Bill, our Toastmaster, had us sharing wild, wet, snowy, or tropical weather anecdotes throughout the evening.

Nick’s Table Topic questions were tough but fun: “In a rainstorm, your car stalls on I-5 just before your exit during the morning rush hour. How do you feel? What do you do?” Yikes.

In her speech, “The Florestine Collection,” Amie told us the story of experimental filmmaker Helen Hill. Helen’s chance discovery changed the course of her life. Go here for Helen’s story: http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2011/10/filmmaker_helen_hills_husband.html

Bridget’s “New Year’s Resolutions” speech gave us reasons why we make them. For one thing, we have time off work for the holidays and get a chance to reflect. An insight for better success is to avoid “punishment” resolutions that we later rebel against – even though we’re rebelling against ourselves. My resolution was “I’ve GOT to lose 10 pounds,” but now it’s “How can I add more fruits and vegetables to each meal?”

We had four guests. For the benefit of our guests, all our speakers enjoyed giving a quick explanation of their meeting roles. We love guests.

Our next meeting, February 21, 2012 will be a Club Contest. Come see what a contest is like.

Save the date: March 6 is the first meeting in March.

Here are some highlights: Mark’s Tip of the Day included a handout that lists books and websites on how to use PowerPoint to do amazingly cool things. Franni’s speech had fun with a book on “How to do Anything,” and pointed out “stuff we’ve already learned on our way to becoming a person.” Jacki’s speech got me motivated to pull out my wallet to help save our Victorian gem, the Conservatory at Volunteer Park.

Lisa’s Table Topics used Ben Franklin’s sayings to make us think on our feet. Don, our Toastmaster for the evening, kept things lively.

Don’t miss our next meeting, February 7, 2012.

We had two guests. We love guests.

Save the date: 832 Club Contest, February 21st

The next meeting is our annual “Tales of the Hearth” Guest Night. All visitors are invited to come to the Kenney at 6:30 to hear some great storytelling, enjoy ghoulish treats and discover how Toastmasters can help improve your public speaking. And it’s free.

832 Toastmasters, since it is one day following Halloween please feel free to bring your left over candy and decorations to spruce up our Tales of the Hearth event. Bring a potluck dish, but more importantly, bring a GUEST!

This week, Toastmasters International launched a new brand. The logo was redesigned, a new color palette was selected and new website guidelines were developed. Toastmasters states:

As part of the rebranding effort, the organization has updated its logo, colors, fonts, imagery and messaging to make Toastmasters’ identity clearer, increase awareness of its impact around the world and focus more on leadership.

What do you think?