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Winner… Winner?

By Chris Balzer

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 won the warmest year prize since they started recording in 1880, surpassing 2023’s wide lead over other recent years. The past ten years, 2015-2024, are the world’s ten warmest years on record. If you do a search for “things we insulate,” you will see the majority of sites and images are of attics, walls and windows. We insulate much more than our homes. We are constantly looking for that right beach cooler or cup to keep our drinks and snacks cold and cool. YETI has become very popular and on the scene of just about every beach, boat or fishing outing. Just look around. If you don’t own a YETI, your neighbor most likely does. One video on YouTube about what’s inside a YETI cup has more than 8.5 million views. That’s more views than the entire population of Tennessee and that’s just one video.

It’s no secret that we care about insulating things and pay a little more for quality and efficiency. So, why when it comes to our biggest investment, our homes, do we fall short of upgrading our home’s efficiency and insulation? A Former US President once said during a press conference on renewable energy that insulation is sexy stuff and if you haven’t upgraded your home, it’s not just heat or cool air escaping, it’s also energy and money wasted. Based on a study conducted by NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association), the majority of US homes are underinsulated, wasting energy and money and decreasing comfort for the homeowners. Unless your home was specifically built for energy efficiency, you can benefit from energy upgrades like fiberglass insulation, radiant barriers, and attic air sealing, to name a few. Dr. Levy, Professor of Environmental Health at Boston University, stated that if all US homes were fitted with insulation based on the 2012 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), residential electricity use nationwide would drop by 5% and natural gas use by more than 10%. That’s an impressive number and a positive impact on our environment.

Let’s talk about cost. I know that getting an energy upgrade for your home costs more than a cooler or a cup. So, let’s look at this slightly differently. On average, an energy upgrade today costs around what a good living room couch costs. The difference is that the couch will start to lose its value the moment it is delivered. Home energy upgrades immediately start to save you money and increase your comfort. Plus, energy upgrades will see a full return of your investment in few short years based on energy savings. The couch, after several years can become worn and sometimes uncomfortable due to the settling of the batting or filling. Your energy upgrade continues to add value to your home and increased comfort. Getting a proper energy upgrade can also help with reducing dust and decreasing humidity in your home. I don’t know if I would call adding insulation sexy, but I do know that adding insulation saves you money, increases your comfort and has a positive impact on the environment. So the next time you are putting ice in your cooler, sipping something refreshing from your cup or sitting on your couch, think about getting an energy upgrade for your biggest investment, your home, and remember our most sustainable energy source is not solar, hydro or geothermal; it’s YOU.

Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions which is a Smile Provider Company. We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills. For more information on how to save this summer and become energy efficient schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.

