Wednesday Wisdom: Learn from the Experts
Recently, I noticed something missing from my writing career. It wasn’t inspirational blog posts, a published book, short stories in other publications, or newspaper and magazine articles; it was play or screenwriting. Something I haven’t thought about until I entered a new community of creatives focused on this as their primary writing goal. It is said that everyone has a book in them. Is the same true for movies and films as well?
We all love movies. Some of us love plays. Life is filled with opportunities to witness creative performances in our backyard, in regional theater productions, on Broadway, and on the silver screen. I doubt that anyone living today has not seen at least one movie or play. Then, when it is time to watch the Oscars or Emmys, people are interested in who will win, what movie they missed, and all the glamour and glitz that come with Hollywood.
So what if I told you that if you have a book already in you, you might have a movie or play in you too? The ideas of many movies and plays come from somewhere, perhaps you. Or maybe you have no idea how to dedicate time to writing while running your business and life, but have a spark of interest in the subject? Would it be wise to learn more about it?
I’ve planned hundreds of events as a business leader, and some focused on published authors, but never on screen, film, or play writers. As my circle of people expanded after being primarily concentrated on women entrepreneurs, it led me into the world of movie-making, production, directing, and writing. I had no idea until I accepted an extra role in a boxing scene of a movie a year and a half ago. When you walk through a new door, you expand your horizons.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom inspires you to find something new to spark an interest that may suddenly appear, or has been present under the surface. Please bring it to light. It can also motivate you to take some creative writing courses, art classes, theater lessons, or even public speaking courses. What happens when you begin a new area of interest?
In case you are interested in learning how to write a play or film, you are welcome to join me and my friends at the Syracuse Actors Studio on October 20 for a panel of experts in this area. Hey, you never know what they’ll stir in you and where that could lead. Do you have a film or play in you? It’s a great question.
My First BMX Racing Experience
#Weekend Vibes #Sporty Girl #BMX Racing #WomeninSports #Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham #Upstate BMX
Tracy and her amazing family of BMX and Motocross – The Quigleys – at Upstate BMX
There was a chill in the air on the late summer night as we pulled into the parking lot of Upstate BMX Racing. Kids of all ages and their parents were getting bikes, helmets, and gear out of the cars to sign them up for a true Friday Night under the lights experience of BMX Racing. I was there to try the sport for the first time, adding to my goal of trying every sport once in my lifetime.
Stephanie, a co-owner of the organization, greeted me in an orange building settled next to the hilly dirt track being watered down by volunteers. I filled out a waiver, took my bright pink and blue helmet, and a lucky bike number #55 to pin to a bike being donated to me for the night by the Camp’s household. I would later race with the women in the family during the Bubble Gum Race and in 3 other ‘motos’, aka races.
“Races?” I said. I thought I was there to grab a bike, try the track once, and say I did it. Four races seemed daunting, yet exhilarating, and who was I to turn them down? As a long-time biker, I wasn’t too fazed.
As I got my white BMX bike, which has the seat is significantly lower than a regular bike seat and NOT meant to be sat on, I soon discovered BMX racing was about standing up on the pedals the entire time, going up and down the wavy, dirt track with side walls, and big and small dips, taking only 1 minute to finish. I was told to go to the top of the hill for a test run. Sure, but what happens then?
I met a fantastic kid named Colin who gave me some pointers as I approached the start gate. I said to him, “Do you have any tips for me since I have never done this before?” He smiled with a big grin and told me about pedal position, gate posture, and more, as I inched to the gate. Everyone else could prop themselves up on their bikes, standing on the pedals. I couldn’t quite do that, so I started with one locked leg and the other foot on the ground.
After three warning messages and signals, the gates go down, and off you race. The first task was to regain my balance by hoisting my other leg up on the pedal and trying not to sit down. Then the bumps came, followed by the curves, then more minor repetitive bumps, and then a couple of big ones, and then the finish line. In a minute, with a dry mouth and no breath, I remained confident, not wiping out in front of a good-sized crowd. Phew!
Having told the announcer, I was there to try it as a new sport, he grabbed my name and by the time I was back up at the gates, he announced my name, made me wave, and sent me off with a new fandom of people who couldn’t believe a 60-year-old chick was trying BMX racing on their track for the first time. But I must have won their hearts because I heard, “Go Tracy”, “You got this, Tracy,” “You are doing great, Tracy,” and applause the second time around the track.
