Most of you have seen me rock my outfits in the pictures I post on social media. I started doing what I call my mirror selfies in January after I bought my clothes (the first time being on the JCPenney website). I’ve gotten positive feedback for the leather jackets in some pictures as well. More recently, I purchased some new clothes from Old Navy (they’ve eclipsed JCPenney and Kohl’s as my favorite place to shop).

While the mirror selfies are nice, there is a limit. What if I want to strike certain poses? Because I hold my iPhone in one hand and pose with the other, I can’t lean back with my arms folded. I’ve come up with an exciting proposition I’m interested in getting some head shots and individual photos done. I’m also looking for a good venue to have this work done. I’ve come up with five great places to pursue this new passion of mine.

Downtown Greensburg—Plenty of photo opportunities, great small business atmosphere, and great backdrops. I follow a lot of the shops in town like the Trendy Bunny Studio and Masterspieces on Instagram as well as Sun Dawg Cafe and DV8 Coffeehouse.

Twin Lakes Park—Relaxing, lots of shade, and the shaded pine trees or the waterfalls make for a picturesque view.

Ligonier—One of the best small towns in the country which has its place in history. It’s the gateway to my past and my own little Stars Hollow. The Diamond and the Gazebo make for perfect headshots.

Let’s look ahead to the past.

Hiram G. Andrews Center—We’re coming up on 20 years since I started college and I feel like I’d be giving back. I made friends here. I learned to drive here. I became independent here. Asking ahead would be a wise thing to do, but the few people who are still here from my time would appreciate the publicity. Penn Highlands Community College is another option as well.

Slippery Rock University—I still have love for the green and white even though my collegiate career ended a long time ago. Even though HGAC carries more weight, I love the Rock as well. The school provides the perfect backdrops as well as some headshots. Old Main, the Quad, the ARC, and the new Residential Suites would make for great photo opportunities. I could use one of my headshots when I give a rousing testimonial about Slippery Rock University.

Tomorrow when I take the afternoon to hang out in Ligonier, I’ll get a feel for this upcoming project. I think it will take place in the Fall 🍂 once the weather begins to cool down. I’ll find some good spots where I can work with a photographer to nail those perfect photo ops. I’ll also need to consider rates as well. I’ll do the same with Downtown Greensburg and Twin Lakes. Let me know what would be best.

Later in August I would like to attend the Greensburg Night Market. My passion is to shop small and support Downtown Greensburg’s business district. Perhaps Pennsylvania Avenue would make for some great photo opportunities. The next Greensburg Night Market is slated for August 27.

Today I was at Michaels behind Westmoreland Mall (along with TJMaxx, the two stores occupy the former Service Merchandise location). I’m interested in taking up the crafting bug that my aunt and Gram once had. Gram used to have stencils and we’d trace letters and numbers onto the paper. I’m interested in purchasing some stencils in the future. I want to trace letters to make a quote that I want to show off at an upcoming Night Market.

“Love ❤️. Love You. Love Your Life”

At one time Gram, along with my mom and Aunt Sue, made sweatshirts at Christmastime with a pattern and they used paint. The shirts have since worn out but in some capacity I’d love to carry on that crafting legacy, left behind by her. For now I’m going to take up watercolor painting. I already bought the supplies needed.

Enjoy tonight’s blog and have a great weekend. Happy first day of August. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

With regards to the Erie trip, this part of my vacation served its purpose too. I did not buy anything in Erie or Grove City even though I felt tempted. I had planned later this week to update my wardrobe closer to home. I eyed up new purchases at Old Navy in the Grove City Outlets and was interested in reading Alex Trebek’s new book. Let’s first talk about Wednesday night.

I got home Wednesday afternoon. I felt like having Dad helping me unload since I felt bad for refusing his services when we left a few days before. My mom made some changes to the room while I was out and it encouraged me to make a few more. I got some good news on my car and that is the car was painted and assembly was going to begin tomorrow. Fingers crossed it’d be done by Friday.

