Every time I watch TV, I remember why I don't own one. My family and I went out for what was supposed to be a fun dinner out, when we were told we were in CRISIS!
"OH NO!" I thought, "Crisis?!?" Of course, I was laughing inside my head, until after about 5 minutes later, after all their compelling sensationalism, I felt stressed even though I didn't believe what they were saying would change my world. (*Please turn off your TV.)
It seems every year there is a crisis. I also notice that no matter what, I am sitting, standing and laying down. I am eating, driving, working, raising my children, loving my family, friends, and especially loving my life....
Is it wrong to love your life when there is a crisis? Is there a crisis at all?
Maybe for some who over-extended into buying a home. Maybe for some whose livelihood were based in brokers, mortgages, real estate and such. Maybe for those invested in oil -in the last few months.... Maybe for some who had high risk portfolios and are retired... FEEL like there is a crisis.
After all, people are losing money, jobs, homes and way of life. Is that a crisis? That same thing has happened every day, every month, every year. Those in this current pickle, and those who have experienced this outside of the current media will live. They will pick up the pieces and move forward.
Truth is, there is nothing else they can do.
Crisis is a state of mind. And gambling is not a safe bet. We all do it at some level when we invest, create a business, or do anything with our lives that we believe will make us money. My husband and I saw that housing was too easy to make money and for too long, so we got out of the housing market. We had already lost huge gains in the dot com market and decided to keep our housing profits safe in a local bank CD account almost 2 years ago.
We didn't make a fortune in oil or other possibilities like others, and we also are not losing any money like others. We are not big gamblers.
And although we are surrounded by big casinos, we don't like to take our money and throw it to the wind of chance. We just work too hard for it. So we have our savings, we have our businesses, and we have our rented home. We also know our savings could be wiped out, our businesses could fail and we may not be able to afford rent a home at some point.
Anything is possible, but thinking life is in crisis every year, almost makes life unbearable.
We can only do what we can do now. We can only make choices that make sense to our heads and hearts. We can only stand, sit and lay down, whether that is comfortable or not, is just life.
What we CAN do is find joy, love, observe, have fun, feel the amazing range of feelings we all share as humans and just enjoy and live this game called life....
You decide if you want to play a friendly game of Pictionary or a risky game of Roulette...
smiles,
Rain
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
OneTough Woman Business Owner
I have been thinking a lot lately about the interesting place a woman business owner has in this world. For instance, twice in the last month, I have been reprimanded personally for not allowing advertising on my website and for not giving away my coaching services for free.
Strange.
The response wasn't, "Oh, I understand, this is your policy."
It is "I can't believe this is how you think the world works..." along with a personal smear about my email manners, which when my husband reread my responses, assured me that I was just being kind, but firm.
Another interesting occurrence, in the year 2008, is the way I am treated when I am with my husband.
When we crossed the Canadian border, I was driving and the border patrol asked what I did for a living, which I responded to happily all the businesses I ran (yes, as a new multrepreneur, I am still happy to tell everyone what I do.) He then leaned over and said, "And what do you do, sir?" My husband said, "I am the stay-at-home dad to my boys...." but the man gave him a strange look and so my husband added, "of course, I used to be in software...."
This has never happened the other way around when my husband has been the one driving across. What I did for a living never seemed to come up.
When I went to the printers to talk about approving the final copy of my book, my husband showed up as a surprise to support me (sweet guy that he is) and for the first 15 minutes, they spoke to him, asked him questions and assumed he had anything to do with (except loving inspiration) my project that I have been working on intensely for over a year.
I feel the great responsibility, that my husband once had, of being the sole monetary support of our family through my work. Yet, I feel the role that I am expected to play is so much different than if I was a man.
An expected role of over-generous with my time and resources, over-kind and understanding for those who don't agree with my rules, bendable-over-backable, and flexible in my policies.
This all is expected while we are also expected the same at home with our children and our husbands.
Sound familiar business women?
The strangest part is, I expected the same thing from other women owned businesses.. before I knew... oh... before I truly understood.
It's almost like you choose women businesses because you have a better chance to get more, much more while paying less! No wonder, you see so many women who become cold and closed off after years of this kind of expectation and treatment (and have given in to it for too long.) What is a woman to do? (besides many trips to the day spa!)
