April 26, 2012: You're Like An Olympian!
This is encouraging: you're not the only one feeling middle-aged aches and pains. So is one of the most successful Olympic athletes ever. It's what this week's newspaper column is all about. April 5, 2012: The Perfect Gift Ever had that feeling you wanted to find a special friend the right gift? If so, you'll appreciate this week's newspaper column. What to do when you're only 18 and have one chance to get your friend the best gift of his life? March 27, 2012: Cutting Government Fat--Literally Paul LaCoste is a man on a mission. A mission to cut government fat. For him, the challenge is literal. Getting legislators in the fattest state in the country to slim down. His amazing mission is what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. March 8, 2012: POW Wows Me! Irwin is almost 90 years old and absolutely amazing. Read this WWII vet's story and tell me if you think of the word "lucky" in the same way again. February 20, 2012:Get To The Party If anyone could moan and complain about not getting the life she planned, it would be by friend, Lori Sneed, who has spent the last 20 years in a wheelchair. Remarkably, she is the last person to complain and the first to figure out how she's going to get to a party. I talk about her this week in my newspaper column. February 6, 2012: A Better Man About five months ago, Ryan Garcia's world changed forever. He and his wife, Lindsey, became first-time parents to Isla Quinn. "She's gorgeous!" he gushed to me the other day. So what's the big deal, you might ask? Millions of men become fathers every year. Ah, but this new dad has let the love for his daughter inspire a revolution. A kindness revolution. I'm talking with him in this week's newspaper column. January 29, 2012: Power of Laughing Here's a sure fire way to forget your challenges for a moment. You can help one special teenager get the last laugh during the battle for his life. December 14, 2011: Better Than Stuff There have been so many catalogues crammed in my mailbox this week, it's all I can do to get any of the mail out. I browse through the endless pages of merchandise and have to wonder if there are people out there whose job it is to think of creating stuff simply for stuff's sake. If you're like me, all this "stuff" means less and less to me each year. That's why I'm so glad to find a couple of shopping options this year.
That's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. November 14, 2011: Your Kick Could Be A Real Kick What if you could take the thing you loved and helped change the world. One young man has figured out how to do just that. He wants to show you how. I'm talking about him in this week's newspaper column. November 10, 2011: Solar Suitcase Shines Hope It sure can hurt to lose something big, especially something you think defines you. I know I've been there. Losing my job at CNN led me here, to this job where I meet inspiring people every day. I can see now it's really what I'm supposed to be doing. Still, I needed a kick in the pants to get out the door onto my next chapter. I see a lot of lessons with a special doctor who had to give up her great love--delivering babies. Little did she know, she was actually supposed to serving women and saving lives in a much bigger way. You meet her in this week's newspaper column. November 3, 2011: What Friends Do Not too long after my friend's young husband died from a rare cancer, she confessed to me what felt like one of her darkest, unspoken feelings. "If one more person brought over a chicken casserole while Will was sick," she shared, "I think I was going to scream." Therein lies one of the toughest spots we face as friends. The people we love face challenges. Bad stuff happens. Sometimes unspeakable bad things, like a new father dying of cancer months after his first child is born. We want to do something to help and support, but we just don't know what, so we make the proverbial chicken casserole. At least they know we care. How do to it better--that's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. October 25, 2011: Feel Your Boobies! Excuse me while I take a moment to feel my boobies. Too much information? That's exactly what I'm looking for, inspired by one amazing woman. See more in this week's newspaper column. October 18, 2011: Tiny Grain of Sand Can Start A Movement I've never met Sara Bayles in person. Yet, we share something special. We agree on what is one of our favorite places on earth, the beach along the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. And now she shows me how one person and one tiny grain of sand can start a movement. Want to see what's possible? Come read Sara's story in my newspaper column. September 22, 2011: "National Dog Week" "It's National Dog Week!" the email in my inbox exclaimed. "A whole week dedicated to our canine companions!"
Who knew? This was certainly news to me, as around my house every week is National Dog Week.
I share how my dog continues to teach me lessons in this week's newspaper column. Would love to hear what your dog teaches you. Please share over on my Facebook or Twitter page. September 2, 2011: Tired Of Waiting For Your Dream? Are you tired of waiting for your dream to come true?
Are you tired of rejection and failure.
I have someone you need to meet.
Check out this week's newspaper column which features a struggling dog walker turned million dollar author.
August 23, 2011: Size Matters! Who knew that a life lesson was waiting for me last week at the bottom of a Dairy Queen Blizzard?
That's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. August 9 2011: Behaving Well Just Might Be Overrated A little sympathy please.
It's been a tough week.
I've been doing my best to keep up with my houseguest, a 73-year-old former nun.
It has not gone well.
Hear how I tried my best and learned some good lessons all at the same time.
It's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. August 2, 2011: Being Single-Is It An Obstacle To Overcome? It's possible many people are hoping, wanting and trying to get over to the coupled side, as if being single is some sort of obstacle to overcome — as if once you're "over there," you're set for life.
As someone who has never married and has spent some good chunks of my adult life uncoupled, I get it. Yes, I'm one of those who has read The New York Times "Vows" section each Sunday. I've been in complete awe over the seemingly simple act of a woman finding a man who loves her and who wants to commit to a life with her. It has felt as foreign to me as I imagine my TV news and media career has felt to most folks.
Now, that I am on that other side of the single fence, now that I do have the great guy who wants to commit and make that life, I feel the need to reach back to those still single and assure them that being single is not an obstacle to overcome.
It's what I'm talking about in this week's "What's Possible." I'd love to hear what you think about it. Drop me a line on Facebook or Twitter. July 20, 2011: Somewhere Magnificent You Need To Be? A little known boxer jolted my heart last week with his wisdom, grace, and choices.
Dewey Bozella reminds me that we sure can't help what happens to us, but we have big power in who we choose to be.
That's what I'm talking about in this week's "What's Possible.". July 12, 2011: Paw Prints On My Heart "I'm writing you tonight because I hope you can help me," the email reads.
And so begins another unusual plea for help.
I don't know how they find me, but they do.
I've been there. Taking care of an aging pet. How do we know how far to go? How do we know how to let go?
That's what I'm talking about in this week's "What's Possible?" I'd love to hear your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter. July 6, 2011: A New Holiday! Now that we've spent a couple Sundays celebrating our mothers and fathers, I propose a new holiday. I say it's time to make hooray for other people's parents.
That's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. June 29, 2011: Tough Times-Best Time to Give The Manisco Family certainly knows all about that.
How amazing then that they found this was the perfect time to start giving back.
It's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column, as I also share how I just don't find inspiring stories. They seem to find me--even when I'm on vacation!
