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Notes From The Field
December 2024
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Looking Back and Looking Forward What the Wright Brothers Can Teach Us Today
It is tempting to hold on to the way things have always been in an effort to preserve the good in our lives and world. However, nothing in life is truly static. Even trees that have been here for centuries are always growing and stretching. That change may not be immediately apparent to us, but it is happening all the same. The Wright Brothers show us that while we can learn a great many things from our predecessors, if we want to create something good in the present, we must be willing to stretch ourselves, even if that means going against convention and allowing innovation and newness a chance to thrive. Remember, no matter your age, you are a vital member of the present, not a relic of the past or a hope for the future. For as long as you are here, participate fully in your world by sharing wisdom and being open to change. In just a few weeks, 2025 will be here, and we will have completed the first quarter of this century. Take time this month to reflect on this year and the last 25. Which ideals have gotten you to this point in your life, and how will you grow and leave roots for your loved ones? What versions of yourself do you cling to but hold you back from fullness in your life right now? The future is yours to create, so take the time now to intentionally envision your future instead of allowing the past to maintain its hold on you.
year when he learned that his college preparatory classes would not allow him to graduate that year. Despite not having a high school diploma, he, too, educated himself and went on to receive 11 honorary degrees from various universities throughout his lifetime. These surprising educational backgrounds did not stop the young men from running two successful businesses before they began researching and designing airplanes. In every endeavor, they worked together to keep moving forward until the future they envisioned became a reality. During their research, they considered the efforts of many inventors and ultimately discovered that while there was value in their contributions, many of their propositions were inaccurate or incomplete. Their willingness to critically evaluate these long-held theories, and in some cases reject them, allowed them to create a future where flying was not only possible but an inevitability. I’ve previously discussed the importance of shaping your future with intention, rather than letting your past determine your future. Practically, this involves imagining a future moment-whether one, five, or ten years from now-and fully immersing yourself in that time. Picture your life in terms of relationships, finances, living space, and other aspects until you have a clear image. Next, reflect on what events, changes, or actions need to take place between now and that future point to help you reach that reality. Write down everything in detail and keep it in front of you-not as a goal, but as a defining moment in your life.
On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made history by completing the first flight on a lighter-than-air powered aircraft. While they were not the first to take to the air, their groundbreaking achievement stands as a testament to perseverance and innovation. Both Wright brothers proved they had perseverance in spades throughout their lives. Beyond just the determination required to successfully invent the first powered aircraft, both brothers dealt with disappointment around their education and plans for life. For Wilbur, his dream was to attend Yale and become a teacher; however, due to the long-term effects of an accident while playing an ice hockey game, he never went to college. Instead, he cared for his mother until she died when he was 22 and spent the next several years reading as many books as he could in his father’s library to expand his mind. Similarly, Orville’s education took an unexpected turn when he dropped out of high school during his senior
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BRAIN GAMES
SOLUTION
As we approach December, the spirit of generosity fills the air, culminating in the annual celebration of Giving Tuesday. This global day of giving, falling on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our values and the impact we can have on our communities. This year more than ever, the need for kindness and support is paramount. Giving Tuesday is not just about donating money; it’s about cultivating a culture of generosity. It’s a reminder that every small act of kindness can create ripples of change. Whether volunteering time, donating goods, or simply spreading awareness for a cause you believe in, every contribution counts. This day encourages us to think beyond ourselves and to consider how we can uplift those around us. The importance of generosity extends far beyond the immediate benefits. By giving back, we set an example for future generations. Children who witness acts of kindness are more likely to adopt similar values, creating a legacy of love that can last for years to come. When we nurture a spirit of giving, we not only support those in need but also enrich our own lives. The joy that comes from helping others can be profoundly fulfilling and can foster a sense of community and belonging. Cultivating Generosity The Legacy of Love on Giving Tuesday
This December, as you prepare for the holiday season, take a moment to reflect on how you can participate in Giving Tuesday. Consider supporting local charities, participating in community service, or even starting a conversation about generosity with your friends and family. Leaving a legacy of love doesn’t require grand gestures; it can be as simple as sharing a smile or lending a helping hand. On this Giving Tuesday, let’s commit to cultivating generosity in our lives and in our communities. Together, we can create a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time. Embrace the spirit of giving and make a lasting impact this December.
