The Art Journalist - "It's the thought that counts."

Elegant Femme 3 In San Diego - Day 4: EFI - VIP Day

Tara offered an extra day to help those of us wanting to implement our training into our routines. Take note of the chandlier, it really was intricately created! Tara said that she had attened this hotel a few years before and felt that it was magical. I had to agree. 

 

Bea Solya, Mayra Perez Olivares, Rebeca Castella.

 

Josephine Auicello and Paula Lacobara.

Beth McCelland and Jan Hoath.

This is Scott, haha, I need someone like him on my team. He is being silly here but he was more than professional and serious through out the whole event documenting Tara's trainings.

Our last lunch together was memorable because each of us shared our living visions and how we planned to implement them. We also knew that our short time together was drawing to a close. After expereincing many exercises and transformation together, many people felt the need to go off and process alone. Journaling is one thing I love to do after an event that opens up not only possibility but extreme creativity within me. 

Shirely Ann and Tami Jensen Baum.

I love this picture of Tara and I at the end of the event. Someone commented that we look "gorgeous" here, on Facebook. You can see the dreams in my eyes that she awaken throughout Elegante Femme. I feel as if I am going home determined and unstoppable. I feel focused on the tasks before me and am embracing my soul calling to be the voice for people who collectively support love on the Planet Earth. Tara Marino goes down in my book as an innovator creating a vortex of postive energy for like minded women to meet and exchange ideas and encouargement. "Good for you Tara, keep on leading with style and grace!"

Elegant Femme 3 In San Diego - Day 3

 

Yoga at the hotel's Spa was scheduled for 6:30am which is a little early for me, but it was a comfy cosy grey day. The light was perfect for taking "morning" photos. We were asked to wear yoga clothes or PJs to this gathering. 

 

On the way there, Jan took my photo in my pink pajamas. It was fun to walk around the hotel and pool areas dressed like this taking photos. It was actually very sensual because I was in my snuggly clothes on my favorite type of morning. 

 

 

 

Bonnie Tarrantino and Shakaya Breeze. Bonnie is  the Yoga Program Director
University Of Maryland School Of Medicine Center For Integrative Medicine. She led the morning yoga exercises. Shakya elevates a woman's life into an experience of exquisite, feminine, sensual beauty. 

Jan Kronenberger enjoyed the yoga morning with me. I love how "spa" and relaxed she looks here without her glasses. I think she has lots in store in the future.

Kathleen Buckely and I later at the live event.

Stephanie Ann Grant:  "We connect companies to clients and people to their life through image.  It takes 3 seconds to make a first impression and people will make a minimum of 12 judgments about you in this 3 seconds. Because attractive people are trusted 69% more often most people will make a judgment on weather or not they would work with you in the first 3 second of meeting you. " 

Kathleen Buckley: "We are working to produce reasonably decent quality videos of various neighborhoods in Hopkinton, MA."

  

Emily Eldredge: Her Drawing Out Process is similar to my Art Journalist process meaning that art therapy is becoming increasingly accpeted for it's healing properties in the self help space.

Alyson Wright: She is an Eco Adovcate like me. We shared a conversation about Leo DiCaprio's work at the as Natural Resources Defense Council and our admiration of his contributions to "Green". 

Jill Jackson: She is a teahcer who I shared many ideas and revelations with thorough out the morning. (That was very special for me Jill!)

Jill joined in on the animated conversation at lunch along with many warm laughs. 

Allison revealed her "sensual entrpreneur within" when I asked her to take her glasses off and pose for this shot. I really captured her youthfulness and natural ease in the photo above.

The Elegant Femmes attending, gathered on the stairs in the centre of the hotel for a photo with our hosts to end the event. Tara and Dave, are to be commended on creating an memorable event with a creative and lovely attention to detail. Thanks for having us!

 

 

Christine Barrington,Transformational Life Guide. Denise Lane, Producer/Director. Kathleen Buckley, Realtor. We spent the rest of the afternoon conversing overlooking the ocean. Having women who are thought leaders like myself to discuss ideas with was a monumental experience throughout the event.

 

Karen Knowler: Karen Knowler is the founder and Director of TheRawFoodCoach.com, the “International Association of Raw Food Coaches & Teachers” (IARFCT), TheRawFoodDirectory.com and “International Raw Food Day” which happens every July 11th.

