THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM AT THE TOP...

Am I famous yet? Not so fast....

Is it really summer....because I am working so hard, harder than I have ever worked in all of my life. When I am not tending to my Ageless Aunty, I am gathering information and doing product/market research because I am serious about developing my idea for a product. Not just any product I must add, a product with the potential to be a sensation all around the world! Judging from all the work involved, and mild exhaustion, I bet that the pictures you see of all those entrepreneurs on their yachts or relaxing at their beach house is  probably the only 5 minutes  of rest they're getting. It's all work, and it's constant. I don’t even have the time to blog any more…but, I will not give up Ageless with Aunty.  I love my blog.  I feel more “ageless” with each post. And, I appreciate all your comments when I see you on the streets, the emails, the comments on the blog, and just knowing that others are enjoying what I have to share. Aunty and I promise to continue entertaining (and hopefully uplifting and inspiring) you at least once a week. 

As far as becoming an entrepreneur (by the way my name is in the word, entrep-r-e-n-e-ur) I have come up with what I call a brilliant idea for a spectacular and most unique item. So, I am creating a  business plan to see where this might lead. For anyone who has put a business plan together, you know the work involved.  My life has suddenly  gone in a whole new direction. The potential for my product is phenomenal….the entire concept is growing at vast speeds. When I actually sit still for a moment and hold my little (mock) prototype, and peruse the ad campaign I have created,  I can sense the staggering potential. It is almost scary. That’s why I am literally holding on to my hat!  

 My instincts have me convinced my product idea could be HUGE! I will still keep up the blog (I am after all first and foremost a writer/screenwriter). I am just taking a little detour. I am slipping into my ruby red go-go boots, strapping on an imaginary pair of dream wings, and soaring over a yellow-brick road to bliss. My readers and followers get a front row seat and all access pass to infinite possibilities galore….

We hear it said countless times each day… “Go after your dreams.” If it’s one thing I know how to do in life, it’s just that. My hands may hurt from all the time on the keyboard, and I have had more than my share of rejection, and even had some of my ideas copied, but, I will not give up! I  write this post for anyone considering doing something that their heart tells them they must. Sure, you have to let go of the fear. And, you can’t make excuses. I have full/sole responsibility for my for my 87 year old Aunty, and I am still going forward! There’s plenty of hard work ahead, but, you can enjoy those beach days so much more when you earn them! See you at the top…

FOLLOW YOUR OWN YELLOW BRICK ROAD

AGELESS SUMMER...

Always reaching for the sky...

There is still plenty of summer left for those who see it that wayJ  And, here are 5 ways to keep it Ageless….

     Go outdoors and hear some live music. Yesterday, I attended the Newport Jazz Festival and it was worth every penny, and the effort to get there (including a short and choppy boat ride). The artists are from all over the world. The vibe is laid-back and cool, and the eclectic crowd is always interesting. I meet music lovers from all over the country. Sometimes I think it's the only time I fully relax all year! And boy do I need that. There's nothing like live music to make a summer's day/night even better.

with friends at JVC Jazzfest

    Get to a beach! I didn't realize what an injustice I was doing to myself by not going to the beach during the summers of 2001 to 2009. For one reason or another I made excuses, didn't have the time, did not want the sun exposure, and did not want to make the effort to pack my car. However when I started going to the beach again (covered in sunscreen) what sheer delight. I think it's the single most de-stressing thing we can do. It's pure fun and pleasure. And what adult in this new millennium can't use some of that? I urge all the followers of Ageless to please get to a beach at least once this summer.   

   Make yourself a St. Germain Cocktail. IN THE foothills of the Alps, for but a few fleeting spring weeks, men will gather wild blossoms for your cocktail. The blossoms in question are elderflowers, and the cocktail a stylishly simple creation made with St-Germain, the first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms. It’s tantalizing if you ask me.

Brew up some lavender ice-tea (one variation above). I am a lavender fanatic. There are many great products on the market that really make good use of this relaxing plant. But, my favorite is my own homemade lavender ice tea. Just buy some organic lavender flowers from Whole Foods (they come in a little tea box) and put a tablespoon or two into a pot of boiling water. After ten minutes, strain the tea, and add some raw, organic honey and let it cool. Put it in a pretty pitcher and add ice. It’s that simple. When I bring this summery concoction to parties or serve to guests, people always ask for more.

      What is summer without a good book? I am reading two, and they are equally fantastic. I would like to suggest Roland Merullo’s The Talk Funny Girl, and Tich Nhat Hanh's and Dr. Lilian Cheung's Savor. The former is a great novel, and the latter is a wise and mindful book about eating and enjoying food.  I know you will enjoy them both. Take a good book to the beach with a batch from scratch of ice-tea. Bring your laptop too so you can read Ageless with Aunty from the balmy shore, with the sand between your toes and lavender on your lips. How apropos….

Hug the Ageless Aunty in your life and every day will be summer

WHAT ARE YOUR PICTURES SAYING...

This little light of mine...

Have you ever taken the time to see who you really are? Pick up a picture and take a close look at yourself. Let’s take the above picture for example. When I look at this photo I can see myself clearly. The hat alone shows a funky and creative side.  I have heard people say that it takes a bit of confidence to wear hats. The sunflower in the pink vase shows a lot of color and love of nature. The long faux braid exhibits a fun and whimsical style. The white bathing suit represents someone who respects their body and puts an emphasis on staying healthy. The picture on the table of Auntie and Gracie is just a little reminder of love all over the house. I keep framed pictures and books everywhere. The pink and purple barrettes hopefully show a youthful and playful side. Even the mug of white tea shows a dedication to health. The blue cup itself is revealing. It’s from the meditation center I attend. I am able to look at this snapshot and smile because this one random, unplanned, picture captures my true essence of who I am, and what I am all about. That's a good thing because, i have found that life is just that much easier to handle when we know who we are, and feel good about it.  

