“Did you get the envelope?”

Some people write really profound things on LinkedIn. And I admire that. I think I occasionally have a profound thought, but I’m not sure I ever share it. Maybe I’ll work on that. Maybe I won’t.

But here is the stray thought I had today. My mom showed me she loved me in so many ways, but one strikes me today that I miss.

About once a week from my college years until she became obsessed with her computer in the mid-aughts, my mom would send me an envelope stuffed with newspaper clippings and cartoons, Scotch-taped within an inch of its life. I would open it, flip through the jaggedly torn items, smile, maybe scratch my head over a few pieces that had uniquely scribbled notations, and then call her. I always would call her. If I didn’t, she would call ME obsessively and ask, “Did you get the envelope?”

Kind of drove me crazy at the time. But I miss it now. But the observation I make from this is that I use social media much the way she used those newspaper clippings. Sharing a random grab bag of memes and articles and photos to stay connected with people I care about and to show them I love them.

So if you find yourself unlucky/fortunate enough (you pick!) to be connected with me on social media, know this is my love language. And it comes from a long line of colorful Southern women who clipped cartoons and zany items from the newspaper. Ah, newsprint. I miss that too.

My mom did this, my grandmother did this, my aunts did this. And I suspect many many others in our family tree did as well.

You’re welcome. And if your love language is writing thoughtful essays on LinkedIn, well, I see you, I appreciate you, and game meets game. And if you haven’t discovered your love language yet, give it a go. It will make this world a better place.

Sending love! Literally.

Well, now that’s what small towns are for. Whitley County #Pride activate! #lgbtqiaplus

Thank you, Whitley County Pride! I’m now a card carrying member.

Join here: https://www.whitleycountypride.org

Never in 1 million years would I think my beautiful small Indiana hometown would have such an organization. Thank you, Board President Savanna Fettig and the rest of the board Amanda Elkins, Ashley Nichole Fettig, Candy Gamble Bower, Matt Minier, Leanne Facer, Zac Crabtree, Erin Rowland Jones, Brayden Schmidt, and Mac Golden for your leadership, bravery, and heart. Can’t begin to express my gratitude.

All are welcome to join, far and wide. Let’s all help fight the good fight. 🌈 💕

“Hello everyone … inviting everyone to become members of Whitley County Pride! We have a lot of really cool events planned, and continuing to be planned, for 2024 and beyond! You do not have to live or work in Whitley County to become a member and it is open to anyone who supports our mission! Join today for $10 per year!”

Join here: https://www.whitleycountypride.org

“All the World’s YOUR Stage” … Stop overthinking and just connect with Jay Harrington

View latest episode here.

Jay Harrington is president of his eponymous agency Harrington and is one of the country’s leading consultants and strategists in the areas of legal marketing, PR, and business development. His consulting work includes helping clients define strong market branding and positioning, develop effective thought-leadership strategies, gain visibility through public relations, and generate new business through the execution of marketing tactics.

Jay practices what he preaches. He doesn’t merely consult with clients about the importance of thought-leadership PR and marketing—he is an active content creator himself. He frequently speaks and writes on important issues and trends in legal marketing. His writing is featured in columns for Law.comJD Supra, and Attorney at Work. He is also the author of three books: The Productivity PivotThe Essential Associate, and One of a Kind.

Following February’s conversation with Laura Gassner Otting about “getting unstuck,” Jay and Roy discuss how important thought leadership is to personal and professional branding and provide tips on how to stop overthinking and just connect, leveraging the power of social media and digital channels.

Jay leads a vibrant attorney coaching and training practice, through which he provides one-on-one coaching and group training to attorneys and law firms, with a focus on issues related to business development, productivity, and thought leadership.

Jay is a sought after speaker who frequently presents to law firms and legal industry associations on a range of topics including branding, thought-leadership marketing, and business development. His unique approach blends storytelling, strategy, behavioral science, and practical, actionable advice.

Prior to co-founding the agency 15 years ago, Jay practiced law as a commercial litigator and corporate bankruptcy attorney at top law firms, including Skadden Arps and Foley & Lardner. He also co-founded and ran a boutique corporate restructuring law firm. He has an undergraduate degree in journalism and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. During his time practicing law, Jay learned what it takes to market successfully and develop business for sophisticated professional services, and he applies those lessons while working with clients today.

Home again, home again … a weeklong road trip to St. Augustine – with lots of great vegetarian fare and lovely people – comes to a close

It has been a minute since we’ve last had a proper vacation. Since February 2020 to be exact. Zoinks. Covid brought us mucho challenges. As did life, volunteer commitments, family obligations, on and on.

Highly encourage all professionals to unplug, REALLY unplug. Your work, mental health, overall happiness will benefit. Easy to say, so difficult to do in this day and age of constant connectivity.

Link to photo album: https://www.facebook.com/share/kUGx8Kkc7wG1kdWR/

So we planned a little road trip. Kinda stealthy. Apologies to friends along our route for not stopping but we needed to get our travel sea legs back TBH. And needed some much needed unplugging time too. We had a relaxing and reviving journey with lots of delightful vegetarian finds (and many, many truly lovely people) along the way (locations tagged in photos).

But being home again always seems like the best reward of all. We missed our little four legged wackadoos very much. 💕

Whew 😅