I felt like an instant Olympian, but finished last, with three other women who gave me pointers, fist bumps, and accolades as well. As this led to the intermission, or more importantly, the Bubble Gum Race, for women only, I was into it! My legs were okay. I hadn’t fallen. I was getting the rhythm better and was finishing. As they took a photo of the Bubble Gum Race girls, I felt that pink flush of love for women and girls rush through my veins back to my heart.
This was a new and unexpected pack of pink power I hadn’t felt before. Standing next to our bikes, with pink helmets on, smiles on our faces, and lights shining everywhere, we were ready to compete and claim our Bubble Gum Trophies. Sisterhood at its best on a true Friday Night Under the Lights on a dirt track.
More applause from the audience as I finished the Bubble Gum race, not even in last place (so cool), and more fist bumps as we got our trophies. My new girls pack and I decided we needed to stand on the podium with our trophies to make the night memorable. It was simply joyful.
The announcer called me over to interview me so the crowd knew why I was there and what I was doing, this time in more detail. I explained my mission to empower women, particularly in sports, and to encourage more women to try out different sports. Enough with the common sports like softball and basketball. Why not BMX Racing?
What I learned from this experience is how incredible this BMX community is, from supporting new timers trying the sport, to raising money for a boy named Tanner who had an accident and needs medical support, to creating a clean, family-focused, uplifting sport without phones or fights, to gathering, eating, racing, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.
I can’t tell you how many people came up and patted me on the back for being there. Where in this world do you find such a beautiful community of people? I know where – at the Upstate BMX Racing track in Newark, New York, any Friday night when the weather is raceable.
Check them out, and try a new sport. I know my friends at Upstate BMX will welcome you with open arms, and if you need some motivation, I’ll lend you my Bubble Gum race trophy!
Wednesday Wisdom: Scenes from a Movie Set
#Inspiration #WednesdayAfternoon #HumpDay #WednesdayWisdom #TheSentinel.Film
| The bright sun rose in front of American High Studio as I greeted the core group of people working on a movie all day. Acting as the lunch lady, in both real-time and showtime, people joined me and helped cart cases of water, ice, food, service ware, and more upstairs into a lightly cooled kitchen. As much as I pride myself on handling it all, there is no way I could have prepared, catered, and served a cast and crew of 100 by myself. |
| Soon, the acting cast arrived, set for directions for the morning shoot. Teachers, schoolchildren, teenagers, their parents, custodians, and numerous others listened attentively in hot and humid conditions. Within those three hours, American High felt like an existing school again, with parents dropping off their children and teachers arriving. |
| After the children were gone from the set, the rest of the afternoon taping was intense and graphic as it played out one of America’s school tragedies. Firearm experts, police officers, safety instructors, and others were on set to ensure complete safety for anyone participating. I was amazed at the thoroughness of the safety climate. Ten hours later, as filming wrapped, everyone was fed, and American High was put back exactly as it was before we entered, the sun was still high in the sky, the air thick and warm, and my apron was soaked from the day’s activities. The last of the cast and crew took a selfie in front of American High as we hugged goodbye. When I arrived home, I got a call from my son Adam, “Mom, I’m okay. I didn’t want you to worry.” To which I said, “Why, what is wrong?” He said, “There is an active shooter in mid-town NYC right now, not far from our apartment, but we are safe. I wanted you to know.” Chills ran up my spine as I knew exactly the scene that unfolded, the sounds heard, and the emotions displayed, having lived it all day on the movie set. Serendipity or relevance? The media shares the horrific stories of our times, but it often overlooks the massive amount of good that emerges from the tragedies. Just as 100 people showed up on the movie set yesterday without pay, but to help someone with a dream. Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to remind you that there is always something more powerful than evil in the world; it’s ordinary people who love to help, serve, and support others’ dreams. Make sure to ask for help, show up to support others in their dreams, and live a positive life. |
Wednesday Wisdom: Independence
#WednesdayAfternoon #WednesdayWisdom #Freedom #FourthofJuly
I think we all like to believe we are independent women making our way in the world. Whether it is choosing a career, climbing the corporate ladder, rearing our children as single mothers, or any other duty, activity, or dream we have in our singular life. But you know, like I do, that independence only takes us so far.
