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Superstitious Donuts

Friends, I don’t consider today to be unlucky. Of course, I’m open to changing my mind should evidence to the contrary surface. When I was younger (I won’t admit how old), I espoused some beliefs that have proven wrong over time: There was a non-zero chance that when you flush an airplane toilet somebody 10,000 feet below you might get offed by a frozen turd. It seemed reasonable that the loud sucking flush sound was due to the contents being dumped from the plane. Ham and hot dogs were synthesized from chemicals, and as such, “factory meat” was an acceptable part of a cruelty-free "vegetarian" diet. Their homogeneous consistency and packaging seemed to support this hypothesis. Vampires could be deterred from biting me in my sleep by wrapping a blanket around my neck. At a minimum, their attempt to unwrap the blanket would wake me and give me a fighting chance to ward them off. Countless misheard lyrics I sang with so much conviction. For instance, “… you’ve got a tub, I see ...
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Donut Debate Me

Friends, The desire to be right can close our minds to divergent (and, heaven forbid, superior) points of view. We build echo chambers, carefully curating views that support our own and dismissing differing voices out of hand. When opinion is mistaken for fact, inconvenient truths are easily discarded. And so, we dig in our heels and trade healthy debate for hate. Ironically, it is quite possible no two people would agree on everything. I think maturity and respect are the key to growth. Leaving the comfort of one's own biases and deeply held beliefs and truly listening is not easy, but it's a necessary start. Of course, a raspberry pistachio donut always helps. Happy Friday! A healthy exchange of ideas – and a raspberry pistachio donut
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Nickel for Your Thoughts

Friends, I was 24 the first time I was offered a penny for my thoughts. At the time, the novel expression brought me back from my musings and it has stuck with me ever since. Today, as I remove Penny Lane from my playlist and replace it with Nickelback, it occurs to me that now may be a good time to binge watch Penny Dreadful on Paramount Plus. I ponder the penny pinchers’ move, perhaps these bad pennies are penny wise, pound foolish. Let's hope it doesn't drop a penny on prices. Meanwhile, all I can do is bite into my donut and close my eyes. Mmmm… worth every penny. Happy Friday!
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Stepping off the Bridge

Friends, Context drives behavior. Dancing at a party is a lot less awkward than dancing at the office. Singing in the shower is a lot less intimidating than singing on stage. Eating a beignet sounds so much fancier than eating a donut. Lately, I find I enjoy standing at the very edge of the jet bridge before stepping onto the plane. Imagining what it would be like if the plane were not there. My body tensing-up as self-preservation kicks-in. My fear of falling preventing me from getting so close to that edge. Same air bridge, different context. I pause long enough to look through the tiny crack and take that step on board – can’t hold-up the line too long. No big deal. Happy Friday!
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In Person Donuts

Friends, Remote work can be isolating. Despite back-to-back meetings, you wonder whether some folks on the screen pretend to share while others pretend to care. Gathering in person breathes fresh air into the modern work dynamic. Without the sterile electronic interface acting as a barrier, the human connection can flourish. It’s the difference between looking out your window and going outside. And, if you and your colleagues get a chance to share pastries from Flakey Cream Café and Donuts in scenic Healdsburg, California, even better. Who knows, you might even run into bigfoot. Happy Friday!
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Habemus Donuts

Friends, On this first Friday of Leo XIV's papacy, there’s a lot we still don’t know about the new pope. As we learn more, I’m sure there will be many tomes published on the visible head of the 1.4 billion strong Catholic Church. Here are a few possible titles for books and articles to come: From Chicago to Chiclayo: an unexpected journey to Rome Leo is a Virgo, and other fun facts LEO: not just for Low-Earth Orbit anymore How White Sox became part of the papal regalia One Leo, two Leos… the Count counts popes I was going to throw one in there about his favorite foods, but it seems nobody knows. Here’s hoping the first US-born pope loves donuts (that would be a great omen for things to come). If not, Sophie Carrigan's classic, Leo's Lost Donut , would take on a whole new meaning. Happy Friday! Photo Credit: Sophie Carrigan
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Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

  Friends, When tempted by dispair, I find hope is always the best strategy.  Stuck in airpots for nearly 48 hours trying to get home? Enjoy the amenities and think of the family I am about to see. Lured by the intentionally chaotic reality show I call  The Apprentice: DC ? Watch Pangolin on Netflix, this heartfelt documentary about saving these unique creatures was phenomenal! Feeling existential angst? Remember the angst is not possible without the existence, focus on the latter, not the former. And remember, the weekend is almost here, so have a donut and enjoy! Happy Friday!
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