Being a “Yes” man...

Anyone who’s in the public eye knows the probability of being misjudged for a simple slip of the tongue or expressing an unpopular opinion. Having strength of character and being ethical are essentials when we throw our hat into the political arena or volunteer to serve the public.

In small towns especially, newcomers learn a hard lesson if they innocently comment about Mr. or Mrs. Anyone to a colleague or attendee at a public function. Familial relationships are complicated and close; gossip spreads like wildfire, so zipped lips will keep you out of hot water. At the boardroom table, where confidentiality is presumed, don’t count on it. There may be someone who wants to make themselves feel important – so inevitably a juicy fact or private detail is leaked.

At this particular time of year, the Classifieds section of local newspapers are peppered with calls for volunteers to join the Board of Directors for various groups who require governance as part of their Charter mandate. Stepping forward is not a trivial decision—there are legalities and liabilities to be clearly understood.

Being “sworn in” as a Director is not trivial. The work at hand will require commitment, homework is required to establish a clear understanding of the issues on the table at the meeting, and the courage to make your voice heard when the naiveté of others clouds clear thinking. At risk of appearing contrary either in discussion or when a vote is called by a show of hands, stand tall and take pride in not being a “yes” man.

Your Opinion Please...

We’ve all heard the expression “when the cat’s away the mice will play”. What should a neighbour do when Mom’s out of town and the mice are partying?

Noise level on Night 1 wasn’t intolerable. Too many cars were parked for a small property, and more young men arriving on foot. Golf clubs and beer, one boy on his hands and knees while his chum encourages the driver to “back up, fast” as his hand was under the wheel – either reaching for a fallen object or supporting himself from collapsing. Boy regains footing, car leaves

Night 2 was rowdier – even someone skateboarding up the hill.  Only one car in and out. Girls in the window. A cab came at around 2:00 a.m. and some wrangling to get everyone out of the house. The tipsy skateboarder careened into the night, downhill all the way.

A broken planter, and draperies askew, underage guzzling. I never called out or snitched, what would you do?

I’d love your opinion please!

We Already Know…

I had a telephone call recently, early in the evening, from someone I had spoken with earlier that day. Readily recognizable by Call Display first, and voice of course, the hairs on my neck bristled. Quelled panic, the flat edges of concern, and concise enunciation…Moments later I was out the door and on my way to help the caller in need.

It’s amazing how our involuntary reflexes sure to the fore, examples of which are a person’s amazing strength when another may be pinned under a vehicle or other weight. An adrenalin rush that’s inexplicable. Good Samaritan efforts by passersby when it’s clear immediate help is needed. The fight-or-flight response of reflexes contributes to “being calm in a crisis, then letting go after it’s ended” – a good cry, trembling and sometimes nausea or lightheadedness.

Several years ago while vacationing I was aboard a catamaran when the captain alerted to fellow mariners in distress. A personal watercraft had capsized and all that was visible was the snout bobbing above the surface. Clinging desperately to it were the driver and passenger, one of whom could not swim and was paralysed with fear. Two crewmen from our vessel dove into the water and swam to the rescue – literally prying his hands off the nosecone. Once aboard they were all rewarded with a tot of rum, hard-earned, and the sobbing man shivered despite the blanket thrown around his shoulders on a tropical day!

When we’re abed and in a deep sleep, roused by the ringing of the telephone in the still of the night, our reflexes bound us upright and on instant alert. Unless it is mistakenly a wrongly-dialled number intuition acutely messages to our conscious and now wide-awake self what We Already Know…

  

No Growling or Whimpering…

Every employee, no matter where on the planet, ranks as a minion the hands of those who supervise ineptly.

 My first job, at a large company, included nearly 100 other willing and capable computer input clerks who stoically drudged daily under the eagle eye of a relentless supervisor. We would cringe if she approached and apprehensive of both her bark and bite; hers was a fearsome presence!

