When the Trust is Broken...

Trust.  A key element in all relationships - both professional and personal.   Trust is an emotional act where you allow others to see your vulnerable side with belief that they will not take advantage of you.   Trust is a logical act as well, where you have certain expectations and have faith that those expectations will be returned.   Trust will either make or break a relationship.

Trust doesn't happen overnight.  There's no magic potion that you drink or sprinkle and it's there.  Trust grows day after day and there's no set number of days when it will happen.  Through friendship, love, attention, respect and effort - trust is earned.  Its a level of comfort and companionship that you have reached with another person.    Once you have it with another individual - you know it and most of all, they know it.     There are varying levels of trust and past experiences can hinder your ability and willingness to trust, but if you are one of the lucky few, it can change your life both in a personal and professional way.

For me, the best feeling in the world is when someone says to me - I trust you completely.   Its a responsibility and one that I take very seriously, both in business and in my personal life.   Trust is something that I hold very dear to my heart and I try to put forth 150% effort into every relationship that I value.   I work on a daily basis to earn and keep the trust that I have been given.   I feel it is a precious and fragile gift from another person.  

In life, we've all had people come and go who have enhanced and changed our lives for good, bad or ugly.   We've all had people who have earned our trust and we gave it willingly back to them.  What happens when the trust is broken?    From my own experience, I know that in both business and personal relationships - breaking of trust totally taints our image of every action, word and intent - to the point where we feel we can no longer be in a relationship the same way or do business the same way.   Can we?     How do you regain and rebuild trust once it's broken?  Is it possible? 

I am by no means an expert in psychology or human emotions.   I am actually not an expert in anything.   I work hard and share my passion with those I meet, but I am definitely not an expert.   I am a small town Mississippi girl who writes from the heart and from personal experiences.  I've spent the past 25 years honing my craft and trying to find my way in the world.  I've had some successes and I have had my fair share of failures.   Through it all,  I know that my greatest asset is my relationships.

From my own experiences, communication is the most important step.  Honestly also plays a huge role in the rebuilding process.   Compassion, empathy and understanding play yet another.   In every relationship, there are two individuals who willingly committed to it and those same two individuals have to be just as committed to get it back.  It won't be an easy process, but with complete effort, it can be regained.     (Afterall, wasn't there a reason you trusted this person in the first place?  Aren't we all allowed a mis-step?)   I believe this to a certain degree and know that I have given friends and colleagues second and third chances...and have not lived to regret it.

 What do you do if the trust is broken over and over again?   Obviously, its time to re-evaluate whether or not the relationship was ever genuine in the first place.  I do know and truly believe that all of our failures and set-backs help us to become stronger and better.   They serve as reminders of what's important and what it takes to enjoy a happy and fulfilled life.    I also know that rebuilding of trust in both a business and personal sense takes being open minded  enough to allow yourself to forgive.    

Many times, when the trust is broken, people take the approach of doing nothing.  They just sit and wait to see what the other person is going to do.   For me, this does nothing to help, AND only makes the situation worse.   I strongly believe that whatever you want in life, you must be willing to put forth the effort into getting it.   You must be open, willing and committed to getting back what you lost.   We aren't all psychics and can't read minds, so again, communication is absolutely essential to re-connecting. 

Most of all, when the trust is broken, take responsibility.  In business or in life, we all want to know that the other person is willing to stand up and say that they were wrong and truly mean it.   Be willing to tell the other person what is going to be different this time and know that you are going to have to work hard and put forth much more effort to get the trust back.

Trust is THE foundation of any great relationship in business and with our family and friends.  I once read, that  without trust, a relationship is like a car on blocks. It isn’t going anywhere… and after a while, it will rust and deteriorate.   When the trust is broken,  YOU hold the keys.

Woe... the Weary Traveler

Becoming a road warrior over the last decade has prepared me for just about anything.   I have learned how to pack only the essentials in a carry on.. and live with whatever I forgot to pack.  I've learned that those "wrinkle free" clothes are the best invention known to woman! Nothing... could have prepared me for my 3 week European journey!   Not necessarily from a packing stand-point, because I WAY over-packed, but just at how simple life is across the pond.    Now, a lot of you have asked me to blog about my trip... so let me forewarn you... this blog is a little long!  Don't give out while reading!

