Top O' the Mornin' to ye!  The one day of the year that it's OK to be green and show some of my Irish blood. I'm a melting pot of English, Irish, Scottish, German, and Danish blood. 

I am teaching a workshop this mornin' (and Wednesday) and it's an interesting group.  I'm going to bribe them with chocolate to keep them focused on the workshop instead of green beer... well, it's worth a try anyway.

Chocolate is appropriate since we begin with a short film about Milton S. Hershey's life and the history of his company.  He was an amazing man and never let his dreams of success die.  

I've been waiting for the appropriate time to share my experience, the first day of teaching The Leadership Challenge... which is where the a day of red comes in to play.

I was teaching the Inspire a Shared Vision portion of the workshop and the subsection of breathing life into a vision.  The students are required to share their inspired vision speeches on the second day of the workshop and I was conveying the fact that they needed to use picture-type words. 

Picture it - the class is filled with 23 men and one woman (the brave soul that she is!). 

I used the example of Paris and asked what came to mind.  I had several responses; Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, romance, city of love, wine, the River Seine, and so on.  Then I asked how many students have actually been to Paris and four men raised their hands.  Then I asked how the others knew what was in Paris, from their answers.  They responded, pictures, history, stories, movies, etc.  

Then, I asked the class, "When I say 'Tuva,' what do you think of?"  Most responded, "Never heard of it."  Then one very outspoken man said, "Isn't it a part of the female anatomy."  I face, neck, and chest turned HOT in an instant and I know my face was the color of a beet.  I cleared my throat, bit my lip to stifle a giggle and said, "No, I'm afraid not... it's a place in southern Russia/Siberia, near the border of Mongolia and they're known for a unique form of throat singing." 

Needless to say, I quickly finished the section and called for a 10-minute break.  My co-instructor said that I recovered well and that his face even turned red.   

Interestingly enough, on a workshop evaluation/critique, someone answered, "more info on Tuva," to the question, "What would have made this workshop better."  Gee whiz, I can guess who that was!

Here is a website if you're interested in Tuva.  Here is a website of a group that travels the world.  Interesting...

Out of the mists
I see his face
Out of the cold
Is his warm embrace

Out of the darkness
I see the light in his eyes
Out of the storm
His heart is only mine

Out of the rain
He shelters my heart
Out of the shadows
His hand and mine never part

Out of the tornado
Is a love that stands
Out of the wind
Is a love that never ends

KJR
January 13, 2007

I want to look into your eyes
And never look away.
I want to hold your hand
And never let go.
I want to feel your sweet kiss
And never stop kissing.
I want to feel your embrace
And never part ways.
I want to feel safe in your arms
And never leave.
I want to walk beside you
And never feel lost.
I want to hear your voice
And never stop listening.
I want to hear your laughter
And never stop.
I want to ease your pain
And never have it return.
I want to share your passion
And keep it burning bright.
I want to see your smile
And hope it’s just for me.
I want to feel your soft touch
And always touch you.
I want to give you my heart
And always have yours.
I want to tell you my dreams
And know they’re coming true –
With you, my dream of dreams.

KJR
May 3, 2006

His eyes, I cannot look away,
When they’re looking into mine.

His smile, that special smile, just for me,
Makes me want him, only him.

His laughter, echoes in mine,
Sharing a secret that is just ours.

His scent, as I inhale deeply,
That brings sweet memories.

His touch, the slightest touch,
Spreads heat and passion through me.

His lips, on mine and on me,
Starts a fire that needs to be fed.

His taste, what I crave,
And can never get enough.

His embrace, tight yet gentle,
I never want him to let go.

His love, ignites my love,
For him and only him.

Forever.

KJR
September 7, 2006