Inspiration from President Liz.
I went to my camera roll looking for inspiration for this month’s note. I’d like to share some random photos from January and my own interpretation of each.
This flannel bush (Fremontodendron californicum!) is one of my favorite plants in my neighborhood. Normally, it doesn’t greet me with flowers until April. This photo was taken January 17!
The lesson? Bloom when you want to. You didn’t have to make a change on January 1. You can start something new on any day. You don’t need to wait until a new Rotary year or until you have a Rotary board position to lead. Bloom, shine, and show up whenever you want to.
One of my January highlights was a meal in Healdsburg at SingleThread–a three Michelin star restaurant. I lost count of the courses, and even though the dishes were beautiful, I kept closing my eyes to savor the flavors. What you see is wagyu beef and a custard-like mashed potato dish with mushrooms. When my friend asked how they made the potatoes, the server said it takes a lot of work and THREE days.
The lesson? There are lots of ways to make meat and potatoes. Steak frites. Shepherd’s pie. Ribs and baked potatoes. They’re all variations on a theme. Similarly, there are a lot of ways to serve. Rotary names the ingredients–service above self within 7 focus areas–but we get to decide how we want to cook and serve them.
When you walk up to my brother’s home in Manhattan Beach, you instantly know a lot about my niece and nephew. They’re proud high school athletes and musicians! They probably have a lot of green and gold clothing.
The lesson? Show what you’re about. How often do you see Membership Chair Kirk Greene wearing his Rotary vest? Wear a Rotary pin, hat, shirt, or cape (if you’re feeling fancy). Put a sticker on your car, or join the meeting with a Rotary notebook. Each Rotary symbol is more than merch, it’s an invitation to a conversation. The inspiration Rotary offers is not finite. It actually grows the more we share it.
Liz Alves
President, 2025-26