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On The Bricks

July 31, 2017

Two ladies walked in to the office a week or so ago and the mom of the two said she wanted to become an individual member of Main Street Guymon. Not recognizing them, I asked how they knew about Main Street. It seems they moved to Guymon in December and they had just seen and read about the Main Street programs and wanted to get involved.

What a blessing.

Been there when you have those weeks that just don’t seem to ever get over? I had had a long week with meetings and you know how meetings can take all your time and you don’t get much of a chance to get things done on your TO DO list but each meeting certainly adds to it?

Those are the weeks that everyone’s “help” and ideas really aren’t appreciated because you have things that you HAVE to get done that are overdue and it just gets a little overwhelming … even when you know that they are really just trying to help. And the truth is that it might be helpful if it were anytime but THAT week, you know?

Then you have someone walk in like Pam Conner who says such kind and positive things and it just puts the world back in perspective. And then I am OK with getting done what I can in my day and not kicking myself (or anyone else) for not getting any more done.

Thank you, Pam Conner. Thank you for becoming a Main Street member and thank you for saying such wonderful things about our programs. I think when you meet our Main Street volunteers, you will just love them.

And welcome to Guymon to you and your whole family. We are so glad to have you all here.

While were talking about wonderful folks … thank you to Emily Alcocer and her faithful crochet folks for their Crocheting for Charity. If anyone would like to join them as they work the needles, please join. Call 338-6246 for more information.

For those wanting to being living a healthier lifestyle, there is a six week class being offered at the library. This class addresses pain, fatigue, and the inability to sleep. The instructors will share activities that help to improve strength, exercise, endurance, and safe use of medications. This course is designed for individuals or caregivers of those who have chronic health problems and want to improve their overall health through a positive approach. The course will address better breathing, techniques to control sleeplessness and pain and fatigue and depression, ways to prevent falling, relaxation skills, and more. It starts Aug. 2 and is held every Wednesday from 1 – 3 in the afternoon until Sept. 6.

Anyone interested in learning more about Guymon’s Cultural District Initiative is invited to a public meeting on Aug. 3 at 6:30 pm in the Galleon Restaurant meeting room. They are looking for committee members who are diverse from business owners and managers, culturally specific and social service and religious organizations, people from educational institutions, professional groups, artists, and those in government.

Be a part of what’s happening or going to happen in Guymon. Be someone’s Pam Conner.

And come and see us on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 28, 2017

The Church of the Nazarene invited the community to a meeting to hear a speaker from Monroe, South Carolina. From the moment she started speaking, she drew you into her story. She made you know that the world really was a place filled with loving and caring people. As I heard her talk, I knew that we were being called to be more active in our towns, to show the love we’re supposed to show to others, and to help someone in some way. The conviction came that it is time for me to stop talking about it, stop thinking about it, and start doing it.

Maybe there were others in the room that felt the same conviction.

I know there are a few who have the energy and passion to keep this going and it isn’t to get more people in their pews, it isn’t get more money in their coffers, it is because they know it’s time and it’s the right thing to do.

And they would love for you to join them.

You don’t have to be of the same denomination. You don’t have to be of the same generation. You don’t have to have the same accent. You don’t have to be the same color. You just have to be willing to give some time to sharing your love of Guymon.

They call the movement “For the Love of Guymon.”

The speaker spoke about a mentoring program where the mentors were asked to give 30 minutes a week, four times a month, about 38 months a year. That’s about 19 hours a year. Think you might want to do something like that?

Contact Monty Sanders at 580-461-4459 if you would like to hear more about it. Or call me, Melyn Johnson, at 580-338-6246 if you want.

Remember the words Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Let’s go make a life.

And Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Let’s go find ourselves.

“As you grow older,” said actress Audrey Hepburn (I loved My Fair Lady), “you will discover that you have two hands – one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Let’s go get both hands busy.

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves,” said Helen Keller. Let’s go get happier.

These quotes are from some pretty exceptional folks that probably knew what they were talking about.

