motivation

My path to STC Associate Fellow

This week my friend and former DataStax teammate Jamie Gillenwater joined the ranks of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) Associate Fellows. She was in good company with the 2021 class of Associate Fellows. Associate Fellow is one of three honorary ranks in STC. It is the second highest rank that STC can confer upon … Continue reading →

Saying NO to have more YES time

My family and close friends know about my addiction. My calendar addiction. Way back in 2013, I was “caught in the act” at 4:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, when I woke from a restless sleep to complete a time-sensitive volunteer leadership commitment. Instead of slumbering peacefully on a Sunday morning, I was awake and … Continue reading →

Magic of Chautauqua Institution

In 2008 a friend visited the indescribable Chautauqua Institution for a week long vacation. Since then, a little tickle in my heart has been calling me to visit Chautauqua. Forbes recently published an article that captures the Magic of Chautauqua Institution. In September 2011, a mutual acquaintance invited me and my mom to share a … Continue reading →

Looking for a way to contribute? Share your talent and your time

I always feel better when I make a significant contribution. Giving my time and my talent is a rewarding activity, especially when I make a positive impact. As a professional writer, I find that my time and my professional talents are the best gifts that I have to share with my friends who are “in … Continue reading →

The Four Agreements, a fine way to live and work

The way that we live and work defines us. In his book The Four Agreements, the author Miguel Ruiz offers a code for living our life with peace and happiness. The first principle in this code of conduct is Be impeccable with your word. Words are seeds, so plant a garden of abundance and hope. … Continue reading →

Ho’oponopono

Ho’oponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. Some Ho’oponopono practitioners believe that harmony can be restored with confession and apology. Life is better, we can move forward more easily, and our hearts are lighter when we forgive. I am still working on the total forgiveness practice, but I am consciously moving … Continue reading →

Enhance your writing career by improving your verbal communication skills

I presented this session at our STC Philadelphia Metro Chapter in March 2010 and at the STC 57th annual international Summit in Dallas, Texas in May 2010.

The enthusiasm for technical communicators to learn more soft skills is inspiring. Continue reading →

Determined to be cheerful and happy

“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” Martha Washington 1732-1802, First American First Lady

Applause for Toastmasters everywhere

Toastmasters makes you feel good. Attend a meeting today. Continue reading →