Official Google Blog: Update on Google Wave

Official Google Blog: Update on Google Wave: "Urs and Google aren't looking under the basic assumptions of reality"

The failure of Google Wave is simply that it exists as another tool in a world of tools. Who needs another diversion. The context is sound, the paradigm in which it is being introduced isn't well formulated. It is just another "thing" in a world of "things."

Robert Gold Dallas, Texas

online eDecorating

Melissa,

I thought of you when I saw this website. It's an interesting concept of interior decorating though online means.

http://www.iheartdesignbyavenue.com/

Mark

PRICELESS??

Electric Hedge Trimmer: $165
Long-handled Pruning Tool: $39.99
Five 25-foot extension cords linked together: $150
Prada Sunglasses: $325

Trophy Wife trimming a quarter-mile long row of hedges at her childhood home: Priceless

Picture this ....

Picture this … there is a spectacular social event coming up that you have been invited to.

You are not going though because you have nothing to wear.

And even if you did have something to wear, you think you wouldn't look good in it.

One day, you go with a friend shopping.

Your friend points out this amazing outfit that you would NEVER have picked out for yourself.

It is perfect for the upcoming event.

Your friend encourages you to try it on just for fun.

You humor your friend and reluctantly agree to try it on.

What you find though is that the outfit is amazingly comfortable.

It fits you perfectly as if it was tailored just for you.

And it makes you look and feel beautiful!

Everyone comments on how great you look in this outfit. 

They notice it brings out the colors in your eyes.

When they find out about the upcoming event that is perfect for it, they become relentless.

You start to consider what it would be like to have this outfit.

You imagine how much fun it would be to go to the event.

You imagine how amazing you would look and feel wearing this outfit.

You actually start considering going to the event.

You think through the possibilities and weigh out all of the concerns and issues.

You start making the shift, bridging the gap.  Maybe, just maybe you will go to this event.

Everyone tells you how amazing you look and encourages you to buy the outfit and go to the event.

Even though you are not entirely sure, you decide to take the plunge.

You have never felt this way before and you want it to last.

You start dancing around like a young girl does pretending to be a fairy princess. 

You love feeling the lightness in your heart and the flush of being alive on your face.

As you are swirling and twirling around the room, fully embracing this new reality you have chosen, the sales lady tells you the outfit Is not for sale. 

 

What now?

Ah, the week of communication. :(

A dear friend of mine recently started openly pursuing me to move beyond our 12-year friendship and try on a romantic relationship  Once I got over the initial shock, I tried it on and liked it.  A lot!  Then stuff/life/shit happened - misunderstandings, miscommunications, drama, unwillingness to get clear, lack of clarity about true desires/commitment - and I find myself having to wait until the dust settles around me.  Kind of like the people in Europe waiting for the volcanic dust!  ;)  

I see myself journeying through several spaces along the way. 

• At first I was unwilling to entertain the possibility our relationship could be more.  There are a LOT of obstacles in the way. 
• Then I was unwilling to believe he actually felt the way he did.  That was until I let his actions drown out my inner monologue. 
• Then I found I have no freaking clue how to go about this relationship stuff.  Plus, the idea of "just wait and let it happen" is harder than any action ever could be.  Give me something to do!  I was not wired to be a literal "waiter".  :)
• When the problems first started, I was powerful, stood my ground, and was rewarded with a deepening of communication and intimacy.
• Then more stuff happened, the problems got bigger, and they triggered his past stuff which triggered my past stuff.  As of last night, that looked like him not wanting to be more than friends. 
• This morning, he is acting like nothing is wrong. 

Where I find myself right now is being unwilling to have someone play hokey-pokey with my heart.  I want to draw a line in the sand and say this far and no further.  However, being a stand like this for ME is so new for me.  It is much easier to stand for someone/something else than it is to be a stand for myself.  Weird! 

I am a stand that me and my heart be respected and cared for like the fragile, priceless things of beauty we are. 

I want to communicate that to him but something inside tells me to wait.  I am getting that this week of communications is going to be very interesting indeed!

I am wondering however, where did I get the idea I need to communicate every thought that crosses my mind, or every firing of a neuron?  In looking at that, I find I am also unclear as to whom and how much should be communicated.  Maybe that is the where the inquiry this week is taking me.   :)

Thank you Mark for making it so easy, breezy, beautifully simple to post to the blog. 

Testing the email link

Testing 1 2 3 .... is this indeed an easy, breezy way to post to the blog?  :)

Movie you have to see before class!

Hey everyone hope your week is going really well. Wanted to recommend watching a movie that perfectly portrays the archetypes of the week - Lover/Actor. Got to see Mr and Mrs Joneses - it is all about keeping up with the Joneses. It is a great example of authentic versus fake and very inspirational!

