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At the Edge of Certainty. . .

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

Step right up! Toss your hat in the ring! Everyone's a winner! I remember the carnival
barkers shouting those words at passersby as they worked to entice them to part

with their money on rigged, or at least unwinnable, games of chance. Every so
often, someone would win one of the carney games—not often but just enough
to keep the crowd interested.

When I was a kid, I wanted to join the circus and be a high-wire artist. I discovered
a ghastly fear of heights that kept my feet firmly planted on the ground. Staying
in my parents comfortable home with indoor plumbing and three meals a day
seemed a better option than living on the road with—what was considered at the
time—sketchey roustabouts. I was cautioned over and over that only persons of

low repute were connected with the circus. Repute was of utmost importance to my
parents, and they persuaded me to give up any thoughts of living out of a suitcase.
As I reminisce about my life over the past 70-odd years, I find that I have few

regrets and a very short bucket list. I've lived on the road for months in a tent and
truck camper, found my way across the seas a time or two, and worked in jobs
where I was admired and respected for my skills and willingness to learn.
Which leads me to Toastmasters and my bucket list. On that list is sticking EDITORIAL
my toe into the contest pool, creating documentaries of ordinary people doing

the extraordinary, and writing a book about life on the road. Will I get everything
checked off my list in my time remaining? Only time will tell.
My tale could not be told without offering a word of advice as the denouement.

No matter where you are on your life's journey, know that time is finite. Don't be
afraid to try something new, even if it means, abandoning a comfortable lifestyle
to experience the unknown. Step onto the high wire, even
if it scares you silly. For at the edge of certainty, is where
life is the most delicious.

Volume 10 Issue 7 January 2023 Monthly Columnists 2022-23 Officers Administrative Manager
Dave Bones, DTM District Director Janet Cerasin, DTM
Publisher David Freedman, IP3 Lorri Andersen, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM Program Quality Director Public Relations Manager
Harvey Schowe, DTM Stephana Johnson, DL3
Senior Editor Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Jim Robison, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jim Robison, DTM Club Growth Director Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Ken Coomes, DTM Dave Bones, DTM
Associate Editor Lee Coyne, ATMS Toastmasters. First issue published August
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Lorri Andersen, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Paul Fanning, DTM Karen Semprevivo, DTM voices@d7toastmasters.org

VOICES! | JANUARY 2023 3