Tag Archives: ethics

Hatched Blessings

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“Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch.” ~ Ramona C. Carroll 

As summer slips into fall, I have decided to look back just one more time to reflect on the blessings of the summer, my favorite season of all. Focusing on what is positive in our lives, helps us to live a life fulfilled. Ordinary occurrences can become extraordinary depending on how we view them. By concentrating on our blessings rather than our woes, we live in the present moment, enjoying life to the fullest. Some of the highlights of my summer included: 

  • Returning to childhood for one glorious day of floating down the Yampa River in a tube!
  • Witnessing our child graduate from DeSales University www.DeSales.edu  and recalling all the landmark steps in his life that came before it.
  • Participating in two fundraising events as a member of Kiwanis International. www.kiwanis.org. Knowing that Kiwanis will partner with Unicef to serve children all over the world through The Eliminate Project.
  • Learning that my husband has been invited to coach athletes at the World University Games this coming winter. What a thrill for him!
  • Eating peaches and sweet corn from Paradise, CO that rivals the summer produce I ate growing up in the state of Maryland. I didn’t think again in my life, I would find any as fine as that – but I have!
  • A return to Rocky Mountain National Park for one great day of sharing the splendorous sights with our son.
  • The opportunity to share with others, at several events, what independent publishing is all about.
  • Volunteering at Strings in the Mountains www.stringsinthemountains.org seeing some of the finest artists in the world perform right here in Steamboat Springs, CO.

It is time to say goodbye to summer and I can’t wait to see what a new season in my life has in store. I am sure it will be fulfilling, too.

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Sharing the Word!

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“Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”                 ~Mark Twain 

How coincidental is that? Today, I had planned to write a blog on the man who is known as our first American novelist – Mark Twain. He is one of the most well-known essayists and moralists in our country’s history! This morning, I had a few minutes to spare before my dentist appointment, and took the opportunity to take a little drive into an area of Steamboat Springs, CO that I had not previously taken the time to explore before. There the name was, on a street sign, Mark Twain. Was it an Avenue or Road or Lane? ! I dont know! I was so thrown off guard by this odd coincidence of having just composed, on paper, last night a blog based on  Mr. Twain that I can not remember which!   

Seeing this sign has changed the content of my blog. I was going to go on and on about the man who was born in 1835 and died in 1915 AKA Samuel Langhorne Clemens. His speculative ventures included silver mining, business and publishing.  His writings had appeal to young and old, alike. Although in he is known for his humor and wit, many of the essays he wrote in his final years were filled with his “venting” against power, corruption and greed.

Why his name should appear on a street sign in a place like Steamboat Springs, CO, I wonder. Perhaps it is just a subtle reminder to all that as we travel down the road of life  “to do the right thing.”

 

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Devilish Distractions

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“Patience and fortitude conquer all things.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

My computer, the little devil, has really gotten under my skin! It has even become the cause of writer’s cramp. I’ve got writer’s block – of all things! I have begun to write not out of desire but out of will.  My will to test my fortitude over a machine. Imagine that!

Having to work on what has become an antiquated, slow computer that freezes up, coughs and chokes every time I turn it on has been the bane of my existance all summer long. I have put off getting a new transmitter of digital information for far too long. My limits of being a fiscally conservative business owner have been reached, that is for sure!

I have learned alot from this adversarial relationship between my old computer and me –

  1. Write out of desire, not out of will!
  2. Recognize when it is time to let go of the old old and bring in the new.
  3. If a relationship becomes too overwhelming, get out of it!
  4. To write and think clearly and succinctly, you must clear out the clutter.

I need to have patience for a few more days. Then, I will be in a new relationship – one that will not be detrimental to my mental health.  As readers of this blogsite, you’ve got to be tired of hearing about this relationship with my old computer that I have found hard to forget! The relationship with my new electronic transmission device will be positive and filled with all good things! It will be more aligned with the way I like to live.  I will look forward to sharing all things fulfilling, once again!

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Seeing it Through

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“There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity” ~ Tom Peters 

I love it when I re-read a book and gain more from it the second time around. There are often hidden messages, concepts and all sorts of things that fly over our heads the first time around. 

