Good Golly!

Jack & the Beanstalk

2012-02-21T21:02:00.001-06:00

I just installed a two-story-tall ballooney Jack & the Beanstalk in the Atrium of the Lake Forest Country Day School. It will be enjoyed for two weeks until the annual fundraising event on March 3. This year's theme is "Once Upon a Time".I've always enjoyed the Jack & the Beanstalk story and more so, especially, as an adult. Since it was as an adult that I, like Jack, took a big risk and traded in my "cow" for a few "seeds" and armed with little more than faith took a great big chance.Same with the classic Robert Frost poem 'The Road Not Taken', about those two roads that diverged in a wood, one road not used as much as the other.There are those times when we are all faced with whether we should get rid of the cow for a few seeds, or take the road less travelled by...and I shout out "Yes! Yes!"...and it will make all the difference!

Holiday Grab Bag Idea...

2012-01-18T16:46:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's a bit late...or 11 months early, depending on how you look at it.

Anyway--
I read a lot of stuff and I can't remember quite where I read this but
recently I came across a unique holiday grab bag idea that I will be forcing my family to do for the 2012 holidays.

You pull someone's name, then get that person a toy that most represents (or not!) that individual's personality, tastes, hobbies...you get the idea.

Then!
After everyone opens their presents and laughs and talks about the fun toy gifts
the toys are collected and donated to Toys for Tots, or whichever children's charity you like.

I love that idea!

Wanna make your dreams come true?

2012-01-10T09:02:00.001-06:00

Over the years I've noticed there's one thing,
one simple easy peasy thing I can do to make my dreams come true.
As French poet Paul Valery said,
"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."

And even more specifically, Wake up Early!

I see it around me with the colleagues I have that are successful with thriving businesses. And not only that, they are balanced and thriving both personally and professionally. They are the ones that are having their cake and eating it, too.

Common denominator? They all get up early. Some a lot earlier than others.
The point is to get up earlier than you would typically get up
before you had to run out the door to start your day.

Here, one of my favorite leadership experts, Robin Sharma, shares his tips on getting up early.
To the early birds and getting more done this year!

http://www.robinsharma.com/how-to-get-up-early/

B. Boy, Tim Burton and Balloons

2011-11-24T11:45:00.001-06:00

Today was my first experience seeing B. Boy, a Tim Burton character, floating along in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The character B. Boy was stitched together, Frankenstein-style, out of discarded balloons.
Excerpted from the New York Times Arts section:

"Forbidden from playing with other children because of his jagged teeth and crazy-quilt stitching, B. retreated to a basement lair, where he obsesses over Albert Lamorisse’s film “The Red Balloon” and dreams that he, too, will be able to fly someday."

“There’s always been something about balloons,” Mr. Burton said, by way of explaining his B. Boy character. “You see them deflated and you see them floating. There’s something quite beautiful and tragic and sad and buoyant and happy, all at the same time.”

Read more here.

Weeeeeeeee!

Deception and Magician Marco Tempest

2011-09-08T23:30:00.001-05:00

You do it.
I do it.
We all do it.
We deceive ourselves and others.

Sometimes on purpose.

Perhaps we'll save someone's feelings from being hurt.
Perhaps we were neglectful and makeup an excuse for running late.
Perhaps we're just not ready to handle the truth or bad experience, so we deceive ourselves to take the edge off.

Sometimes we really don't realize we're doing it. Really.

We deceive/are deceived/allow ourselves to be deceived
for romance. for money. for art.
Good. Bad. Black. White.
Neither nor. Gray.
Life is complicated.

Is magic truly the only honest profession?

Let's suspend our disbelief a little longer.

Marco Tempest: The magic of truth and lies (and iPods) | Video on TED.com

Are You Exceptional?

2011-06-30T09:06:00.000-05:00

Some of us get a little uneasy if we consider ourselves exceptional.

Perhaps we are culturally trained to perceive it as akin
to boasting and being big-headed.
Maybe some think it's too ego-driven and simply not attractive to others.
However, each of us have unique gifts and the quicker we just get on with it and realize them, then take it further and own them,
only then can we each live up to the extraordinary beings each of us are, ultimately sharing our gifts with the world.

I truly believe this.
And I'm sure I'll repeat it again and again.

So, today, here's a great quick list from Robin Sharma
titled Random Insights on Exceptionalism.
It reads fast. In fact, some of it you may already be familiar with.
I do know when you're done you'll be inspired.
Even if it's a little bit.

http://www.robinsharma.com/blog/06/random-insights-on-exceptionalism/

Could I Embarrass the Teen? (No, but I know someone who did!)

2011-06-06T22:44:00.003-05:00

I have a 16yo son (going on 35) at home and let me just say
I have had many opportunities where I could have embarrassed him--
when friends were over, on outtings, at family functions,
or any other numerous times, but...
Did I?
No.
Would I?
Oh, I've thought about it. You know I have.
But, nope, never did it.