I am not interested in the current roles to play and becoming bitter.
I chose my businesses because being of service is what I love. Being kind to everyone is my favorite practice. Being firm about the policies that I have decided are important to my businesses, doesn't seem to feel natural to me, but it does seem vitally important right now. Playing a role isn't my style as I tend to live a life blazing my own trail.
As far as the latest incidences, I wonder: Do I have to take my punches? Am I just paying my dues? Is it karma?
Always asking questions, never taking a situation for granted and allowing the path to unfold is the only way I know how to take this journey. Meanwhile, I want send out my deepest gratitude for all the women who have gone before, to make my journey so much easier and acknowledge their amazing giving nature! Thank you and Blessings!
Strange.
The response wasn't, "Oh, I understand, this is your policy."
It is "I can't believe this is how you think the world works..." along with a personal smear about my email manners, which when my husband reread my responses, assured me that I was just being kind, but firm.
Another interesting occurrence, in the year 2008, is the way I am treated when I am with my husband.
When we crossed the Canadian border, I was driving and the border patrol asked what I did for a living, which I responded to happily all the businesses I ran (yes, as a new multrepreneur, I am still happy to tell everyone what I do.) He then leaned over and said, "And what do you do, sir?" My husband said, "I am the stay-at-home dad to my boys...." but the man gave him a strange look and so my husband added, "of course, I used to be in software...."
This has never happened the other way around when my husband has been the one driving across. What I did for a living never seemed to come up.
When I went to the printers to talk about approving the final copy of my book, my husband showed up as a surprise to support me (sweet guy that he is) and for the first 15 minutes, they spoke to him, asked him questions and assumed he had anything to do with (except loving inspiration) my project that I have been working on intensely for over a year.
I feel the great responsibility, that my husband once had, of being the sole monetary support of our family through my work. Yet, I feel the role that I am expected to play is so much different than if I was a man.
An expected role of over-generous with my time and resources, over-kind and understanding for those who don't agree with my rules, bendable-over-backable, and flexible in my policies.
This all is expected while we are also expected the same at home with our children and our husbands.
Sound familiar business women?
The strangest part is, I expected the same thing from other women owned businesses.. before I knew... oh... before I truly understood.
It's almost like you choose women businesses because you have a better chance to get more, much more while paying less! No wonder, you see so many women who become cold and closed off after years of this kind of expectation and treatment (and have given in to it for too long.) What is a woman to do? (besides many trips to the day spa!)
I am not interested in the current roles to play and becoming bitter.
I chose my businesses because being of service is what I love. Being kind to everyone is my favorite practice. Being firm about the policies that I have decided are important to my businesses, doesn't seem to feel natural to me, but it does seem vitally important right now. Playing a role isn't my style as I tend to live a life blazing my own trail.
As far as the latest incidences, I wonder: Do I have to take my punches? Am I just paying my dues? Is it karma?
Always asking questions, never taking a situation for granted and allowing the path to unfold is the only way I know how to take this journey. Meanwhile, I want send out my deepest gratitude for all the women who have gone before, to make my journey so much easier and acknowledge their amazing giving nature! Thank you and Blessings!
Friday, September 26, 2008
It's Not Easy to Take the Leap
The day we started to build Authentic Times, I was excited. It was something I wanted for myself and I had a vision of writing, editing and creating joy for readers. The day we launched it, I cried. It took so much time to create. So many ideas to discuss, so much to learn. I had no idea if it would be something that people wanted. I had no idea what would happen.
I just took a leap.
Today, I again took a leap and turned Authentic Times into a paid subscription magazine. This time, I felt I may not have brought my parachute. Life is a mystery and I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that no matter what happens, I have risked, I have dreamed and I have created something I love and believe in.
I will hold onto that over the coming months and I watch the ground coming towards me and I attempt to land.
If one leap wasn't enough, I also signed off of the Printery printing 5000 copies of my new children's book. If I think about that long enough, my stomach starts to do somersaults!
5ooo COPIES? In three weeks, we will have 58 boxes of books in my house. So far, I have sold 20 and have 20 to give away. Wow, only 4960 more to go....
This feels like a leap off the Grand Canyon.
However, no matter how scary it is to leap, it also is extremely rewarding.
For where else could you ever experience life like this?
