There are all kinds of theories about what it takes to establish a habit. Many exercise programs and nutrition plans talk about this. How many times have you heard, “Work out three times a week for four weeks and the habit will be set”? One of the most recent habits I’ve gotten into a groove […]
The “Lego” budget explanation and more: September at SmartBrief
I’m participating in the City of Tallahassee (Fla.) Neighborhood Leadership Academy. We recently had a presentation about the city budget. The presenter said, “I don’t have Legos to explain this; one other city did.” This is what he meant: This video accomplished in four minutes and 38 seconds a comprehension among viewers that no PowerPoint […]
31-day writing challenge 2021
Hello friends! This will be the home to the posts I wrote during the 2021 31-day writing challenge. Oct. 1 NEED Oct. 2 CONTENT Oct. 3 PEACE Oct. 4 COMFORT Oct. 5 PATIENT Oct. 6 WHOLE Oct. 7 ENCOURAGE Oct. 8 COMPLETE Oct. 9 POWER Oct. 10 ESTABLISH Oct. 11 ABOVE Oct. 12 EVERYONE Oct. […]
Banned Books Week 2021
Banned Books Week 2021 starts today and lasts through October 2. Since 2014, I have participated in the Banned Books Week Virtual Readout (which, by the way, can be done anytime — not just during BBW). In 2020, I read from A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo (here’s the recording and my post). In 2019, I […]
The Restaurant Business 2021: Neutralizing Negativity
Mike Ferrara, owner of Cabo’s Island Grill and Bar in Tallahassee, Fla., says one of his primary jobs is “neutralizing negativity.” The past 18 months have served up a whole new twist on negativity, as the restaurant industry has been affected by the lockdowns and restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. I’ve heard some frightening […]
Get rescued or give up?
RESCUE I can’t believe I’m writing a story about squeeze margarine, but I’ve learned to write what I live so … My husband and I have different butter tastes. I use two: Spray butter and Squeeze butter. He uses a Land O Lakes something that’s in a tub. I am almost out of squeeze butter […]