Did someone else?
Yes! And we all know how I love to live
vicariously through others, so here's the scoop:

It seems this was the first year the school bus would be going passed
the house AND the 16yo high school sophmore son would be required to ride it.
So the mom, in her infinite motherly wisdom
thought they (her and hubby) should run outside and wave
as the bus went by, just to, you know, embarrass the kid a bit.

Well, the father took it a few steps further and decided
to get dressed up in a costume and wave to his son
EVERY
SINGLE
MORNING
of the son's sophmore year!

To see the dad's costumes, visit the blog his wife kept:
waveatthebus.blogspot.com

Here's the article from the Daily Herald Utah News
http://tinyurl.com/6kkhlqw

Here's a parenting blog writeup about it:
http://tinyurl.com/3lo5zqd

So, if your teen complains about being embarrassed by you,
pull up the waveatthebus blog and tell him he has no idea.
Or you can use it as a simple threat.

Zits in Middle Age

2011-05-29T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a middle-aged woman.
I'm a middle-aged woman that still gets zits!

What's up with that?!

As a children's entertainer and corporate speaker I am in front
of people. A lot. My appearance is important insofar
as I consistently practice good hygiene and get my hair trimmed regularly.
In addition, I no longer leave the house in saggy sweats and a T
since I have a tendency of running into clients.
Even on vacation.
In other states.

My father had severe acne as a teen and he
told me he always hoped his three daughters would never suffer
with acne the way he did. As an adolescent and teenager I would get the occasional zit.
Nothing major.

Now with middle age, not only am I on the receiving end
of an array of assorted skin anomalies such as spots, tags,
moles, sags and wrinkles (not to even mention the whole
hair subject as in thinning hair or graying hair or unwanted hair),
I must also and still deal with the occasional zit.

So, as it happened, I got a little bump near my lip a couple
weeks ago. You know, that smallish start of what may be a
zit kind of a thing. Naturally, I could not leave well-enough alone.
Yep. I picked.
Now it looks like some nastyass cold sore.

My zit has been the object of contention and amusement
for both my husband and teen son.
Much to my intense chagrin.
Needless to say, I have been quite vocal
about this distasteful state and have been thankful that
a) it isn't worse, and b) I only have two gigs
between today and Wednesday.

Yesterday the zit looked particularly angry.
Yesterday I had an entire day off and was relaxing on the sofa.
My husband had been out gardening most of the morning
and came in to chat.

He took one look at my zit and exclaimed,"You better
leave that thing alone or it's gonna grow arms!"

Thanks, Hon. You're all heart.

A Decent Cup of Coffee

2011-05-28T17:52:00.001-05:00

What's a gal gotta do to get a decent cup of coffee anymore?

What I really mean is: How does a gal make a decent cup of coffee?

I am a coffee lover. Not the gourmet, fancy pantsy stuff, although
if you offer it to me, I'll gladly drink it.
No, I'm talking about the regular and humble real deal. The simple cup of joe.
Bold. Unpretentious.

Childhood memories hearken back to a home filled with the aroma
of coffee brewing. In the morning, afternoon or evening a pot of
coffee was always and only a turn of the tap and a scoop of grounds
away. We have Swedish blood in the family, so that can be where
all the coffee drinking and dunking came about.

For me, coffee goes hand in hand with all sorts
of mostly positive events in my life where that extra boost was-is welcomed.
For me, having a cup of coffee, has always carried with it a sense of
excitement, anticipation and gladness.
Like waking up, meetings with interesting people, and making writing deadlines.

How about a cup of coffee?
Just the question asked implies the visit is lengthened.
Want some coffee?
Implies the person asking wants to partake with you even for just this simple act.
Let's get coffee.
Means a shared moment of pleasure amidst the minutae and craziness
of daily living.

Recently, I cleaned out a cupboard and in the pile of get-rid-ofs were
two travel coffee mugs that were staineless steel, leak proof, spill proof
otherwise perfectly good cups.
Why did I get rid of them?
Because whenever I'd take my steaming cup of coffee on the road I'd
get one sip into my mouth and want to gag. That's why.
I figured it was the cup gone sour, or the lid or something.
I then purchased a new one. Porceleain. And I brought a steaming cup of coffee
on the road and took a sip from my new mug and. Wanted. To. Gag!

To my complete and utter surprise it wasn't the cups at all.
It was (and is) MY coffee that tastes so terrible.
How depressing is that?
I can't cook much as it is, but now I discover my coffee is crappy.
Y'know what I mean, I have two basic recipes I can successfully serve and that's about it.
I'm the gal who-may-not-make-meals,
but-I-sure-can-make-reservations, that gal.
However, I always thought, Well, at least my coffee is alright.
Now I find I don't even pass muster with that.
I may as well give guests a tea bag to suck on.

I'm aware of the gezillion cafes, bistros and coffee shops all touting
good java. Varieties to please every possible connoisseur and their
individual palates for flavor, acidity, body, aroma, and, yes, finish.

