This past Wednesday was Veterans Day. While I gave thanks to my family and friends for their service, I’d like to honor a few more. Dave Jones, a fellow Toastmaster from Johnstown, served in the U.S. Army. Alvin Smith was in the Air Force, and Jim Teague also served his country.

The Trendy Bunny Studio did their part as well. On Wednesday and Thursday they held a fundraiser to raise money for a cause near and dear to a member of Team Trendy (Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing). Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. Healing Those Who Serve.

Brook Brewer is the Assistant Manager at the Trendy Bunny Studio. Her husband serves as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Her goal was to raise a set amount of money over the two days (which expanded a couple of extra days). Customers could pay money for a ticket and win a prize. Some of the businesses helping out included Sun Dawg Cafe, Invisible Man Brewing, and Chick Fil A. Four Oaks Bakery gave away an exquisite cake that you could put in a ticket in for $10. I didn’t win but I had fun donating to the cause.

Jennifer and I were talking on Wednesday about our favorite Christmas movies. I saw a few of her new holiday rounds. She would have more out as the week went on. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Trendy.

I came back on Friday to make my rounds as tried to coordinate my visits when I worked local. Sometimes easier said than done. But I still pulled it off. With the exception of Emily, I got to see everyone. Aleah, Jen, Brook, and Alisha on Wednesday; Lacey and Juliet on Friday. It was almost closing time but they were glad I stopped by. I got a preview of some of the Christmas items that would be coming. I saw the new rounds and Lacey’s sweatshirt. The Christmas music was playing as well. The girls at Trendy were all in the Christmas spirit.

I got to hear who all the winners were from the Veterans Day event. Sadly I did not win the cake or the Sun Dawg gift certificate, or even the Chick Fil A gift card. I gave to Brook’s cause and that’s what was most important. Final tally: $1233.

I got some love on yesterday’s blog and I’m sure I’ll get some tonight. That’s part of my joy. I also had a great Toastmasters meeting today. But what’s bringing me joy for the upcoming week?

Zoom meeting with Nate and Tina for the upcoming Spirit of Toastmasters panel we are doing at the club officer training on December 5. Getting an email from past District Director Denise Etter about joining the District Leadership Committee.

Also, Wednesday night is Greensburg Toastmasters and Thursday is a visit with the Penn Hills Toastmasters club (via Zoom). Thursday also marks one year of my blog. I’m grateful for the support as always and I will continue with it. Doing a lifestyle blog is the way to go and I will continue to give you all amazing content.

Of course there’s also my upcoming Trendy visits and a local travel schedule for work. Three day weekend coming with a visit to Cranberry High Noon to end it next Monday.

I’m grateful that I’ve gotten to know the bloggers from the event held at Trendy on Sept. 20. Amanda and Tiffany and others are amazing. Even though I didn’t attend, I enjoy talking to them and following them on Instagram.

Have a great week. Thanksgiving is almost here. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Imagine Greensburg or Latrobe or Ligonier without any of its small, local businesses.

Coffee shops, hair and nail salons, corner stores, spas, boutique clothing stores, consignment shops, restaurants, craft stores, bars, fruit markets, shoe/bike/tire repair shops, laundromats, art supply stores, gift shops, gas stations, pet stores, and more – all gone.

What would be left? What would the streets look like? Desolate, depressing, empty, boring, abandoned… like some towns in the Mon Valley or parts of Johnstown.

A tradition conceived and promoted by American Express back in 2010, Small Business Saturday last year alone attracted more than 88 million people to “shop small.” But what exactly are the benefits of shopping small, and why should you do it on Small Business Saturday, and every day? Here are some huge reasons:

Small businesses give back (more) to your community. When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood. Plus, that tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.

Small businesses make a major economic impact. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.

Small businesses provide better customer service

Small business owners strive to survive and one of the biggest advantages they have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service.

