PART II

I got Darren to the station. I’ve accomplished my goal. Almost. I was told to go to the front door and announce I had Darren LaCroix for his interview. We walk—in the pouring rain—to the front door and stare into a dark lobby with an unmanned security desk. We buzz. And buzz. And buzz. No dice.

For the second time, I pull out my phone and call Blair, this time to ask him to pull up the station’s phone number. Only he’s just powered down the computer so we have to wait for it to reboot. Did I mention we’re standing outside in the rain and are, by this time, late for our arrival?

As we’re standing there, Darren turns to me and asks, “If you had broccoli in your teeth, would you want someone to tell you?”

Click to read more ...

PART I

In 2001, Darren LaCroix beat out 25,000 other speakers to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. Since that time, he has spoke to companies and audiences around the world, authored books, and presented speaking boot camps.

Darren is the keynote speaker this weekend at our Toastmaster District 37 Spring Conference. Earlier this week, one of our District officers asked if I could drive Darren to a 5:45 a.m. TV interview he had with WXII. Although it meant getting up at 3:30, I didn’t mind. Shepherding people is a great way to get face time with busy individuals, and I was interested in talking to Darren about his speaking.

Click to read more ...

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. My right leg has been giving me grief. My right side has always been my more flexible side, but for the past year, the back of my right thigh has felt pinched in a way that I know isn't right. It's more than tight muscles. I've watched my flexibility steadily decline to the point where I can't even bend over and touch the floor without having to bend that knee to almost a 60 degree angle.

I've been hoping it's a phase that will pass, but recently...

Click to read more ...

Updated on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 11:13AM by Dena Harris

My friend Pam and I spoke last night at Well Spring Assisted Living Community on the topic of "Passing Down Your Family Stories." We gave an hour-long talk on how to find the inspiration to write, how to stir memories, the importance of adding details and the five senses to your work...

It was great. I always feel a little jittery when I go into a retirement community. Blair's dad was in assisted living, but a lot of the people in his home were far gone, mentally. That was not the case last night. These people...

Click to read more ...

I spent part of yesterday afternoon laying out the chapters for my new book, Kiss My Kitty Butt: More Life With Cats.  Olivia decided to offer her critique and got up close for a better look.

I get no respect from my cats... but who cares? They're so darn cute!

Click to enlarge