From exotic blends to expensive brews to growing green to fair trade--
from coffee klatches to coffee breaks to coffee clubs.
So, I've been far and wide searching for the way I can make a perfect cup of coffee.

I've tried ultra clean pots, super cold and filtered water, freshly ground beans,
prepackaged instants and exotic flavors from all continents including
places I've never heard of like Maracaibo.
And my quest continues.
Don't know how long it'll take or if I'll ever get there.

Meanwhile, wanna go grab a cup of coffee?

Time Management and Factor X: Simply eXpect the uneXpected

2011-05-24T12:21:00.003-05:00

Time is money. Time is an asset.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I know it's valuable, yet I'm still NOT MANAGING IT EFFECTIVELY.
Until recently, that is.

There are numerous books, cd's and workshops out there suggesting ways in
which we can manage our time.
Perhaps I needed a time system, a schedule, a planner.
Or perhaps I needed to focus, get my goals in order, make lists, prioritize.
Or perhaps I needed to enlist a third party--
like get a buddy or join a mastermind group to be accountable to.

Actually, I was and am still doing all of that.
But then why am I not getting more of what I want done?
I now know!
I call it Factor X---simply eXpect the uneXpected.

After many long months of trying to get to the real crux of the matter, I came to this epiphany while fielding multiple simultaneous requests from clients and kin---for everything from a last minute contractual change, meeting a proposal deadline, getting my head shot and one-sheet to a prospective client, to listening to my mother via telephone as she grappled with the recent deaths of her husband and father, my friend who is dealing with a child's illness, and my teen son's bitter realization that all friends actually don't have your back.

And that was not including anything from my goal oriented and prioritized Daily-List-of-Things-To-Do.

As a home-based business owner, mother of a teen and basically someone that is involved in her life (much like yourself, I'd presume), those uneXpected Factors come on swiftly and suddenly, seemingly seeking to sabotage.

I've discovered there is a certain and very definite, but highly unpredicatable amount of interruptions that occur throughout my days. And due to the completely unexpected nature of these events, I would often find myself staring glassy eyed at 1:30 in the morning wondering where the day went.

As a result of this grandest of a-ha moments, I have given myself a precious gift.
It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. And it's not a book.
It is TIME.
Yes, that is correct. Humans throughout the ages have tried to discover the secret and I have gone and done it. I am able to give myself more time!
How's that, Holly, pray tell? You sardonically ask.
It is so simple, so straitforward--I have slapped myself upside the head wondering why I hadn't thought of it sooner.

I now pad my big Daily-List-of-Things-To-Do with more time. I factor in the unexpected and the inevitable. I factor in those distractions, shocking ambushes and attacks; those emergencies, surprises and fires.

By allowing myself more time to accomplish my tasks, I found I am really managing my time more effectively. Try it. Pencil in more time to account for Factor X and you will see the results firsthand.

Showcasing

2011-04-19T15:23:00.001-05:00

Do you perform in professional industry showcases?

I have begun showcasing in recent years in an effort to let potential hiring clients see me, experience my program and to ask me questions. For my various services, the brochure or even website hasn't ever been enough. One event I participated in back in the Fall of '09, I'm still getting bookings from.

At first, I couldn't help but be intimidated. Afterall, there are usually dozens of other industry pros showcasing their talents, as well. However, having a specific niche helps and even if you don't, to just remember to be yourself would be the main tip I would take to heart.

There are two showcases coming up that I will be participating in:

1) Need an engaging speaker for your corporate event?
Visit the Chicago Speaker Showcase, Thursday April 28 at the Metropolitan Club (in the Willis Tower) http://bit.ly/SpkrShowcase
One dozen professional speakers will be showcasing their various specialties including topics such as finance, networking, humor, web marketing and cross-generational communication. Sponsored by The National Speakers Association - Illinois Chapter, Chicago Area Convention Bureau Satellite Offices (CACBSO) and The Metropolitan Club.

2) Need entertainers, educators & programmers for your library or school? Visit the Premiere Showcase, Tuesday September 13 at the Carlisle Banquets, Lombard
http://tinyurl.com/3tpr9e7

If you perform for a living, whether as an entertainer or speaker, I would highly suggest the experience of a showcase--it opens you up to others in your industry and it lets potential clients see what you've got. Not only that, but they are a lot of fun.

And comparing performer war stories is always a joy. Like that time I arrived at the venue to discover I hadn't packed my costume top...but that's another story!

Hawaii sightings

2011-03-08T20:31:00.001-06:00

As a lover of Hawaiiana for over 25 years I can't help but notice some Hawaiian references in recent pop culture. What is it all about? I'll share my findings shortly, but first a bit about my hula background:

(WARNING: mini history lesson to come!)
In what seems a lifetime ago, I was a print journalism and cultural anthropology double major and it was then, in college, when I was exposed to the Hawaiian culture. I was introduced to an entertainment group that produced Polynesian revue shows, so I learned about the cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand (Maori). I ended up performing with the group for about 15 years.

