Whatever happened to genuine conversation? Planned posts and personal brands rule engagement, and we are growing further apart from really engaging. An email I received yesterday hit the right spot. It was engaging, and it reminded me of way back when we would actually reach out and touch someone.

Acts of intentional caring go a long way. In this post, I tell the story of my dad’s ability to spread light and cheer to those around him by engaging people and caring about them.

The Hawthorn cannot be the Redbud or the Magnolia, it is inherently, genetically, and uniquely the Hawthorn. In the naked wood, the Hawthorn adorns its splendor, which is a beautiful reminder of one of my favorite quotes, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”—Oscar Wilde.

My confession. I can’t write, but this too shall pass.

A little thought on the fools and the wise.

Following last week’s post, you have permission, this post explores breaking down the barriers to getting things done. My dad lived out the maxim, Sometimes Wrong, but Never in Doubt. He was pretty incredible at doing things imperfectly.

You have permission to rebel, to push against the status quo, speak your mind, ask for forgiveness, take risks, swim against the current, to eat drink and be merry, to zig and zag, to be different, and maybe, just maybe, change the world.