June 10, 2011: Be Good; Be Nice "Daryn, would you have any words of advice to share with my son who is looking to get into journalism?"
So began a recent email from a woman I went to college with.
"Sure," I replied. But why keep it to just that young man? I can share with you, as well. My advice is pretty short and simple. And it's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. June 1, 2011: Pity Party Spoiler There's a downside to my job running an inspirational news website. It's really hard to have a pity party day.
I was giving it my best shot last week when I came across an article on a 90-year-old woman who just graduated college. When I learned all that Ellen Nizzi has overcome to see her lifelong dream come true, I knew this was a woman I would have to meet.
My conversation with her is the focus of this week's newspaper column.
Warning: Chances are it will spoil any pity party you're trying to have. So don't read it unless you're ready to be delighted and inspired. May 24, 2011: Let's Party! We've got some celebratin' to do.
By the time the Thanksgiving turkey goes in the oven this year, my mother will turn 75, my brother 50 and my sister-in-law 40. It's easy to see that it's time for a party.
Making that happen is another matter. It's like herding cats as we try to coordinate three kids' school schedules, work obligations and family members living in two states, three cities and two countries. It might sound like a hassle, but for me it's worth it.
I wasn't always this way. How did I come to love celebrating and entertaining? By throwing out some old traditional rules on when you should throw a party.
That's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. May 17, 2011: Look To The Bride "The email says, 'Daryn is not a match for the show.'"
I was reading an email to a friend with news that had come from my TV agent. It was basically a "Don't call us and we won't be calling you" response to a recent interview I went on for a potential TV gig.
How does his reaction connect with something I learned at an unforgettable wedding? That's the subject of his week's newspaper column. May 8, 2011: Do You Have Kids? "Wanted to know if you had any children?" The question came in a short follow-up email from a producer trying to book me for an interview.
What an appropriate question, I thought, as we find ourselves in the Mother's Day season.
So I wrote about exactly that in this week's newspaper column. May 4, 2011: Where To Point Your Lens? All you have to do is peak inside a recent email from my beau and you'll see that we each see certain challenges differently. I'm sharing the email and how it all turned out in this week's newspaper column. April 26, 2011: Readers Share! Looks like I'm not the only one attracting 3-legged cats.
That's just one of the fun and inspiring responses to my recent newspaper columns.
Another reader shares how the overwhelming support of friends, neighbors, and strangers turned into a bigger story than the cancer that was trying to attack her body.
Read more in his week's column.
April 14, 2011: Big Loss Brings Smile Two things always happen to me when someone I know faces big loss. First I hurt for them.
Then, I smile.
How can that be?
It's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. April 5, 2011 It's funny how animals can teach us so many life lessons.
For me, it's 3-legged cats.
I'm now on my third.
No, I don't do something weird to unsuspecting felines. Somehow, 3-legged cats seem to find me.
That's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. March 31, 2011: Between Beginnings and Endings Beginnings and Endings. Which is more important to be there for a friend? A happy beginning celebration or being by their side for a sad ending? That's what I write about in this week's newspaper column. March 23, 2011: It's All True "Go ahead! Just try to run an inspiring news website in light of all the devastating news coming out of Japan," I can hear my critics crowing right now.
They are the same doubters who ask, "How can you claim there are good things happening in the world when there are such tragedies?"
Funny you should ask. That's exactly what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. March 17, 2011: Hold Friend's Hope A friend of mine is going through a really tough time.
That's how I knew it was time to pass along one of the best gifts I've ever received.
I did something really scary last week.
Luckily, I knew just whom to call in order to face my fears about trying something new.
I tell you all about it in this week's newspaper column. March 8, 2011: Amazing Help Some stories can be explained. Others just have to be told. That's how I describe some of the most amazing help I've ever received. I share in this week's newspaper column. February 22, 2011: I Know Nothing Zero. That's how much I knew when I stepped away from my traditional news career and started my own business.
Turned out to be a good thing.
I tell you why in this week's newspaper column.
When has knowing nothing turned out to be a good thing for you? Please share on my Twitter and Facebook pages.
February 17, 2011: My Good Attitude Freezes Here So much for being upbeat and positive. More cold weather on the way put me in a funk.
Luckily, I knew just who to call.
"So this will be your 25th birthday," a new acquaintance joked recently when he heard of my then upcoming birthday.
There was that assumption again. When people — particularly women — get to a certain age, we're supposed to lie about our age.
I have a different take on this tradition. That's what I'm talking about in this week's newspaper column. January 25, 2011: I'm Giving My Birthday Away! I'm more excited for my birthday this year than in a long time. Simply, it's about the gifts. The ones I will never get. Why? Because my friend, Kate Atwood, gave me a great idea. This year, I'm giving my birthday away!
January 11, 2011: Valentine's Already?? Happy 1-11-11! Fun to write that date and also realize Valentine's Day is about 4 1/2 weeks away. If the sight of those red, pink and white cards already in the stores is enough to make you groan, you might want to check out this week's newspaper column. I share how the Hayes-Brown family and their amazing four sons have taught me a different way of looking at love here. January 10, 2011: Hello, Palm Beach! I'm thrilled to share the news that another newspaper has picked up my column, "What's Possible!" The Palm Beach Post is the latest to get on board. You know it's going to be interesting when an editor says, "How personal are you willing to get?" Take a look at my first column to run in this gorgeous part of the country and you'll see. And for my new visitors, please know you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and feel free to sign up for our daily email newsletter. I drop into your "Inbox" with the featured inspiring stories of the day. That way you don't have to remember to get inspired. I come to you! December 21, 2010: The Gift I Didn't See Coming Change is the gift most of us never ask for, don't see coming, and often later realize is the biggest gift of all.
That's the topic of my newspaper column this week.
Have you had a whopper come up and slap you across the face? Me, too!
Here are my thoughts. Please share your thoughts over on Twitter and My Facebook Page. December 15, 2010: Sharing My Beliefs Working as a journalist, it's always easier to be the one asking the questions rather than the one with the light shining on me. Some interviewers get it better than others. That's why I was so pleased to read this interview I did with Belief.net's Laurie Sue Brockway. I think it's just about as close as you can get to sitting in a room with me. If you're interested in my journey of going from CNN anchor to creating DarynKagan.com and the thought, values, and intentions that goes with this journey, then please take a look. December 14, 2010: Crazy Things We Unemployed People Do Not sure if I've shared this before.
When I lost my job at CNN and decided to start an inspiring news website, plenty of people told me I was nuts.
For me, it was pretty simple: it was a chance to follow my heart.
That's why I love Reed Sandridge's story. He's the guy who has spent his unemployment giving away $10 a day. I've profiled him here before. His project is about to take a big change. I catch up with him in my latest newspaper column.