I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to a private showing of a 24-year-old woman named Alexis Martin, who wrote and directed her first original play, “Old Money, New Habits,” only to find out she also composed the music and stage scenery. She also cast the play. She is 24!
But she admitted that after the play was performed, she couldn’t have done it with input from The Oswego Players, Syracuse Actors Studio, The Armory Square Playwrights, The Redhouse Arts Center, and Help Words Come Alive. She also couldn’t have done it without a stellar cast and a room full of supporters.
Alexis is and will remain a rising star in Central New York, and I believe this will extend beyond our area. She will take this play to Broadway or Los Angeles. I just know it. Will she be able to get it there by working independently? No, but with the help of connections, supporters, sponsors, and community, she will.
As the Fourth of July arrives on Friday and the word independence is used in songs and phrases, think beyond our nation’s independence, and consider your own independent works of art, skills, or strengths. At the core, we must produce from our heart and spirit, and follow the road of our dreams, but we can’t do it without others. No woman can be an island. Women must be part of a community that shares in their dreams and beliefs, and takes steps to help them reach it.
America was not founded by one person, nor did it maintain its independence because of one person; it took, and continues to take, millions of people working together, believing in and sustaining a democratic goal, to keep it as it has always been. Remember, neighbors are friends, community is necessary, and independence is a personal gift along with our country’s freedoms.
Wednesday Wisdom: Improv Your Way to Success
#WednesdayWisdom #Advice #BusinessAdvice #Inspiration
As a 30-year event organizer, the word planner is who I am. Believing success lies in the details done ahead of an event made me exceptional at my work. Throw in an emergency or two, like when a tornado was approaching a community parade I was managing or the lights went out at a 500-person black-tie event. I rose to the occasion – quick thinking and solution-driven. Although I’m capable of emergency planning, I’d prefer to know what is about to happen rather than wait for something to occur.
Last night’s event, hosted by Wildflowers Armory for the Syracuse Actors Studio, was anything but a prepared experience unless you were one of four talented people reciting their monologues. They excelled at preparatory work and received comments from other actors in the crowd. However, the Improv lesson followed for the 40+ people in attendance, including me.
Led by Glen Allen, a veteran improv actor with experience at Second City Detroit, the audience formed a large circle and performed two improv lessons to sharpen their skills. “This isn’t about perfection, it’s about having fun, not thinking about what you will do or say, but letting it come naturally. Don’t worry, no one here will laugh at you, but with you,” said Allen, with a technology career who does Improv for levity.
We partnered up as the tasks were doled out. My friend Wendy Volpe and I had to improvise being hors d’oeuvres on a tray at a cocktail party. Did the person giving that suggestion know how many times I’ve had to order menus for event planning clients? My first line to Wendy was, “How do you like having a toothpick stuck in your head?” which garnered a big laugh. Thank God!
It wasn’t the easiest exercise in the world, as many of the accomplished actors in the room struggled a bit with improv because they are used to practicing lines repetitively to perfection. In the end, Glen pointed out, “Improv isn’t about perfection, it’s about going with the flow,” which is a perfect antidote for life and business.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to inspire you to plan some of your activities, but other times, know it’s okay if they aren’t. Sometimes we learn more flying by the seat of our pants, trusting our instincts, and going with the flow rather than being rigid and stuck in our ways. Is there a way for you to allow some improv into your mind and plans this year? Can you loosen the grip of always needing things to be perfectly planned out?
Throw yourself some emergencies or unlikely scenarios and see what you come up with quickly. You might be surprised that you are great at making decisions last minute. I know for sure, I was ready to say, “How do you like having bacon wrapped around your body,” if the hors d’oeuvres joke came back around to me. The point is to laugh, get loose, and sometimes improvise your way to success.
Wednesday Wisdom: Your Career Path
#WednesdayWisdom #Inspiration #Motivation for #Women
The pink Easy-Bake oven sitting in my bedroom rose to the forefront of my memories today. Could it be that I long for a chocolate cake baked by a light bulb – because that was cool? Yesterday, a copy of the Better Homes & Gardens Cook Book, given to me as a teenager, caught my eye as I looked for recipes tucked inside it from my grandmother. Lately, I’ve also heard an echo of my mother’s voice calling me downstairs to learn an Italian recipe as she cooked.
