Words from Lou Tice

"I have found that the best people to associate with are those who do two important things at the same time. They act as a mirror that reflects your good points while accepting you just as you are. They also expect excellence from you and continually encourage you to use your full potential. In other words, they see the good in you that sometimes you don't even see, and they tell you about it, often.

These are the people who bring out the greatness in others and these are the people you want to make a regular part of your life."

In Turmoil ... Yet Proud

"The flag makes me think about the tragedy at Virginia Tech (my niece attends). America is all out of sorts, but we are still flying high and our colors are still red, white, and blue, you can't take that from us."

The words of one of our staffers have brought a special meaning to this photo. She said it struck her as being in turmoil yet proud. And that is a vivid description of our country. The photo was shared as part of a web album of inspirational shots taken while at one of our campgrounds during a staff training. My intention is to use these to make "visual affirmations" that give me a sense of what was sparked during our two days there and give another emotional connection to what I want to assimilate. The whole collection is here:

Inspirations - Camp TallChief

I am ... beginning.

This is the beginning of what I consider to be a very significant touchpoint in my life ... hopefully a turning point. From the moment I heard about "Investment in Excellence" at a staff meeting, I felt deep and strong that I MUST come even if I had to raise my own money to do so. Thankfully, plenty of money was raised and I believe nearly 50 women were able to go - including me!

My goal? There are many, but primarily to get past some of the things that hold me back - especially the ones I don't understand or can't see. I want to get back to the effective me so I can pour myself into the opportunities in my path and really made an impact on the world around me!