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The Fascinating Tale of the Pig-Faced Lady A Legend Worth Its Weight in Bacon
TAKE A BREAK CARDINAL
COCOA FROSTY GARLAND GENEROSITY MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT PINECONES SNUGGLE UNITY YULE
Ready for a tale that really brings home the bacon? Legends dating back to the 1700s tell the story of women who were a mix of beauty and beast — pig-faced ladies! Myths about noblewomen with hog heads lasted in France, Holland, and Britain for hundreds of years. These glamorous piglets were said to roam the city streets, take carriage rides through town, and show up at fancy parties or homes to beg for money. Let’s ham it up royally and take a porky peek at the pig-faced ladies Londoners talked about for centuries. One of the earliest tales starring a woman with a boarish face was in the 17th century. A pregnant Dutch housewife reportedly had a visit from a mysterious poor woman begging for money for her children. The housewife turned her away, and the cast-off beggar cursed her unborn child to be born with a pig’s face. Stories that followed had similar themes of women cursed to look like pigs. Our swine superstar was launched into legendary status in the summer of 1815 when Londoners were celebrating the recent victory of Britain over Napoleon and France. As people packed the streets, a horse-drawn carriage caught their attention. The passenger was none other than the pig-faced lady. Rumors and interest around the event spread, and London’s growing newspaper industry took the story and ran with it.
CHICKEN CAPRESE SALAD Inspired by EatingWell.com
In the following years, the masses sought proof of these pig-faced women. One woman put out an ad in the paper offering to provide care for a woman with the affliction. Another paper ran a request from a man with a marriage proposal for the elusive “baconess.” The famous author Charles Dickens even referred to her in a book he wrote in 1861. Chances are that people born with physical
Ingredients
• 2 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced • 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce • 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved • 1 (8-oz) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp ground pepper • 2 1/2 tsp honey • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions 1. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 6 tbsp of mixture to a smaller bowl and whisk in honey; set aside. 2. To mixture in the medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. 3. Coat a grill pan with oil. Over medium heat, add chicken and cook until grill marks appear on each side, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let stand for 5 minutes. 4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the honey mixture.
disabilities inspired the pig-faced lady story and reflected the sad way society treated them. The pig-faced lady likely represented London’s biggest anxieties, like class tensions and women’s limited roles. So, whether she was the embodiment of society’s fears or just a bit of hogwash, the tale of the pig-faced lady shows how the wildest legends can hog the spotlight for centuries.
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Modern Lessons From the Wright Brothers
Cultivating Generosity on Giving Tuesday
Chicken Caprese Salad
Porky Myths and High Society
The Best Way to Update Your Will Without Confusion
A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR PEACE OF MIND How to Ensure Your Will Reflects Your Current Wishes
Creating a new will is generally no more complex or costly than adding a codicil and provides a clearer legal foundation. Sometimes, you may need to revoke your will but are not ready to make a new one, but simply destroying the current will might not be enough. If other copies of the will exist, a probate court might still consider those copies valid. Revoking a will is essentially canceling it. Once a will is properly revoked, it no longer exists legally. If you’re considering revoking your will, it’s essential to do so through legal means to ensure your intentions are clear. Only the person who created the will, known as the testator, can revoke it. Once the testator dies, the will becomes legally binding and cannot be changed or revoked.
Whether getting divorced or welcoming a new child, you may need to change or revoke your will to reflect any life changes. Why? Because significant changes can affect how your assets are handled. Common reasons for adjusting a will include marriage, divorce, new family members, financial changes, buying or selling property, or appointing a new guardian for a minor. So, how do you change a will? In the past, people added a codicil, an amendment to the original document. However, codicils can create confusion and legal disputes. They require signatures and witnesses, just like a will, which can make them more of a hassle than they’re worth. A simpler approach is to create a new will entirely. This new document should clearly state that it revokes all previous versions, including any codicils, ensuring your latest wishes are honored without question.
relocations, ensuring your will accurately reflects your wishes is crucial to avoid future confusion and legal complications. If you are unsure how to proceed or have concerns, consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can provide peace of mind and help safeguard your legacy.
Whether you need to account for new family dynamics, financial shifts, or
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