Dear Friend,

Five-year-old Keisha looks up at me, "Millie, can I take a rose home to my mom?"

In these hot summer days, the neighbor kids delight in smelling blooms from bushes I planted in my front-yard garden before many of the kids were born. We get a special kick out of watching the butterflies zoom the blooms. Those little critters invite us into a delicious, floating oasis.

Speaking of butterflies, do you know what is the #1 fear of most North Americans? No, not dying. You got it: speaking in public. For many folks, speaking and - even worse, singing - in front of others, ranks as a huge "F." Those of you who know me, an ex-shy Kentuckian who broke through her fears to become a nightclub singer, know that one of my passions is helping people find an oasis in the overwhelm of their fears.

From April through June, I indulged that passion. I coached the President and 16 Vice-Presidents of Foxwoods Resort and Casino in my Presentation Skills Program, Free Your Fire! Present with Power & Passion. By the last day, the Execs jumped on stage, spoke - and even sang - with more pizzazz. As VP Jani commented, "Millie, you helped us get our butterflies in formation."

A few miles from Foxwoods is the York Correctional Institute for Women. Not many rose bushes for the women there. Inside the fence is a group of Hospice Volunteers, all inmates at York. I had the privilege of doing an OASIS Workshop with these volunteers. Their comments gave me fresh appreciation of the strength of the OASIS Strategies (see their words in the panel).

Have a fine rest of the Summer. In early August I'm heading to California to be with the grandkids. Then my husband Pablo and I will bike the Coast from Monterey to Ventura. Send strength to our legs! We'll send Pacific air to you.

Millie