A Woodinville Wine tasting season start 2021

 Now that the weather has shifted into our lovely Northwest spring, wine tasting season is in full swing.  And one might ask what is the new wine tasting scene like?  Well, let’s visit a few lovely spots and go over that!  Today we are starting with Delille Cellars!  

     I am a wine club member at Delille so every spring season as I pick up my wine, I take time to do a tasting all by my lonesome so I can really focus on the wines and what they have to say.  

The director of wine making Jason Gorski is an acquaintance and distinguished winemaker in the area so I look forward with a child like vigilance to what he is releasing each year.  I have had the honor of interviewing him as well as working with him for bottling and have imminent respect for his dedication and of course his wine making abilities.

     To address the changs in testing deliveries, I believe Delille has made one of the best presentations!   Limiting personal interactions unless requested, they provide a full tasting upon seating complete with detailed notes of the wines and a scannable video link to the winemaker with more in-depth detail for those whom love that!  

     This seasons tasting begins with 2020 Rose’, 2018 Doyenne, 2018 Le Colosse (new kid on the block), 2018 D2,  2018 Minuit ( I bottled this) and ending with 2018 Chaleur Estate red.  

     Let me just start with Rose’s are very “moody” for me.  I have to be in the right mood for them.  Delille Rose’s are always delightful when I’m in the Rose’ mood!  

     Doyenne with is Sexy Syrah  ( thanks for coining the phrase up here David LeClaire) dominant profile backed with cab is delightful with it without food if you love reds.  I can drink red all summer long so for me this is always a win!  Balance today as it is tomorrow it grows smoother and smoother, this never disappoint’s!  

     Le Colosse.  The newbie, this was such a delight and surprise!  With its merlot dominant fruit, mixed with cab sauv, cab franc and petit Verdot it has a drink now approachability with a lay me down promise of greatness.  The greedy child in me wants to drink the bottle now but the wine freak in me whispers wait.... we shall see which wins!!!  

     D2.... what can one say about D2 that has not already been said.  As blends go, this has been a go to across the country for those whom know about it.  With is broad approachability and balance you can buy a case and literally enjoy a bottle a year and taste the subtitle yet definite changes in taste each year.  A literal you can’t lose wine if you love red over all.

     Minuit, which means midnight in French, eludes to the deep midnight color the wine presents.  The flavors however, with a Malbec dominant drive followed by cab sauv, deliver flavor, structure and a dry finish, making it a great companion for drinking alone or paring with foods!  Being a lover of Malbec it’s nice to see it featured in such a approachable way

     Finally there is Chaleur Estate red.  The quintessential Cab dominant blend backed with Merlot, cab franc and petit.  This gem is light and fruity on the nose, teasing you into drinking without though, you you want to think with you drink this!  It’s flavors play on the tongue the way “a midnight summers dream” plays with your minds.... taking you unexpected places you relish visiting.  Like juice you would expect from a satyrs as he plays his flute, this juice slips you away to a magical place with its ease and  approachability.  When you spend the money you are not disappointed!  

All in all, this tasting was an exquisite introduction to 2021.  Happy Tasting Ya'll and "Make everything Better because you were there!"

Thank You's are never beneath you

     As I was driving today, zooming away down the freeway, I got all caught up in my thoughts and realized at a semi last minute moment that I needed to get over a lane to exit.  I quickly signaled, adjusted my speed to squeeze in without being to obnoxious.  Out of habit I looked in my rear view mirror and waved a Thank you to the person behind me.  As I did this I realized that while they may not have been thrilled that I squeezed in, I hoped that my acknowledgment in some small way showed my appreciation.  And that got me thinking..... we don't say or show appreciation like we use to.   
     And we should.
     That got me thinking as to why.  Why do we feel that our words and actions should always be heard and noticed but not show consideration and appreciation for the ensuing hearing and receiving of said actions?  Little things like moving over a lane, opening a door, holding an elevator, asking ANYTHING.  Its as if the mere act of saying or acknowledging a thank you in some way is beneath peoples attention or inconsequential.  
     Do you remember to say Thank You for the little things as well as the big?  Do you see the value in doing so?
     In our culture of virtual interactions how do you think that is perceived?  
     So here is my challenge to you.  Take time to say Thank you for the big and little things.  Make it a part of you every day, and see how you can make life better for yourself and those around you!  