You've heard of National Lampoon's?  Well, they have nothing on a Clampett traveling abroad.   So...after a 3 hour delay in Atlanta (that's reality for you), up and away!  First stop... Barcelona, Spain.  Did I mention how long the flight was and the fact that it was over the Atlantic?   Yikes!  Needless to say, I was glad that it was an overnight flight and that those sleep aids... really do help!  When I awoke... hello, Barcelona!   Our hotel was a lovely little boutique in the heart and soul of the city... on the busiest street... in the middle of all the action... and the noisiest!  From the fresh market, to the city tour on a double decker bus, to the marina, to  the flamenco dancers who slapped me in the face with their dress and perspired all over me.. there was so much to see and do.   Las Ramblas was the heart of the city center and it did not disappoint.  I love to people watch... and sitting out in the plaza as I liked to call it while there,  having the local drink of choice - sangria - you could find all the people you wanted!  Beautiful cathedrals, the olympic village and of course, Spain's Futbol phenomenon!  There was only one thing I disliked about being here... they never go to bed!  From 9 pm til 6 am (not just one night, but every night)! They were drinking their espressos, wine, sangria... and shouting and having a celebration.  I guess they didn't get the memo that there was a jet lagged party from the US trying to sleep in that cozy little boutique hotel!

 France and Monaco.. had to be much quieter!  Upon arrival, I am not sure what I was expecting, but I was mesmerized.  The glitz and glamour, the language of love, the food and wine... the hospitality.  I fell in love immediately.   A small town Mississippi girl in the South of France... talk about a fish out of water, or was I?   Nice, Cannes and Monaco - home to all the beautiful people.  And.. honestly, they were beautiful.   Sitting at lunch by the Casino in Monte Carlo.. I realized that moments like this are to be cherished because not everyone has the chance to experience it.  So, I sipped a little more slowly savoring every flavor of the delicate french wine and I enjoyed the lunch at a much slower pace.   As over the top as I was over this portion of the trip... the best was yet to come.   The real gem, in my own personal opinion,  of the Cote d' Azur is a quaint village, called Eze.  The history and beauty... the warmth. Perched on a rock, way above the sea level, the village is located on the ruins of a 12th century castle.   Wandering the cobblestone paths while climbing upward to the top are boutiques, restaurants and captivating views.   The bougainvillea in full bloom embracing the village all the way down to the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean... it was simply breath-taking.  Sitting at the very top... was one of the most beautiful hotels, I've ever seen - Chateau de la Chevre d'Or.   There are no words to adequately express the beauty, the serenity... the peacefulness.   There was only a connection of me and the French at that particular moment.  One that will forever be within my heart.

Now, as you can imagine... I did not want to leave France, but with all good things, they come to an end eventually.   Next on the list... Italy!   Would I really see the statue of David?   Does the tower really lean?  How would I feel on the Spanish Steps?  Were there really live tigers and lions in the bottom of the Colosseum?   Would I be in awe of the Sistine Chapel and feel such a reverence that my life would be forever changed. Is it possible, that I might actually be blessed by the Pope, himself.  How would I feel driving down the Amalfi Coast with the wind in my hair?   Did a volcano really create Pompeii?    With anticipation growing and all these mind boggling questions... we were off and running!    Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii,  Postino... ahh, the Amalfi Coast.  My first impression of Italy is that with all of its artistic beauty and history, they need to clean it up.  Even though, I felt this way, I was awed by the architecture and the art.  I was inspired by the stories told in the paintings and murals.   I was drawn to the history.  I took the crazy photo holding up the leaning tower and felt like a complete idiot doing it.  (My only save was that everyone else was doing it too!)   I relived the days of the gladiators and felt connected to the Roman empire in a way that actually had me daydreaming.   My biggest disappointment came when I entered the Sistine Chapel.  Not from the art... it was magnificent.  Michelangelo's masterpiece was truly vivid and alive!   We were told ahead of time, no cameras and no talking.   What I got when we were actually inside was a crowd of people with no room to move, loud talking, cameras flashing... and for me ... the moment was lost.   After walking through St. Peters Basilica, I found myself feeling more at peace.    I still hadn't seen or been touched by the Pope... but there's always another day. 

