Nobody Succeeds Alone

From my family to my friends, to my staff and my manager and my agent, and to fans I had no idea I had….thank you! Thank you for tuning in and watching my segment on the Rachael Ray show last week, and for writing in and posting comments on the message boards. Through this journey [...]

From my family to my friends, to my staff and my manager and my agent, and to fans I had no idea I had….thank you! Thank you for tuning in and watching my segment on the Rachael Ray show last week, and for writing in and posting comments on the message boards.



Through this journey I have been so fortunate to meet amazing people. People who give freely of their time, and advice. People who are busy and successful in their own right, and yet they make the time to send an email or make a phone call on my behalf. I am full of gratitude and humbled by your belief in my message and my dream.



Some of you may have tuned in on Friday to watch my Halloween segment on The View. I am sorry you were disappointed, and hope that you got my mass email letting you know that things had changed and my appearance on The View has been postponed. I will be sure to update you when I have more info!



Thanks again for tuning in!

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

I’m on Rachael Ray Today

I apologize for the delay in updating my web site the past couple of days. I am in New York for meetings, and I am on the Rachael Ray show today. I will resume regular posts this Friday when I return. Check the show out, if you are in Seattle it airs at 3 pm on [...]

I apologize for the delay in updating my web site the past couple of days. I am in New York for meetings, and I am on the Rachael Ray show today. I will resume regular posts this Friday when I return.



Check the show out, if you are in Seattle it airs at 3 pm on KIRO. If you are outside of the Seattle area check here for your local air time.


For a sneak peak check this out…


If you liked my segment and would like to see more of my segments on Rachael’s show I encourage you to send a note to them at showcomments@rachaelrayshow.com or post a message on the message board!



Thanks in advance.Thanks for your understanding on the delayed posts and I hope to see you on Friday.

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

Get to Know the Team that Makes Things Happen

Brittany Zurn, Executive Assistant Favorite quote: “Laugh Often, Long and Loud” - Unknown Favorite smell: Clean laundry What would people be surprised to know about you: Nothing…! Because I tell everyone, everything! What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: A photographer for a gossip magazine like US Weekly or People What’s on your Ipod: A little mix [...]

Brittany Zurn, Executive Assistant

Favorite quote: “Laugh Often, Long and Loud” - Unknown

Favorite smell: Clean laundry

What would people be surprised to know about you: Nothing…! Because I tell everyone, everything!

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: A photographer for a gossip magazine like US Weekly or People

What’s on your Ipod: A little mix of everything… Jack Johnson, Josh Kelley, Colby Caillet and Tom Petty, are just a few of my favorites





Elena Maria Hansen, Assistant

Favorite quote: “There are two kinds of people in life- Those who feel pressure, and those who applypressure.”

Favorite smell: Vanilla

What would people be surprised to know about you: I have a metal wrist due to a sports injury.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: Acting

What’s on your Ipod: Leona Lewis, Ray Charles, Amy Winehouse, Tess Henley





Karleen Joy Scharer, Intern

Favorite quote: “Well behave women rarely make history.”

Favorite smell: The ocean

What would people be surprised to know about you: I used to play rugby freshmen year of college.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: Editor of a magazine or an event planner.

What’s on your Ipod: Lots of old school rap and random playlists.





Jessica Katona, Intern

Favorite quote: “Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” -John Dewey

Favorite smell: Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a die hard Harry Potter fan!

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: Something in International Relations

What’s on your Ipod: Lots and lots of Jack Johnson





Michael Sheppard, Intern

Favorite quote: “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun! ” -Katharine Hepburn

Favorite smell: fresh laundry, especially if it’s still warm!

What would people be surprised to know about you: I am named after my uncle, hence the boy name, and no, my parents didnt think they were having a boy rather than a girl.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: I think it would be fun to be the person who comes up with the names for nail polishes and lip sticks.

What’s on your Ipod: anything from Justin Timberlake to Otis Redding to Tim McGraw

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

Sharing Ideas

Last week I mentioned that I taped an episode of Rachael Ray’s daytime talk show. What I didn’t mention, I was waiting for the first post, is that Rachael extended an invitation to me to join her website as one of her Friends where I have my own section sharing ideas with her viewers and [...]

Last week I mentioned that I taped an episode of Rachael Ray’s daytime talk show. What I didn’t mention, I was waiting for the first post, is that Rachael extended an invitation to me to join her website as one of her Friends where I have my own section sharing ideas with her viewers and fans.



Just so you know, Rachael is as down to earth in person as she is on television. She works very hard, she tapes more shows than Oprah or Ellen, and knows how to have fun too. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met her, work with her, and for her support in helping me to take my local platform national.



I hope that you will check the site out and leave a comment on my blog. Tell your friends and neighbors too!

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

A Historical Moment

This post is a bit delayed but I couldn’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the history that was on made when Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President.  As I listened to him speak I was filled with emotion.  I was filled with hope as he spoke about what he intends to do [...]

This post is a bit delayed but I couldn’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the history that was on made when Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President.  As I listened to him speak I was filled with emotion.  I was filled with hope as he spoke about what he intends to do to turn our country around.  I was filled with pride as I watched the first black candidate for President speak on the anniversary of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.  I was filled with sadness that my dad, a man who was raised during segregation by a black mother, was not sitting beside me able to share in the moment and his thoughts with me.  I know he would have been elated.
 


Although I have never experienced discrimination because of my race I was raised with a black grandmother and cousins. I know that they have faced issues and challenges because of their race, and as I think about them and what this moment means I am filled with love and pride.



