The song City of New Orleans written by Steve Goodman and made into a folk hit by Arlo Guthrie describes a train journey across America and all of the sights and sounds within. While New Orleans is the destination, the ballad only refers to the experience of arriving with well-crafted descriptions of the passengers and the scenery passing by. At one point, the lyrics reference “changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee”.
photos/krikit/2723721661/#cc_license
Posted by Tammy on June 27, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/06/27/enjoy-the-journe/
I had a meeting about 90 days ago with a knowledgeable woman who specializes in placing people on Corporate Boards. She works with individuals to build their resumes, coaches them on the types of opportunities that would make them more attractive candidates and ultimately puts them in touch with the networks where Corporate Board of Director searches take place. It’s a fascinating field and a growing need as corporate America ages and the need for succession planning takes place at all levels. We had a great meeting and while I don’t see myself seeking a role on a Corporate Board in the short term, it’s an interesting long-term prospect. As we concluded our meeting, I asked her for a realistic assessment; In 5 – 10 years would I be a viable candidate for a Board of Directors? Her reply?
My Oldest Son shows off his feminine side
Yes, you can definitely be a strong candidate. You’re different from most women I meet. You’re confident like a man.
Whoa! (more…)
Posted by Tammy on June 20, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/06/20/confident-like-a-man-fathers-day/
It’s probably no surprise that my kitchen sports a healthy cookbook collection. I love the colorful images and flavorful descriptions. I have those specializing in regional cuisine (Louisiana, China the Beautiful, A Spanish Village), restaurant collections (Coyote Cafe, Greens, Manhattan Chili Company), food themes (Vegetarian Nights or Raw Food) and those describing individual specialty foods like Waffles, Pizza or Ice Cream.
Cookbook Corner in My Kitchen
I also have a pile of favorites stitched together by various school groups or women’s organizations such as Harstine Island Cooks or Seasoned with the Sun. Today as I’m flipping through the pages of the Silver Palate Good Times, I’m smiling at the occasional kitchen splatter and the comments that I’ve scratched in the margins over the years. (more…)
Posted by Tammy on May 23, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/23/performance-feedback-employee-engagement/
There’s no denying that I’m a morning person. I love to rise early and if I’m well rested, it’s easy to do. Waking before the sun. Sneaking into the kitchen. Turning on the espresso machine and lighting a candle. It’s one of the quiet times in our busy household. I can spend a few silent moments reading and remembering what I’m thankful for. Or I can take a walk during the time when the sky is the most amazing. Those moments really ground me for the entire day and I’ve come to depend on them. When I skip my morning ritual, I really miss it and I feel out of sorts. It’s one more form of structured framework that I live within and benefit from.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalmom/ / CC BY 2.0
Posted by Tammy on May 16, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/16/early-morning-ritual/
It’s Mother’s Day and even if you aren’t a mother, we all have a mother – a woman who blessed us into this world and for most, someone who has nurtured our very existence. Oh, I could write a long and sappy ode to motherhood but as I look around my house at baseball cleats, smelly socks and gum wrappers, I choose to use this day instead, to celebrate women.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chleong/ / CC BY 2.0
I’ve been extremely fortunate over the last few years to meet extraordinary females. Some of you read my blog about meeting Sandra Day O’Connor. My early writing instruction came from Australian author, Kate Grenville. I’ve dined with Jay Parry, Esther Dyson, and Janet Napolitano and thousands of other women family members, friends, work colleagues, and amazing acquaintances. So without driving myself into an analytical frenzy, I’ve compiled a short list of 10 living women I’d love to meet. I can tell you with certainty that the moment that I hit the publish button, I’ll think of 20 more but right now, these women regardless of their politics, their religion and what sometimes appears as ill-fated publicity are women I’d love to take to lunch.
Posted by Tammy on May 10, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/10/the-girls-you-wish-you-knew/
I heard the Chairman of Petsmart speak at a press conference this week. He said, “Folks, these are not tough times. This is the new normal.” With uncharacteristic pessimism but dependable pragmatism, I picked up my blackberry and tweeted his comment to my followers.
T_McLeodPosted by Tammy on May 3, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/03/on-being-local/
Here in the desert the days are teetering between hot and cool. Just when I think summer temperatures are here, a cold front blows in and puts me back in sweaters. Growing up in Colorado, springtime was a bit different. I watched for the first crocus to lift it’s head against the late spring snow and my grandmother would announce that it was time for spring cleaning. Spring cleaning wasn’t just dusting and running the vacuum. It was the deep cleansing that eliminated winter cobwebs and sometimes sent a pile to the thrift store.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayr/ / CC BY 2.0
I have to admit that I haven’t kept up the ritual but when I do, it’s deeply satisfying. I love the feeling of having an organized closet or a clean car. It’s so nice to purge unused items that have collected over the past months or even years. I think it causes me to sleep better. (more…)
Posted by Tammy on April 27, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/04/27/spring-cleaning/
As another tribute to National Poetry month, I’m offering up ideas of places to start in order to “taste” poetry. I hope you’re moved to grab one and give it a try. And in full disclosure, let me admit to pirating a few choices from the lovely list compiled by Nancy Pearl and given out in her interview with NPR earlier this week.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinfoilraccoon/ / CC BY 2.0
Posted by Tammy on April 22, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/04/22/tammys-top-ten-the-t3-report-ideas-for-poetry-to-enjoy/
We were gathered around a large table for the neighborhood potluck. My husband and I are fortunate to live in a community where this is not a rare occurence. On this particular eve, we were celebrating a marriage. At some point during the meal, our neighbor J stood up and announced, “I’ve got a poem.” And he read that poem from his tall wiry Elvis Costello like frame with animation and emotion. I was sort of embarrassed, a bit amused and definitely intrigued. Days later I followed up with his wife, “Does he read poetry often?” “Oh yes,” she sighed “and he’s serious so I have to stop and listen. There was the time at our daughter’s 16th birthday…” her eyes roll to the back of her head and she relives the teenage embarrassment of the girls gathered for that event.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pernett/ / CC BY 2.0
Posted by Tammy on April 16, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/04/16/dinner-and-a-poem-poetr/
Catching up after being on vacation is more work than it was to get ready for the trip. People who haven’t been able to contact me for a week are vying for calendar space. My email inbox is full and snail mail has backed up too. I find that having a blackberry mitigates some of the catch up but regardless, there’s a lot to do upon return. I’ve worked late a couple of nights this week but that make things more hectic as I run from the office to the little league field to violin lessons and then home to get homework done and everyone fed. Last night I threw in the towel and ordered a pizza.
Posted by Tammy on April 8, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/04/08/random-act-of-kindness-kitchen/
A wife, a mom, an executive, a certified leadership coach and a breast cancer survivor. I love learning and I love to write and I'm often fascinated with the life lessons that come from my kitchen. Focusing on community-based Placemaking is the way that I work towards creating a healthier planet.
Agrigirl's Blog 