Fearless Friday - Pansy V - “I Am The Muse” May 16, 2008

Welcome to the second edition of Fearless Friday! I am so honored to introduce Pansy V, also known as “The Muse” and “Motivator.” I met her at Divapreneur and was impressed from the beginning - not only with her tremendous talent for writing in all forms, but also with her beautiful inner light and sincere desire to offer support and love to everyone she meets on the path. I’ve always been impressed by the fact that she consistently makes an effort to make everyone feel valued and special.  I believe that she would read all 720 members’ blogs if she could! Until she graciously answered the interview questions, I had no idea how busy and full her life is. I am truly in awe. Rounding out her uniquely gifted personality is the sense of humor that provides healing laughter to so many. She’s a firecracker! and comparable to that grand finale in the fireworks show with its glittering beautiful colors lighting the night sky.

Please be sure to visit her website and join me in wishing her blessings and success. Of course, this Diva is creating such good karma it can’t be any other way, but let’s do it anyway. I’ll post a follow up when her site is officially launched and her products are available.

I give you The Muse.

How were you inspired to begin writing?

I simply adore the art of cursive manuscript, (and calligraphy) my Nanny’s handwriting was a billowy, flowing, swirling concoction of thoughts and ideas on paper…just looking at it made it me happy…I wanted to mimic that….and so, before I even knew what I was actually doing, I was tracing her handwriting. From there on it was pen and paper…yes I do type from necessity, but it all starts on paper….the family story goes I was born with a pen in my hand, a smile on my face and a story to tell from my soul…!

My first poem was kindergarten and is actually pasted in my childhood scrapbook….I wrote it to a particularly nasty neighborhood boy…

u r meen.
meenizt boy i evur seen.

LOL LOL, my mother was presented that poem from his mom! Seems he couldn’t read it…so he asked his mom for some help…LOL !

(to this day it amazes me that I could get so close to the words Meanest and Ever..and nail the word seen, but just could not spell the words You and Are! LOL )

To those of us who know you, it seems that being The Muse and Motivator is your full time profession. Do you have other business pursuits and/or hobbies?

Oh yes, I am a mother, well my sons are grown, but we never stop being that I supppose…LOL…I am a wife to a very lucky man, who I utterly adore….(ok he’s left the room, so adore him? ok, 99% of the time…! )…I am a farmer…very, very hard work, but oh so satisfying. I am a designer and that my friend covers alot of ground with me…art, jewelry, architectural structure, internet…LOL you name it and I have probably designed one…LOL

I love to write of course, poetry/prose… and other genres. I enjoying singing, gardening, playing with my grandchildren and my pets (the zoo), and I love to travel !

How do you balance them all?

Balance??? Uhhhhhh……balance……is this a 3 part series? LOL

Honestly, there are moments which get lost…when I must decide where to go and what to do…I always TRY to do it all…but that never happens, those 3 hours of sleep rush in and ruin everything!

Does that prolific motor of poetry and prose ever stall out?

Goodness, if I cannot be outside, I cannot write.

I have tried to write without walking and been blocked, locked and stalled!

My passion for the language is without end and it seems as if the fuel for that flame exists in the very air of the woods…words simply come to me there…then thoughts, and emotions. I begin to literally become each and every character, I know them as I know myself, and suddenly the stories evolve. I am furiously putting pen to paper, in MUSE code LOL…it is a feeling of utter bliss.

Do you have a website?

Yes, www.i-am-the-muse.com

I am working on adding a live chat room, a blog, and an audio section where The Muse works can be bought and listened to….

Do you blog?

I try to visit many other friends blogs, there are over 100 right now, so it can be hard…many times I find blogs with no comments…that makes me very sad.

There are three design companies who asked me to blog for them..I am not sure if my schedule will permit…but they are enticing me with cash…LOL

For me, as a writer, blogging is a bit different, you want to write…but you must decide, do you actually give away your work, and if so to what degree….yes writers and blogs…a waltz.

What advice or inspiration and motivation you have for other writers and/or women in business?

