June 7th, 2022

 Tuesday June 7th, 2022

Partly sunny. Sunrise at 5:16am setting at 8:24pm

National VCR Day.

June 6th, 2022

 Many Sunday nights around 5:35pm I drove home from dropping the Shepkids off with tears in my eyes.

The first couple years it happened after every exchange of custody. The last year or so it only happens when we had a great weekend.

Last night on the way back home I drove in shock while Hazel and Fritz did the crying.

Around 5:30pm on Sunday their mother told them she didn’t want them anymore. The Shepkids faced the hardest day in their young lives. It was their D-Day.

Now before we start feeling sorry for the Shepkids and offering me support... let’s focus on the problem.

Mental Illness….

I can easily start bashing the Shepkids mom, but what I need to point out is that she is in mental anguish. She was in pain well before we met and being a single mother has been tough for her.

The Shepkids are safe right now in the Divorced Dad District of Riverside. I don’t know what the hell the immediate future brings…

…I do know I won’t be making bacon Sunday mornings in the buff this summer.

I quote a political figure on today’s chalkboard. On an anniversary where many lives changed.

I’d much rather have a screaming Hinsdale girl throwing a temper tantrum than a nazi shooting a rifle at me.

Shepkids D-Day… this morning they’ll wake up and see the chalkboard. That was the original purpose for it anyway.

We’ve come full circle.

Do me a favor and pray for The Shepkids mom. Her mental health needs to be fixed. Many of us have gone through this same kind of family issue.

I’m just the big mouth that brings it out in the open.

June 4th, 2022

 Nothing wrong with having an education in mistakes.

Mistakes are made to learn from…

You can put the wrong condiment on a sandwich and suddenly have a new go to lunch favorite.

You can marry the wrong person, but have three great children from the failed results.

I’ve learned peanut butter is pretty good on a hamburger and that I’m a much better father than I was a husband.

Don’t regret making mistakes. Explore your wrong turns and they will become a part of the path you take in life.

When you make mistakes it means that you are trying and trying is a helluva lot better than sitting on your ass.

So go out on the first Saturday of June and make glorious mistakes. The results might be amazing!

The White Sox looked great on paper before the season started. They’ve looked horrible on the field since the season began.

I’ve met guys in life that were Reds fans when they were winning… then they were Red Sox fans, then they were Blue Jay fans, they were Astro fans last year… every year a different hat, a different team.

Why?

These are individuals that need to associate themselves with the winning team because they aren’t satisfied in who they are.

In Chicago you see people wearing a Cubs hat year after year or a Sox hat year after year. Be dedicated to a team and win and lose with them….

I will leave you with one last quote before I go off and make my daily mistakes…..

“So be true to your school now

Just like you would to your girl or guy

Be true to your school now

And let your colors fly”

June 3rd, 2022

     My Gramma leaned over and whispered to my mom, “He works with computers and likes a drink before supper.”

By the time I was five or six I already knew that if adults whisper… you listen closely.

I also knew computers were cool and “a drink” was a grown up thing that made them argue about Nixon and Vietnam.

My Aunt B started dating a guy named Chris and he was early 1970’s cool.

He introduced me to the Shirley Temple and always made sure that I had a kiddy cocktail when the adults had theirs.

He eventually became Uncle Chris and he filled into the family perfectly.

He was very smart and expected that I had a strong vocabulary and applied myself in school.

I was the nephew from Chicago and was developing my Chicagonese at an early age.

Chris would immediately scold me if I used a “dese, dem, youze or doze” in a conversation.

When I moved to Indianapolis I’d spend weekend’s at Aunt B and Uncle Chris’s house. They had a house in Cartersburg, Indiana.

Their home had a creek, a toboggan hill, snakes, barns, Hoosier girls and a huge meadow. It was a great get away for a kid from Chicago.

Chris would let me mow the four acre meadow on his riding mower and he’d give me twenty bucks before I’d leave on Sunday night.

Uncle Chris was a strong influence when I was young. On my 13th birthday he gave me the book “Boys and Sex.”

Uncle Chris planted the seed that would eventually become “JumboLove.”

Thank you Uncle Chris for being a solid part of my life during those tumultuous 1970’s and early 1980’s.

Today Uncle Chris McEvoy turns 80… Happy Birthday UC!

Keep correcting my grammar and making me Shirley Temples… now with gin!

June 2nd, 2022

 I’m only giving you the second part on today’s chalkboard quote. The second half of this quote talks about the little things in life that make living more brighter.

This morning I’m enjoying my first scone from the Riverside Farmers Market.