Small businesses provide greater access to product diversity. Small businesses have just as much access to vendors (who also determine pricing, not stores) that big box businesses do. If a small business doesn’t have the products you want or need, ask them – they’re also usually much more receptive and willing to order them for you.

Small businesses create a sense of community.

You’re much more likely to get to know a small business owner in your neighborhood. According to a study conducted by Trulia and noted in Forbes, the second most popular desire amongst urbanites is a stronger sense of community – number one being more local restaurants.

You’re going to feel good. Would you rather feel the pang of guilt buying so-so coffee from Starbucks or a lifeless burger at McDonalds, or be entirely satisfied with your latte made with love from Sextant Coffee Roasters, and a bangin’ burger from V Cafe?

I made plans to attend the Earlybirds meeting this morning. I served as humorist and jokemaster Wordmaster was Distinguished Toastmaster Walter J Smith. The Word of the Day was Veteran. I paid homage to those who served. I honored my grandfathers who both served in the Army (my maternal grandfather served during World War II and my paternal grandfather served during the Korean War). My dad (U.S. Navy in the late 70s) also served. He and his friends served together. Thank you all for your service.

I also thanked Tom Payne from my church (retired Air Force) and, Brook Brewer’s husband who is serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Army. Brook is the assistant manager at the Trendy Bunny Studio. Check out her blog at bbmilitarywifelife at WordPress.

I’m also a veteran… Toastmaster—9 years—and employee at WIS International—12 years—in the Pittsburgh office.

After Walter J and myself had a little time to catch up and socialize, I was off on a Target run to buy some more holiday decor. After a 45 minute trip, it was Target Run and done! I ate lunch at Eat’n Park (Bacon Cheeseburger 🥓 🍔) and then I was on my way home.

Today was my Christmas Haul part two. I needed some towels and washcloths to make my bathroom look more festive.

The gnomes will add a nice touch to my holiday decor. I’ll be busy Black Friday working on this project. I’m planning to put together a little gingerbread village. I’d like to graduate to the gingerbread row house if I’m feeling lucky.

What holiday isn’t complete without some Milano cookies? These will go great with my Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. I also bought some ornaments and a star to put on… my Christmas Tree.

I’m going to take a page from my Instagram friend Amanda (joyfullyyoursamanda) and post the things that bring me joy. She does this when she shares her stories on Instagram.

I also bought some candles and pine cones for a makeshift Thanksgiving centerpiece (I was hoping for a cornucopia 😒 oh well I’ll make it work).

My joy for today: Attending the Earlybirds Toastmasters meeting, buying holiday decor and listening to Christmas music, and attending church for the first time in three weeks. I missed my usual Trendy visit but I keep in touch on the stories on Instagram. Hallmark movie tonight after I get home and reading my Christmas Countdown book.

Have a great Saturday night. I’ll be talking about some of the new stuff at Trendy. That’s coming up tomorrow. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

It’s been one year since I regularly started posting to this blog. How has it changed me since starting it last November 19? It has reignited my passion for writing and helped me to share my feelings. I talked about my Toastmasters experiences. When my friends were live on Facebook, I shared in the blog what I learned.

More recently, I’ve used it to promote small businesses (in addition to Toastmasters events) as I’ve become more invested in the community. Shops like The Trendy Bunny Studio (Trendy for short) and Masterspieces have gotten great attention on my blog. I’ve also gained followers in Team Trendy and other prominent local boss babes.

I’ve used my blog to promote Toastmasters events and Division B and highlight some of their bigger events. I’m a regular supporter and unofficial member of clubs such as Cranberry High Noon and Earlybirds and I’ll be making in person visits there next month.

So what will I talk about in the blog in November? I’m going to continue to promote small businesses like Trendy and Masterspieces. I’m also going to include Majesty (I’m a longtime customer since their days in Westmoreland Mall] and RSVP in my posts. I’ll work off of their stories in social media.