Recently I watched a fabulous special on HBO, The Black List: Volume One. If you haven’t seen it you should pick it up. It was initially conceived as a book, but renowned portrait photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell quickly realized that it needed to be a film, done as a series of interviews with prominent African-Americans. The interviews are a fascinating mix that covers a broad section across African-American culture, ranging from former Secretary of State Colin Powell, to producer/actor/director Keenan Ivory Wayans, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to Susan Rice, former Assistant Secretary of State, currently a foreign policy advisor to Barack Obama. The way the interviews are captured is truly like a portrait that is coming to life. Each person is sitting in front of a plain grey background, so it is like each person on the screen is in your living room having an intimate personal conversation with you.



What I loved about it was that it’s not a series of “experts” talking about black culture, the impact of poverty, or how amazing it is that these people overcame being African-American to succeed. It’s refreshing because these powerful and influential African-Americans are just telling their stories - race is an issue that’s discussed by each person, but it’s talked about through the lens of their personal stories and black culture. It is inspirational, moving, and gives insight into just how magical this moment in time is.

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

The Completed Masterpiece

After approximately eight hours of sitting, the portrait is complete!  All I can say is “wow.”  MV (the artist) brought the portrait by last night and I was taken aback.  It is strange to look at yourself captured in the eyes of an artist, and preserved for years to come.  She caught so much of my [...]

After approximately eight hours of sitting, the portrait is complete!  All I can say is “wow.”  MV (the artist) brought the portrait by last night and I was taken aback.  It is strange to look at yourself captured in the eyes of an artist, and preserved for years to come.  She caught so much of my spirit.  I couldn’t take my eyes off of my left hand, and how she was able to convey the light that was coming in the room so perfectly.  She is one talented lady, and I am honored to have been asked to be painted by her.  She is showing at Muse Coffee Co. in August, she will be hanging her work tomorrow.   I will hang  in the show along with a few others, aside her landscapes.  Stop by  for a cup of coffee and check out her work.  Why not commission a portrait of someone you love?  The holidays are around the corner…believe it or not!  

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

Reality Television

I am a closet reality television fan.  I say that because many people I know feel that reality television is a waste of time - fluff.  What can you possibly get from reality tv?  Me, I am a sucker for any show that can tap in to my heart and inspire me.  I am an [...]

I am a closet reality television fan.  I say that because many people I know feel that reality television is a waste of time - fluff.  What can you possibly get from reality tv?  Me, I am a sucker for any show that can tap in to my heart and inspire me.  I am an American Idol watcher, not because I like to watch Simon pick on people but truly because I am inspired by watching people follow their dream.  I like Extreme Home Makeover because it is great to watch a community come together and help people who actually need it.  Sometimes the shows that you least expect to move you, surprise you and you find yourself in tears.  The other night I found myself watching America’s Got Talent.  I have flipped past that show on numerous occasions but stopped to watch for a moment. Just in time for Emily, a single mother of three to come on.  Her story is like many people I have met in my days as a social worker. She lived in the projects, and gave up her dream of singing to take care of her kids.  As she spoke she talked about her struggles and said for so long she felt like nothing could ever happen for her, and then one day she looked in the mirror and said, ” Why not? Why not me.”  Such a fantastic and empowering two words, why not?  She ended by saying,” the journey is never giving up.” Huh, and I almost flipped past her.   What a message to share.  If that moment on another reality show is all she has, well she has inspired one person.  She has inspired me.  What a powerful tool reality television can be.  Keep your mind open, and your ears, there may be a lesson amongst all of the fluff.  

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

Off to New York

I am off to New York for a few meetings, and hopefully a visit to the Waterfall Exhibit.  I missed the Gates, so I don’t plan to miss this one time installation. I had a week of great meetings in LA. I had the opportunity to meet with a lot of people from [...]

I am off to New York for a few meetings, and hopefully a visit to the Waterfall Exhibit.  I missed the Gates, so I don’t plan to miss this one time installation.



I had a week of great meetings in LA. I had the opportunity to meet with a lot of people from a variety of areas in the entertainment industry. The end result is that I met great people, who were generous with their time, and feel there are some interesting opportunities that appear to be a good fit and would definitely broaden my platform. I continue to feel grateful for each meeting, opportunity, and the journey that I am on. I will never look back and say I didn’t give it my all, or I should have stayed true to what I value. I am giving it all I have got, and am more focused than ever on the heart of my mission - connecting and inspiring people.



I am sure that I will have many stories to share after my New York trip. I am holding back for now. I am swirling in possibility and want to wait to see where I land. Wish me luck catching a cab, scooter and all, and I will check in from New York. In the meantime, remember to check the Idea Lounge and my Favorite Things. I don’t update my blog daily, but do update those sections of the site daily and hope that you’ll become a regular visitor.

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

In Los Angeles

I am in Los Angeles this week for meetings.  Meetings for what you ask?  Well, I see meetings with anyone for any reason as a chance to inspire others.  My hope is that I leave this city, where dreams come true, having clearly conveyed my passion and hopefully in the process igniting something in someone [...]

I am in Los Angeles this week for meetings.  Meetings for what you ask?  Well, I see meetings with anyone for any reason as a chance to inspire others.  My hope is that I leave this city, where dreams come true, having clearly conveyed my passion and hopefully in the process igniting something in someone to look at their life and relationships a bit differently.   I am here hoping that people can see that lifestyle isn’t just about making things pretty, but in fact lifestyle should reflect specifically what people value and it should create pathways to deeper relationships with those we meet and with those we love.  Lofty, maybe.  Possible, definitely.  

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...

Portrait Update

This is my second sitting with Mary Veronica Sweeney.  The portrait is really taking shape, and I can’t wait to see what she does between now and my next sitting between my trips to LA and NYC.  

This is my second sitting with Mary Veronica Sweeney.  The portrait is really taking shape, and I can’t wait to see what she does between now and my next sitting between my trips to LA and NYC.  

Comments:No Comments »*/-->
Categories:Here's the story...