I got some well-needed rest Thursday morning before I started my day. Originally I planned to go to Monroeville Mall but I decided to stay local and go to Westmoreland Mall instead. Since my job takes me everywhere in Pittsburgh and all over creation, I feel I can go anywhere. However with my car, I decided to stay local. This was going to be a turning point for me down the road (later today). I bought some nice shirts on clearance. I found the books I wanted at Barnes and Noble. I watched the Gilmore Girls revival and round two of the Stylish Shopping Spree would commence tomorrow. With my car due to be done, I decided to stay in Greensburg.

On Friday, I used my Old Navy cash and gift cards to make some great purchases. New shirts (I have three chambray shirts now) and new jeans as well as a new pair of work pants which I wore Monday. I ate lunch at Red Robin before my Stylish Shopping Spree. You see, I don’t need to pull out all the stops and go to Robinson or the South Hills to eat or shop. I have it all at my disposal in Greensburg. My car was done and ready to be picked up. Thus, a new beginning for my car and for my life.

I’m at peace with my life. The days of “what if” are finally done. Last year turned out great towards the end and I came away with some great friends at work and church as well as in Toastmasters. The shutdown didn’t stop me and helped me to develop a routine. I cherish my past for what it is and wouldn’t change a thing. Oh, and the revival was decent. Not perfect but I’ll give it a B.

As you know, I love love love ❤️ ❤️ updating my wardrobe and sharing my outfits with everyone on social media. I take mirror selfies which most of you like. However it’s not good enough. So you see, if I have an exciting proposition.

I’m looking to do a photo shoot to accentuate my outfits and so you can see my whole head to toe appearance. I’m sure you want to see my face and footwear (Fall always means a new pair of boots 👢 for me).

I have some spots in mind for the photo shoot. I’ll cover those in Friday’s blog. Also, I think head shots would be nice to get. My friends got them done at a studio in Allison Park. Suggestions anyone.

Stay tuned for Friday’s blog when I go over some cool venues for my new project. Some are obvious and some you’ll know if you know me.

Have a great night. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Before I cover my Erie trip, I will say that it was a different experience unlike Cape May. I applaud Aunt Sue for playing it safe with COVID-19 and the possibility of having to quarantine for two weeks after coming back. We felt like it would be better to stay close to home. It may have seemed uneventful but in all reality it was nice to have some time away.

Our boat ride was washed out Sunday night but we made the most of our time at the hotel. We found a pool and hot tub (it reminded me of Big Break all those years ago with Campus Crusade for Christ). On Monday, we took the time to walk on the beach at Presque Isle. We got lunch at Sara’s and made it a picnic. We saw the Perry Moniment as well. It made missing last night’s Lady Kate boat ride a little less painful. We visited my cousin Annie and her little ones at her house. We sat and talked while the kids swam in their little pool. I got take out from Quaker Steak and we ate by the pool.

On Tuesday, Aunt Sue and Ben spent the afternoon at Waldameer while I checked out a small little bookstore that my cousin Liz told me about. Small but nice had everything to offer. You could read Pride and Prejudice while sipping on a cappuccino. After a couple of hours, I decided to take off for town and go to the Bicentennial Tower. I saw Downtown Erie and the marina and read up on the bayfront.

Wednesday morning, we bid Bon Voyage to Erie but not before having breakfast at the IHOP next door. After one last trip to Lake Erie and an ice cream cone 🍦 at Sara’s, we were on our way home. We stopped at Grove City. I hit up Old Navy to get some ideas for my Stylish Shopping Spree later that week. My car was due to be done soon, so I decided to stay close to home. Originally, my plan was going to be shop the first day in Monroeville and the second day at South Hills Village.

In tomorrow’s blog, I’ll highlight my stylish shopping spree and why my decision to shop local will impact my future. This week off was relaxing but also an eye opener for me.