Don’t stop. Don’t ever stop. Sure, you can take a break, a rest…but to quit, is to be defeated!
Also, gather around you supporters, friends, family and more! I have found some wonderful bonding relationships and it is mind boggling how uplifting and secure it can make you feel!

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Obstacles To Goal Achievement May 15, 2008

”If you make the unconditional commitment to reach your most important goals, if the strength of your decision is sufficient, you will find the way and the power to achieve your goals.” –Robert Conklin

I’ve been blessed to have come into contact with a business coach. While she is tough, she speaks from the heart and has made more of an impression on me than anyone else I’ve met or anything I’ve read.

She gave some recent talks on being committed to your goal. She gave me a lot to think about. I’ve always known that I am my own worst enemy, but it’s deeper than that. I’ve realized that sometimes the cost is just too great and have had to look at whether I make excuses or if it’s really impossible.

Time is an issue, and I have some chronic health problems. I’ve learned to be patient, the “Rome wasn’t built in a day thing” and all that, but as long as I have to work a full time job it seems that there may never be enough time or energy. My coach’s advice is to schedule time to work on my goal and this makes sense - especially since I rarely schedule anything. I bought a special planner just for this to make the process a bit less painful.

I’m also looking at the benefits of achieving this goal, and they are big, huge, enormous and very important to me and can also have positive benefits for those I love. They affect my entire lifestyle and income, so that makes it 100% worth it to keep going. I know that left to my own devices, I would very likely not follow through, and I am so grateful that the Divine sent her into my life. I know that with her firm guidance and support, I am going to make it.

Her name is Michelle Pippin and you can find her here:

Moms Work

Women Who WOW

She’s definitely wowed me.

Permission To Dream

Jewelry Tuesday At House Of Raquel May 14, 2008

And I’m the featured “designer!”

Jewelry Tuesday - Designer Parthena Black

And Designer Raquel Roysdon posted the interview while she is on vacation - what an amazing Diva! I can’t put into words how much I appreciate that.

While you’re there, please check out the rest of her blog - she’s done interviews with many other fabulous designers, and be sure to check out the exquisite jewelry on her website. You can even buy some if you want

Blessings,

Parthena

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What Are You Planning? May 14, 2008

I apologize that my posts are short and lacking much profound wisdom lately. Balancing a full time job with working on my business is a virtual whirlwhind - or maybe I shouldn’t say that in the heart of tornado country and in the middle of tornado season!

I did want to share another quote from Abraham-Hicks that really hits heart and home:

Whatever you’re thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you’re worrying, you are planning. When you are appreciating, you are planning…What are you planning?

Excerpted from a workshop in Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, April 19th, 1997

All Is Well

Since becoming acquainted with the principle of manifesting and the Law of Attraction, I’ve been able to identify many instances in my life where I thought about something and it later came to be. I was reminded of one when I recently saw one of my favorite movies, The Witches Of Eastwick again. I had an OMG! moment when I realized that Cher was creating little fat women with big boobs and selling them. I must have thought that I would enjoy that kind of life - if you take a look at my early work, you’ll see what I ended up creating. I had no plans to sculpt anything when I originally saw the movie!

Another was in regard to my regret over not buying the house I really wanted. When I came to my late husband’s home on one of our first dates, I found that it was the house I wish I had bought, complete with french doors in the bedroom. I am now buying that house.

Last night, I asked my subconscious for dreams of a successful business and living the life I intend to achieve. I’ll be actively daydreaming on this topic every chance I get.

May all your dreams come true!

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Offer Expires At Midnight May 13, 2008

Just passing on another profound and inspiring thought from The Universe ~

Today is a one-time deal, Parthena.

Cowabunga,
The Universe

Offer Expires At Midnight

Another quote that I’ve been inspired by is “Never put off till tomorrow what you are willing to die Ieft undone” - Pablo Picasso.

When today is gone, it’s gone. While we can start our day over at any time, this particular day, this particular moment may present opportunities that may not come along another day. And what if we did die today or tomorrow? It could happen. So as they say, “Seize the Day!”

