The City of Lights - Paris is for Strangers AND Angels

It was a very cold, lovely Sunday afternoon in Paris and we strolled up and down the quaint streets of the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, stopping to stick our heads into interesting shops to pick up a few last minute Christmas gifts and popping into a cafe' to get warm. I'm glad we made time for some relaxation and a cruise down the River Seine while there for a quick business trip. The picture of the Eiffel Tower at night was one big benefit to freezing on the boat - along with circling our duplicate sister of the Statue of Liberty. Well worth the frozen noses we had when we got back to our hotel!

Our best find was the Shakespeare and Company Book Store, directly across the street from Notre Dame. This is a quaint, English language bookstore that has been frequented by those such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Sylvia Plath. The bookstore has been there since 1951 in a building that is centuries old. The owner, from time to time, has let writers live upstairs as they work on their to-be famous manuscripts. I could feel the energy of these masters as I stood by the desk where they once wrote. Rooms and rooms of books - stacked so high among the hand carved beams you could never even see them all. So much history there! A thought-provoking quote by Shakespeare hangs painted over an upstairs doorway, where many have stood.

"Be not inhospitable to strangers least they be angels in disguise."

- William Shakespeare

Rubbing elbows with the locals for the weekend was a delight. The zest with which the Parisians live their lives is something from which we Americans could benefit. Finding time to walk along the bank and gaze at the works of local artists, stopping to chat and sip a latte' and finding balance is a rewarding thing in an otherwise day of pressure, rushing and work. It was there we could take a breath, ignite our passion and get a recharge for the next week of work.

I have included a picture of the front of the quaint bookstore and a couple other ones- like the Eiffel Tower which was completely light up at night - and the red velvet palms which lined the street of a local night spot on the corner.

For more information on the quaint bookstore mentioned, go to:
www.shakespeareandcompany.com

Fabulous Sweden!

I have recently returned from speaking at a Women in Business conference put on by the Swedish magazine called Passion for Business. It was a wonderful and educational experience! I found the Swedish women in general to be very warm, compassionate and dedicated to their careers.

I had the honor of speaking to around 200 business women on my upcoming book, "Step Up to the Plate - Knock Your Sales Out of the Ballpark", which describes how the Lumina Spark assessment tool is used to help sales people find their strengths and areas for development leading them to find their unique sales style. Later I facilitated a workshop for 20+ local business women where they each had an opportunity to directly experience the Lumina profile.

The Passion for Business team were perfect hosts and toured us around Stockholm for the weekend. We had great food and drink and saw castles and buildings that were centuries old. Stockholm is a very sexy and high energy city. I loved it!

I am honored once again to get invited to go back to Stockholm to lead a spa retreat for women. This is also being sponsored through the Passion for Business magazine. This will be held in the spring time on an island just off the coast of Stockholm. The retreat is called: Rejuvenation of the Soul - Find the New You Personally and Professionally. I will update you as we secure dates and fees. Women from all over the world will be coming and you should too! Places are limited to the first 50 people. The cost will be minimal for 2 nights and 3 days - includes all meals, room, wine, retreat session and spa treatments. And Stockholm is a must see! More on this later -

Watch for a new book that I am co-authoring with Lauren Mackler, called Freeing Godiva. This book has a January/February release date and centers around empowering women. My piece to the book is about the power of self-determination for women and how they can shape the life they desire utilizing this concept.

Ever been to Sweden? Would love to hear about your favorite places! Until next time, stay warm and safe.