One thing I know for sure, however I may land, my life is never going to be the same.
smiles and inspiration,
Rain
I just took a leap.
Today, I again took a leap and turned Authentic Times into a paid subscription magazine. This time, I felt I may not have brought my parachute. Life is a mystery and I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that no matter what happens, I have risked, I have dreamed and I have created something I love and believe in.
I will hold onto that over the coming months and I watch the ground coming towards me and I attempt to land.
If one leap wasn't enough, I also signed off of the Printery printing 5000 copies of my new children's book. If I think about that long enough, my stomach starts to do somersaults!
5ooo COPIES? In three weeks, we will have 58 boxes of books in my house. So far, I have sold 20 and have 20 to give away. Wow, only 4960 more to go....
This feels like a leap off the Grand Canyon.
However, no matter how scary it is to leap, it also is extremely rewarding.
For where else could you ever experience life like this?
One thing I know for sure, however I may land, my life is never going to be the same.
smiles and inspiration,
Rain
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wow! I guess I am an expert!
I am so excited!
In the middle of finishing the final book design today, I received an email from Ezine Articles telling me that my article has been published and that I am now an Expert!
That just sounds so exciting. Yes, it's true, they have over 100,000 experts, but I will take the title with joy and sing!
Here is my bio:
Expert Author Rain Fordyce
Here is the article (which is also on Authentic Times):
Waking Up Happy
smiles and Yahoo!
Rain
In the middle of finishing the final book design today, I received an email from Ezine Articles telling me that my article has been published and that I am now an Expert!
That just sounds so exciting. Yes, it's true, they have over 100,000 experts, but I will take the title with joy and sing!
Here is my bio:
Expert Author Rain Fordyce
Here is the article (which is also on Authentic Times):
Waking Up Happy
smiles and Yahoo!
Rain
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hooray for WHACIS!
We just got back from a fabulous homeschooling camp! It used to be called:
Western Washington Not Back To School Camp, or WWNBTSC (whew!)
We changed the name to
Washington Homeschool Adventure Camp in September, or WHACIS.
The group pretty much decided it was indeed, whacky!
But what beautiful weather on the lake and there is just something magical about 12 homeschooling families creating a 5 day community just for them. I experienced a little bit of this when I went to the Life Is Good Conference for unschoolers in May.
The kids are free but not just free, they are with a bunch of other kids in a safe place, that is not home. This is exciting for them and the parents, because we are free to take a little time out for us. There was the idea of calling it Homeschooler Camp for Napping Parents, but we didn't want to make it all about us!
I love homeschoolers getting together. They are so kind, so accepting, so genuine. It heals old wounds from my own schooling days. I used to think all little kids were just cruel. Now I know, it's just sad little kids who are missing their families who can become cruel. They have to take their anger and sadness out on someone. Then habits and patterns emerge in the culture of the class, which is why some classes of kids are so much different than others.
Hmmm.... I am so grateful to have the opportunity to homeschool... but only every day!
Blessings and Smiles!
PS: Oh! And if you tried to order the book before and it didn't work, please try again! We fixed the problem! Click here to see!
Western Washington Not Back To School Camp, or WWNBTSC (whew!)
We changed the name to
Washington Homeschool Adventure Camp in September, or WHACIS.
The group pretty much decided it was indeed, whacky!
But what beautiful weather on the lake and there is just something magical about 12 homeschooling families creating a 5 day community just for them. I experienced a little bit of this when I went to the Life Is Good Conference for unschoolers in May.
The kids are free but not just free, they are with a bunch of other kids in a safe place, that is not home. This is exciting for them and the parents, because we are free to take a little time out for us. There was the idea of calling it Homeschooler Camp for Napping Parents, but we didn't want to make it all about us!
I love homeschoolers getting together. They are so kind, so accepting, so genuine. It heals old wounds from my own schooling days. I used to think all little kids were just cruel. Now I know, it's just sad little kids who are missing their families who can become cruel. They have to take their anger and sadness out on someone. Then habits and patterns emerge in the culture of the class, which is why some classes of kids are so much different than others.
Hmmm.... I am so grateful to have the opportunity to homeschool... but only every day!
Blessings and Smiles!
PS: Oh! And if you tried to order the book before and it didn't work, please try again! We fixed the problem! Click here to see!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Homeschool Children's Book Website
Yahoo!!!! Here it is:
Homeschool Adventure Books: I Am Learning All the Time
The book should be coming out in October... Pre-order your copy today!
