Say something that matters.
Welcome to my blog! Sometimes I’ll offer advice about public speaking. Maybe I’ll tell you a story. Or perhaps I’ll make you laugh, teach you something interesting, or help you think a bit differently on a topic. Please consider subscribing so you don’t miss any of my posts.

Children’s Book Published!

Say something that matters.
Welcome to my blog! Sometimes I’ll offer advice about public speaking. Maybe I’ll tell you a story. Or perhaps I’ll make you laugh, teach you something interesting, or help you think a bit differently on a topic. Please consider subscribing so you don’t miss any of my posts.
Lifted Up Blog

Let’s Be Real, People (OR) Let’s Be Real People
When I flipped over my writing room’s wall calendar to August, I was disgusted at the new month’s photo. After seven months of amazing flower garden photography, August’s photo showed three butterflies on a Joe-pye weed plant. Why did I find...

Running in Circles? Good for You!
It’s likely that the idiom “running in circles” has a negative connotation for you. It’s typically used in the context of being busy doing something without making much progress or achieving a finished state. My use in this post, though, is quite...

When We Should Ignore Our Instincts
Many years ago a friend of mine died in a car accident. The accident occurred on a beautiful spring day, and I imagine he was enjoying the ride in his classic sports car – a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia convertible. Who knows what momentarily took my...

The Loretta Oak
Since it’s Mother’s Day weekend, I am posting a slightly revised version of a story I wrote in 1988 when my daughter Laura was five. (Sorry about...

How Well Do You Close?
I’m excited to announce that I learned something new in writing today’s post. Most of us are familiar with the term “Greetings and Salutations” as...

What Does the Car Say?
In a movie based on a John Grisham novel, the main character is a ten-year-old boy who helps a fake psychic with her customers. While each new...

How to Sincerely Work a Room
If you’re new to an industry or group, the first meeting can feel intimidating. It seems as though everyone else knows, well, everyone else. Many of...

The Aunties
Often too late in life we realize the opportunities we’ve missed to spend time with older family members. We’re all so busy, aren’t we? Are we? My...

A “Free” Gift to Others
Here’s a homework assignment for my public speaking students: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? I encourage them to think deeply on...