Quality control was and is the intention, and rightly so; however, bully boy tactics are still prevalent. In customer service industries, the front desk receptionist is the first introduction to the company. Dress codes may be included in the policies and procedures manuals, sometimes necessarily enforced on the disrespectful or thoughtless. Most front line workers recognize the importance of both deportment and pleasantries and are an asset to their employer.

Regardless of the role people represent, everyone has goals they want to eventually achieve. Persistent good performance and excellent behaviour sometimes earns a salary increase and/or new opportunity to step up the ladder.

Lip service paid to a wannabe is sometimes a foil by more senior staff to patronize their ambition, without intention of ever enabling that person to move forward in their aspirations.

It’s a sad state of affairs when someone’s sunny smile and goodwill to their employer is dashed in the blink of an eye. Collusion to favour someone less worthy sometimes may eventually contribute to the downfall of the bully whose own thought was self-aggrandizement…hence the proverbial “Wait till the real boss finds out”!

I think one of the reasons that the T-V series Undercover Boss is so appealing is that the real people who count can identify and reward the underdog who is true to the company without growling or whimpering.

Performance Reviews…

I recently watched the 2003 movie entitled Something’s Gotta Give, which starred Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, and Canadian actor Keanu Reeves. It was a perfect filler for an evening when nothing in the TV lineup was appealing!

When observing mixed groups in social scenes a lot of surreptitious eyeballing goes on when others’ actions are observed. Public behaviours that are too sensational have proved to be the downfall of many an unwitting employee when the boss either sees or hears of incident. Green-eyed antagonists vying for either a beauty or a beast can flash daggers one to the other! Observant neighbours form gossipy opinions which target anyone who’s created too much attention – do they merit “In” or “Out” at the PTA table or Sunday group? Business competitors sometimes dig for dirt too.

Playing the game by the rules, keeping one’s head up and sidestepping controversy are well thought out actions. In this age electronic communications when personal privacy may be readily compromised, whatever you post, sext or otherwise share is a public performance review. Travel sites have been popular for a long time – vacation planners access the public reviews and are influenced by what they read! Dissing the doctor as your appointment wasn’t quite on schedule isn’t a smart way to maintain cordiality – if in need don’t knead!  Stiletto rants in print, on radio or TV and abbreviated comments have avid public followers – proverbial darts or laurels that measure someone’s merit.

Families keep a close eye on the actions of siblings, their respective partners, parents and anyone else who comes into view – sizing up their observations and assessing incidents and failure to comply behaviours!  

In the movie, Keanu Reeves’ perceptiveness as the intuitive doctor was rewarding. Wherever we may be, there’s likely a discerning someone who’s putting two and two together to culminate in just one of our many personal performance reviews.

Looking Back…..

I recently read an “advice column” response to comments from a woman who had been widowed, committed to a relationship within a few months thereafter, and was heartbroken and “couldn’t stop crying” when the new partner ended their twosome.

Many men and women sometimes feel “unsuccessful” or “incomplete” if they aren’t half of what’s perceived as a whole entity.

When one looks at one’s own reflection in the mirror, do we recognize ourselves as the egg white or the egg yolk half of a partnership; or more affirmatively, as our own whole egg?  Whether it be marriage vows or an unofficial pledge, when one person commits to being the partner in a relationship, it’s a given that some compromise is an implicit presumption. So do we lose part of our identity as well?

The various life stages we grow through are, ideally, an ever-becoming process of the real person, blossoming into their best. Some people seem to always go with the flow, we can’t see evolvement; others are super-strivers to cultivate their personal and professional potential. On occasion, we feel at odds, but back-pedaling isn’t an option so we feel stuck.

The hubbub of the holiday season behind, and now in a new year where every page is still blank, most people intend to write their own book. Intentions are as real as pens and pencils – sometime there’s a block of short-sightedness that holds us back from setting down that first word!