Wonder Woman ~ Some Savvy Thoughts to Remember

     With the already HUGE success of this movie, there is already so much talk of the Women empowering qualities of what it stands for and How women feel about them selves.  The timing could not be more perfect.  And So, without using the word “But”, I will say this….. DON’T MISS THE OVER ALL POINT!  But I jump ahead a bit, so let me explain.

     Those of us who grew up in the 70’s and early 80’s remember all the wonder woman shows, JLA cartoons, and so so many comic books that took us on adventures of compassion, fighting for what we believe in, actual greek history, and yes learning how to believe in our selves and finding our strengths.  But let’s not forget what she stood for as a entity.  

     Truth, to which the lasso allowed her to get from people.  Strength, which she used to protect and help ALL people.  Beauty, which shined from the inside not just her outward appearance.  Compassion, Empathy, Fierceness, Conviction and Wisdom, all of which shows us the necessity of balance to be effective.  She led and empowered troops to fight, she protected and shielded innocents from harm, she drove and pursued for the truth and she learned and applied that wisdom in her decisions.  She shows us there are no short cuts, only drive, determination, knowledge, understanding, compassion and fortitude.  

     So, back to my point.  If we want to find our inner Wonder Woman, we must strive to be greater than ourselves, greater than our angers, greater than our fears and learn to embrace and extend ourselves to all around us.  In a word, stop the exclusions and start inclusion.  The over all point, embrace all around us who love and unite us. 

     One simple reminder however, remember to identify the evil in the world and recognize, it is rarely as we believe it should appear.  Be wise, educate yourself and always have Love in your heart.  The hate will twist you and change you.  You must stay true to you.  

As always, just my thoughts.  “Remember, make everything better because you are here”

Have A Socially Savvy Week, Month and Year!

Socially Savvy Attitude Adjustment

  It's the middle of May 2017, and reading through Social Media, speaking with people and watching people interact, I find my brain screaming "We need a Social Attitude Adjustment"!  
We as people have moved to tearing down, degrading, assuming the worst and over all despising people because they don't believe what we believe, see things the way we see them or bow down to their way of thinking.  If your not a bully then your bullied.  If your not someones kind of right, your wrong.  If you have a different view, thought or intention then you are the enemy.  WE NEED TO STOP!
     We need to Adjust our Attitude and here is why....

     From a practical point of view.  Nothing is gained by assuming the worst in peoples intentions.  You may from time to time avoid an issue, but most people don't have malicious intentions, so when you assume they do you create a drama that flares like a sun burst!  Recognizing bad intentions and steering away from them is always wise, but assuming the negative without actually knowing hurts everyone.

     From a relationship point of view.  If your intention is to never have relationships with people then by all means assuming people are trying to hurt or degrade you will make sure no one stays within a mile radius of you.  If you WANT relationships with other humane beings you have to remember that how they communicate, what they feel, their life path to date, loves and passions all come thru when they feel intensely about something.  Assuming that, while the presentation and be intense, the thoughts are with the hope of understand and communications ideas, thoughts, opinions and feelings so they are able to grow in the relationship.  ( did you mind just explode?)

     From a Social point of view.  This one is kind of easy.  Socially, everything is very much at the surface, so assuming that people have the best of intentions instead of the worst simply allows you to be the kind loving person you are ( or want to be), and so will be perceived that way.  If you allow others to change that in you then it reflects on YOU.  You control how you perceive and interact with people, don't let them control you.  

     And finally from a personal health point of view.... this might be the most important one to consider.  Physical, mental and spiritual health are all tied to how you allow people to treat you, but more importantly how YOU treat people and receive what people send your way.  The Blunt truth is that the more you insist on seeing the good in people and their intentions, the healthier it is for you.  If others intentions are ill intended then simply moving away from those people is probably the best option, because seriously, how many times has full on confrontation's really gained anyone anything other than an ulcer, heart attack or stress!!!

     Adjust Your attitude and you will find that you have a "Socially Savvy Attitude" that will draw people to you not repel them from you.

     As I always say, "Make Everything better Because You were there!"

