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Getting to know a person who comes across as both genuine and genial is exciting. Getting to know a strong and sensible woman is even more exciting. Tiffany Underwood is one person I sincerely enjoyed spending time with recently. Here are some of the highlights of our talk.

How do you earn a living?

I am a part-time merchandiser for American Greetings. I clean and restock the card and gift displays in several retail locations. Sometimes I get to help people find the perfect card they are seeking. The job is enjoyable and is the way I survive and get to eat. But there is so much more that defines who I am.

Would you care to elaborate?

I am a wife to a wonderful man who is a 911 operator. I am a mother to an awesome daughter who is a math whiz in the seventh grade. I have tons of hobbies and one very strong passion.

Could you please explain your passion to the readers?

Theatre and acting has always been my passion, my fun, my creativity. What I bring into a role is the creative expression of both having fun and telling the hard stories. I have a good technique for memorizing lines. It thrills me to give a voice to the stories of strong women. I have done theatre and short films. Some female actors I love are Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, and Helen Mirren. In my acting and in my real life, I am always authentic.

And what about those hobbies?

I like to cook. I make a fettuccine sauce from scratch that is delicious. While I’m not a crafty person as such, I do really appreciate beautiful pottery and ceramics. I love to read, listen to music, walk through a peaceful cemetery, and spend time at the beach. Oh, and I love photography, especially taking pictures at sunset.

Could you share thoughts about Tallahassee and travel?

I was born and raised in Tallahassee. It is full of history and nature galore. It has canopy roads and friendly people. It is where I took a ride on a hot air balloon on my 16^th birthday. Also, it is close to other fascinating Florida places like Wakulla Springs and St. Marks. As far as travel, I’ve been to Texas and Hawaii. An anniversary cruise to St. Thomas was fun and unforgettable. A place I wish to visit one day is Ireland.

What makes you an exuberant person?

I am comfortable in my own skin. I am able to live in the moment. I am loyal, imaginative, and I respect the beliefs of others. My life is like the canopy roads, mostly great with occasional thorns and bumps.

Do you have a message for the world?

Yes, live your life for you without the worry of what other people think. Live by your own code.

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Dang y’all! Tiffany Underwood is likeable and adorable. Her body of work has included everything from the delightful comedy Calendar Girls to the short drama Viola. She has a healthy zest for life and a happy way of being her best self.

You are invited to leave your comment. Tiffany and I are both eager to hear from you.

Seriousness Fused with Fun

As I walked into the elevator at City Hall, I was both nervous and excited in anticipation of my first meeting with the mayor. Would he be pompous or subdued? Would he be phony or inept? It turns out that he is none of those things! In fact, we chatted so comfortably in his office. I felt honored. I felt proud. I felt patriotic. John Dailey is a good man who has a strong commitment to the great future of Tallahassee.

What is a clear and simple way to explain your job?

My job as Mayor is to be sure that our municipal services are doing all we can to improve the quality of life for all residents of Florida’s state capital.

How do you feel about your job?

It is very rewarding to truly be able to help solve the problems and concerns of citizens. Every day is completely different and has a mix of seriousness and fun. I appreciate those I work with and the wide variety of local people that I am privileged to meet. I am aware of my own deficiencies and my great team is always ready and willing to assist.

How do you handle the difficult parts of your position?

I listen to all people with unconditional respect. I know that respect can move mountains and bring about transformational change.

How do you feel about Tallahassee?

I grew up here and really love it. I attended FSU and love Seminoles football. Tallahassee is unique and fun and has so much natural beauty. It is the seventh largest municipality in Florida, yet still has an excellent small-town charm. It is a great place for education and also a premiere retirement destination.

Could you say a little about other travel destinations you have seen or would like to see?

I have had great times in London and in Costa Rica. I have backpacked across Ethiopia and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Eventually I hope to travel to all seven continents.

Are you passionate about any particular activities or hobbies?

Food, art, and music are important to me because they fuel the mind, body, and spirit. My wife is from Louisiana and has introduced me to lots of great Cajun food. For physical activity I like hiking or playing squash. Reading helps me to relax. I also love to play Legos with my two sons.

Mayor John Dailey and writer Angela Dowdy

What makes you an exuberant person?

I have a good philosophy of life. It is crucial to pay serious attention to the important things. It is even more necessary to stay upbeat and positive. And it is absolutely essential to have fun.

Do you have any message that the world needs to hear?

Yes! Let’s all take a deep breath, stay calm, and smile. These are unusual times, but we are all going to make it through this together.

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Mayor John Dailey of Tallahassee is everything a man should be. He loves his family, his job, his town, and his constituents. He knows how to mix seriousness and fun. He is very approachable. He knows how to make a positive and lasting impression.

Meet Tiffany Underwood: Authentic Creative Expression

Meet Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey