Today I visited Summerfield Elementary School where I was one of five judges for an AL (Advanced Learner) speech contest. Thirteen 4th and 5th graders gave 2-3 minute persuasive speeches on a topic of their choice. The subjects ranged from advocating for less homework and more vending machines to arguing in favor of a flat tax and that professional athlete salaries should be capped at two million dollars. One spoke on the wetlands, one on what she saw as the excessive media exposure of the VA-Tech murders, and one girl on why PG-13 movies are related to real-life teenage violence.

I was blown away. All of the kids...

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PART II

Darren & Dena - Click to enlargeI 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?”

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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.

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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...

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Updated on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 09:24AM by Dena Harris

I haven't posted one of my famous annoying standard to-do lists in some time, and I worry your lives are lacking for it. Therefore, today's post is a look inside the cluttered "to do" mind of your world-famous (kinda sorta) cat author friend:

• RSVP to an April 26th Foster Friends of NC luncheon.
• Call the running store and see if I can switch my half-marathon race to the 5k on the 26th in order to attend above luncheon.
• Figure out who's home I can shower at in GSO on the 26th after the race so I can go to the luncheon.
• Write first draft of an article for www.Dogtwist.com.
• Call the event coordinator for the 2008 National Women's Music Festival. The event features women in the arts and

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