Otterocity!

Otterocity is all about having fun and bringing a joyful spirit to your life.  One such place to see that happening is Fremont Street in Las Vegas.

A few months ago I went to Las Vegas for a conference.  One night I went down to Fremont Street to watch the light show and walk around.  There are some pretty interesting characters there.  You can sense the fun people have dressing up as various celebrities and outlandish characters.  One person was dressed as a copper cowboy.

We started talking and I found out that he has fun dressing up as the Copper cowboy and really enjoys meeting people.

He truly has the sense of Otterocity.

Keep having fun and brining joy to others!

It was time for our annual capret cleaning.  I called around for some special deals and called the usuall "Big Chain" carpet cleaning companies.  Then, I Googled carpet cleaning in Fort Collins and Rapid Rasponse Carpet Cleaning came up.  They are a local company and their website was neat and organized.  They had tons of information about their company and their processes, as well as mutiple testimonials.

Rapid Response Website

After surfing their site I decided to give them a call.  Heather answered and was very pleasant to talk to.  She asked several questions and proceeded to give me a quote that was reasonable.  As a new customer I received $35 off.  I decided to give my business to them, being a locally owned business.

The day of my carpet cleaning I recieved a prompt call before my appointment time. John, the owner, said they were a few minutes out and would be there shortly.  John and his son Daniel showed up and explained their process, measured and gave me the final bid that was close to Heather's estimate.

So far impressed . . .

THE EQUIPMENT

I got a chance to go out and look into their truck. I noticed that their equipment was clean, in good shape and well organized. This showed me that they really cared about what they were doing.  If they took that good of care of their equipment, they would take care of people's carpets.

THE MACHINE

The RX-20 is an amazing machine.  Instead of the standard cleaning wand, that most carpet cleaning companies use, Rapid Response uses this neat machine to clean your carpets.  It has three steam nozels that spray 220 degree steam while five suction ports extract the water.  The whole thing rotates like a giant buffer for your carpets.  The RX-20 instantly cleans, agitates, sucks, and fluffs up your carpets.

THE COMPANY

In talking with John, his philosophy is to take his time and get the job done right.  His processes leaves little residue, and your carpets dry quickly.  Other carpet cleaning companies rush in and rush out leaving your carpets soaking and can have a crunchy soapy feel to them the next day.

Our carpets were fluffy, soft, and dry within several hours.  Rapid Response exhibits several otter traits.  They work smart, adapt (to different stains) and communicate well.

I was impressed with their service and quality.  I would use them again!

Rapid Response has Otterocity!

Bringing joy and fun to others is what Otterocity is all about.  My good friend Brett Miller brings joy and fun to kids through a kid-friendly, bright and cheerful hair salon.

Pigtails & Crewcuts Westminster,CO

Brett and his wife Rachel own a Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise in Westminster, Colorado located in The Orchard Town Center shops on 144th and I-25.  Pigtails & Crewcuts is a kid-centric hair salon for girls and boys to come and have a fun, enjoyable experience while getting their hair cut or styled.

Not only do they offer haircuts and styles but they also offer kids manicures, pedicures, ear piercing, and birthday parties. Parties Include:  A dedicated Stylist and Party Hostess to makesure you have a great party in their fantastic party room! Each theme party includes hair up-do style, nail polish, dress up, make-up if requested, theme activity/craft, balloons, cupcakes, juice boxes, plastic/paper goods, group photo with signable frame, and they take care of all the setup and clean-up! Sit back and relax and enjoy the party!

Looking for the latest kids accessories, organic shampoos and conditioners, Pigtails & Crewcuts have it at an affordable price.  They even carry the popular Knot Genie Detangling Brush.

Brett and Rachel, keep brining fun to children through your fun salon, Pigtails & Crewcuts.

You definitely share Otterocity with kids!

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!

Photo by Melanie Humphrey

Jim is a risk taker.   Jim has fun jumping out of planes.  Jim is a professional skydiver!

When Jim McCormick did his first skydive in June 25th1988 he didn’t realize where it would take him. Now, nearly twenty five years later, he was a tandem skydiving instructor, has logged over 3,000 skydives, jumped from 31,000 feet (the highest altitude civilian skydives), jumped into multiple stadiums and events as a Professional Exibition Skydiver, landed a parachute at the North Pole, and was a member of the World Record skydiving team (in 2006 over Thailand) where 400 skydivers held a formation of the Thai flag for 4.25 seconds.

At the first half of this video, Jim is in the center in white leading the formations.

When he is not skydiving, he is an author, consultant and motivational speaker. Jim has authored several motivational, sales,and management books including, Motivational Selling and The Power of Risk – How Intelligent Choices Will Make You More Successful.  You can book him for an event to come speak to your company, group, or association.  He will even arrive by parachute!

