donna foerster: Sunday Snapshot: For the Birds!
- 06/15/14 01:46 PM
Sunday Snapshot: For the Birds!
Every year in June, the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Parker Days Festival. It's a summer carnival complete with rides, midway games, lots of yummy treats, and vendors selling their services and products.
We have lived in Parker for 17 years and we go to visit Parker Days almost every year. This year we were busy volunteering for a variety of events throughout the weekend so we didn't have much of a chance to take in the sights and sounds.
Late on Sunday, after our volunteer shift ended, we decided to stroll … (12 comments)
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donna foerster: Positive Words Generate Positive Energy
- 06/14/14 08:37 AM
Positive Words Generate Positive Energy
"Negative people need drama like it was oxygen.
Stay positive...and take their breath away."
A few nights ago, I spent a few minutes visiting with someone I know at a networking event. I guess I never realized before how truly negative she is. She had very few nice things to say about anyone, not even herself. Finally I had to get up from the table. I told her I needed to stretch my legs, which I did need to do. I also needed to get away from her negative energy. She was bringing me … (29 comments)
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donna foerster: Why Aren't You Cooperating?
- 06/11/14 02:02 PM
Why Aren't You Cooperating?
I was trying on dresses and I wanted to take some photos so I could send them to my sister in New Jersey. I asked Rich to be my photographer. He was busy with the lawn and I was interrupting him. This was the result ------------>
Some days the subject doesn't cooperate with the photographer and other days the photographer doesn't cooperate with the subject. Can you guess which one was uncooperative when this photo was snapped? You only get ONE guess.
Why Aren't You Cooperating?
… (15 comments)
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donna foerster: Public Speaking: Watch Out For These Mistakes
- 06/08/14 11:25 AM
Public Speaking: Watch Out For These Mistakes
Once in a while I have an opportunity to speak in front of a medium-large group of people, either through a Chamber event, networking, Rotary or a volunteer organization. I often stumble getting started and I'd like to overcome that discomfort and fear.
I recently read an email from the Joe Sabah, president of the Colorado Speakers Association. He found this list of the top 5 mistakes of public speaking:
Not having a clear message or intention. Lack of energy and enthusiasm. Not starting strongly. Writing out the whole speech/presentation. Not finishing strongly. I'm … (9 comments)
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donna foerster: Parker Farmers Market-Enjoy the Local Fare
- 06/08/14 06:49 AM
Parker Farmers Market-Enjoy the Local Fare
We visited the Parker Farmers Market for the first time this season. The market typically opens on Mother's Day and runs through the end of October. This year we had snow on Mother's Day, so the market opened a week later.
We strolled along Mainstreet saying hello to merchants that we knew and to neighbors and friends who were also exploring the market.
The marketplace was busy with adults and children, strollers and 4-legged companions walking along investigating great finds. There was a line to purchase fruits and produce.
… (11 comments)
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donna foerster: Today Is The Right Day!
- 06/07/14 09:37 AM
Today Is The Right Day!
I spent some time this afternoon scrolling through some pins on Pinterest. I wasn't looking for anything in particular. I came across several quotes from Dalai Lama, so I did a search to see what else I could find. Lo and behold (does anyone really ever say that?) I found a few that I really liked. I'm going to share 5 of them with you (aren't you lucky?).
"There are only 2 days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday, the other is called tomorrow. Today is the right day … (12 comments)
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donna foerster: Friday's Fotos: Storm Clouds
- 06/06/14 02:31 PM
Friday's Fotos: Storm Clouds
On our way home last night it was beginning to rain. We stopped at a traffic light and decided to sieze the opportunity to snap a photo of the clouds.
When I looked at the photo today, I decided that the clouds looked like a cruise ship. What do you think? Can you see the smoke stacks?
Friday's Fotos: Storm Clouds
… (26 comments)
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donna foerster: Getting the Most out of Pinterest
- 06/04/14 10:16 PM
Getting the Most out of Pinterest
When I started with Pinterest I was using it primarily to "store" personal stuff...favorite authors, movies, recipes. That's what got me started. My daughter-in-laws were using it for recipes and I wanted "in on the action". I added some real estate, mostly interesting room design and decor and clever ideas for using space.
My first Pinterest AHA moment was this...using Pinterest to "bookmark" blogging ideas (based on AR posts written by other bloggers) and ActiveRain "how-to's", such as "how to make a custom map" by Liz and Bill Spear. I saved these 2 … (19 comments)
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donna foerster: I Love ActiveRain Contests!
- 05/27/14 03:38 AM
I Love ActiveRain Contests!
There are several way to get involved with ActiveRain contests. You can participate by writing an entry. Maybe you're inspired with a terrific idea and you want to host a contest. Another way to support the process is to judge a contest. Of course, you could also choose to be a spectator and read the posted entries. Whatever way you choose, you are sure to have fun. I sure have!
Participating
I love the creativity of our members and the ActiveRain staff. Some of my most favorite AR contests have been Kerrie's Cloudburst challenges. They often cause … (19 comments)
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donna foerster: Purple Isn't My Favorite Color, But I'm Learning To Love It!
- 05/27/14 03:15 AM
Purple Isn’t My Favorite Color, But I’m Learning To Love It!
I’m raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association and their trademark color is…you guessed it…PURPLE! I am now finding myself attracted to PURPLE everywhere I turn! I have purple pen, I’ve even purchased some purple clothes!
In 2013, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk raised over $800,000. This year’s goal is ONE MILLION! Please consider being a part of this effort to raise awareness and provide much needed research to support those impacted by this devastating disease.