And if you’re not from Guymon and you’re reading this, just substitute the name of where you’re from in for Guymon. It doesn’t matter where you’re at, it’s always true.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 24, 2017

People were created to be loved. Objects were created to be used. If you’re confusing the two, you could be in trouble. Or causing trouble. Or both.

Real quick, think of five people you truly love.

Now tell me what you did for them last week.

Wait a minute. I’m going to call my dad. Be back with you in a minute.

I’m back. Papa wasn’t home.

Let’s get back on topic.

At church I sat by my grandson. He is old enough to have his drivers license, but he still gives me a hug and puts his head against my head at some time during the service. He tells me he loves me. And I know he does because he acts like he does. And I treasure every single Sunday when I see him. Actually, it is “them” because he’s not the only sweet grandchild I have.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. ~Lao Tzu

Loving someone means you place their happiness over yours.

Loving someone means you trust someone. It doesn’t mean they are perfect because they will err and they might hurt you, but trust them anyway.

Loving someone means you don’t have to correct them. You realize that they can be wrong and it doesn’t change the fact that you love them.

Loving someone means you compromise because it isn’t always about you and what you want and need.

Loving someone means you listen with your ears and your heart.

Loving isn’t easy. And it isn’t perfect, because people are never perfect. You included. Me included.

Loving is something we learn to do and we can get better at doing it. Some people make it easy to love them. Some people don’t.

Some people have all sorts of expectations of you if they love you. Some don’t.

Some people seem to want to make you perfect, when you know that you aren’t. And you aren’t ever going to be perfect. That’s a fact of life.

Now, go back to that list of people you love. Do something this week that reminds them that you love them, without correcting them, without criticizing them, without asking them to do something for you, without forgetting to listen to them. Just enjoy. Enjoy the fact that you can love and that you have someone to love. Remember we are created to be loved. And we were created to love.

And remember that the PubFest is Saturday and I would love to see you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 20, 2017

Last weekend the last Hansford County Cook-Off took place on Stavlo’s ranch. This is an event that in 17 years because of the hard work and giving hearts of many people has helped people who were having problems and needed a helping hand. To the tune of $150,000 or so over the 17 years. Yes. Impressive, isn’t it?

What would be more impressive is to count the hours that Paul Stavlo and his helpers spent getting the ranch ready for the event. What is more impressive is the number of people who brought food, wrote checks, played music, and helped make the event fun in addition to being such a fantastic benefit.

Even though it was a Hansford County event, Lannie Wilson and Ken Stonecipher are two Guymonites that helped greatly, almost all the years.

Thank you to Paul and Barbara Stavlo and to Richard and Wanda Wagner who are the ones who led this charge and worked their tails off year after year. These folks are the jewels in the crown. It was a great run and you deserve a bit of a rest.

But in September my daughter is getting married and her reception is going to be at the Stavlo Ranch. So that means Paul will probably working like a maniac again … because he’s just that way.

Friends like Paul and Barbara are to be treasured.

Do you treasure those people in your life?

Are we doing things that make us worth being treasured? Something to think about.

I know some folks who are acting like treasures. The OPSU Football Families. We had a potluck and game night last week with 40 of the OPSU football players and the laughter was abundant. So was the food. What a great group of people. What a great time. A religious person might call the football family program a mission. But I can’t see how a mission could be that much fun.

We have some football boys that would love to have a football family. When you’re that far from home, it’s nice to have someone that comes to your games and has an occasional potluck for you. Call 338-6246 if you want more information on the Football Family program.

Crochet lessons and gathering is still taking place on Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 at the Main Street Guymon office. Come and join us! We have extra crochet needles and yarn for you. And thank you to the many who have brought us yarn.

On July 26 is an Oklahoma Family Network Kinship meeting at the Main Street Guymon office. These meetings are geared for families who have special needs children and grandchildren. Contact Monica Ronne at 580-651-9700 or Shanda Oden at 580-461-3528 for more information.