Naturally, we performed many dances that were purely entertainment and expected, that is to say, we performed the grass-skirted hula dances that had the hapa haole (half white) sound. Much of the music was from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s and was a combination of traditional Hawaiian music and ragtime....Hawaiian War Chant, Grass Shack, Brown Gal, etc. I felt something of a kinship to these hapa haole songs because I am also half-white.

Now from the late 1800's through the turn of the century, many people, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, thought this new style of music, the hapa haole style, was a lowering or degradation of traditional Hawaiian music and culture, however it was very popular with tourists, thus becoming a highly regarded commercial entity in the form of popular hula dancing shows and revues.

Go to any hula show today at your typical Mainland 'luau' event and you will hear these kinds of songs. Sometimes I had difficulty performing the hapa haole dances because I felt it was't being true to the culture. And isn't that the challenge of every indigenous culture now? How do they develop and ecourage cultural awareness in others while maintaining their identity? But I found, in my case, it was through that very road into pop culture that the ancient Hawaiian culture appeared.

So, not only did I learn these hapa haole hula dances, but they brought me deeper into the Hawaiian culture where I also learned about the ancient styles, hula kahiko, and others and I was fortunate enough to be able to take classes with world reknown kumu hula, hula teachers, when they would visit the Mainland.

In fact, my deep love of Hawaiiana began when I learned the very meaning of Aloha...
Which means 'to face (alo) the breath of life (ha)'. How absolutely divine is that?
And I learned the complexity and multiple meanings of that word.
And I never would have met and fallen in love with the beauty of this ancient culture were it not for some brown gal wearing a grass skirt!

Now for the Hawaiian references I've been noticing. Over the years more and more Hawaiiana has been making its way into pop culture. Musician and singer IZ (passed away in 97 or so), the animated Lilo & Stitch, to name just a couple, not to mention reality shows based in Hawaii, like Dog the Bounty Hunter and Maui Fever.

This year I've noticed:

1) Pop singer Bruno Mars is from Hawaii

2) American Girl Doll's "Girl of the Year" is the Aloha Kanani doll. Only available this year.
"She helps others by sharing Hawaii's Aloha spirit."

3) Pixar is creating a 6-minute short titled "Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation" to be shown before Cars 2. Set for a June release.

No, the toy box friends aren't going to go to Hawaii. Darn!

Barbie & Ken think they're going off to a tropical vacation by hiding in Bonnie's backpack. Alas, they never make it out of Bonnie's room, so it's up to Woody and the gang to create a tropical paradise right there. I love that aloha spirit! (And I love hedgehog's peanut shell bikini top!)

I'm so glad to be seeing more Hawaiian references, especially in the Midwest.

May you have a week full of warm alohas and let's have fun!

Lei a lei'a!

What is Your Calling?

2011-02-19T19:14:00.000-06:00

The idea of 'Job vs Career vs Calling' came up recently as I viewed a Chip Conley presentation/video at the 2008 Gel Conference. (Conley is CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, a boutique chain of California hotels, and author of ‘Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow”.)

He relates business to psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and suggested that in business we must Meet Needs, then move on to Meet Desires, then move on to Meet Unrecognized Needs.
Can you articulate that with what you offer?

Another question:
What five words best describes you/ your brand/ your product/ your service?

Myself being a visual learner, I loved the idea of boarding out five words that best describes me/ my brand/ my service.

In the video, Conley explains Maslow’s hierarchy as it applies to business, and more specifically, to the needs of human beings. He also explains how his team came up with the themes of his hotels.

Which led to an ah-ha moment for me!
Something else to consider:
Even if our client’s don’t fit our particular demographic, they may fit the ‘psyche-graphic’!

Video of Chip Conley at Gel 2008 - Gel Videos#embed_panel

First Impressions

2011-01-30T12:39:00.005-06:00

First impressions are so crucial, yet can be so inaccurate.

Count to seven.

New York University's Stern Business School concluded several years ago that it takes about seven seconds for people to make decisions about us---or me about them. Within moments determinations are made about socioeconomic level, sexual orientation, religious, political, ethnic and educational backgrounds, and credibility/trustworthiness.

Whether someone thinks goodly of us in those first seconds or not can make or break any possible future relationships--professional and personal. And our lenses do get cloudy. For instance, psychological studies have shown that people whom are at first thought of as warm and engaging, will be thought of in a positive light despite any displays of being distracted or self absorbed later in the relationship. That is to say, the first bits of info we get about anything (people, places, ideas) influences the way we process later info. (I reference this book throughout this blog entry: First Impressions, by Ann Demarais and Valerie White, Bantam Dell, 2004)

Which is also saying that if someone makes a negative determination about us in those first few seconds (or I do about them) not only is it not positive for the possibility of any future developments, but if given the chance, or chances, as it were, it takes many positive behaviors to counteract the one perceived negative one.

We all judge books by their cover. I hesitate to admit it, but I am always relearning this lesson again and again as someone on both sides of the table.

