Envisioning Possibilities
Family
When we were raising our daughter, I would read this quote from Gibran’s from time to time. A wonderful reminder that our children are not exactly like us.
“Your children are not your children. They are sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. And though they are with you, they do not belong to you.”
My daughter is her person, with her talents, skills, and interests. She is a marvelous person for whom I am most grateful to breathe the same air.
A few additional quotes – tugged at my heart today from the wisest of our interpreters.
From Desmond Tutu: “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
From Marcel Proust: “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”
Friedrich Nietzsche: “In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.”
Barbara Bush: “To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”
Mother Teresa: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”
Michael J. Fox: “Family is not an important thing; it’s everything.”
Alex Haley: “In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, a bridge to our future.”
Join me July 23 and July 30 for Envisioning Possibilities – evening 6 – 7:30.
www.envisioiningpossibilities.com a workshop given by Advanta Strategies.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
Alzheimers Walk
Walked Hudson River Bridge to End Alzheimers
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.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...
Grammar Matters
In a world where your words represent your brand, grammar isn’t just about correctness it’s about credibility. You can have the best ideas in the room, but if your sentences stumble, people stop listening. When you speak (or write) with precision, you project professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail qualities every successful designer and business owner needs.
Think Fast, Speak Smart
When someone tosses a tough question your way, your brain might go blank before your mouth opens. That’s normal—but it’s not permanent. The trick is to pause with purpose, not panic. The repeat-pause-answer method lets you buy time...
Social Savvy
Elegant events aren’t just about the wine and the lighting they’re where lasting professional connections begin. With confidence, curiosity, and a graceful goodbye, you can turn any gala or awards night into an opportunity for genuine rapport.