Memorial for My Father
It’s March 30th is the 32nd anniversary of my father’s passing. Every year, I follow the Jewish tradition of lighting a Yahrzeit (memorial) candle and reciting the Kaddish (mourner’s prayer) for my father. However, today I realized the connection to the years.I was 32 when my father passed away and the memories of that daystill brightly resonate in my…
Read moreAmerican Idol Brain Colors
Many routines have changed in our home, since our son and his family have moved home from Brazil. When Noah and Kelly lived in Brazil they watch American Idol as an entertaining connection to the US. They now have my husband, Jordan, and I hooked on the show. The beginning auditions were amusing, bordering on the ridiculous and…
Read moreKeep An Open Mind
One of the traits that made President, Abraham Lincoln a great leader was his ability to keep an open mind. This required a basic sense of humility and willingness to admit his mistakes. Many people react with stubbornness and anger when their mistakes are pointed out. During the Civil War, President Lincoln under sever political pressure,…
Read moreWriting A Business Book
Exciting news! On Monday, I sent the first draft of my new “Business” book proposal to my agent, Jonathan Malysiak at The Jonathan Scott Agency. I was delighted they Jon was enthusiastic about the book.The project will incorporate and utilize all my Brain Colors: “Green Research”, “Yellow Organization”, “Blue Creativity” and “Orange Resourcefulness.”This “thought-provoking” writing process…
Read moreWriting Guild and Workshops
This morning, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Illinois (SCBWI) listserve offered me a GRAND Connection. It was Sheila’s George’s post about a writer’s organization and workshop. I immediately emailed Sheila for more information. I was delighted to learn about the International Women’s Writing Guild and the Susan Tiberghien’s “A Writing Life / A Creative Life:…
Read more“Blue Brain”storming
This morning, I was discussing the website changes I was contemplating with my husband. He had offered some suggestion, but I told him I didn’t like one of the ideas because it just didn’t feel like me. His Green Brain response was, “Your Blue is Blinding you!” His comment could have offended me and become an conflict. However,…
Read moreCollege Students’ Brain Colors
Last week, I was gathering research for my new book. I called the owner of Read Between the Lynes Bookstore, a phenomenal independent bookseller, in Woodstock, Illinois for her assistance. As always, I was most grateful when she offered her “Blue Brain insight “ and “Green Brain knowledge.” During the conversation, she told me about her daughter, a freshman in…
Read moreInfluential Blogger
Yesterday, I was catching up emails from my gmail account and to my surprise and delight I had a google alert from Janette Toral, who lives in the Philippines. Janette is the author of the Influencialblogger.net, a reflective thinking blog recording lessons learned from insightful and creative authors, leaders, books, blogs, and events. Listed in on of her…
Read moreCustomer Appreciation
This business adage was marked 11/17/67. I found discovered it when I was reading through my collection of newsletters from my father’s business. With the economic crisis that we are experiencing, I thought this description of a customer was appropriate today as it was in 1967. Business owners are looking for “new” ways to serve and maintain their customers.…
Read moreDiabetes Self-Mangement Program
Last week, I was planning a What Color Is Your Brain? Lunch and Learn Program at Good Shepard Hospital.While speaking with the meeting planner, Rosie Jerentina RN BSNc, I asked her why the hospital does not have a diabetes clinic. Rosie told me the hospital does not have dedicated clinic within the hospital. However, they do…
Read moreKeep Your Spirits Up
This morning, the Chicago Tribune featured article entitled Desperate acts in despairing times. It brought to mind another favorite inspirational “Blue Brain” poem, which has brought me and my family comfort during challenging times and helped us to keep our spirits up.Keep on Keepin’ OnIf the day seems kinder gloomyAnd your chances kinder slim,If the situation’s puzzlin’If perplexities…
Read moreLaundry Basket Solution
Each issue of Real Simple Magazine features a “Solutions” section, where the reader can learn about “double duty household items” and creative uses for an “original product” followed by the “Aha! Uses” and finally, the “Reward.” The following is my daughter-in-law, Kelly’s “Creative Blue/Green Brain” Solution for a Double Duty laundry basket! Aha! Use…“Reward!” A sweet slumbering baby in his “Laundry…
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