I’ll be making the first of my Toastmasters visits on November 14. It’ll be at the Earlybirds meeting and it will be in person. They meet downtown at the Butler YMCA. I attended as a guest at their virtual meetings in the Spring. I’ll be attending my favorite club, Cranberry High Noon, on November 23. They were the first club in District 13 to try out the hybrid method of running meetings. They meet in Seven Fields at the community center. I’m also planning to attend virtual meetings at Penn Hills (Nov. 19) and South Hills (Nov. 24). Fun fact: Three of these clubs won Club of the Year. All four were Distinguished or higher. I also plan on taking part in my usual clubs as well. I’m giving an evaluation on November 15 at Achievers and giving a speech on the 18th at Greensburg. The title of the speech is “Why You Should Shop Small”. Appropriate with Small Business Saturday coming up.

Thanksgiving is going to be November 26. Yes it will different than it usually is for a lot of families this year. For us, it’s not much different as we usually have a small gathering. Some of our family members have moved away, married, and some now have kids of their own. Not sure where we will end up but it will still be a great holiday 🦃. I plan on making my rounds on Small Business Saturday. I’m also going to attend the holiday market on November 29 in downtown Greensburg. More on these events as they get closer.

Time to close off the blog. I’m giving thanks for what a crazy year it’s been, but also a great year that’s brought me plentiful harvest blessings. I’ve gained confidence in myself and let go of my past. I feel better about myself again and I’m beginning to prioritize myself more.

Remember to live your best life. Be your best you. Be a ray or sunshine. You might just save someone’s life. If you see someone sitting alone, pick up your tray and sit with them. You might just change their life.

Remember to turn your clocks back tonight before you go to bed.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

If I told you 2020 was a better year (for me) than last year, you’d think I was crazy.

Despite the year 2020 has been I’m feeling a lot better now than I was last year at this time.

Last year I was struggling with the loss of my Grandma and more recently my cousin, plus the one year anniversary of my aunt passing away. I was dealing with loneliness and living in a half-empty house, getting ready to move back home.

I was trying to hold back feelings for a girl whom I had a crush on. In the process I didn’t want to betray a close friend of mine. Luckily I held them in until the week before Thanksgiving when I told my friends as well my cousin Katie my feelings. Unfortunately that crush lingered until the Spring.

Despite the year 2020 has been I’m feeling more confident than I ever have and I’m learning to be someone who makes me happy. I’ve ditched the insecurity I’ve had for years. I’m letting go of my past and am learning to live for myself.

I’m learning to appreciate my community by eating and shopping local. It’s given me a new avenue to work off of and I’ve gained some new friends in the small business community. I’m talking about you Courtney, Kelsey, Cheri, and of course Team Trendy. I’ve enjoyed getting to meet some of you and reunite with others at Greensburg Night Market this year. I’ve known about Sun Dawg, White Rabbit, and Oliver’s Pourhouse for years.

On Wednesday night, we had a great open house. 23 people in all showed up at the meeting, including our Program Quality Director Robert Johnson. We had an excellent program with Marissa Crystal Wallace and James Teague giving great speeches and Michelle Teague leading an outstanding Table Topics session. Sam moderated an excellent panel discussion on “The Value of Toastmasters” with three of our dedicated members. Tina LaMont Kramer did one on Monday at Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters with three of our experienced DTM’s. That meeting I did not attend but it’s on my blog.

If you want find your voice, build a better you, join Toastmasters. The value is well worth it. Our club meets virtually first and third Wednesday at 6:30pm.

Yesterday I finally received my Spirit of Toastmasters award. I was going to head straight to Trendy after work but when I learned Terye got her award, I went home to see if mine arrived and it did.

Big shoutout to Team Trendy. Alisha, Lacey, and Juliet all celebrated with me when I showed my award to them at Trendy.

Alisha read my note out loud. It really made me feel good. Juliet complimented me on my sense of style and fashion sense. Compliments go a long way and she found the right words to say. Alisha even gave me some new stickers for my collection.

