Our theme for this last meeting of the month was “ Tax Burden”. Filing your taxes? Good! Owe money to the IRS? Not so good! Here’s some advice from Cara S., our Toastmaster: don’t give up, just keep at it and you may end up with a refund instead! . The word of the day,” Recalcitrant” was introduced by Paula L. Ashwini H. officiated as the timekeeper.
Julie S was the first speaker with her speech titled “ Highlights of Osten and Asher”. Presenting CC project #6-Vocal variety, Julie chose the subject of her two nephews, Osten and Asher. Through a series of vignettes, Julie painted the picture two little boys, the milestones in their development, their likes and dislikes and their evolving relationship with each other and the world. Quoting from real interactions, Julie made a judicious use of kid dialogue for vocal variety. Thanks for an artful and tender speech, Julie! We look forward to the next instalment of the adventures of Osten and Asher!
Our second speaker, Bill S. presented CC project #3- Get to the Point. In his speech titled :” Do not tax yourself with the forethought of grief, Bill, a self described “small town Norwegian-Lutheran guy” describes his journey; growing up not talking about death to learning to become fluent and comfortable with death and grief as a volunteer in AIDS support group and finally, having experienced grief, coming to the realization that peace comes from not pre-empting loss and grief. He concluded his speech with Wendell Berry’s advice to “come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief….(to) for a time (…) rest in the grace of the world, and… (to be) free.” In these times of renewed anxiety, may we be at peace and untaxed with the forethought of grief like wild things.
Our last speaker of the day was Peter F., presenting CC project #10- Inspire your audience. “ If you can dream it, you can do it.” is the title of Peter’s rousing speech. Using examples from Walt Disney’s life, Peter shared the many hard decisions this visionary had to make to achieve his dreams. Walt Disney was uncompromising and unstoppable . He had a vision, and no price was too high, no pain too unbearable to achieve his dream. He was a huge success and his dreams created a world of magic that continues to inspire generations all over the world to this day. You can do it too, says Peter, but know that “ the commitment ( is when) the journey begins, not a second before” and that “it’s not free, it will cost you a lot of pain.” We are inspired by Peter who, like Walt Disney, is following his dream as an inspirational speaker. Best in your endeavors, Peter!
Zhou B. led our table topics session. On this Easter Saturday, Brett S. was voted best table topic with recollections of Easter in Australia: baking hot cross buns ad nauseum and way too long long week-ends!
Our evaluators were Aanya L, Aleli M, Tom B. Andy K, who served as our general evaluator was also voted “ best evaluator”.
Welcome to our four new members!
Our next meeting is scheduled for 4/22.
What do Mauritius Island, fashion design, Vaclav Havel, Poutine and the Emerald City have in common? Me! All these ways have led me to ( drum roll...) the Seattle Sunrise Toastmasters where friends and great speakers are made! I look forward to sharing my stories with you!