Views: 8

April 7, 2025
The Benefits of Music Students Performing in Recital
Recitals are an important part of any music student’s education. These performances offer significant opportunities for growth and development. For students, the chance to perform in front of an audience can be both exhilarating and challenging. Yet, the benefits extend beyond stepping on stage. From technical skills to fostering emotional resilience, recitals provide valuable experiences that shape a music student’s journey.
1. Building Confidence and Overcoming Stage Fright
One of the benefits of performing in a recital is the opportunity to build self-confidence. The idea of playing in front of others can be daunting. However, with practice and repeated exposure, the fear of performing gradually diminishes. Over time, students become more comfortable with public performance, gaining self-assurance to play before others. It is an excellent way to conquer stage fright and gain personal confidence.
1. Refining Technical Skills
A recital performance offers students a chance to put their technical skills to the test. Rehearsing for a recital encourages musicians to fine-tune their playing, ensuring they achieve the highest level of precision in their technique. In preparing for recitals, students focus on details and often improve their overall musicianship as they perfect their instrument handling, rhythm, and phrasing.
1. Developing Discipline and Time Management
Preparing for a recital requires a level of discipline and time management that is crucial to a student’s musical development. Students must organize their schedules to allow ample time for rehearsals, adjustments, and refinement of their songs. This process teaches valuable lessons in discipline as they balance their musical goals with other academic or personal commitments. The experience of preparing for a recital, then, is not only about musical growth but also about developing the habits of consistency and perseverance that will serve them in all areas of life.
1. Enhancing Emotional Expression
One of the most rewarding aspects of performing in a recital is the ability to communicate emotion through music. Music is a powerful tool for expression, and recitals provide the opportunity to convey emotions to an audience. Whether playing a piece filled with joy, sorrow, or contemplation, students learn to use their instruments to evoke a particular mood or atmosphere. This emotional connection with the music develops one’s appreciation for their craft while honing their ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
1. Receiving Constructive Feedback
Performing in front of an audience, including instructors and peers, provides students with the opportunity to receive constructive feedback. Teachers and fellow musicians might offer suggestions to help refine the performance. This feedback, while sometimes challenging, is crucial for a student’s growth. By learning how to welcome and implement constructive critique, students develop a sense of humility and strength to continue learning and improving.
1. Cultivating a Sense of Community
Finally, recitals foster a sense of community among music students. These performances create a shared experience between the performer and the audience. The support from peers, family, and friends who attend the recital creates an encouraging atmosphere that nurtures the student’s growth. Also, they often provide students with the opportunity to connect with other musicians, exchange experiences, and learn from one another. The skills and experiences gained will influence their musical journey for years to come.

Studio 237 Music Lessons’ student recital is scheduled for May 10, Saturday, at Seagrove Baptist Church, 4915 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. The community Is invited to attend. Performance groups will begin at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Students of all ages and levels will be playing on piano, voice, guitar, drums, and ukulele. To find out more about Studio 237 visit our website at www.Studio237Music.com, and/or call (850) 231-3199.

Views: 10
April 7, 2025
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Performs Link Up with 3,000 Grade School Students

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Swells To An Orchestra Of Nearly 3,000 For Special Interactive Student Performance Of Link Up: The Orchestra Swings

On March 12, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, transformed into a lively concert hall as Sinfonia Gulf Coast presented its 13th Link Up concert performance, “The Orchestra Swings.” Sinfonia Gulf Coast is the only orchestra offering this program to students on the Emerald Coast. This interactive musical experience, held in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, showcased the talents of nearly 3,000 local 3rd to 5th-grade students from Okaloosa and Walton Counties, who performed on recorders and sang alongside the professional musicians of Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

This year’s Link Up program was conducted by Aaron King Vaughn, bringing fresh energy to this beloved music education initiative. Vaughn guided the young performers through a program exploring the rhythmic elements that create the iconic swing feel in music.

With recorders in hand, students enthusiastically joined the orchestra in performing Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) and Duke’s Place, and George Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm. Students were on their feet performing the high-energy rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In.

Reflecting on the event, Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller shared, “Link Up is my favorite concert of the year because it’s a culmination of all of our partnership activities with Carnegie Hall in the schools for third through fifth graders throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties, and nearly three thousand kids come to perform live with Sinfonia. And while it’s the craziest sound you’ve ever heard, it’s just a wonderful amalgamation of music notation, history, theory, and learning how to play the recorder. And often it’s the only music education that many of these kids receive, so it’s very important that we continue to support this.”

The Link Up curriculum, developed by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, is designed for 3rd to 5th-grade students and, in many cases locally, serves as the primary music education they receive during the school year. This year’s theme focused on discovering how rhythm and time unite musicians, singers, and audiences.

Sinfonia’s Link Up program is made possible through generous support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Dugas Family Foundation, and the Emeril Lagasse Family Foundation. Additional funding from Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo! annual fundraiser, Treble Makers (an honorary membership committee of Crescendo!), and community donors have allowed Link Up to grow into Sinfonia’s largest education initiative.