Have a great Monday night. ❤️ you.

Back in the Spring at our Virtual Achievers Club Meeting, Toastmaster Christina Keener presented a speech that could prove to be very helpful.

She gave us five tips for remaining positive and productive during the global pandemic. I really felt like she made some great talking points and I want to share them with you once again in my blog.

The first point she shared was that we need to get outside at least once a day. Of course, we still need to practice social distancing. A great example here involves taking a walk.

One day I took advantage of the beautiful late April sunshine and drove up to Ligonier. I sat in the diamond and had a Sheetz picnic before taking a walk around the town I call my little Stars Hollow. After my little stroll and some time to read, I took a ride up 711 through Oak Grove, towards New Florence, and into Seward before turning left onto 56 and heading back home.

The second point is we should call at least one friend or relative per day. I prefer texting (I’m not really a phone person) but I am turning into an old pro with Zoom meetings. I post these blogs and share the link on Facebook so that everyone can see them.

I text my old teacher and good friend Kevin Clougherty every day just to make sure he’s doing all right. My cousin Katie posts a quiz on Facebook once a week and I participate in them. One of these days I will place in the top five. We also read each other’s blogs.

The third point she talked about was that we need to give ourselves something to look forward to. I have plenty of things that I can look forward to even in these difficult times.

I attended virtual Toastmasters meetings during the layoff and took part in Financial Peace University. I just finished Gilmore Girls on Netflix and watched the revival this weekend. I have plenty of books that I’m reading as well. Right now they’re covering social issues such as race. I also find tunes to listen to when I am driving or walking at Twin Lakes. I listen to a mix of Contemporary Christian, Worship, and Country music. Depends on where I am and what my current mood is.

The fourth point that Christina highlighted in her speech was that we need to acknowledge our feelings. Let’s face it. Most of us are frustrated, we’re expressing disappointment, sadness, as well as anger. It’s ok for those of us who need to get it out to feel this way. But don’t just focus on the negative aspect of things.

Express feelings of gratitude. Count your blessings and pray. Write down in a journal what you are thankful for. Show appreciation to those people, places, or things whom you took for granted but would give anything to have them back right now. Personally, I’m someone who likes to be virtuous. Not only am I wanting to express feelings of gratitude, but also humility. I like to show compassion towards people and live a life of integrity. Those are just a few of the virtues I like to display. I want to practice living a “good vibes only” lifestyle.

The fifth and final point that she talked about was something a lot of us aren’t doing right now. Especially if we’re living our lives at home. We need to shower first thing in the morning and put on clean clothes. I’m someone who lives by good personal hygiene and I will admit I did get lazy during my time off. I spent the day in sweatpants or pajamas because it was convenient and it was in my comfort zone.

When you practice this number one tip, you’ll feel better in spite of everything going on in the world. Have a nice outfit ready to go and rock it even when no one is watching. I just updated my wardrobe the last couple of days shopping at JCPenney and Old Navy. I bought some nice shirts on clearance as well as some new jeans. Overall I think I made out pretty good.

As I close off the blog, remember to live your best life and be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Coming up tomorrow, I will go over my vacation and how I’m decluttering my life by letting go of my past. Have a great night and enjoy your Monday.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Nine years ago, I gave my ice breaker in front of the Greensburg Toastmasters. Time has passed me by and, that group that I spoke to has changed hands many times since 2011. But two things are still the same. I’m still involved in Toastmasters and I still love to update my wardrobe. Since I joined Greensburg Toastmasters, the Pittsburgh Penguins have won back to back Stanley Cups. Just last year, I developed a passion for blogging and it’s become a hit with District 13. My reason for joining Toastmasters has changed too, somewhat.

When I joined Greensburg Toastmasters in June of that year, it was because I had a passion for communicating and wanted to tell stories. In fact, I was interested in going for a second undergraduate degree, in Communications. I thought Toastmasters could help me.

