birthday

Sorry About the Weather, It’s My Fault

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An Adirondack chair under a grape arbor in the snow

Ice, snow and freezing temperatures are all part of my birthday tradition.

The weather is really awful for most of the U.S. today, and I take full responsibility for it. If you go back through history you’ll see a long line of snow and ice storms and mind numbing cold temperatures on January 28th (plus or minus about 5 days). I can confirm this phenomenon has gone on since the 1970’s. How do I know? It’s my birthday.

I was born during a deep freeze, just after a snow storm. As a kid nearly every one of my birthday parties was rescheduled at least once because of the weather. One party wasn’t held until March because a pipe burst at the restaurant and there was major damage.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But it’s the end of January ~ of course the weather’s going to be bad!” You have a point. But, if we were to schedule a birthday get-together two weeks after my actual birthday, the weather will be bad that day too. I have years of facts to back me up on this.

So I apologize for any inconvenience I’ve caused. Trust me, I would put an end to this craziness if I could. The best I can do is hope you all stay safe and warm.

On a slightly related note, one year ago today I said I was looking at making some changes. Then things changed a hell of a lot more than I planned. They aren’t done yet, but I think I’ve got a little better idea where they’re going. Thanks to all of those who’ve hung around over the last year. Stick around to see what happens next.

On the Occasion of a Milestone Birthday

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Candles spell out the traditional English birt...

It’s not the number of candles, it’s the story they tell (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’ve reached a milestone birthday and, as so many of us do, I’ve done a lot of thinking. I haven’t necessarily come up with any great epiphanies, but I’ve been reminded how much I love to tell stories. I’ve realized how much I miss the rush I get from doing creative things for me and how sad it is that I don’t make much time to do creative things for myself.

I’ve thought a lot about telling stories. I see and hear people talk about the best ways to tell stories using social media, video and marketing. And, most of the time they’re telling us why they’re experts. I guess part of the reason I wanted to write this blog was to some how give the impression that I was one of those “experts.” But it’s occurred to me over the last few weeks that the people who are telling the best stories in the mediums I care most about don’t really have time to talk about what experts, gurus or ninjas they are – they’re too busy out there being amazing.

I’ve decided I want to spend a little more time out there trying to be more amazing and less time trying to convince people I’m some sort of expert. What does it mean for the blog? I’m not sure – probably that I’ll focus more on the art of story telling and less on the mediums, but we’ll see. I believe in the power of words, and that any message from marketing to training can be made stronger by rooting it a good story.

Should you feel so inclined to give me a present, let it be this – tell a story today. When someone asks you how your day went don’t just give them a laundry list, tell them a story. A funny memory cross your mind? Write it down (I’d love it if you shared in comments below)! Tell a child a story from your childhood, something funny, something sad, it doesn’t matter. For my Big Birthday, tell a story.

Telling stories is universal. It brings us closer and makes us feel connected. So as a move forward into another decade I’m doing it with an eye on with making a great story. Here’s to a new chapter!

I’m Officially Mother to a Teen Ager!

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The Birthday Girl

My daughter

My oldest daughter turned 13 today. It’s been a roller coaster ride that’s for sure! She’s had to endure 5 moves and 3 school changes during her lifetime. Somewhere in there came the addition of a sister and a dog she promised she’d take care of. There have been smiles and tears and lots of giggles.

She’s a good kid, a champion of the underdog and stands-up for what’s right (she has twice gone to teachers out of concern for classmates being bullied). She’s learning to play the flute and loves to act – she did her first monologue performance on stage in 2nd grade. She’s gotten in a little how water from time to time, but she makes us proud.

Being mother to a tween had it’s moments, and I’m sure being mother of a teen will have some more.  But, I know that each of these moments are shaping her into the woman she will become and someone I look forward to knowing.

She has changed the world. My world at least. And her Daddy’s.  She is a great big sister and a wonderful daughter. I was blessed the day she was born and have been every day since.