– Jane
· · · Jane’s Thread · · ·
The Magical Art of Networking
Of the over 100 actions I've taken to build my new business this past year, eleven of them revolved around networking. When you see the word networking, does it conjure up name tags, handshakes and fake smiles? I used to think that way, but it has become a favorite...
Did You Know It’s Star Wars Day?
I participate in Caveday.org, an online study group, that starts off each 'cave' with a theme. Today's was a celebration of Star Wars. I drew a blank until the leader said, "It's May 4th, Star Wars Day. 'May the fourth be with you.'" Having seen one of the...
Fluke or Traction?
Do you ever have trouble discerning whether you've just received a lucky break or that all of your hard work is amounting to this stroke of kismet? A friend of mine used the expression, "The harder I work, the luckier I get," which answers that question for me....
Teeny-Tiny Quality of Life Changes
At the end of my shower this morning I was reminded of a small change I made in my routine years ago. I had complained to whomever, "Don't you just hate it when you finish luxuriating in a warm shower, then rip open the curtain, step out, grab a towel and freeze?"...
Old School and Proud of It
Visiting my grandsons in New Jersey last weekend, I was taken aback when Owen, the 7-year old, called something I'd done "so old school." Fortunately, my failing memory can't come up with the exact moment he used the phrase, only that I was temporarily startled,...
Virginia Kraljevic – A Most Abundant Artist
"There's no such thing as competition. There's so much abundance out there," said Virginia Kraljevic as our most ample conversation wound down. Her attitude didn't surprise me. Her drawings reflect someone whose heart is wide open and flourishing. Virginia is my...
Gentle Coaching Circles
As this Year of Everything Different comes up to its first anniversary, I am offering a different coaching program. "No one is looking for a boot camp these days," one of my advisory board members reminded me. "We're all looking for something gentle, supportive and...
Stop Waiting for Permission!
I gave a talk early this morning to a group of business owners. The feedback I got was so uplifting and motivating that I decided I need to bring my message to a larger audience. "I should post videos of me sharing my experience, strength and hope to the masses -...
My Latest Re-connection: Heidi Nehlsen
I've been over-achieving on my commitment to reach out each week for a 1:1 conversation as a means of networking, marketing and filling time till post-pandemic life resumes. I'm so excited by this self-assignment that I can hardly contain my enthusiasm. We're 7...
Surprising Advice from my Advisory Board
On my bi-weekly Visions zoom call this morning, I was taken aback by the advice given to me by two people I highly esteem. My memoir has been out for almost two years, has been listed on Amazon and other sites for that amount of time, and continues to sell, albeit...
Do You Ever Want to Say, “C’mon God!”
I feel like a whiny brat enumerating all that I'm doing on my own behalf to get my artwork out to the right buyer. In my case, that would be an interior designer or specialty home decor store with wealthy clientele. I'm following the instructions I give my clients....
Know What an FFT Is?
If you're a Brené Brown fan, it's likely you do know. If not, how did you feel reading the title of this post? My typical thought pattern would be something like this: Who wants to learn ANOTHER acronym? No, and I don't really care! Well, if _______ is talking...
The Incandescent Doreen Birdsell – 1951 – 2021
From the first time Doreen walked into the classroom where I was seated at Saugatuck Church in Westport, Connecticut, things got brighter. We were both members of a fellowship that included frequent shared experiences, not only during our regular meetings, but also...
Any Rowboats or Helicopters Coming Your Way?
I first read the story of the man and the flood in Bernie Siegel's inspiring book Love, Medicine & Miracles (1986). For anyone who doesn't know this famous tale, a man is on his roof as the floodwaters begin to rise. Someone in a wooden boat rows by and offers...
Why I Hate Learning
Every day this month, well since January 6th, has been unprecedented. It's hard to know what to do in light of our country's events and uncertaintly of what's ahead. I'm disturbed, anxious and tentative. That said, I also feel that my best contribution is to take...