cover of How to build connection book

There has never been a more important year to build connection.

Yet these are tough times to build connection. It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog and I’ll be honest, I just haven’t been inspired, in part because of the crazy times we’ve been living in.

Unfocused and divided

We’ve been through a year that’s felt in many ways like a decade. And it’s so easy to feel depleted, divided and unconnected. Easy to focus on only the negative, all the things we’re no longer able to do, travel to places on our bucket list, and that we’ve missed out on so much. But in many ways these past months have also provided a silver lining. Time to catch up on my passions which include reading, binge watching favourite shows and spending more time in nature. But also forced me to reach out virtually to build connection or reconnect with people.

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The Lost Art of Reading Books

Why reading books makes you a good conversationalist and more empathetic.

P.S. and it can even help you find love.

Why books matter in a distracted time

We recently attended a fascinating lecture by David Ulin, former book critic of the Los Angeles Times and author of nine books including The Lost Art of Reading…Why Books Matter in a Distracted Time. Speaking on all aspects of books, writing and reading this was a fascinating evening. David was lively, entertaining, and not surprising, very well read. I couldn’t wait to read his latest book!

Reading books or eBooks

An audience member asked if he felt if there is a difference between reading a hard copy of a book versus reading eBooks on a device. David’s response was that it really didn’t matter. It depended on the person’s preference; the important thing was just to read!

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Book club choice: Letters From The Lost
Letters From The Lost

Travel and Book Club Coincidences

We often share travel and books as some of our favorite topics for conversation when networking. This summer by strange coincidence I combined the two. It all started by joining a book club.

Since I seem to gravitate towards the same types of books, I thought it would expand my reading horizons. So earlier this year I took the plunge at my local Edmonton public library where they even provide a librarian as book club host. I really enjoyed the new books and discussions.

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Tips for Love, Style and Bad Habits

I just finished reading a cheeky book How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits written by four French girlfriends who currently live or have lived in Paris. They live life large. Their experiences are a moveable feast that you can take with you wherever you go. (Links to Canadian Amazon and US Amazon at the bottom)

From fashion clothing, to conversation, food and affairs. It’s funny, frank and sometimes outrageous. It’s full of contradictions, but I guess that’s what makes Parisian women endearing – you can’t pigeon-hole them.

Here are seven tips and advice that I wanted to share from the book:

Parisian women on –

Imperfection advice

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10 Parking Faux-pas

Okay, you have good manners but does it show up in your parking etiquette?

Joanne and I recently read a great new book on Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, called The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee by Marja Mills (which prompted me to re-read To Kill A Mockingbird).

Harper Lee talked about her father, who was a lawyer and the model for her

You Should Consider Yourself Lucky To Have Bike

character Atticus Finch, in the novel. She admired her father and Atticus, because, he was “the same in his house as he is on the public streets”.

An Authentically Courteous Person?

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Good Books – Feel Good Summer Reading

Want a good conversation starter?

Ask someone what they’re reading.

Joanne and Terry both give a big 4 thumbs up

Here’s what I’m reading.  A kinder, gentler, good manners detective series. That’s how you could describe the Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency books. Terry and I both love these books.

No guns, no car chases

Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon

More like a collection of short stories that take you into the special world of Botswana and Mma Precious Ramotswe, a “traditionally built” female detective. No guns, no car chases, just engaging cases built around human foibles, personal problems and mysteries of the heart.

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