How can you get involved? There are many ways. Here’s one:
… (11 comments)
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donna foerster: Old Town Parker Wine Walks 2014
- 05/23/14 11:38 AM
Old Town Parker Wine Walks 2014
Hosted by the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce, this year's Old Town Parker Wine Walks will take place on the 4th Thursday of the month, now through October.
This is your opportunity to visit some of the downtown shops, restaurants and businesses and get to know the people who work there and what they have to offer. Plus you'll get to sample some wine along the way!
Begin your "tour" at the Chamber office at the corner of Mainstreet and Pikes Peak Drive (in the center of town @ the traffic light). … (8 comments)
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donna foerster: Throwback Thursday: Riding My Bike
- 05/22/14 07:11 AM
Throwback Thursday: Riding My Bike
I loved to play outside when I was a kid. I can still remember my parents saying, "come inside when the street lights come on".
I was 2 1/2 when this photo was taken. My favorite bike was my Schwinn with the banana seat and the huge basket on the front. Those were the days!
Do you remember your first bicycle?
… (23 comments)
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donna foerster: My 800,000 Point Journey ~ Thank You AR!
- 05/18/14 03:21 AM
My 800,000 Point Journey ~ Thank You AR!
I got started in the Rain in February 2009. I also signed up for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn at the same time. I was enchanted with Facebook (reconnecting with high school friends after 25+ years) and I didn't know what to blog about. I wrote ONE lonely little post in February and another ONE in September (that one was featured!)
In September of the following year, I started to find my "blogging voice" and I've been blogging fairly regularly since then.
More than 1600 posts, nearly 20,000 comments, almost 30 featured … (53 comments)
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donna foerster: Wednesday's Wisdom: Take Responsibility
- 05/14/14 02:23 AM
Wednesday's Wisdom: Take Responsibility
Yesterday I met with my business coach to brainstorm some ideas for marketing. Before we got started on the task at hand she asked me about my weekend and the week thus far. I let out a heavy sigh and proceeded to complain about how I wasn't accomplishing any of my goals because I have too much on my calendar. Being the problem solver that she is, she suggested time blocking to get my work done. Oh boy!
It became fairly clear at that point, it was my fault I was failing to be successful. I'm the … (5 comments)
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donna foerster: I'm Finally Learning How To Network Properly!
- 05/09/14 09:00 AM
I'm Finally Learning How To Network Properly!
In the past I belonged to several different leads groups. Even started my OWN leads group. I've also belonged to several volunteer groups and I've attended many networking events.
I've never had much success in giving or getting leads or referrals. Why?
1) I didn't put much effort in to it. With the leads group I belonged to, I would show up at the beginning and leave when it ended. Period. I never arrived early, never stayed late. Plus, I never talked to anyone. I never met anyone outside of the meeting … (24 comments)
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donna foerster: Wednesday's Wisdom: Starting Today...
- 04/29/14 02:03 PM
Wednesday's Wisdom: Starting Today...
"Every conversation, every failure, every opportunity is a chance to get better. Starting today."
~Gary W. Goldstein
I like this quote because it reminds me that every day is a "do-over". It doesn't matter what happened yesterday, or last week. Start fresh today. Pay attention when you are speaking to someone. Learn from life. Take advantage of opportunities for improvement. Be the person you were meant to be.
Wednesday's Wisdom: Starting Today...
… (15 comments)
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donna foerster: Potluck Sunday: Bacon Ranch Cucumber Pasta Salad
- 04/27/14 06:44 AM
Potluck Sunday: Bacon Ranch Cucumber Pasta Salad
One of our church groups had a potluck today. Our assigned item was salad. Hmmm. What am I going to bring? I don't have any particularly good salad recipes. Where do I turn for help? Facebook! I sent out a plea for a quick and EASY salad recipes. Several friends jumped to my rescue. I read the suggestions to Rich and we decided on Bacon Ranch Cucumber Pasta Salad. My high school friend, Robin told us that her family loved it. Seems our church group liked it too. The bowl was nearly empty when … (8 comments)
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donna foerster: National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: 4/26/14
- 04/22/14 02:37 AM
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: 4/26/14
It's time for Spring Cleaning and that includes ALL the rooms and spaces in your house...bedrooms, kitchen, closets, cabinets...the bathroom and the medicine cabinet! Do you have unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs taking up space in your medicine cabinet, in a drawer, or under the sink in your bathroom? Maybe you have a few in your beside table or nightstand. Perhaps in a kitchen drawer or cabinet. Not sure what to do with them? Here's the answer.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: Saturday, 4/26/14
What is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day?
It's an opportunity … (11 comments)
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donna foerster: Motivational Monday: I Couldn't Pick Just ONE Quote
- 04/21/14 02:41 PM
Motivational Monday: I Couldn't Pick Just ONE Quote
I wanted to write a post today that included an inspirational quote. My only problem was that I couldn't pick just ONE. So today, I've included a few motivational messages for my readers. Hope you find one that touches you!
"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step." -Unknown
"It's better to be a failure at something you love then be a success at something you hate." -George Burns
"When something bad happens you … (22 comments)
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donna foerster: On Planet Foerster It's Good To Recharge
- 04/17/14 02:31 AM
On Planet Foerster It's Good To Recharge
On Planet Foerster, every work place would not only have an employee break room or kitchen for snack time (well stocked, or course, with salty and sweet snacks and treats), it would also have an employee lounge for nap time!
Immediately following lunch would be the perfect nap time. We’re all in a food coma anyway and we can’t focus, so why not recharge our batteries? Lunches and nap times would be scheduled in shifts so that there would always been appropriate coverage for clients and customers in need of services.
The lounge would be … (20 comments)
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Sunday Snapshot: For the Birds!
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