Speak Softly, or the World According to Peter Rabbit

This past Sunday, my family gathered for the Annual William’s Family Reunion in West Tennessee. It was earlier than usual this year because my Great-Uncle Pete wanted to celebrate his 82nd birthday with about 100 of his closest relatives. I was sad to miss the celebration, but I’ve been thinking lots about him.

Uncle Pete (whose real name isn’t really Pete. It’s Roy, but he really loved Peter Rabbit, so my great-grandparents let him go by Pete. I think that’s what happens when you have 10 kids. As long as they answer, you’ll call ‘um whatever they want) has many outstanding qualities: loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and is so nurturing and kind no one can resist running up and giving him a big bear hug the instant they see him.

One of my favorite things about Uncle Pete is he speaks quietly. We know when Uncle Pete talks, it’s important, because this is a man who doesn’t talk to hear the sound of his own voice. He’s over six feet tall and has the stance of a man who has farmed his whole life, so he looks like he’d have a deep, booming voice. He doesn’t. I’m certain he could have a deep, booming voice if he wanted to – but he knows it’s much more effective to speak quietly. Makes people pay attention, really lean in to hear what you’re saying. He knows folks are more likely to remember what you say if you speak simply, softly.

The best marketers take a page out of Uncle Pete’s book. They don’t add to the noise with useless messages. They don’t scream to be heard above the roar of the crowd. They say what they need to say, when their audience needs to hear it, and they speak with authority … no loud, booming voice necessary.

And you lean in and listen closely, every single time.

Happy Birthday, Peter Rabbit! XO - Amy Mac

Sunshine on my Shoulders

Here's a link to my latest article for Northside Woman. Here's to sunscreen on a sunny day - Enjoy!

The Witching Hour

As you may already know, I write an article for a local, monthly publication. Sometimes there’s a theme I write around (like Mother’s Day, or summer fun) and sometimes they just set me loose with whatever I want to write.

For an upcoming article, I’m going to write about “The Witching Hour,” that time of day where kids of all ages seem to fall apart. If there’s a fit to be pitched, an argument to battle, a knee to skin or white carpet to spill grape juice upon, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. is the time for it to all go down.

I used to think the frayed nerves of the hour was an exclusive privilege of moms of infants and toddlers, and that my children would grow out of it, much like they outgrew the need for a nap. My kids are nearly 8 and 10 years of age respectively, and …. well, let’s just say someone burst into tears yesterday because we ordered her pizza instead of pasta at the restaurant for dinner. Seriously.

So parents of kids of all ages, send me your stories! Is there a Witching Hour at your house? (If not, can I move in with you?) What’s your best Witching Hour story? Did you figure out a legal way to keep the Witching Hour at bay? If so, I’d like to know!

Send your stories to amymacpr@comcast.net no later than June 30, and be sure to include your full name and contact information.

The Key to Happiness

When we’re not at the pool, a favorite activity for the girls is arts and crafts – painting, designing, and coloring their worlds with dreams and goals and pleasant thoughts.

My nine-year-old is a budding writer, and her current mission is to develop a magazine. As you can see, she’s mocked up a cover with articles about pressing issues including “Geek or Not – Figure it Out,” “Are You Looking for a Popular Summer Sport?” and “Is Your Makeup All Right?” Ever the detailed entrepreneur, she’s held space for advertising, and will no doubt hit up relatives in the coming months to support her current endeavor with cold, hard cash. Maybe she’ll give me a job some day when she’s the editor of one of the big, fancy glossies in NYC.

With big, broad strokes, my seven-year-old has painted the keys to happiness, in no particular order: sunshine, smiles, peace, love, and chocolate ice cream cones with a cherry on top. After a long day at the pool, peace brought on like only sunshine and lots of time outdoors can bring, smiles, hugs and some soft-serve ice cream (minus the cherry, but we’re not too picky), I have to say she’s got it right. There ya go, I just saved you $25 on the latest, greatest self-help book. Remember, you read it here at the Amy Mac blog!

Eagle Eye Editor

In the past, I’ve proclaimed the importance of editing your work. Attention to detail is paramount, I said. Don’t allow careless errors to cause your readers to doubt your abilities.

I generally do a pretty good job of catching my own mistakes, but occasionally they slip past me. (I’ve already corrected it, so don’t try to find it.)

A recent boo-boo was brought to my attention by my mother. We had a brief discussion about how one can review one’s own writing a million times and skip right past an obvious mistake and how helpful it is to have someone read behind you that isn’t as familiar with the document.
Which got me thinking, my mom has a little extra time on her hands, so instead of posting in a giant rush (the usual protocol), I’ll first send the article to her for her review.

After all, my mom still has 20/20 vision, whereas I have worn glasses since third grade.

Seems to me she’s in a better position to eagle-eye these blog posts than I. What do you think, mom? Are you ready for your first post-retirement “job?”