My Favorite Window Covering Tool

Did you guess what it was? Yes, it surely is my Leica Disto Laser Measure! Today at a client's new home I measured 31 windows in less than half an hour, top and bottom windows, doors, up and down stairs, in 90 degree heat.

I purchased my Disto a few years ago, wincing as I looked at the price, but it has paid for itself many times over. I didn't mismeasure often, but even once a year was too often, with the price of a Duette Architella shade or a custom shutter.

Now all I need to do is get that quote out...

Onward Hunter Douglas Certification!

A few weeks ago, I received a good dose of inspiration from an email I received. Only seven individuals became Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealers in June; a designer whose work I admire was one of the seven. Quite an feat - HD sent out an email notifying all dealers of their accomplishment! This program is thorough and encompasses a wide range, from Hunter Douglas products such as Skyline and Silhouette, to window covering basics, to professional development.

In a followup note to my congratulatory message, this designer wrote, "There is no better time to invest in yourself than when business is a little slow (summer and economy)..." And those words were the impetus I needed to continue my education in the window fashions industry. It's so easy to just sit back, relax, and wait for the clients to call. It's much harder to be proactive, especially when it's summer, it's sunny, and the livin' is good!

There are so many great ways to keep on learning from your lawnchair - boot up your laptop, and look for the great webinars on offer, or browse through the plethora of articles online. I'm disappointed I had to miss a webinar on social networking by Debbie Green of Minutes Matter Studio, coming as it did in the middle of an installation, but will keep my eyes open for the next one. Grace McNamara's Vision Magazine always has lots of interesting, informative and beautifully presented articles to delight the eye as they inform the mind. TrendSpot Blog... Oh, la, la! And I could continue...

But I would much rather have you share your favorite inspirational educational informational blogs/websites/magazines/ezines with all of us!

... I'm Proud to be an American...

The words of Lee Greenwood's song echoed in my thoughts as I watched 311 brand new United States Marines march in formation at their Graduation Ceremony at the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego just over a week ago. I swallowed a lump in my throat, hand held over heart, as I listened to the band perform the National Anthem, looking at those ranks of solemn-faced young men.

Thirteen weeks of hard training, sweat, and education lay behind them. They were imprinted with the values of "Courage, Honor and Commitment" of the Marine Corps. They had learned to work as a team and not as individuals; to work for the common good and with common goals. They together completed the Crucible and climbed the Reaper and earned the title: they are Marines.

Our son was among those young men. As a family we were blessed to be able to witness his graduation, just day after receiving the blessing of another healthy granddaughter. And as a country we are blessed to have a volunteer armed services made up of young men and women like these Marines, who desire to serve their country.

Take some time to thank a veteran or a member of the armed services, or their family members today. They have our gratitude!