Kick off in Raleigh, NC!
i am excited to report that the start of our North American Tour has been excellent! we kicked off the event in Raleigh, NC and the workshop was hosted by District 37 Toastmasters (who are all fantastic and always welcoming)!
we had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new people, all who are inspired to become better speakers and learn how to send their message from the heart. check out all the photos on the How to Be A Speaker’s Facebook page!
this is Naomi, their immediate past district governor and she’s fabulous. one of her goals is to have all the world champions roll around in her (surprising very spacious) mini-cooper! she gave us a mini tour in her mini cooper (see what i did there?) around downtown Raleigh! so fun!
after our cruise through downtown (and noting where andrew johnson was born, in a kitchen nonetheless) i was beyond happy to see a little farmer’s market right across the street from our hotel! i cannot express to you how happy this made my colorado/portland soul!
i started walking briskly towards the end of it with an almost magnetized force. i whisked past the pastries, farm fresh eggs, crisp vegetables and vibrant fruit until i got my hands on my little fingers on this: ginger molasses cookie from the cookie people! i am definitely a cookie people (or person).
they had about 15 different flavors, all of which looked delicious but since it’s finally starting to feel like fall i obviously had to go with the classic ginger flavor. after i devoured the whole cookie by 10:07am (hey…i went for a 2.3 mile run around downtown so i earned that sucker) i was able to enjoy the rest of the tables.
we picked out some delicious looking apples and the nice lady even threw in 3 small peaches-i love local community events!
everyone that we encountered in raleigh was so kind and nice! the “city of oaks” certainly surprised me in terms of trendiness, local restaurants and their sustainability efforts.
example: my husband was super hungry after his workshop the night before so we stopped by a jimmy john’s sandwich place right at 10pm or more importantly…right as they closed their doors. there was a woman outside who saw the sadness in his eyes as he tried with all his might to pry that door open. she went to another door that someone was just locking and said “could you please let this last couple in, they had their heart set on eating here.”
he considered her a moment and then waved us in. ravery then proceeded to hug both of them (if you know him…you are not surprised. the guy however, was certainly surprised). kindness from strangers is something to be remembered.
the new wifestyle: kindness absolutely makes the world a better place, partake in it.
questions:
1) have you ever been in a mini-cooper?
2) favorite type of cookie?
3) do you have a farmers market near you?
Kathy Crowley
September 26, 2013 at 7:44 am
Thank you sooooo much for starting your tour in North Carolina. You guys have such a special place in our hearts. The workshop was fantastic and I even received an email from one of our long term Toastmaster club members who was impressed with the quality of the program. It’s just so clear that you guys are pouring your heart and soul into this and I feel very special and blessed to be able to participate!! Hugs to you both!
chelsea
September 26, 2013 at 1:30 pm
we had such a blast with you and even though i only got to talk with you for a few minutes kathy….best few minutes of the night 🙂 glad you enjoyed the workshop and happy to hear even some long term TMers did too! hugs to you as well and thanks for all your help!
kate a.
September 26, 2013 at 8:35 am
Two things before I answer the questions.
1. No one is judging you for a cookie you ate at 10am. shoot, you could have been like “I ate 3 cookies before I rolled out of bed” and I wouldn’t have judged.:-) I am impressed by your running. way to go.
2. I think people either really like or dislike Jimmy Johns. I’m in the latter. I think their “vegetarian” sandwich is a sad attempt. I am glad they let him in though. very nice. just as nice as me when I said served him free food bc he was so nice. ha.
1.no. I don’t think I’d fit.
2. oh gosh. I can’t choose just one. I like them all.
3. yes. yes.
chelsea
September 26, 2013 at 1:33 pm
thank you for the non-judgement on cookies for breakfast, kate. i appreciate that. i could see the veggie sandwich there not being so good but when you fill it with meat and mayo and great bread…winning combination! did he get things out of you at the bagel place?? ha!
i can personally attest that you would fit. mr. 6’4 fit comfortably…the outside is deceiving!
chuckmen
September 26, 2013 at 9:27 am
It’s going to be great following the tour and hearing about all the incredible experiences and people you’ll be meeting along the way.
1. No, I’ve never been in a Mini-Cooper, but want to drive one. Hummm….time to go by a dealer for a test drive.
2. My favorite cookie? That’s a tough one, but probably oatmeal raisin is really high on the list followed by my wife’s chocolate chips cookies.
3. Yes, we have several farm’s markets and we love shopping at them to see the myriad of fruits and vegetables.
chelsea
September 26, 2013 at 1:36 pm
thanks for following along chuckmen! i too am excited about all the neat things (and i’m sure literal bumps in the road) as we go on this adventure!
you totally should test drive a mini-cooper they are fuuuun! aren’t homemade cookies the very best? so happy you have a farmer’s market near you and that you frequent them! yay fresh foods 🙂
Claire Bickel
September 26, 2013 at 12:03 pm
1. I’ve never been in a Mini but I own a Fiat and I love it. Small cars rock!
2. The perfect chocolate chip cookie can’t be beat–I’m still on the look out for it though.
3. Yes! I used to live just down the street from the best one in Seattle and I really need to check out my new local one before it closes for the season.
chelsea
September 26, 2013 at 1:41 pm
i didn’t know you had a fiat claire-those are cute! claire…if you are even in houston or near my mother-in-law i can personally attest that i am pretty certain that your search will end after you eat hers. they are the best. ohhhh pike’s place…that is a damn good farmer’s market! i hope your new one is good too!
tastefullykay
September 26, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Congratulations! Can’t wait till you get to Seattle. I have already booked and am ready for the drive from Portland to see you. I love my HTBAS videos. Simon says my speaking has really improved. Thanks be to you two. Kay
chelsea
September 27, 2013 at 3:22 pm
thank you kay for the congrats and i am SO excited you are coming to the event in seattle!! you are too amazing 🙂 so glad you are liking the HTBAS videos and i’m glad your speaking is improving! can’t wait to see you!
debra
September 26, 2013 at 5:36 pm
Yep….own a Mini. I love it!
Favorite cookie….oatmeal
Have a farmer’s market right down the street. But it just isn’t the same as the one in Des Moines. That one is awesome!
chelsea
September 27, 2013 at 3:24 pm
i forgot how cool you were already with a mini cooper debra! i see an oatmeal theme happening….i like them when the chocolate chips replace the raisins! oohh i’ve never been to the farmer’s market in des moines-how did i miss that?? hope you are doing well!