Indecision and lack of clarity reflects in our face – others can see that something’s amiss. If our life’s journey includes wading through a swamp and we are mired down, think of it as a Temporary Assignment we’re obliged to complete.

That shell we grow is in self-defense, protecting inner thoughts and outward actions. “This too shall pass”, and the day will come when the face you see in the mirror is the real you looking back.

New Years Revolutions…

The tradition of promising oneself to turn things around or “make better” in some way or other in the New Year has a success rate of accomplishment that’s not thrilling. I’ve read that the two most frequent topics are dieting and quitting smoking.

Professionally and personally, history repeats itself when we set goals that are not realistic – thereby setting ourselves up for a fall. So this year, instead of either shrugging it all off or embracing intention, I’m setting my sights on achievable tasks.

In the December 29, 2013 Toronto Star™ section identified as Insight & Books, an article entitled Moving On struck a chord with me. The five stories offered “five perspectives on saying goodbye”. Everyone every day is moving on from some place or situation to elsewhere; at sleep time we say “goodbye today” and hopefully reawaken with clarity.

Having survived an unexpected career change and then an employment fizzle within the past 6 months, I came into the Christmas Season feeling quavery. Even my proverbial sense of optimism wasn’t sunny – in fact, I felt absolutely humbuggy! Quieting myself to seek and ask for answers seemed inconclusive – then “whammo”!

Saying “goodbye” to the old and embracing the new is my one and only New Years Revolution.

Looking Good….

A lady co-worker the other day was dreamily humming the soundtrack theme from the movie Sleepless in Seattle.  It’s a favourite movie of many, possibly because the romantic aspects satisfy either a craving or nostalgic whiff of once was.

It’s unsettling when our paths cross unexpectedly with someone we haven’t seen for a long while – perhaps a classmate or other adult acquaintance. Our impression may be that the person appears burdened and consequently may have lost or gained weight, lost their “zip”, and their persona is dimmed. Conversely, the person may have a really positive aura that exudes energy, enthusiasm and overall zest.

Anyone who arises after a fretful night of tossing/turning or otherwise affected sleep knows how difficult it is to put on our game face and step out with a spring in our step. Interrupted sleep or no sleep whatsoever is totally debilitating. Overwrought Moms and Dads may be functioning on auto-pilot; caregivers may be light sleepers with their ear cocked for a rustle of bedclothes or other indicators. Financial, marital, bereavement or work-related stressors are other recognizable impacts. If you Google™ the Holmes-Rafe Life Stressors Inventory you can score yourself - which might be either unnerving or comforting!

It’s essential, however difficult, that we each keep at top of mind the inevitability that “this too shall pass”. Some people appear to be able to carry their rucksack of troubles with grace and aplomb, perhaps setting an admirable example to observers. Nobody is truly alone in their toil and if we can offload even a few factors affecting us the result will be lighter, brighter and fresher.

Looking good!

Betwixt and Between…

Life’s road presents a myriad of choices, from babyhood to past our “best before” date!

We learn early which choices in behavior are good or not. Rewards such as sweet candy are more tangible to a toddler though than a hug or cheer!

Classroom etiquette is clearly identifiable – mischief is often held back till recess when hopefully perpetrators escape the eagle eye of the yard monitor. Sometimes the school bus driver has uproar and upheaval to manage – even so far as adolescents mooning, or worse, in the back seat!

Teenage years are fraught with inconsistencies as we try to find our way – Mom and Dad often shake their heads in consternation as we stumble into adulthood.

And so it goes.

Post-secondary education represented a ticket to success – just “plan your work and work your plan”! Sounded like a piece of cake, except there are usually too many slices to consider; and it’s regrettable if we make the wrong choice. Anguish and despair from funding sources such as Mom and Dad or Grandma/Grandpa or other family members. Remorsefulness and feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem on the part of the errant student, and the weightiness of debt when loans need to be repaid. Unemployment is rampant, adding to the burden.

