I believe that there is a very powerful, but quiet space between Can and Do.  A space where the hard work happens. A space filled with details and deadlines that no one else can see. It’s not a very exciting or sexy place, rather it requires focus, determination and perseverance. It’s where you make sure you measure twice. A space of preparation, of getting ready for something wonderful to occur.

Make no mistake – there is a lot going on in my life. My new consulting model is evolving and shaping up wonderfully…many pieces in place, and some are still emerging. My community-focused workshops are ready to go and the marketing to the local churches starts next week when the postcards arrive. I am working together with my clients about 30 hours a week to meet grant and other project deadlines. On weekends and some mornings I work away on the second book. And, I am taking the time to do outreach into the local community, and loving the results!

Writing my second book is going slower than I planned – for all the right reasons. I am carefully reviewing the research, analyzing the interviews, reviewing my assumptions. Thinking. Reading. Writing. Thinking some more. Making and erasing then making more notes on my white board wall. Pulling it all together, taking it apart and trying a different sequence. The other book was easier – it was just about me and my view of the world. The new book is about the workplace, which is not an easy place, in many more ways than one.

Another example of the “in-betweens”: The Can Do Chronicles is being published in paperback – a real book, as my Aunt Wanda calls it!  My work on it is done and I am now waiting for the publishing people to do their thing, to finish the inside editing and the back cover… to send me a proof… to be able to hit PRINT… I am hoping for a BIG Black Friday blow out, but I am still not sure about the timing. The publishing company does not want to over-promise and neither do I!  Stay tuned!

I have made it a priority to reach out and network to learn about the nonprofit and small business communities in the Northern VA and Washington, DC areas, to meet the community leaders. I am very aware of my need to establishing street cred in a very different community. One that has been home to me on and off for almost 40 years, but after being in New England for 10 years and then “in my cave” for almost three years, one where I am still a stranger, an unknown.

All that said, I am more of a “come on, let’s go” kind of girl. This space of preparation and transition can make me squirm and want to push too hard to find some action that brings immediate gratification, a move that  has often turned out to be someplace between a mistake and a disaster. I am proud to say I have learned from those (many) mistakes. Instead of moving too fast to the big outcome, I have learned to take little breaks from the hard stretches of “in between” work, and fill the space with little moments of AHH! that scratch the itch a bit. I had a great AHHH! moment on Monday.

My friend and colleague Marlys and I created the first in a series of CAN DO You Tube videos. It’s folksy, casual and decidedly low-tech – a coffee cup conversation, as she called it!  It gave me a great opportunity to focus in on the core messages for the community-based workshops. Marlys is a ROCK STAR, supportive and great friend. And, I achieved another milestone: I am, finally, on You Tube!!

And, I have (re-)discovered this afternoon that writing this blog post gives me another AHHH! moment. An almost tactile sense of accomplishment. I have been delaying writing one, waiting for something to ANNOUNCE!  A BIG deal. No need to wait, I realize. So, stay tuned. I plan to be blogging more. By next week, the new head shots for the website will be ready!  And, now that I am getting the knack of it, I just might create another You Tube video to post on this blog.

I CAN DO that, and so much more…..

Have a great late fall weekend, everyone!