For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org, call (850) 460-8800, or email info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Views: 5

April 7, 2025
South Walton Live Music Scene

Record Store Day at Central Square Records April 12

Central Square Records will be celebrating Record Store Day Saturday, April 12! Doors open at 8 a.m. with this year’s exclusive ‘RSD Drops’ releases along with Jittery Joe’s coffee. Central Square will have exclusive vinyl releases, unique to this day, from a vast array of artists, from the likes of Charli xcx, David Bowie, the Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Laufey, the Grateful Dead, and many more!

You can expect a boatload of exclusive items, rare and limited pressed vinyl, along with great freebies as we celebrate everything vinyl. Come celebrate the independent record store with the coolest one on the Gulf Coast! Visit www.recordstoreday.com.

Old Florida Fish House Weekdays

For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com.

FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch

Enjoy live music on Fridays and for Sunday Brunch at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com.

AJ’s Grayton Brunch, Live Music & Sunday Funday

AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach! Come for brunch, stay for the music and dancing. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. til 3 p.m., AJ’s brunch is not to be missed. Complete your meal with a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. Sunday afternoon essentials include crawfish and cold beers — starting at noon. Indulge in fresh, flavorful crawfish served with traditional sides of corn, new potatoes & mushrooms. Enjoy live music 12-4 p.m. with the Christon Birge Duo and again at 5 p.m. with the Pickled Pickers. Check ajsgrayton.com for other live music throughout the week.

Karaoke Night @ AJ’s Grayton Beach Thursdays

Join in the fun on Karaoke Night starting at 8 p.m. every Thursday night at AJ’s Grayton Beach.

Thursday night is also Prime Rib Night at AJ’s. Enjoy a 10oz cut of Prime Rib with au jus & horseradish cream sauce. Served with side salad and baked potato for $22.95.

Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series

Live music concerts take place in the Baytowne Events Plaza every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. Various local and regional artists perform throughout the year. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Free and open to the public.

April 9th: Midnight Blue – The Foreigner Tribute

April 16th: TBA

April 23rd: TBA

April 30th: Freebird

Shunk Gulley

Shunk Gulley is a premier location on 30A for live music, bringing in artists from around the Gulf Coast and beyond. Whether you just want to relax to indie guitar players or upbeat party songs, the talented musicians know the vibe of the area. Visit www.shunkgulley.com.

The Bay

Come out to The Bay with family and friends every Wednesday night starting at 5 p.m. for dinner, cold drinks and a bonfire with various musicians on the beach of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s a mid-week tradition in South Walton. Sunday Pickin’ @ The Bay features The Sand Ole’ Opry with Mike Whitty & Friends on stage from 4-8 p.m. Mike brings in new musicians to play every week.

Wednesday nights:

April 9: Sugarcane Jane

April 16: StormFolk

April 23: Sand Ole Opry w Mike Whitty and Jared Herzog

April 30: Martin Lane

30Avenue Concert Series March 13-April 19

Come out to 30Avenue for the Spring Break Concert Series from 6-9 p.m. on the green, March 13 through April 19. Gather your people for dinner, sips, shopping and LIVE MUSIC under the stars in Inlet Beach, Florida. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-back lawn chairs. Visit www.thirtyavenue.com/calendar for the lineup.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival April 23-27

Smooth jazz, white sands, and fun set for April 23-27 at Aaron Bessant Park in Pier Park – The Ultimate Weekend of Smooth Jazz. Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times – all on the west end of Panama City Beach. The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz. Tickets and lineup for the 26th Seabreeze Jazz Festival: seabreezejazzfestival.com.

The Forrest Williams Band April 20-26

Catch the smooth tunes of the Forrest Williams Band at the Red Bar April 20 from 1-3 p.m., Local Catch April 22 from 6-9 p.m., the South Walton Food & Wine Festival April 25 at Grand Blvd. from 5:30-8 p.m., and Hibiscus Backyard of Love April 26 from 7-9 p.m.