Why don't you try it? Examine a fairly recent photo of yourself. What do you see? There has to be something that you like. Perhaps you’re holding a child. Does this make you happy? Is the child smiling? What does this say about who you really are? Maybe you are more caring and compassionate than you are aware of. Are you standing next to someone you love? Maybe this has a lot to do with what's inside of you. Are you holding hands? Are you in love with that person? What colors are you wearing? Are you indoors or out? Are you on a wild ride at an amusement park, zipping through the air? Maybe this shows your true sense of adventure. Could you be petting, or tending to your favorite pet? You might be a profound animal lover making more of God’s creatures happy.

It might take a little courage to really look at yourself, but, take a moment to find what's going on inside of you. Capture it! And let it shine…. (and for some reason if you are not happy with what you see, take a dip in the ocean, wash it away, then start over).

When you are more comfortable and at peace with who you really are, you are more comfortable and at peace with everyone around you. This creates a lot more smiles on the planet. So get those digital cameras out and start snapping away… find out where you may have been hiding some of your beauty. And, if it’s already there, embrace it, enjoy it, and then share it. That way, you’ll get even more. That’s just how it works. God is good.

Miss Perseverance...

      I'm starting to feel that it's true. Persistence really does pay off. My friend Rory calls me Miss Perseverance. Lori tells me that I'm the pinup girl for persistence! Whatever they say, they are usually referring to me as someone who never gives up. As I sit here talking to you (yes I do mean talking, because I am speaking to you via a voice recognition software program) with sore hands from keyboard overuse, blurry eyes from spending way too much time at the computer, and a tired butt from countless hours seated at my desk, I know I'm closer than ever to my big break. 

   Agents are finally asking to see my manuscript. After hearing “no” for so long, I had recently put my book aside to work on developing a business plan for the exciting new product I want to develop. And it's just been validated by a savvy business consultant that my product idea is amazing. Her exact words were “There’s some urgency here. This is fabulous!"

   For the last 15 years, as I paid my dues over and over, I never stopped believing that one day I could put that Gold star on my door. At times it’s been almost comical… so much dedication and hard work through constant rejection. Suddenly (and I guess that's how it works) things are going in a whole new direction. The only thing that is different now is I am much more confident. After so many years of pursuing my creative endeavors I wholeheartedly believe in and can recognize their merit. And that seems to make all the difference in the world. I have an enormous amount of satisfaction with my book, my blog, my screenplays, and the magical product I am now working on. I have already validated that they are wonderful. There is a lot of happiness in that. Whether or not I find an agent, sell a screenplay, or get twenty thousand followers to my blog, I think my projects are pretty special. I guess what I'm saying is, I am really proud of my work. It would be nice to get recognition and even financial reward, but even without it, I'm living my dream by following my passion. And, at times, under some pretty challenging circumstances. Aunty assures me, “you have already made it."

   To those of you who have been putting off something that you really want to pursue, put on your Nike sneakers and Just do it…   Just be patient. And persevere! Then step back to see a great deal of satisfaction is in the doing.

THE MILLIONAIRES CLUB

Halfway there....

On a recent jaunt to Martha’s Vineyard (my new favorite hiding spot) I found out about a private millionaires club! I became obsessed about how I would get myself  in. I am not a millionaire (yet). Later that night, I went to an adjacent club that is open to the public. I started talking with locals and some of the wait staff and found out one of the owners of the club I was in, was also involved in the private club. I managed to get introduced to, let’s call him, Mr. Bond. He is a cordial, gentleman and has clout at the Millionaires Club.  When he kissed my hand and said I was lovely, I saw dollar signs. I curtsied and casually asked if I could see the club. Just like that, he said yes. He walked me to the door and told me to tell so and so (the young Russian Supermodel who was the hostess) that Mr. Bond said you may go upstairs.

When I entered this place of priveldge everything felt right, even the air smelled better. The impeccable lighting design cast a perfect hue. The staff was attentive and accommodating. The view of the historic harbor was stunning. There was a sixteen person private wine room with its own deck.  Ceiling fans mixed with chandeliers added a distinct ambiance.  

Everyone looked happy and relaxed. I felt so at home. I did not want to leave. I carried on like I was a member. Well, I carried on like I was a member planning a party. My friend listened as I said aloud, “My family will love the Allan Brother prime cuts.” I had just read that their restaurant serves these exclusive USDA products. We pranced about and I boasted about some fabulous wines I had had there. Make believe of course. But, Boone’s Farm was not on my list. Vietti Barolo Rocche 2000  was (even though I don’t know if they really serve it there or if I pronounced it right).

I have become obsessed about wanting to join this exceptional members only club. I have no idea how much it cost but, now that I am about to put my ruby-red go-go boots on and promenade down my own yellow brick entrepreneurial road, (as I work on developing a product that is pure magic) anything is possible. I love being a Big Dreamer. It is so much fun. I can say that because, it's just who I am. I am a creative person who aims high. So, if something I create ever takes off, it's going land in a good spot...at the top!   

My late father (who didn’t like asking a waiter for water) would have been cringing if he saw me walking around the savvy joint as if I owned the place. In reality I could not even afford to valet my 98 Honda (the one with three and a half tires). I cannot wait to go back. I am thinking of having my launch party for my new product at this MV Hotspot. But first, like all millionaires, I have a heck of a lot of Hard Work to do….to get to Park Avenue from Penniless Lane! In the meantime, I am closer than I think, because I am already there in my mind.  

If you want to reach your dreams you’ll have to get rid of your memes. For more info on what I mean see Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Excuses Be Gone. www.drwaynedyer.com