Tag Archives: rebuild your life

Spring Forth

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“From heav’nly  thoughts all true delights doth spring.”                                  ~ Thomas Cameron

By the end of winter, I’ve looked long enough at all the shades of gray, brown and white. I have grown weary of seeing the natural landscape wearing the same colors for five months or more. By the end of winter, I am color deprived and am ready for the earth to deck itself out in an assortment of pastels and greens, once again.

Floral paintings have a special place in my heart and my art collection includes many. In the dead of winter, I find botanical paintings especially comforting and meaningful. During the cold, gray days of winter, I find myself studying the floral compositions. They help me to remember that Mother Nature never fails to burst forth with a whole new landscape every spring.

Today, I am going to indulge myself and buy a bunch of daffodils from the Visiting Nurse Association. Every March, the VNA sells bouquets of spring to those in need of a splash of color in their lives. Nurses know alot about healing the body, but they also know how to heal the spirit. Their fundraiser of selling daffodils comes just when it is most needed. In my previous place of residence, one of my friends reliably showed up at my door, impromptu, bouquet in hand every March. She instinctively knew when I needed a lift of color and spirit after a long, long winter.

It was then, that we knew it was time to talk and plan for our upcoming season of perennial flower gardening.  Vermont has the best climate for perennial flowers – the days are not too hot; cool and dewy nights. I find fulfillment, like no other, out puttering in my garden from May til October.  There is something rejuvenating and life affirming about working the soil and the earth. To me, it is not toiling, it is pure pleasure! Any shreds of artistic talents I have, are best put to use in the garden.

The season of darkness has begun to diminish. Daylight Savings Time allows us to witness, for an extended period each day, the pastel hues that slowly paint the natural canvas, called earth. Watch in awe and wonder as Mother Nature does her thing this spring!

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Things that Mean the Most

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“Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

As Americans live longer and continue to work well beyond what used to be retirement age, the world has become a “melting pot” of four generations in the business world. Decision making can be complex. All four generations bring their own ideas of what they value, a different range of attitudes, expectations, habits and motivational thinking. No wonder it is difficult to reach a consensus on what matters most!

All of us get exhausted by hearing the squabbling between political parties. It concerns me that we can not come to a consensus on so many issues. Perhaps we ought to discard Republican, Independent and Democratic ballot voting!

I propose we start anew! Let’s form an alternative party  called the “New Party V.” Voting would be based on fundamental principles of what fulfills us most, as individuals. “The New Values Party” members must work within the truths of their conscience, and take an oath of no lobbying allowed. The new ballot would read something like this.

Choose 6 values which most resemble your own and rank them in importance. #1 being top priority, # 6 being the lowest.

  • Respect for elders and authority
  • Unquestioning and silent
  • Traditional (nuclear) family
  • Individuality
  • Being adept in technology
  • Flexibility
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Family – Centric
  • Achievement Oriented
  • Team Oriented
  • Attention Craving
  • Emphasis on Call me at Work
  • Communication through Technology
  • Instant Gratification and Satisfaction
  • Merged Families
  • Accepting of Intrusion of Space

I am not sure the outcome of an election using the new ballot would be much different than the situation we have right now. There could be some disturbing results using the new ballot, too. Personally, I feel the priorities and values of the American people need to be re-aligned.

Who are you and how do you define and express yourself in this world? What principles do you most closely identify with? Be honest!

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Closer than You Think

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“A new baby is like the beginnings of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” ~ Eda J. LeShan

Over the years, at publishing conferences and writers groups, I have spoken with many first-time publishers in various stages of the publishing process. I have noticed an attitude of uncertainty that seems to prevail. The attitude is somewhat understandable, because with any new venture, there are always the unknowns. But rather than focus on doubt and skepticism, what about all the possibilities? This is where your attention should be!

Granted not every independent publisher has the financial ability or the time to zip across country on promotional book tours, so naturally, many think only of the local possibilities of book selling. But this is a  mistake. Book selling opportunities are far greater now than they were years ago. With the power of the internet, on-line networking and social media marketing,  your book can now be promoted in ways that were never available to independent publishers before.

With e-commerce, your potential buyers are now closer than you think!  Anyone can get a glimpse of what your book is all about through book trailers, blog tours and e-marketing! This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for bookselling. Never under estimate all the possibilities! Leave no stone unturned when putting your marketing plan in place. Remember, sales are a function of your marketing efforts!