Find out why Reed's mother was right. And please share your thoughts over on Twitter and My Facebook Page.November 29, 2010: Here's How I Shop Let the shopping craziness begin.
In case you're interested in doing things a little differently, you might want to check out my latest newspaper column.
November 23, 2010: Readers Share! The response to my new newspaper column continues to grow. Today, I turn the space over to readers who have some great stories to share and inspire. Please check it out. And please share your thoughts over on Twitter and my Facebook page.
November 16, 2010: Crazy Neighbors! Ooh! I've got some crazy neighbors. Not paint your house hot pink crazy or throw wild party crazy. Crazier than that. I'm dishing in my latest newspaper column. November 8, 2010: She Picked Up The Phone So many of us long to make a difference in the world. To make it a better place. A lot of us might even have an idea.
And it stops right there. Why because we listen to that voice in our heads that tells us the idea would never work because we don't have the money, know how, or skills to make it happen.
I want you to meet a woman named Nancy Lawlor. She listened to a different voice. The one that said, "Pick up the phone." I talk about her in one of my recent newspaper columns. See how Nancy inspired me. You can also watch her in action in this DarynKagan.com video.
Then please let me know how Nancy inspires you. Share on my Facebook page!
How one woman made a huge difference....
November 2, 2010: Newspaper Column Takes Off It was just supposed to be an experiment. What would it be like to have me write a newspaper column for the month of October? That's what the folks at the Dayton Daily News suggested. I guess our dry run went pretty well. The newspaper folks called last week and basically said, "Experiment Schmeriment. Would you please stick around and keep writing?" My decision to say, "Yes!" has a lot to do with the great response I've been getting from folks in Dayton. I want to say, "Thank you!" for all the support and sharing your stories. I'm not surprised that folks in Dayton have some pretty incredible and inspiring stories to share. You can see some of those in this column.
October 26, 2010: The Energy Budget
My latest newspaper column is up. I'm talking "Energy Budget." It's a concept I learned from Scott Rigsby, the first person I ever featured here on DarynKagan.com. You can see this incredible, history making triathlete here. Please let me know what you think over on Twitter and Facebook. October 24, 2010: Not A Baby Anymore Just back from my Stanford Reunion. As always, it was a non-stop, event-packed weekend filled with seeing old friends, sharing great memories and making a few new ones.
My late father, Stu, told me something when I went off to college that still rings in my ears and has proven so true. He didn't want me to get too full of myself as I went off to one of the best universities in the world. "You could take a lot of the same classes and get a great education at a lot of schools," he said. "The difference Stanford brings is the quality and high caliber of people you will meet and be surrounded by for the next four years. Enjoy it, soak it in, and remember, it's not the real world."
Sure enough, there was an Olympic swimmer living across the dorm room hall. A brilliant scientist next door. High tech moguls in the making sitting behind me in the classroom, but really, at the end of the day it wasn't about that then. Just really good people.
All these years later, that's even more true. It seems with each reunion, there's much less talk and interest in what anyone is doing. The bigger question was, "How are you?"
Most of us are fine, yet humbled by life. We've been out long enough to know that pretty much everyone has lost something: a parent, a job, in some cases a child, a great love. The list can go on. As do we all.
A big hug to all who I was lucky enough to spend time this weekend and those who couldn't make it.
Of course a trip to the Bay Area means spending time with my little namesake. My senior year roommate, Heidi, surprised me 4 1/2 years ago naming her only child after me. We've kept us "Daryn's" straight so far by referring to the littler version as, "BD," for "Baby Daryn."
We knew this day was coming when we would be informed that she is "not a baby." That's okay. I've had the back up plan in my pocket since the day she was born. She'll remain BD. It now officially stands for "Beloved Daryn." That one, I can promise you will be good forever.
Here's a pic from this weekend of Daryn and Daryn!
 October 20, 2010: Piggyback on Greatness So you say you want to make the world a better place but you don't have the time or resources to do something really big? I get it!
That's what I write about in my latest newspaper column. I call it, "Piggyback on Greatness."
October 15, 2010: Hear Daryn On Radio We're trying out a new project around these parts. It's called "The Possibility Minute," a 60-second radio report that brings you a dose of "What's Possible!" I'm working with the fine folks at WHIO radio in Dayton, Ohio to bring this puppy to life. If you're lucky enough to living Dayton, you can hear me each morning at 8:15 am. If not, don't despair. The WHIO folks have put The Possibility Minute up on their website. Feel free to take a listen and let me know what you think on my Facebook page. Would you like to hear a feature like this on your own local radio station? Let me know! October 8, 2010: Up And Running! My new newspaper column is up and running.
The first day I talk about the possibility of supporting a friend during her challening infertility crisis.
Then I share what it's like to reinvent your life after something you thought you would never pick happens to you.
Please check them out!
My good friend, Fox News anchor, Bill Hemmer, has always told me, "All roads lead to the 'Nnati." By that, this Cincinnati native means it is incredible how many stories, both in the news and in your personal life, will have a tie back to his hometown. Trust me, when we were CNN co-anchors, Billy never missed an opportunity to point out when there was a connection to "the 'Nnati."
I do have to admit that when you start paying attention to such a seemingly silly idea, it really is amazing how many roads do indeed lead to the Queen City.
I couldn't help but think of that when my newest exciting opportunity came about. It does take me through Ohio, but Billy, this road takes us a bit northeast to Dayton.
Some big exciting, groundbreaking things are happening in the world of media and believe it or not, Dayton OH is leading the way. Cox Enterprises is the big media company in that town. They own WHIO-TV and WHIO radio, the dominant TV and radio stations and the newspaper, The Dayton Daily News.
Cox is literally tearing down the buildings which now house the TV and radio stations. All the news operations will move into a single building with the newspaper. You've heard about the walls come tearing down in the media world. In Dayton that is happening literally. I believe it will be the model that most markets will soon follow.
With that, the Cox folks were looking to learn a few things--how do stories translate from platform to platform? What are the opportunities to promote across each medium. Who could test that out for them? Remember the old Life cereal commercials? "Let's get Mikey!" In this case, the folks at Cox are saying, "Let's get Daryn!"
My team and I have created what we call, "The Possiblity Minute." Sure, life is challenging and news can be bleak, but for a minute, at least, you can hear me share a story of possibility with you, of folks overcoming obstacles, doing amazing things. Dayton--you'll be able to hear me each weekday morning in the 8am hour on WHIO radio. I'll show up each week day in WHIO's noon news.
I'll also have a column each Sunday and Thursday in the Dayton Daily News' Life section. We're calling that one, "What's Possible." For that one, editor Jana Collier is challenging me, "How much of your personal life are you willing to share?" Whoa. Guess you'll have to read each Sunday and Thursday to find out.
