Random Hallmark Moments: What's the buzz?

   Today, over 300 Hallmarkers voluntarily retired, each with a minimum of 15 years of experience--but the average was likely much higher. It's staggering to think about all the expertise who walked out those doors today. Of my direct partners, Jaime was the only one, but the impact will be huge. I'm sure it won't fully hit me until he's not there tomorrow.
   Tonight, I was invited by my bee-keeping friend Patty to a happy hour downtown to celebrate her retirement. We didn't work together directly, but have been in staffs & other meetings together for the past few years, & share the love of travel & photography. Plus, I'll always be a big fan since she gave me my one-and-only honey-harvest experience. So it was only fitting to draw her a bright & sunny, flowery, bee-filled card to say thanks again.
   I think I was the only person from Creative in attendance (Patty is a talented speech writer & communication specialist, among many other things), which was both a surprise & an honor. Not only was it nice to send Patty off in style, it was amazing and humbling to hear all the wonderful things everyone said about her. It's hard to imagine that I could have a fraction of the impact on the company & its people that Patty has, but I learned a lot from her and would be grateful to be more like her. 

me, Jessica Noble, Patty Moore, Nancy Fletcher & Karen Garrison

   I have such gratitude for being a part of such a wonderful organization, & have always said that the people are the reason I've stayed. And while we're sorry to see dear friends depart, as Patty said to me at work today, it's up to all of us to take what we've learned, and pick up where they left off. A task both daunting and exciting. ...Maybe more exciting than daunting. We've had some great role models, of course! ;)