Ok, so the immediacy of blogging sometimes gets overshadowed by running a business, managing a household, and juggling 2 kids and a husband. That said Dear Reader, I don’t want you to miss out on information that could possibly be THE nugget that you need to make huge changes in your life, so you will go on to be successful and renowned beyond your wildest dreams all because you read about Star Dargin on my little ‘ole blog.
Dramatic? Me? Maybe, but then again maybe not :).
The Way North Writer’s Group met for the second time earlier this month. Once again the meeting was held at the lovely home of Linda Formechelli and Eric Martin.
Our featured speaker was Star Dargin a consultant and coach. Star lead us through some goal setting activities for our writing in 2008. We had another great turn out and Star did a great job of keeping us on track while also allowing us to share suggestions and inspire one another.
Coaches are becoming more and more popular. I’ve always though of myself as the kind of person that can self-motivate, but as I close in on my 40th year, I find that while I get many things done, I’m REALLY good at putting of the things that I claim are most important to me.
Star and I have a sample coaching call scheduled for early next month. I’ve told her I’m not sure I’m a) ready or b) have the time to commit a coaching relationship, right now, but I am interested in learning more.
If you are interested, you can learn more about the services Star offers at http://www.starleadershipllc.com.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Three Cheers for Rymes Propane
Everyone slept late in my house on Saturday morning. Trust me folks, this is a major feat. When I finally stumbled out of bed to greet the little guy, it thought it was chilly, but thought it was just my body grumbling about getting out of a warm bed.
After a while, I decided, it wasn't just me, it was chilly. Turns out, I was right, it was chilly, 56 degrees as a matter of fact (we keep the thermostats at 67). I called Rymes Propane at 9:00am (I checked at the clock as I put on a fleece robe) and left a message for the on call staff. In the mean time, my husband was tinkering with the furnace trying to determine a cause for the cold. Our gas fireplace worked as did our stove, so it wasn't a fuel deficiency.
The phone rang at 9:04 am. Much to my delight, it was NOT a political candidate or a pollster, it was Gary from Rymes. He had a sense of humor, politely asked some questions and promised to be to us within an hour. He was in my door before 10am and had the furnace going by 10:15 am (for those who care, a vacuum hose had dried out).
Can't ask for much better service than that. Thanks Rymes!
After a while, I decided, it wasn't just me, it was chilly. Turns out, I was right, it was chilly, 56 degrees as a matter of fact (we keep the thermostats at 67). I called Rymes Propane at 9:00am (I checked at the clock as I put on a fleece robe) and left a message for the on call staff. In the mean time, my husband was tinkering with the furnace trying to determine a cause for the cold. Our gas fireplace worked as did our stove, so it wasn't a fuel deficiency.
The phone rang at 9:04 am. Much to my delight, it was NOT a political candidate or a pollster, it was Gary from Rymes. He had a sense of humor, politely asked some questions and promised to be to us within an hour. He was in my door before 10am and had the furnace going by 10:15 am (for those who care, a vacuum hose had dried out).
Can't ask for much better service than that. Thanks Rymes!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Writers Way North
Last month I attended the first meeting of Writers Way North. The name is a little misleading since we met in Concord, NH, but for some folks “down South”, (you know like in Boston), Concord New Hampshire, may as well be the Canadian border!
Writers Way North is the brain child of Linda Formichelli and Elaine Grant. Both are experienced writers with diverse backgrounds who are looking to share leads and best practices with like minded colleagues.
There were 11 of us at the December meeting held at the lovely home of Linda Formichelli and Eric Martin. There was great food an a lot of laughs. We talked about “Micro Actions” -- the small things that we can all do, with little stress, to further our long-term goals as writers and editors. Linda wrote a blog entry on this very subject in October.
Writer’s Way North is not meant to be a critique group, but rather a way for those seriously engaged in writing to network and learn from each other. The group hopes to meet on a monthly basis with discussions in between via a Google group.
So, have you published at least one piece in a paying market OR started a blog OR worked in a writing/editorial staff position at some point OR have the intention of selling your work, be it fiction or nonfiction? Are you interested in networking with other Northern New England writers? Drop me an email (laughlin at fearlessevents dot com) with WWN Information in the subject and I’ll send you the information.
