Marti J Crouse

In 2018 on my homeward bound commute from my corporate job, after offering a small donation to a panhandler I passed each evening, I received from him a handwritten that read:

"Why is it cool to date homeless chicks? You can drop 'em off anywhere!"

I cringed when I read it, but have to admit that I laughed, too.

Receiving that small, tattered piece paper would change my life. I just didn't know it at the time.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. -- Aesop

I do my best to use those words as my "true north" as I navigate the crisscrossing, sometimes rocky, often frustrating, but always interesting roads and pathways in my life. To be sure, I get off track, breakdown, have to call a metaphorical AAA, but I do try.

Writing, teaching, and dog-training are my life's three greatest passions. My first book, co-authored with Kendall Shrum, "The Panhandler and the Professional," is the launching point for my speaking business in which I combine all of these areas.

I left a successful 30+ year career in corporate America, years during which I was blessed to have countless opportunities to hone the skills that have led me to this point.

Now?

Well, now I hope to share with those who are interested the many lessons and inspirations I have gained over the years from family, friends, colleagues, my homeless friends, the many addicts who have taught me the horrors of addiction, my dogs, and the many mentors who have blessed my life.