Views: 12

April 7, 2025
Lady Ray’s Expands to Walton County Through New Bakery Partnership

Lady Ray’s, a renowned name in custom cakes and confections, is bringing its signature creations to Walton County through an exciting new partnership with The Little Bluebird Bakery. The collaboration marks a significant step in Lady Ray’s expansion, allowing local customers to enjoy their handcrafted cakes in a fresh, new way.

The Little Bluebird Bakery, a beloved mobile bakery based in Defuniak Springs, has been serving the community since 2020 with its made-from-scratch treats. Known for its creativity and dedication to quality, the bakery has built a strong local following. Now, through this partnership, customers in Walton County will have easier access to Lady Ray’s custom cake designs and specialty desserts.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership, as we’ve been looking to expand our product offerings to Walton County over the last couple of years,” says Lady Ray’s owner, Tim Vondell. “Working with The Little Bluebird Bakery is the perfect opportunity to bring our custom cakes to a wider audience while collaborating with a fantastic local business that shares our passion for quality and creativity.”

This partnership will allow both businesses to enhance their offerings, giving customers more options for weddings, birthdays, and special events. Orders for Lady Ray’s custom cakes will now be available for delivery through The Little Bluebird Bakery, providing a convenient and local way for Walton County residents to enjoy their stunning and delicious cakes.

With this expansion, Lady Ray’s continues to grow its presence in the Florida Panhandle, staying true to its commitment to delivering exceptional baked goods and unforgettable cake designs.

For details on custom orders and availability, customers can follow Lady Ray’s on social media or visit the website at ladyrays.com

Views: 26

April 7, 2025
Egg-citing Easter Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether you’re celebrating Easter along the Emerald Coast as a local or a visitor, you’ll find a variety of dining options and family-friendly events to enjoy. From sunrise services and elegant brunches to fun-filled Easter egg hunts, there’s something for everyone, and 30A offers countless ways to make the holiday special. Explore our list of the best Easter brunch and dinner spots, and festive events happening along the coast!

Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner

(Call ahead to check if reservations are required.)

Sunday, April 20

Cuvee 30A – Chef Tim Creehan will be serving signature dishes and special chef features such as Eggs Benedict and Easter Rack of Lamb from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Roux 30A – Enjoy an Easter Brunch with a curated three-course brunch beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach – Experience an Easter buffet featuring brunch specialties, a prime rib carving station, chilled seafood bar, kids’ options and desserts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Beach Club at WaterSound – A full brunch buffet with a chef-attended omelet station will be offered from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vue on 30A – Located in Dune Allen Beach, an Easter Brunch buffet which will feature a raw bar with oysters, shrimp, mini lobster tails, house-cured salmon, shrimp etouffee over rice, roasted prime rib, custom omelets, grits and mashed potato bar, desserts and more will be available 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fish Out of Water – You’re invited to enjoy an Easter Breakfast Buffet with a Mimosa Bar and a Dessert Bar from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live Jazz by Jim Armstrong starts at 11 a.m.

Stinky’s Bait Shack – Easter Brunch & Dinner will be available 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

North Beach Social – Celebrate Easter on the bay with food and fun. They’ll be serving up an Easter Sunday Feast with Honey Ham, Potato Salad, Green Beans and Cornbread starting at 11 a.m.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort – A variety of Easter brunch favorites will be available at Burnt Pine Golf Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WaterColor Lakehouse – Easter Brunch will be available by reservation only. Time slots are 10 – 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. or 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Services & Holiday Events

Saturday, April 19

Baytowne Wharf will host an Easter Explosion, a day of face painting, arts, crafts, and an opportunity to get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. The festivities run from 12 – 3 p.m.

Camp WaterColor is offering a Community Easter Egg Hunt. There will be multiple hunts throughout the day, face painting, and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. Snacks and mimosas will be available for purchase. The event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 20

Rosemary Beach Eastern Green will hold a non-denominational church service. A low-rise chair is recommended. Service begins at 8:30 a.m.