To our new friends in Dayton, I just want to say welcome to DarynKagan.com. You can follow me on Twitter, join our Facebook page, and/or subscribe to our daily email newsletter. Also, if you like what you're seeing please let the folks at WHIO and Dayton Daily News know. You can send me your comments and story ideas at storiesDarynKagan.com.
To all our other regulars, the beauty of the internet means you can follow along with our new experiment. You might want to keep an eye out. When this flies in Dayton, we could be coming to a town near you, even Billy to Cincinnati!
October 1, 2010: A Little Sister's Big Day!
Many thanks this week going out to the amazing women of EWI. That stands for Executive Women International. For over 70-years, they've been bringing professional women together to network, support each other, and create amazing acts of philanthropy. I learned about them when they invited me to come to Kansas City and deliver their keynote address for this year's convention. When I learned all they area about I thought, "This would be a great experience for Rodneisha!" I've shared with you many times here in this space the great joy I get out of being a Big Sister in the Big Brother Big Sister organization. Ever since we were matched about a year and a half ago, 10-year-old Rodneisha and I have been on a treasure hunt of possibility. Everywhere we go, we learn about people's jobs and opportunities. I thought this would be a great chance for her to see women from across America and Canada, see what they do, and how professional women support each other.
The EWI ladies couldn't have been more welcoming. They made Rodneisha her own convention badge with her name and title, "Future EWI Representitive." The women come loaded with pins representing their chapter's area of the country. It looks like the Olympics with all the pin swapping going on. Soon, Rodneisha's ribbon holding her convention badge of laden with pins from across North America.
 "What's this?" she wanted to know as she dug through the bag of freebies handed out to each conventioneer.
"It's a business card holder," I explained. That's all it took. The kid turned into a networking champ. I think she left there with 100 business cards. Need a connection to a great professional woman? Give Rodneisha a call. I'm sure she now has their contact information.
Countless women came up to Rodneisha after my speech, shook her hand, introduced themselves and explained what their job is. Thank you to each one of you ladies. You made the impression. Before the trip, Rodneisha was positive she wants to be a lawyer when she grows up. Now, the list has expanded to movie producer and fashion designer. Lawyer is still in the running. There are few things more fun than watching a child's world open up to what's possible.
So, thank you EWI and Kansas City for showing Rodneisha and me such a great time. We also loved our time visiting with our beloved Cushman family in the days afterwards.
.jpg) Rodneisha missed a day of 5th grade to make the trip. No one rides for free. Her price of admission: a written report about the trip for her Language Arts teacher. She took 5 pages of notes while on our adventure. I happened to spy one line, "I totally upstaged the speaker who was Daryn." That would definitely be some truth in reporting!
September 28, 2010: Bet Against The Chicken She might not be great at picking NFL games, but Sissy the chicken sure does have some interesting logic that's hard to argue with. If you've been following this website, you know that we've been giving Sissy, one of my backyard chickens the chance to pick the winning team of each week's Sunday night NFL game.
After going 0-2 the first two weeks, we changed things up. Since Sissy appears to be so good at picking the losing team, that's exactly what we asked her to do--pick the loser instead of the winner. With the pressure on, Sissy didn't hesitate a moment. She made a beeline for the bowl of dried meal worms representing the New York Jets.
When the Jets triumphed over the Miami Dolphins Sunday night, some chicken critics said, "That chicken isn't worth her salt in chicken dinner!"
Au contraire! The way Sissy sees it, she was in a lose situation. Had the Jets actually lost, then Sissy would be 3-0 picking the losing team. Since the game turned out the way that it did, Sissy figures she's batting .1000, simply being wrong.
Vegas is calling. They want to know who Sissy is aiming at for Week 4's game: Chicago Bears at the New York Giants. They don't care if she's picking the winner or the loser. The sure bet? Simply bet against the chicken.
You'll now have to wait until Friday to place your bets. That's when Sissy's pick will be posted right here on DarynKagan.com
September 13, 2010: Egg On Her Face We have a little situation here at the house this morning, as Sissy the Chicken has a bit of her egg on her face. As faithful followers of DarynKagan.com know, one of my chickens, Sissy, has decided to pick the winner in each Sunday night NFL game. Unfortunately, the season is starting out for her about as well as the Oakland Raiders. Which is to say, uh, not so great.
As you can see in this video Sissy made what seemed like an obvious pick to many in choosing the Dallas Cowboys over the Washington Redskins.
Sadly, it appears no one told the Cowboys that the regular season started yesterday. Pre-season is over.
So, Sissy, not feeling so, uh, cocky, this morning, which is probably a good thing since she is a hen and not a rooster, after all. She is willing to try again for Week 2. That will be "The Manning Bowl," as Eli Manning's New York Giants take on his big brother, Peyton, and the Indianapolis Colts. She'll post her picks here on the website on Friday morning.
On another front, I am happy to report that Sissy is definitely carrying her load in the eggs department. After a summer without a single egg and an intervention from The Chicken Whisperer, I'm happy to report that Sissy has laid 5 gorgeous eggs in the last 6 days! Way to go, Sissy!
September 10, 2010: A Chicken Touchdown!
Don't you just love it when a brilliant, inspired idea comes to mind? That's what it felt like when I figured out now to combine two of my great loves: NFL football and my backyard chickens!
Starting this week, my most outgoing chicken, Sissy, has agreed to take on a season-long endeavor. Each week she will predict the winner of the upcoming Sunday night game on NBC.
Why Sunday night? Well, in my estimation, that is now the biggest game of the week. Used to be Monday Night Football, but since that game is now on ESPN, meaning cable, I figure Sunday night is a bigger deal.
So Sunday night it is. I'm thinking with a winning record, NBC will no doubt want to have Sissy on their half-time show by mid-season. We'll have to see about that. You think Jennifer Lopez has a long list of diva demands? Pales in comparison to Sissy's.
How exactly will Sissy pick? Who does she pick, or er, peck for this Sunday's match up of The Dallas Cowboys vs. The Washington Redskins?
We'll play Monday Morning Quarterback on Sissy's prediction the day after.