I’ll find a nice home for my stickers too. The girls at the Trendy Bunny Studio are all very encouraging and I’m blessed to have met them. I leave Trendy feeling complete every time. I might have even found a new passion along the way.

After these last few days I’m definitely feeling blessed to have great friends and “family”. Your love and support means a lot.

Remember this weekend to live your best life. Be your best you. Be a ray of sunshine 🌞. You may just change someone’s life.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters held its hybrid open House this afternoon at the Seven Fields Community Center and via Zoom. They had 22 people in attendance, including 7 guests. Two of the guests have joined.

Serving as Toastmaster of the meeting was Vice President of Education Linde Riley. She picked a great theme for the meeting, “Build A Better You!” She then introduced the role players and the speakers of the day.

Bob Johnson was the first speaker. He gave a overview of Toastmasters through his speech titled “Your Toastmasters Journey”. Tina Kramer was the second speaker, and she gave a 15 minute speech in the Dynamic Leadership path. She moderated a panel discussion with three experienced and distinguished Toastmasters. I wish I’d have been around to hear both speeches.

Amit Grover led the Table Topics session. The questions tied in very well with the theme of the meeting, “Build A Better You”.

Maria Lamorey served as General Evaluator. Bob’s speech didn’t have an evaluator. Tina’s panel discussion was evaluated by Sarah Souri. The role of grammarian was served by Adie Kurtanich and timer was performed by Judy Wang.

Before I close off this post, I want to share Sarah’s testimonial on why she joined Toastmasters.

Sarah joined Toastmasters in 2016 and had no idea how it would change her life. Her personal and professional life has improved greatly because of Toastmasters. The experience she has received has been invaluable. She has even been given a chance to speak as a mental health professional on KDKA-TV twice. This is something she would not have dreamed of if it weren’t joined Toastmasters.

I’m proud to be a part of Toastmasters with Sarah and I’m even more proud to call her my friend. The Cranberry High Noon chapter treats me like their own and even made me an unofficial member.

I’m planning a visit to CHN on November 23 as I get back to making my rounds and showing my Spirit of Toastmasters.

This is a short but sweet blog. Saturday was the Trendy Trick or Treat party at the Trendy Bunny Studio. It ran from 10am to 3pm. I didn’t attend but I viewed all the stories on Instagram and it looks like it was a success. For TTBS owner Alisha Edwards, it was a dream come true for her (as well as for Team Trendy).

Families connecting, little ones playing, and local talents being showcased. This was a great event for the community and I hope they do more like this. It’s what Trendy is all about.

I learned about Trendy on social media from Suzanne Ward as well as through Across Westmoreland. Courtney Masters was a part of Team Trendy before she branched out and opened up her own storefront, Masterspieces, in September. Soon after, I made my first visit to Trendy. I was greeted by Lacey Douds and Emily Parker. We chatted and I got to see more of the studio. I knew I’d be returning. I’m now a regular customer and all these girls have all become good friends. Learning to support my local everything and shop small as well as letting go of my past has changed my life for the better.

Today was my first in person Toastmasters meeting since March 15. Only four of us showed up at Blairsville while the rest attended via zoom. Our tech team did a bang up job and our speakers did well. Myself included. I spoke about the Spirit of Toastmasters and rocked a nice outfit. I’ll be giving the same speech again in December. Next month at Greensburg, I’ll tell you why it’s going to be a different kind of holiday and shopping local.

I’ll close the blog with a quote from one of Latrobe’s favorite people, Mister Rogers. ‘You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are.’ You are special.

Have a great week. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

It’s been a while since I’ve used stylish in the title of my blogs. This is a preview of what’s to come soon to The Stylish Swanky James. I do like that title. I’m also trendy like my friends at Trendy.