I eventually shelved the idea of going back to school altogether and just focused on my job. Now that I look back, it was a ploy to make up for my mediocre college experience at Slippery Rock University. That’s what I thought at the time. I eventually accepted my time there (eight years after graduating). My workplace or even a Toastmasters meeting is its own classroom, and I don’t have go into debt to pay for it.

Now I belong to Toastmasters because I want to inspire people with my message. In my blogs, I close out every post by encouraging people to live their best lives and be their best selves. Fellow Greensburg Toastmaster Faerie Grace inspires people in her videos on social media. I want to do the same in my blog. I want to be a ray of sunshine to someone who needs it.

I’ve been friends with Mr. Clougherty for 24 years. Kevin has been my teacher, coach, and also my mentor, since I started high school. He’s an excellent person who has shaped my life into what it is today. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunity that he gave me to become swim team manager during my sophomore year of high school. This helped me to become more social and gave me some new friends to make memories with.

Even though I’ve been graduated from high school and academia for many years now, Mr. Clougherty and I continue to maintain a solid friendship. I visit practice in the fall while his freshmen run the stairs at Spartan Stadium or in the Field House. He always tells his new crop all about the best swim team manager ever. While life may be too busy for me, Kevin understands and always keeps the door open for me. He accepts me for who I am and doesn’t criticize me over petty things.

We have had a tradition once a month to eat dinner out since 2013. Wherever we go, we have a great time. I used to pepper him with my insecurities and he would just listen. He always pays for the meal every time, even if I offer to chip in. It’s his way of reimbursing me for all the years I served on the swim team. But I feel that I owe him too for molding me into the person that I am today.

I am a well traveled individual. My job takes me all over Creation. I work for an inventory company where I count the merchandise. My job is production based. We need to count a certain amount to meet a certain criteria. How far will I go for work? I’ve gone as far south as Kentucky and as far east as Harrisburg. This job has given me leverage in serving District roles and attending events outside District 13.

Over my nine years in Toastmasters, I’ve attended events and conferences in Altoona and State College and Erie. My role as an Area Director has taken me to Elk County. I’m no stranger to District 13, visiting other District events too.

One of my favorite clubs to visit locally is the Cranberry High Noon chapter. If I have a Monday off, I will make plans to come up and attend their meeting. The members are very friendly and welcoming and supportive. My last visit there in December was my most memorable. I even got style points on my blog and my outfit. Just walking into the room made their day. This club sets the gold standard for District 13. I love my Cranberry High Noon Fam!

Finally a blog that highlights the Stylish in Stylish Traveling DTM. As I tell you when I close off the blog, put together a nice outfit and make your smile your best accessory.

When it comes to clothes shopping for me, my main go to place is JCPenney (most of my wardrobe is from there as a matter of fact). I do shop online at Amazon.com (my leather jackets are from there). Over the last few weeks, I’ve developed a fondness for shopping at Old Navy. Not that I haven’t always bought clothes from there already.

Even though their demographic may be catered mostly to young adults (as well as juniors, children, and babies), I love the way their jeans fit. I have four pairs of Levi’s from JCPenney. Two of them I wear for work and one I’ll wear summer only. I usually buy a size 42. When I bought jeans from JCPenney, after while they feel a little snug (and I don’t put them in the dryer). However I don’t mind rocking a pair of tight jeans every now and then.

I buy the same size jeans at Old Navy and they have a little bit of stretch (I also own two pairs of khakis and they fit perfect). Here’s an example. I’ve bought size 42 bootcut jeans from there and I need a belt otherwise they’re going to fall down. Perhaps a 40 might fit better. I prefer to hike them up (I know it sounds weird but it is what it is). I also like pegging them so they don’t get wet (my jeans are so long I feel like they’re almost bell bottoms).