Unfortunately, upon initial meetings we are unable to display all of our best traits as our close friends and colleagues see them. However, there are certain things we can do that in our American culture are universally accepted as positive behaviors crossing gender, socio-economic, sexual orientation, political and educational backgrounds.

For example, being a good listener is valuable, as is smiling, showing interest and taking turns speaking.

So much goes into first impressions we sometimes forget more is under the surface.
I was intrigued by Henry Rollins and his experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M95h-TKSjpE

What's your Lagniappe (lan-yap)?

2011-01-20T00:36:00.001-06:00

In business, it is best to underpromise and overdeliver, rather than visa versa. With that in mind, do you have any lagniappes? This is a creole word meaning 'gift' ...
I found Drew McLellan's blog about small and unexpected gifts in business,
well, unexpectedly interesting!

http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com/2009/12/whats-your-marketing-lagniappe.html

What could you do that is just a little something extra?

Paper Cutouts with Ennio Marchetto

2011-01-18T18:35:00.002-06:00

I'm often inspired by other artists.
Here's a way clever and entertaining use of lipsynching and paper cutouts.
I found myself singing along.

Think Pink for 2011!

2011-01-12T22:15:00.004-06:00

Pantone announced the color of the year to be Honeysuckle!

That pretty much means pink, or Pantone 18-2120.
They say: "A Color for All Seasons: Courageous. Confident. Vital. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year."
http://http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4

Color is so subjective, arbitrary. Are the colors in your life there on purpose?
Also, colors trend differently and are of different value, depending on where you are in the world and which culture you're a part of.

Pink is on the warm side, as opposed to cool and considered a mood lifter, yet not too uplifted. Culturally, here in the U.S., it could be considered feminine or associated with romance. And the Pink Ribbon is now definitely associated with breast cancer awareness.

How important is color in your professional and personal life?
How do the colors in your life right now make you feel or think?
Look at your coffee cup. I'm one of those idiosyncratic folks that takes forever
to decide which color coffee cup to use. This happens when I go to someone's house all the time which is why at my own house I only have a couple cups with any discernible color, the rest are white. Otherwise I'd be standing and staring into my cupboard each morning until my eyes glazed over.

On a more musical note...
One of the titles on my nightstand is "Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise" by Sam Irvin. Kay was quite the entertainer extraordinaire, but more on her another time.
Being it's a Honesuckle year, I thought I'd take a look-see at Kay singing "Think Pink" from Funny Face.

Stop Motion with PES & Western Spaghetti

2011-01-10T15:07:00.002-06:00

Stop Motion.
Yet another artistic medium I enjoy that is time & labor intensive.
Now put a candy corn flame under your bottom and get moving!

Storytelling

2011-01-10T06:52:00.008-06:00

Hear the word and you may think of kids stories; or kids sitting around some adult as they read from some oversized book.

As a professional storyteller, I do tell stories to children. Stories that are memorized and perhaps told at libraries or festivals. However, as a business woman I've learned stories aren't just for kids. They are important for adults, too. Especially in business.

As a corporate presenter, I know the value of stories in the workplace.
Annette Simmons, author of "Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins", said there are different kinds of stories used in business and are used to not only develop corporate identity and values, but to show respect and to even repectfully disagree. Simmons also said folks have had enough information and want faith (in your goals, your company, etc) and stories help develop that.

Fast Company magazine has said that storytelling is the ultimate leadership tool. The most effective leaders are in touch with their own stories. Perhaps you know one---your CEO, your mother...

Stories are important because they build trust and through that they build connections.

What are your stories?

God Given Gifts

2011-01-06T17:31:00.004-06:00

The big viral news today has definitely been the homeless man from Columbus, OH with the "god given gift of voice".

Apparently he was at a traffic intersection carrying a homemade cardboard sign indicating he had such a gift, when a gentleman from the Columbus Dispatch pulled up and asked what this voice sounded like.

The scrappy, disheveled gentleman proceeded to open his mouth and out of it came the truly smooth and golden tones of an articulate baritone. He pretended to be introducing a rock 'n roll station.

It seems his plight was quickly heard of around the country and it didn't take long for offers to come in from all kinds of places. He was interviewed on the Today Show. I hope all his dreams come true. He thanks God.

Do you think you have God-given gifts? If so, do you:
A) know what they are, AND B) use or share them?

If not, what can you do to become aware of them?
We all have gifts, you know.

A Fantastic 2011 is Underway!

2011-01-05T14:49:00.000-06:00

After a hiatus from blogging, I've gotten my writer's legs firmly underway!

Projected trend for 2011? Random acts of kindness!
One of 11 consumer trends, this one is #1 per Trendwatching.com.
Visit http://www.trendwatching.com/

"Consumers cravings for realness, for the human touch ensure that everything from brands picking up the tab to sending a surprise gift will be one of the most effective ways to connect with (potential) customers in 2011 - especially beleaguered consumers in North America, Europe and Japan."...excerpted from Trendwatching.

May you have a year full of giving random acts of kindness and receiving them.

