Let it go!

I recently worked on a campaign for a friend I love and admire.  Also helping was a woman I'd had problems with in the past.  I started to be chilly towards her but didn't remember what the original problem was about.  As we coordinated to work toward the goal of our candidate winning, I gained an appreciation for her and was sorry we'd had this standoff.  As a result, we've restored our friendship and mutual admiration.  To make matters better, our candidate won so there was a victory on a multitude of levels.

Send via REAL MAIL

I recently attended Alpha Kappa Alpha's  Southeastern Regional Conference.  Two members were assigned to me as my escorts.  They were gracious, efficient and on point.  They kept me on time and, informed on each activity. At the same time, they provided me space to wander off on my home, since I'm a free spirit. I gave each one a gift to show my appreciation.   After I got home, I told them I would let their bosses know -- including the BIG BOSS -- how pleased I was with them.  They sent me back e-mail addresses.  I told them I want REAL addresses so I could send the letters in the mail. In this day of social media, e-mails, voice mails and messages via text, it is more meaningful to get a real mail..in the mail.  I still get a thrill from going to the mail box and opening the mail.  I'm sure the compliments I sent in the mail about them carried a bigger punch because of the time and effort invested to send it in the mail.

Adrienne Pope-Kelly Washington

I'm going to take a point of privilege as the blogger here to single out a special lady:  She is Adrienne Pope-Kelly Washington, the Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha's Southeastern Region.  She is very witty, very generous in spirit and the absolute epitome of a leader.  I've worked with her for four years and am amazed at how deftly she handles a meeting.  She is always gracious...but firm.  Adoring but resolute in her approach to running her region. And, she is creative and humble. Those in her region LOVE her and, while I'm not in that region, I can be counted as among those who love her.  This is a special SHOUT OUT to Adrienne as she begins the final three months of her term.  She is AWESOME, PRICELESS, KIND and WONDERFUL as in A P-K Washington.

Consult a lawyer

Recently, I was contracted to handle a conference.  The client sent me the agreement and asked me to hurry and get it back to her because they want to start March 1.  It looked pretty reasonable to me but, as a precaution, I had a lawyer review it.

She found a major oversight as the client indicated that the fee included hotel and airfare. That would have required me to pay upwards of $3,000.  It was the client being slick but it was caught.  I talked to her and after going back and forth, they relented and paid it.

So, had I not faxed it to my attorney, I would have absorbed my own airfare and lodging.  The fee I paid her was well worth the mistake that would have cost me thousands.

Thank you, Counselor.

Forget the past - make it right

Many years ago, I worked with a theater company and had a minor tussle with the director, causing me to leave.  I regretted it because we had genuine respect and affection for one another.  But it happened and I left ....but never made it right.

Fast forward 30 years:  She now lords over a beautiful theater built from the ground up. Her theater is a Chicago mainstay and she is truly doing AWESOME things.  Yesterday, I went to the theater and saw a great show as well as saw the new structure -- which is a monument to her tenacity. Luckily, she was there.

We hugged and I complimented her on her success.  Suddenly, 30 years were washed away as we exchanged numbers, pleasantries and vowed to pick up where we left off.  We didn't have to apologize because the vibes were so positive.  The looks we exchanged were genuine.

But, there is a lesson in that:  I was too immature to do the right thing then but I'm poised to make it right now.

Indulge guilty pleasures

I didn't want to... but I kinda like BET's Mary Jane with Gabrielle Union.  It depicts some authentic interplay among characters and it captures real-life situations.

When you've done press releases, pitched and worked hard to get exposure for your client, it is nice to have a guilty pleasure like Mary Jane!

Indulge without guilt!

And...I went

Last week, I talked about supporting a friend whose husband had died -- too soon.  Well, I went to the funeral and attended everything!  Had I had second thoughts about going, those were dispelled with her gratitude for me being there.  I was there...I was there...I was there.  It was so uplifting.