I love coordinating my outfits when I go out or go to Toastmasters meetings. Dark wash jeans with a light wash denim jacket or light wash jeans with a stylish V neck top. The possibilities are endless. The probability of putting together a great outfit is infinite. I’m planning another old navy shopping spree soon. I need a flag tee and I like their totes as well. Can’t have too many of those.

My last clothing haul was very successful. I love my new tees (Old Navy has the best patterns and they go great with shorts or jeans). I might buy stock in their chambray shirts because I love the way that they look. They’ll go great with the jeans that I’m going to buy from Old Navy.

Before I close off this style blog, let me tell the four reasons why I love Old Navy and why you should shop there.

1- They have great deals.

2- They have something for everyone.

3- I love their jeans and can make a perfect outfit from anything I buy there.

4- Their clothes are stylish and look great on me. I work hard so I like to look nice.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Credit goes to ateagueofyourown.com for the inspiration for this article. Check out their website and get in contact with them if you need help assessing your life situation.

Flexibility is important in your life choices. Life is a contact sport. It is not scripted. Flexibility is required in this day and age. During these difficult times it’s essential to have a little wiggle room in your plans. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We don’t know what to expect. You have to be ready no matter what.

One of the great things that you can do to help you maintain flexibility is to try out this exercise called improv comedy. Using improve comedy helps you build your mental flexibility muscles. Three different schools in the Pittsburgh area teach improv comedy and some of my fellow District 13 Toastmasters friends are really into it. Shoutout to Chuck Dietz, Nate Stephens, and Sarah Souri.

This one is for my friend, Kevin Clougherty. When preparing for classes this fall, he might have to work off of multiple scenarios. He might have to use multiple scenarios all together.

Employers value flexibility. In my job you almost have to be flexible. Your comfort zone is your worst enemy. You might switched from one place to another at the last minute or even added at a moment’s notice. This is done to please the needs of the customers (the accounts that we serve). As a situation changes you must learn to adapt, to improvise, and to overcome.

Adapt to changes and have a backup plan in place. Have a fallback plan just in case things don’t work out the way that they’re supposed to. It’s helpful in life and in your career path.

To learn to be flexible and to learn to adapt to change, check out ateagueofyourown.com and read “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson.

Have a great night everyone. Weekend’s almost here. Next week is the Fourth of July 🇺🇸.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Here are ten ways to increase your personal level of flexibility:

1. Diagnose Before You Respond – Make sure you take the time to examine the task, the needs of the situation, and the capabilities of the individuals involved. Then, choose the best way to respond to each one.
2. Take Time Out – During the day, step back from your work and assess your approach to leading your team. Do you believe that you are using your time well and that people are committed to your mission? If the answer is “no,” stop and make some adjustments to your methods.
3. Plan Ahead – Schedule time in your calendar to create your plan and share your vision with the team. Assess which areas would benefit from your team members assuming greater responsibility, and then help them set specific goals related to their areas of contribution.
4. Clarify Expectations – Periodically review expectations with your team members. Be clear about what you expect from them in terms of performance and behavior, and ask them what they need from you.
5. Select the Best People – Build a team of talented individuals who are trustworthy and reliable. Understand their knowledge, abilities, and talents, and then put those assets to work.
6. Ask for Feedback – Ask your team members if they feel that their talents and abilities are being put to good use and what you could do differently to enable them to perform at their peak.
7. Build Allies Within the Business – Identify others in the organization who are affected by the work of your team. Build strong relationships with those who can help, mentor, and support you in your efforts.
8. Sharpen Your Facilitation Skills – Develop your ability to manage conflict and reach consensus in a group setting. Learn how to focus the group’s attention on the topics at hand and lead them to a mutually acceptable agreement.
9. Manage Your Time Effectively – Anticipate likely scenarios and start working on projects early. Allow enough time for you and your team to learn, experiment, and solve problems together.
10. Help Others Set Effective Goals – Ensure that your team’s individual goals clearly support the overall vision. All goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, aligned, realistic, and time-bound

Feeling grumpy 🌧? I’ve learned of five ways to turn that grumpy demeanor into one that spreads cheer 🌈.

