Note: Perhaps a bit of an ironic message for my blog, but this piece appeared recently in Neighbors of Batavia magazine I received an email from a friend I’ll refer to as Jim. I struggle to respond with empathy, kindness and wisdom. I have, for a number of years, taken voice lessons. I have …
Feeling a Bit Fraudulent
Note: This piece was published recently in the March/April Issues of Neighbors of Batavia magazine. If you allow me a moment of reflection, regret and deep sorrow, I have an invitation to share. There are times life leaves us wondering and wandering. Where life’s path led me in the early days of 2011, …
Orchids and Roses
This weekend, Judi and I joined our children in the Quad Cities, David’s adopted home, for a new tradition of enjoying their many pre-holiday events. If you haven’t been, I recommend it. All weekend, the two of us sat in amazement in the presence of our children. I know David and Kathryn are no more …
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
This piece was originally published in the November 16, 2010 edition of the Kane County Chronicle “Innocent until proven guilty” is the most fundamental principle in our court system, but I wonder how often this critical precept wends its way into our day-to-day discourse. The possibility that this cultural tenet is lost in everyday life …
Verklempt
The following appeared recently in Neighbors of Batavia Magazine. I do verklempt about as well as anyone. Recently, the Chamber of Commerce recognized 18 professionals, under the age of 30, at our first annual “20 Under 30” dinner. It was a night filled with emotion as these extraordinary young leaders gathered with the senior leaders …
Being Right…Even When I am Not
I have been thinking a great deal about what it means to be wrong since reading Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error by Kathryn Schulz. The author asks a fascinating question. What does it feel like to be wrong? Her answer? It feels the same as being right, because before we realize …
Books to Know & Love: Leadership and the New Science
Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World by Margaret J. Wheatley. I rarely read books more than once…at least not since my children were enthralled by Dr. Seuss! Occasionally, however, a particular book and I develop a rewarding long-term relationship. Meg Wheatley’s masterpiece and I have been friends now for more …
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Claiming Our Place at the Fire
What appears below was published recently in Neighbors of Batavia magazine. On July 13, separated by a mere 22 minutes, calls arrived at the Batavia Fire Department announcing that the community it had lost two of its elders. On that warm summer day, we lost one who, through her extraordinary life of generosity, created much …
Beginnings, July- August, 2010
What appears below was published recently in Neighbors of Batavia magazine. “It must have been a place so dark you couldn’t feel the light, reaching for you through that stormy cloud.” Country Music Group Rascal Flatts In the prior issue of Neighbors (published here on April 12 as “Connections”), I said, “…when a …