***************************************************************
Homeschool Adventure Books: I Am Learning All the Time
The book should be coming out in October... Pre-order your copy today!
***************************************************************
Working Mom Does Birthday Party
I know... it's been done a million times before... but it feels like the big headline of my life right now...
For all of you out there who think the transition from stay-at-home mom to working mom has been an easy one... yes and no... mostly no, but it's getting better... for the kids!
Yes, the kids are starting to ask my husband to make breakfast and to help them when they need it during the day. Yes, they have heard the "mommy's working" and understood.
Actually they are probably just fine...
It's me!
I am now into the world of online networking and advertising and creating, and let me tell you, I wish I had a staff of 15 people! It is not easy, though it is a lot of fun, it is not all I want to do with my life.
My oldest son had his 10th birthday this week, and I was halfway between tears and joy. Double digits are a big deal and he is growing up so fast! I wanted to be there with him. I wanted to spend that time with him. I took off his actual birthday and the day of his party. I loved every minute of it. I love being and playing together as a family, I loved the fun and fantastical party we had and all the family and friends that came.
I loved that I was off the computer for 2 whole days!
Yet, it was time to get back to it and I realized that I love being involved with my business as well. I want it all!
I now understand the Supermom Syndrome. Why can't we have it all? I have home businesses and I homeschool and I have the amazing support of my amazing husband, but fact is, I have to work. I have to disappear for hours on end and work.
I have spoke to my coach and my coach friends about this over and over, trying to find a solution... yet there is no answer.
It is going to come down to just being. Just living. Just doing what I love in the moment, keeping a schedule so there is balance.
Just continuing to let it go, let it go....
blessings to all!
Smiles,
Rain
For all of you out there who think the transition from stay-at-home mom to working mom has been an easy one... yes and no... mostly no, but it's getting better... for the kids!
Yes, the kids are starting to ask my husband to make breakfast and to help them when they need it during the day. Yes, they have heard the "mommy's working" and understood.
Actually they are probably just fine...
It's me!
I am now into the world of online networking and advertising and creating, and let me tell you, I wish I had a staff of 15 people! It is not easy, though it is a lot of fun, it is not all I want to do with my life.
My oldest son had his 10th birthday this week, and I was halfway between tears and joy. Double digits are a big deal and he is growing up so fast! I wanted to be there with him. I wanted to spend that time with him. I took off his actual birthday and the day of his party. I loved every minute of it. I love being and playing together as a family, I loved the fun and fantastical party we had and all the family and friends that came.
I loved that I was off the computer for 2 whole days!
Yet, it was time to get back to it and I realized that I love being involved with my business as well. I want it all!
I now understand the Supermom Syndrome. Why can't we have it all? I have home businesses and I homeschool and I have the amazing support of my amazing husband, but fact is, I have to work. I have to disappear for hours on end and work.
I have spoke to my coach and my coach friends about this over and over, trying to find a solution... yet there is no answer.
It is going to come down to just being. Just living. Just doing what I love in the moment, keeping a schedule so there is balance.
Just continuing to let it go, let it go....
blessings to all!
Smiles,
Rain
Monday, August 25, 2008
Podcast anyone?
Yes?
Okay, check it out here at:
http://authentictimes.podomatic.com/
My new Inspired Almost-Weekly podcast is based on my newsletter email, Inspired Almost-Daily, and let's face it, I might miss a week here and there!
There are so many new ideas swimming around...
The children's book website is coming soon! Hopefully about a 3 or 4 days from now we will have an announcement. Though the book will not be published until Mid September.
My older son is turning 10 soon and we have family coming into town, so the goal is to finish as much as we can, and then Yahoo! Have some fun with our Medieval Frolic and Feast!
The transition is almost complete with my husband and I. He is still working a few days a week, which will turn into 1 or 2. I work 5 to 6 days, which will turn into 4 or 5.
I love working, having clients, editing the magazine and then that feeling that I forgot all about. The feeling of the weekend! I work extremely hard all week, publish, finish with my clients, and Friday comes! I always feeling like dancing down the street with my family, and then after we dance, I feel like taking a well deserved nap! We always have fun together and the kids are starting to look forward to Fridays with me. The questions, "When are you going to stop working every single day?" and "I want YOU to make my breakfast." are rarely asked.
