Back Home! It was a wonderful trip to Pennsylvania filled with quality time and memories made. We are grateful to family and friends for hosting us.

This week’s lunch was great fun, filled with laughter and reminiscing. Brent is my former vp at Starbucks and Debbie was his administrative assistant. They were a dynamic duo – more importantly, they are the absolute epitome of Servant Leadership. Go ahead, look up the phrase, you’ll see their picture right beside the entry, I promise.

I was part of their team during my sourcing days. I admired Debbie’s heart of gold coupled with a fierce loyalty to Brent. She made sure his schedule, agenda and intentions were followed. It was no easy task and Debbie always approached the day with grace and a good sense of humor. Debbie is also on Coffee Break and soon to be officially retiring. Though her life is equally as busy in retirement catching up with friends and being a Grandma. Words cannot describe how happy I am to see her venture into this next chapter of her life. She is a true treasure.

In Brent, I met my rival handshake expert. He knows how to give a proper handshake and he was shocked to experience I did as well. We are a rare breed. Ha! He is a genuine person who takes time to get to know his people – all of his people. When I told him I was writing a book about Women in Rock ‘n’ Roll, he looked at me with absolute sincerity and said “of course you are.” He knows me well. Few executives in this world take that time. I hesitate to use the word effort, because with Brent there was never any “well I have to talk with my people.” It is precisely who he is. Genuine.

Lunch was a wonderful opportunity to catch up, learn about each others summer’s and walk down the ‘do you remember so and so’ path. Friends now, I believe. What was equally as wonderful was how we each encouraged the other with the new ventures in our respective lives. It is part of our natural friendship, support and encouragement. This is exactly why I love this lunch with a different person each week. The unique opportunity to listen and BE in the moment.

This week also had a huge highlight in our family. Mark turned 50 on Wednesday! He and I have now known each other more than half our lives. That in itself is a cool milestone! We enjoyed his birthday by attending a Mariner’s day game. While the M’s didn’t win, we had fun as a family. I sat back and observed Mark taking in the moment. He looked happy, proud, reflective and excited for what was ahead. Though we didn’t really discuss it, I think I’m right on this. The kids and I showered him with gifts after the game. Of course the presents were themed Ohio State and cooking – Mark’s two favorite things.

I did finally get back to some quality time with my book. My cats are happy for sure. One sits on my lap and the other at my feet when I type. It does make me wonder how many cats are responsible for the books published in this world. Or being a hinderance to book publishing as well. While I was sitting at my desk a handsome young man, who happens to live under my roof, came through the front door with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “Hi Mom, I saw these and wanted to get them for you. I wanted to say ‘Thank You for all you do’.” Dang that kid. I was speechless.

Yesterday was an enjoyable time as Mark and I got to spend time with our neighbors enjoying some music in the park. I love the story of how I met this sweet couple. When I run in the neighborhood, I always run past their home. Often they would be out for a walk. I have been known to startle people when I run past them, so with Elaine and Andrew, I declare myself. Something self-deprecating like “coming up on your right, well maybe not that fast, still I’m behind you…” Or something humorous like that. Our friendship started there. A simple hello, then a ‘how are you’ and on to ‘where have you been’ to now – it’s stop for several minutes and catch up. I tell them they are my ray of sunshine when I’m running. Their bright smiles and sweet words are fuel for my running energy.

I hope you have a few people in your life who fuel your energy with support, encouragement or simple kindness. Take time to fill your tank and in turn, you’ll be surprised who benefits from those moments.

Until next week…

Peace. Love and Rock n Roll…