by Cathy Baker | Faith |
I went in search of a new groomer for Rupert, our spoiled but oh-so-cute Lhasa Apso.
After days of perusing the internet for reviews on local groomers, I found Cleveland Park East Animal Hospital in Simpsonville.
Based on the site, I felt it may be a keeper — and my visit on Friday confirmed it. In the process, I learned a few lessons on how our actions consistently speak louder than mere words:
- Every staffer, not only the veterinarians, were represented on the Web site. Every person matters on this team.
- Every staffer’s bio picture included their personal pet(s). We love our pets, we’ll love yours too.
- Receptionists are exceptionally and sincerely friendly, both over the phone and in person. This is an incredibly key position, and here’s why… There’s no such thing as a second impression.
- The facility is clean, spacious, and bright. Welcome!
- The groomer, Rebekah Yarber, came out to personally greet us and to learn more about Rupert. She also followed up with me personally after his service. The customer matters.
- Rebekah gave him his best cut — ever. Excellent service = repeat customers.
Their words were comforting, helpful, and insightful – but it’s their actions that will keep me coming back. As a matter of fact, I may just switch over to Cleveland Park for both vet and groomer services based on the above observations.
Our actions reveal more than our words ever will.
What will our actions reveal about us today?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Views while “working” on a writing project this weekend.
- Low 70’s
- Light breezes
- Plentiful sunshine
- Background music provided by soulful birds and one pestering bee
- Crisp mountain air (nothing like it!)
- Not a soul in sight
Spectacular.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
- The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. – Mark Twain
- The fewer the words used, the more concentrated the attention; and the greater the concentration, the greater the power. – David Lambuth
- The first secret of good writing: We must look intently, and hear intently, and taste intently. – James J. Kilpatrick
- Always be a poet, even in prose. – Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Technique alone is never enough. You have to have passion. Technique alone is just an embroidered potholder. – Raymond Chandler
photo courtesy of www.writersstore.com
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
“Ruth Stone, an award-winning poet who published most of her work after the age of 70, died on November 19 of natural causes at her home in Ripton, Vermont, according to the Huffington Post. She was 96.” – The Writer’s Chronicle
I’m currently reading The War of Art, Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield. In it, Steven defines our enemy, Resistance.
“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work.”
Do you find this to be true in your own life? Regardless of your calling—teaching the Word, writing music, singing, serving, writing prose or poetry, etc.—resistance sets its stealthy snares in hopes of squelching any creativity you and I have to offer.
“Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard, or smelled. But it can be felt. Its aim is to shove us away, distract us, prevent us from doing our work.”
I find this to be especially true when I work on poetry. Recently, while trying to finish a piece for an upcoming conference, Resistance whispered a host of reasons why I had no business writing, with my whopping age of 49 winning top billing that day.
Everything changed, however, when I read about an award-winning poet named Ruth Stone, who published most of her work after the age of 70.
With that knowledge in my pocket, I thanked God.
Grinned like a kid.
Put down the magazine.
Picked up a pen.
Began writing.
And kissed resistance goodbye.