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A Life in Balance

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“All well-regulated families set apart an hour every morning for tea and bread and butter.” ~ Joseph Addison

Ok! It is time for a come-uppance. I have a bone to pick – with myself, that is. Ever since I began blogging, I feel like I have been all out of sync. I have always been one who awakes and goes at full speed ahead. But I have always taken advantage of the quiet of the morn to sit, have a cup of tea, and gather my thoughts for the day. The thing is, ever since I began blogging, I don’t even allow myself the luxury of  sitting quietly for a few minutes of solitude before I start my day. Isn’t that the reason I rise so early?

I live according to the Mountain Time watch, but I have an obsession of posting all my blogs by 8 or 8:30 Eastern Standard Time. That way, my blogs can be seen by all my friends and associates on the East Coast when their work day begins. This means, I am front and center of my computer by 5:30 to 6 am every day.  What bothers me is the fact that I actually feel like The Big Kahuna is hovering over me, in a fancy gray suit, looking at his watch, waiting to catch me off guard and scold me if I am late. There is no reason why I should feel this way. It is just my work ethic speaking to me, thats all. Do I really think someone will give me demerits or slap me on the wrist if my blog is not posted  by exactly 8:30 am EST? Does someone care that much?

Come on, get a grip! From now on, I am going to get back to my pre-blogging routine of allowing myself some time to sit with a cup of tea and let my creative mind wander for a few pre-sunrise moments before I am drawn into the world of digital communication. Don’t I owe that to myself? Furthermore, I will take a break, mid afernoon, for 15 minutes to have another tuppa tea, so that I can get through the rest of the day refreshed and renewed.

I need to get my life in balance! And it begins with me!!

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What Would Your Eden Be?

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“All of us do not have equal talents, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” ~ John F Kennedy

Last week, the National Medals of the Arts were conferred on American citizens who have made outstanding contributions in the field of humanities. An architect, screenwriter, an actor, a dancer, a political speechwriter and others deserving of special merit in their fields were among the honorees. As I listened to the achievements of all those being recognized, I began to think how fortunate this group of Americans were. All have had the opportunity to work in fields that fulfill their need for creative lives. Each were highly respected for having advanced the understanding of the humanities and for having opened up opportunities in their fields for others. For more information, go to www.nea.org or www.arts.gov/honors/medals.

Wouldn’t it be a different world if no one was forced to take a job just for the sake of a paycheck. We would all be living in a Garden of Eden if each person’s talents and gifts could find outward expression through a truly satisfying  job. How could you not excel in the workplace and personally,  if you love what you do and are doing what you love?

I like the idea of a creative economy. No individual would have to find the courage to create, nor would you need to dare to believe you could create. Self expression of talents and gifts would naturally be utilized as people work. What better way to spend 50 or 60 years in the working world. Our quality of life would be greatly improved for many Americans. Working harder would be replaced with working happier. Would this not lead to employees really caring about their jobs and those they serve?

Is there some way you can nuture your talents through your daily work? If you could work in the Garden of Eden, how would you better utilize your innate gifts? How would you change your life’s path if you could?

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Packaging for the Artist

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“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill

Over the months, I have received many rewarding comments about our blogsite.  Although I can not share all the comments with you, I would like to share a few because they have led me to my thoughts for this day. But first, I would like to preface this blog by saying that for as many artists as my comments apply to, there are an equal number of artists that these comments do not apply to. I am posing this question all for my own clarity in understanding the wonderful world of artists.

  • Melody the artist said “She appreciated my attention to the arts.”
  • Nicole said she “appreciates my business direction.”
  • Businesssprouts said ” I enjoy seeing people who are passionate and confident in their work.”

Artists  are known for their dedication and strong belief in their creations and their work. Why then, do many artists often think of themselves as “only artists.” Artists are business people and professionals, too!

Just as you consider your artwork as having high value and worth, are you putting yourself forward as a VIP? I am not referring to “lofty attitudes.” I am referring to presenting yourself to the world as a professional.  Your art work, and the presentation of yourself needs to be in sync, a complete professional package. It can be the very thing that sets you and your artwork apart from all the others.

It is more important to your success than you may think!

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Staying True Blue

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“Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks.” ~ Joe Paterno

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my first Kiwanis International Conference. It was a conference of Kiwanians from the Rocky Mountain Division. I could go on at quite some length about what the Conference covered, but it really isn’t necessary to give you all a minute to minute accounting of the weekend. I would much rather expound on the virtues of it’s members.

