Travel. It Makes A Difference…

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

The ‘Very’Alternative For Those Who Write …

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.

My Favorite Author Is: Readers Tell All…

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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.

  • Sarah J. Maas because characters are one of the most real and complex characters of all time because
  • Sarah J Maas, because she tells stories of strength, epically and fantastically, and the writing is like music; just as amazing as any symphony.
  • Cassandra Clare. Her books inspired me to write more stories, and not stop loving books
  • My favourite write is Paul Coelhobecause he impresses me with each sentence and teaches me a lot, both about life and writing
  • J.K. Rowling, because she wrote Harry Potter
  • Megan Whalen Turner because I love her characters.
  • Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, his books changed and inspired so much my life that I decided to translate them in Italian! Such a blessed decision
  • J.K Rowling because she gave us the greatest Wizarding World
  • Stephen King because his talent is bottomless – as is my fascination with everything he writes
  • Agatha Christie because she gave me Hercule Poirot, the greatest detective in the world
  • Danielle Steel because she’s a master of romance
  • My favourite author is Andrzej Sapkowski because he got me thinking outside the box.
  • Danielle Steele because she keeps me entertained the whole book through.
  • My favorite author is John Green because his books are filled with mysteries and I love his way of writing.
  • Shakespeare because he is just timeless. Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte because when I read their books they take me to another world and the women in their stories are strong and what ever they dream of doing they do and that inspires me to be and do what I want to do.
  • Elizabeth Gilbert, because she wrote one of the most inspiring and life-changing books I’ve ever read.
  • Jane Austen, because her books are an insight into characters who we can relate to from a time when people and places were different.
  • Madeleine L’Engle is my favorite because she was able to write for a range of readers. She wrote children’s books, YA, adult, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. My second favorite is Jane Austen. Her works transport me to the nineteenth century in England, which is my favorite setting to read about.
  • John Hopkins because Lost Cactus is awesome!
  • James Patterson. He thought what life is about… I lived through his stories.
  • Truman Capote because he somehow makes beautiful stories from such simple words.

So who is your favorite author and why? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

 

Quotes That Quote…

 

 

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.

 

 

The Breath Of Writing…

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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

Little Leaders…

“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!

Leadership: Age Doesn’t Matter

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!

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Off The Path That You’re On…

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

Travel. The Journey Changes You…

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…

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..

Stranded With The Choice Of Only One Book… What Would It Be?

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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:

  • How to Survive on a Desert Island
  • Crooked Kingdom
  • Carry On
  • GreenLight
  • Six of Crows
  • The Great Gatsby
  • A Court of Mist and Fury
  • The Bible
  • Queen of Shadows
  • Good Omens
  • How To Build a Boat
  • Twinkle
  • I’ll Give You the Sun
  • The Book Thief
  • They Both Die
  • The Host
  • Surviving 101

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!

For The First Time…

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”.

Adventure

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.

Travel

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…

Goals

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!

 

Weekend In Paris…

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

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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.

Travel Across Continents

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.

Travel’s Cultural Differences

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).

Travel’s Cuisine

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.

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Transportation

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)

Notre Dame

Paris Sites To See

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.

The Eiffel Tower

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!

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