Fabienne Frederickson: "I have since made a commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life to helping other self-employed, sole practitioners, get more clients in record time through my workshops, products, masterminds and VIP private consulting days.

Since then, I’ve worked with thousands of private clients, spoken in front of countless groups, and have created The Client Attraction System™; a series of 10 important practice-building steps every sole practitioner needs to apply to get more clients, in record time."

 

Rebeca Castella and Mayra Perez Olivares. These two remarkable women also brought their unique energy to the event. What a bunch of lovely sensual women who are all so different and talented in their own way. I was inspired to see the array of dreams out there waiting to come into fruition. What a beautiful moment...

Sometimes after an event like this one, I like to take a self portrait or two million. The energy captured is forever contained and recalled at any time. I feel satisfied in this photo and that in itself is priceless. I love looking through my blog at times musing at my energetic scrapbook of moments that were noted by my lenses and words. We can't capture every moment in our lives. Ones like these are best imprinted on the brain for times when we need a little remembered inspiration.

Elegant Femme 3 In San Diego - Day 2

 

 

On Day 2 of EFI I wore my Ralph Lauren suit that fits a to a tee. People always ask if it's Gucci, but it is Ralph. It fits me so well that I believe that Ralph made for me. The style is romantic and reminiscent of a Russian solider. I like to think of it as my trooper outfit because I always say, "I am trooper" with enthusiam. It makes me feel like I was cut out to go the distance and serve.

 

I remember openning Tara's first email two years ago and seeing her message. My first thought was this is too good. The Femme Types were depecited by these three super cool silhouette graphics that were brilliant. I began following her work and found myself listening to a call with Rose Cole and Tara. It was after this that I made my first three "commentary" videos for You Tube. Her voice and the passion within it can move a person to become inspired to think about "What would I do, if I could?"

Tara is launching a lingerie line and is planning to open a boutique hotel in France. She mentioned being inspired by a boutique hotel in Normandy. I spent some time in Normandy during my visit to France. When I was there, it was decorated with non-stop beaches that go on forever. It is the perfect location to cosy up and write undistrurbed. I really hope it hasn't gotten so cosmopolitan that it has lost that comfy quality. I best remember a huge vintage carousel that was on the edge of the beach for visitors on their way to dinner. That memory illustrates the understated embedded romance of Normany. Did I spend my time there writing? No, but at the age of thirteen I played alot of video games. My cousins, who we were visiting had one of the first hand held video games that my Uncle Keith had brought back from Japan. It was very rare at that time to see children with a device like that in Normandy.

 

This photo of me was taken by Holly Harris. She was so sweet. She helped me adjust my camera to suit lighting properly becuase I don't know everything about adjusting my Canon 7D. I usually just pick up a camera and start playing with it. If I run into a road block I ask someone to help me. 

Some people were asking about my camera model and which lenses I was using. A Canon 7D is roughly $1200. The 50mm lens I use is nicknamed "the Nifty Fifity" because it goes a long way to create great portraits and only costs $140.

Above is a portrait of Holly that I took. Notice how she put up her glass to toast me. You can tell she is used to posing people so that the picture tells a story. This is called creating a framework within your photograph. It takes a little imagination to think about how the photo can be set up to allow the viewer to connect the dots about what is happening.  

Fabienne Frederickson was Tara's guest trainer.  She spoke of her Client Attraction System Home Study Course which I purchased. I had wanted to buy that product for a while and as she said later, "You got it for a great price." That is part of the appeal of going to live events like this one. There is always a great offer on something helpful for your business.

"At every level, there is a devil." Fabienne's words here mean that the challenges never stop coming at you. She goes on to say, "There is no such thing as personal growth nirvana." There is always more "stuff" to deal with, in my words.

Carrie Dale and Dana Pettit Canneto. Carrie is a writer who talks about ideas similar to mine. On the back of her business card she has a quote from Dr. Seuss:

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose"

Dana is a Holistic Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach who teaches The BlissfulMind, Blissful Body Conscious Eating Workshop which enhances ones mind, body connection.

This photo was taken after Tara spoke about deprivation of our sensual self. Chocolate covered strawberries were given out so that we could all eat sensually. I hadn't eaten chocolate in five weeks due to the diet I am on. I was intoxicated by the scent and had to break down and eat it! Eating that strawberry felt like total luxury. 