Driving the Amalfi Coast, exploring the ruins of Pompeii and finding the quaint village of Postino was one of the true highlights of my whirlwind in Italy.  I loved everything about it... and the limoncello is very good!  Chilled to perfection and served in small ceramic bottles... YUMMY!    Needless to say, after my visit in Italy, I had to buy one of those leather overnight bags to carry all of my treasures! 

Greece, by far, was my absolute favorite destination and I will go back again and again.   Athens, Santorini... both for me were truly the best days of my whole journey.   In Athens, I was overwhelmed by The Acropolis.   Standing on that high cliff... looking at The Parthenon (yes, the 8th wonder of the world) there is such a sense... of surrealism and complete awe.  I cannot explain any emotion that I felt... other than in that moment, I knew that I had experienced something very special.   After having lunch at a lovely Greek restaurant with a view of this historical place... I knew at that moment... I could be Greek.   Lunch was in itself, an event.   Wine.. glass after glass.   From appetizer, to salad, to soup, to entree to dessert... it was spectacular, not to mention, probably one of the best meals I've ever eaten.  Lamb slow simmered with grape leaves?  Really?  Are you kidding?

Santorini... I don't know what I had envisioned... but, what I got was far better.  Sitting high on top of a cliff overlooking the deep blue Aegean sea... were a number of villages that made up this unique and wonderful place in the Cyclades.   After being told that there were 5 islands and they were made from a volcano (the caldera) and it was active and located... ummmm... right there...in the middle...  I was a bit nervous, but... the beauty and warmth of this wonderful place sucked me in.   Completely.   The white cycladic buildings with blue domes... an artist's dream!   Even as I look at my photos now... they don't seem real.  Like a painting.   Wow!

Now... there's only 3 ways to get to the top... walk, via donkey or cablecar.   I will just let  you decide on how you think I got up there and down!  

We did a wine tasting in Santorini and I was definitely in my element.   I loved learning how they grow their grapes, seeing all their varietals and tasting the simplicity and elegance.  Truly one of the hidden gems in the wine industry... that will soon be discovered by leaps and bounds.

Once you're to the top... the villages are all unique and different in their own way and its a shopper's paradise.  Did I mention that I had to buy... yet another bag?

So... after learning that I could purchase the house next to Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie for only... 200,000 euros... I definitely think, I could be Greek!

Now... Turkey was the other stop... and honestly, it was beautiful, but with all of the events of the world, it was the one location that made me the most nervous... so, instead of venturing out,  our group just enjoyed the marketplace, a few carpet purchases and the scenery.

Woe is the weary traveler...life on the road is a wonderful and exciting journey.  Memories of places that last a lifetime... and moments when you realize how very lucky you are in this life to experience them at least once.

I definitely would go back... but next time... I will do as the locals... sleep late, have lunch from12 to 4, siesta til 8, dinner from 8 til midnight... siesta again.... and by then... start all over.   Oh wait... didn't I do that, this time?   My favorite saying the whole trip..... aaaaaarrrrrrivvvaaaderchi!   

Should You Treat Customers as More than Customers?

Should you treat your customers like... more than customers?  The great debate that I have encountered for more than 2/3 of my own career and I can tell you that my answer then and now, is the same.

Yes.  

As you go out in the world to seek your own way, its difficult to know all of the do's and don'ts.   I mean, seriously, have you got time to check the list to see if you're supposed to be doing something when you're in front of  a customer?   For me, I found out early on... that I cannot be anything other than me.   I tried all the "so called" checklist methods.  I tried to follow in the footsteps of those before me who found greatness.   I tried to be everything and anything but who I truly was... and I can tell you, I was completely and utterly miserable.    Once I realized that trying to be something I wasn't and focused on just being me and letting customers see and get to know  "me", I started seeing success.   I found that people liked me and the fact that I was so open and genuine.   I began to develop "real" relationships with my customers.   I began to see them as more than "just" customers.   They were people... why... they were friends.  


Is it really possible to do business with friends?   Trust is essential in every relationship, whether business or personal.   Trust is the backbone for creating and keeping successful and long-term customers.   You cannot BUY trust.  You can only EARN it and work to keep it. 

Trust.   It makes me feel so good when someone says to me, I trust you completely.  It means that I have earned that comment in some way.  It means that my actions and follow-ups and effort have been noticed.   It means that you have developed a solid relationship between two individuals who like each other and are very comfortable not only doing business but being friends as well.     There are many customers who you won't have this type of relationship, but there are many that you will.  Be grateful for those because they will enrich your life in so many ways.