Enjoy, all you sports and chicken fans! September 8, 2010: Successful House Call! Oh, that all experts would make house calls and just imagine if they all could be this successful! Yesterday, I shared with you the personal crisis I've had all summer long: As much as I've been enjoying my backyard chickens, the Ladies have been on a strike of sorts. They haven't laid a single egg since the early days of July! They sure are cute and fun, but charming can only take a freeloading chicken so far. I reached out for professional help. I called The Chicken Whisperer! Yes, there really is such a magic person. He also goes by the name Andy Schneider. He's pretty much become the go-to guy on anything chickens. Thank goodness for me and the Ladies that he lives here in Atlanta. Make sure you watch the story to see what it's like to get a visit from the Chicken Whisperer and what he told me I was doing wrong. I'm happy to report a mere 6 days after The Whisperer's visit, we are back in the egg business! We've had two in the last 24 hours. This is cause for huge celebration around here. What you might call, Eggs-cellent news! (couldn't resist, sorry.)  Thanks, Chicken Whisperer! August 9, 2010: Piggy! Who was he or she? Who was that special toy, blanket or item you when you were a kid that made you feel more loved and secure than anything? I got to thinking about that when I heard about Liz Everett. She's the British tea shop owner who discovered a lost threadbare stuffed cat left behind in her store. She's the mom of a grown son who had lost his favorite toy when he was a young boy. She knew only too well that there was a child out there devastated that this much-loved cat was missing.
That's why she took to the internet and Facebook determined to reunite Cat and child.
The story inspired me up to that special shelf where Piggy sits.
 Yes, Piggy.
I was probably 6 or 7 when we met. My Aunt Sally, my grandmother's sister, gave him to me when I had to spend a night in the hospital. This was back in the day before they rolled in a cot so mom or dad could stay there with you.
He was a simple little toy. A stuffed pig covered in cheap white cloth. Not even fuzzy or soft. I think he came with a little pen and you were supposed to write your best friends' phone numbers on him or something.
So why was he The One? Shoot, can we any of explain why any of our "Ones" are the special one? The way he fit in the crook of my little girl arms when I slept? The way he smelled? The way he was the last you would expect to be my one? Couldn't really tell you. I just know that he's made one heck of a life journey with me--through childhood, college, various homes across the country. Threadbare? My goodness, Piggy is beyond that. He's be patched up so many times with pieces of old T shirts that you can't see an inch of his original fabric, let alone his painted on eyes or features.
My sister, Kallan, has long tried to train me that there are things that are "public" and things that are "private."
She would probably counsel me that the information that Piggy still has a place of honor on the shelf in my bedroom is information that should remain "private." However, this advice would come from the woman who still can tell you exactly where her childhood "Blankie" is in her house. (Oops, sorry MySister. That just slipped out.)
Why is Piggy still there? Perhaps as a reminder of a time when reassurance, comfort, and safety were only as far away as a hug with a stuffed animal. Perhaps as a sign of gratitude for many years of dedicated service. Bottom line is I can't really explain that one, either, except to say as sure as I knew Piggy was The One, I know he should remain out, not tucked away in a box somewhere in the basement.
Something tells me I'm not alone in this. Do you remember your favorite childhood toy? What was it? Where is he or she today? Please share over on my Facebook page.
Think of that special friend and I know you'll be eternally grateful to Liz Everett, a woman who would not rest until a boy and his toy found each other again.
July 29, 2010: What A Trip! 'Tis the season of summer travel.
I guess it's fitting then that I'm being featured in a celebrity travel column in the Tribune newspapers. If you want to know what kind of places I like to visit, what I have to take along with me, and what my favorite souvenir is to buy, then please, check it out.
By the way, I mention one of my most meaningful trips was the one I took to Kenya for Christmas 2008. You can see why by checking out the stories I shared from the amazing Hekima Place, a home for girl scholars.
July 20, 2010: Friends For Life!
The Kindergarten report card reads, "Daryn and Cyndi cannot sit next to each other because they make each other giggle too much." And so you have it --the launch of a friendship that has spanned my entire life. Yes, from first day of Kindergarten.
Clearly, we didn't take teacher Mrs. Olesky's advice.
Here we are sitting on either side of birthday girl Teresa Finn's birthday party that same year.
 I'm the one on far right in the brown plaid dress, finger in my mouth. Cyndi looks like she just walked off the Alpine cast of "Heidi."
The trend continues at Teresa's second grade birthday party. I think you can figure out who is who below.
 Fast forward a century of decades to this past weekend.
 Cyndi came to visit with her two teenaged daughters, Addie and Reed.
So much time has passed. We've led completely different lives but have never drifted. Even though we live on opposite sides of the country, we still speak at least once a week. There's something about Wednesdays. If we haven't spoken by midweek, one of us calls the other and leaves the message, "It's Wednesday!" That's shorthand for "We don't go this long without checking in."
How do you explain a lifelong friendship where I don't think we've ever had a single fight? I think our secret to success is that even those little girls in Kindergarten understood there would always be other friends at our respective parties. All through elementary and high school we each had other friends we were close to that the other was not. Somehow, it wasn't a problem.
We've seen each other through joys, heartbreaks, births, deaths, triumphs and challenges. We know things and have shared things that even our spouses and beaus could not. We are each other's markers on our life journeys. Something big happens to one of us and you can be sure a phone call to the other will be among our first acts. It's as if a job hasn't been secured, a love hasn't been sealed, a baby born, a parent passed on, until the other has heard of it. It makes it official.
How quirky exactly is this Kindergarten friendship? Did I mention--Cyndi grew up and married a guy named, you might've guessed it, "Darren." So, yes, At her wedding, the groom AND the Maid of Honor both answered to the name, "Darren/Daryn."
BoyDarren (as we call him) stayed behind in California this past weekend. All girls, all the time in Atlanta.
Did I mention? There was quite a bit of giggling. July 14, 2010: Taking The Leap Here you have possibility.
One special moment from this last weekend I wanted to share with you.
This is my "Little Sister," Rodneisha taking the leap that just a couple hours before she told me with complete confidence she would never take---stepping off a diving board into the 10-foot deep end of a swimming pool.
 We've had many adventures over the last year through the Big Brother/Big Sister Program. This was our first time at a swimming pool.
I knew she has never had formal swim lessons, yet appears to love the water. No surprise, I watched like a hawk as she splashed and played in the 3-4 foot area of the pool. I saw a just turned 10-year-old girl confident enough to float, dog paddle, and dive for coins that I threw in for her to grab from the bottom. No points for style, stroke or technique, but I could see the kid wasn't going to drown.
Looming over the entire afternoon was that diving board hanging over the deep end like Atlanta's skyline. "I could never jump off that," Rodneisha informed me. "That's 10 feet deep!"
"That's fine," I answered. I really didn't have anything invested on her making the big jump that day, just enjoying the fun swim in the sweltering Atlanta heat.
Still, those seeking brown eyes of hers kept going back to that diving board. "Do you think I could it, Daryn? Do YOU think I could make that jump?"
And there I had another one of those amazing moments that I've had with this special girl over the last year. She places her questions of "What's Possible?" "How far can I go?" in my hands. What a responsibility. What an honor.