About a year ago, a book came into my hands called “The Hourglass Principle”  by Ray Kelly III. It is written by a person who has spent a lifetime in sales. The book addresses the issue of building a business and the choices that we have in doing so. He mentions that throughout the process, we may come to a crossroad where a decision must be made of how to proceed. Sometimes there are two choices – we can take the short route, often sacrificing our beliefs and convictions or we may take, perhaps, a more challenging route allowing us to remain true to our selves. As author Ray Kelly III points out, “Integrity is the only thing we carry with us from career to career.” 

I began to think how integrity applies to the reasons why people decide to independently publish. For many, the choice is easy. After talking with a traditional publishing house, the author often realizes what is at stake is the piece of work they have poured their heart and soul into writing. If they hand their manuscript over to a traditional publisher, it could ultimately be sacrificed. Their words may be changed, a rewrite with a different slant may be requested. It may be marketed by people who do not share the approach or the same values. The cover design choice may even be out of their hands. 

What would you do, if given the choice?

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Write or Wrong?

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Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.” ~ John Jakes

Writers, have you taken the test? It is called I Write Like.

It goes like this – you enter a short chapter of your unfinished book, several paragraphs of your blog writing, an entry from your journal, a comment you wrote in response to a blog or perhaps, a short letter to an editor. In other words, submit a sample of your writing to http://iwl.me. 

What happens next? Within a matter of moments, your writing is analyzed in terms of your writing style and your word choice.

 How do you get the result? You receive an on-line ‘badge” which indicates which famous author your writing compares with.

 My result?  My writing compares with the writing of Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight Series! Yeah, right!

 Personally, I think it is only a test to see how many foolish people, like me take it! That’s all!

 What do you think of this test?

Is it a gimmick that leads to false hope for writers?

Does it encourage writers to press on and to continue to hone their craft?

Can statistical analysis based on a sample writing of a few paragraphs be a valid way to assess talent and ability?

Can this writing test really forecast whether or not you have a chance at becoming an accomplished writer like the author your writing has been compared to?

 We would like to hear from you!

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Play it Again, Sam!

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“Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Have you ever wished you could have a “do over” – a repeat of a day, an hour,  a moment? I’d like our country’s citizens to have a “do over” of yesterday, for one moment, each and every day.  America was hard at work celebrating all things patriotic. We waved our flags, pledged our allegiance and sang “America the Beautiful.” We celebrated with baseball games, parades, barbeques and fireworks. Forgotten were the woes of stock market statistics, the high price of living, and the lackluster economy. Instead we had fun celebrating the liberties and freedoms that we so enjoy. The American spirit reigned supreme!

Don’t let the 4th of July be the only day of the year that you show your appreciation for this country of ours. Play it again, Sam, for each and everyday you are alive in this fabulous country, The United States of America – the land of independence! Every time you hear the words of our National  Anthem “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” put your hand over your heart, cause that’s where it belongs, in remembrance of our honorable countrymen who have fought the battles for us. We continue to live the dream, in a land relatively free of strife and struggle, compared to many countries around the globe. Thank, God.

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Handing it Over

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“It’s not the things you get but the hearts you touch that will determine your success in life.” ~ Unknown

Many people wait until their days are limited to consider the question “Am I living a fulfilling life?” Last summer as I was about to loose a lifetime friend to cancer, I stumbled upon a poem that poignantly helped me to consider this very question.

“The Dash” by Linda Ellis (www.lindaslyrics.com) perfectly demonstrates how despite the brevity of a poem, its depth in meaning can rival a 500 page book. In less than 250 words, this poem helped me to consider the question “Am I living a fulfilling life?” Moreover, it brought clarity to me that my friend’s life had indeed been filled with what matters most and it was time for me to “let go and let God” take my friend as he saw fit.

At the risk of copyright infringement, I will not post the poem “The Dash.” This poem serves another purpose, too. It aptly demonstrates how poetry can involve the reader by communicating thought provoking ideas. Quality of content is more important than length, just like our lives. Although, everyone likes a good long story, too! One they can settle into and enjoy.