Saturday, July 29, is PubFest here on Fifth Street east of Main and Fifth. There is a mile run, live music, hot dog eating contest, free hot dogs from 11 to 2, watermelon eating contest, sand volleyball, turtle races, and domino games. With dominoes there will also be several other games in the Main Street Guymon office starting at 4. Join in the fun!!! Brought to you by The Pub on the Bricks and friends.

That same night is a dance at the No Man’s Land Center, 515 NE 15th, in Guymon with live music provided by Cottonwood. The dance goes from 7 to 10 and you can call 580-338-7216 for more information.

It’s a good time to be here.

See you on the Bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 17, 2017

Checking personal Facebook messages gets done on occasion by me. Just so happened to do it this morning. And I found this story sent to me by a friend of mine who included, “This reminded me of you.”

So, I read it. And now I’m sharing it.

“Hi! How are you?” The woman smiled as she took the seat beside me. She had to lower herself slowly, squeezing her ample bottom into the seat, filling all available space.

Positioning herself comfortably, she plopped her enormous arm on our common armrest. Her immensity saturated the space around us, shrinking me and my seat into insignificance.

I cringed and reclined towards the window.

She leaned towards me and repeated her greeting in an upbeat, friendly voice. Her face towered above my head, forcing me to turn to look at her. “Hi,” I replied with obvious loathing.

I turned away to stare out the cabin window, sulking silently about the long hours of discomfort I was going to experience with this monster beside me.

She nudged me with her meaty arm. “My name is Laura. I’m from Britain. How about you? Japan?”

“Malaysia,” I barked.

“I’m so sorry! Will you accept my heartfelt apology? Come, shake my hand. If we’re going to spend six hours side-by-side on this flight, we’d better be friends, don’t you think?” A palm waved in front of my face. I shook the hand reluctantly, still silent.

Laura started a conversation with me, taking no notice of my unfriendly reactions. She talked excitedly about herself and her trip to Hong Kong to see her friends. She rattled off a list of things she was going to buy for her students in the boarding school where she was teaching.

I gave her one-word answers to her questions about me. Unperturbed by my coldness, she nodded as she made appreciative comments to my answers. Her voice was warm and caring. She was considerate and obliging when we were served drinks and meals, making sure that I had room to maneuver in my seat. “I don’t want to clobber you with my elephant size!” she said with utmost sincerity.

To my surprise, her face which repulsed me hours before, now opened into extraordinary smiles, lively and calm at the same time. I couldn’t help but let down my guard slowly.

Laura was an interesting conversationalist. She was well read in many subjects from philosophy to science. She turned a seemingly unimportant subject into something to explore and understand. Her comments were humorous and inspirational. When our topic turned to cultures, I was pleasantly surprised by her intelligent comments and well-thought-out analysis.

During our conversation, Laura managed to make every cabin crew who served us walk away laughing at her jokes.

When a flight attendant was clearing our plates, Laura cracked several jokes about her size. The flight attendant roared with laughter as she grabbed Laura’s hand, “You really make my day!”

For the next few minutes, Laura listened attentively and gave pointers to the flight attendant’s weight problem. The grateful attendant said before she rushed off, “I’ve got to work. I’ll come back later and talk to you about it.”

I asked Laura, “‘Have you ever thought about losing some weight?”

“No. I’ve worked hard to get this way. Why would I want to give it up?”

“You aren’t worried about cardiovascular diseases that come with being overweight?”

“Not at all. You only get the diseases if you’re worried about your weight all the time. You see advertisements from slimming centres that say, ‘Liberate yourself from your extra baggage so that you are free to be yourself.’ It’s rubbish! You’re liberated only if you’re comfortable about who you are, and what you look like any time of the day and anytime of the year! Why would I want to waste my time on slimming regimes when I have so many other important things to do and so many people to be friends with? I eat healthily and walk regularly; I’m this size because I am born to be big! There is more to life than worrying about weight all day long.”

She sipped at her wine. “Besides, God gives me so much happiness that I need a bigger body to hold all of it! Why would I lose weight to lose my happiness?” Taken aback by her reasoning, I chuckled.