Rosemary Beach Western Green is holding an Easter Egg Hunt. Receive a free mimosa from Summer Kitchen Café and have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny at Gigi’s following the hunt. The event begins at 9:45 a.m.

WaterColor Beach will host an Easter Sunrise Service with Gary Wingo and Fellowship 30A. Coffee will be provided on the Beach Club Deck prior to service. Please bring your own chairs and blankets. Service begins at 6 a.m.

The WaterColor Inn Pool offers a day of family fun with kid’s craft stations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and an Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 3 p.m.

Seaside will hold its annual Easter Celebration at the Amphitheater. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt with 15,000 eggs. They will be holding the First Annual Duck Olympics, where 5,000 rubber ducks will race their way down a lazy river. Prizes will be awarded to winning ducks. It is a free event. There will also be music, food and other activities for children. This event is held from 12 – 3 p.m.

The Big Chill will host photos with the Easter Bunny from 1 – 3 p.m. and an Easter Egg Hunt from 2 – 2:30 p.m.

Camp Creek Inn at WaterSound is offering an Easter Sunrise Service from 6 – 7 a.m. at the Beach Club, and an Easter Egg Hunt at Central Park at 3 p.m.

North Beach Social will host Easter Egg Hunts for multiple age groups beginning at 1 p.m.

Burnt Pine Golf Club at Sandestin will host an Easter Egg Hunt, complete with prizes for kids of all ages, beginning at noon.

Views: 27

April 7, 2025
The Road to Redemption: Sheila Guagliardo

By Victoria Ostrosky

When David was in hiding from King Saul, who was hunting him down, he became depressed and cried out to God for help. When he sinned against God with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed, he confessed his sin and begged for forgiveness and restoration. God speaks of David as a “man after God’s own heart,” and it was proven in his daily life as he lived his life knowing God was there. The Book of Psalms is an eternal testament to David’s relationship with the God he knew, depended upon, and loved.

In the scriptures, they say that Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was fully God, but also fully man and dealing with everyday life and people’s needs was draining. He was, at times, disappointed, angry, sad, compassionate and full of grace and love. Jesus’s time in prayer and His absolute submission to the Father’s will was the key to His peace and joy. We will experience the same as we follow in His footsteps.

Sheila Guagliardo was raised in a single-parent home. Her dad was a severe alcoholic and died at just 39 years of age. At that time, her mom wasn’t a Christian but worked hard and did her best to provide for her four children. When Sheila was young, she was sexually abused by a family member and, with the help of a friend, was able to get out of the situation, but she was left with internal scars from the trauma.

At the age of 16, she was in a horrible car accident, sustaining serious injuries, especially to her face. She endured eight surgeries. At the time, she didn’t know the Lord. At least, not yet. But she found out later that He knew her quite well.

After Sheila was married, her mom became a Christian and sent her a Bible. Sheila wasn’t interested at the time in Christianity, but she noticed her mom’s depression had lifted and the profound change in her caused Sheila to begin looking into who God was.

While she and her husband were staying at a hotel in New Mexico, the Lord began opening her heart to the Gospel when she found a Gideon Bible in the nightstand. She ended up giving her heart to Jesus.

As she began to grow in her faith, she had questions on why God allowed her abuse and accident to happen. “It was hard to understand why God allows things to happen. God was there no matter how dark things were. I don’t need to understand the why. His presence brought peace and healing.”

Over the years, she learned about what she refers to as ‘shelving trauma’. What exactly are we to do with the bad things that have happened to us? “He uses His Spirit to reveal things. Don’t run away from it but find a trusted person.” Sheila knows the importance of having someone you can trust and confide in. “The Lord brings the painful things up and will bring healing.”

She remembers when she and her husband were stationed in Okinawa, she was quite self-conscious about the scars on her face. Through a series of events, she ended up on a stage and was blown away by how the Lord ended up using that to speak to her. The words from the song Something Beautiful penetrated her soul and God used the lyrics to reveal to her just how beautiful He was making her. “I’m just so thankful to be saved. Sometimes, we want to fight when He’s trying to help us. We have to trust Him.”