Socially Savvy 7 Day Challenge ~ Making A Positive Dent

 We wake up each day with a boat load of things to get done, people to see, relationships to start, build and even end,  and most of the time we end the day realizing we have been running crazy and the day was a blur.  It seems that only when strong emotions are triggered do we stop to take notice and usually those strong emotions are negative.  Someone has irritated us, mistreated us or through their lack of awareness let us slip thru the cracks.  This poses a problem if we are to create a more positive culture.  We have to become aware.  But how do we do that?  How do we change our "Status Quo"

            Think about this for a moment.  All the businesses…. restaurants, lounges, department stores, repair shops,  construction companies, postal services………. All the business associates, mechanics, grocery clerks, sales associates, wait staff, garbage men and customer service people that make our lives easier and nicer on a day to day or visit to visit basis.  How often do you let them know you appreciate what they do?  Do you just expect it to be fab every time?  Now what if you stopped and said something positive "Every" time?  Think about it.

            We all need that positive reinforcement that what we are doing is making a difference in someone’s lives so someone needs to be the catalyst for this……will it be you?  Take time over the next 7 days to look the people in the eye that serve you and say “thank you”.  Follow up with a Review on Google or Yelp, a customer service letter or comments to their manager.  If you received a swag bag at an event,  goto the event Host's page and thank them!  Hyperlink your favorite swag sponsor's and thank them too!  Best is to commit it to digital or physical writting's so they can see it over and over again, to remind them that what they do makes a difference, and so that others may know what their strength are as well.  

            1 week to focus on the positive…… I wonder what will become of it…….
     And Don't forget to #Apositivedent

#SociallySavvyLB

“Communicate Don’t Opinionate ~ LB Dutchess”

     It amazes me these days just how intolerant and misguided we have become as a country.  I say country because while the rest of the world is not necessarily all that much better than us, they don't seem to be wallowing in the murky depths of misunderstanding that we seem to be.  

     Let me explain.  

     Because of social media, text and blogging (not to mention normal face to face interactions) we as a country say ALOT.  I mean ALOT!  We voice our opinions more times in a day that most people eat in a week in the rest of the world and we make one critical mistake...... We think we are communicating.  WRONG MISTERRRRRR!  We are "Opininating".  Yes, that is correct "Opinionating" and yes I made that up.  What is "Opininating" you might ask, well here is my definition ~ speaking, writing or otherwise relaying information about a view or judgment we have formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge without thought of if the information is being received.  

     We as a society "Opinionate" ALOT.  Now this is where I will lose some of you because this is where you get really confused and think your communicating.  

     Define Communication ~ 1. the imparting or exchanging of information or news. 2. means of connection between people or places.  

     Here is the kicker ~ in order to TRULY communicate, the other person has to HEAR you!  

A~HA!  I got you!  A large percentage of us forget to actually pay attention and see if the people we are "Opinionating" to can actually "hear us" and create connumication!  

    Think of it like this, It's like that static on the old black and white TV's when the channels used to go off the air and when poltergeist comes thru your TV!  And it has the same effect too..... all we want to do is turn it off or run screaming from it!  How is that communicating???  

     SO!  When you go to share information or views take a moment to look at why and how you are going about it.  Are you insulting people?  Are you intolerant?  Are you yelling or gesturing like a crazy person?  Can people even get a word in edge wise or respond to your "post" without a national disaster?  Think about it.  IF you want to be heard, you must first learn to listen and second learn to communicate, and THAT requires you to be able to do more that just state your opinions ("Opinionating")

    So, in a nutshell ~ Be Savvy and Communicate.  

     Till next time ~ Make everything better because you are here!

Today is the Day

Do you reciprocate right away? Be Part of the Socially Savvy Give & Give movement

     Today I posted this question "Thoughtful question of the day..... When you reach out to people to ask for their help or ask something of them do you take the time right away to see what you can do for them or help them with too?" 

     And it got me thinking.... We have time to ask for what we want or need yet all to often we 'Don't have time right now', or "Will get that for you as soon as I finish....".   Are we really that self centered?  Have we as a culture really gotten to the point where we have time to go get our coffee, comment on social media platforms on mems and photos but can't seem to find the time to follow up with supporting people whom we want are or expect help from?

     It's a small thing and if you use social media it can be a simple thing.  So I challenge you today to check out peoples time lines that you have asked favors, product, $ or support from and see what you can share and support that they have going on.  Be part of the Socially Savvy Give & Give movement.  Someone gives you time, energy, $ or support, give it back to them.  

     Make Today Better Because you are Here!

Socially Savvy Thought "Can we assume the Best?"

