It has been a whirlwind of a week since my last posting.

After three relaxing days in Sarasota where I had a change to have lunch with same friends and get in a round of golf, it was off to Boston. I was saddened to leave the warm, sunny weather to head to the frigid cold of Boston. I, however, was greeted with a pleasant surprise; my heavy winter coat was too much! Though there were some rain showers the day I arrived, the temperature was pleasant. I checked into the relatively new Westin Waterfront with all of its trappings of comfort.

The four-day experience gave me the opportunity to share with the academic and non-profit communities – Babson College, Harvard Business School and Strong Women, Strong Girls; a non-profit organization that uses lessons from contemporary and historic women to help young girls and women become strong women themselves.

First stop: Babson College where I was interviewed by Dr. Myra Hart, retired professor from Harvard business School, as the first author in their Author Series program for Women’s History Month. Ironically, Myra was the professor who presented my Alumni Achievement Award from Harvard to me in 2003 and with whom I had worked on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners Foundation. It was an interactive exchange between students, faculty, staff and friends from the Babson community. The students were so impressive.

The Strong Women, Strong Girls event was hosted by one of their sponsors, Naxitis, at their attractive facility in downtown Boston. I was welcomed with drinks and tasty hors d’oeuvres. Having a chance to mingle with the attendees before my presentation put me in a more relaxed state of mind. The more I heard from the people involved with this organization, the more impressed I became.

The H. Naylor Fitzhugh conference, sponsored by the African American Student Union at Harvard Business School, took me back to familiar territory. Although the conference was at the Westin Hotel, seeing so many students, alumni and prospective students was reminiscent of my days at HBS. Adding to the joy of the weekend was the fact that both of my daughters came from NY to attend the conference. It was a glorious weekend.

Traveling around and meeting so many people is exhilarating. I have been exposed to individuals and organization that are doing amazing things. I will explore some of these for possible involvement after my book tour slows down.

I look forward to the next leg of my journey which takes me to Richmond, VA, then Miami, FL for the Enterprising Women conference where I will be inducted into their Hall of Fame.

It’s been two weeks since I wrote my last blog. So much has happened since then. It seems that every place where I had a book event, I either was a day ahead or a day behind the snow storm. Only one event was cancelled, Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, VA, and plans are underway to reschedule.

After a successful book signing at Barnes & Noble, Libbie Ave, Richmond, VA, on Feb 13, I headed to New York City for a signing at Hue-Man Book store on Feb 16. It was snowing when we landed at LaGuardia and snowed all day, stopping just before the scheduled signing at 6 PM. Despite the snow a good crowd showed up and about half of them purchased books, a good percentage. The next night, Feb 17, I was one of three participants on a panel discussion at Harvard Club of New York, The other panelists were Ilene Lane, President & CEO, Catalyst and Selena Cuffe, President & CEO, Heritage Link Brands, a company that imports wines from South Africa. This was interesting and offered great networking opportunities.

An early flight back to Richmond, VA on Feb 18 was necessary in order to make the two-hour drive to Alexandria, VA for an event at Alexandria Black History Museum at 6 PM. In a wonderful, intimate setting with homemade goodies (made by my sister-in-law) we had a great evening surrounded by a few feet of piled up snow. The next night, Feb 19 took me to DC where I was honored with a reception in recognition of my induction into Enterprising Women Hall of Fame on March 18 in Miami. My good friend and golfing buddy, Susan Peterson, President & CEO, The Communication Center hosted the reception. Saturday, Feb 20 took me to Politics & Prose, a great independent bookstore on Connecticut Ave, DC where I had a book signing. Thankfully , I sold lots of books and saw some people whom I had not seen for years.

Sunday, Feb 21, I enjoyed visiting Mt. Pero Baptist Church, the church where I grew up as a child. Though few of my contemporaries were there, it was good to see many of their family. That afternoon, I flew to Boston to speak at two schools – Belmont High School, Boston and Galvin Middle School, Wakefield. Got out of Boston a day before a predicted snow storm, headed for Sarasota, FL. On Wed. Feb 24, SisterSpace and University of FL, Gainesville hosted a signing in the newly constructed Alumni Center at U of FL, Gainesville. I had the opportunity to interact with some very intelligent, interesting students. With students such as those, our future is in good hands.

I closed out the week in Columbia, SC where I attended the South Carolina Book Festival. I was part of a three-person panel of authors who had all written memoirs. Each of us was quite different. Joining me on the panel was Jackie Cooper, a southern gentleman and Shelia Morris an acknowledged lesbian. This was a fantastic two days. I met so many authors, made some valuable contacts and sold some books. What more could I ask!

On Mar 4, I head to Boston for three days of events. Will report back later.

Good Experiences

As I travel on my book tour, I am meeting so many people of all races, nationalities and cultures. The experiences are enlightening for me. I have a renewed appreciation for humanity. People are genuinely, kind, thoughtful and willing to go the extra mile to help others.

I have received so many words of encouragement and support as well as comments from many people about how I have inspired them when I didn’t even know “anyone was watching”. When I am told that I was an encouragement for someone to return to school, that is particularly heartwarming. I place such a high premium on education: “There is no substitute for education and there are no shortcuts”

This reinforces something taught to me as a child. Carry yourself in such a way that you will be proud for others to know of your deeds and words. You never know for whom you are setting an example.

The last two weeks have been very busy! Did not realize it had been that long since my last blog.

I returned to VA from FL on Jan 27, just in time for the big snow storm on Jan 30. It seems I bring snow when I come back. It happened in December when I came back for Christmas. Maybe a message here!
The Week of Feb 1 really got me moving. A number of tapings for radio and TV shows in the DC and Richmond areas were done. Feb 2, I had a book signing at my alma mater, Howard University, where I saw old friends, sorors from Zeta Phi Beta, high school and college classmates, current students and deans of the business school. The next day, a book signing with the MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council, an organization from which I secured many contracts when I operated my business. I had the opportunity to re-connect with many former business associates.

Finally, the big event – the official book launch party at the Library of Virginia was on Feb 4. I was thankful that it was the 4th instead of the 5th when another big snow storm is expected. There was a capacity crowd, standing room only! I was ecstatic. After talking & taking questions for about 30 minutes, I signed books for 1 ½ hours. Needless to say I am extremely pleased with the kickoff of my book tour.

Every day is good, just to be alive and in good health; therefore, every week is good. But some days and weeks are better than others.

On Monday, Jan 18 I went to Orlando, FL to attend the Osceola Visionary, Inc. annual Martin Luther King dinner. A friend plans this event every year and I was the speaker last year. Therefore, I wanted to be supportive of her this year. It also gave us a chance to visit. My husband and I spent the night with her, returning to Sarasota the next day. I got back in time to attend my Howard alumni club meeting. The club is planning its annual scholarship luncheon for March 6.
Wednesday, we attended at great performance of the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe where the cast performed The Motown 60 Revue. Nothing like those songs of the 60s: The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas and many more. They did a great job.

Thursday was the day of my interview on FOX4 Morning Blend, Cape Coral, FL which aired on Jan 22. That evening we attended an art show of local artists; dinner Friday night with friends; my book signing at Barnes & Noble, Sarasota, FL on Sat., Jan 23.

In the midst of all the traveling, I spent time planning for various engagements which will occur over the next month. Thank goodness for my Blackberry! I was even able to get in one day of golf.

It’s been a busy week and I have enjoyed it all.