I arrived in Antlers, OK, on Weds pm after crossing the Red River. I soon learned that most of Oklahoma is still owned by the Indians as evidenced by the names of many road and towns - Checotaw, Choctaw, Seminole, Chapula, etc. - as well as the plethora of ads for Casinos and smoke shops. It's a sad reflection that this is the legacy of Native Americans rather than the richness of their spiritual heritage. OK is characterized more by farmlands than ranches - although I did see my first oil rig and well outside Tulsa.
On Thursday pm I arrived at the destination of my next interviewee, Andy Mason, who lives in Pittsburg, Kansas. Pittsburg is home to the Pittsburg State University "Gorillas" - a fact made evident by the local signage and home town pride. With a population of about 19,000 it also has a Starbucks and a Curves - 2 of my favorite hotspots on the road.
Andy is a member of Toastmasters, Intl., Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce - in addition he serves on many of their committees organizing community events. He is also an Emotional Freedom Coach (EFT - for further info check out Andy's website: www.as-if-by-magic.com and www.emofree.com), Master NLP (neurolinguistic practitioner)and Strategic Attraction coach. Andy's business, "As If By Magic" is located in downtown Pittsburg in an office suite that also offers reflexology, reiki, massage and feng shui. His wife, Pat, is an elementary school teacher in Parsons, KS, but her real passion is feng shui. A native of Parsons she grew up on a farm with her 2 brothers; her father, 85, still raises cows and hay and shares some of the responsibilities with her brother, Roy.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
OTR, cont'd
I just published that brief blurb of a post to make sure the publish feature was working correctly before rewriting the entire post and losing it again!
So - back to my interview with Wendy Gail Young(www.posperitypostures.com)She recently sold her business, "Ergo pro" (from her career as as ergonomist expert)and is now spending more of her time developing her manifestation technique and her Ho'oponopono, "iloveu" line of art prints, clothing and gifts. For more information on Ho'oponpono see Joe Vitale's book, "Zero Limits". Wendy believes that her life is guided by divine inspiration and she lives her life as an example of what can happen when you are "tuned into" your intuition.
"Miss Daisy" (the name for my GPS system) routed me away from the 8 line highway Rt 45 to Dallas onto 2 lane country highways thru eastern Texas on my way to Oklahoma. I saw many cattle and horse ranches, stockyards and signs for "whole hawg days" (I guess they mean pig roasts!). It was also a day for road signs - some of my favorites were "Don't mess with Texas"; "Keep East Texas purdy"; "Don't drive into smoke'(later learned that this was a warning not to drive during the frequent burning off of fields); "Keep our land grand" (OK slogan. I was tempted to stop at a road side stockyard cafe; however, I chickened out at the last minute - concerned that I might stick out as the only female yankee in the crowd....
So - back to my interview with Wendy Gail Young(www.posperitypostures.com)She recently sold her business, "Ergo pro" (from her career as as ergonomist expert)and is now spending more of her time developing her manifestation technique and her Ho'oponopono, "iloveu" line of art prints, clothing and gifts. For more information on Ho'oponpono see Joe Vitale's book, "Zero Limits". Wendy believes that her life is guided by divine inspiration and she lives her life as an example of what can happen when you are "tuned into" your intuition.
"Miss Daisy" (the name for my GPS system) routed me away from the 8 line highway Rt 45 to Dallas onto 2 lane country highways thru eastern Texas on my way to Oklahoma. I saw many cattle and horse ranches, stockyards and signs for "whole hawg days" (I guess they mean pig roasts!). It was also a day for road signs - some of my favorites were "Don't mess with Texas"; "Keep East Texas purdy"; "Don't drive into smoke'(later learned that this was a warning not to drive during the frequent burning off of fields); "Keep our land grand" (OK slogan. I was tempted to stop at a road side stockyard cafe; however, I chickened out at the last minute - concerned that I might stick out as the only female yankee in the crowd....
On the road again, cont'd
Well, I wrote a lengthy blog about Wendy, travels through Eastern TX, Oklahoma and arrival in Kansas and somehow lost it all when it got published - armed with another starbucks iced coffee - here I go again....
On the road again
I left Houston on Wednesday, 7/23, after spending the previous afternoon interviewing Wendy Gail Young of http://www.prosperitypostures.com/ Wendy has had an interesting ride as a computer programmer, teacher, ergonomics expert and strategic attraction coach
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Mamma Mia
Well, I didn't imagine I would be writing an entry regarding a movie but - seeing "Mamma Mia" last night, starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth inspired me. It's a dream movie set - filmed in Greece on an island. Lots of singing, dancing and mythic themes of love, finding one's true purpose and living one's truth were present. I cried, laughed, clapped and sang -a long time since a movie has created that many feelings all at once... The only dissonant note in the movie is the miscasting, (in my humble opinion), of Pierce Brosnan as the male singing lead - rather incongruous and even though he's certainly easy on the eyes I would have chosen someone different - maybe Antonio Banderas or Andy Garcias - I know Antonio can sing because I saw him in Evita! The movie had happy endings to bout - a real chic escapist entertainment film. And of course Meryl Streep is my idol - I would go and see anything that she's in - I remember seeing her in "Dancing at Lughnasa" a depressing, morose film set in Ireland but she was, as usual, suberb...