If you are struggling with whether there are things in your life you would like to change, “The Dash” says it all. check it out.

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Seniors on the Rise

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“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.” ~ Albert Schweitzer 

Eldercare has become big business! Marketers have not contrived a need for eldercare services, there is a real need!  Our senior citizen population is growing at a fast pace! Adult children are looking to fulfill their parent’s senior care needs, in the best way they know how, by researching information and making good decisions about Alzheimer’s facilities, cancer care facilities, long term care facilities and other housing arrangements. Many are looking for advice on fitness for seniors, hospital concerns, privacy issues, in-home care options, integrative health issues and more. 

We are fortunate that in this country, experts are available to guide and advise senior citizens and their adult caregivers on a multitude of issues. On-line support is also available at sites such as:

http://www.parentgiving.com/expert-nswers/caregiving/housing-choices/. On the team of experts of this site is eldercare consultant Mike Campbell. Mike has written a new book called “When Mom and Dad Need Help.” Mike shares advice and information for seniors facing difficult decisions about housing choices and long term care options. Through his consulting business, Campbell Consulting, Inc. Mike has visited hundreds of senior care facilities across the country and has seen, first hand, what is positive and what needs improvement. For more information on this very valuable resource book, please visit http://www.iffenwen.com. 

Seniors deserve good, quality care. If you have an obligation or desire to help your parents when the time is right, make your job a little easier by knowing the facts.

 

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Trusting Trenches

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“Leaders should visit all parts of the office, not just those they pass through regularly.” ~ Unknown

Are you a recent college graduate who has had to accept a less than ideal position? My first job out of college was at a condominium resort. Most of the units were in the rental pool, and the  property was run like a hotel. My job was to serve continental breakfast to the guests in the morning and help the housekeeping department, in the laundry room, in the afternoon. Not at all what I had anticipated my first job out of college would be. But, I needed income right away to fulfill my financial obligations and I was determined to live in a gorgeous resort town.

By the time summer was over, the General Manager of the property recognized my hardwork, my ability to work well with others and found me to be a pleasant communicator with the guests. My reward? A move to the front lines as front office clerk (customer service representative) and reservations clerk.

As I began working in the front office, I quickly learned that working “in the trenches” served a purpose besides as a stepping stone to my new position. I had established a great rapport with a department that was so important to the overall efficiency of the entire operation. When I called from the front office to ask the housekeepers to place special priority on cleaning a unit or take extra towels to a guest, the housekeeping department responded rapidly and kindly to my request.

Moral to the story – trust the trenches, for they serve a purpose in life, too! Prove yourself first, and the rewards will come along the way.

P.S. I also learned a life long skill of how to correctly fold those pesky fitted sheets so they will lie neat and tidy on the linen closet shelf. There are lessons to be learned from all experiences in life, if we recognize them!

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Revealing Revelations

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“The number one thing leaders can do to facilitate balance is to support flexibility and understand the needs of your people” ~ Jim Mitchell

I have a confession to make! No longer will I be viewing art with such tunnel vision.I so enjoyed my visit to the National Museum of Visionary Art, that my range of vision has been expanded. When someone asks me “What genre of art do you most enjoy?” I will refrain from saying representational paintings. I will deliberately challenge what I have held most dear, and open my mind more widely to all kinds of art. It would be very easy to continue to repeat, time and time again, the same answer when asked this simple question. But, incorporation of new information about art means having the ability to see the whole picture – being able to understand why different kinds of art inspires different types of people.

I suspect my determination to open my eyes to a broader spectrum of art is similar to those who are interested in attending inter-denominational faith group events. It provides an opportunity to learn more about religion as a whole and why different faiths appeal to different people. The family of man can be inclusive of many, many denominations!

In my lifetime I have attended a Presbyterian Church, a Congregational Church and a Methodist Church. I sent our son, who was baptized in the Presbyterian Church, to a Catholic College. If I can be accepting of the differences in these faiths, I should be able find a little inspiration in all different kinds of art.

And that’s the truth!

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