Our next meeting is a week from tonight (January 10th) a 7pm in Concord, NH we will be discussing goals for our writing. Hope to see you there.
Writers Way North is the brain child of Linda Formichelli and Elaine Grant. Both are experienced writers with diverse backgrounds who are looking to share leads and best practices with like minded colleagues.
There were 11 of us at the December meeting held at the lovely home of Linda Formichelli and Eric Martin. There was great food an a lot of laughs. We talked about “Micro Actions” -- the small things that we can all do, with little stress, to further our long-term goals as writers and editors. Linda wrote a blog entry on this very subject in October.
Writer’s Way North is not meant to be a critique group, but rather a way for those seriously engaged in writing to network and learn from each other. The group hopes to meet on a monthly basis with discussions in between via a Google group.
So, have you published at least one piece in a paying market OR started a blog OR worked in a writing/editorial staff position at some point OR have the intention of selling your work, be it fiction or nonfiction? Are you interested in networking with other Northern New England writers? Drop me an email (laughlin at fearlessevents dot com) with WWN Information in the subject and I’ll send you the information.
Our next meeting is a week from tonight (January 10th) a 7pm in Concord, NH we will be discussing goals for our writing. Hope to see you there.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Ups and Downs of Balancing Work and Family Or, why I didn't make it to the New England Women's Network inaugural event yesterday
I work for myself from home. There are downsides, (no company contribution to health care, no retirement plans and a definite lack of adult conversation during the day). However,this arrangement comes in particularly handy on days like yesterday.
I was really looking forward to the inaugural meeting to the New Engalnd Women’s Network, alas I was not meant to be there. My youngest was not feeling well. I’ll spare you the gory details. It wasn’t strep throat or the flue, but the kind of not feeling well that can be resolved with a little time and effort. He wanted Clifford, water and some privacy.
I answered some email and kept an ear out for any signs of improvement. It didn’t appear the situation was going to be resolved anytime soon. One minute I’d abandoned the cause and was ready to change out of my meeting clothes and the next, all was well. He was back on his feet and back to his normal, high energy, chatterbox self.
We cleaned up and packed up and headed for pre-school. I was basking in the glimmer of hope that I’d make at least the luncheon part of the meeting and maybe squeeze in a little networking at the end. That is until I was sitting completely still on 293 South in Manchester. There was road construction that caused a back up that inched along at a snails pace. With lot of sighing and glaring at my watch, I realized there was no way I was going to make it all the way to Nashua in time to even say hello to the organizers!!
I am sorry I missed the meeting, I heard good things from those who attended. Did you go? What did you think? I understand that a January event is in the works. I’ll post the info when I get it.
At the end of the day, I do what I do, the way I do it so that I can make a reasonable stab at balancing work and family. Sometimes the scales tip more one way than the other, but I feel lucky to be in the situation I’m in.
I was really looking forward to the inaugural meeting to the New Engalnd Women’s Network, alas I was not meant to be there. My youngest was not feeling well. I’ll spare you the gory details. It wasn’t strep throat or the flue, but the kind of not feeling well that can be resolved with a little time and effort. He wanted Clifford, water and some privacy.
I answered some email and kept an ear out for any signs of improvement. It didn’t appear the situation was going to be resolved anytime soon. One minute I’d abandoned the cause and was ready to change out of my meeting clothes and the next, all was well. He was back on his feet and back to his normal, high energy, chatterbox self.
We cleaned up and packed up and headed for pre-school. I was basking in the glimmer of hope that I’d make at least the luncheon part of the meeting and maybe squeeze in a little networking at the end. That is until I was sitting completely still on 293 South in Manchester. There was road construction that caused a back up that inched along at a snails pace. With lot of sighing and glaring at my watch, I realized there was no way I was going to make it all the way to Nashua in time to even say hello to the organizers!!
I am sorry I missed the meeting, I heard good things from those who attended. Did you go? What did you think? I understand that a January event is in the works. I’ll post the info when I get it.