Of course, I believe my young friend has no limits. That it's all possible for her. On this day, her whole world was that diving board. Well, then, on this day the diving board was indeed possible, I assured her.
"But I'm scared!" she then protested.
"That's fine," I reassured her. "We'll break it down into steps that you know you can do."
So, we started with Rodneisha sitting on the edge of the pool and slipping in. When she saw that she was able to come bobbing right back up like an apple, we graduated to stepping off, then stepping out, then jumping. Finally, came the actual diving board.
As you can see from the picture above, Rodneisha was a superstar. My iPhone captured her just as she entered the water. Sure enough, she came up and was able to swim to the side. Greg Louganis, himself, never had such a magnificent leap.
I wanted to share the moment with you for many reasons. Obviously, I'm proud of my Little Sister. I also want to show you the kind of moments you get to experience when you participate in the Big Brother/BigSister program. Priceless, right?
And the big picture on this picture? I'm going to keep it handy for a long time. It's there for when I face my next big leap. Do I take the jump? Do I break it down into small doable parts? I hope this picture will remind me of the prize that's waiting on the other side of the leap.
I do have to share that of course, once Rodneisha mastered the diving board, there was no peeling her off! The news that it was time to go home was not received with a resounding, "Hurrah," rather a very disappointed, "Ohhhhh!" How do you get a kid excited to leave a swimming pool amid magnificence? That might be possible, but something I'll have to figure out another day.
July 8, 2010: 140 Characters Gets A Friend Fired
The work obit could read, "Octavia Nasr, CNN's Senior Editor for Mideast Affairs was the victim Wednesday of a social media drive-by shooting."
Perhaps you've seen the news splashed across numerous media outlets. (LATimes.com has probably the best write-up.) CNN fired Nasr after she posted a statement on Twitter that many found offensive and outrageous. She expressed sadness at the death of a Lebanese cleric who once was an influential spiritual leader of the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. She later clarified in a blog post that she was referring to the Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah's relatively progressive views on women in the Arab world. Unfortunately, Fadlallah also continued to call for the elimination of Israel and was designated a terrorist by the U.S. Oops.
It kind of reminds me of the Dutch girl in my mostly Jewish 8th grade class who made the argument in Public Speaking that Hitler wasn't all that bad because, after all, he did rebuild Germany's road system. So trust me, I'm not here to defend Nasr's tweet.
But I am scratching my head at what exactly my former employer thinks it's accomplishing by pulling such a quick professional execution.
Here's the inside scoop for you: Inside CNN, this woman isn't some firebrand extremist. She is simply, "Octavia," one of the most delightful, smart women you can have the pleasure to know. I am proud to call her my friend. As someone who was born in Lebanon, fluent not only in 3 languages, but fluent in both Western and Arab cultures, she is a brilliant asset in putting news from the Mideast in perspective. As CNN struggles to figure out what it is these days, it does hang onto the idea of original reporting. Few could do this better than Octavia. When I was a CNN anchor, I was so thankful that her desk was just over my right shoulder. New tape from Osama bin Laden? Terrorist suspect arrested? War? Factions? Threatening chatter on insurgent websites? No one could put this into perspective better than Octavia.
Do not be fooled. To let her go is a huge loss to CNN.
I left the network in late 2006 right before the social media explosion. I've watched my old employer step into these waters with interest knowing this was not going to be an easy journey. I love my old family, I honestly do. Still, anyone who has worked there knows it is an organization run much on fear. As anchors, we were prohibited from even directly answering email that might come in from viewers. This was considered dangerous and better left in the hands of certain selected employees. I couldn't help but wonder what was CNN going to do with tsunamis like Facebook and Twitter? They were too strong to deny. It seems like the company started with allowing, then encouraging and promoting employees to take part.
Unfortunately, that's a lot of unsupervised, unfiltered expression for a company that is not comfortable with such an idea. Let the inmates loose! Possibly, Octavia's transgression was just the accident waiting to happen.
Yet, fire her? Really? Just as we all do with our own families, I can think of things far more severe that others have done. Was not Anderson Cooper lauded for blasting officials during Hurricane Katrina coverage? How long did Lou Dobbs last proudly expressing his opinions on the air? How long have top executives remained in place despite rapidly declining ratings? These are the same execs who have hired disgraced "Client #9" former New York governer Elliott Spitzer as their new golden boy. And yet, one tweet is enough to erase two decades of dedicated service to a company I know Octavia loves. Her misguided 140 characters "don't fit CNN's standards."
I believe the problem isn't the tweet, which Octavia better explained in a blog post. It's CNN's bigger problem that CNN wants to deny reality. I, too, used to drink the Kool-Aid that it was a top journalism operation that reports without bias. Now that I'm outside the walls of traditional media, I know there is no such thing. Every single person who walks through those doors comes with their own life experience, values, point of view, and yes, unavoidable bias. That's not a bad thing, unless, of course, you pretend it's not true. CNN thinks by quickly pulling the trigger on one woman's 140 character thought it shows the world, "We don't think like that."
I'm here to tell you, "Uh, yes, you do." Not to say everyone shares Octavia's views on the Ayatollah's death. But I promise you everyone in your organization has views. The sooner you own that, celebrate it even, CNN just might be back on its way to success.
Axing Octavia to run from the fear of criticism? You just lost one of your best assets, the proverbial cutting off your nose to spite your face.
As to you, dear Octavia--I promise you, there is a great chapter waiting for you after CNN. It will celebrate your skills, your life experience and your great love for both Lebanon and America, as I know both live fully in your heart.
July 6, 2010: 425th Of July!
I hope everyone had a great 4th of July holiday. Mine is one I won't soon forget. I have 425 memories to be exact. It all started with my sister Kallan deciding to come down from New York for the weekend and my "Go Somewhere Else For BBQ & Swim; Come To My House For Dessert & Fireworks" Party. That is its official name. Thank goodness Evite gives enough spaces to get that all in.
See, it turns out my house has a great view of one of Atlanta's fine fireworks displays. I long ago came up with the inspired idea to throw an easy 4th of July party. Just come at the end of the long, hot day, relax, watch fireworks, go home without the hassles of crowds and traffic.
It also turns out when my sister and I get together, we usually come up with some overly-ambitious plan to take a party up a notch.
I found the inspiration for this year's project in the pages of People Magazine. A fabulous New York party planner was suggesting you could recreate the American flag using cupcakes.
"This sounds fun!" I said to the only other person I know who would think so. And instead of telling me I was nuts and we should just spend out time sitting by the pool, Kallan agreed. "Yeah, we can totally do that!"
It began with simple math. 25 cupcakes across by 17 cupcakes down=425 mini cupcakes! Kallan figured we needed this much mix and frosting.
