Category Archives: Plain Talk
Mom’s Messages-Forget Text and Email
For 15 long days, Mom refused food and water, shrinking her already tiny self into maybe a scant 80 pounds. Whatever energy she had left, when she wasn’t sleeping, was reserved to nod yes and no to questions and mouth the words, “I love you too.” Kneeling beside her bed, with my face close to [...]
World Economic Forum-Davos Finally Gets it right!
Women are the way forward. Finally, beginning today – Feb 1- some of the most powerful companies in the U.S(Coca-Cola, Accenture, and others) are signing a worldwide pledge to bring women into the economic mainstream. And not a second too soon. They are finally beginning to understand what development experts have known all along: women [...]
I Am A Top5 Speaker Honoree For 2012
I’ve just been notified by Speakers Platform that I have been awarded the Top5 Speaker designation in Team Building / Leadership for the second year in a row! Each year, Speakers Platform recognizes five speakers within fifteen popular topic areas. Recognition of excellence in speaking is based on: expertise, professionalism, client testimonials & references, presentation [...]
Life Is Either A Daring Adventure Or It Is Nothing At All
At age almost 96 and on hospice, mom moves up and down like a roller coaster. We call her YoYoMa, one of our ways of staying sane when our hearts are so heavy. Yesterday morning, she would not open her eyes or acknowledge I was there. But in the afternoon, when I returned to see [...]
Seasonal Stress Stretches Resiliency
Maybe it was the hot water pipe that burst in the foundation that started the meltdown. Even as I write this, the wood floor in the kitchen, dining room and den is being splintered and thrown into the jaws of a construction bin. The walls and ceiling have huge holes in them and a HAZMAT [...]
BOLD LEADERS SPEAK UP
Anyone Can Be An Ally When gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people don’t feel safe and valued at work, productivity goes down, and organizations fail in their efforts to attract and retain the best and brightest talent. Many organizations realize this, and have created clear policies on the issues. But in order for the climate [...]
Turkey Trot Humor Brings a Message for Resilient Living
When I laced up my running shoes and headed down to Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving morning, I did experience a twinge of regret. No Thanksgiving at my house. A broken hot water pipe under the floor of my kitchen and dining room had turned my gorgeous wood floor into splinters. Restoration crews had already [...]
Malaria No More
Half of the contributors recorded interviews and monologues for the “End Malaria” book which were compiled into a free recording: http://endmalariaday.com/webinar/ The “End Malaria” book makes a great holiday gift and you can let the recipient know that profits go to the organization “Malaria No More”!
Work is a Four-letter Word From End Malaria
The book “End Malaria” has raised over $300K for Malaria No More. If you haven’t already purchased this book please consider buying it or giving it away as a holiday gift. In the spirit of the holidays my contribution to the book is reprinted below: I hear the snickers already. Elevate your minds. I’ve got [...]
Veteran’s Day—a Memorial Grove Dedication
Tonight, I will stand on the football field of Brea Olinda High School. Before the homecoming game kicks off, there will be a tribute and a dedication of a living memorial: a grove of pepper trees on the school grounds. You see, the Orange District California Federation of Women’s Clubs are dedicating these pepper trees [...]