Learn more about Jim McCormick at his website:

TakeRisks


Jim McCormick has Otterocity!

He pursues fun in life, through his skydiving!

Today I am a guest blogger on Pat Stoltey's blog on Blogspot. She shares her thoughts about writing, Colorado authors, social networking and getting published.

I shared a piece about becoming a writer and how our experiences shape our writing. Please check it out and place a comment

Pat Stoltey Blogspot

Thanks, and have Otterocity in your life!

Name: Chris Bergmann

Organization: 8th grade science, Kinard Middle School. Kinard CARES.

What do you do? "I am an 8th grade science teacher at Kinard Middle School in Fort Collins, Colorado. I Love teaching kids. You could say I am innovate, creative, and passionate about work. Sometimes the world isn’t nice and pretty, and can be somewhat complicated. Science can be complicated too. I don’t like to teach the traditional textbook, or compartmentalized, content. I like to teach reality, and how it all interweaves and affects our lives. For example, I like to show how chemistry is used in our local environment. One example is my air quality unit. The recent forest fire is a good example how chemistry affects our air quality etc. I like to mix it up, question, and inquire, so kids can get into their own learning. I try to keep it different every day. I also DJ weddings over the summer and I help produce music for kids. I also play the guitar."

Kinard CARES website

How did you come about it? "I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Natural Sciences from Colorado State Universiy. A Trip to Catalina Island sparked my environmental awarreness. The alternative springbreak in Calatlina, through CSU, helped me develop my appreciation for the environment and nature. I want to make a difference and to see value in this world we live in. When I started teaching at Kinard, I wanted to help kids connect as well. Kinard CARES turned into a program about being conscious about sustainability. Sometimes I think society mistakes environmentalism for activism. I also read a lot of motivational books to keep positive—I get that from my dad."

How do you bring joy to others? "I hope as science teacher I can get kids to enjoy science. I was hired to create proficient students and gain achievement. Middle school is difficult with pressure from friends and peers. Science is a small piece of their day. If science makes it to the dinner table, I win. If it gets kids excited to take another science class, I have done my job. I try to be more of a mentor, than anything. I try to think what is going to matter in 20 years, it boils down to a positive mental attitude. Focus on things you can control. Your attitude and effort is only thing can you control. I also use music in my teaching. I use it for sensory engagement and to lighten things up. My students react to different things."

What are the happiest days of your life? "The day I got married, and the day my baby girl was born. On a smaller level, waking up before sunrise, a road trip into the desert, hiking through Bryce Canyon before sunrise, looking at the moon, smelling the smells of nature, cliff jumping in Hawaii, or taking in the sights—it gives you a great sense of adventure. Also, listening to music. I am happy when I write a song or when I perform outside or in the corner of CB & Potts. I am most happy, at work."

First impression . . . Otterocity what does it mean to you? "From personal experience seeing otters at Catalina, otters are positive and playful. They are so curious, but cautious. The word made me feel fun and curious."

As you can see from the video, Chris has fun teaching. He truly shares a joyful spirit and shows Otterocity in what he does.

Keep up the great work!

Name: Jim Davidson

Organization: Speaking of Adventure

What do you do? “Since 2004, I share adventurous life lessons through speaking and writing to small and large businesses, associations, and conferences.”

How did you come about it? “I was a Technology Trainer for fifteen years. I had people asking me about climbing which led to speaking and sharing my lessons. I did this on a small scale, on demand. After a few years I went full time."

How do you bring joy to others? “I bring stories, photos, and videos of worldwide climbs sharing land and beauty that most don’t get to see in person. I want to bring hope and encouragement to be resilient through tough times."

What is the happiest day of your life? “Time spent in the mountains and outside with my family. Summit time with my climbing buddies.”

First impression . . . Otterocity what does it mean to you? “Originally I thought of otters in the physical sense. Then I thought about their character—they love life and are spunky! I smile thinking about their enthusiastic energy.”

Jim, thank you for the great Otterview! You definitely bring a joyful spirit to all you do!

Jim Davidson's Book

Buy The Lege on Amazon.com

ABOUT THE LEDGE -

In June 1992, best friends Jim Davidson and Mike Price stood triumphantly atop Washington’s Mount Rainier, celebrating what they hoped would be the first of many milestones in their lives as passionate young mountaineers. Instead, their conquest gave way to catastrophe when a cave-in plunged them deep inside a glacial crevasse—the pitch-black, ice-walled hell that every climber’s nightmares are made of.