 That meant 30 eggs. Of course, we had to include at least one of the eggs from my new chickens! We went through 8 batches of cupcakes.  After much frosting and counting the dot matrix-like photo we had tah dah!!!
 Quite the centerpiece for the Sunday night gathering.
Oh, did I mention we also got up at the crack of dawn on Sunday to run Atlanta's famous Peachtree Road Race?
 That's Kallan and me with my friend Tricia at the start. At first, they balked at the festive headgear I provided but quickly stepped into their 4th of July magnificence as were were quite the hit along the race route.
All in all a very fine and fun festive day celebrating America's birthday.
Shockingly, Kallan's one request is that we plan do NOTHING for her last day in town.
What about you? What did you do with your holiday? Please share over on my Facebook page.
June 30, 2010: Who's Knocking At The Door? At the risk of sounding like the wacko chicken lady, I just have to share who came knocking at my back door yesterday afternoon.
 That would be Sissy, one of the 3 chickens that moved in last weekend. Apparently, we're bonding well, as Sissy is already running up to greet me when I come in the back yard. And apparently, Miss Smarty Pants has figured out where I go when I leave. That knocking I thought I heard? That was Sissy pecking at the door. "Can Daryn come out and play?"
If you haven't heard the story of how I became a Chicken Mama, keep reading the post below. I share the whole feathered tale/tail. June 29, 2010: I'm Now An Official Chicken Mama! I'm happy to introduce you to the newest members of our family, "The Girls," aka, the chickens!
I've been looking forward to joining the urban chicken movement for months now. Saturday was the day.
I made the trek up to Waleska, Georgia yesterday afternoon with my 11-year-old godson, Cooper, along for the ride. A small farm up there had a couple of the breeds that I've had my eye on.
We picked out a silver-laced Wyandotte, her name is Leigh-Leigh. Love her feather pattern!
 We picked out an Ameracauna, not the prettiest of chickens, but guaranteed to lay colored eggs. Her name is KItty. Cracks me up to say, "Here Kitty, Kitty!" and a chicken comes running. :)
 And while the teenaged son of the woman who owns the place was chasing those chickens out of massive flock, I felt a little peck at my ankle. I looked down to see a sweet little brown girl. Not the kind I had gone up there to get. You know the old saying, "Make chicken plans, God laughs." The little reddish-brown chicken looked up at and seemed to say, "Uh, yeah, just so you know, I'll be going home with you. Let's blow this popsicle stand." So we came home w/3. The self-inviter is Sissy, and is already proving to be the smartest, bravest, and friendliest of the bunch. 24 hours into her new home, she will eat out of my hand and is first to venture out of the coop when I open the door.
 A funny thing happened on the way home. Cooper was riding in back seat taking his job as assistant chicken wrangler very seriously holding onto the plastic bin with chickens. I assured him that if he let go, the chickens were not going to slide out the back of the car. We were all fine. Perhaps that reassurance allowed him to focus on something else.
"Aunt Daryn, I'm hungry," Cooper announced.
"What do you want to eat?" I asked knowing we were about to go down a slippery slope with my picky eater assistant.
"Well, you know Chick-Filet is my favorite!" he needlessly informed me.
"Cooper, are you really going to be able to eat chicken nuggets while sitting next to your new best friends there in the back seat?" I asked.
"Well, we could give the restaurant and the food different names," he suggested.
And so it was...We got off at the next exit for "World of Cows Restaurant" and Cooper instructed me I was to order him "Anti-burger nuggets" when we went through the drive thru.
The chickens appeared totally unaware that the boy in the next seat was dining on one of their distant cousins.
We made it home, the chickens already seem like they've lived here a lifetime.
And Sunday we even got out first egg!
 Honors going to Miss Kitty....appears we have a PINK egg layer. How wonderful.
 DarlaDog and LIlyPisa, the 3-legged cat have both been out in the back w/the chickens running around and everyone gets along just fine.
A lot too learn, but already having a grand ol'time w/The Girls!
I'll be sharing the adventures as they develop. Any chicken tips for me? Please share on my Facebook page. June 21, 2010: Big First Trip!  What a great adventure I've had the last 4 days.
I promised you pics and updates from my trip to San Francisco with Rodneisha, my 9-year-old Little Sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program. We sure packed it in as my young friend took the first plane ride of her life and saw the ocean for the first time.
Traveling with her fresh set of eyes let me see things in a whole new way. So much for simply hurrying through a frustrating airport, Rodneisha put things in a whole different context. "They have trains here!" she exclaimed as we rode the underground tram out to our gate. "This isn't just an airport, it's a train station, too!" And forget about it when we came up the escalator. "Shops! They have shops! This is an airport, a train station, a shopping mall and an art museum all in one!" She was fascinated with murals on the wall and sculptures on display in the hallway. "It's amazing!"
That would've been a great day unto itself. Add her first flight which shared came along with a total of 5 butterflies in her stomach. Really, she did just fine. She followed our westward progress along on the inflight screen, pointing out each time we crossed another state line. My young companion pointed out interesting geographic curiosities with questions like, "Shouldn't the Sierra Nevada mountains be called the Sierra California mountains once we're not in Nevada anymore?" Definitely something to consider.
Talk about a post-9-11 thrill---once the plane landed and the other passengers got off, we were invited to go up to the cockpit, meet the Captain who happened to be a woman and they invited Rodneisha to sit in the co-pilot's seat and put on his cap.
 We were barely wheels down when we hit the road, litereally as in riding down Lombard Street, the famous crooked street.
 From there, off to Pier 39 to see the Sea Lions. We bundled up to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, we saw the play "Wicked."
 Rodneisha wanted to see where I went to school so we spent Saturday afternoon walking the Stanford campus. A special stop--Stanford Law School since she says she wants to be a lawyer when she grows up. Wouldn't that be something if 13 years from now she's walking into that building as student? And why not? I have to say the best part of the trip is how we were welcomed into the homes and families of my amazing friends. It helped make it a true kid's trip as Rodneisha made her first California friends. Both Rodneisha and I send a big "Thank you! out to Mr. Malcolm, Ms. Gina, Maya, Mr. Steve, Ms. Heidi, Baby Daryn, Ms. Cyndi, Addie and Reed. (See, I told you we were surrounded by love!)
Along the way we weaved in some life lessons like how do you pack for a trip, get through security, always bring a hostess gift when someone welcomes you in their home. And don't you know it, each one of our "thank you" notes were written before our plane took off from San Francisco.
For me, the best sight to see was my young friend blossoming. That hand grip was pretty tight as we held hands on that first take off from Atlanta. The return? Rodneisha was directing me through the airport, leading the way to our gate, and the take off? Sorry, no hand-holding this time. "No, I'm good," she told me confidently. Yes, I got a little taste of what you parents see each day---pride in watching our young ones blossom, but a little tug of the heart, "Really? You don't want to hold hands?" Already nostalgic for the moment we shared just a few days previous.
