Kindling Works manifesto. Updates, embers, and in-process brilliance.

🕯 DAILY KINDLING

I finally made a Kindling Works board. Because life is color. And emotion. And beautiful sparkling things that inspire and encourage. 🔥

“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”

The quote that started it all.

When I was brainstorming business DBA ideas, this was the quote I couldn’t get out of my head. Often attributed to Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, this is actually a line from the 1873 poem “Ode”, by Arthur O'Shaughnessy.

What’s buzzing today? 🐝

AI Integration. We’re all doing it. Personally, professionally. Its tentacles are reaching into every aspect of life. Don’t misunderstand! I’m a fan. I love collaborating with AI.

But companies are already making mistakes forgetting to integrate thoughtfully and strategically. From hiring process implementations to routine workflow updates, sloppy execution is leading to confused job seekers and employees.

Don’t be that leader who doesn’t lead through one of the biggest process changes in history.

Be thoughtful. Be real. Be transparent. Communicate with everyone on your team. Discover where AI is really needed, and who needs it. Do your homework and your due diligence. Evaluate standard AI use requirements within your state and country; and meet or exceed them. Keep your integrity. Be(e) the example. 🐝😉

Get more insights in my latest article on Medium.

🎶 SPARKED SOUNDS

Need a flicker of inspiration? I’ve got you. 🔥

Get lit with this specially-curated playlist.

SPARKED SOUNDS

Highlights on the list:

“Rocket”, Goldfrapp. Wo-oo-oah, I got a rocket. We’re taking off. ‘Nuff said.
“Let Me Roll”, Seal. Ain’t got no credit cards to feature now, just heart and soul. That’s the jive.
“Headlong”, Queen. You’ve got a new goal. Controlled chaos.
“Big Time Sensuality (The Fluke Mix)”, Bjork. It takes courage to enjoy it. A song about life, not just love. Go live it.
“Gotta Be Better”, Shelby Lynne. Gritty and driving. It’s gotta be better over there.
“Enjoy”, Janet Jackson. One of the glitteriest (new word), most encouraging and warm things you’ll ever hear.
“Rocky Mountain High”, John Denver. Inspiration epitomized. You might say he found a key for every door. Goosebumps. And… I grew up in Denver.

🔁 VIBE-TRANSFER STATION

Sparkchaser

New computer, new vibes. I finally had to replace my ancient 2011 iMac (sadness) that’s been through so much with me. But my new machine is fire (brightness) so I’m choosing to focus on that. 🔥

Chaos Reigns Supreme

I recently tried to write the word ‘spiraling’ and instead typed psiraliygn.

Psiraliygn.

This is full-on brain chaos. Vibes channeled to energized Kindling kick-off momentum! 😆

🐝 BUMBLE’S CORNER

My trusty and squishy mascot. Yes: I have a support plushie. No shame.

Bumble rockin’ the supportive role.

What’s buzzing today?

AI Integration. We’re all doing it. Personally, professionally. Its tentacles are reaching into every aspect of life. Don’t misunderstand! I’m a fan. I love collaborating with AI.

But companies are already making mistakes to integrate thoughtfully and strategically. From hiring process implementations to routine workflow updates, sloppy execution is leading to confused job seekers and employees.

Don’t be that leader.

✍️ THE SPARK LOG

Word of the moment: Connection

: the act of connecting : the state of being connected: such as

a**:** causal or logical relation or sequence the connection between two ideas b(1): contextual relation or association

I’ve been thinking about this word a lot lately. What it really means in a digitally-driven world. How we really find it. How to attain and retain it. Because it’s more important than ever.

Ongoing Writing

I wrote my why I started this and named it thing. It might spark something in you, too.

I’m on Medium and so is my latest article! Check out What’s Right vs. What’s Popular, where I dive into the perilous and crazy world of AI integration. It’s easy to do it. It’s tougher to do it right.

Typo Lore (We Are All Victims)

Some of my most memorable mistakes…

Like the time I was confirming SWAG to my manager and sent an email with the subject line:

T-Sh*t Count 😬

Or the time I sent a company-wide email, from the COO’s email address, regarding perhaps the biggest announcement in the company’s history, and after many proofs and look-overs by many people, the graphic header text still read:

Big things are are happening. 🤭

😱 TONE TRIAGE

TIL Soft Content is a term for fun stuff like memes, playlists, etc.

Basically, stuff that’s not meant to convert but to engage, and connect with people. I had no idea this was even a term. And now that I know? I hate it!

It should be Bright Content. Or Joy Buckets. Or something much more urgently happy.

To call it Soft Content diminishes the importance of it. Because content that engages and humanizes is proven to increase connection, open rates, responses, and more.

But wait…

If joyful and fun content is all soft content, does that mean social media is literally a soft content haven? Are we all softies?

I’m done for the day. 😏

The Myself Epidemic!

“Myself and John… “ or “Please reply to myself… “ Referring to yourself as myself in this manner is incorrect.

“John and I…” or even “John and me…” is correct.

It is totally, a-okay to write “Please reply to me… “

Constantly referring to yourself as myself is not required, does not make you sound more formal or experienced, and is a waste of letters and energy! 😆

Off my soapbox.

📦 THE GLOW-UP BOX

Coming soon!

🎨 COLOR COMMUNAL

Shades of sparks and random reflections…