Photo by Rebecca
Alzheimer’s
In October 2019, my husband of 51 years died of Alzheimer’s Disease. It was a precious 12 years from the moment he was diagnosed to the day he died. We shared that experience. The early Alzheimer’s years were a bit comedic at times. His sense of humor sustained both of us.
He chose to transition by not eating, and we chose to honor his thinking. He was a smart guy and knew the outcome; he wanted to terminate his life when first diagnosed and prevent the final years, crappy years from happening for me. I said NO! I wanted every minute.
I’m grateful for his decision and thankful for the 12 years we had. Because Charlie and Trudy, mentioned in an earlier post, had an enviable marriage, I did to. Were the last two years of his life as awful as described by many others? Yes!!! And, he was home alone with me, except for a two-morning-a-week helper. His last day at home he was still playing peek-a-boo behind a pillow. Grateful for every moment.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
Alzheimers Walk
Walked Hudson River Bridge to End Alzheimers
The Designer’s Advantage – Speaking with Pictures and Plans
Behind every great design is a story: a spark of inspiration, a client’s dream, a challenge overcome.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.