Laura continued. “Folks often see me as a fat lady with big bosoms, big thighs and a big bottom that no man would even bother to cast a glance at. They see me as a slob. They think I’m lazy and have no willpower. They’re wrong.” She held up her glass to a passing flight attendant. “More of this magnificent wine, please.” She smiled sweetly at the attendant. “Great service from your crew. May God bless all of you.”

She turned to me, “I’m actually a slim person inside. I’m so full of energy that people won’t be able to keep up with me. This extra flesh is here to slow me down, otherwise I’ll be running everywhere chasing after men!”

“Do men chase after you?” I asked jokingly.

“Of course they do. I’m happily married but men still keep proposing to me. Most of them have relationship problems and they need someone to confide in. For some reason, they like to talk to me. I think I should have been a counsellor instead of a school teacher!”

Laura paused before she said thoughtfully, “You know, the relationship between men and women is so complicated. Women worship men and call them, ‘Honey’ until they find out they have been lied to, and then they turn into bitter gourds! Men love women so much that they see them as their soul mates until they look at their credit card bills, and then women become devils with tridents!”

Laura’s enthralling conversation had turned the flight into something thoroughly enjoyable. I was also fascinated by the way people were drawn to her. By the end of the flight, almost half the cabin crew was standing near the aisle by us, laughing and joking with Laura. The passengers around us joined in the merry-making too. Laura was the centre of attention, filling the cabin with delightful warmth.

When we waved goodbye to each other at the arrival lounge at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport, I watched her walking towards a big group of adoring adults and kids. Cheers sounded as the group hugged and kissed Laura. She turned around and winked at me.

I was stunned, as the realization set in: Laura was the most beautiful woman I had ever met in my life.

My friend made my day. I weigh too much and I do need to lose some weight because it is starting to hurt when I shouldn’t hurt, but it doesn’t mean I hate myself.

Make sure you’re friends with who you are, too. The good and the bad.

And I’ll see you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 12, 2017

To be a friend, according to one definition is a person that you share a bond of affection. People have friends that they’ve grown up with, friends through work, friends they have met through other friends, and some are just gifts God has put in our lives. Those who have many friends usually have a knack for being a friend.

Everyone has different things they look for in friends. One of the main things I want is someone that is interesting to talk to. That means someone who doesn’t always talk about themselves. I found a few other opinions on good conversationalists.

“The rule is not to talk about money with people who have much more or much less than you,” said Katherine Whitehorn.

Gerald Nachman said, “The toughest part of being on a diet is shutting up about it.”

Health topics can be a real yawner. I read this quote, that wasn’t attributed to anyone, “A bore is someone who, when asked how he is, tells you.”

And there are those times when you feel trapped by the person who won’t hush. William Dean Howells says about them, “Some people stay longer in an hour than others do in a month.” I think that’s me sometimes. But I try not to make it a daily habit!

A friend is interested in what is going on with you. Those who are only wanting to talk about themselves want an audience, not a friend.

The person who is honest and dependable, who won’t be talking smack about you when you’re not in the room is a friend. The one who talks smack about you when you’re in the conversation is a fun friend, oftentimes.

There are those who you don’t see that often, but you know they care, that they say a prayer for you some days, and if something was to go wrong, they are likely to walk in the door. It doesn’t matter how you met them, it just matters that you have them. And you’ll keep them if you are willing to do the same for them.

A good friend of mine read something titled, “Sweetness of Friendship” and was kind enough to email it to me. Her simple note said, “Thought of you when I read this. You’ve become one of my most cherished friends.” Someone who does something like that is the sort that makes your life precious. They bring out the best in you and make you able to see life as special.

Here’s what she sent with her email, “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. I have come to the realization that friends are the only true staple in life. More than food, they sustain us as we hike that trail of life, taking the road less traveled, and more than water they quench our thirst, our thirst for living, our thirst for life.”

Be a friend today. It matters … just like it mattered to me when I read what my friend sent me.

