Julie Beall CRS

Biggest DP&L Solar Power Plant in Ohio

The idea has finally become a reality. In 2008, Governor Strickland and DP&L began working on a plan to build and open a solar power plant in the Dayton, Ohio area. Why? To promote the movement to "go green"? Well, in a round about way, Yes.

The energy legislation that was passed by Ohio representatives will require 25% of all Ohio energy consumption to be solar energy by the year 2025. Though it is certainly a worthy investment, the amount of money required upfront is shocking. The cost for the Solar Power Plant located in Washington Township, Ohio is around $5 millions dollars!

According to DP&L, "Starting in July, a visitor center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide information about solar power and up-to-the-minute performance of the array." It is located at 9975 Yankee St., Dayton, OH 45458.

For more information, read the whole article here.

View a picture of the plant here

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"The world makes way for a man who knows where he is going." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

THIRTY-ONE SECONDS TO GO!

You may recall the story of how steel-magnate Andrew Carnegie commissioned Napoleon Hill to learn the true philosophy of success from America's most successful individuals of the early 1900's. Hill's search for those success secrets culminated in his well-known book "Think & Grow Rich".

What you may not know was how Hill almost squandered the opportunity offered by Carnegie. At the end of a long interview, Carnegie abruptly told Hill, "We've talked a long time and I have shown you the greatest opportunity a young man ever had to become famous, rich, and useful. Now - if I choose you out of the two hundred and forty other applicants - if I introduce you to the outstandingly successful men in America - if I help you get their collaboration in finding out the true philosophy of success - will you devote twenty years to the job, earning your own living as you go along? We have had sufficient discussion. I want your answer - yes or no."

Hill tells that he spent twenty-nine seconds struggling with a negative mental attitude, thinking of all the hurdles he would face over the twenty-year project. Finally, finding the positive mental attitude he had temporarily lost, Hill replied, "YES!"

How did he know it took 29 seconds to answer? At that point, Carnegie showed Hill the stopwatch he had been holding beneath his desk. Carnegie had allowed Hill just 60 seconds to show his positive state of mind, the one trait he felt most critical to achieving his desired results.

Hill hesitated. We all do from time to time. What's important, like Hill's answer, is that we ultimately grasp that sometimes-elusive positive mental attitude, and adopt it as our own. Had he hesitated for thirty-one seconds more, Napoleon Hill would have given up a wonderful opportunity (as well as depriving us of his inspiring book).

He didn't . . . and neither should we.

-Julie Beall

Heather's Coffee and Cafe in Springboro

Julie Beall

I can remember the first time I visited Heather's last December. It was a cold day, snow dusting the road as I parked outside of the quaint historical building. I walked up the front portch and as soon as I opened the front door, I felt relaxed. The hardwood floors, warm colors, cozy furniture and fireplace invited me into the cafe. I turned a few corners and found myself in line to order. I had no idea what they had on the menu or what I should try, so I asked them. Heather and Nikki were both working at the counter that day, and recommended a dirty chai tea (A chai tea with a shot of espresso!). I took their advice and ordered a lunch sandwich too. While my food was being prepared, Nikki showed me around to different rooms and I ended up in an oversized comfy chair facing the fireplace. I enjoyed watching the snow fall outside and the television inside. A few moments later, Nikki brought me my order and we chatted a little bit about Springboro.

The food was delicious and their chai was outstanding! Last winter I must have gotten a dirty chai tea at least once or twice a week! I took my team back again in January and they loved it too. Heather's has rooms of various sizes perfect for a date for two and other rooms large enough for a business meeting. I love the atmosphere and find its tag line fitting "Where Friends Become Family".

So stop in and check it out sometime! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

505 South Main Street
Springboro, OH 45066

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts."
- Henry David Thoreau

"To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition."
- Samuel Johnson

"Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out."
- Robert Frost

BUILD A WALL OF HAPPINESS!

To affect the quality of anything first requires action of some sort. Affecting is the opposite of passivity. In a passive state we can only BE affected, but we ourselves have no effect on our surroundings or other people. Hold that thought for a moment and consider next the result of your "affecting."

Ambition leads to action. Your ambition leads you to affect the quality of the day through some action. So what is the ultimate result of your ambition transformed into action? Johnson suggests it is "to be happy at home."

If, as Johnson recites, being "happy at home" is the ultimate result of your ambition, then why are you working so hard? Is there a way to avoid working evenings and weekends? Could you schedule your child's soccer game into the week's plans? Is that next appointment more important than celebrating life with your spouse at anniversary time?

One way to affect the quality of your day, which in turn may result in happiness at home, is to "build a wall," to paraphrase Frost. Keep in mind that walls may limit you if they are constructed of heavy gauge steel mesh rimmed with concertina wire. Walls can also be formed as a low hedge or a split-rail fence - even more simply as a line in the sand. Rather than limiting us, they become a mere reminder of how far we are willing to go.

As we affect the quality of our life and push our ambition to the limit, we may also make choices about the boundaries of our lives. By choosing sound principles of living, for example, we may say, "No!" to friendships with those who operate outside our boundaries of accepted activities. We may decline meaningless activities, or the occasional committee appointment, which robs us of our valuable time.

In the end, WE are solely responsible for affecting the quality of our individual lives. We must choose wisely.

Read more at www.juliebeallandco.com/blog

~Julie Beall

www.juliebeallandco.com

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can." ~ Henry Ford

LISTEN!

Ever notice how difficult it is to break out of your routine to take time just for you? Yet, when you do, you experience a sense of refreshment. You're more observant, more aware of your surroundings - if only for a short time.

Those brief periods are when the mind is most receptive to creative thinking. The sub-conscious, with its defensive barriers temporarily lowered, is more likely to receive and accept new ideas. Use that time wisely by letting go, giving yourself permission to dream new dreams, to reach for the "brass ring."

You don't have to analyze or give form to those dreams - just allow them to occur. When an idea begins to grab you and arouses inner excitement, pay attention. Avoid letting your conscious mind scoff at the value of your idea or throw roadblocks in your way. Listen to your quiet inner voice. Allow what Napoleon Hill describes as "infinite intelligence" to speak to you.

Read Henry Ford's quote again and concentrate on the last seven words, "doing more than he thinks he can." It's what your conscious self "thinks you can do" that is so limiting. Remember the expression "Think you can, think you can't - either way you're right"? Whatever your conscious self thinks is the limit to your doing - IS the limit. To exceed the limits you have placed upon yourself requires expanded thinking.

To get started, find your own quiet place - and go there for just fifteen minutes each day. In good weather, sit outside at dawn with a fresh cup of coffee. If you're a night person, find a quiet corner after the house is settled for the evening. Let the family know you want 15 uninterrupted minutes - just for you. Close your eyes and begin by clearing your mind of trivia - like wiping off a blackboard - then just let go. You'll be amazed at the results.

Julie Beall