Does being friends mean you owe these customers something extra?  In my own mind, its a bonus by becoming friends.   For me personally, it challenges me to exceed their expectations.   Customers  like to feel that you are going the extra mile for them.  When you're friends with them, I have found that they appreciate that extra mile even more.   (Think about how you feel when you're the customer and someone goes out of their way to make you happy.)  Its a great feeling! 

I've had a few supervisors who told me that my way of doing business was wrong.  I have had one of them tell me that you cannot be friends with customers and that the "company" owned the relationships.  Well... they were wrong then and they are wrong now.    Relationships cannot be "owned" by anyone.   Relationships are developed, nurtured and maintained by people.   I have often told my own consulting clients when developing their customer base, don't micro-manage your sales people.   Allow their personality to shine and let them represent your brand by being themselves.  If a sales person knows the product and believes in it... the rest will take care of itself.   The key to success is not the product or company - it's the person selling it. 

My rules of thumb for selling have been the same for 25 years:  Sell yourself, sell the product or service and then sell your company.  IN THAT ORDER. 

So... as I sit here today,  I am smiling and happy.   I know that when I go out into the world to meet new people and share my new passion for whatever project I may be working on... one thing is for certain - they will meet the "real me" and they will immediately become part of my family.   All the critics can say its not "professional".   They can say that its too personal, but for me - it's success.   And, personally... I like success! 

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends!

Now... first, you'll be singing that song all day!  So.... just go on and get it out of your system!  BELT IT OUT!  

Friendship.  Its part of our life... at every stage.   From birth to death, friends surround us and make our lives better or in some cases, worse.  (just as we do for them!)  This blog post was originally going to be about something else, but I had a conversation on the airplane yesterday... and I was touched and inspired.  

So... I was sitting next to a lovely elderly lady who started a conversation with me.  She was telling me she was on her way to see her best friend who had moved across the country and that twice a year they each traveled to see the other.   She told me stories of their younger days and how they had kept the friendship alive when they lived so far apart.   As she was talking, her eyes sparkled with laughter and a genuine feeling of love and fondness for this person that I had never met, yet somehow felt connected to instantly.   She asked me if I had a best friend and I told her that indeed I did, not one - but two.  She looked at me quite seriously and said, "Every day is a gift and every friendship another.  Don't ever take it for granted and always take care and nurture them. Without love and attention, they will die."

As I listened to her, I began to think how lucky we all are in this life.  Friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds.   We are all unique and different, yet, when you make a connection with someone - its one of the most precious gifts we are given.  She was so right!

For me, I have a lot of friends across the country which really amazes me.  I have re-connected with friends from my childhood and high school days that I didn't realize how much I missed them until I got the opportunity to talk to them again on a regular basis thanks to the social media phenomenon!  Facebook definitely has the market on re-connecting!

 I have made long lasting friendships that started out as business acquaintances.   Some of my closest friends today happened in just that way and honestly, I cannot imagine my life without them.    But, whether old, new, good or best... one thing is for certain, I am grateful and blessed for each and every one of them.

Emily Dickinson said, "My friends are my estate."  Never a more profound or truer statement. 

I've had several best friends over the course of my life.  Each different, yet they all enriched my life at the time and made it much better.   I would not be the person I am today without all of these influences over the years.  Often, I think, we take friendship for granted.   We shouldn't!  Its give and take.  It's two people investing in a relationship and taking time to make it work. 

Today, as I take a moment to reflect over the course of my 46 years... I know that without friends, life would have been extremely dull.  I feel very honored to know so many people and to be able to call them my friend.   I am extremely blessed with a circle of great friends who through good times or bad, they are always there.   I know that without my two very best friends, one is a sister to me and the other my hero... I would not be the person I am today.    To both of them, I would say... thank you for loving me enough through all my flaws, ups and downs, good, bad and yes... even ugly and for always being there when it counts. 

Take time to tell your own friends how important they are to you.   As the lovely lady on the airplane reminded me... life is precious.  Every day is a gift.   Every friendship is another.

So... now, my goal is to try to name every song written about friends!  Hmmm... wonder how long that will take?

Compassion. Community. Care.