Homework showed up today

Hello everyone - just wanted to say that today I did part fo the homework. I went out to a Womens Wellness group with Mary McMahon. It was great I did not know anyone and got an opportunity to introduce myself as a Creative Consultant. It was really cool. My experience was interesting. I noticed that alot of the people there as they shared their stories got wrapped up in what as going on in their heads and completely lost track of time. I attribute doing the focus group to training on being able to share and be intentional and stay present. It was a very empowering experience and everyone asked for my card! Woo Hoo! So that was my opportunity to be with a group of people I didn't know and open up and be vunerable and it was so much easier than I thought! The lady next to me wants to get together to talk more about waht I do and how it can potentially help her business. How exciting! I learned overall - the key to success is to show up and open my mouth. That was the hardest part! Ironically! By opening my heart, I became a money magnet and suddenly got called for a job with another client I had not ever worked with and have wanted to. So I am inspired and ready to take on the world!

Tomorrow is our first shoot day. I can not tell you how long I have waited for this moment and to think it is tomorrow is so exciting!     

"It's your representation of the image that theaters the rest." That's what I thought I heard when watching the movie, Sherlock Holmes on Saturday night. I thought, surely this movie could not be so profound and so relevant to creating a role. I guess I needed to hear being my role will create the world around me.

Oh, and it's no surprise that the final imaging of Holmes in the movie is that of him mirrored as if art reflecting life. I immediately recalled the struggle I had in interpreting Chapter 1 of The Order of Things, a book I'm reading. The chapter describes the experience of a painting, Las Meninas, and how the code of signs (sign posts) ground the representations. There it goes again. My role creates a world.

Ahhh Sherlock Holmes. A movie of levels and layers, well beyond the representations created my most of us humans. An Extraordinary Experience, I say.

Response to Mark's Synchronicity :)

What? You don't see how the anti-bacterial hand gel fits in? I do! It is there to remind you that it is okay to "get your hands dirty". Be assured it will all turn out perfect in the end.
In other words, go for it dude! :)

My resume is complete

Just wanted to say my resume is complete for creative Consulting thanks to Melissa. It is not just an ordinary resume it is extraordinary! Perfect timing in a week where we are defining our identity even more than usual and making choices that are consistent with that. A resume is a perfect way of seeing whether my actions have been consistent with what I say I am committed to. I learned this week that sales have always been the area of my business that I find is the least fun - but I am learning that being a consultant takes mastery in sales. So I had to break through my resistance about that! Now I am in action fully! And as we move on to the next level - I will be ready to make the money and feel the joy that comes from my efforts.

Comment to Marks blog

That is so great Mark - sounds like you were on FIRE! Perfect! And your writing was crystal clear - I was taken on a journey. Can't wait to read your script!

I love that experience of synchronicity! It feels like you are right on track! And................ it is perfect, right?  There is nothing more exciting than being in the creative flow and piercing that veil and seeing that everything that you are saying is created instantly! 

Synchronicity

What a night! Let me back up to earlier in the night to shed light onto the build up of how the evening gave me the synchronicity revealed to me.

I'm at dinner with Laurie, Melissa, and John talking about TV shows and the focus group. The role of director is coming into full swing. We start generating ideas for a TV show immediately as a group. I begin to jump in as director seeing how we can set up the cameras, getting enough coverage, and carrying our storyline through. The TV show is born out of making tea with love and sharing it with my closest friends, Laurie and Melissa. Stories are shared. We all grow together.

John takes off and we stay behind to create the next week for the group.

We talk about seeing the sign posts along the way. We three bring up many times about how the synchronicity shows the signs more and more when you see the cycles and have that awareness of the cycles. Lately, I've been extremely connected to what is happening around me and the pieces fitting together. The awareness to these is like building a muscle. I will let the pieces speak for themselves as the evening progresses.

Keep in mind the role of director in work, social, and relationships.

I'm driving back home from Cosmic Cafe, heading down Ross. I wonder what Nader is up to, just as I'm passing his home. I could really go for hanging out at some place social tonight. Dialing Nader now. I hear a noisy background. "Where are you?", I ask. "Angelika, you should come down." "Do I need a pass?" "Yeah, go to work and grab one." "Ok, see you soon."

Two passes left for the Dallas International Film Festival. I grab number 26. Off to the Angelika for the opening gala.

Tall, beautiful people everywhere. The women look amazing. There's Nader, Justin, and friends. I just want to talk to some of these women, yet I don't see an opening or enough pull. I'm in a observing mood. One woman I'm drawn to with dark curly hair and tall. I continue to steal glances. If only she would step away from that guy she's hanging out with right now. They look like friends. I'm not seeing an opening.