As we journey along, the pathway can feel uneven and narrow. We can stumble and even lose our way from time to time. The old analogy of light at the end of the tunnel can be viewed two ways – is it a train barreling toward us or actually the end of our troubles in sight?

Peering too hard into the future with intensity can produce eyestrain!

This past weekend I struggled with a list of Pros and Cons to a reach decision that was hanging heavily. Sighs of fretfulness – betwixt and between…

The sun shone though on Thanksgiving Day - and “I can see clearly now – the rain is gone”. 

Everybody Hurts……

A recent Sunday night television program caught my eye on the listings schedule, so I tuned in to The Choir, a series about Choirmaster Gareth Malone whose efforts are focused on assembling people to unite as a choir. The Part 1 episode I watched revolved around a hospital choir-in-the-making, destined for a competition with other “workplace choirs”.

The song selected by Gareth Malone; entitled “Everybody Hurts”, was composed and released by American rock band members Berry/Buck/Mills and Stipe – most commonly known as R.E.M..

"The challenge with Lewisham Hospital was getting them to open up and sing with emotion. By their own admission they tend to be quite clinical, quite matter-of-fact."

The similarity to many people struck me, few are inclined to “wear their hearts on their sleeve” for fear of making themselves vulnerable. In this faceless world of too-busy/too much everything, anonymity is a defence mechanism we might wrap around ourselves like a cloak.

Professional salespeople are tenacious in their efforts to secure a client and follow through to the completion of the order; and this includes a REALTOR®.

The process of meeting and greeting, spending time together in a vehicle and discussing the process and progress can evolve to include personal subjects.

In my own business I try to lend my utmost accountability to either Buyer or Seller clients – if there’s ever a doubt about anything I visualize a loved member of my own family in the client’s shoes – and my caring becomes even more keen.

 As with the Lewisham Hospital Choir members’ self-discipline, not daring to be too gushy or mushy –  most dedicated professionals find it impossible to leave work at work when the business day ends.

Regardless of the line of work we perform, it can feel personal – and from time to time, “Everybody Hurts”.

What's The Buzz...

Die-hard campers, fisherpeople, hikers or bikers, and runners all have one thing in common – insects in late spring and summer! Speed or agility are not necessarily a winning accomplishment, winging stingers will catch up somehow and then an owie to remember.

Fragrance free and clad in light colours is recommended, and many portable repellents are available to increase protection. Wasp traps, pseudo nests that identify territory, and even mosquito magnets and defoggers may be seen in use.

A one and only encounter last August with a yellow jacket was not only aggravating, it became serious. A secondary leg infection developed, resulting in treatment - the cellulitis further impacted my recovery.

Once someone has suffered a frightening reaction of any kind, anxiety can surface quickly when there is even the tiniest possibility of being stung again. Companions may also be acutely alert – wide eyed and their own antennae twitching in both apprehension and anticipation. I once knew of a well-meaning guest whose energetic swatting bruised the metal screen and actually pierced a small hole where the weave was compromised!

If you or anyone you know carries an epi-pen™ to be administered promptly, please ensure that whomever you’re with is aware of the how-tos should the need arise. Like all creatures in nature, ourselves included, there are good practices and not-so-wise activities. Be safe, be smart, and don’t panic when your ears become pointier and you query “What’s the Buzz?”. 

Reading Between the Lines…

Today was a scorcher temperature wise, and otherwise as well.

In an effort to chill a little, I decided to go for an enticing swim at the lovely Gravenhurst pool – new, modern and indoors.

Despite the fact the location is poorly signed at the main road, and entry somewhat convoluted, new visitors will be pleased with their discovery.

I parked my car in the shade, alongside 4 others. Upon exiting, I heard the slurpy syrupy sound of a Bylaw Enforcement vehicle burbling with fulfillment as it moved away from the area. Aghast and alas, parking tickets for all the patrons’ cars parked in a delectable row. Easy pickings for the picker.