An avid adventurer from an early age, Davidson was already a seasoned climber at the time of the Rainier ascent, fully aware of the risks and hopelessly in love with the challenge. But in the blur of a harrowing free fall,

he suddenly found himself challenged by nature’s grandeur at its most unforgiving. Trapped on a narrow, unstable frozen ledge, deep below daylight and high above a yawning chasm, he would desperately battle crumbling ice and snow that threatened to bury him alive, while struggling in vain to save his fatally injured companion. And finally, with little equipment, no partner, and rapidly dwindling hope, he would have to make a fateful choice—between the certainty of a slow, lonely death or the seeming impossibility of climbing for his life.

At once a heart-stopping adventure story, a heartfelt memoir of friendship, and a stirring meditation on fleeting mortality and immutable nature, The Ledge chronicles one man’s transforming odyssey from the dizzying heights of elation and awe to the punishing depths of grief and hard-won wisdom. This book’s visceral, lyrical prose sings the praises of the physical world’s wonders, while searching the souls of those willing, for better or worse, to fully embrace it.

Jim - Keep climbing with Otterocity!

Name: Jodi Starke

Organization: Premiersolutionz

What do you do? “I am the Regional Director of Premiersolutionz. We provide internet support services to Automotive Dealerships.”

How did you come about it? “A while back my brother’s girlfriend did photos and EBay management for some dealers. She needed help with that, so I thought I could do that when my kids were in school. It worked well. Then the phone blew up with referrals and it merged into taking photos for dealer websites, etc. I worked for a few companies, now I am my own reseller providing photos and products (ie. craigslist tools) to dealers.

How do you bring joy to others? “I try to be the best boss ever. I try to employ people who have the same win-win attitude as me. I see it as a blessing when it is a happy fit. Also, I work hard and play hard. I enjoy playing with my kids—we have fun frolicking and doing stuff together. For example, my son and I are getting dive certified. It is great doing that with him.

What is the happiest day/s of your life? “When my children were born. Each one was special and different—even though it was stressful.”

First impression . . . Otterocity what does it mean to you? “First thing that camet o mind was my 6th grade Science Fair project. I did it on Otters. They are fun loving creatures—I love to swim.”

Thank you Jodi for doing this OtterView. You work smart with your business and you show a joyful spirit every time you come into the dealership.

In the words of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, “Tim tebow has IT!”

What is this "IT" Deion is talking about?

Is "IT" Tebowoing? Or is "IT" something else?

Tebowing is the phenomenon. The "IT" is his intangibles. Tim Tebow’s intangibles are unifying a talented Denver Broncos squad. His intangibles are the catalyst for bringing this team together. For the first time in a long time, the team is unified and playing together collectivley. They have an unorthodox enthusiasm that carries them to victory and an enormous will and drive to succeed that is unparalleled in the NFL.

Is it all because of one man?

No, it takes a whole team to win on game day.

But, can enthusiasm come from one man?

Yes, I believe one man can spread or destroy enthusiasm. Tim Tebow is brining a joyful spirit to a team that has been down for several years and they are now having fun on the field and it is translating to their success.

So what are the intagibles?

I believe those intangibles are what is found in Otterocity!

Those intangibles are, Smart Work, Innovative Mind, Adaptation, Playful Disposition, Communication, Teamwork, Individual Uniqueness, Perseverance, Unconditional Love, and a Joyful Spirit.

SMART WORK: Everyone says he is the first one on the practice field and the last one to leave. Anyone can work hard, but what about working smart? What makes a person better is the ability to recognize your weaknesses, work on your faults, and improve. But what does he do to work smart? He practices what he knows works and what he is comfortable with. In a game, he protects the ball. He is minimizing turnovers, and is making smart decisions.

CREATIVE MIND: Tim Tebow is the master of improvising when it is most important. When it is “Tebow Time” He uses his mind on the field to extend plays and find the weakness of the opponent.

ADAPTATION: He is showing the ability to adapt. Each week he is growing and learning. At times, you see him stand in the pocket and throw some accurate balls. He has brought his talents to the forefront and morphed the way that the offense is played in the NFL. He plays to his strengths. On top of that, the team has adapted to him too. They have modified their style of play to incorporate his talents.

PLAYFUL DISPOSITION: You see his playful nature when he is on the field or in an interview. He is always smiling.

COMMUNICATION: He communicates well with his team on the field. When it is crunch time, he knows how to elevate their spirits and instill hope in them.

TEAMWORK: Tim Tebow contributes to the team and the success of the team. In his interviews he does not take the credit but credits his offensive line, his receivers, his running backs, and the defense. He knows that without them, he wouldn’t have the success he is having.