Thank you to all of you who followed our adventure as I posted updates on Twitter. Anyone who is even thinking about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, I highly recommend it. It's really not all about huge trips. It's really about the 1-hour you spend with a special young person every other week. Go for it--you are in for quite the adventure!
June 17, 2010: Big Sister Adventure You are invited to come along on an amazing journey that begins today.
As many of you who follow this blog know, I've been having a blast this past year as a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister program. I swear the folks at BBBS who match "Bigs" and "Littles" should open a dating service because they hit a home run when they matched me with 9-year-old Rodneisha. We couldn't have had more different childhoods, yet from the moment we met last June, I've felt like I'm looking at a kid I would've been great friends with when I was in 4th grade. She loves school, loves to read, loves to have adventures. She's far ahead of where I was fashion-wise in 4th grade, but that's a topic for a different day.
 Today, we are all about our big adventure. We've had a deal for months now--Rodneisha gets straight A's and two semesters of Honor Roll for 4th grade and we would take a trip. Admittedly, it was kind of a sucker deal, as wondering if this kid will get straight A's is like wondering if the sun will come up tomorrow. In any case, she has more than held up her end of the bargain, so today we take off for San Francisco.
It will be her first time on a plane. First time seeing the ocean. We have big plans to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride cable cars, pig out at Ghirardelli Square.
Can you imagine how fun this will be? We're inviting you to come along. Just follow me on Twitter and get updates on our adventures as they happen.
If Twitter isn't part of your regular social media menu, not to worry. I'll share pictures and stories here in this blog space, as well, when I get a moment.
So check back often and follow me on Twitter! June 15, 2010: Life Sucks? Perfect Time To Give Lost your job? Health challenges? Unlucky in love? Perfect--I've got just the thing for you--start giving! Huh?
Giving? Have I not heard how badly things are going for you? I get it. Been there. Done that.
Since I run this website, each day I meet folks who show me how to look at challenges differently.
Reed Sandridge is one of those guys. He lost his job at a big time non-profit last Fall. His answer? Sure, he's looking for work, but meanwhile his main focus has been giving away $10 a day. Every day. Rain or shine. Good mood or bad. The money goes to a stranger no strings attached. He shares the amazing encounters and adventures this has brought him at his blog YearOfGiving.org.
I featured Reed on my website last month and got a glimpse into one of the best years of his life. Yes, best. He realizes that losing his job has given him a chance to slow down, get to know many of the strangers in his Washington, DC community, and witness the magic of what giving can bring. He's given it to the homeless, to executives, to students, and people of all ages. The payoff comes from seeing what folks do with the gift. Some turn around and spend it on someone else. He's now inviting you to get a taste of that magic and you don't even have to lose your job! Sandridge has designated tomorrow Tuesday, June 15 as Worldwide Day of Giving. He's suggesting you give $10 to a total stranger (or whatever you can afford) and just watch what happens. If Reed's 168-day streak of giving is any indication, you're in for quite a treat of kindness, creativity, and abundance. You can share your experience on his blog and see how the $10 adventure unfolds for people all around the world.
Times might be tough, your head and thoughts might be spinning, but I find it's physically impossible to do that spiral thing when your mind is focused on giving and creating opportunity. It's like taking an Advil for the blahs. Your mind simply can't focus forward and downward all at the same time.
So I dare you--try it. The more overwhelmed you think you are by your challenges and the world's the better. You're in for one powerful experience. June 4, 2010: No Accidents Folks send me "have you seen this?" stuff all the time. I love it. Like having an a giant posse of hunters out there keeping your eyes and hearts open for the most inspiring items out there. I've probably been sent the video about Nick Vujicic more than any other. It arrived again yesterday morning, forwarded by a great friend from her father-in-law. "Have you seen this?" the note said. The quick answer is, "Yes." The bigger answer is I really needed this today. I can't be the only one. If it moves your heart and attitude 1/2 as much as it did mine, then you're in for a very good feeling.
June 1, 2010: A Memorial Day To Cheer! I had the honor being surrounded by military as I flew up and back to Philadelphia this Memorial Day weekend. Behind me on the way up was a group of young men doing ROTC while they complete college. And my seat mate on the way back to Atlanta was an Army veteran who now supervises crews for Delta Airlines. Thank you to the Delta flight attendants who led the passengers in big cheers for all the military members with us on board. Thank you one and all for your service to our country. It was a cheer of a different sort that took me to Philly. My 12-year-old nephew, Jack, has been selected as a Pop Warner scholar. That means not only is he doing well on the football field, he also has top grades and community service. Only 2% of the kids participating in Pop Warner get the honor. Big deal we all figured, so Jack flew in from San Diego with his mom, Jeanette for the big Pop Warner convention. A multitude of other Kagan women took the opportunity to gather and celebrate our boy (for the 5 more minutes that we can still call him that.) It was a fine time of bonding, sight-seeing, and a ton of eating! Here we are eating sticky buns...
And touring Betsy Ross' house.
It was worth every ounce of effort and expense to see Jack in his first real suit and tie.
He told me, "I feel like a dress monkey, but I look really good!" That pretty much sums it up! Here we are at the big banquet. Jack--thanks for being such a great kid and nephew! May 25, 2010: An Eggs-cellent Adventure If I promise to go (over)easy on the egg puns, will you come with me on my new animal adventure? Chickens. Yes, chickens. I've discovered the Urban Chicken world and am about to plunge into becoming Mother Hen to 4 backyard chickens. It starts with picking out the coop, which is like saying you're buying a house. The options are endless. I think I found the perfect starter coop from a site called MyPetChicken.com. Since we're going to do this adventure together, figured I might as well start with coop assembly. It arrived in two large boxes. Clearly, my sidekick DarlaDog was not impressed.
Once I got all the pieces out of the boxes, DarlaDog progressed to full-on worry. Is it just me, or does she appear to be saying, "Oh my. This cannot end well."
Despite the lack of a vote of confidence, check out what I was able to assemble a couple hours later!
Once all the work was done, 3-legged kitty, LilyPisa, showed up to inspect and perhaps make some big plans? Bubble floating above her head, "When does dinner, er, the chickens show up?"
That would be in a couple weeks. The coop designers suggest you let the coop air out for a bit before having chickens move in. You know the old movie, "Coop of Dreams," --build it and they will come. Watch this space for more updates. You can also follow me on Twitter and leave your comments on my Facebook page. Anyone else out there raising chickens? Any hints? Favorite breeds? you can pass along? Much appreciated! 
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