Doors of Opportunity

You never know from where your opportunities will come. Knowing and meeting people can open many doors if you just step up and walk in.

Had lunch on Friday with another author who offered to introduce me to a colleague of hers who is starting a project that she thought would interest me. She immediately made the introduction by email and I followed up right away. (I like to do immediate followup on a referral for fear of appearing not interested or the possibility of forgeting, even if just to acknowledge receipt of the email.) This lady and I had a meeting this morning and am I interested! Her project is The Hope Bus. The mission and purpose is to bring hope into many people's lives by teaching them life skills and tools to create the life they love - no matter their race, age or social standing. She will do this using a bus (some of us will fly) of volunteers, contacts, speakers and charities touring the East Coast stopping in various cities to deliver the message. I will be with the tour in NY, Boston,MA Annapolis,MD, Norfolk, VA, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale and Miami, FL. This is right down my alley. Exaxtly what I speak to groupsabout. Check the website:
http://www.thehopebus.org.

After my meeting I played a round of golf and had my best score of the year. I was pumped up. What a way to end the day(though I am still working.

Today a Work Day

I must have my holidays confused. I'm working today so I must think it is Labor Day instead of Memorial Day. Oh well, one must do what one has to do. It's very quiet today as I am diligently working on my marketing plan. Preparing to launch my book is getting more exciting as I talk to other authors who willingly share with me their experiences and information . Think I'll work only part of the day. Stay tuned.

Stretching the Body, Mind & Soul

I have just returned from my exercise class with the seniors exercise ministry at my church. They meet every MWF at 8 am. There are days I have to push myself to go but afterward I feel so renewed and refreshed. Anything worth doing requires effort and exercise is no different. This class gives food for the body, mind and soul. Much camaraderie, closing with a pray and hugs. For some people that may be the only hug they get. I am now ready to venture out into the day. Meeting a colleague for lunch to share ideas.

Mon, May 18 was a special day. The Harvard Business School African American Alumni Assn sponsored a Forum at the White House to meet with Pres. Obama's staff who gave us information on the administration's health, education and energy proposed programs. This forum originated with the idea of one person who decided to take action. More forums will be scheduled and each os us will be challenged to become action oriented. What an exciting time!

Recovering

My blog has gotten the short end of the stick. I hit the ground running when I returned from NY. Board meeting at Virginia Commonwealth Univ. all day Thurs with a dinner and reception that evening in honor of the president who is retiring. Attended a great seminar on Friday "1001 Ways to Market Your Book", another reception, dinner that evening, graduation on Sat followed by another reception. My stomach is wondering what happened.

Look forward to an interesting day on Mon when I head to DC for a forum at the White House Complex with alumni from 5 or 6 business schools who will be meeting with some of President Obama's staff to give input on issues facing our county. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution.

Travels Ending

I've been out of touch for a few days. Now back on track. Had a great weekend in NY with the daughters and grands. No plays, shows, etc, just hung out with them. Good day in central park on Sunday after attending dance rehearsal for the new dance company my daughter started.

I'm now in Riverhead, NY, visiting a childhood cousin who was my best friend growing up in VA. In my book,I talk about her and the summer I spent in Riverhead after graduating from high school. The town has not changed a lot. Headed back to Richmond tomorrow. It's been a good trip.

New York Bound

I am on the train headed for NYC to spend Mother's Day with my two daughters. The train is so much more relaxing than the plane and I can carry as much as I can handle without having to pay extra. Must be sure I take things for the grandkids. First Mother's Day with my daughters since they left home for college, maybe 15+/- years ago. On Mon I will go to Riverhead, NY to spend my birthday (May 12) with my childhood best friend/cousin. Should be great fun.

Had a great day yesterday! Started with breakfast/meeting for River City
Express Network, a group of dynamic women. Had a productive meeting with my website technicians, two really sharp guys from AddisonClark, who are doing some interesting things to upgrade my website. Stay tuned. Later in the day I met with a speaker's bureau, Arnett and Associates. Seems like a great company. I expect to sign with them and put on my traveling shoes for speaking engagements.

I may do some blogging from NYC.

A Full Day

I am looking forward to a great day despite the rain - scheduled to be with us for the next few days. I'm off to a 7:30 breakfast meeting with the women of River City Express Network, a chapter of the American Business Women's Association, to hear Tom Davidson, a great speaker. I will then meet with my website technician to discuss the "bells and whistles" to be added to my website. You'll have to check it out. Later in the day I am meeting with a speaker's bureau to hopefully become one of their clients so I can increase my speaking engagement opportunities. Will keep you posted.

Back on Track

I took a reprieve from blogging over the weekend but I'm back. Today is cloudy and cool in Richmond. Wish I could send some of the rain we have had over the last few days to Sarasota, FL. It is very dry there. Oh, well, I'm not in control.

Today I will continue to make contacts for promoting my book - speaking engagements and book signings. This AM I will visit my ophthalmologist, must keep the eyes properly functioning, then visit my brother who was hospitalized on Sat. He has had a rough year. But God is still good. Have a great day.