     Today our culture is one of the most negative mankind has ever know.  We assume the worst in people and situations and act accordingly, spreading pain, sorrow, misfortune and damage everywhere.  What if we could change just that one thing.  What if we spend a month assuming the best intentions in people?  Do you think we would be better off or worse?          
  
     What are You putting out there?

     Make everyday Better Because you are here!

Socially Savvy "Are you offended?"

Socially Savvy Are you offended?

     I had this hilarious comedian video come across my Facebook stream last week that, in a nut shell summed up what I identified as one of the biggest problems our culture is facing right now.  It leads to more trouble, anger, fighting and distress because of where it is rooted and how we deal with it as a culture.  Simply put, it is being offended.

     OFFENDED!  OFFENDED YOU SAY?  Why yes, we are talking about being offended.  You look around today and so many people are posting and talking about how “This offends me” or “how that person is dressed is offensive”, and I realized the answer to why so many people are offended about so many things.  

     They have opinions about things that have not a DAMN thing to do with their lives, yet they believe themselves and their life choices to be so superior that what THEY are offended by should be address….  SAY WHAT?!?!? 

      “Did you hear what he said?  That is so offensive!” SO!  It’s none of your business is it?  Is it going to affect your life and where you sleep?  Is it going to stop you from paying your bills?  How about this “OMG, did you see what she was wearing?”,  and you get all butt hurt because you are offended by their choice of clothing…. whats gonna happen?  Are your eyes going to fall out of your head because you saw something that offends you?  STOP LOOKING and move on!  

     I love what the comedian Steve Hughes said ~ “When did sticks and stones make Break my bones stop being relevant”  The Answer….. It didn’t.  What has become more relevant is that we choose to waste our time creating opinions about thousands of things that have abso-freakin-nothing to do with us, our lives and our personal choices.  

     Don’t like the words to a song?  Don’t listen to it.  Don’t like the way some guys talk?  Don’t date them.  

     In a nutshell, If you find lots of things offend you maybe you should take some time to self reflect and decide how much of your brain space you want other non essential people taking up!  And remember to make Everything better Because you are Here!  

Enjoy this guy!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceS_jkKjIgo

Socially Savvy ~ What you Don’t know cost's money

     All to often these days we are so wrapped up in trying to save a buck that we miss the the overall picture.  Buying online affords us what we believe is a great deal, but do you know how to tell if it truly is?  

     Here is a common example.  Contractors.  Everyone thinks they can be one.  Work for a big software company and considered a super brain in your field?  Number one is sales in your region?  World renown writer?  International chef?  All these are great accomplishments but none of them mean you understand that getting and installing a dishwasher is more that just ordering on line and hiring someone to install it for you.  Just because you are highly intelligent, doesn’t mean you know how to install a dishwasher.  Now, you may feel that this is a bit insulting, and if you do, I am probably talking to you.  So if you can get out of your own way for a moment, let me explain.

     The mistake most people make in life these days is trying to second guess professionals in other fields because they are afraid of getting ripped off.  They are letting fear drive them.  Let’s take for instance this example of getting a new dishwasher.  

    Your dishwasher is 20 years old.  It dies.  You talk to your friends.  They tell you to find one online, buy it yourself and have someone install it for you.  You will save so much money!   Well as much as I would like to say that your friends have your back, they simply have no clue.  Let’s just list a few of the things you need to know before you order

1.) What is the size that will fit in your space - now this is probably the easiest of all the points you need to know when ordering, and you can usually measure out and get it right. 

2.) What time of power connection are you set up for - if you have to ask what that is you REALLY should not be attempting this

3.) Is your unit a slide in or framed in piece.  This is a perfect case of where many many people go terribly wrong.  

4.) What is required for the “warrantee” they offer - read the fine print

So, lets say you got ALL the above correct and ordered your dish washer and now its sitting at your house ready to install.

     You call a contractor to come install it for you.  They give you a quote over email, phone or fax.  You pick one and schedule them to come out and install it.

     They get there and the following happens.  You didn’t remove the other dishwasher.  So they tell you it will be an additional x dollars to remove it.  You start to get frustrated because you didn’t know it was going to cost you more money to have the other one removed, but the reality is that these people JUST LIKE YOU, get paid by the hour or bid projects by how long it is going to take them to do the project.  They are not in it to do you any favors!!!  So they remove it, add time to your bid and start to install the new one.