At the end of the day, I do what I do, the way I do it so that I can make a reasonable stab at balancing work and family. Sometimes the scales tip more one way than the other, but I feel lucky to be in the situation I’m in.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The New England Women's Network
I love to meet people, but as previously noted, my family commitments don't always allow me time to attend as many networking events as I would like.
I'm excited about the prospect of the New England Women's Network a brand new networking group with the express mission of creating "a powerful, relationship-network that provides dynamic educational and inspiring events and workshops monthly throughout the year with the goals of increasing exposure, leads, and resources."
The New England Women's Business Network will hold their inaugural meeting Thursday December 6th from 11:30 to 2pm at Rivier College in Nashua.
The featured speakers are:
Betsy Meyers, Past Director of the Office of Women's Business Ownership in Washington, D.C. and National Chair of Women for Obama.
Pam Carriere-Oliwa, M.A., CEO of Success Management Center, Success Coach & Writer
Registration is just $25 before December 4th and $30 after the 4th or at the door.
I'm looking forward to attending. If you want to join me, please call Maria 432-0002 to register. Hope to see you there!
I'm excited about the prospect of the New England Women's Network a brand new networking group with the express mission of creating "a powerful, relationship-network that provides dynamic educational and inspiring events and workshops monthly throughout the year with the goals of increasing exposure, leads, and resources."
The New England Women's Business Network will hold their inaugural meeting Thursday December 6th from 11:30 to 2pm at Rivier College in Nashua.
The featured speakers are:
Betsy Meyers, Past Director of the Office of Women's Business Ownership in Washington, D.C. and National Chair of Women for Obama.
Pam Carriere-Oliwa, M.A., CEO of Success Management Center, Success Coach & Writer
Registration is just $25 before December 4th and $30 after the 4th or at the door.
I'm looking forward to attending. If you want to join me, please call Maria 432-0002 to register. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Shop for the holidays AND help troubled teens
I don’t know about you, but a tie or some slippers just won’t due for most of the people on my holiday gift list. I’m always looking for something just a little different. I’m also always looking to avoid the mall during the holiday season.
Here’s a great way to do both, AND help a worthy cause. On November 30th and December 1st, GM Roth in Nashua is hosting a Holiday Home Shopping Boutique to benefit the Nashua Pastoral Care Center’s holiday program. Admission is a teenage appropriate gift (i.e. gift cards or a cash donation) and in exchange, you will purveyors of fine jewelry, purses, crystal, floral designers and other artisans. Sounds like the perfect place to find that unique gift you are looking for.
More information can be found on the GM Roth web site.
Hope to see you there!
Here’s a great way to do both, AND help a worthy cause. On November 30th and December 1st, GM Roth in Nashua is hosting a Holiday Home Shopping Boutique to benefit the Nashua Pastoral Care Center’s holiday program. Admission is a teenage appropriate gift (i.e. gift cards or a cash donation) and in exchange, you will purveyors of fine jewelry, purses, crystal, floral designers and other artisans. Sounds like the perfect place to find that unique gift you are looking for.
More information can be found on the GM Roth web site.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Leslie, I hardly knew ye
I was skimming my Google Reader this morning when I just about sprayed the iMac in tea.
This post was written by one of the 43 Folders guest bloggers. It was conveying the wisdom of their dear friend Leslie Harpold who passed unexpectedly last December. That’s were the iMac almost got the tea bath. Leslie Harpold? Could it be the same Leslie Harpold I’d tussled with over the name of my web design company in 1996? And if so, she was dead????
A little background, in early 1996, I started a web design company called Fearless Media. My idea was to create websites for small businesses and non-profit organizations. This thing called the Internet was in its infancy and I was on a crusade to share it with people who could benefit the most.
One night in October of that year, I got a call out of the blue. Even though it was after 8pm, I answered the business line. On the other end of the line a woman’s voice peppered me with questions about my company, when did it open, what services did it offer, how many people did I employ and on and on. At first, I answered the questions, but pretty quickly I got a grip and fired back with “Hey, who are you and why do you care?”