First off, you’ll still read about Toastmasters as well as my small business visits. It’s been an amazing last several weeks building up my friend base. Following these small businesses like The Trendy Bunny Studio, Masterspieces (ordered my Stars Hollow sweatshirt today on the website), and Wolf and Whisk on social media has been somewhat of a life changer for me. The new friends I’ve made have helped me to become less dependent on others for my happiness. Last year, I dealt with a crush in the workplace. That feeling has burned off but the girl has left her mark on me with her personality, style, and fashion sense. I’m no longer depending on someone to make me happy, I’m someone who makes me happy.

We have our open house next Wednesday night. I will do my best to get the word out about our club. I miss making my visits in District 13 and COVID 19 has really crammed my style. Zoom meetings are great, but I miss the in-person camaraderie of Toastmasters meetings. I’ve talked up Toastmasters to my Trendy Girls and they’ve seemed impressed. Someone even came in to the shop last week and the subject was brought up. I’ll be making a visit to Earlybirds soon enough, as well as Cranberry High Noon. Club officer training is coming in December. I really wished it would have been at community college, but it will most likely be held online.

Now let’s talk about some of the new subjects I have planned for the blog.

I want to do a blog about food. What do I want to make for the holidays? What do I eat for breakfast? How about my plans to begin doing meal prep every week? I need to start eating right, so why not blog about it?

I want to do more fashion blogging. Lately I’ve been snapping some selfies of my fall outfits and posting them on social media. I plan to take a picture of my outfit of the day (one for work and one for home or when I go out)

Finally, I want to begin doing more inspirational blogs. My confidence has grown and I want to continue spread positive vibes. COVID may have soured my plans to visit other Toastmasters clubs, but it’s also helped me to take a look at myself. I’ve managed to let go of the past and live in the present despite the fact this is my 20th anniversary of graduating high school and starting college. It’s been so easy to look back at the past, remember those old wounds and just live in the good old days. I’ve come a long way since my first few years out of college.

Remember to live your best life. Be your best you. Be a ray of sunshine. You may just change someone’s life with your positivity. Don’t forget to laugh because laughter is the best medicine.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Yes those are infinity scarves on my wall. I’m rocking the leopard scarf right now and I feel very confident. I didn’t have this confidence before but this year has been good to me, if you can believe that. I’ve begun to follow small businesses on social media and have recently started visiting them in person. That’s been a big boost to me.

In the past, I felt insecure because I assumed the worst (at home and in the workplace). I worried about people’s opinions because I was different. I feared being shamed because I carry a bag and because of how I dress and what I like (Gilmore Girls and my pink water bottle)

However, I’ve learned to be someone who makes me happy. I’ve ditched the insecurity and let go of the past and, you know what, nobody cares about any of those things. I’m building new traditions with the Fall Symposium and shopping local. Some of my newest friends have come through attending the night market and supporting my local everything. Of course, I still have my Toastmasters family too.

I’ve slowly been letting go of my past. I’m beginning to build friendships with the local business owners and learning to support my local everything. I’m also done worrying about what people think of me and have gained confidence as a result of it.

I attended the Greensburg night market in August and started building my friend base. It set the table for the next week when I would attend the Masterspieces grand opening in Latrobe.

I was excited to support a local business. I made some memorable purchases, including a book about Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I learned to be me and do me. I’ve learned not to be with someone who makes me happy, but to be someone who does just that.

Who cares if someone doesn’t like your outfit or your T-shirt? Why do you worry that your bag makes them feel uncomfortable? What does it achieve if you let them win? If you like it, that’s all what matters. Your haters are your motivators.

Yesterday I made my small business rounds. I started in Greensburg and visited with Team Trendy. We had a little Hempfield Spartan connection going yesterday as one of the customers walked in. It was nice that the store had some sales yesterday and Lacey and Jen gave them a great experience. I shared the encouraging comment I got on my blog with them and then went on my way. Both Alisha and Juliet made my week but so did Lacey and Jen when I visited yesterday. I made the most of my visit as always.

