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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Bed and Breakfast Getaway


Reedley Country Inn




Going to Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Parks? Consider spending the first night in the quiet exquisite Reedley Country Inn. Owner, Linda Penner, once lived in the pink house surrounded by beautiful gardens bordered by peach orchards. She has spent her life searching for unusual art objects which she skillfuly incorporates into each of five rooms. She combines comfort and beauty.

We traveled to Reedley Saturday to attend my high school reunion. We looked forward to our fourth stay at this unusual Bed and Breakfast Inn. The colorful arbors and rose gardens make it a favorite wedding location as well as a newly wed destination.

If you are looking for a peaceful quiet affordable place to get away and relax, you won't find any place better. Remember to take your camera, walking shoes, and books to read. You will find places in the shade to sit and talk surrounded by flowers.



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Celebrating an "Elevator Speech" Win


Contests--Worthwhile or Waste of Time

Maybe I needed to boost my self esteem and confidence, but I had an insatiable attraction to competition as a high school student. As freshmen, my friend and I won the traditional freshman/sophomore debate, the first time it had been won by freshmen. I won the local Lion's Club speech contest and went on to the county event where I came in second. The winner went on to compete at the state level. A winning essay sent me to Sacramento as my high school's female representative to the YMCA Model Legislature where I met California Governor Earl Warren. Another winning essay resulted in a visit to the Freedom Train which was traveling around the country at that time.

College dampened my interest in competition, but every now and then as an adult I have entered writing contests. Rarely have I gotten even an honorable mention. I dismissed my lack of success to unfair judging. LOL.

This week it happened. My NCPA colleagues voted my "elevator speech" first place in a contest they sponsored. Here it is. What do you think?

"Give your relationship skills a rating. Do you kiss frogs and hope for a miracle? Go on a lifetime search for a "soul mate"? Become a therapist? Open my book, Becoming Soul Mates at any two pages and find something to talk about with your special person. Your relationship skills will soar."

That is an elevator speech!

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