More About Don

One of the many unique aspects about coaching is the relationship that develops between the coach and the client. To me, that’s also one of my favorite parts! In the course of a coaching relationship, I learn many things about my clients, from what’s currently going on in their personal or professional lives, to their biggest fears and dreams, to the little idiosyncrasies that make them uniquely – them!

I find that sharing about who I am – besides my training and qualifications – deepens the relationship more quickly, and creates safety and appreciation in the relationship and for us as individuals.

ALL SAID, here’s a few highlights about my life.

Volunteer Work

As a Boy Scout who eventually became an Eagle Scout, I learned the meaning and virtue of giving back to my community, so I combine some family time with volunteer time. I have coached basketball and soccer teams, and stay involved with the Scouting program. I support community programs that enhance the spiritual and intellectual growth of the community.

Special Interests

I have more interest than I have time for! I have played guitar since I was 11, and found that I had a voice at 16 that I could use to accompany my guitar playing. I’ve sung for weddings, parties, in church choirs, and mostly in the shower! I also love fishing of any kind, and have spent quite a bit of time fly fishing since 1989. I enjoy tying my own flies and making my own fly rods. In 1997, I bought my dream boat, a Boston Whaler, which I’ve loaded with all kinds of gadgets. My family enjoys our summer days swimming in one of many great lakes we have in Arkansas, riding around in our boat, and being with friends.

I was a very active baseball and basketball player from childhood through high school. Like many aging athletes, I’m more an oberver now than a player. I keep in shape with cycling, hiking, rock climbing, yoga, basketball, workouts – and, of course, home repair and yard work! (The emphasis is there on the latter pair!) I enjoy camping, canoeing, fine dining, cooking, movies, reading, and being with friends – for any reason!

Favorite quotes

Like dreams, I believe quotes can be a window to our soul. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Just remember, we’re all in this alone.
– Lilly Tomlin
Just when I found out the meaning of life, they changed it.
– George Carlin
At least an introvert spends his time minding his own business.
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
– Victor Borge
Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.
– Minna Antrim
Depend on the rabbit’s foot if you will, but remember, it didn’t work for the rabbit.
– R. E. Shay
Having a hole in the head doesn’t always mean having an open mind.
To err is human, but when the eraser wears out ahead of the pencil, you’re overdoing it.
– J. Jenkins
We know the truth not only by the reason, but by the heart.
– Blaise Pascal
He who tells the truth saves himself the trouble of swearing.
– Yiddish proverb
One learns people through the heart, not the eyes or the intellect.
– Mark Twain
It’s easy to spot a well-informed man – his views coincide with yours.
Unfortunately fish seem to go on vacation when we do.
Like all young men I set out be a genius, but mercifully, laughter intervened.
– Laurence Durrell
Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.
– Lilly Tomlin
Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.
– John Lennon
I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.
– Harry S. Truman

Affections and Treasures

Long summer days … cold winter nights with a blazing fire … my boys’ laughter and hugs… dinner with friends … the smell of fresh cut grass … music … a great movie … dark chocolate … book stores … time to create with my computer … engaging conversation… playing one of my guitars … a big, stocked kitchen ready for me to cook in… a smile … the sun rising … the sun setting … bacon and eggs in the morning … Stilton, English Cheddar, Goat cheeses (oh, heck, ANY cheese!)… train rides … a good baseball game … being on the water in my boat, kayak, or canoe … alone time.