Answer Maven

The hint of Fall is in the air, earlier this week it was rainy and cool, so home-made Tomato soup and grilled cheese was the meal de jour.  With that, comes the back-to-school philosophy and the ever present essay assignment “What You Did On Summer Vacation.”  While, I’m definitely not in school I am a believer in lifetime learning.  Stagnant mental capacity kills, thus, I’m going to share a few of the things I have done over the past several months.

Professionally:

• I transitioned from the position of Library Manager for the largest branch of a major regional law firm to Independent Information Professional
• I began working part-time as Marketing Director for a small company.
• I began this blog and expanded my writing aspirations beyond a few SLA publications to thinking about other venues including the Louisville Bar Association Briefs.  I continue to work on articles and presentation ideas in order to offer my limited expertise to those who may benefit.
• Attended SLA’s Annual Conference in Seattle.
• Joined AIIP.

Personally:

• Became a dedicated fan of DMB
• Grew a sub-par garden
• Did some great house projects but not everything (what will I work on this Winter if Iget everything done now?)
• Took in a new “foster” dog name B J who is older than both Guy and Gomer but who has livened up the house with his love of the tennis ball.  (To find your own great dog check out GRRAND or your local humane society.)  Note:  This was a family effort.
• Became an “aunt” to Baby Isa born on the 4th of July.
• Reached out to old and new friends with a more concerted effort.
• Continued as often as possible to visit my family and provide care relief for those who take care of my Grandfather.

Community & Other Volunteer Activities

• Dedicated more time to LYG and our work on the BFF Campaign
• Volunteered to serve on two AIIP committees and the Kentucky Virtual Library Advisory Committee.
• Served on the KY Chapter of SLA’s Nominating Committee.
• Not nearly enough but my time seems a bit shorter than it used to be.

My plans for the Fall include work on an article/presentation with an esteemed library colleague, the continued growth of my Answer Maven business, preparation for hand-made Christmas Gifts  and the continued support of my professional and community organizations.  I might even take a Zumba class.

This post has been in the edit mode for about a week.  This evening I attended a Women Lawyer’s Association event and reconnected with an old colleague.  With great pride and truth I confessed that being the Answer Maven is the hardest and most satisfying work I have ever done.  The challenge of owning and growing a business as well as the challenge and stimulation provided by client projects is everything I’ve desired for a satisfying occupation.

I truly am thankful for the encouragement and support I’ve gotten from everyone, my family and my friends have been unbelievable.   C has proven to be very patient with the long hours and my seeming attachment to the laptop.  VP deserves a special recognition, on a day when everything was going wrong the UPS man brought a box of goodies that inspired and relieved.    SL has provided encouragement, great article & business ideas as well as marketing plugs.  My mentor and friend, Ulla, has provided encouragement, advise and support for too long to remember.  SG and the entire KY Chapter crew have been responsive, encouraging and even dropped a few marketing plugs and referrals in my direction.  SV designed my oh-so-cool logo.  LV provided great marketing material guidance and E helped me find a part-time gig to help pay the bills so C could take a weekend off every now and then.  I couldn’t do this without all of you–Thank You!