Otterocity!

I saw this video on Yahoo and thought it was cool.  It demonstrates several of the qualities I write about in my book Otterocity.  Otters are very smart creatures.  They are one of the very few animals that can problem solve and use tools.  It is no surprise that the otter in this video actually thinks to jump up on the boat to escape the killer whales hunting it.

Another trait that otters possess is perseverance.  They live their whole lives in the water and are constantly hunted by killer whales, sharks, and eagles.  They must endure hardships, like bad weather, losing a pup to a predator, and foraging for food.

Otters are truly amazing creatures.

I am always on the lookout for people who have passion and enthusiasm for what they do.  Tuesday I visited the Ft Collins Coffehouse at 3701 S. Mason Street in Fort Collins,Colorado.  It was the second time I visited as our writing group meets there once a month for our morning coffee networking time.

I met Andrea Sebald who is the owner/operator along with her husband Mike.  I got to talking with her after our writer’s group was over and found out that running her small businessis her passion.   A year ago she was looking for a small business to purchase and was presented with the opportunity to take over the coffee shop.  They bought the business in March of 2012 and changed the name to Ft Collins Coffehouse.

Now, it is a little tucked out of the way, but well worth the visit.  The coffee shop is light and  airy with wonderful smells of coffee and tea floating in the air.  It is located one block West of College Avenue across form Midtown Arts Center and IBMC above Boomer’s music.  They have a full menu of coffee, tea,espresso, and other hot and cold beverages as well as seasonal drinks like the Pumpkin Pie Latte.

They have a large open seating area with a small stage that they use for open stage night on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. where random people can get up on the stage with their instruments and jam.  I am thinking of going just to listen one Wednesday. Thursday nights is Cruise Night. Cruise on in for a warm or hot drink and camaraderie. They also have a conference room in the front of the building you can rent by the hour for your group or meeting.

If nothing else, you have to go there to play Ms. Pac-Man.

So, share in their enthusiasm for coffee, enjoy the good atmosphere,and contribute to the success of a small business.

Ft Collins Coffehouse, keep up the Otteroicty!

Respite Care shares joy and happiness with families and children in Northern Colorado.

Respite Care, Inc. of Fort Collins, Colorado is is a nonprofit organization in Larimer County that provides short-term care for children with developmental disabilities, giving respite to parents and enhancing the quality of life for the entire family. Respite Care believes that a child with a disability is a child first and his or her challenges are secondary.

Today, Respite Care provides programs and services for over 130 families in Larimer County and delivers more than 49,000 hours of care annually. We provide before and after school care, enhancement programs, overnight, vacation and crisis care up to 14-days for families in need.

Each year respite care has an annual fundraiser in November.  This year is their 30th annual Respite Care Holiday Ball.  Come support this great organization.

WIN A FREE CAR!

Purchase your raffle tickets to win a 2012 Honda Civic LX provided by Markley Motors.  Car Raffle will be held at nine o’clock in the evening

To purchase raffle tickets visit:
https://respite.webconnex.com/12raffle

Please Join Us!

Saturday the seventeenth of November two thousand twelve

at six o’clock in the evening

Embassy Suites Loveland | Grand Ballroom

4705 Clydesdale Parkway

Loveland, Colorado 80538

Reservations

Individual: $150 | Couple: $300 |

For tickets please register at:
www.respitecareinc.org
or call 970.207.9435

Respite care shows Otterocity in bringing joy to others. Keep up the great work!

I decided to grab a quick salad at McDonalds yesterday afternoon. I pulled up to the sign, ordered my chicken bacon ranch salad and a water and pulled around to the first window.

I was behind a metallic grey/brown Chevy Tahoe and it seemed to take her a while to pay.  I was in no hurry, so I didn't think anything of it. (I was just chilling to music.) I pulled forward to pay and handed the man my debit card.

"You don't have to pay!" said the man.

"What?"

"You don't have to pay, the lady in front of you bought your meal."

"You are joking, right?"

"No, she comes in often and pays for the person behind her."

"Cool!"

Up until then, I was not having a good day. In this one quick moment, my spirits were lifted. I felt a rush of excitment and shock flow through me. I was curious as to who this lady was.  I pulled forward and stuck my head out the window and waived at her.  She looked back through her side mirror and I shouted.

"Thank you!"

"You are welcome!" she replied.

She took her food from the person in the window and drove off.  I never got her name or knew who she was.  She was a person who did random acts of kindness and spread her joy and warmpth to the person in the vehicle behind her.

All that went through my mind the rest of the day was, "That was too cool! I have to do that myself."

Not only is Otterocity about bringing joy to your life. It is about giving to others without the expectation of return. This lady showed me that she truly has Otterocty!

Thank you Tahoe lady! 

Keep showing your Otteroticy!