2009-12-07T06:01:00.001-06:00

The last quarter of this year has been about writing and revving up my networking engine while maintaining my entertainment schedule, so there have been lots of real late nights and real early mornings of working.

It has also been about being ready when opportunity knocks. And, man, I'm so glad I've been prepared! That's not to say sometimes it doesn't gets a teensy bit tough to motivate myself. But it doesn't last long. Or should I re-phrase it by saying I don't let it last long.

Between a collection of uplifting quotes and video clips I can easily crank my motor up in no time! And having a sense of humor is a must or some days I'd just want to collapse in a heap.

I absolutely adore You Tube for my "I-Need-To-Laugh-Now-But-Only-Got-A-Few-Minutes" fix. For some good clean fun, check out Brian Regan or Jim Gaffigan.

All work and no play would definitely make Holly a dull gal.

10 Bios for 10 Articles in 10 Days

2009-09-30T14:19:00.000-05:00

I have been invited by Dale Obrochta of MBD2.com to write brief Bios of 10 entertainers, artists, and image & internet marketing consultants who in turn will each be writing 10 Articles in 10 Days for a total of 1oo articles!

The Bios will begin running one per day beginning October 1; the articles will begin appearing on October 10 (ah-ha! that's 10/10, I'm just getting it now. Sometimes I'm so slow.)

The announcement of the project is here at http://www.mbd2.com/forum/articles
Articles can be found here: http://www.mbd2.com/forum/balloon_animal_blog/index.php

I'm having lots of fun interviewing the folks (Read their bios!) and know they will be exciting to read about (Read their bios!) even if you're not in the same biz (Read their bios!Read their bios!) as they are. I'm also sure their articles will be fascinating, as well!

Be. Here. Now.

2009-09-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

The lessons in my Life that I am supposed to be learning have a way of repeating themselves until, I'm guessing, they are learned. The one that keeps replaying is the one about Being Here Now. You know, the lesson that is all about the moment and living in it, rather than somewhere else, usually in the future.

In my past, through the catalysts of witnessing tragedy, facing great sadness, or dealing with deep grief, the lesson of being here now has been brought forth with raw profundity.

Other times, and thankfully, more often, the lesson is brought to my attention through embarrassment and humor.

Like the time I was in between bookings. One performance done, another one to go. Busy checking phone messages. Busy packing props.

Busy going through my check list. Busy going to the bathroom. In fact, I was in such a hurry, scrambling and racing that I pulled up my pants before I was finished. Yes. I really did.

So, the next time you find yourself scurrying and frantic, pause. Think of Holly and tell yourself to Be. Here. Now.

Another Big Decision: This Time it was Personal

2009-08-21T18:11:00.000-05:00

I changed hair dressers.

That’s right.

For many gals, changing a hair dresser is almost like changing their OB-GYN--It can be a BIG deal. I had been a loyal customer for years and enjoyed my stylist, however I realized I’d been rationalizing her skills.

After my bi-monthly salon visits, I’d find myself trimming up my own hair at home, reasoning I must have moved while she cut. After a bad perm (one side curled, the other not) I reasoned I probably just need to use my diffuser differently. I did go back and she re-permed only to fry it all up. The last three visits I’d gone in for different styles, even had pictures of what I wanted, and I ended up with exactly the same style as before, and before that--A shaggy mop-top that just felt all wrong on my scalp and my neck. It was very high maintenance, too.

To compound matters, on my very final visit she used the same smock on me as was used on the gentleman before me and maybe even before him. Egads! Don’t even get me started on the whole germy-germ thing. In addition, I did notice she wasn’t cleaning her combs and scissors on a previous visit, but I had pushed it out of my mind. There's that saying 'You only believe what you're ready to.'

I knew something had to be done when I’d use hours of my free time, a most valuable commodity, and Google hair styles. Frustration mounting, I dialed a salon located nearby. There was availability for a cut immediately. I had meetings and bookings coming up, should I take a chance and have my poor strands clipped by a stranger? Really, how much worse could it get?

The salon was only a few miles away. I brought my weary self and my folded, faded picture of a hairstyle I knew I could realistically accommodate. My hair was washed and the gentleman looked at my picture and listened to what I had in mind. He made a few comments and began snipping away. No more than 15 minutes later, Ouila! A Happy Holly Head! Can it be true? Is this my actual hair? Yes! Now it can all grow out in peace. I may make it all sound traumatic, but if you’re a gal, you’ll know that few things in life measure up to a great cut. Well, okay, a great bra is right there.

Why hadn’t I changed hair dressers long ago? Perhaps I was feeling that woman to woman kinship. Afterall, we had good chit-chat and I hoped that by frequenting her salon the whole women-in-business cycle could perpetuate.

Why hadn’t I moved on sooner? I hear tell, everything has its time. Perhaps I wasn’t ready to move on any earlier than when I did.

Those recent changes reminded me of when I’d made other choices in my life over the years. Some big, some not so big; some good, some bad. To create my own business (good); to wear leg warmers (bad); to eat my green beans (good); to switch speakerphone 'on' then put phone to my ear (dumb).