It must be noted that there is no signage whatsoever indicating this was an undesignated parking area, and in fact, concrete barriers were in place to ensure one’s front wheels were not moved too far forward and off the pavement.

Not being a resident of the Town of Gravenhurst, and unlikely to return within seven days, I went to the Municipal Offices to pay the ticket; and then returned to take this photo at the site of my infraction – written up as “parking in an undesignated area”.

Would you park here? One of the aggrieved commented that he parked there every day – and others as well. Perhaps, this being Monday, the bylaw officer sought refuge under the shade of the yum-yum tree to watch and wait for unwitting victims; similar to a bird of prey lurking/watching/waiting.

Facility staff at the pool did remark that the parking areas had been recently set back from the wooded, shady area – sadly no sign to say so. I know that no means no, but how would anyone know to “no”?

Poor devil, perhaps he is a non-swimmer who either fears the water or has never dreamed of finding refreshment from the summer heat. And feeling scratchier as well under a synthetic-fiber uniform.

Discerning where or where not to park was about as clear as reading between the lines of the printed ticket.

Staying Afloat...

The ravaging floodwaters experienced this year by so many Muskoka residents, as well as points north and east, caused a rude awakening and plenty of grief.

Year round homes located in what is usually a passable area were affected significantly - electricity turned off, and no way to get supplies or relief.

Absentee cottagers could only anguish about the state of their property and possessions – insurance company adjusters and claims consultants felt sadly popular – and in some instances perhaps an ounce of prevention invested at an earlier time could have contributed to a cure. We never think “it will happen to us”, and then wham!

Whatever our circumstances, wherever we live, and whatever our profession or source of income, the “what ifs” of life and living can be so enormous that often they are shelved without due consideration. Hindsight, as we all know can be either valuable or with regret!

In addition to the popular topics of “weather” and/or “health”, conversations turn both literally and figuratively to the meaningful subject of staying afloat!

Sing Out...

Identifiable periods in everyone’s life can sometimes be tagged with a specific piece of music that seemed fitting at the time. Melodies of yore were easy to follow and hum along to; and lyricists have the savvy to wordsmith the emotion that makes the composition memorable.

Adults who were raised in a home where music was in the air often carry that same habit into their own environment – and it matters not what the style or tastes are! My husband’s daughter was the first woman I ever heard who lulled her baby to sleep with rock music – it never occurred to me that punctuated fast rhythms and repetition of words would work!

My favourite Auntie, now singing in the angel choir, had a sweetly trilling voice I can still hear if I close my eyes.My Mother had a terrific voice and sang as she did housework or other tasks. I never knew until a few years ago that she had dreamed of being a “band singer” when she was a young girl!  Many of us aspire to be songbirds – in the shower or maybe the car. When we raise our voice in song it can make our spirits soar as well.

One of the most thrilling performances I have viewed on the PBS channel is The Tenors’ 2013 “Lead with Your Heart”.  A more lovely melding of harmony and marvelous stylings is hard to imagine. Even though I can just carry a tune and croak in a very breathy manner that has little merit, their music makes me want to Sing Out!

Changing Wallpaper….

Anyone who’s cut, pasted, draped and then skimmed out the air bubbles before stepping back to admire the finished job knows what an effort it can be to accent with either strips or a mural.  Equally demanding is the removing of wallpaper when either styles, furnishings or personal tastes change! Many who have endured and succeeded will attest to it.

Computer-wrought documents can be flavoured with wallpaper backgrounds for creating impact and personal flair. Cell phone users also have choices of wallpapers which come into view when the screen is activated. My first animated wallpaper choice was called Beach…crystal clear water and stretches of sand, gentle animated waves rolling in, shells, starfish and a red bucket and yellow sand scoop!