Sitting here today, I find that I am counting my blessings, literally one by one.  I imagine that I am not alone.  I would guess that there are many family and friends in the deep south doing the exact same thing and then I imagine that there are others who are suffering significantly at the loss of loved ones, their homes and more. 

The last several days, my own beloved hometown has been under severe weather and unfortunately, we did not go unscathed.   It's not unfamiliar territory for us, as we have faced frightening storms before and each time, the fear, uncertainty and stress take their toll.   As a community, yesterday,  we experienced several tornadoes that left many without homes and destruction around us.   Its difficult not to be saddened and affected deeply whether you knew someone directly or indirectly.   As I try and compose my thoughts, my heart is wrenching for not only those in my own area, but for those in Alabama where the devestation is far greater and worse than my own neighborhood or community.   Alabama was the hardest hit in a series of storms that spanned six Southern states. 

For myself, yesterday was truly terrifying.   Storms have always scared me, but it seems that in recent years, my fear has become greater.  I am not a storm tracker.   I don't have a storm shelter, but after yesterday, I know that I will be looking into getting one.  I spent most of yesterday in my office, under my desk with a webcast of the local news on, praying that I didn't lose internet connection.   It was my lifeline.  I felt the need to communicate with others who were just as terrified, so not only did I have the weather on, I was logged into facebook.  Our local newspaper was very diligent about posting news as well as friends and family.  As for the weather,  I don't always understand all the diagrams they show you on the newscast, but I am so grateful that they pre-empt all regular programming to do nothing but broadcast the radar.  After a very exhausting morning, more panic came late yesterday, when the latest storm cell showed the path of a tornado tracking over my house and neighborhood.   Immediately, I began to dial all my family members making sure they were accounted for and telling them to take cover.    I am blessed that they are all safe.  Stuff can be replaced.  Trees replanted.  Yes, today...I am counting my blessings.  

Compassion.  Community.  Care.  Those 3 simple words describe the outpouring of support that I witnessed  as people pulled together to help their fellow neighbors and even complete strangers.  From cutting down trees, to picking up debris, to bringing water and food to those working diligently to help those affected.  As a community, I am grateful for our county power crews, sheriff's department and others who are putting in countless of hours to help get power back and clear the roads.  The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have set up shelters and mobile food trucks across the southern region affected by these tragic storms. To find out how to donate, just go to the websites, www.redcross.org or www.salvationarmyusa.org.   You can click on the donate now button or click on your local group and find information on how to help those affected.

Today, the sun was shining brightly after the darkness we all felt yesterday.  It gave new hope that another day was dawning and that even though we don't always understand why something happens, our faith gives us the strength and comfort to know that God never fails us, even in times of turmoil and crisis.

May God Bless and Comfort Each of those families affected. 

Leaders are PEOPLE too!

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Lead and they will follow.... hmmmmm...

I don't know about you, but when my family or friends get together, there's tons of good conversation going on about a gamut of topics.  Its not uncommon to have a casual conversation turn into a debate or a really passionate exchange.  This past week-end was no exception which led to deep thought and eventually this posting.   Every now and then, I do love these hearty discussions because they challenge me to expand my own opinions or views.  Sometimes I walk away thinking how wrong I was about something or to the other end of the spectrum, how dead on in my thought process I was to the others.   Well, the latest exchange happened when we were discussing various leaders - both on a local, regional and national level.  The conversation was somewhat eye-opening because I had never really thought about how people might differ on what they see in a person as a leader.  Honestly, I was shocked at some of the individuals that others thought were good leaders.  Inside, I was thinking - no way!  Oh my!   As the conversation became more passionate, I began to think that maybe I had the wrong idea.  It led me to some agonizing questions about my own abilities and eventually to the questions of  what is a leader anyway?  What makes a good leader?

Now... after all these questions, my brain hurt.  I decided to look up the definition to see if the dictionary agreed with me and my thinking.

A leader is a person who has a vision, a drive and a commitment to achieve
 that vision, and the skills to make it happen. 