Even not making a decision is a choice. What are some changes and choices you’re making on purpose these days? Or not?

A Big Decision

2009-08-18T12:50:00.000-05:00

I’ve had to make a big choice recently. I had to take a stand.

You see, I ‘let go’ of a consistent and rock-solidly dependable revenue source because of the steadily declining value. Some people I know would consider that decision as being bold and living with purpose, others would call it lunacy.

It went beyond money for me. This was a corporate client for over seven years and without revealing their identity, suffice it to say their quality and customer service to their own customers had been going way down for the past several years and I could no longer be associated with it. Although many of their employees were kind to me I simply couldn’t continue in a relationship as the client’s overall standards and values went downhill.

It was not an easy decision. When recent economic times have been rough for many folks, my decision may have seemed rather erroneous. Also, I realize I’m in a fortunate place to be able to even make such a decision.

It became clear to me something had to be done when after our interactions, I’d feel, well, not quite dirty, maybe just unclean somehow, knowing their quality and service was seriously slipping. In conversations with other prospective clients I’d find myself not wanting to mention this longstanding client since their deteriorating quality and service was becoming common knowledge. That is, I started hearing from others I know both professionally and personally just how far down this client was going.

The separation was amicable and I was relieved. I hadn’t been aware of how emotionally draining this issue had been on me until it was removed.

Should it have mattered to me that the client’s standards had been steadily dropping and was even being referred to in a negative way by others? Did I want to be associated with this client? After all, they were pleased with my service and paid promptly. What was it to me? Furthermore, it’s not likely I can delve into all my client’s business practices and start making similar decisions based on how they conduct themselves.

I believe my action was like taking a stand…somewhere. Similar to boycotting a business. Although, it’s not practical to research every item I own and find its origins then determine if the company was practicing fairly or not. And I realize my choice was not the same in its seriousness or depth as the issue of boycotting businesses that treat their workers poorly, or tortures animals, or steals land.

However, it is possible with whatever information I, or you, have at this moment, we can make a choice about something. And as our knowledge grows, collectively we can all make those choices.

Have you been postponing a decision? Have you been maintaining a relationship that should simply be let go?

Clowning Around is No Laughing Matter

2009-08-04T15:39:00.000-05:00

If you think being a professional clown is as easy as throwing a pie in someone’s face, I’m here to tell you from my personal experience: Clowning around is no laughing matter.

It all began many years ago when I was the desperate mother of a toddler, working full-time outside the home. I was searching for children’s birthday party entertainment. Not finding anything suitable or affordable I, coincidentally, happened upon clown classes being held at an area school. After discussing the possibility with my husband, we figured “Go for it!”

My teacher, Violet “Brrdie” Schadek, was a professional clown who was also inducted into the Midwest Clown Hall of Fame. Who’d o’ thunk? There’s also an International Clown Hall of Fame in Wisconsin, by the way. The other students in my class were half a dozen women of varying ages from 30 to 70. Various predicaments in life brought us together with only one thing in common, we were all young at heart. The six-week class was a brief, but comprehensive introduction into the world and history of clowning.

Upon completion of the class (replete with a Graduation!), I entered the world of professional clowning, entertaining at private and corporate events. (As an aside, I want to mention that I in no way want to minimize the long hours and hard work that many clowns go through for their lifetimes, in an effort to keep improving.) I still held my full-time day job, and was also a professional hula dancer, as well. Although for most folks, the idea of clowning brings to mind laughter with gags, muck-ups and practical jokes, I found several key components not very fun at all.

First, there was my makeup. I was not a Tramp or Whiteface-type of clown, I was an Auguste. An Auguste is the least intelligent, wackier type of clown with different colors on the face highlighting various features. Typically, red nose, cheeks and mouth, marks around the eyes, all on a white and flesh-tone base.

My make-up took nearly one hour to apply. It took nearly 20 minutes to remove. Keep in mind, morphing into hula girl on a busy weekend was no easy feat. In fact, just changing back to myself took some doing, which made meet-ups at family events or with friends after a day of clowning kind of tough. I didn’t like that.

Second, was my rubber nose. When most people thought of clowns, they would think of a red rubber nose, and I was determined to wear one myself. It simply added to the character of a clown and I loved it. I learned how to glue it on properly and once in place, that nose wouldn’t budge until I removed it, inevitably taking a fine layer of skin with it. It didn’t hurt or anything. Sort of like a peel, I thought.

The nose was great until I’d be out entertaining for an afternoon in the heat of summer. And I would perspire. That little nose somehow became a reservoir for all my sweat and slowly, ever so slowly, it would drii-iip out the small nose holes. I entertained a lot through the summer and let’s just say the sweat dripping thing wasn‘t ideal. I didn’t like it.

Thirdly, there were my clown shoes. In addition to a red rubber nose, many people would associate clowns with having big feet. Naturally, I was going to have them, too. I already had regular size clown shoes, but I wanted mine custom made. And, boy, were they snazzy. Long, red and white lovelies. I adored them. Despite their size, they were comfortable and very easy to walk in, that is, until I had to go to the bathroom.