     The dishwasher is there.  But guess what.  You need other pieces to CONNECT the dishwasher up!!!  You didn’t know that either, and because the contractor didn’t purchase the dishwasher for you because you were trying to save any mark up or get the best deal, they have no idea of what it does or does not come with.  They tell you what you need and ask if you want them to get the items for you, and if so the additional cost will be X.  Again you get frustrated, but this is not their fault, and by this time you have used up more time trying to figure it out!
  
     You either decide to go get the parts yourself to save some money (you think, because they have to charge you to come back or wait on you), or you pay them to go get the pieces.  

     OK! Finally they can install the new dishwasher for you!  And if it was just a slide in and was originally installed after counter tops went in the first time, you have probably now paid for 2 and a half times more labor time getting it installed, all in the name of trying to save money.  

     Worst case senario, you have had to have a contractor come in and cut through your counter top to have it installed and now need new counter tops because they had to remove them to install the dishwasher.  (no joke).  AND you have to find someone to take the old dishwasher away,or pay the installers more to take it, because that costs money too.

     What is the point of this dishwasher story you might ask?  It is simple.  Contractors understand all that is involved in building and installing.  The second you start chiming in you are going to cost yourself more money.  Every change you make will cost you more money.  Trying to save on markup of products ordered, will cost you more money, unless of course you are a contractor.  And Don't EVEN get me started on changing your mind on products.....

     SO….stop second guessing when someone YOU called in comes to do your work and just let them do your work or don’t hire them.  Find someone you trust, check out their work and let them do their job so you can get the results you want and they can feed their family.  

Why FEAR is Socially Savvy ~ Extended version

  It has been very interesting over the last few months to see the word Fear put out there and how it is being used.  Some people use fear to manipulate and control you, getting you to react without thinking.  And many people are threatened and paralyzed by fears... but there are those few that step back, detach from the emotion fear brings and find success and insight.  So how do you do that?  Well here is my perspective on doing just that.
    Fear is the illusion of everything that could go wrong but doesn't need to.  It gives us a hyper link into what to avoid or look to plan around.  It is not set in stone, nor does it hold any control over us.  One of the most amazing definitions of fear I have ever heard came from the Movie "After Earth" ~ 
“Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me danger is very real but fear is a choice.”  Will Smith 
    So with that said, how do we use Fear as a Hyper link to a successful future?   How do we use it to make great decisions  We look at Fear as a warning sign if you will.  When you see a sign ahead that says "danger, no shoulder" do we drive off the road or simply pay a bit more attention?  When we see a fire engine and smoke, do we douse ourselves with water or look around to make sure the fire can't spread to where we are?  Now onto a more personal perspectives….. When you see a handsome guy or beautiful girl across the room do you hang your head and tell yourself they are out of your class or do you put your best smile on and go for it?  I got you there didn't I!  So what is they key?  Why is it the more personal of an impact something has, the more personal the threat perceived is, we hold tighter to the fear instead of celebrating the possibility of success and looking for answers to avoid it?  Because we have learned to Fear NO, above all.  We are afraid of rejection instead of learning from it and becoming stronger.  It boils down to this…..EVERYTHING we do is a choice and EVERYTHING we do has the possibility of success and failure.  Letting Fear TELL you you will fail instead of using fear to know what to avoid is the key in my eyes.  Analyze, decide and act.  Let life do the rest.  What are a few mistakes to a Life full of fears unrealized because you didn't let it stop you.
Have A Socially Savvy week! And make Everything Better BECAUSE You were there!  

A Savvy “Thought” for the Day ~ How do you use your memory?”

     Today is throw back thursday and as I am sharing some of the pictures I took in the past of my kids ~ most of one in particular because he is away and I miss him!  I find my self smiling and laughing at the memories attached to them.  Catching the moments that give you a peak into their personalities was one of my most favorite things ever back then, because I knew that years later I could share those moments and relive the happiness of them when I saw them. 

     It’s one of the great gifts of having a memory!  

     The other great gift of memory is to learn from past experiences that were less than positive.  Taking those experiences, make adjustments and create new happier memories because of the lessons learned.  But far to often I see people wasting their lives hand picking the negative memories they have.  Dwelling on them, festering them into the ugly weights holding them back from moving on, or reaching back to find bits and pieces they can put together to justify being cruel, mean or hateful from times gone by.  These are the memories that are destroying our country now.  These are the memories that hold us back.  The only answer is to Let go of all the hurtful, painful and destitute memories just as you would a hot burning coal and move on to healing the burns so you can move forward and make beautiful memories with those around you.  


