Mary Dunphy

I run a local book club twice a month at my home in Kirkland. Last night a dozen of us gathered for our pre-holiday pot luck (any excuse to have food and wine!) to discuss our pick of the month, Nights in Rodanthe. What a nice mid-week boost that will help you sail right through the rest of the work week!

When I turned on my computer first thing this morning, Jess, a devoted member of the book club e-mailed her experience last night. Here is what she wrote...

Hello again, Mary ~~!!
Your first blog, eh? Well, keep writing, Lady,
because it's the most upbeat one I've seen. So
many blather on about negative things, and this
world need more of your musical laughter and
fun spin on life!!
Thanks for sharing it~~

Last night was a blast . .. one of the greatest groups
we've had inasmuch as everyone participated fully &
enthusiastically with really strong feelings for or
against, which is what a good group is about, yes?
You are an amazing leader; every time I see you
conduct a meeting, I am again amazed at your
skilled ability to 'lead' when others are too shy to
engage, but also smile approvingly when everyone
is jumping in to discuss!! You glide around a room
chatting easily with people, making sure everyone
is included.

Would love to know more about your story; from whom you
learned this most incredible life skill? Or did you teach
yourself?
I was brought up in the Washington, D.C. circuit
where one's social skills could make or break them
in that venue of world politics . . . and seldom did
I see adults with your level of skill in managing
people so brilliantly!
This is one subject on which you could truly write a
"How To" book to help so many others who never had
exposure to this type of education . ..
only a thought.

Once again, Mary, huge thanks for another brilliant
evening in your gracious home . .. you've taken many
groups of random strangers and turned them into
friends who cherist time together.
What an amazing gift to us all~~!!
Toodles for now, with huge thanks, jess

I am taking a break from working on updating my real estate website and soaking up a little Vitamin D....huh

How many of you work from home and find yourself starting the day at 7am, head straight to your computer with a cup of coffee and dwell right into the endless daily to to list...Then before you know it, it is almost 4pm in the afternoon and you haven't exercised, eaten lunch or get your butt off of the chair to take a break?

Oh well, the pros and cons of being self employed.