You see, my clown club would be involved in many parades throughout the summer. At the staging area of most parades would be the line of single size port-o-potties and, inevitably, I would need to use one. So, on this particular morning, the morning I was breaking in my big beauties, I had to go. I stood in the long line with everyone else. My turn. I jumped in and gave the door a yank. And a yank. And the door…did NOT close.

My shoes were too long. Frustration mounting, I tried turning my feet every which way, including parallel with the potty itself and trying all this without touching anything, mind you. Afterall, it’s a port-o-potty for heaven’s sake! I still couldn’t shut the door. I heard the people that were in line behind me start to laugh and laugh. I think they thought it was all schtik, like I made it up to be funny. I couldn’t shut the port-o-potty door. I didn’t like that.

Finally, there were the clown skills I completely lacked. Juggling? I couldn’t juggle chiffon scarves, let alone balls, pins or rings. Magic tricks? Hah! Even with the most basic, self-working tricks, y’know, the kind a monkey could do, I couldn’t do them. Any specialties? Unicycling? Gymnastics? How about an instrument? Nope, nope, nope.

Eventually, I developed a love of storytelling (& listening!) and I developed a love of balloons. I uncovered skills I didn’t know I had. In turn, I was nudged into directions and onto paths I never dreamed I’d travel. That was when I decided to hang up my red nose.

In spite of my clowning difficulties, I did meet some super people and have a lot of fun along the way. Furthermore, I learned a very important lesson. Clowning is from the heart. And if I approached all of my endeavors from that standpoint, all would be well.

What do you do from the heart? What paths have your traveled simply because you followed your heart?

I LVE U

2009-07-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

I was merging onto the expressway, trying to get up to 65mph so a smooth transition could be made. There was a car in front of me going a stately 55, but too slow for my impatient self.

I looked for an out, an opportunity to pass this chugger. Nothing. The vehicle was going the posted speed limit, but everyone else was going faster and I wanted to go faster, as well.

Then I noticed it.

I was transfixed. Compelled. I had to drive behind this Silver Sentra. Afterall, how could I not when the message was clearly directed towards me? The license plates read:

I LVE U

Our routes diverged, but I tried to see the driver of this small car that told everyone it loved them.

She was slight with white hair that appeared as a halo in the setting sun.

The power of those three words.
Have you repeated that phrase today? To someone else? To yourself?

Link to My Spotlight Articles on MBD2

2009-07-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

These are interviews with people in various areas of the entertainment and/or ballooning industry.

http://www.mbd2.com/forum/articles/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=12&id=45&Itemid=92

An Acronym By Any Other Name

2009-07-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

As our technological world has grown exponentially with particular emphasis on social networking tools and terms, I have found it increasingly important to broaden my awareness of modern day acronyms.

You know, a word that is made up of the first letters of a series of words. Acronyms have been used for decades (centuries?). Here are a couple old ones. For example, "They're looking for that guy, he went AWOL--absent without leave." Or, "Hurry up with that report, they want it ASAP--as soon as possible".

I have found having an awareness of current acronyms has helped in my communications with clients and associates (ROI's and SOP's), and even with friends (LOL and LAQ).

In fact, according to NetLingo, an online source, there is a language known as 'leetspeak' which is an online jargon where the writer replaces regular letters with other keyboard characters to form words phonetically, like L8R (later) or ABT2 (about to), or LQQK (well, look). Wasn't a version of that happening on vanity license plates for eons?

Meanwhile, I continue to look things up if I don't have a clue due to TMA.

MUAH!

Out of my Comfort Zone

2009-07-18T18:20:00.000-05:00

I had taken two classes I knew absolutely nothing about while recently attending an all-day seminar at The Mart, Chicago. Boy, was I glad I did! Well, at first I was hesitant, tentative, reluctant and second-guessing myself.

By the end of the day I was so pleased and not because I learned anything new (although there were a few nuggets I took with me), but for being reminded of a couple concepts I had heard of long ago and, for some reason, this time I had that nano-instant of clarity, the 'Ah-Ha' moment.

The concepts were basic, Business 101 in their simplicity:
1) Don't throw money away.
2) Repurpose.

As an entrepreneur who has had a successful business for 7+ years, I realize the importance of increasing my knowledge base. Whether I am learning something new or refreshing current skills and info, it's all good.

Which is why I was so pleased when those concepts really, to use a dried up but applicable term, resonated.

I am a slow learner. My husband may add that I am a painfully slow learner. He is the business manager and has always been conscious of ALL costs, which is why we as a business and as a family thrive. Now, hopefully, I will be demonstrating my new awareness on a daily and practical level.

In addition, I was able to reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones.
Attending classes outside my comfort zone was a victory!

Why don't you try something outside your comfort zone?

And so it begins

2009-07-18T17:58:00.000-05:00

Professionally and personally I wear many hats.

These are my musings.