And the Winner Is...... -#82

If you are a tech savvy person with a competitive streak, last week's jumble of words didn't deter you. Excited by the idea of a contest, even though the prize this time was nonexistent, several of you formulated possible topics for a workshop that would fit needs listed.

I was impressed with the quality of the entries; one especially astute reader wrote: "treatment of sex offenders or homophobic bullying." 

Yet another perceptive reader wrote:

What an intriguing list.

That class could be about counseling any number of groups of people.  For instance:

• teens
• retirees
• victims of violence 
• single moms
• schoolteachers
• people from generational poverty
• ministers
• counselors

A person dear to my heart admitted she was "clueless!" 

The name of the class:

Culturally Competent & Ethical Social Work Practice with LGBTQ Individuals.

If you are one of the ambitious readers who submitted an entry for this contest, consider yourself a winner.  I love hearing from you!

Next week: Marbles and Diversity.

Thanks for exploring the mystery with me - Nicky Mendenhall

Midweek Mystery Post einstein

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this "emotion" is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder, or stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead. His eyes are closed. Albert Einstein (I wonder where my computer is) Thanks for exploring the mystery - Nicky Mendenhall

What Are Your Needs? - #81

Fourth Friday after Phenomena Post. Sitting in Room 201 Pappajohn Educational Center, downtown Des Moines. Directly in front of me, written with green marker on whiteboard, the word NEEDS, followed by these words: Allies Sex Ed Support System Safety Coping Skill Access to Service Role Model Mentors Trained Professionals Can you guess what continuing education workshop I'm attending? Consider this a contest - submit your guess by replying to this email. I will publish your guess (with or without name) next week and tell you the name of the workshop. You may be surprised. You can also consider whether or not you have these same needs and if so, whether or not they are being met. During my break, which was restorative because I ate brook trout fresh out of the Thompson River, read multiple books, had plenty of time for exercising and relaxing, played a day and two nights of Pepper, spent time with a ten month old who was delightful, and hiked around Bear Lake twice. There were also challenges: escaping flood waters in CO and enduring technology's dark side, sending my ASUS Ultrabook back to factory. This means I'm composing on my IPad and will be until UB comes home. You can expect shorter posts, no pictures, and perhaps a little less enthusiasm. Probably these challenges are raising shadow issues! Thanks for exploring the mystery - Nicky Mendenhall