 

I sat with Bonnie Iverson, a woman also wanting to make changes in her midsets and life.

Bea Solya was my roommate for EFI. She is an a remarkable woman who is also a future author. I love this picture of her because you can almost see the completeness of that vision coming into being. Her lovely presence throughtout the weekend made me smile and feel very welcome. 

Elegant Femme 3 In San Diego - Day 1

 

 

 

Tara Marino (right) and I, in San Diego at her live event called Elegant Femme Trois. Here we are on a terace over looking the ocean for an Evening Soriee at sunset. This was one of the many carefully styled events Tara crafted to spoil her guests. I love her attention to detail and signature style which is reflective of her "Frenchie." This is one of the Femme Types and part  of her personal growth system that helps women identify their different expressions. Tara lives in France with her husband Dave and their two sons. They are a lovely couple whose work together is more than inspiring. Tara's many achievements and future intentions are enough for anyone sitting in her auidience to say, "Well if Tara is doing all of that, then I can begin what I have in fornt of me." Her knock out speaking style is humourous and elegant. She truly is an Elegant Femme. 

Bea Soyla (above left) was my roommate by chance. It was so strange but wonderful to note that we had an instant connection. It was amazing to attend the event's within the event with her. She is clearly a bombshell and a coach who was also a joy to photogrpagh throughout our stay in San Diego. 

Anastasia Violetta Scalett Belle and Bea at the Soriee.

 

I stepped into my own intetgrated Femme Types at this event by dressing "for business" in my determination suit. The trainings were designed to investiagte each type and also to blend. This makes alot of sense to a woman like me who has aspects of all the types already. But in the end I wou;d say that I am a Frenchie like Tara. I visited France, Italy and Switerland and the impactful age of thirteen. This was at a time when my North American interest in fashion television and magazines was beginning to mold my mind into a "stylista". That is my word for someone who crafts their own style based on the fashions of their choice. Upon visiting France in particular, I absorbed the culture and the attention they pay to "joy de vivre". This concept along with style was a laced througout Tara's event. It is always lovely to be amongst like minded people who to inspire others with their speaking and their creative expression. There were white wedding like flowers on the tables and gold gift boxes containing lavender and coconut oil. It's this attention to the little things that makes an event special for me. Tara's insistence on having the best echos my own thoughts as a Self Care Expert who endorses taking exquisite care of yourself.

 

 

 

 

Toastmasters Division Contest - A Challenge For Speakers

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I met these two ladies at the Toastmasters International Conference this past August in Orlando. They are both campaigning to serve at a higher levels within TM. I know how much it takes to serve at the club level on the Executive, so I truly admire the time and effort these ladies are commited to. Good for you, Lynn and Carolyn!

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Here my friend Annette Lavigne (centre), who took thrid place is surrounded by the first and second place winners. The first place winner, Diane Lindstrom with her speech "The Gossip Song", moves on to the Spring Conference. Brian Brennan (left) received second place for his excellent speech/mini-training "Decisive Moments". 

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I joined fellow Toastermaster and friend, Jennifer Noel, to view the contest. She is from my club in Bradford. You can see how enjoyable the event was by the look in her eyes. I always sit in the front row, to really see the expressions and hear the beauty of each speakers' voice.

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A Fantabulous Pink Party

 

I attended my "neice" Chanel's first birthday party yesterday with my daughter, Chloe. She was happy to hear the invite said: 

CHANEL'S FANTABULOUS FIRST PINK PARTY

PARTY THEME AND 'THINK PINK' DRESS CODE...

Chloe was thrilled to be invited to this affair that required wearing as much pink as possible. Baby Chanel was decked out in a fantabulous outfit to suit the occasion. My friend Monkia used the simple party formula of having all pink  decorations, lemonade and gerbera daisies.

 

 

 

 

Here Monika's cousin, Meghan Suave, is wearing a stylish pink skirt from Club Monaco. This outfit deserved a portrait!

 

Catching up with fellow Mom's from our University of Guelph days as sorority sisters is always long overdue. At these functions it's great to know that our Pi Beta Phi Alumni ties are still strong after so many years.

