People in old photos are never smiling. Just think of those generational black and white and fading photos. Well dressed, carefully groomed very formal looking folks – but not a smile in the bunch.

I love July 4th weekend. To me it is the official beginning of the summer; being a bit more relaxed at work, barbecues with friends, days at the pool and beach. But, most importantly, July 4th brings to mind summer vacations.  

Today we celebrate 245. A special day. When a nation got born.

I'm reading about the tragic collapse of the building in Surfside, FL and wondering why. It appears that the condo owners kept bickering and fighting over the years delaying a decision, while the building kept exponentially degrading so the cost of repairs skyrocketed and nothing got fixed.   We'll eventually learn what technically happened as other buildings in the area will be scrutnized and I'm sure some will close.  

Can you believe I really don’t listen to the words of a song? Talk about being one dimensional! What’s more, I don’t read books.  I listen to them. As a consequence of this unusual quirky combination, I recently heard Dylan’s lyrics of The Times They Are-A Changin’ for maybe the very first time.

We were sitting outside having dinner at a local restaurant and Flo noticed a woman at a table nearby whose handbag was on the pavement by her seat.“She could really use a Clipa.” One of those handy rings (available from Refined Finds) that hangs a handbag from the table and keeps it off the ground.

This month is full of jubilee. If you’re working to make strides in life and business, try focusing purely on relationships for the month of June. Everyone I’ve been in touch with this month, just wants laughter, hugs and new memories. Employers, if you’re looking for productivity, you’ll find it in the fall, only with more charm and delight. If you allow your teams to celebrate after a long 20 months of sad isolation, you’ll be in good graces. This is the business of the human spirit. Fear has gripped us long enough. We aren’t forgetting, we’re remembering.

  At the end of our weekly Chinese food treat, we go around the table and share our fortunes. It’s a tradition. I don’t claim to own this tradition as I’m pretty sure it is universal and almost a required part of the meal. I think I noticed it once in the fine print of a menu.