The day started with interviewing the stunning Jennifer Brugh (www.jenniferbrugh.com), a self proclaimed idea architect who at 38 has patents approved and pending for her creative retail inventions (an after shower robe called "wrapsher", and a men's wallet named "bing, bing"). Jennifer believes in following whatever her passions and interests are on a daily basis and she has many: technoaerobics, ballet, squash, tennis, creative design, consulting, and her newest service line - "Brand Experience". She developed a prototype for "Brand Experience" while vacationing for 3 weeks at a resort. While relaxing and enjoying the resort she started envisioning how her experience could be even more perfect than it was and she went to work creating a 25 page report on everything from her initial greeting, the accomodations, food, checkout, facility, etc. to present to the manager at the end of her stay. This soon launched requests from other companies to experience their services (at all expenses paid, of course!) to have Jennifer provide acute detail oriented appraisals on how to improve a customer's experience. That sounds like a dream job to me! I wonder if she needs an assistant to travel to the Greek Isles, perhaps staying at the villa that Meryl Streep managed in the movie, "Mamma Mia"?
The day started with interviewing the stunning Jennifer Brugh (www.jenniferbrugh.com), a self proclaimed idea architect who at 38 has patents approved and pending for her creative retail inventions (an after shower robe called "wrapsher", and a men's wallet named "bing, bing"). Jennifer believes in following whatever her passions and interests are on a daily basis and she has many: technoaerobics, ballet, squash, tennis, creative design, consulting, and her newest service line - "Brand Experience". She developed a prototype for "Brand Experience" while vacationing for 3 weeks at a resort. While relaxing and enjoying the resort she started envisioning how her experience could be even more perfect than it was and she went to work creating a 25 page report on everything from her initial greeting, the accomodations, food, checkout, facility, etc. to present to the manager at the end of her stay. This soon launched requests from other companies to experience their services (at all expenses paid, of course!) to have Jennifer provide acute detail oriented appraisals on how to improve a customer's experience. That sounds like a dream job to me! I wonder if she needs an assistant to travel to the Greek Isles, perhaps staying at the villa that Meryl Streep managed in the movie, "Mamma Mia"?
Monday, July 21, 2008
"Don't Give up before the Miracle Happens"
Patty mentioned casually when I first arrived in town that "the" Lakewood Church was located in Houston. That didn't ring any bells; however, when she mentioned that Joel and Victoria Osteen were the pastors - I immediately knew who they were and that I had to have that experience while I was in town. The Osteens bought a former sports arena which holds up to 30,000 people in downtown to hold their church services. When we went this past Sunday I was amazed at how easily traffic flowed to/from the building and later learned that they lease out 3 - 4 parking garages for their services to accomodate the congregation. The facility is spectacular, air conditioning great, and everything was technically flawless - sound, lighting, video, live orchestra, etc. The service begins with 35-45 mins of singing - all out uplifting, energizing, foot stomping music - helping to raise the vibration of the thousands in attendance. The quality of the sound system and the vocalists was simply amazing.
Both Joel and Victoria "preached"; beginning with a verse from the bible and then began "channeling" their message. Although some of the words were not congruent with my personal belief system I did resonant with how positive and encouraging their talks were. Joel, especially, focused on the familiar message of the "dark night of the soul" and how not to give up before the miracle happens. He expressed that when the intensity of the struggle in our lives becomes really intense this is a sign that we are near to giving birth to a new way of life and clearing the space for rebirth. He used the analogy of a woman going thru labor and how difficult the final stages are to birth the baby. This is often true in alot of areas of our life - he extorted us to become "prisoners of hope" rather than discouragement and defeat. It was easy to be impressed with his charisma and sense of genuineness.
The facility also holds many rooms for the plethora of programs Lakewood offers as well as a cafe and bookstore - many were lined up after the service to purchase a personally autographed book by his sister, April Osteen, and his mother, Dodie Osteen. The church was founded by his father, John Osteen, and Joel's vision is as grand and big as the city of Houston itself.
Both Joel and Victoria "preached"; beginning with a verse from the bible and then began "channeling" their message. Although some of the words were not congruent with my personal belief system I did resonant with how positive and encouraging their talks were. Joel, especially, focused on the familiar message of the "dark night of the soul" and how not to give up before the miracle happens. He expressed that when the intensity of the struggle in our lives becomes really intense this is a sign that we are near to giving birth to a new way of life and clearing the space for rebirth. He used the analogy of a woman going thru labor and how difficult the final stages are to birth the baby. This is often true in alot of areas of our life - he extorted us to become "prisoners of hope" rather than discouragement and defeat. It was easy to be impressed with his charisma and sense of genuineness.
The facility also holds many rooms for the plethora of programs Lakewood offers as well as a cafe and bookstore - many were lined up after the service to purchase a personally autographed book by his sister, April Osteen, and his mother, Dodie Osteen. The church was founded by his father, John Osteen, and Joel's vision is as grand and big as the city of Houston itself.