Sheila’s advice to others struggling is this – stay in the Word. “The Lord wants you to be whole. He wants to bring you up from the darkness so He can turn it to joy.”

You can listen to Sheila Guagliardo’s entire interview and many other incredible stories on the weekly Road to Redemption radio show and podcast at www.rtrdestiny.com.

Views: 7

April 7, 2025
A Pastor’s Ponderings: The Journey

By Rev. Pete Hyde

It had been almost three years since the small band of followers had aligned themselves with this wandering teacher and healer. Many of them left their livelihoods and families to follow him. There was something different about him, almost strange. They saw so much in these three short years. They were his closest friends and followers and yet they still did not completely understand who he was or who he claimed to be. Yes, they had their moments of deep belief. But they also had their times of serious doubting. They witnessed the healings, heard him preach and teach, witnessed the debates with the authorities, saw him walk on the water and marveled when he fed more than five thousand with a few loaves and fishes.

He told them more than once it was time for him to complete his mission and he would have to go away. They just did not understand. Now his face and mind were set on Jerusalem. There seemed to be something drawing him there other than the celebration of the Passover Feast. There was something in his eyes that told them this trip to Jerusalem was more important than the others. As they approached the city, he became more intense, more focused on his mission.

The news spread to Jerusalem that the one of whom the prophets spoke was coming into the city to free them from Roman occupation and to become their long-awaited king. They lined the street as the small band entered the city. They had done this many times before as others who claimed to be the anointed one came into the city. The crowds had been disappointed many times before, but maybe, just maybe, this would be “the one.” Maybe, just maybe – they could only hope and pray. They waved their palm branches in a patriotic display that would rival any 4th of July celebration. They laid their cloaks in front of him to pay homage to the coming king. They shouted “Hosanna” to express their longing to be freed from the Roman occupation of their country. The band of followers became more and more confused about what they had gotten themselves into.

They retreated from the city that evening. He stood on the mount and wept for Jerusalem and what would have to happen there for him to complete his mission. They would reenter the city in the morning for the beginning of the end – at least here on earth. His heart was heavy. He would “be led like a lamb to the slaughter” without resistance. He would plead with his Father to take the cup of death from Him, but he would follow his Father’s will, even to death upon the cross.

The journey of Holy Week begins. It is a journey to the cross and an ultimate journey to resurrection and new life. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, take time each day to contemplate the journey of Holy Week. It is outlined in the Gospel of Luke, chapters 19 through 23. Take time each day this week to read what happened during the week that changed the world. Attend services this week that will help you fully experience the events of Holy Week. What happened there happened for you.

Rev. Pete Hyde serves as chaplain with the South Walton Fire District.

Views: 7

April 7, 2025
37:51 and 2,715

By Kirk McCarley

Billy Donovan has enjoyed a remarkable record of success as a basketball coach. As the head coach at the University of Florida for 19 years he led the Gators to consecutive NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. Donovan left Gainesville at the end of the 2015 season to coach in the NBA, first with the Oklahoma City Thunder and now with the Chicago Bulls.

His career should be considered nothing less than exemplary.

Donovan shares a story about success and failure that provides wisdom for each of us.

One of his best players suffered what some would consider an “off night.” He shot just two of 11 from the field one evening, certainly not a high conversion rate in a sport where typically a 40% mark is required for acceptability. Following his performance, the player scapegoated himself for the team’s loss.

Coach Donovan consoled his athlete after glancing at the statistics from the game. He noted the player had logged 38 minutes of playing time. Facing him, the coach asked him about the nine missed shots. “How long does it usually require to attempt a shot?” he asked. After a moment of consideration, the player answered, “I suppose about a second.” Donovan, calculating quickly, responded, “So you’re letting a total of nine disappointing seconds offset and delegitimize the other 37 minutes and 51 seconds where your play may well have been outstanding and a contributing factor in allowing us to compete?”