INDIVIDUAL UNIQUENESS: Although he is part of the team, his individual uniqueness and individual talents contributing to the team’s success. The Denver Broncos have changed their whole offense around one player. Yet, his individuality is not construed as egotism. That is the difference between individual uniqueness that elevates, or destroys.

PERSEVERANCE: All his life, others have told him what he cannot do and he has proven them wrong time and time again. In his official FRS Healthy Energy Fuels ad he says:

"They said I couldn't be a High School quarterback."
"They said I couldn't get a D1 Scholarship."
"You can't make it."
"You're not good enough."
"You're not skilled enough."
"They said I couldn't win a Heisman."
"They said I couldn't win a National Championship."
"They said I wouldn't be a first round draft pick."
"They siad I couldn't play in the league . . ."
". . . I APPRECIATE THAT!"

Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He sat on the bench for a year and a half before he was made the official full time starter for the Broncos. The critics say he will never be a good NFL Quarterback. So far, he is proving them wrong. Tim Tebow shows what it takes to persevere in the face of adversity.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: First and foremost, he loves his creator unconditionally, and is not afraid to show it. He loves the game, his teammates, and other people. He displays this on the field with his teammates and off the field through his foundation.

JOYFUL SPIRIT: The smile in the picture above says more than I can write here.

When the sharks are circling, the eagles are soaring above, and the hunters are near, Tim Tebow has Otterocity!

Name : Kim Lang

Organization/s: Canyon Concert Ballet & Dance Center / High Performance Dance Theatr

What do you do? “I am the Executive Director of Canyon Concert Ballet and Dance Center. I am in charge of the studio, classes, staff and management. I also am in charge of marketing and fundraising. I am also the owner/operator and Artistic Director of High Performance Dance Theatre."

Wow, you wear many hats. "Yes I do."

Canyon Concert Ballet & Dance Center

Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB) & Dance Center is a 501 (c) (3) non profit arts organization that provides the community with quality instruction and performance in a variety of dance forms with ballet as the core. CCB is in its 30th year of performing the Fort Collins Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center.

High Performance Dance Theatre

High Performance Dance Theatre (HPDT) has a strong background of performing in Northern Colorado. Performing since 1996, HPDT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization. Our mission is to combine dance and modern technology to provide high quality training and productions, while increasing the community’s knowledge of the arts. We present two evening length shows as well as performing at local benefit concerts and special events throughout the year. Many collaborations between musicians, visual artists, choreographers and other dancers help HPDT to bring successful and innovative performances to our community. HPDT also facilitates dance residencies in the public school districts around Colorado. This unique interactive experience brings dance instruction and education to thousands of children of all ages who might otherwise lack valuable exposure to the performing arts.

Under the artistic direction of Kim Lang, HPDT has produced over 36 full stage productions, 20 residencies, and performed at numerous other venues. HPDT is proud to be based in Fort Collins with opportunities to perform throughout Colorado.

How did you come about doing this? “I have a degree in dance. Since 1992 I taught and choreographed for Canyon Concert Bballet and Dance Center. For a while I was the Administrative Assistant. I left for a bit and came back as the Admin Assistant and Bookkeeper. When the Artistic Director left I assumed those duties and eventually I became the Executive director of Canyon Concert Ballet.”

How do you bring joy to others? “I teach kids to dance and provide a good community for them to dance in. I hope it brings them joy. Also, I enjoy passing on my appreciation of dance to others.”

What is the happiest day of your life? “When my daughter, Mikayla was born.”

First impression . . . Otterocity. What does that mean to you? “Silly. Playful.”

Thank you Kim, for the wonderful Otterview. Keep bringing joy to others through dance, you do a great job!

I like finding fun and unique things on the internet. One thing that interests me is the Northern Lights. How do they appear in the sky? What makes them different colors? It is a wonder that is on my list of things to see in this lifetime. One day I will make it up north to behold them for myself.

Sigurdur H Stefnisson has Otterocity captured the joyful essence of these lights.

Here is a link to some pictures of the Northern Lights by Sigurdur H Stefnisson.

www.flickr.com/photos/stefnisson/sets/72157623767966161/

- Enjoy!

Name / Organization: Kerrie Flanagan / Northern Colorado Writers

What do you do?  “I am the Founder and Director for Northern Colorado Writers. I started NCW almost exactly four years ago this August. I support and encourage writers of all genres and all levels through classes, networking, critique groups, retreats, and conferences.”