Yesterday I decided to change the theme, and selected one where blades of grass wave gently under a daytime or night sky. The technology is amazing; but this one came with an unexpected wrench. Wanting to show my husband last evening, I was astonished to see the sun setting noticeably in the background of this “Grass” scenery.

It didn’t feel pretty or restful to me, just sad. My comments though, were enthusiastic. When bedtime came and I turned off my phone, the setting had become deep night, with twinkling stars and ghostly blades of grass.

Feeling certain that I am of sound mind, and coincidentally possessing an abundance of common sense, didn’t alleviate the niggling apprehension that family illness will transcend to become a twinkling star too soon.

I immediately reverted to the beach theme and sunnier thoughts when I decisively changed the wallpaper.

Long Sleeves or Short…..

One of the television channels I enjoy watching from time to time is PBS, especially the truly Special performances that are broadcast when it’s fund-raising time. The talent showcased is always breathtaking, and many of today’s most famous performers were featured for the first time on PBS.

Early in the Christmas Season, there was a concert scheduled by The (Canadian) Tenors. Debuting a selection of the pieces on the latest CD release, it was a wonderful program.  In reply to an out-of-town enquiry – “What would Dad like for Christmas?” – my reply was prompt. The CD titled “Lead With Your Heart”.

The lyrics and music sent tingles up my arms, and it’s played regularly. On this Sunday morning in early Spring, newspaper reports from the needy side of living are troubling. Recent accounts, and there are more than anyone will ever know, of mothers who – at their wits end – have prostituted themselves, and in some countries their girl children,  to put food on the table. There are many circumstances worldwide where the numbers of “haves” significantly outnumber the “have-nots”. And the disparity is growing.

It’s true that wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve can be energizing, debilitating and/or too idealistic. While we cannot save the world, and generosity can begin in our own community, a change in one’s lifestyle can be altered with a single gust of unfortunate wind.  A “have” can become a have-not” in the blink of an eye!

I believe that we should each do our best for others, as I do in my profession as a REALTOR®.  Performing random acts of kindness also is a feel-good treat!  The alternatives are profound.

“Lead with your heart” whether you wear long sleeves or short!

String Games...

Most of us remember childhood string games such as Cat’s Cradle, corking, finger knitting, simple macramé, etc.. Learning to tie knots was always intriguing – and memorable….Everyone can probably bring to mind both a reef knot vs. a “granny” knot, not easily undone.

It has struck me today that one string game that is never-ending, sometimes frustrating, and isn’t actually a game at all; let’s call it “heart strings”. Valentine’s Day has passed, resulting sometimes in tears on the pillow, wilting flowers (or none at all), and may include plenty of reality checks and soul-searching!

Nearly every day in city newspapers, television newscasts and social media sites  appear tidbits about “who the new squeeze is” for celebrities…and closer to home, whispers of innuendo about others who we may know personally surface. Maybe the only hint is a wistful look in someone’s eye and glimpsing a dreamy half-smile. In the bleak mid-Winter, some people think the grass is greener on the other side of marriage.

Trying to rekindle a flame that’s become low requires mutual intention, attention and patience. Being thorough in one’s analysis of the whole picture takes courage and fair-minded consideration. Unless there has been an incident or repeats thereof simply too catastrophic to overlook, maybe just a little puff of air from the bellows will coax some tendrils of smoke.

Distant stares to far-away mountain peaks aren’t the same as actually scaling the heights – every move requires preparation, resolution and following through. Even if the grass does appear greener, yearning adults should not balance on the middle rung of the ladder – either move up or move down.

Realities tangled and stomachs tied tight?  Consider all the what-ifs, get some counselling, step back and re-think plunging into the unknown. Hopefully, when at the precipice, the rope will not unravel or break.  If you’ve “tied the knot” and are still legally bound it’s essential to appreciate that some string games are not trivial.

Snow on the roof, fire in the hearth….