Conjuring of these food-related memories came forth because I’ve spent the last four weeks as the personal rectory chef for three priests in their beautiful kitchen. Weekly, I prepare meals of my choice for them. I’ve been an avid cook for a long time, and in the food service business since I was sixteen. I would have never guessed in partial retirement years; I’d be a chef for anyone other than my family.
If I connect the dots that have led me to where I am today, I see the path. Food service has always been in my career, especially as a 30-year event planner. I wasn’t the one cooking 500 plates of fancy food for a black tie event, or 200 buffet service items for a wedding, or bartending at a fundraiser. However, I was responsible for selecting menus and collaborating with caterers, chefs, and others on all food-related details for my customers.
Every day now, after I exercise, write, and share social media posts on women or sports, I create shopping lists, dinner menus, and strap on an apron and cook four nights a week. I feel like a teenager when I frolicked all day in Lake Delta, and then got ready to work at Friendly’s at night. There’s a freedom in it. I also see my career path.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is meant for you to look back on your career path. Can you see the stepping stones that led you to where you are today? If you can’t or you aren’t satisfied, can you conjure up what you’d prefer to do by looking back at what you’ve loved to do so far? Maybe an average thing like cooking or gardening can lead you to a new part-time career if you approach retirement or want to change up your life.
I hope you spend some time pondering this idea, your path, and set a dream to look for something else to satisfy an inkling. If you do, consider celebrating the discovery with a better-tasting chocolate cake than one made in an Easy-Bake oven.
Wednesday Wisdom: Business Pride
#WednesdayWisdom #WomenEntrepreneurs #FemaleBusinessOwners
Digging through some old linens, I found a rainbow pillow case that belonged to me when I was young. I always loved the symbol and colors. It made me happy. Watching the Wizard of Oz movie and hearing the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” had a happy and hopeful connotation to me. Forget about asking me which rainbow color was my favorite; I loved them all, just like I love all people.
According to Wikipedia, artist Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and a drag queen, designed the first rainbow flag as a symbol of pride for the gay community. He was encouraged by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the rainbow flag was officially established as the symbol of LGBTQ pride. The rainbow flag is now an international symbol of LGBTQ pride, proudly flying around the world.
Women entrepreneurs who support LGBTQ+ pride display the rainbow flag at their businesses or storefronts, and female business owners with online companies post or display rainbow flags in social media stories, on their websites, or announce it in their blogs. Some of them are part of the LGBTQ community, some support someone they know who is part of the community, and others display it to announce that they are open to serving or selling to this market.
Even though showcasing the rainbow flag might increase sales for a business, for most business owners, it is about showing compassion and acceptance since some of the vendors in our country refuse to make wedding cakes for gay couples, or denounce them at their doors. It doesn’t help having a president who is trying to turn back gay rights.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to inspire you during Pride Month – the month of June – to think about ways you can support this community of people. Can you offer them discounts? Can you hang a flag to show you care? Can you host events and invite them, or show off their artwork? Can you pin a flag to your website or write a post and share it?
Sometimes marketing can be about showcasing our collective concern for a market that isn’t treated correctly. It doesn’t make us the most innovative entrepreneurs, but it makes us better humans and more compassionate community members.
Note: Do you show your support for Pride Month?
Word of the Day: Chef
#Middleagedwomen #career #chef #Sidehustle
Working as a waitress, hostess, and cook at Friendly’s Restaurant in Rome, New York, starting in 1980, has been off my resume for a long time. Even though I continued my food service career throughout college, during college breaks, and into my career as an event planner, constantly dealing with caterers, I hadn’t mentioned it until two weeks ago when I applied to be the rectory chef for the three priests at our church. I accepted the job the same day Pope Leo XIV was appointed, considering it a divine appointment.
I am leaving in a couple of hours to cook my first meal for them, and I am a bit nervous, like I was walking into a new client’s office for the first time. Can I do the job well? Will they like what I cook for them? Do I have the skills? Well, my Italian Grandmother’s favorite casserole is first up, so I know they’ll enjoy it. And because I have alopecia, they won’t find any hair in the food, and they save on hair net costs.
