Three Little Birds
Time is a funny thing. When I talk about things that happened pre-Covid, I have to add five years to my recollection. I thought it was about a year since I last visited my friend Jeff in Colombia. It’s been six.
So I flew to Colombia last weekend. On Columbus Day, I was on the top of a mountain near el Penon de Guatape, only a few hundred miles north of the equator. It was only 54 degrees and raining. I was not prepared for the weather. Surprise.
As I sipped my coffee three little birds sat on a post outside my cabin, eating the green banana I placed outside my doorstep. By the way, Columbus never set foot in Colombia, his namesake. Surprise.
When I say to friends and family, I’m traveling to Colombia, they are “surprised.” To them, the country is known for three things; coffee, drugs and political violence.
Thirty years later, Colombia is a VERY DIFFERENT place. It’s still known for coffee, but thanks to the “Colombian Miracle,” you’ll not find infamous drug lords or Marxist rebels.
It may seem like yesterday, but drug kingpin (and politician) Pablo Escobar died in 1993. FARC, the communist guerrillas who were active for more than 50 years, essentially disbanded more than 10 years ago.
How? In 1991, the people of Colombia—not politicians—crafted a new constitution to strengthen its republic. The cartels were toast in a few years. The communist guerrillas were defeated. Democracy and capitalism flourished and it ushered in a new era of safety, freedom, and prosperity.
The result? Colombia is happy, healthy and becoming more prosperous. It has leapfrogged up the list of the World Happiness Report. And their labor participation rate is 69.7%. (The US LPR is only 62%. This means you fly to Colombia for a few hundred bucks. Stay in a place for $50 a night. Eat delicious meals for $3 or $4 and visit places like Piedra el Peñon—The Rock of Penon—a giant monolith that stands 7,000 feet above sea level) and not worry about drug lords or armed rebels.
I highly (pun intended) recommend it…just not during the rainy season—October and November. Visit Colombia. Every little things gonna be all right.
#BoldBrandsWin
MONDAY:
PITCH PERFECT
Carissa Ghaffari (Creative Director) and Derek Fair (Senior Copywriting Manager) are fresh off an action-packed weekend at VCU’s Robertson Rush. Over two days, students from the Ad Club at VCU raced to tackle client briefs, develop campaigns, and pitch ideas. Carissa and Derek (proud Rams themselves) were blown away by the next generation of creative talent—reminding us that even seasoned Main-iacs can still get schooled.
TUESDAY:
SMART CONCEPTS
This week, Madison+Main presented fresh creative concepts to WSC Smart Home Designers, the veteran-owned, Hampton Roads tech experts transforming homes since 2008. From seamless sound to spaces that look and function flawlessly, WSC knows how to make a house feel like home. We’re thrilled to collaborate on ideas that make every switch, screen, and speaker feel like magic (so prepare to be abraca-dazzled).
WEDNESDAY:
GOOD PRESS, GREAT IMPACT
Gun violence prevention is trending—and for good reason. A recent article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch highlighted the success of Ceasefire Virginia, praising its innovative approach to gun safety, community-focused strategy, and impressive measurable results. Madison+Main is proud to partner on a campaign that’s making a tangible difference, proving that smart creative can truly change lives.
THURSDAY:
HUE ARE YOU?
Intern extraordinaire Zoe Norris, under the wise tutelage of Copywriter Lauren McKinney, teamed up to decode the hues behind your brand’s vibe in our latest blog, The Psychology of Color: What Your Brand Palette Says About You. From fiery reds to calming blues, your palette sends a clear message. Learn how to make it say the right thing in this guide to making every color count.
FRIDAY:
DAVE’S ON THE (AIR)WAVES
This morning, I joined Rich Herrera, at 9:05 am this morning on Richmond’s Morning News to chat about what’s happening this weekend in RVA. ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Date: Now through Sunday, November 9
Time: Opening times vary
Tickets: $14 to $25/person
Location: 2201 Shields Lake Drive
Wander through mesmerizing light installations by international artists and step into a glowing world of color where light and magic take over Maymont after dark.
Date: Fri, October 17 – Sun, October 19
Time: Fri (2:30pm – 2am), Sat (noon – 2am) and Sun (noon – 7pm)
Tickets: $35 to $750/person
Location: Midlothian DoubleTree by Hilton
World-renowned tattoo artist Jesse Smith is hosting this year’s celebration, so you can guarantee it will be a truly unforgettable weekend. It’s not just a convention, it’s a community.
The Diwali Music and Arts Festival at the VMHC
Date: Sunday, October 18
Time: 11am – 4pm
Tickets: FREE
Location: 428 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Enjoy a dazzling day of music, dance, food, and art as Diwali—the Festival of Lights—is celebrated with a vibrant fusion of tradition and creativity.
Feel Good Event of the Week: 20th Annual Touch a Truck
Date: Sunday, October 18
Time: 10am – 2pm
Tickets: $12 and up
Location: Richmond Raceway
An exciting opportunity for children to CLIMB. LEARN. EXPLORE. and TOUCH! a wide variety of vehicles — from fire trucks to construction equipment — while engaging with the community and supporting the Junior League’s mission of promoting voluntarism and improving the greater Richmond area.
“Colombia is emerging as what should be a vacation wonderland. Have I said yet how beautiful the place is? It’s incredible. It’s fun. And, yes, it’s safe.” – Anthony Bourdain