Integrity is especially important for business, not just as an abstract ethical principle, but as a practical concern. In this age of Internet fraud and Enrons, all businesses are under intense scrutiny. One well-publicized incident of dishonesty will drive customers into arms of competitors and, in some cases, destroy your business.

Can anyone be an artist?

People admiring my work often say, “I could never do that!” I say, “Yes, you can!”

Eight years ago, during a very difficult time in my career in finance (Downsizings, layoffs – let’s not talk about it, OK?), my company sent me to a development workshop for female executives. I came out of a particularly thought-provoking discussion group and penned following very prophetic free verse.

Threads They Said Mimi said, “Why don't you paint again?”

I said, “There's no time. I crunch numbers now.”

Carole said, “You can do it!”

I said, “No. I don’t think so.”

Cheryl said, “You have an artist within. Reach down. Bring it out.”

I said, “My numbers … they pay bills.

Though, God knows, they don’t feed soul anymore!”

Martha said, “There’s a strength within you.”

I asked, “They why do I feel so weak, so beaten?”

Bob said, “Reach for sky. Be your mother’s daughter.

Write poetry. Perhaps answer lies within."

I reached. I created. I wrote. I discovered. The threads came together. I design tee-shirts now. On a glorious sunny beach. I write my musings in between. And share them with other artists --- like me.

I didn’t really dwell on these thoughts at time since I ended up taking early retirement and had no intention of going back to work.

“Threads They Said” got filed away with my other work files. I only unearthed it recently and was stunned to realize how it all has come true.

Except we don’t live on a glorious sunny beach, we live on a mountainside overlooking a beautiful lake – close enough for me! And now you are some of other artists I share my musings with!