
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain

Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain

Style means the right word. The rest matters little.”
—Jules Renard
Remarkable resource shared in an Authors’ forum. Great ‘very‘ alternative for those who write.

A book is a gift you can open again and again. ~Garrison Keillor
Barnes and Noble asked Readers to identify who their favorite Author was and the reason. Here I share excerpts as Readers chimed in telling all.
So who is your favorite author and why? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
Motivation doesn’t last. Bathing doesn’t either. That’s Why I Recommend it daily. ~Zig Ziglar.
New book coming soon! For those new to entrepreneurship Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs is a must for the daily grind. Plan to get yours and Rev-up your success.

If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don’t write, because our culture has no use for it.” ~Anais Nin

“Become the kind of leader that other people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.” — Brian Tracy
We were waiting to have a required group photo taken for a while. After a few emails it was finally arranged. Whew! Today was the day. Personally, I didn’t know beforehand so did the best I could to ‘right’ the face, the hair, the clothes.
Then they arrived. The photographers. Three little ones. Three little leaders! Yup! They took the pics and did an amazing job too!
Caused me to ponder about Leadership. Age doesn’t matter. It’s the qualities that count. Those developing and those seasoned. I fall in the latter and was intrigued by the little leaders. That’s how the journey begins.
How about you? Are you giving your young ones the opportunity to develop their leadership skills? It’s an opportunity that should not be missed.
Cheers!

It’s okay to get off the Path that you’re on. You can always pave a new one. ~Vinazine

Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

Family. Festival. Books. Candy…Tis Sweet.
If you’re in Plantation or Sawgrass area this Saturday, come join us for Family Festival at Volunteer Park. While you’re there stop by and pick up your copy of Motivational Quotes To Boost Your Success! Bring your kids and Enjoy Books, It’s Like Candy! There’ll be rides and tons of fun for the family!
Can’t be there? Get your copy here..

If you were Stranded on a desert island and had the choice of only one book, what would it be. Here’s what participants in a public forum named as their favorite book if they only had to choose only one:
So what book would you be like to be stuck with if you had only one choice on a desert island? Share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
Mid-life she decided to move to Paris. A dream she always had. With kids grown and little or no responsibilities she decided to take the plunge! She bought a house exclaiming “it’s my first time”.
I thought about that. I have had many first times. An explorer and lover of adventure, I have sky-dived for the first time. I have moved to different states and countries for the first time. Not to mention my first time at writing and publishing my research on Success Strategies. A book that has helped many others for their first time.
I remember the first time I experienced childbirth…exhilarating yet humbling experience. 14 years later I did it again for the first time and the experience was no different. Wonders of the world! A little me was born again for the first time.
I now look forward to my own personal travel to a Cafe in the French Quarters…a dream to feast, ponder while I write, and ride the gondola in neighboring Venice. Now that’s a first time that I can hardly wait for as I did in my Weekend In Paris…
Is there something you’d like to do but because it’s the first time you’re afraid? Why not take the risk? Try it. Step out in faith. Who knows you may experience Success for the first time ….all over again.
Try it!
Cheers!

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Suess

I have always wanted to visit Paris. This was the promised gift to myself when I hung up my student cap after years and years of continuous studies. Then the workaholic that I am, saw 4 years go by in a flash embarking on community initiatives, writing, and more.
My oldest surprised me with a Birthday Weekend trip to Paris. But how can I visit Paris for just a weekend? I needed a Retreat. That’s when my youngest ‘scolded’ me. “Go”, she said. “You have always wanted to do it. Just go.” I agreed and made it into a long weekend. Wonder of wonders! I discovered I even had time to spare. Time to watch the rain, the people, and the waves of the Seine River go by at sunset.
The flight was long but it was far from boring. I read. I wrote. I watched movies. I chatted with my oldest, slept, and I ate. Before we knew it, the descent was upon us.
Cultural differences are everywhere. In Paris the hotel rooms are tiny spaces. Just enough to get by, yet absolutely comfortable. TV channels are in Le Francais. Plugs for chargers, electrical items and such differ. Disappointed, frustrated for sure I was at first, but then it’s not about me. I travel for new experiences and that’s what I got.
A polite society…bonjour, merci, pardon, were among the basics to know in that language and will serve as the basic entre to service. They are curt and offer no apologies. So do your research before you go and you’ll be just fine (smile).

Food in Paris is divine. Delicious. Sumptuous. Absolutely satisfying. But don’t rush….it ain’t fast food. When you visit the unique restaurants among which my fav is the Cafe, you dine, taste the delectables, and chill. No rush for the check. You ask, you eventually receive.

Getting around you have the choice of the cabs, buses, the metro. But may God help you if you do not understand the linguistic pronunciation of the place where you are going. When you arrive at your stop, you may not even know. So ask, ask, ask information before you board. Then read as you progress at each stop.
Speaking from experience…do I need to say more? Hint…frustration (smile)

You haven’t been to Paris if you haven’t visited La Tour Eiffel, Notre-Dame, Le Louvre and smiled with Mona Lisa. Sites …beautiful. Historically meaningful. Mesmerizing. Long walks. Tired feet, but worth every minute.



So that’s a tiny glimpse into my Parisian journey for the first time. The trip was memorable. The photos provide the stillness of the moment. A dream come through. Would I go back? Yessss definitely!
I encourage you to take the time to step out and achieve your own dreams. Big or small, they will come through despite the odds.
Cheers!
A photographer's view of the world - words and images to inspire your travels and your dreams
In this blog I'm attempting to answer wordpress daily prompts
Ellen Grace Olinger
Property Maintenance
embrace the magic
When God Says Go
Health, Reflection, and Poetry for the Journey of Life
Knowing every thing
Family. Youth. Parenting
Your Focus. Our Lens.