Parker the fox smirks at Milo the raccoon intern: “Notice anything new about me today?” Bonsai leaves litter the desk and floor.

Parker saunters by Finley the floating goldfish spiraling in panic near a doorway

Parker, smug, tells Donna: “It’s called ‘Thunder Volcano Noir’,” as limp plants keel over on the floor.

Leslie the compliance owl sprays Parker with a “Scent Compliance” extinguisher; Donna says, “Let’s call it ‘Extinguished.’”

Transcript

Panel 1:

Action: A raccoon (Milo) sits in an office chair at a desk, looking up with wide eyes at a smug-looking fox (Parker) standing nearby with paws on hips. A bonsai tree sits on the desk, shedding leaves all over the surface and floor.

Dialogue (Fox): “NOTICE ANYTHING NEW ABOUT ME TODAY?”

Panel 2:

Action: The fox stands in a hallway facing a large goldfish with exaggerated eyes. The goldfish is hovering upside-down midair, spinning rapidly with white swirl lines indicating motion.

Panel 3:

Action: The fox stands confidently with eyes half-closed and a smirk, next to Donna Lake with short hair, purple glasses, and a purple shirt, who is standing behind her desk. Around them are potted plants with drooping, wilting leaves.

Dialogue (Fox): “IT’S CALLED ‘THUNDER VOLCANO NOIR’”

Panel 4:

Action: Donna stands to the side as an owl (Leslie) holds a canister labeled "SCENT COMPLIANCE" and sprays the fox, now partially obscured in a cloud. The fox looks startled and disoriented.

Dialogue (Donna): “LET’S CALL IT ‘EXTINGUISHED’”

Noir

Posted on November 19, 2025 by donnalake

From Donna’s Desk
Subject: No to Noir

Parker arrived this morning wearing confidence and something that smelled like a campfire hired a publicist.

Leadership, I’m learning, is mostly about calibrating everyone’s “too much” without becoming rigid yourself. Some days that looks like letting the team try something small and human; other days it’s an owl with a fire extinguisher. These situations can coexist, if you squint.

So tell me:

What’s the strongest “signature scent” you’ve survived at work?
Where’s the line between personal expression and shared air?
And who’s your Leslie - the person who enforces the tiniest rule so you don't have to?

I’ll be here, opening windows and watering what remains.

Donna

#IamDonnaLake #OfficeChaosSurvivor #QuietLeadership #MiddleManagementMagic

4 thoughts on “Noir”

Kem
11/19/2025, 9:00 am
- Reply
OMG I’ve felt this pain before. HOwever I also really like scents so don’t want to ban them completely.
1. donnalake
  
  11/19/2025, 10:08 am
  
  Reply
  
  Totally hear you, Kem! Balance is the job. Lavender calms most, but it launches Finley. Parker’s “volcano” cologne? Crowd of one. Still, a light scent can help. Fortunately, Leslie enforces the line so I don’t have to.
Cierra
11/20/2025, 10:30 am
- Reply
This happened with a customer yesterday! She was so fun and great to talk to, but we did actually open the doors for a bit after she left. The rain scent that replaced her was very soothing.
donnalake
11/21/2025, 7:44 am
- Reply
I get it completely. Some people are a delight to chat with and a challenge to breathe around. Cracking the doors is my favorite diplomatic policy. That “after-rain” reset is a huge bonus when you can get it!