A cup of coffee, a fresh scone and the beginning of a beautiful sunrise in the making.

These are the little things!

BUTT,

The first part of this quote talks about friendship…..

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

Khalil Gibran

Friendship…..

My oldman said that making friends is one of the most important things in life.

He said that a good friend is someone you haven’t seen in awhile, but when you do…. It’s like you were together the whole time.

A good friendship should never skip a beat.

It took me a long time to distinguish the difference between an acquaintance, a friend, a good friend and a best friend.

Today is Rocky Road ice cream day… go get some ice cream with a friend on this beautiful Thursday…

June 1st, 2022

           …but if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need!

We see this kind of advice on today's Chalkboard all the time. From Oprah to the little television on the elevator.

Hey Man…. If you can’t let go of the past learn from it.

Learn from it everyday… all I know is the past gets bigger and the future gets smaller.

Last summer I said I had thirty summers left. That means I have twenty nine left in 2022.

All I need to do is raise three strong children, work hard for several more years, maintain good health, occasionally kiss naked girls and finish my bucket list.

Easy peasy!

Oh wait…. I gotta pay my bills, get to work on time, deal with an ex wife, be nice to jag offs and arthritis.

F**king arthritis!

Thank goodness for Straight F’s in Life…..

FOUNDATION: FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS

May 31st, 2022

 Spring will soon finish painting her Summer portrait. The progress so far has been glorious.

All sunsets are different throughout the year. All set at different angles and slots along the horizon, but Steinbeck separates these sundown's apart from the rest of the year.

These were the evenings as kids that we could test our parents patience with the street lights.

“I told you to have your butt in this house when those street lights clicked on John!”

Man I’d love to have my mom and dad ground me for being out late tonight.

I could see the look on my boss’s face when I call in tomorrow.

“Hi…. Uh….. Gary…… this is John Shepley. I wont be in for work the rest of the week… my parents grounded me last night for playing ‘Ghosts in the Graveyard’ after the street lights went on.”

This time of the year the breezes blow across the fresh grass and through the soft leaves. Everything is still fresh off of Spring. The sun slowly sets at that northern angle in early June.

When the sun gets close to the southern angle of December it doesn’t waste time saying goodnight… at 4:27pm.

So cherish these late sunsets!

Street lights go on around 8:20pm tonight.

Today is National Smile Day.

Every morning after I brush my teeth I do Fifty Smile Ups…. Smile fifty times in the mirror… it strengthens your smile/frown line and tightens your crows feet.

At our age a good set of crows feet compliment the twinkle in our eyes when we smile!

Farewell May of 2022….

May 30th, 2022

 The official start of the Summer of ‘22.

Fritz just woke up so I’m off to make pancakes.

Use sunscreen today and enjoy yourself….

May 29th, 2022

 A late Memorial Day weekend makes a huge difference in weather.

How many times have we complained that the pool just opened and it’s fifty four degrees?

Well it’s going to be hot today so lather up the sunscreen…

Race Day in Indy… I always root for TK, but like many of the sports I follow….I miss the good old days.

I’d do anything to hear Tom Carnegie call the race on my Gramma’s radio and listen to my mom complain that Mario Andretti was already out for the day.

I’ve always been a guy born in Chicago, but a little piece of my heart will always be back home again in Indiana.

Today’s Chalkboard has a special effect of the moonlight on the word Wabash…. It’s an ancient Chinese secret!

May 28th, 2022

 This weekend we remember and give thanks to those that lost their lives for their country.

Men and women, Christian and Jewish… Black, Latino, Caucasian and Asian.

FROM all makes of American life FOR all makes of American life.

They all lost their life for America…

…they all lost their life for us.

This country came apart during the Civil War. Fought again against each other during the Civil Rights era.

Today we find ourselves in another Civil Fight. A time that I would call the “Civil Schism” Era.

The men and women that died for our country sure as hell didn’t die so we can rip ourselves apart.

We owe them a better reason for giving up their life….

I know this has turned into a rare political and social rant on The Morning Chalkboard

BUTT

We owe it to those that we Memorialize this weekend!

End of ranting……

Speaking of a house divided or a sports city divided….

Crosstown Classic Weekend!

Southside versus Northside.

Grabowski’s versus the Winthrop’s.

The Blue Ladies versus The Pale Hose…

No matter what team you rally for or despise more….

Let’s all agree on one thing….

…. that the Bears and Blackhawks are rebuilding!

May 27th, 2022

 “Night and day, you are the one only you 'neath the moon or under the sun”

Are you a night owl? Are you a morning person? Do you prefer the sunrise or the sunset?

I’ve definitely become my dad. I’ve become a morning person with older age.

Nothing good happens after 9:00pm was the slogan at my house. Back then nothing good started until after nine o’clock!

Do yourself a favor and get up early, drive to Lake Michigan and watch the sun come up. Watch it sparkle over the water and then turn around and look at the reflection of the morning sun on the city.

I try doing it four times a year. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Each season shines a different angle off the lake and over the city. Each season has a personality of their own.

I promise it’s worth the experience.

Today is National Cooler Day… I haven’t bucked up for a modern day fancy pants cooler. I still tote my old coolers that have great memories.

I was always the big guy that was obliged to carry the cooler at the 500, into Bluesfest, onto the beach.

Always have a friend who can carry the cooler!

Memorial Day Weekend…. Barbecue, bourbon, baseball, beer, booty and boobies… but more importantly….

Give thanks to the men and women that gave their lives so we can eat ribs, drink Jack Daniels, go to the ballpark, enjoy a can of beer and cherish the curves of love!

Thank you for our American Soldier.

May 26th, 2022

      When you walk out that front door there aren’t that many people out there that think you are special.

Not many of them know your mom is in hospice care or your dad broke his hip. They don’t know that you have a son mixed up with drugs or a daughter on the autistic spectrum.

I can here my dad yell out as I walk out the door, “Son, the world doesn’t give two shits for John Shepley.”

Almost everyone who crosses my path on this last Thursday of May has an issue weighing them down.

My job, OUR job is to help them carry that weight…. approach everyone with care and understanding.

Life is definitely not fair, but like Joe Walsh once said, “life’s been good to me so far!”

As the country mourns the murders of school children in Texas…

Chicago is saddened by the story of Joe Kromelis. He is known as “The Walking Man.”

Earlier this week an assclown poured a flammable liquid on Joe while he slept on the sidewalk on Lower Wabash.

Third degree burns on 70% of his body. He’s in critical condition up at Northwestern.

Life wasn’t fair to Joe, but he made the best of it. For many years he walked up and down the streets in the Loop. He became a fixture in many Chicagoan’s weekly routine.

Many people thought the Walking Man was a special person. He’s dying in a hospital bed… that sucks!

May 25th, 2022

          I never bought into the half empty/half full glass of water bullcrap.

Either you’re in a shitty mood or you’ve learned to deal with the daily shitshow!

When I was down in the dumps my Oldman would usually say to me, “Alright, don’t give me your ‘woe is me’ bullshit!”

And then he would lead by example.

Get a running start and blast through the problem you face and prepare for the next one.

I’ve learned it’s more important to appreciate the good things when they come along.

That’s what makes me optimistic!

This week I appreciate the bushes by my front stoop. They flower for about ten days a year. They smell gorgeous and they give me optimism…

Because I appreciate that they bloom for ME every May.

Bloom for someone today!

May 24th, 2022

    Why wait for tomorrow when today is perfect to drive with the windows down and Steve Miller cranked to eleven?

You know it’s a great day when you’re hitting every note, you know every lyric and the grandparents in the Buick at the stop light start singing along!

Nana is speaking of the pompatus of love! When the light turns green and PaPa peals out singing “I’m a smoker, I’m a midnight toker…”

….well….

Life is freaking good!

Today’s quote is from founding father, Benji Frank.

It’s an easy one. Don’t Procrastinate!

But, what the hell is The pompatus of love?

I always thought it was that giddy feeling you get when you kiss someone for the first time and you feel the tingglies. It’s that awkward period when “who says it first” is anticipated.

Everyone go out today and be a Space Cowboy, be a gangster of love!

If you know Maurice… call him and say, “well, don’t you worry baby, don’t worry… cause I’m right here, right here, right here, right here at home!”

I wrote down May 24th on the chalkboard, stepped back and realized this year is booking… don’t wait until tomorrow!

We can wait for tomorrow and talk about "Booking."

In 1979 we were booking everywhere. We booked to our little league game, the Ice cream truck and school. We even had to book to eight o'clock mass!

"I got to book man! It's time to buy wheat low and sell beans high!"

May 23rd, 2022

Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie died due to long term exposure to radiation. She continued her work after her husband died knowing she was not far behind.

Today’s quote comes from Marie Curie. She didn’t let her fear stop her from continuing to better the world.

Everyday we approach the unknown not knowing what the day will bring.

So don’t fear the reaper and Monday Up!

2022 is moving quickly… enjoy the end of May!