Well, that's pretty close to my own definition.   I believe that a leader is a person who has a vision and also a plan or strategy on how to achieve it.  I believe that a leader has to be able to problem-solve if the implementation process doesn't go exactly as planned and be able to make decisions to get back on track.  I believe that a leader has to be fair and open.    Most of all I think a leader has to have the drive and passion to stay focused and see the vision through to the end.  A leader has to believe so that all of the followers will as well.   In my personal opinion, these are traits that set a true leader apart from others.  Passion.  I've blogged about it before and I continue to stand behind it 100%.  Passion definitely makes a difference in how others see you and react to you.   Leaders have to be strong and stay the course regardless of the obstacles that happen along the way.  

One of the things that I have found that has helped me in my own journey as a leader is the fact that I love people.   I love the exchange of ideas, thoughts and just good ole' general conversation between people.  I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to get to know people,  build relationships and nurture them.  Leadership is also about motivation.  If you're a people person and have a genuine interest in others, you learn what their strengths and weaknesses are and what helps them to succeed.   You learn the right approach to help them get excited to want to excel.  You learn what challenges them to do their best.   I've met people who absolutely brought out the very best in me.   They challenged me to be better than  I was the day before.  They helped ignite the passion and the creative energy that leaders need to thrive and succeed.  For those individuals, I am extremely grateful.  

Lastly, I also feel that a leader has to be positive and effectively communicate with others.   Its not always easy, but leaders have to be able to adapt to any situation and have a positive attitude and provide positive feedback.   Its what allows them to help others in their tasks.   All of my blog posts revolve around my own experiences whether in my personal or professional life.   I've made tons of mistakes as a leader if you've read any of my posts prior to this one.   I've not always been a good leader as I look back and maybe its because at the time, I didn't really know how to be one.   I had a great mentor at the very beginning of my first career and I've written about him often.  I respect him and truly like him as a person.  I value his advice to this day. He would be the first to tell you how much I've grown since the beginning of my career and how much I've changed and adapted.  I'd like to think that all of my flaws as a leader in the past were not necessarily failures but opportunities that provided me with valuable learning tool that has helped me become the person I am today.

Nowadays,  I try to surround myself with positive people and trust me... that is not an easy task in itself.   I try very hard to look at the glass half full, not half empty.  I try my best not to react, but to think and listen.  I still falter and I still have to "regroup", but with every day that passes, I keep getting more and more consistent.

Some people are gifted and naturally born as great leaders.   Most of us, it takes effort to learn good skills and practice those on a daily basis. A leader dreams and finds a way to follow those dreams to reality.  My best success stories are ideas or thoughts that mattered and with all my heart, soul and passion came to fruition.    Whenever we slip or fall as leaders, we get back up and continue to move forward because afterall, isn't that what a good leader does - perseveres and moves forward.   

WORDS HAVE POWER!

It's official!  We are off and running with a brand new concept in the hospitality industry.   It's exciting and rewarding to be back in an arena that I feel quite at home.... and have loved for a long time.  This time... a good bit smaller and with a different format.
 

Last week, the press release went out to announce a brand new program for the hospitality industry called Hospitality Executive Exchange.   My office has been a flurry of activity with so many of our friends and colleagues calling or emailing to find out more information.    Our initial efforts to get the event on everyone's radar has been embraced with such a positive hug thus far.  The basis of the event is one-on-one guaranteed meetings between buyers and suppliers plus networking opportunities during breaks, lunches, receptions and dinner.   We're excited to bring this fresh new approach to the industry and feel that the fit will be perfect with today's economic situation.

I have been overwhelmed with all of the positive comments we have received to date.  I was humbled by  the time and effort that colleagues and friends took to send them.   Words with encouragement, congratulations and interest.  Words that created a renewed sense of energy and commitment to an industry that I am already very passionate.   Words that motivated and challenged me.  Words that were genuine.   Words that reminded me that relationships are our most valuable asset. 

Words truly have power!   We should all be mindful and appreciative of positive words and remember that negative ones are weapons that have no place in the business arena.
 

As I thought about this, that's when it struck me that everyday we all have the ability and opportunity to change someone's day or attitude by choosing the right words.   Words have the ultimate power to inspire!  

I hope to see all my friends and colleagues on November 6-9, 2011 in North Miami.  Mark your calendars!   Please visit our website, www.hospitalitybusinessexchange.com for complete details and information.   I look forward to visiting and seeing everyone over the next few weeks and months. 

As I end my blog for this posting... I leave you with this thought....

“If someone were to pay you 10 cents for every kind word you ever spoke and collect from you 5 cents for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor?”