Houstonians
Well, I've been in Houston since Wednesday evening - this is a city of BIG fun and BIG doings. On Thursday I interviewed Marla Regan, of "Organized Time" and "Shedding News". Marla has lived in Houston for 10 years, hailing originally from Lake Charles, Lousiana. Her passion is speaking, coaching and teaching - on her favorite subjects: time management, organization, and efficiency. She currently offers teleclasses, workshops and her monthly newsletter, "Shedding News".
Yesterday I spent an enlightening afternoon with Alan Davidson, author of "Body Briallance", interviewer extraorinaire, owner of Essential Touch (www.throughyourbody.com) and future climber of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Alan has devoted much of the last 20 years of his life to further his own and other's conscousness - with the intent of healing the planet: individually and collectively. Articulate, learned and gracious Alan chronicles his path, mentors he has learned from along the way and the services he's offering the world as a result. One of his favorite passions is to explore healing from the perspective of the 5 IQ's: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Moral and Spiritual; his first book in a triology, "Body Brilliance" addresses the physical realm. He is currently working on his 2nd book, tentatively titled, "Brilliant Heart, Genius Mind". He also took me to one of his favorite restaurant spots in the Montrose area of Houston, "Baba Yega". This came after a delightfully nurturing and healing bodywork session at his studio, "Essential Touch".
My host in Houston is Patty Walters, inspiration and master strategic attraction coach who has owned her own business since 2004. Patty offers corporate and individual coaching focusing on leveraging the power of positive relationships to bring us more of what we want and less of what we don't want. Some of her programs include, "I - shift now"; "Life is better with a B.O.A. (bold, outrageous and authentic)and "Your Relationship Rx". A vivacious firecracker Patty's presence creates change, magic and transformation. An experienced actress and singer she incorporates her "Improv" process into her coaching practice making it fun, spontaneous and playful. She has been showing me the "town" including dancing, texas barbecue, mexican food and a memorable visit to the Lakewood church. That deserves it's own entry so more to follow....
Yesterday I spent an enlightening afternoon with Alan Davidson, author of "Body Briallance", interviewer extraorinaire, owner of Essential Touch (www.throughyourbody.com) and future climber of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Alan has devoted much of the last 20 years of his life to further his own and other's conscousness - with the intent of healing the planet: individually and collectively. Articulate, learned and gracious Alan chronicles his path, mentors he has learned from along the way and the services he's offering the world as a result. One of his favorite passions is to explore healing from the perspective of the 5 IQ's: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Moral and Spiritual; his first book in a triology, "Body Brilliance" addresses the physical realm. He is currently working on his 2nd book, tentatively titled, "Brilliant Heart, Genius Mind". He also took me to one of his favorite restaurant spots in the Montrose area of Houston, "Baba Yega". This came after a delightfully nurturing and healing bodywork session at his studio, "Essential Touch".
My host in Houston is Patty Walters, inspiration and master strategic attraction coach who has owned her own business since 2004. Patty offers corporate and individual coaching focusing on leveraging the power of positive relationships to bring us more of what we want and less of what we don't want. Some of her programs include, "I - shift now"; "Life is better with a B.O.A. (bold, outrageous and authentic)and "Your Relationship Rx". A vivacious firecracker Patty's presence creates change, magic and transformation. An experienced actress and singer she incorporates her "Improv" process into her coaching practice making it fun, spontaneous and playful. She has been showing me the "town" including dancing, texas barbecue, mexican food and a memorable visit to the Lakewood church. That deserves it's own entry so more to follow....
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Lone Star State
As I was leaving New Orleans yesterday I was struck by the amount of new construction and refurbishing happening in the outlying areas - this probably is in the areas most affected by Katrina. I also noticed that the cemeteries have the crypts above ground - again because of the city being below sea level. Fortified by Cafe du Monde iced coffee and a muffaletta sandwich I headed across Louisiana, through bayou country, into Houston.
I am staying with fellow SACAT and Dreamweaver Coach, Patty Walters in the Garden Oaks neighborhood of Houston. She happened to mention last night that Joel Osteen's church, Lakewood, is nearby and I plan to go this spectular church and service this weekend.
It is again hot and humid - even more so than New Orleans; I got up at 6 am this morning to beat the heat and take a 3 mile walk with
Patty and several of her friends. This afternoon I am interviewing Marla Regan, author of "Shedding News". She is an expert on time management and organization; maybe she can repack my car!
Tomorrow night is country western dancing and barbecue - the best of Texas!
I am staying with fellow SACAT and Dreamweaver Coach, Patty Walters in the Garden Oaks neighborhood of Houston. She happened to mention last night that Joel Osteen's church, Lakewood, is nearby and I plan to go this spectular church and service this weekend.
It is again hot and humid - even more so than New Orleans; I got up at 6 am this morning to beat the heat and take a 3 mile walk with
Patty and several of her friends. This afternoon I am interviewing Marla Regan, author of "Shedding News". She is an expert on time management and organization; maybe she can repack my car!
Tomorrow night is country western dancing and barbecue - the best of Texas!
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