The first thing to do when life has you down is to go for a walk. For me, that means taking a walk around the high school, downtown Greensburg, or Twin Lakes. One thing I learned is that those who were diagnosed with clinical depression didn’t feel that way after taking a 15-30 minute walk.

The second thing to do when your heart is filled with rain is to listen to positive, encouraging music. Your eyes will start to see things in that same way. Listen to educational things as well. A podcast that you enjoy (Gilmore Guys or a pastor whose preaching you really enjoy). It gives you a purposeful feeling. If you listen to music that is the opposite, you will experience feelings of negativity.

The third thing to do when it’s easy to do nothing is to do something. For me that could be playing some Mario Kart, working on a blog or upcoming speech for Toastmasters, trying on new clothes that I just bought, or baking a cake. Get up and do something productive. Make your bed. Tell yourself positive affirmations every morning. Speak life into your day.

The next thing is not just to do something but to do something that you’re passionate about. I have plenty of inspirational books that I can read. I can get in my car and get a cup of coffee (or matcha 🍵 latte) at DV8, White Rabbit, or Sun Dawg. Afterwards I’ll go to Old Navy and try on some clothes that I’m interested in buying and put together a nice outfit. I’m planning my vacation to Cape May that’s coming up this July. The thing you’re passionate about doing may cost money. Spend money on yourself. Invest in yourself.

The fifth and final thing to do when life gives you lemons 🍋 is speak to all of your senses. Get your feet comfortable. For me that means putting on my patterned socks and my boots 👢. It’s summer but pumpkin spice season is coming soon enough. Sniff candles or test lotions at Bath and Body Works. Create your own aromatherapy. There’s your sense of smell.

Your sense of touch could involve playing with bubble wrap or petting a unicorn 🦄 on someone’s ugly Christmas sweater. If you’re get hangry, make yourself a nice meal. If it’s mid morning, a breakfast bowl of turkey sausage and scrambled eggs sounds good. Maybe a salad 🥗 with some shredded Asiago cheese and lots of greens during your story. Always have a glass of water. They say eight glasses of water a day is the way to go.

As I conclude the blog let’s go over those five steps to contain your grumpy demeanor and bring out that cheery demeanor.

1- Walk (Tell yourself your life is great)

2- Listen to music or a podcast.

3- Do something. Be proactive.

4- Do something that you’re passionate about.

5- Speak to all of your senses.

Thanks to Faerie Grace for the inspiration for tonight’s blog.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

The inspiration for tonight’s blog comes from CMOE and A Teague of Your Own. Visit ateagueofyourown.com to learn more about how my friends Jim and Michelle Teague can help you succeed in your endeavors.

Not everyone is going to adapt to your sense of style or your direction. To get everyone on the same page, you will need to modify your style of leadership.

Situations will differ from individual work to projects that will involve the entire team. Sometimes, leaders will have make an immediate decision that will impact their team and their company. Meanwhile, other leaders make buy some time when it comes to the decision making process.

Increasing your flexibility as a leader will allow you to be more effective when working with diverse individuals and responding to a variety of situations. It’s an absolute necessity in today’s environment. Leaders must respond nimbly with great speed. Isn’t this what Table Topics prepares us for?

A leader’s ability to be flexible is primarily related to the personal relationships that he or she has with others. A flexible leader draws people into the conversation and gives everyone the opportunity to share their views. Flexible leaders are comfortable facilitating and contributing, rather than dominating, into the conversation. A flexible leader accepts input from the group and takes constructive criticism well when a point that differs from their original opinion comes up. They listen to any suggestions that their colleagues offer for improvement. It’s just like our evaluations we get, the feedback we receive after we give a speech or take on a role in our Toastmasters meetings.

I’ll have ten ways that you can increase your flexibility coming up in tomorrow’s blog.