It's amazing how much more interesting people are now than they were when I was a kid. Sure, there are exceptions. Anyone who's tried online dating knows that. By by and large, "ordinary" people have learned things, fought through challenges, and explored life in ways that are fascinating to me. It's no wonder that I enjoy interviewing. Even for that long day when I sat with a couple of hundred others waiting to be called to serve on a jury, I happened to sit next to a man who was a retired city cop, retired security guard, and current limousine driver to the stars. During the lunch break, the streets around the St. Louis County courthouse were filled with people sporting "juror" tags. That was a conversation starter, right there. "Is this your first time?"Along the way, I've discovered that we all need a hand up with one thing or another. Physical, family, job, and miscellaneous problems hit everyone. As a natural born helper, it's harder to keep my mouth shut, than it is to talk to the people who look sad. And sometimes a wholehearted smile and kind ear actually do help a little.Encouraging and helping others have been the impetus for my books, coaching, and classes. With the book coaching, it is such a joy to help others work towards their dream of becoming an author! And we can begin with just a topic and a few notes. In classes, I can see the energy in the faces of the attendees, when I make a point or mention an easy remedy to a challenge. Yes, that does make all those efforts mutually nourishing! Even my books are very personal, between me and my reader. I thrive on spending time with my 2 kids, my beautiful new daughter-in-law, and 5 grandkids, all of whom are unbelievably fun, interesting people. Breaking bread with friends, both dear and new, is special. Dry red wine, green tea, herb growing on the patio, fermenting vegetables and growing sprouts in my kitchen are all hobbies that I enjoy sharing with friends. I do much of my walking on Kirkwood's tree-lined streets, and there's a special oak tree by a dry creek bed in Kirkwood Park where I sit on the ground for a quiet hour or more watching the squirrels play and forage. My athletics involve tromping around in the woods with a friend and playing balloon volleyball, primarily inside so the balloons don't pop too soon.There are always more books growing in my mind, and even in my notebooks. I'll let you know when the next one takes wing. In the meantime, it makes me feel great to read a note from a reader. So please drop me an enote.