ReconNEcT Working! Week 12 & 13

Okay, so sue me!
I'm a little behind on posting my networking updates..
Nevertheless, I have been keeping up with my 2013 goal of sending good ol' fashioned letters.
The past two weeks have been more focused on Passover and Easter, I thought it made sense to reach out to family members.
Last week I reached out to my dads wife, she has been an incredible help taking care of my grandma, and I wanted to share how much that means to me.
This week I'm sending a note to my cousin Shelby for her 20th birthday!
I know she's a different generation, so I imagine a written letter will come as a shock! I'm pretty sure her idea of communication comes in short form Facebook and text message emoji!
Have no fear, I'm optimistic that US mail will never die!
Not on my watch.

RecoNEcT Working! Week 10

This week I'm sending a thank you to a woman who has literally been a Godsend in my life.

My grandma lives 2,000 miles away and suffers from Parkinson's Disease.  Because of the nature of Parkinson's, one minute my grandma shows no signs of being sick, and within seconds she can become completely unable to walk, or function without assistance.

Of course this has been a difficult path for her and our family-

Especially because I live so far away.

I'm only able to help by checking in with her daily via the phone.

Fortunately, my grandma has a group of life long friends that act as her; hands when she can't write, her legs when she can't walk and her company when she gets lonely.

I'm reaching out to one of her oldest friends, who has dedicated her time, energy, love and support to helping my grandma when family is not available.

To put it simply, she is an angel.  We are blessed to have her in our lives.

ReconNEcT Working! Week 9

This week I'm reaching out to a new contact we made in the industry.
He's a talented man, with an arsenal of wisdom and resources!
...and he LOVES what we do at A Group Production.
Hopefully this "old fashioned" note will make a nice follow up impression!

ReconNEcT Working Week 8

Sometimes you have to reach out to a former mentor and share how grateful you are for their guidance...

Even when that person was a nasty, power hungry, condescending artistic director who loved playing games.

The truth is, this person was extremely talented at their job, despite having any creativity of their own, they really knew how to draw it out of others.

I learned a lot from my time with this person;

I discovered that there is a nice way to get things done, an evil way to say something and how to travel overseas.

So this week, I'm sending an overdue F_ck-off, in the form of a "Thank You!"

See?

Progress.

ReconNEcT Working Week 8

The letter writing continues...

This week, I'm sending a fun note to a dear friend that I used to spend every Tuesday night with.

She was my boss first, and we very quickly became friends.

We laughed, we cried, we drank-

I miss seeing her on a weekly basis. We promised we'd stay in touch, and as usual, life takes over and the next thing you know a year has passed.

But a busy schedule is not excuse not to share your love...

If I can't be there in person, I'll send her some love the old fashioned way!

(Don't worry, I didn't spray the card with cologne.)

ReconNEcT Working! Week 7

A friend in need of love and encouragement;

I’m sending a simple reminder of how beautiful, creative and talented she is.

It’s important to share your feelings with the people that you care about.

So this weeks letter is being delivered to a close friend that I see on a regular basis.

While I tell her how special she is every time I see her, I hope that receiving a note will brighten her heart.

ReconNEcT Working Week 7

This week I wanted to focus on a life-long friend;

We've shared wonderful adventures throughout our lives-

Laughter, sadness, success and setbacks,

Through it all, she has always remained loyal, loving and supportive!

Nothing makes me happier than to share my gratitude in a surprise letter.

Beckie, this one's for you.

ReconNEcT Working Week 6

How appropriate-
The year I decide to make communicating via hand-written letters a priority, the USPS decides to raise the price of stamps (to nearly half a dollar!) AND if that weren't enough, they're ending Saturday delivery!!!
Nevertheless, I'm sticking to my goal.
It just makes sending a letter that much more romantic and/or thoughtful.
This week I reached out to a close friend that I haven't seen in a very long time. Hopefully it will make her smile.
I'm also sending a thank you to the executive producer of the talk show that Jeff and I appeared on last week.
It's ALL about reminding people that you appreciate them!

ReconNEcT Working Week 5

This week I'm sending letters to;

A friend from yoga class, who hosted us in her beautiful home for a day of games, food and gossip.

I'm also sending a note to a wonderful choreographer in the business, with whom I had the pleasure of working with this week on the set of "Bunheads."

One month down, and I'm really enjoying the old fashioned form...

I'm just bummed that stamps are going up again!

Oh well, $0.48 is a small price to pay to tell a friend or colleague you're thinking of them!

RecoNEcT Working! Week 4

I'm happy to report that my hand has finally stopped cramping!

This week I sent Thank You notes to two of my friends that hosted me while I was working a gig in Las Vegas.

I also sent a surprise note to my old friend and colleague in New York!

She's a writer, so I decided to include a "quote" for inspiration.

I think this project has been more exciting for me than the recipients of the notes... 

RecoNEcT Working. Week 3!

On the heels of the Golden Globes-

I was inspired to write my manager of eight years.

"Thank you" wouldn't even begin to express the gratitude I have for her. 

So I sent a simple note with a quote that let's her know I'm always appreciative.

I also sent a note to a wonderful friend from yoga-

She shared a basket of lemons that brought a zesty smile to my face...

and a ton of flavor to my vodka!

RecoNEcT Working! Week 2!

This week I decided to reach out to a close friend & an editor who featured our company A Group Production in Instinct Magazine!

I hope they’re surprised when they open up a hand written note!

Because my hand is already sore from writing them!

ReconNEcT Working!

A new year, a new project.

Like many people, at the start of a new year, I like to set a few goals and resolutions.

Over the past four years, my commitment has included adding one creative project that I would do for the entire year.

It began as a way to stay focused on creativity and positive energy throughout the year. 

(Not just in January!)

For example, this blog.  The goal three years ago was to write a daily entry for a year to ignite my artistic flame.  It worked so well, that here I sit three years later!

This year my objective is to send one (1) handwritten note, letter or card to a friend, family member or colleague every week for a year!

We have become a society overwhelmed with email, Facebook, Twitter and texting.  Our online habits are killing human communication skills.  People stand at parties texting other people at the same party! It's nuts. 

I decided that a wonderful way to show someone you're thinking of them, would be to take the time and energy to hand-write a note and spend the money on a stamp... 

My hope is that it will bring a smile to the person on the receiving end!  In addition, it will encourage me to continue building my networking skills!  I'm calling the project:  ReconNEcT Working!

After all, everything in this world is about networking.

This week, I ReconNEcT Worked with a friend from high school.  Mike Rose and I both went to the Orange County High School of the Arts, and have continued on a similar journey.  

He has a hugely popular web series and is a wonderful performer. 

So Mike, expect a letter from me... It should get there in three to five days!