Justin discusses big plans of unleashing our creative ideas out. We are all super talented guys ready to contribute.

Party is dying down. We grab our Target gift bag on our way out.

While rummaging through the bag, Nader grabs a coupon out. "Paciugo!", Nader excitingly says to himself. I drop Nader off.

I'm home now. Not really tired. Nader mentioned "Lost" at the party. I could go for "Lost" and some vanilla ice cream. I haven't had PLAIN vanilla ice cream in ages. It's Haagen-Dazs "Five" Vanilla Bean. 5 ingredients: Milk, Cream, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Bean.

"Lost" is about Desmond and Penny. It's about finding true love.

Time for bed. Where's my iPhone charger? I don't see it laying around. It must be in my coat. Nope. Car. Nope. I grab the Target gift bag. Let's see what is in here.

1. Dallas International Film Festival notepad, wrapped in a Target "Art for All". I don't think much of this, now.
2. Paciugo coupon. I just had my ice cream. Interesting this shows up.
3. Exhale coupon that says "Take the Time to Exhale". I've been meaning to go to a spa. I find it interesting about the 'breathing' connection to "Exhale".
4. Studio Movie Grill coupon. I love movies. (Director pops in my head)
5. Next, a card at the top saying "Don't miss the chance to experience these authors, artists, and musicians in person!" Oh, I wonder if I would like to see any, as I scan down the list. David Sadaris, yes. Ira Glass! Oh YES! Now wait a minute. I was telling Laurie and Melissa a story about Ira earlier tonight about radio and TV that I heard on Radio Lab. Interesting again.
6. Postcard for a 14 day free trial to match.com Ok, now I know I creating the 'casting call' for the leading lady in my life and now this? Wow! Coincidence? Keep reading.
7. Postcard for "El Creative", which says in big bold letters: "Unmatched Quality" and under that "Fresh Ideas Produced Daily" "100% Satisfaction Guaranteed". One, El Creative is right across from where Nader lives. Which I went by twice tonight. Two, how it points at fresh ideas. Three, the word "quality" jumps at me, pointing at quality in relationships, work, and my life. This is starting to get interesting, but I'm not fully enrolled.
8. Dallas Modern Magazine. Top tag lines on the cover: "Men of Style 2010" (I think I could be on the list). "Dallas' Most Dapper Dudes" (Nader and I of course). "Ben Stiller Gets Serious?" Whoa! This puts the breaks on for me and I get chills. I'm writing a script right now where I've been saying Ben is the lead role. Here is where I see all the connections. Ben, my script, opening gala night at the film festival, being the role of director, social, ideas, beauty, women, TV, radio, blank slate.
9. Light bulb. This might as well be the 'bright idea'. Don't ignore the sign posts!
10. Nectarine Mint anti-bacteria hand gel. ??? I can't even make a meaning out of this one. I will leave this one to Laurie.
11. Vitamin Water - XXX acai-blueberry-pomegranate. I see this just as something to take care of my health. I suppose that is what the hand gel is for too.
12. Target pen, printed on the pen "Expect More. Pay Less."

Here is the quick of the evening to sum it all up. This is all just stream of consciousness.

TV. Sign posts. Nader. Movies. Director. Love. Vanilla Ice Cream. Ben Stiller. Screenplay. Romance. Well Being. Ideas. Creative. Groups. Quality. TV. Radio. Breathe. Style. Wealth. Social. Time for myself. Expect More. Pay Less.

In synchronicity,

Mark Thielen

Phils Vision Board

Phil sent this to me before he went to CA

It's the journey not the destination.

Week 3

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to pop and and remind you, this week is all about making wise choices, defining moments that reshape your life as you know it. It is about being focused, rising beyond your circumstances, staying on course and being clear about what you want because if you do you will Triumph and be a huge success! This week we are bringing out the Warrior and Leader Archetypes - so if things get dramatic you'll know why. So gather your courage, strength and power and you will shine all week! Look for huge opportunities to present themselves. This week is all about expressing yourself as a leader and to be who you really are. So express your confidence, your worth and be powerful in a way that you have never expressed before. Contact Mark, Melissa or I if you need any support.

New Beginnings

Hello everyone, hope you are having a fabulous week and are totally in the flow.

Waht is showing up for me today is doing my first rewrite on a tv show treatment that was written a while back with an actor I know who is on Friday night lights. I will share it with you guys and would love to have feedback. My meeting today was very intense so intense I had to record it to be grounded in the information. So I think that the tide came in today. I am going to do those rewrites and get it out this week. We plan on having it finished within two weeks and my intention is to have it sold by the beginning of June. In my gut it is going to happen. This is why I am exercising like a maniac!

