Looking Glass

I attended an Officer's Training for Toastmasters last night in conjunction with my role as VP of PR.  Several people gave an oration of important roles to undertake, in order to enhance a club's success. (Keep reading, I am trying to expand my vocabulary...smile here.) They were interesting and confident during their course, in front of the 30 plus attendees.  I was observing the audience throughout the presentations and came to recognize the impact this type of club has had on individuals. They all spoke of the positive impact the organization has had on their personal confidence as well as growth in their careers. There were a few people who spoke of the fact that their spouses are involved with Toastmaster's. Many couples have worked through the chains of command and are seated at some top positions in the area. I found this very interesting. I know one of my fellow co members belongs to three clubs and is a mentor to another. Now, in visiting with his wife at holiday...

Yesterday I had the need to travel to that small, ole town I moved from. It was a two-fold purpose. I went to review the generation pictures at my friend's studio and since I was in the area, I decided to attend a quick wine tasting event with a friend of mine. The proofing at my friend's studio went well. The wine tasting segment was short, somewhat boring, but nice to see a few old friends and get some hugs. After the wine tasting, I trudged through the grocery store with my friend, then met her at a local bar for a few drinks and a meal. She is a person who, like many, has been friends of mine and the X's for years. She is one whom I have always had truthful, cut to the chase-type conversations with, whether they were happy or sad. The conversation was of normal tidbits of information in order to "catch up", but then, twisted into a somewhat disturbing engagement, while being enlightening at the same time. I imagine the difficulty of following this until I expl...