It seems she had just started her own company and chosen the name Fearless Media for her company. Except when she went to register the domain, oops, someone else had it . Namely, me.
At first I was all about live and let live. We were chasing different markets. She wanted corporate clients after glitz and interactivity. I wanted small shops interested in conveying their message to the world. It seemed to me we could peacefully co-exist. Yeah, I was young and naive.
We couldn’t. There was confusion in the marketplace and that wasn’t good for either of us.
I filed for and received a trademark on the name. I could prove first use in interstate commerce. Woo Hoo! Cease & desist letters were sent and there was a brief exchange between her and my lawyer. Nothing substantial came of it.
Time passed, and I kept and eye on her site from time to time and then the site wasn’t updated anymore. I knew she was from New York and I had an awful feeling she’d been lost on 9/11. But then the site was updated again. She had new staff, and a new address clear across the country.
By this time, I’d moved on to other interests and decided it wasn’t worth fighting about and I let the trademark lapse.
Frankly, I never gave her much though until today. I spent the remainder of my large mug of tea following links and learning more about this woman who I’d always though of as kind of a fly in my soup.
The one time we spoke, she portrayed herself as just a woman trying to carve out her piece of the American Dream. To read the online accounts of her life, she was a visionary who was widely respected and published and very well regarded. By, friends, enemies and colleagues alike.
In hindsight, I wish I’d gotten to know her better. Odd how trajectories can intersect and people pinball off of one another.
So, hats off to you Leslie Harpold. I’m sorry that our time together was on opposite sides of the table, but thank you for all that you contributed to the Internet Community. May you rest in peace and never run out of cigarettes and Diet Coke.
This post was written by one of the 43 Folders guest bloggers. It was conveying the wisdom of their dear friend Leslie Harpold who passed unexpectedly last December. That’s were the iMac almost got the tea bath. Leslie Harpold? Could it be the same Leslie Harpold I’d tussled with over the name of my web design company in 1996? And if so, she was dead????
A little background, in early 1996, I started a web design company called Fearless Media. My idea was to create websites for small businesses and non-profit organizations. This thing called the Internet was in its infancy and I was on a crusade to share it with people who could benefit the most.
One night in October of that year, I got a call out of the blue. Even though it was after 8pm, I answered the business line. On the other end of the line a woman’s voice peppered me with questions about my company, when did it open, what services did it offer, how many people did I employ and on and on. At first, I answered the questions, but pretty quickly I got a grip and fired back with “Hey, who are you and why do you care?”
It seems she had just started her own company and chosen the name Fearless Media for her company. Except when she went to register the domain, oops, someone else had it . Namely, me.
At first I was all about live and let live. We were chasing different markets. She wanted corporate clients after glitz and interactivity. I wanted small shops interested in conveying their message to the world. It seemed to me we could peacefully co-exist. Yeah, I was young and naive.
We couldn’t. There was confusion in the marketplace and that wasn’t good for either of us.
I filed for and received a trademark on the name. I could prove first use in interstate commerce. Woo Hoo! Cease & desist letters were sent and there was a brief exchange between her and my lawyer. Nothing substantial came of it.
Time passed, and I kept and eye on her site from time to time and then the site wasn’t updated anymore. I knew she was from New York and I had an awful feeling she’d been lost on 9/11. But then the site was updated again. She had new staff, and a new address clear across the country.
By this time, I’d moved on to other interests and decided it wasn’t worth fighting about and I let the trademark lapse.
Frankly, I never gave her much though until today. I spent the remainder of my large mug of tea following links and learning more about this woman who I’d always though of as kind of a fly in my soup.
The one time we spoke, she portrayed herself as just a woman trying to carve out her piece of the American Dream. To read the online accounts of her life, she was a visionary who was widely respected and published and very well regarded. By, friends, enemies and colleagues alike.
In hindsight, I wish I’d gotten to know her better. Odd how trajectories can intersect and people pinball off of one another.
So, hats off to you Leslie Harpold. I’m sorry that our time together was on opposite sides of the table, but thank you for all that you contributed to the Internet Community. May you rest in peace and never run out of cigarettes and Diet Coke.
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