Talks

These are from speeches I've given at Toastmasters and other meetings.

Learning Art from an Artist
It's one thing to be a fine artist and have such talent that everyone recognizes it. It's another thing to grow up in the Great Depression, when artists were viewed as non-produtive—and told their dreams had to be put on hold. My mother was one of those.
One Brick at a Time
Legos. Everywhere Legos. But these had a therapeutic purpose—bringing a cancer patient through the worst times. Here is one family's journey from sadness to celebration, told through the lens of a household filled with bricks.
Snowy Road to Eagle Badge
It took a lot of jumping through hoops, and tremendous reams of red tape, but in June 1969 I was awarded my Eagle Scout badge, six months later than I should have accepted it. Blame the weather, because I did everything by the books.
Taking My Nose Out of My Kindle
Rolling by train across the northern United States has the benefit of a leisurely view of America—and an opportunity to chat with people from all over the world. Aboard Amtrak, I met some of the biggest characters (and a genuine fibber) in my life.