Published in Hand on the Shoulder·PinnedHand on the Shoulder: Finding freedom in the confluence of love and careerwww.handontheshoulder.com The Introduction It was a cold day in June when I arrived at the Susquehanna River. The town of Endicott lay across the river, still shrouded in a morning mist and looking like a place from another era. …Memoir4 min read
Published in Hand on the Shoulder·Jan 26TrainsIn those days, Orange was a railroad town, a dangerous little town. Two tracks, one owned by Southern Railways and the other by the Chesapeake and Ohio split the town right down the middle, cutting through Main Street with the power and authority of black, smoke-breathing dragons. The townspeople could…Hometown4 min read
Jan 8So You Want to be a Freelancer: You need to know the 2–2–1–2 Rule“I feel stuck. We’re just drifting around in circles, and my company’s leadership doesn’t know what the hell they are doing. Because they can’t see us at our desks every day, they keep adding new software to keep track of us. And my team leader has no idea how to…3 min read
Dec 17, 2021A Holiday MessageTwas the week before Christmas, and all through the town, Not a smile was in sight, not even a frown; The people were masked as they shopped with care, In hopes that Covid would never be there; The children were online with their computer at home, While visions of real…Christmas2 min read
Published in Hand on the Shoulder·Nov 15, 2021The LightThe light is on. Last night, when I left the workshop, I checked to make sure it was off. I remember pulling the cord and tripping over a toolbox while feeling my way to the door while cursing the dark. But tonight it’s on again. Perhaps the result of a…Memories2 min read
Published in Hand on the Shoulder·Nov 10, 2021I Had a Flat in Montesson:Introduction to my book in process. (Yes, it is real.) Like many people, I always wanted to write a book, but also like most of them, never got around to it or thought perhaps my life was too dull to be interesting to others. Yes, there are many business experiences…4 min read
Oct 24, 2021Let Them Eat PopcornThis is a story from several years ago, but still relevant today. Are you reading this, hospital executives? A local organization’s HR department wanted to encourage employee engagement so they sent each person a cup of popcorn. Maybe a good slap in the face would get employee’s attention a little…Pandemic2 min read
Published in Hand on the Shoulder·Oct 24, 2021The SaunaI blink, trying to see through my steamed-up glasses. I’d stop to wipe them, but my hands are full of towels and massage oil. I’ll just find my way to the sauna. I stumble against the bench chair. Its occupant mutters something in German, not angrily I hope. You never…Berlin2 min read
Published in Hand on the Shoulder·Oct 24, 2021East BerlinHe stares at my passport while I shift from side to side on thin soled business shoes. The light is dim. …Travel1 min read
Oct 24, 2021Into the SeaShe’s gone. Waded into the ocean. We thought she was going for a swim, but she kept going. Up to her waist. She walked by the pool as if it wasn’t even there. Headed directly to the beach. The waves are light today. No turbulence, low tide. So we thought…Psychology2 min read