If you’ve ever spent time in Bayou Country, you know that Cajuns love to talk. And depending on their passion for their subject, they can gesture wildly as they speak. It doesn’t matter where they are — a family gathering, a church function, a PTA event, a business meeting, or even a wake or a funeral — Cajuns get animated when they talk and don’t care who else is talking at the same time. Continue Reading

Where I come from, sugarcane is King! Sugarcane arrived in Louisiana with the Jesuit priests in 1751, who planted it near their church in what is now downtown New Orleans. The sugarcane industry has continued to grow and flourish (pun intended) lo these many years. Continue Reading

It was really a spur of the moment decision. We didn’t plan for it; we certainly didn’t budget for it. My family’s decision to take off for a 10-day California vacation was one of those “carpe diem” moments. But one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our family. Continue Reading

In South Louisiana we often use the term “Lagniappe”. If you’re not quite sure what this term means, “Lagniappe” is a term that actually has Spanish and French roots. (Remember, Louisiana has been under both Spanish and French rule, so many of our terms are derivatives of those languages.) ‘Lagniappe’ refers to a little something extra that a friendly shop keeper might add to a customer’s purchase. Continue Reading

Here in South Louisiana the summer heat is in full force, and you can tell just by looking at my yard. With severe drought and daily temps in the 90′s , my grass looks, well, a little piqued. Since I’ve begun a daily watering campaign, though, the grass has perked up a bit and I’m seeing less brown and more green every day. (And green contributions – towards my water bill, that is – are welcome!) Continue Reading

You may have seen this video of twin boys carrying on a “conversation”. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, check it out here. It is hilarious, and I’m amazed at how they seem to be speaking their own secret language. They really do “get” each other. Continue Reading

Last week here in South Louisiana we celebrated Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday”. What a fun time! Mardi Gras Day is the culmination of the Mardi Gras season, which officially begins on Twelfth Night, or January 6th each year. It runs until the day before Ash Wednesday and is a time for celebration, revelry, and often, indulgence. Ash Wednesday begins the austere, reflective time of Lent. Continue Reading

In my work as a leadership coach, I take the approach that the best advice I can give my clients is none at all. In fact, if I’m doing my job properly as a coach, I am asking more than telling.

I believe that a leader’s job is much the same. Sure, you can take the time to figure out what your team member, Joe’s problem is, and then come up with a solution for him. I understand that often the quickest way to get Joe back on track is to tell him what to do. And if you have the answers to his dilemma, why would you withhold them when he obviously needs guidance? Continue Reading

My friend, Maxine is fond of reminding me that, much as we might wish to and try to, we can’t change other people. I know this to be true, but must admit, I need to be reminded now and then. This New Year, why not focus on improving yourself instead of trying to change someone else? Continue Reading

I have a confession to make. Here, lean closer. I don’t want just anybody to hear this. I have never watched a reality television show! You heard me right. I’ve never witnessed one airing of “American Idol”, never dialed up “Dancing With the Stars,” and never tuned in to one episode of “Real Housewives of Anywhere,” “The Bachelor/Bachelorette,” or even one installment of “America’s Got Talent”. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of that. Reality TV has just never interested me. Continue Reading