A shared belief in living one’s life according to ethical principles has brought personal fulfillment to the lives of each Kiwanis member I spoke with. How can you not be inspired by a group of individuals who display:

  • Courage in leading
  • Imagination in creating a vision for future generations
  • Integrity in the way they live their lives
  • Great hope for the future of our world

I traveled around the conference rooms, speaking with members, trying to get a sense of some of the projects each club is involved with. The information of the fundraising projects each club is engaged in was useful and interesting. But, what struck me most was the loyalty and fellowship that it’s members share. I spoke with members that have had allegiance to the club for as many as 30, 40 and 50+ years!  I met a wonderful woman who was 97 years young, and still actively involved. She spoke with me about her years of commitment to fighting for and improving the lives of children. She expressed her concern at the vast numbers of “latchkey” children. Now, if still being actively involved at age 97 is not loyalty, I don’t know what is!

Besides a great sense of loyalty to their fellow man, why do Kiwanians stay involved for 30, 40 or 50 years? It is simple! They all have great confidence that their service organization is making an “international difference one child at a time.”

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Fulfillment at Any Age

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“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” ~ Aristotle

Have all of you seen the documentary film “Young at Heart?” Has it come to your PBS affiliate state yet www.pbs.org? Over the holidays, my son and I had the opportunity to see a screening of this film together.

The documentary is about a group of senior citizens in western Massachusetts who form a chorus and travel all over to entertain. At the first organizational meeting, the chorus director promptly informs the members that they would not be singing any of the songs of their generation but rather, songs of today.  Oh, yes, songs from Cold Play, Jimi Hendrix, Sonic Youth and other relatively current hits became the repertoire of this “Lawrence Welk generation” of singers.

Did they like it? Of course not, not at first! But things began to rock and things began to roll, as the seniors slowly began to get an ear for what they first thought were raucous, discordant sounds.

Seeing movies with my son is a bit like a chef eating in competitor’s restaurants. He tends to be more critical than the “average Joe.”  Never the less, our consensus was that it was a heartwarming and poignant film, worth seeing.

To me, this film well-demonstrated what Art is all about! Finding courage in doing what you love, and sharing it with others, at any age!  To order this DVD go to www.youngatheartchorus.net.

The Drama of it All

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“We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon” ~ Konrad Adenauer

In the more than 30 years I have spent living in Vermont and now Colorado, I have never heard such dramatic words attached to little white snowflakes! All of the TV stations are  doing overtime to report “snowmageddon and snowpocalypse” on the East Coast. I have heard just about enough.

All the adjectives that are being used to describe the snow in the mid-Atlantic States just do not resemble anything I have ever seen before! When I look out my window in winter, I see:

  • beauty
  • a blanket, soft and white
  • gently falling, white dust of nature
  • tranquility in heavenly white
  • cleanliness and freshness
  • sparkle and glisten
  • crystaline air
  • white fluffy pillows
  • and a quietness in new fallen snow

Not chaos, confusion and catastrophe! With all the disasterous adjectives that the weathermen use to describe the snow, it is no wonder panic ensues.

Instead of cursing snow, how about embracing it, playing in it, walking in it and celebrating it! It does wonders to refresh and renew the soul!

Don’t  you love that global warming?

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Blogging Blunders

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“If you have other things in your life – family, friends, good productive day work- these can interact with your writing and the sum will be all the richer.” ~ David Brin

Wow! Don’t I know this! The quote cited above could not be more true in the life of a blogger. Until you have done it, please do not underestimate the difficulty of blogging, nor the time it takes to do it. It is more of a challenge than one might think.

If you blog on a daily basis, as I do, inspiration and creativity to keep your writing interesting, informative, educational or entertaining is a challenge each and every day. As soon as I am not in touch with a revolving door of people, places(scenery), events in my daily activity, my creativity in writing suffers.  Ideas fizzle or even worse, evade me!

Although I shoot for clarity in my writing each and every day, occassionally I am off my mark. Over the weekend, I took a few days off because I was suffering the effects of a nasty cold. When I returned to blogging yesterday, I was “off my game.”

One of my loyal readers “read me the riot act” for dissappointing her yesterday. She said “Want to Play” was “incohesive and not at all consistant with my writing.” She wondered if I had taken some powerfully strong cold medicine that had affected my writing?  In essence, she said “I better get my head back in the game!”

Hey! It worked! The one of the principles behind blogging is to build relationships with others through writing. I was happy to hear from this loyal follower. Glad to know that she cared!

I need to get back to good writing, and I know the fix is right at hand.

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