 Northern Colorado Writers Website

Blog: The Writing Bug

How did you come about doing this?  “It all started with the first conference over four years ago. There was nothing in the area for writers so I organized the first NCW conference. After the conference I realized writers wanted something more than a once a year. We began to meet at Readers Cove bookstore and various other locations. After doing that a year, it became a headache setting up classes at locations, signing leases, and moving around. I opened the NCW Studio at 108 E. Monroe Unit D, Fort Collins, CO 80525 next to Chicos. It became the “home base” for our writers.”

How do you bring joy to others? “I hope to bring joy by supporting and encouraging other writers and providing resources and classes. The coffee time is our most popular event. It gives writers a chance to come together to network and share ideas.”

And you?  “It brings me joy to have a chance to do that?”

What is the happiest day of your life? "Wow, there are too many to name one."

Give me all then.

"Ok"

• Getting married.
• Having children.
• Being with friends and family.
• 1st Conference.
• Opening the Studio
• Getting the Colorado Women of Vision Award – 2011
• Any time I see my writing I print.
• Really good pizza is a happy day!

First impression . . . Otterocity. What does that word mean to you? "Just an Otter."

Thank you Kerrie, for the wonderful Otterview!

--T.A. Northburg

Colorado Women of Influence announced the recipients of the 2011 Women of Vision Awards. Honorees were determined to have made a contribution to the well-being and empowerment of women and the betterment of their communities through outstanding innovation, leadership, and social Impact.

OTTERVIEW is the first in the series of interviews with people or organizations that I believe show Otterocity. Please enjoy and look for more to come.

What do you do? "I am a mystery and suspense writer. I have two books out, The Prairie Grass Murders and The Desert Hedge Murders. I am currently submitting my latest Women's Fiction to agents."

"I blog regularly on my blog www.patriciastoltey.blogspot.com. (I am looking for guest bloggers on Thursdays.) Also, I am a regular contributor to the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer's blog www.chiseledinrock.blogspot.com."

How did you come about doing this?  "Ever since High School I have enjoyed writing. Since then I started attending workshops and conferences but found it hard to write, with a full time job and children. When I retired, I got into the full swing of it and I am enjoying it."

How do you bring joy to others?  "I keep smiling and encourage other writers to do the best they can do and be the best they can be.

What is the happiest day of your life?  "Days - when my children were born."

How many children do you have?  "I have two sons and two step children."

When you first heard the word Otterocity, what did the word mean to you?

"I thought city of otters. They are cute little creatures!"

For More Information on Pat Stoltey and her books visit:
www.patriciastoltey.com

Thanks Pat for the OtterView I appreciate the time you spent with me!

-- T.A. Northburg

Maggie Going takes on a tough topic; How do we monitor our children online and protect them from predators?  Maggie shows her Otterocty by tackling this topic and sharing her knowledge with others.

The seriousness of online predators is very prevalent in our society. Every day children are targeted online by predators. As a parent of three children I am quickly grasping the dangers of the internet and my children surfing on it.

Maggie Goins, a friend and local Fort Collins author, has dedicated her life to spreading the word of the dangers of the internet and the predators that target children.

Visit her website to find the latest information about Internet Safety and children.

www.internetsafetycentral.com

Every Parent and tween should buy and read Maggie's book IN REAL LIFE

SYNOPSIS: IN REAL LIFE

Libby is dealing with extreme pressures that life sometime places on us. She is still reeling from the death of her mother and is facing the challenges of dealing with her father's marriage to a new wife, and the addition of a step brother and sister in her life. Before going away on a business trip, Libby's father gives her an old computer and sets it up in her room. While her father is away on a business Libby sets up her own e-mail and explores chat rooms unsupervised. She turns to a new chat room friend, Jeff, who seems to "Understand what she is going through." Looking for someone to understand her feelings, comfort her, and give her the connection she is missing in her life, Libby falls prey to an online predator. After several e-mails she agrees to meet Jeff at a local mall. At the mall she is slipped some drugs in her drink, as Jeff plans on kidnapping her. Luckily her school friends uncover her hidden secret and rush to the mall and alert security guards, who step in and arrest the man, saving Libby.

IN REAL LIFE is a fictitious story about the dangers of the internet. Maggie Goins does a real good job of blending fiction with what could really happen to children who befriend someone online. It is easy to see through Libby's story how easy it is for children to fall prey to online strangers, and the outcome that could potentially happen. For Libby, it ends well. There are many children out there, in real life, that it ends not so well.

Maggie said it best on her website, "Many families know the Internet is not only a wonderful source of fun and information, but also a dangerous world for a child to explore unsupervised. Unfortunately, other families are not so aware."

I read this book and am sharing it with my children. If you are a parent, you need to read this, have your children read this and then discuss it together.

Buy the book here:

www.internetsafetycentral.com/About__Biography_.html