life he’s experienced since birth.  Continue reading →

Leave a Comment

Filed under Achievers {Exclusive Interviews}

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

January 31, 2010 · 10:17 pm

Proverbs: Conan O’Brien

“Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get.  But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen” –Conan O’Brien, during his final episode of the “Tonight Show.”

…with my recent experiences, I can vouch for that.

–And if you’re first reaction to the news of his departure from the “Tonight Show” is one of failure/disaster…you might just have a limited mind.  I guarantee that if continues to 1) work hard and Continue reading →

Leave a Comment

Filed under Proverbs {Quotations}

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

January 27, 2010 · 10:56 pm

ADVENTURES! Meeting Michael Gates Gill: Inspirational National Best-Selling Author

I promise I will start writing about my amazing back stories- which was one of the main reasons for the website altogether.  So far I’ve put video, music, photos, and present observations into the site without one personal story to share.    I wanted to start with something earlier, but one recent experience last week (on MLK Jr. Day) was so awesome that I have to make it my first “Personal Adventure” story while it’s fresh in my mind.

So finally, without further and delayed ado, here is my first Personal Adventure story for all to read on MisterLevius.com.  (Yipeeee!)

(all images taken by Travis Levius)

————————————————-

In a Nutshell:

I went to a bookstore event determined- with camera and mic recorder in tow- and without enough change to head home on the public transit bus…90 minutes later I walk out with $15, a free book bought by a total stranger, and an autograph and interview with a national best-selling author.

In the late morning on Martin Luther King Day, I talked to God and said “I don’t what you have in store for me today, or where I’m going to be- all I know is that I’m going to have an amazing day.” The sequential events later that day compel me to believe that it worked.

Two days before, I didn’t know anything about Michael Gates Gill, author of popular best-selling book “How Starbucks Saved My Life.” He was coming to Atlanta to promote his new book “How to Save Your Own Life,” Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under A D V E N T U R E S !

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

January 18, 2010 · 1:47 pm

The Path: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Beyond a “Day Off”

(photo taken by Travis Levius)

Over the years, I’ve been guilty of ignoring the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Most would admit along with me that for the most part, it’s been just “a day off” from work and school, and an excuse to go shopping or travel for 3 days.  Today, I have kindly forgiven myself of my past attitude, for with a new state of mind I’m responding to the holiday in a different light.  And I encourage you, fellow readers, to participate with me.

MLK Day is more than a holiday…it’s a DREAM day.

Do you have a lofty goal, vision, or master plan in hopes to change the world?  And if you don’t…why? 

Do you think it’s “impossible”?

“wishful thinking”?

“never been done before”?

I would love for naysayers to transport themselves back to the time of a wet-eared pastor in his 20′s, conducting underground meetings in high heat for long hours, listening to him talk about America being drastically desegregated and people of all races mingling together without contempt for one another.  No more “Colored Only” signs.  No more prohibition of college students of color.  And with a more accepting nation, possibly opening doors for America to have a future black President.

King’s lofty dream was to dramatically change the deep-rooted racial climate of America into a more accepting, equal, Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under The Path {Introspection}

Tagged as , , , , , , ,