Openning up the adorable baby dresses was an extra thrill for my friend Monika who had three sons first and then was blessed with a beautiful little girl. It was my pleasure taking portraits of the guests who came to show their love in their pink outfits. (Above: Christina Claveros and Monika Jazyk) (Below: Kori Zigmond and Sonia)

 

 

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Chanel Inspired Birthday Party from Whimsical Gatheirngs

Lego Party For Boys

We recently had a Lego party for my son Damon. It is such an easy party to put together if you have laot of Lego. We have ALOT of Lego. I made the invites in Pages on the MAC and cut them out. Ease is best for these events. I have a secret, where I only buy red things so I don't have all of these unmatching napkins and paper plates. The recipe for a party like this is:

2 hours + 2 pizzas + red loots bags filled with Lego stuff + lego to play with + some models on display + red streamers and balloons + bottled water  + tetra packs = easy party for Mom

We  were inspired by LegoLand at Niagra Falls, Ontario where we saw how one man had spent his whole life pursuing his passion. He built an entire Lego city which is fascinating for children. 

 

 

 

Trip To Trinidad Summer 2012

 

I love to  go back to the place I spent summers as a kid in the sun. Trinidad is where my parents grew up. While we were there we went to launch baby leather back turtles into the sea after they hatched. This was a sacred process to me because it symbolizes the sacredness of all living things on the planet living together in peace. This expereince was life changing because in the morning we got up early while the kids were still sleeping and saw a beautiful sunset on the beach. We did not take pictures on purpose because this is a speical spot on the earth that must be honoured through out time. The turtle is the symbol for the Earth, so to pay homage to their ritual swim around the world that begins on the Northern beaches of Trinidad it was expecially lovely for me. 

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I was moved the colours and the light in Trinidad. This came out in the bold colour filled drawings and watercolour doodles in my art journal. The practice of art journaling is meant to unleash your creative expression. 

These little guys are the shape of my stuffies which are pictured below. I have named them "Bibbles" because they are like bubbly nibbles of felt. I sew them only for special little children who tell me what colours and scarves they would like to have. The one on the right is Chanel inspired. These ones are well loved and played with.

Craig Valentine and Darren LaCroix

 

 

 

I had the pleasure of attending Craig and Darren's Speaker's Bootcamp in Toronto in 2009. This is a must for professional speakers interested in improving their story telling abiliities. During this weekend workshop they provide a checklist of all of the bells and whistles that speakers can put in their speeches. It's like how I create my collages and home-made pizzas, start with a base and then embellsish with toppings. This checklist is worth the price of admission. Craig and Darren you rock!

Annette Lavigne - Shybuster

The Vision

Annette didn’t start out in life as a confident speaker and teacher. At 9 years old, a small freckled child was transferred from a French speaking school to an English speaking school. The young girl wasn’t given the tools she needed to properly transition into her new surroundings and was at one point told by a figure in authority never to speak again. Add to that an extremely fragile home life and years later what developed was an angry and vulnerable 16 year old high school dropout who was afraid of her own voice.

Today Annette is the owner and facilitator of a professional public speaking training and coaching company called Shy Busters!TM and the Creator/Facilitator previously of Speak With Ease Now.

Her vision converges on the philosophy that “Winner’s speak, others listen.” She remains dedicated to the art of effective communication so that she can successfully help others speak with the ease and confidence that she now has.

She is compassionate and understands the plight of the unbearably shy, and realized many years ago that her gift to others would be to help them overcome their social limitations. From formal speech/presentation training, to conference workshops, Annette’s seminars, coaching and classes aim to make her clients more comfortable in themselves. No words express her vision more accurately than her company motto “We remove the pain from being painfully shy, so that you may find the self in your self esteem”

 

 

Proactive/Innovative – From good to GREAT.

In order to train others in personal and professional growth and the art of self-confidence, Annette first took it upon herself to become comfortable and confident in her own skin.

She started down her own path many years ago by joining Toastmasters public speaking training in order to develop and hone her speaking and leadership skills, and she has remained committed to her vision ever since.

 

 

  

Of course success doesn’t come without training and education. Annette took it upon herself to complete numerous courses and workshops including LAMb (Leadership Training), Graduate of Pro-Track Academy (CAPS) 2009 Pro Speaking, Dale Carnegie Sales and Human Relations Program and has trained with former World Champions of Public Speaking, Darren LaCroix and Craig Valentine. She currently attends the Speak for Success Toastmaster group in Bradford, Ontario.

Today, after completing this extensive training and winning numerous prestigious awards she is a skilled teacher who challenges societal norms by redefining the word success.