The Little Words Mean the Most

A good day behind the pen

Scene 1: critique Memphis Dan's magazine article on charitable bequests
Scene 2: kick marketing around for an hour with the wonderful folks at Steppingstone Academy in Boston
Scene 3: outline the case for a $150 million college campaign
Scene 4: critique the donor newsletter package for a So. CA Planned Parenthood and write its headlines
Scene 5: answer donor newsletter questions for a development charity in MN
Below: How to write a case in humid, 90 degree heat

Memphis

We had time for one sight. We visited the National Civil Rights Museum, a soul-stirring history lesson that ends up at the balcony where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Waiter: make that two adults in tears. L-r: on Beale St., oft-applauded Central Bar BBQ, the founder of Holiday Inn comes from Memphis and had all sorts of sayings, the museum, the couple dressed for work. And if you go there, call John's Cab, 901-229-0925. It's a one-Volvo taxi company. John grew up in Memphis and loves giving a running tour as he drives.

The party

  

Soto

I'm happy to see (it's Monday) that Sonia Sotomayor's initiation (? secret handshake?) absorbed less than an entire 24-hour news cycle. Will she be great? Time will tell. I'm rooting for her. Is she tangible progress? Oh, yeah. The very best flesh-and-blood kind.

Oats, Feeling

Note to self: Divert the extra $1,000 paid each month against the mortgage principal toward the purchase of stocks instead, effective immediately. Metaphor #1: The market's doing toe-springs from a bottom. Metaphor #2: This puppy (i.e., market) is about to grow a fourth leg and run. My portfolio has been showing shamrock green for over a week, its value up 10% and more even on bad days.

My birthday

I am more popular than ever. I received at least 5 birthday greetings, a new record. I think in my old age (62) I'm becoming more likable. Remo sent an email, asking me if I wanted to play online poker with him. (He's a shark aspirant.) I wrote, "Tonight is my anniversary. I am a deeply imperfect husband. But not SO imperfect I will play poker with a pal on that occasion instead of hanging with Simone. Thanks, tho. -- Tom."

AND meant it.