In addition, my role seems to be expanding. I am a creative consultant specializing in beauty, wellness, sucess coaching and the entertainment industry. Every one of them are my passion. I am so excited around what is opening up! Even better than I had expected! 

Any of you can contact Melissa, Mark and I at any time, we are here to support you as you go through this cycle!       

Trying to find my role ...

Who would have thought this would be so difficult? Then I realized I was making it difficult, not the role. After all, this is just a game, right? And it is only for 8 weeks and then if I want, I can just change and put on another role. I went through several roles trying them on, seeing how they fit, making sure I don't look fat in it ... hahaha! :)

The first role I tried on was the role of warrior/heroine, you know, Xena. This is a natural for me and one I am quite comfortable wearing as it has been the "role of my life" for years. But once I had it on, I found it made me so tired physically. When I really looked, I found I am tired of fighting all the time. I want life to be fun. So I took that role off and hung it back on the rack. Back to square one. (What does that expression mean by the way?)

I started looking at what is important to me. Always fighting against something clearly did not inspire me anymore, not that it ever did. It was a role I put on to survive. But I am up to more in life than just surviving ... I want to thrive! :) So I started making a mental list of things that are important to me in life.

This is not a new inquiry for me. I have been in this "existential mode" for months now, ever since I lost my job in January. What exactly am I here to do? What am I up to in life? Or the classic question, what do I want to be when I grow up? Because I figure that now, at 46 years old, I have actually grown up. Or have I? ;)

So I thought that looking at the things I want in life seemed to be the way to go. I started the list with the basics: I want to make a difference in life, I want to be a contribution, ... yada, yada, yada. Kind of boring actually. Yet one thing was clear - I do not want it to be hard and I do not want to be responsible. Other than that, I am not entirely sure.

From that "micro-insight", I came up with the role of First Lady. A First Lady has a lot of freedom, has a platform she gets to support and contribute to, yet she is not responsible for the outcome of it, nor is she accountable for its failure or success. Her only role really is to do what she loves while supporting her powerful man aka The President. I was really jazzed about this for a while and this seemed to be the one I was going to stick with. Only problem was, I didn't have a powerful man in my life to support. :(

After getting this is just a game, I saw how hard I was making things and this could be really fun and easy. Just like in the Wisdom course - fun, play and ease. As I said these words out loud, the "easy" word really caught my imagination so I finished the thought with the advertising slogan, "easy, breezy, beautiful ... Cover Girl." WOW! That really popped for me! Suddenly I was infused with energy that just "fit". I don't know how to explain it other than to say it "fit". And it doesn't make me look fat! :) In fact, as soon as I tried it on and wore it for an hour or so, a guy I hadn't seen in months asked if I had lost weight! When I answered that I hadn't, he responded I sure looked like I had and I looked beautiful. Wow! This might be fun!!! :)

Not entirely sure I am comfortable being beautiful ... (I guess that will be another post), but meanwhile, I am feeling a lightness of being, an energy I have not ever been present to ever. Then a friend brings me a top she has been meaning to give me for a while. She had ordered it and it was too low cut for her taste, so she thought of me as someone it would be great for. At first, I was not sure how to take that, but now standing in my new Cover Girl role, I saw it was just "one of those things" that will show up in our lives now.

Later in the evening, I had a stranger I had just met totally flirt with me AND another male friend of mine ask to exchange contact information and start conversing regularly. What? Then today, I got a call from an old friend of mine and I swear, he was scoping out my current situation by asking if I was seeing anyone, etc. What an interesting synchronicity!

Although on the other hand, it kind of freaks me out too. :(

Breakthroughs

Hello everyone!

I hope that you are having major breakthroughs in your life this week! I would like to share what is going on with me this week. This week I have interviewed as a Creative Consultant for a Spa/Salon. It was incredible. I noticed that I stood more upright and all of the training that I have done over the last 8 years was really present. I saw what it feels like to really stand for someones success and to get out of the way and not make anything personal. I noticed that I was not attached to the outcome but rather committed to what was possible for the salon owner. Also, I ordered my new business cards to make things official - that was really fun. In addition, I had a breakthrough in putting myself out on the court and started making marketing calls to new salons that were not referred to me. That took a lot of courage and it felt like I was auditioning - getting what I was going to say down in a simple way. After a while it was no big deal. And what I noticed is that I called big corporate companies too - so I am playing big. It is so exciting. Tomorrow, I am going to do the collage and it should be interesting to become very clear about what my role will look like and feel like in pictures. I will trust my gut on that. Another thing that is opening up is that I am so inspired by the focus group that I am planning on doing series again for different books and using the energy created to create training manuals for people that I teach to become beauty, wellness and life coaches. It is so exciting!  

Business cards

Here is a great site that creates fun and powerful business cards.

http://us.moo.com/en/readymade/