Real You

25 11, 2019

Wildfires and Creative Sparks

By |2023-02-07T00:07:12+00:00November 25, 2019|authors, Real You, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Wildfires and Creative Sparks

It’s Santa Ana wind and wildfire season out here in California and I must admit, it’s terrifying. My home burned down when I was in high school. The fire started early in the morning and my whole family was asleep inside at the time. I’ve always been afraid of fire–but now, with these catastrophic episodes igniting all around me, it’s a whole new level. I very much feel for all who have been in these fires paths, and for the first responders working so hard to keep them contained. I’m also asthmatic, so the smoke from these immense fires sends a cloud of particulate pollution into the air that lurks around for weeks, even after the flames are doused. So what does this have to do with writing? I’m forcing myself to imagine this edgy time as being filled with creative sparks. (Non-combustible and imaginary [...]

5 11, 2015

Real You: Remember what’s important during the holidays

By |2023-02-06T23:43:01+00:00November 5, 2015|aha|Comments Off on Real You: Remember what’s important during the holidays

I was asked to write a piece for Woman's World magazine about what it was like not to have any more kids to dress up and take trick-or-treating during Halloween. Sob. Sure, I've had teenagers for awhile, so that phase of little people needing to be chaperoned in the neighborhood had long since passed. But what I discovered, as I began to write, was there was one important message I wish I could have told my younger self: be in the moment. Because this Halloween, this Thanksgiving and this Christmas only happens once, ever. Perfection is not what's important, being there, focused on your kids, that's what matters. There aren't any do overs. Just these precious years of chaos that will soon be memories. Enjoy every moment this holiday season! (to read the article I wrote, go here)

5 01, 2014

Real You: Happy New Year book news and woman power

By |2023-02-06T23:49:48+00:00January 5, 2014|aha, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Happy New Year book news and woman power

I hope you're having a great start to 2014! So far, I've been enjoying my family, recovering from food poisoning (a pickle, of all things), and trying to get back in the writing saddle. The end of 2013 left me a bit adrift, from the writing standpoint. But, I should have some good news to announce shortly! In the meantime, I wanted to let you all know that IndieReader gave ALL THE DIFFERENCE  a great review on their site, calling it "a quick and sexy mystery, a challenge to unravel, and proves there’s nothing humdrum about the ‘burbs." See the whole review here. I wasn't expecting the review and it reinvigorated me, the same way that five-star Amazon reviews can. It's odd, but us writers are such a sensitive lot. A tiny bit of applause goes a long way. My debut novel, HERE, HOME, HOPE, [...]

1 08, 2012

Real You: The power of outside approval

By |2023-02-07T00:05:19+00:00August 1, 2012|authenticity, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The power of outside approval

It's funny. Whenever I talk to groups about empowerment or personal branding, writing or publishing, I focus on the basic fact that belief in yourself is the key ingredient of success. The ability to know your REAL YOU, to define it - and what you're conveying to others - authentically - is crucial whether you are selling yourself, widgets, books or teaching your kids an important life lesson. Too often we find ourselves caught up in what other's think - waiting for a five-star review, a pat on the back, a promotion. But really, that waiting and hoping for outside approval moves us far away from our purpose and dangerously close to the snark infested waters I write about in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. Relying on outside approval turns your power over to others - and often, unfortunately, those others are snarks who's jealousy or [...]

27 02, 2012

Real You: There is always something to worry about

By |2023-02-07T00:06:56+00:00February 27, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: There is always something to worry about

This may seem obvious - but - it's life. There is always something to worry about. Especially if you're a mom. Beyond the basics of feeding, clothing, driving, homework, and the rest, there is your child's general happiness. And if you have more than one, the worries compound. That's why I'm trying to tell myself since there is always something to worry about, it's time to stop worrying about it all. Especially in the middle of the night when nothing gets accomplished except ruining sleep. My biggest a-ha in all of my new perspective is that while I can always choose to find something to worry about - I can also choose not to worry. I can let it go. You can let it go. Let me give you a perfect example. Today was the first day of golf team for my youngest. He was [...]

9 12, 2011

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Christine Cunningham

By |2023-02-07T00:07:38+00:00December 9, 2011|author interview|Comments Off on Real You: Author Interview! Meet Christine Cunningham

Christine and I met on the WoMen's Literary Cafe and have been social media buddies ever since. It's my pleasure to welcome her here! What is your favorite season? Why? I love all of the seasons! I love Spring because it’s the true beginning of the year for me. Flowers are blooming and I get the itch in my fingers to play I the dirt and garden. I love Summer because it’s so warm and friendly. There are fruits and vegetables straight from the garden that are superb and I can write outside again. I love Fall because I feel all snuggly and cuddly. It’s the time when I see my family the most. With four sisters and two brothers that’s no mean feat. I love Winter because that’s when I do a lot of soul searching and goal setting. I feel even more inclined [...]

8 12, 2011

Real You: Reaching out during the holidays

By |2023-02-07T00:07:43+00:00December 8, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Reaching out during the holidays

You may never have the opportunity (optimist in me) to move to a new place during the holidays. But if you, like me, have had that happen, you will realize how much the smallest of gestures mean. It's daunting knowing no one during the season of parties and glee! So here a are a couple of things that have made me smile. The handyman who has been helping me put my life together in our new home invited our family to his family's Christmas party. How nice is that? An author who I've been friends with on Facebook just sent me a message and invited me for coffee - she actually lives nearby! These small acts of kindness mean so much, especially when you're new to an area and starting a new life. What can you do to reach out to someone today?

4 04, 2011

Real You: Just a moment in time

By |2023-02-07T00:14:30+00:00April 4, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Just a moment in time

     It's amazing, really, the time you have with your kids. It's a blink - a bright light of time - as they grow and become adults. Moments. So special. As unique as each one.  

13 12, 2010

Real You: Longing for those Lego days?

By |2023-02-07T00:15:42+00:00December 13, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Longing for those Lego days?

Yes, it's Christmas time. And now, instead of heading to one of those amazing, fun toy stores - I especially love the locally owned, creative ones - I head online. Don't get me wrong - I love online shopping. But before, when the kids were little and the internet wasn't so pervasive, toy shopping at Christmas was a very fun pursuit. Now, it's all about a budget. The taller the kid, the smaller the gift and the more expensive. It's just that simple. And, I've discovered, the bigger the kid, the more virtual the gift. Gift cards. Video games. iTunes cards. Where's the fun in that? The fun is in watching the kids who used to build Lego castles grow up. It's no longer those squeezable Christmas mornings - but there aren't any overstimulation, nap-needed, diaper changing moments either. All in all, it's fun to [...]

2 12, 2010

Real You: The difference

By |2023-02-07T00:15:52+00:00December 2, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The difference

What is your brand's difference? Your unique, authentic differentiation? Do you have one? Of course. It's you. You are your personal and business brand's unique competitive advantage, but often we don't articulate our differnce clearly. Obviously. Proudly. Why? It's easier to hide. It's a lot easier to appear corporate, "professional". To blend in - to not attract attention. To play it safe. But why? Don't allow your personal or business brand to be more of the same. All of the great brands in the world are unique. They stand for something. They have personality. I'm writing this from the seat on a Virgin America flight. Their staff is spunky, their planes are clean. They are different. It feels different to be on one of their flights. Richard Branson is different. He stands out. He's a personality and a defined personal brand. Can you and your [...]

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