Go to the dance at the No Man’s Land Center on July 15. You might find a new friend that evening! Twelve Gauge is playing their country and western tunes for the dance that goes from 7 to 10 pm. Call 338-7216 if you have questions.

If you know of someone that has a Special Needs child or grandchild, be sure to tell them about the monthly support meeting on July 17 that starts at 6 pm in the Main Street Guymon office.

And if you’re wanting to meet new friends or have some visit time while doing something for others, come and crochet (there’s a teacher if you don’t know how) at the Main Street Guymon office on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in July from 5 to 6 pm. Bring your own crochet project or come and use the donated yarn and make a lap robe for someone in the nursing home.

It’s all good.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 6, 2017

Food is interesting. Some people are so finicky in their eating habits, others are just hearty. The Football Families are going to be having a potluck on July 16 for 40 OPSU football players and if you like having your cooking appreciated, you should join us. Nothing like feeding fellows who don’t have a car, don’t have a cafeteria, and live in Goodwell while they’re working out hard … burning lots of calories. They can decimate a buffet.

Recently read in the Rotarian magazine that “Five portions of fruit and vegetables are great for your health, but 10 a day are even better. Imperial College London scientists analyzed 95 studies and confirmed that the five – a – day recommendation reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. But if people doubled that intake, an estimated 7.8 premature deaths worldwide could potentially be prevented each year. One small banana or three heaping tablespoons of cooked vegetables count as a portion.”

No expert here, but I don’t think French fries really count on this. But the veggies at the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings do! Come by and get some of the best fresh produce in the world. Vendors are ready to sell at 8 am and stay until 11 or until they sell out. The market is in front of the Texas County Courthouse, 4th and Main, in Guymon.

Sign in a restaurant window, “Come in, or we’ll both starve.” Now that’s funny.

Play Days for kids who love riding horses are happening at L&M Arena on July 12, 18, and 26. Call Mike or Lori Shannon at 580-654-0855 for more information. They’re even fun to just go watch.

Crochet for Charity and free crochet lessons (yarn and needle are free, too) start on July 11 and happen every Tuesday and Thursday in July after that from 5 – 6 pm. Bring your crochet project and join or come and learn how to crochet or help crochet lap robes for the nursing home. This all happens at the Main Street Guymon office, 116 NE 5th Street. Thanks so much to those who have donated yarn and needles.

The OPSU Belly Open golf tournament is this weekend. Good luck to all those who are supporting OPSU and swinging their clubs at this event.

The Ready Group meets on Sat., July 8, at 9:30 am in the First Christian Church.

That same evening is an Open Mic Night at the Guymon Community Theatre beginning at 6 pm. All are welcome to come!

And on July 15 is a country and western dance at the Senior Citizens Center, 515 NE 15th, in Guymon with 12 Gauge playing. Everyone is invited to be there!

Enjoy your time under the sun and on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

July 2017 TV

PTCI Channel 2 video

July 2017

Toastmasters with Velma Smotherman and Community Volunteers Emily Alcocer and Alphonso Ortega

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On The Bricks

June 28, 2017

There are so many jokes about marriage. Most do not speak of the wedded state as being bliss. But they make me laugh.

“There is one thing I would break up over, and that is if she caught me with another woman,” said comedian Steve Martin. “I won’t stand for that.” So noble.

“Instead of getting married again,” wrote humor columnist Lewis Grizzard, “I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and give her a house.” So crass.

Rodney Dangerfield adds, “My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.” So sad.

Those are all comedians getting a laugh. And I do laugh when I read them. But I have a friend of 15 years who recently lost her husband to cancer. What she wrote is so much deeper.

“He was my best friend,” writes Karen. “We were married 52 years and one week. I miss our early morning coffee and talks before we went to work. I miss our evenings in the gazebo in our backyard. I miss our Saturday morning breakfast. I miss sitting next to him in church and listening to him sing. I miss the small everyday things. And at the end I prayed that God would take him home so he would not suffer.” That’s real.

