Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
The guy in Panera sipped his coffee and went back to typing on his laptop. He looked like he had been there for hours. He had earbuds on and had a stack of folders next to him. Every once in awhile he would look up from his laptop to take a sip from his coffee.... Continue Reading →
In one hand, the father carried a crying toddler. In the other, he pulled a wagon through the thick sand. The wagon was loaded with beach chairs, a large umbrella, and an ice chest. The back of his gray tank top, with the sun beating down on him, was soaked in sweat. He looked as... Continue Reading →
(I originally ran this story on May 1, 2018. I've made a few updates.) I met Sam eight or nine years ago. He wore a flashy jacket and tie and was shaking hands like a local politician running for office. He was gripping and grinning, trying to make contact with as many people as possible.... Continue Reading →
(A version of this story ran on May 31, 2016. I've made updates throughout the piece.) The clock in my head was going off: beep, beep, beep. The blaring sound got louder with every passing moment. I was late and the alarm wouldn’t stop until I got to my destination, my local county courthouse. I... Continue Reading →
I need some help from my readers. I make a regular trip for coffee to Wawa, a convenience store near my house. I often grab a soft pretzel and a soda for later. I'm usually dressed in shorts or sweatpants and maybe a t-shirt. If I'm running straight from a Zoom meeting, I'll have on... Continue Reading →
I yawned. Human Resources sent out a note to every manager in the division letting us know where our team stood in the company's required training. I knew that I was behind so I set out to take the required classes and be a good example for my team. Nothing like a little warning note... Continue Reading →
In a meeting last week, I tried to bring up a key risk that our team needed to pay closer attention. When I went to speak, three other people talked over me. I waited my turn and found a spot later in the meeting to make my point. I work with a great group of... Continue Reading →
Yea, there's a little election going on today, a small little affair. We'll see who will become the 47th President of the U.S., but it's not the biggest vote of the day. Yes, yes, there's bigger fish to fry. Bigger than becoming the leader of the free world? Oh my goodness, yes. Here's what I... Continue Reading →
I am a product of the '80s. American rock band ZZ Top's release of the song Sharp Dressed Man in 1983 left a strong impression on me. They put out an accompanying video that has been coming back to me in recent days. In the video, a parking valet gets transformed into a sought-after star... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
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