Sometimes, life pushes us back to our beginnings when we get to reanalyze where we started, the path we’ve taken, and where we stand now. As I start this exciting new job, I will be back to share some wisdom along the way and the Word of the Day.
For today at least, call me chef.
Inspiration: Writing Prompt
I join a group of writers and movers every Wednesday morning, thanks to my friend Julie B. Hughes of “Run to Write.” She hosts six-week sessions three times a year and some special daily summer sessions. We run or walk for 30 minutes, grab a coffee, and start writing.
Although I am a published author of my book, “Under the Rose-Colored Hat,” with stories in three Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and wrote the “Ask the Entrepreneurs” column in the Post Standard for eleven years, I still get stuck writing sometimes. This group inspires me to begin penning! Even when I miss a session, Julie sends writing prompts to get us going. After we start, we can continue writing on the prompt subject or write our projects, books, articles, etc.
I wanted to share last week’s prompt with you so you can try it and see how easy it is to start writing. Set your timer to 5 minutes. Last week’s prompt was, “Write about the origin of your name. One sentence has to be false.” My writing response was:
According to Wikipedia, my name, Tracy, was popular in 1964 among the top 100 names for American girls between 1960 and 1984. Tracy came from a surname. It has been used as a masculine name in the United States since the 19th century. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Stubbs, had a son named Tracy. I was confused about my name’s masculine indications when I first heard her mention his name. I asked my mom how her and my dad chose my name and she said because they were movie fans it came from the movie Dick Tracy. I guess I wasn’t too far off the male-focused nature of my name.
This Wednesday, Wisdom inspires you to start writing more often if you haven’t. If you need inspiration, walk or run for 30 minutes, then start compiling your thoughts. Try writing for five minutes about the origin of your name. Then, carry on from there. If you get the bug to keep moving and writing, drop in at one of Julie’s Wednesday morning events until mid-June for $20.
If you need even more motivation to run, write, or move this summer, think about taking a cool glass of lemonade outside and sitting under a tall tree, lakeside, patio, or park bench, and make it a weekly routine. You’ll amaze yourself by summer’s end.
Word of the Day: Flights
#MedalMonday #MondayMotivation
As I answer questions about my recent trip to California, the main word that comes to mind is “flights.” You might think flights mean the airplane flights from the East to the West Coast or the number of flights of beer we tried at unique breweries. Instead, flights refer to the number my watch counted I ran during the Big Sur Marathon’s 11-miler.
The day before the race, I drove from Monterrey to Big Sur to see what it looked like since I wasn’t starting at the beginning but rather 15 miles beyond it. I had heard how beautiful it was, so I had to see it on a clear, blue-sky day. The hills were numerous, and the one near the Bixby Bridge was huge. I knew I was right when I decided to drop to the lower mileage due to my hamstring strain.
As I took a long, winding road from the main thoroughfare to the ocean so I could walk on the beach, my ears popped often. Once at the bottom, I realized my run would be hillier than I thought, but I enjoyed staring at the breaking waves over rocks jutting out from the sea bottom, mesmerized. The thought of running a hilly race didn’t seem necessary, as the ocean captured me.
The next day, I was up early to catch the 5:30 a.m. bus to the 11-miler start location. In the back seat of the bus, my stomach indicated to me the bumpiness of the route. Still, I didn’t worry. I was ready to run no matter what. At 7 a.m. sharp, the horn sounded, and off I ran with others in a rainy, misty, dark atmosphere. The ocean was barely visible, but it could be heard. The sky got lighter as we ran to the finish.
With my hamstring straining, I could run down all the hills but had to walk/run up the inclines. I didn’t care; I was there for the experience, not a PR. After crossing the finish line while waiting for my husband, I was awarded the unique handmade clay medal and stopped my watch. I didn’t notice the time as much as the number of flights I climbed running—76!
After hiking Yosemite trails the following week, the highest number of flights climbed was 40, almost half of the Big Sur Marathon’s 11-miler course. This gives you some indication of the challenging California race, which I suggest you try one day. It was very well organized with breathtaking views, excellent volunteers, music, scenery, and, of course, flights of inclines worth the challenge.
P.S. What are the most “flights” you’ve run before?
Women TIES 