Charlie has been cooking meals, doing some shopping, taking the kids to their lessons, and the new one is making playdates!!! He is such an amazing guy! He is so excited to be the homeschooling parent. So many ideas is swimming around....
So there it is, all of us happy, well and enjoying this fun part of our transition... near the end!
Smiles,
Rain
Okay, check it out here at:
http://authentictimes.podomatic.com/
My new Inspired Almost-Weekly podcast is based on my newsletter email, Inspired Almost-Daily, and let's face it, I might miss a week here and there!
There are so many new ideas swimming around...
The children's book website is coming soon! Hopefully about a 3 or 4 days from now we will have an announcement. Though the book will not be published until Mid September.
My older son is turning 10 soon and we have family coming into town, so the goal is to finish as much as we can, and then Yahoo! Have some fun with our Medieval Frolic and Feast!
The transition is almost complete with my husband and I. He is still working a few days a week, which will turn into 1 or 2. I work 5 to 6 days, which will turn into 4 or 5.
I love working, having clients, editing the magazine and then that feeling that I forgot all about. The feeling of the weekend! I work extremely hard all week, publish, finish with my clients, and Friday comes! I always feeling like dancing down the street with my family, and then after we dance, I feel like taking a well deserved nap! We always have fun together and the kids are starting to look forward to Fridays with me. The questions, "When are you going to stop working every single day?" and "I want YOU to make my breakfast." are rarely asked.
Charlie has been cooking meals, doing some shopping, taking the kids to their lessons, and the new one is making playdates!!! He is such an amazing guy! He is so excited to be the homeschooling parent. So many ideas is swimming around....
So there it is, all of us happy, well and enjoying this fun part of our transition... near the end!
Smiles,
Rain
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Coaching Website is UP!
Yahoo!
My coaching website is UP!
You can see it here:
Inspirational Life Coaching with Rain
Thank you Scott, my brother for all your amazing work to pull this together!
Thank you Debbie, for all your amazing artwork!
Thank you Dinea, for your amazing photos! (there is still one more to come...)
Thank you Charlie, Chas and Hugh for all your patience.
I am so grateful, and excited about it!
Please let me know your honest feedback...
I always am looking for clarity, errors, or anything else you would like to see different.
Moving forward, I am going to be learning about Podcasting in the coming weeks.
smiles,
Rain
My coaching website is UP!
You can see it here:
Inspirational Life Coaching with Rain
Thank you Scott, my brother for all your amazing work to pull this together!
Thank you Debbie, for all your amazing artwork!
Thank you Dinea, for your amazing photos! (there is still one more to come...)
Thank you Charlie, Chas and Hugh for all your patience.
I am so grateful, and excited about it!
Please let me know your honest feedback...
I always am looking for clarity, errors, or anything else you would like to see different.
Moving forward, I am going to be learning about Podcasting in the coming weeks.
smiles,
Rain
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Moving Right Along
I haven't written in a couple of weeks as I have been writing so much with my website and another 45 day blogging challenge, the thought of writing here, seemed a bit over the top.
AuthenticTimes.com is doing great and we are now over the 100 subscriber mark! (106) to be exact! I am so grateful that other women are loving it as much as I am and have been sharing their artwork, stories, recipes and tips. I am so grateful for everyone who has stepped in to make it the success that it is!
My inspirational life coaching site is almost finished! I will let you know when it is, and I can't tell you what wonderful work it is. I have been working with an artist, who submitted her work to AuthenticTimes.com, to create an amazing vision for it. She is also a client, and was so excited to share how she saw my energy and business. Her name is Debbie Weber and she is amazing!
My children's book is also coming to a close. We have a printer ready and are finishing up the last half. It is amazing how much you grow as you create something like this. My illustrator has changed and developed our characters so well. I am thrilled at their life-like qualities and excited about what she has dreamed up. They are so friendly and warm. I really think the kids will love these characters!
So for now, I am busy working towards many goals at once. My husband is taking over more and more of the household tasks, shopping, cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids. The kids are surprisingly happy. I guess they are at the right age to be independent most of the time. Our lives have never been so intensely busy and so happy at the same time. I guess we are doing the right thing!
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