My day was complete. I think I got around pretty well. Ligonier was packed (which is good considering no Fort Ligonier days this year). I made stops at the Holiday Home Store and then Second Chapter Books and the sweet shop. I made my cookie purchases at Masterspieces and picked up some good Harry Potter merch along with a tote. Masterspieces did phenomenal business last night and Courtney didn’t have too much left from the haul. I look forward to my next visit and enjoy the stories. I promise to give more businesses shoutouts in the future too.

Overall I’m blessed. I’m growing my friend base within the community. I’m still full from the Spirit of Toastmasters award. I’ve found my voice and feel very confident.

Live your best life. Be your best you. Be a ray of sunshine 🌞 every day. You may change someone’s life.

Have a great weekend (some of you have a three day weekend). Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

It’s been a while but I’m back.

On September 19, we held our annual Fall Symposium. Because of the pandemic, it was going to be held virtually. The beginning portion of the event was reserved for the awards ceremony. We recognized 43 newly Distinguished Toastmasters. One of them was me. These members earned their achievement. For me it took eight years. For some it took 20 years or more. Our new DTMs busted a move and showed off their swag.

Afterwards, it was time for our past District Director to present individual awards. First up was the recognition of clubs in each division who won highest honor. South Hills won in Division Awesome. They’re one of my future chapters I’m planning on visiting. No surprise in Division B as Cranberry High Noon took home the gold. They’re one of my favorite clubs to visit when I get a Monday off. The members there are very friendly and my last physical visit there was one of my best ever. They treat me like family and made me an unofficial member.

Penn Hills impressed in Division C with the impressive comeback that Nate Stephens and Virda Perry pulled off. From Extinguished to Distinguished. Check out the video on YouTube to see how he did it. Cheers to Mark Strucaly for not giving up either. Woman to Woman took home club of the year in Division D. There are some really great members in that club too.

Now let’s talk about the Spirit of Toastmasters award. I think our receipients all got some well deserved credit. Nate Stephens for bringing Penn Hills back from extinction. To go from three members to 15 and earn Distinguished says a lot. He deserves a Medal of Honor for his hard work. You can find him on the contest stage or trying his hand out at improv. Tina Kramer is a relatively new Toastmaster. She belongs to the Cranberry High Noon chapter (that’s how her and I met). She also served as a club coach for the Earlybirds club, helping them grow members and achieve Presidents Distinguished. Like CHN, Earlybirds is also one of my favorite clubs in District 13 that I like to visit.

The last award went to someone special. This person has made their rounds in District 13 and elsewhere. He has a blog and likes to identify himself as stylish and trendy (He has friends who are Trendy too). You can keep up with him to see where he’s been and where he’s going next. He’s congenial, kind, and a friend to everyone. He’s also a goodwill ambassador to the Toastmaster brand. It’s me.

Congratulations to Division B Director Jing Humphries for winning Toastmaster of the year. No one better to earn that award for all she has done with Earlybirds and in the District. A longtime Toastmaster who I’m blessed to call friend. Stephanie Scott for Area Director of the Year. I love participating with her in the big events. She and Jing are great friends and excellent Toastmasters. I was happy to be a part of the Area 13 speech and evaluation contest that Stephanie and Liz Carter put together. Terye Carney for Division Director of the Year. Terye and I met in the summer of 2017 and our friendship really took off late last year when she caught wind of my new blog. She encouraged me not to give up when people were putting me down. These three also have their own spirit of Toastmasters.

Remember to live your best life. Be your best self. Be a ray of sunshine ☀️. You might just save someone’s life with your positivity.

I’m making my small business rounds Saturday. It’s going to be a fun-filled day and I’m going to meet some great people. I have a nice outfit picked out. I think I’ll rock the boots as well. It begins with Team Trendy and ends at the TriWizard fest. I’ll be in my little Stars Hollow as well.

Have a great night. Weekend’s almost here.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you