Local newspapers are galore this week with red and white splashy ads featuring Valentine’s Day menu specials. A delectable assortment of dinner choices fit for a king/queen, prince or princess! Florists’ coolers are crammed with baby’s breath, asparagus fern and all manner of flowers – cello-wrapped with red and white ribbons for eyelash-fluttering soon-to-swoon recipients.

My husband’s young grandson has visited the jeweller with a ring in mind for his lucky lady – it will be all shiny and sparkly like their excitement! Hopeful hearts are all a-twitter; lingerie stores stayed open late for last-minute shoppers with a gleam in their eye; and plenty of manicures and pedicures buffed to perfection.

For the “not-so-frantic” whose relationships are still sweet but not gaga, there’s still lots to celebrate. Fishnet hosiery doesn’t wear well with arctic-performance boots and snow pants when we’re walking the dog; nor do miniskirts when the temperatures are plenty-minus and there’s a lake-effect snowstorm aimed straight at Muskoka!

Tonight, after a gala supper at A&W with a decadent order of onion rings on the side,

Hubby and I are celebrating on our screened in porch, in our snowmobile suits and boots, with a bottle of bubbly and a candle! It’s always fun to be innovative and change routines up even just a little bit. Then down to the recroom to share the annual viewing of a now-grainy VHS movie of our wedding. Predictable yes, but part of the celebration.

  

I just read all the mushy stuff in the Toronto Star's lovey-dovey section; the main takeaway today is that if we've got love cherish what we have. If loving memories are held close instead, savor them again. For long-time wearers, the rose coloured glasses may have blurred– but on a wintery night the flame still glows.

Snow on the roof, fire in the hearth.

All That Glitters...

In the Broadway musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, on stage in 1949, Carol Channing introduced the song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. She presented a glittering unforgettable image throughout her career, diamonds or not.

Likewise, with Valentine’s Day approaching, it may be that more women than not are dreaming of a sweet treat that’s not chocolate!

It seems that there are at least two different ways in which the word “diamond” can be used. The noun, identifying the sought-after crystalline stone of pure carbon that is the hardest natural substance in the world – thusly used for cutting edge technologies and jewellery. An adjective such as “a diamond in the rough”, or “her eyes they shone like diamonds” (from the folk song Black Velvet Band). 

In the depths of Winter here in Bracebridge, we have had temperatures well below freezing – those days when the snow crunches as you walk and it’s important to avoid frostbite! If the sun is shining the rays appear to reflect off the hard snow in blinding beauty. This is what a colleague once described as a “diamond day”. So incredible it nearly takes one’s breath away.

Difficult to discover, and incomparable in its characteristics, you too will recognize it when you see it – a “diamond day” in Winter is all that glitters!

Walking Tall...

I have heard it said that “as a man walks, so goes his life” – which creates, at least in my own brain, the supposition that if someone has a bouncy stride their life’s rhythms are uneven as well.

What of people who saunter along with a gangly loose gait; or others like me who take two steps for everyone else’s one, just to keep pace…  Does a person’s inner self reflect in the way they carry themselves, as in “confident = walking tall” or  “slouching = shy”?

The first impression we interpret upon seeing someone for the first time is sometimes difficult to “undo” as we get to know them better. Appearances may not be a true indicator, nor conversation by telephone or e-mail – we simply form our thoughts based on experiences in the past.

A colleague who has joined our brokerage recently commented that I always seemed to be in a hurry…when in truth it’s because I walk quickly and don’t lollygag along!

A person’s manner of speaking, even the pitch and nuances of their voice can affect how we perceive that person as well. Sometimes the old adage “an empty barrel rings the loudest” proves itself true, conversely, a quieter person may not have more merit!

Yesterday, while window shopping at a large Mall, I moseyed into the shoe department – one of my favourite destinations. Espying a pair of thin stiletto dress shoes, I envisioned myself Walking Tall for a few short steps before coming back to Earth with a thud!