     Make YOUR life BETTER BECAUSE you are here……. Happy Thursday All! 

Are you as Savvy with your “No’s” as you are with your “Please’s”

     Today it is amazing how many people we can reach out to in moments.  We can communicate with hundreds of people in a day if we choose to.  People reach out with their causes, their businesses, their passions and their interests.  But how many of you will RESPOND to others that reach out to you?  

     I know the first response to this by many people will be “I get so many requests”, yet they will take time to reach out and ask for what they want and need without following up to others reaching out to them.  They are quick to send out their ‘Please’, but non responsive to other’s.  Their time is to valuable to respond.  They were to busy.  And this, my friends, is the saddest “NO” you will ever receive or send.  It is the NO that comes from no response.  It is the NO that they didn’t take time to tell you.  

     So I say….. Take time to kindly respond even when the answer is No.  It shows respect to the people you are responding to.  Kindly give what you expect to receive…. A response to your “Please”.

     And remember to make Every event Better BECAUSE you were There!  

Be Socially Savvy ~ PAY ATTENTION

     I had a friend I had not seen in awhile come up to me yesterday and say “I miss hearing you do your Socially acceptable and unacceptable blogs”!  I had to laugh, because I too missed them, so here we go with this weeks topic.  PAYING ATTENTION.

     Let me explain.  When your out Socially at an event like a Charity, a Party or even just a basic gathering of people the MAIN thing you have to do is PAY ATTENTION!  Here is why… So you DON’T become Socially unacceptable in your behavior!  Seems simple enough right?  Well, its not apparently.  

     Paying attention requires you to not get stupid drunk or be so self absorbed that you think you and what you want, need and desire is more important than what others want, need and desire.  
     So here are some guide lines to think about when going out.

1.)  Be aware of your surroundings.  I have been to soooo many events where people just dump their belongings where ever, not paying attention to what they are dropping their stuff on!  Things like coats on other peoples purses in seating areas and drinks and purses on vendor display tables at charity events.  I mean REALLY?  What is is about books spread out on a table on display that is in any way confusing about NOT putting your stuff on them?  It’s like you sitting down in a chair and I decide I am going to sit on you!!!  JUST DON”T!  And if you have a Question about if you can put your stuff down.....ASK!!!

2.) DON”T TALK OVER SPEAKERS!  This is the most annoying thing ever.  A Charity chair gets up and starts to speak about the charity and in the front row someone decides their conversation about the neighbors dog is more important. WOW.  Make sure you know the purpose of the event you are at and if their is a cause behind it, BE AWARE of when the cause is being spoken about and shut up.  I get that you bought a ticket to the event, but your their to support the event, so do it!

3.) READ YOUR INVITES!  Paying attention to the details of the event can either make you look like the star or the resident moron.  Little things like specifics of attire or theme to the event are put in place to create the spirit and feel of the event!  Don’t be the ass that thinks they should be able to wear what ever they want.  To quote Maleficent “I Hate you”.  Funny but not, lets be real here a min.  It’s not your event, so just adhere to the attire requests and don’t be an a-hole.

4.) Move with decisivness.  Seriously slow down the more you drink!  Enhance your calm!  Spilling your drinks on people, stepping on their feet, running into them, dropping your food on people is all a result of NOT Paying attention!  Watch where you are walking, be aware and for pete sakes, if you DO run in to someone, APOLOGIZE!!!  The same goes with making ANY of the above mistakes!  Be Gracious and apologize and work to make amends or make it better!  It’s that simple.  

     Think of it this way, IF it was YOUR house, YOUR friends, YOUR event….. How would you want people to act.

     Have a Socially Savvy Week and Make Every Event BETTER BECAUSE You were there!  

LB Dutchess Socially Savvy: Socially Savvy ~ Back in the Saddle

LB Dutchess Socially Savvy: Socially Savvy ~ Back in the Saddle: Hello!  It's been awhile since I have shared, but I am back!  Today I want to chat about jumping back in the saddle after stepping out! ...

