Tea Time with the Future

Yesterday I had tea with a lovely young man and his mother.  Patrick, who now works with me weekly on editing projects for the digital content work we do for clients, is a wonderful fella I've known for a few years now.  

He's a shining example of the kind of unique workers we can hire when we look outside the "norm."  I met Patrick through the AMVA (www.actorsforautism.org) program that takes young people just out of high school and teaches them practical film/production skills.  He's been a terrific asset and his intelligence, wit and work ethic continue to amaze me.

Yesterday afternoon we had tea at the lovely historic Blinn House in Pasadena.  The home of the Women's City Club, this beautifully restored and protected home is a meeting place for connection and creation.  I'm a Business Member of the Women's City Club and I've come to rely on the house and her staff's accepting embrace weekly, and since Patrick's been working on the edit for several of our video projects for them, I thought he should experience the house first-hand.

On the way home I reflected on our lovely visit, our informative tour by the house manager Rae and the beautiful memories we'd created, and I realized that work can and should be "community".  

I will continue to hire Patrick, but I will also look for ways and days to communicate, to share special moments and to continue to grow together.  He's been an inspiration and a great teacher, and I look forward to the future that's waiting for us, in business and in friendship.

Sincerely, Shanna