And in that short paragraph she emailed me, I think it holds some of the secrets of having a 52 – year happy marriage. They talk. They sit together. They eat at the table together. They go to church. They enjoyed each other. Karen was so lucky and now she is so sad. Life isn’t easy.

But there are many things to enjoy in life here in Guymon right now, too. Make it a point to do so. Cherish the time we have and the opportunities presented to us.

L&M Arena Play Days are going on. The July evenings are the 5, 12, 19, and 26. Go to the arena, north of town on Highway 64, and watch those kids having a wonderful time on their horses.

Those who enjoy golfing need to consider signing up for the OPSU Belly Open Tournament that takes place July 7 and 8. The evening of the 7th includes a dinner, dancing, social, including a silent auction at the Hitch Arena Building. It begins at 8 pm and music is by 12 Gauge. For more information, contact Coach Russell Gaskamp at 580-651-4480.

Families with children who have special needs are invited to the Oklahoma Family Network discussion at lunchtime on July 7. The talk is about “Effective Communication with Service Providers” and it takes place from noon to 1 pm in the Main Street Guymon office. Call Monica Ronne at 580-651-9700 for more information.

Calling all crocheters to come together on July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27 in the Main Street Guymon office from 5 to 6 pm. Come if you want to learn to crochet. Come if you want to crochet around the table with others wielding their needle. Those who are learning or don’t have a project, we have yarn and a needle for you and you can take part in Emily’s Crochet for Charity. First, we will be crocheting lap robes for elders in the nursing home. It’s free and it’s fun. Call Melyn Johnson at 338-6246 for more information.

And don’t miss the fresh garden veggies and herbs on Saturday at the Farmers Market. It starts at 8 am in front of the Texas County Courthouse at 4th and Main. It’s free to be a vendor. Call 338-6246 for more info.

See you on the bricks while I’m picking up some fresh garden squash!

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On The Bricks

June 19, 2017

This is the last column filled with the ideas of Dale Carnegie. The last chapters of the book were good, but not filled with as much inspiration as the first chapters. So, I’ve highlighted some bits and pieces to share here. Hope you enjoy them. Remember Carnegie is giving us advice on how to win friends and influence people. He’s telling us how to be socially adept. How to get people to work with us. It’s good things to know, no matter what you are doing in life.

“Cooperativeness in conversation is achieved when you show that you consider the other person’s ideas and feelings as important as your own,” wrote Carnegie.

He also tells, “Experience has taught me that when no information can be secured about the customer, the only sound basis on which to proceed is to assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful, and willing and anxious to pay the charges, once convinced they are correct. To put it differently and perhaps more clearly, people are honest and want to discharge their obligations. The exceptions to that rule are comparatively few, and I am convinced that the individuals who are inclined to chisel will, in most cases, react favorably if you make them feel that you consider them honest, upright, and fair.

“Let Charles Schwab say it in his own words, ‘The way to get things done,’ says Schwab, ‘is to stimulate competition. I do not mean in a sordid, money – getting way, but in the desire to excel.’

“The desire to excel! The challenge! Throwing down the gauntlet! An infallible way of appealing to people of spirit.

“’I have never found,’ said Harvey S. Firestone, founder of the great Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, ‘that pay and pay alone would either bring together or hold good people. I think it was the game itself.’

“If the work was exciting and interesting, the worker looked forward to doing it and was motivated to do a good job.

“That is what every successful person loves: the game. The chance for self – expression. The chance to prove his or her worth, to excel, to win. That is what makes footraces and hog – calling and pie – eating contests. The desire to excel. The desire for a feeling of importance.”

And when you are in the position of leadership, there are some simple rules to follow to keep people from being offended and to get the most from your workers. Always begin with praise and appreciation. Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person. Ask questions instead of giving orders. Let the other person save face. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. Use encouragement and make the fault seem easy to correct. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

And remember, it is always good to improve your skills and become a better person.

See you on the bricks – excelling and competing and praising.