Socially Savvy ~ Back in the Saddle

Hello!  It's been awhile since I have shared, but I am back!  Today I want to chat about jumping back in the saddle after stepping out!  
     So very often in life we get started down a path that fires up our life!  It brings us alive as we move forward sharing our dreams and visions with those around us.  But inevitably, life seems to get in the way and we find ourselves having to step away from those dreams for a bit and many never find their way back or are afraid to dive in again.  And I found myself asking why.  Here's what I came up with.....
     IT IS SOCIALLY SAVVY OF YOU TO STEP BACK INTO YOUR DREAMS AND VISIONS ANYTIME YOU WANT..... PERIOD!
     There is NOTHING socially that makes sense to feel like you should not.  I know all to often people will make you feel differently, but you can step back into the ring without explanation anytime you want.  You don't owe anyone anything.  
     I say this, because at several different times across the last 7 years it has happened to me.  I have a family and am still married after 25 years, and sometimes I have to make them a priority over everything else.  I have been called "socially irrelevant" because I had to step back for a time, I have been told maybe I should try something different or to move on.  But here is the bottom line.... Those people have NOTHING to do with my vision so why should I let them have a say in when, where, why and how.  
     So I say to you, Follow your dreams and visions when and how you please.  Don't worry about what others say when you have to step back for a bit.  You don't see the Sun shinning any less brightly because it was behind the clouds for a time do you?  Shine Bright and share who you are!  Get back in the saddle and ride forward!  
     And Remember to make Everything Better because you are here!!!

Because I'm Happy ~ A Key To change

IT'S OFFICIAL!  I AM A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!  It's Crazy and I though the day would never get here!  

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T99I1EA

You can be one of the first to start reading Because I'm Happy: A Key To Change on the free Kindle Reading App or on your Kindle in under a minute.
Would So appreciate If you have time to check out my book and let me know what you think!  
DOWNLOAD IS TOTALLY FREE until Wed Feb 18th. 

Savvy Self thru Communication

     With All of today's technology at our fingertips, even many of the poor are in contestant contact with friends, relatives, people of interest and information.  Computers, workplaces and smart phones keep us tightly connected to those around us on as little as a second by second basis if we choose….So why are we not happier? 
     I believe it is because we choose not to communicate with ourselves.  It is easier to relate to others, judge others and live thru others than it is to take introspect  and stock into our selves, and so at the end of each day, we have failed to gain any real ground in our physical, emotional and spiritual journey.  How do you change this?  How do you find your way back to yourself?
     Step out of your office, leave your computer and your smart phone behind.  Take a walk, a yoga class, sit silently facing the sun and breath and think…..Communicate with yourself and yourself alone.  Give yourself 15 min to an hour a day at least.  Be present for yourself.  Do not fear the mistakes you have made…. face them and learn.  Do not worry for what the future will bring…..plan for what you want YOUR future to bring.  If you have wronged people, think on how to right it and bring peace to your mind and soul.  No one is a lost cause as long as they chose to find themselves.       
     You deserve to communicate with yourself.  You deserve that Time.
Have a Socially Savvy Week and "Make EVERY Event  BETTER Because You Were There!"

Socially Savvy 7 Day Challenge ~ Making A Positive Dent

 We wake up each day with a boat load of things to get done, people to see, relationships to start, build and even end, running half crazy most of the time.  And it seems that only when strong emotions are triggered do we stop to take notice and usually those strong emotions are negative.  Someone has irritated us, mistreated us or through their lack of awareness let us slip thru the cracks.  This poses a problem if we are to create a more positive culture.

            Think about this for a moment.  All the businesses…. restaurants, lounges, department stores, repair shops,  construction companies, postal services………. All the business associates, mechanics, grocery clerks, sales associates, wait staff, garbage men and customer service people that make our lives easier and nicer on a day to day or visit to visit basis.  How often do you let them know you appreciate what they do?  Do you just expect it to be fab every time? 

            We all need that positive reinforcement that what we are doing is making a difference in someone’s lives so someone needs to be the catalyst for this……will it be you?  Take time over the next 7 days to look the people in the eye that serve you and say “thank you”.  Follow up with a Review on Google or Yelp, a customer service letter or comments to their manager.  If you received a swag bag at an event,  goto the event Host's page and thank them!  Hyperlink your favorite swag sponsor's and thank them too!  Best is to commit it to digital or physical writting's  so they can see it over and over again, to remind them that what they do makes a difference, and so that others may know what their strength are as well. 

            1 week to focus on the positive…… I wonder what will become of it…….