“I am ready to act with courage and integrity.” John Selby.

According to John Selby, in his book entitled “Expand This Moment,”  upon the pronunciation of the first five words “I am ready to act…”, a person’s unconscious focus shifts from a/… Read full post »

Virtual volunteerism.  Is that just as valid as showing up in person and doing the job in the company others?  In March, I highlight the job of volunteer editor for the Wazee Journal (www.wazeejournal.org) which is an online literary magazine dedicated to new, independent writing. … Read full post »

This could be a piece about fashion because my outfit and accessories will be chosen carefully.  This could be a piece about health because I'll be outdoors doing exercise and mingling with new neighbors (mental health).  It could be a piece about politics because I'm in DC. … Read full post »

 Since January 2009, I commit and write about my random acts of volunteerism.  What began as a New Year’s Resolution to get out from under my rock, turned into real fun as I began exploring volunteer opportunities available in and around Denver.  Feats daring, daunting, boring an/… Read full post »

In February I volunteered in New Windsor, Maryland at SERRV.  My friend Joyce suggested this organization because a) she’d enjoyed her volunteer experience there and b) it is a shopper’s paradise.  If you are a shopper who prefers the unique and varied over cookie-cutter shoppin/… Read full post »

 I suggest that on this Valentine's Day, we all wear our hearts on our sleeves, literally.  If you're an avid volunteer like me or if you only volunteer casually, I want you to wear your heart on your sleeve and show the world you care not just about your beloved Valentine… Read full post »

The first week of January 2011, I volunteered at a community women’s shelter in Montgomery County, Maryland. My task? Serve dinner. On this weeknight, six volunteers served food and drink to approximately 30 women living in these temporary quarters. 

Usually I take pictures each time I vo… Read full post »

I'm just going to say right now that I'm on serious pain killers and so I abdicate all responsibility regarding the creation of great prose, witty writing and my ability to spell or communicate very coherently.  But today is the last day of the year and so I prop myself up… Read full post »

Curious Volunteer seems to have temporarily lost her groove.

Why be glib?  I’ve had a hard time.  I haven’t been able to muster the wherewithal to volunteer or write. 

October passed me by.  I made a half-hearted attempt.  The results: uninspiring.  November/… Read full post »

This morning I overheard the television tell me, “This is joy.  And this is the box it comes in.”  Curiously I glanced at the screen and sure enough, a happy meal box smiled back at me.  Well, when McDonald’s becomes the universal purveyor of joy, society is in d/… Read full post »

Volunteering isn't just about doing good and feeling good.  It can also be about the unpublicized benefits, too.  Volunteers not only receive free t-shirts, coffee mugs and, say, the extra roll of poop bags (see my artilcle, click here).  Volunteers can also sit at VIP tables, rub elbo… Read full post »

I think now is the perfect time to start thinking about philanthropy in 2011.  As the year begins to wind down, thoughts of new year's resolutions hover. I want to publish this review of Kathy LeMay's 2009 book, The Generosity Plan, as my contribution and… Read full post »

Earlier I wrote about visiting an old relative, the widow of my Uncle Tommy who died during WWII.  (If you plan to read this to the end, get your Kleenex out now.) He was a young Navy pilot; she a nursing student in Minneapolis. In the past six months, my family in… Read full post »

Yesterday I was hanging out at the S.A.M.E. Cafe, writing and watching.  This week I decided I'd just be there, on call, ready to step in if another volunteer cancelled and Libby and Brad found themselves short-staffed.  My opportunity came around 1p.m. when Brad said he needed help with th… Read full post »

My husband’s business trip dictated the destination.  I figured I’d find whatever there was to be found after setting foot in Park City, Utah. Little did I suspect that Sunday in the city would be bustling in ways completely unrelated to church.  Like other enchan… Read full post »

The dog is there for decoration and interest - she didn't donate blood or receive a blood donation.  Rosie is just great at posing for the camera.  I, however, am great at being a blood donor and I was reminded again this year that donations fall during the summer months. … Read full post »

I stumbled upon Shadowcliff literally.  I stubbed my toe while climbing the stairs going to guest registration and I’ve been hooked on this Cliffside lodge ever since that day in 2007.  When I found out that I could volunteer for a Memorial Day weekend and receive free board and meals… Read full post »

I know I'm past the deadline but someone out there might like this.

 Slice watermelon into piece about 1/2 inch thick and lay out in a dehydrater. Let the dehydrater do it's thing.  This is the best candy you can eat!  At my house we race to see who can eat the… Read full post »

Just say yes.  When you have the opportunity and the invitation to join a meditation led by a Master, you have to say yes.  Or, speaking for myself, I had to.  As part of the ISSSEEM Conference (www.issseem.org) in Westminster, CO, Shinzen Young is leading morning meditations.  To… Read full post »

While attending the ISSSEEM conference (www.issseem.org) in Westminster, CO at the Westin, I stumbled upon an ancient technology shown to me by a curandera from Mexico.  This curandera, Griselda Alvarez Sesma (www.curanderismo.org) used the term "ancient technology" to describe the hea… Read full post »

So my question to author Gretchen Rubin and anyone else who’s conducted their own happiness project is, Are you happier and if so, are you volunteering more?

I was happy to read this book as I was so curious about the project.  But, really, when I saw 12 different monthly goals/… Read full post »

Independent Digital Publishing

On June 19^th, Lighthouse Writers Workshop hosted the avant garde of short story publishing as part of the last day of activities of the Denver’s literary festival.  I talked with the founders of one-year-old Electric Literature Andy and Scott, two guys from B… Read full post »

What Some Literary Agents are Saying to Aspirants of the Next Big Book

On June 19^th, I attended a panel discussion hosted by Denver’s Lighthouse Writers Workshop as part of the culminating activities of the annual Lit Fest.  Agencies represented: Dunow, Carlson and Learner, Inkwell Manage/… Read full post »

Authors Eric Maisel and Ann Maisel.

Right away, the authors make a big promise. "If you take my suggestions and accept my challenges, you'll embark on a journey more amazing than any you could contrive by land, sea or air." Does the book deliver? I say yes. The book shows how… Read full post »

Political protesters greeted me upon arrival at The Cell, my April volunteer assignment.  I had agreed to act as a tour guide for a VIP reception which was followed by a Q&A with Tom Ridge, former United States Secretary of Homeland Security, and former Ambassador Craig Stapleton at the Denv/… Read full post »