Are we not sometimes like the player? Focusing on the 4/10ths of one percent of our personal and professional lives when the other 99.6% has been at least acceptable, if not often stellar? How we beat ourselves up, allowing for grief and inconsolable wailing in many instances when there’s already been a forgiveness.

Admittedly, I still can ruminate over things I did or didn’t do years ago. An inconsiderate comment. A poor decision. A missed opportunity. An embarrassing gaffe.

Bill Buckner was an outstanding professional baseball player. During a more than 20-year career, mostly with the Dodgers, Cubs, and Red Sox, he compiled a .289 lifetime batting average with 2,715 hits, seven seasons batting more than .300, and three seasons of 100 RBIs. He was the National League batting champion in 1980.

Yet, it was one play during the 1986 World Series between the Red Sox and the Mets that defined his career. Boston, leading the heavily favored New Yorkers three games to two, was in an extra inning tussle in Game 6. The Mets rallied in the bottom of the 10th with three straight singles with two outs. Up comes Mookie Wilson. The speedy Wilson fouled off several pitches before hitting a slow roller to Buckner at first base. Buckner, aware of Wilson’s swiftness, rushed the ball. In haste, the ball rolled through his legs and into shallow right field, allowing the runner on third base to score and the Mets to win. Had the ball been fielded cleanly, there would have been another inning. The Red Sox went on to lose game 7 the next night and thus the Series.

Long-suffering Red Sox fans, who to that point had not celebrated a World Championship for 68 years, were incensed. The following season, Buckner was heckled and booed by the frustrated fan base. There were even death threats. Despite acceptable stats in 1987, the Red Sox released him in the middle of that season. He went on to play a few more years with several teams, including the Red Sox again, before retiring in 1990.

Buckner forgave himself by coming to terms with his infamy and making fun of himself. He also accepted the forgiveness of the Boston fans and the media. He befriended Mookie Wilson. He signed autographs with him. He returned to Fenway Park in Boston in 2008 to throw out the first pitch for the home opener. He received a two-minute ovation from the crowd.

It’s far past time to dwell on the nine seconds or the costly error. Give yourself an ovation for the other 37:51 and your entire story.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Kirk McCarley is a Certified Professional Coach as well as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM-CP Certified. He also is a Production Assistant for both college football and basketball for ESPN and leads group cycling classes as a Certified Spinning instructor. Contact kirk@theseedsowercoach.com, theseedsowercoach.com, or call 314-677-8779.

Views: 15

April 7, 2025
Book Review: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Reviewed by Reviewed By Michael McManus, LCSW

“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb is an insightful and engaging exploration of the human experience through the lens of therapy. Gottlieb, a therapist herself, weaves her personal journey into the stories of her patients, creating a rich tapestry of vulnerability, humor, and profound insight. I love this book and find it to be one of the better books describing the therapy experience.

The book stands out for its candid approach to mental health, breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy. Gottlieb’s writing is both relatable and deeply moving, as she shares her own struggles and the lessons learned from her clients. Each character is well-crafted, bringing unique challenges and perspectives that resonate with readers, allowing them to reflect on their own lives.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its balance of humor and seriousness. Gottlieb’s witty observations and self-deprecating anecdotes provide levity to the heavier themes of loss, love, and personal growth. The narrative flows seamlessly, making it a page-turner that invites readers to ponder their own emotional landscapes.

Overall, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” is not just a book about therapy; it’s a book about life itself. It encourages readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and seek connection, reminding us that we are all in this together. This heartfelt and thought-provoking read is a must for anyone looking to understand themselves better or simply seeking a compassionate reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human condition.

Michael McManus LCSW has been a psychotherapist for 38 years and is in private practice in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. To set an appointment call or text (850)837-0123 or visit Psychotherapy30A.com.

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April 7, 2025