From Wikipedia: She was interred at the cemetery in Sceaux, alongside her husband Pierre. Sixty years later, in 1995, in honour of their achievements, the remains of both were transferred to the Paris Panthéon. Their remains were sealed in a lead lining because of the radioactivity.

Because of their levels of radioactive contamination, her papers from the 1890s are considered too dangerous to handle. Even her cookbooks are highly radioactive. Her papers are kept in lead-lined boxes, and those who wish to consult them must wear protective clothing.

May 22nd, 2022

 Have you ever noticed the leaves when they first arrive in spring?

It’s like when you put new sheets and pillowcases on the bed.

They are fresh and soft. When the wind catches them they gently dance on the branch.

The leaves exploded this last week and are tucked tightly on the mattress and pillow.

Though the leaves add beauty to the neighborhood, they block the building across the street.

I bid farewell to “Topless Yoga Girl” until November. I hope she resigns her lease this year.

I wonder if she will miss chubby guy who stands on his balcony naked during every full moon?

Don’t worry love. The Frost Moon is on November 8th this year. It’s worth resigning your lease for.

It’s actually going to be a beautiful autumn day in Chicagoland today.

The Sox are still in New York. Today they have a doubleheader against those hated Bronx Bombers.

The Cubs play a team called the Diamondbacks. I’m not sure where they come from. I don’t follow any expansion teams after 1977.

In the perfect JumboWorld the NFL has 28 teams, the MLB 26, NHL 18 and NBA 22.

In the perfect world I could go find 17 guys and pick up a baseball game after breakfast. I’m Willie Stargell!

After lunch we play Smear the Queer. I’m Earl Campbell and just before dinner a game of Basketball . I’m George McGinnis!

Just another tricky day in the Triple D of Riverside. Walk along a river with someone you love today!

After Twenty Five years another Trading floor Closes.

 A couple of my friends posted this picture overnight.

Yesterday was the final trading day for the last remaining pit on the 1997 Bondroom floor.

February of 1997 we traded on that floor for the first time. I was thirty years old, hungover and tired from a weekend in New Orleans.

We moved from the original grain floor built in 1929 located in the front of The Chicago Board of Trade into this obsolete monstrosity.

The last decade of the 20th century saw the last hit at old Comiskey. The last power play goal at the Chicago Stadium and the last Limit Up under the statue of Ceres.

I stood on this floor when Islamic Terrorists attacked America on a Tuesday in September of 2001. This was the floor where the CBOT merged with the merc.

I met the mother of my children on this trading floor and a chapter of my career abruptly ended in that room because of ChinaFlu.

I don’t miss this floor anymore. I miss the people that lived on it with me. I miss being younger and stronger. Dumber and cockier… I miss making funny signals with my hands and wearing a colorful trading jacket.

Farewell to another Chicago icon… it was a beautiful run.

May 21st, 2022

 My dad wasn’t very nice most of the time, but he was a good man.

Many nice people that I’ve met through my life turned out not to be very good characters.

It takes years to figure out the true identities of the people that cross our path.

I just erased three paragraphs on racism, bitchy girls, fake news and evangelicals.

I was going nowhere with it…

We all have our moments of being dickheads and douchebags, but in general we are good people.

I guess I’m doing alright being an occasional assclown with a good heart.

It’s a rainy Saturday morning. The birds are singing through the raindrops. The grayness is blocking out any attempt at a glorious sunrise.

The weather might not be nice today, but it’s still gonna be a good day…

It’s a good day to drive to the hot dog stand with someone that you love and spill mustard on your shirt.

May 20th, 2022

 It’s Friday Baby… take a leap of faith this weekend…

Pharmaceutical and Political commercials are littering television. Go outside and throw a frisbee around… plant some flowers or go to a ballgame.

May 19th, 2022

        Driving to work this morning on a damp, cold and humid Thursday morning I got a two pack of Bob Seger on two different stations.

Turned on the Drive97.1 and heard “Against the Wind.” XRT was playing a band I dislike so I flipped to 94.7WLS and heard “Still the Same.”

This isn’t very important, but at least I’m not earwormed with “Turn the Page.”

This morning I woke up and found a half dozen beef stick wrappers in the garbage can.

I’m looking forward to the rap of bullshit that I will receive from George Shepley.

At least the 2022 version of George threw the evidence in the trash bin. The 2020 George would have hid them.

When HE wakes up and sees the chalkboard, he will be blessed with todays quote.

Our ballclubs still flirt with mediocrity… could be worse. Always could be worse.