I’ve added a few new pages to the website. Freebies offers fun and useful resources to enrich your life, including an eight lesson course from the teachers appearing in the movie, The Secret. Parthena’s Little Art Supply Store is stocked with a selection of essential clay and wire jewelry tools and supplies hand-picked from over 1,000 products at MisterArt.com Discount Art & Craft Supplies.

Mike Dooley, aka The Universe, has been signing the notes with song titles lately. Let’s see if I can think of one ~

Born To Be Wild,

Parthena

Learning As I Go - Google Adsense May 11, 2008

First, Happy Mother’s Day to all - and if you’re in the path of tornadoes or having the rug pulled out from under you due to earth tremors or other effects of Mother Earth’s PMS, be blessed and protected. We’re okay here, down to strong winds today. And chilly!

Google Adsense can be a great way to get your site out into the search engines a bit quicker, but if you’re not careful it might do more harm than good. I’ve posted what I’ve learned in my blog at Divapreneur:

Google Adsense - A Few Things I’ve Learned

If you’re not a member of DP and can’t read the post when you access the link, please let me know. I have no idea what happens because I am a member. If you would like an invitation to this paradise for businesswomen, please let me know.

Blessings,

Parthena

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Content Sells May 11, 2008

I ran across this blog tonight and wanted to pass it on.  The author’s post contains links to two free e-books with tips on creating content that can increase your sales:

Great Content Converts Visitors Into Buyers

Interestingly, several years ago I was a Site Sell affiliate.  It appears that they must have a good product because they’re not only still in business but have also grown.

Have a very happy Mother’s Day!

Blessings,

Parthena

Permission To Dream - Stepping Stones To Create A Life Of Passion

Butterflies Are Free May 10, 2008

Happy Saturday, Everyone! Ours started with a bang, literally. I thought I’d lost the coffeemaker, microwave and toaster oven after a lightning pop that made it feel like we got juiced! Thank Goddess for those little red reset buttons. We also had golf ball sized hail. I took a piece from the deck that looks like a piece of quartz crystal and stuck it in the freezer. Solid ice on a 70 degree day, things that make you go hmmmm…..

In my role as a hospice social worker, funerals are a necessary part of the job and I attended one yesterday. Just as the minister was talking about the person who had just passed being free of pain and in a much better place, I watched a huge yellow butterfly swoop in and make a circle around the immediate family and leave.

They didn’t see it, but I did. Maybe it was the deceased or maybe it was just a “sign”, but it definitely happened. Although butterflies are a creation of the Divine and Nature, here in the Bible belt my perception may not go over too well, but I do intend to share this with the survivors when it is appropriate.

As a power animal or totem and as a dream symbol, Butterfly is a message of transformation. It is said that the butterfly’s metamorphosis from the cocoon into its magnificence is one of the most painful that any creature can withstand, yet they do, and what emerges is absolutely glorious and free.

If you’re feeling trapped in your cocoon as you work toward success, fix your focus on the end result. Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine how you’ll feel as the Butterfly, showing off and traveling anywhere you want. Ain’t it grand?

Hugs and Blessings,

Parthena

Tools For Dream Interpretation

Sculpting Your Best Life

You Deserve A Bite! Big Crumbs - Save AND Earn And Help Others Do The Same

Fearless Friday - Designer Raquel Roysdon May 9, 2008

I met Raquel at Divapreneur and she has been an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. She’s been very supportive and I’m a great admirer of her exquisite jewelry. I often address her as “Diva Elegance!” because everything about her product is elegant and professional. In fact, the idea for Fearless Friday was inspired by Raquel’s Jewelry Tuesday blogs, where she interviews other jewelry designers. Fearless Friday will highlight fearless Divas in many different areas of business. The focus is on how they built their businesses and what keeps them going. Of course, I will also expose you to the quality products and services each of them offer! So now, I give you Raquel Roysdon of House of Raquel.

Who or what inspired you to begin creating jewelry?

Joan Rivers inspired me. I was watching QVC and fell in love with her jewelry line. I found a bead store in the neighborhood. I was hooked crystal, wire and gemstones.

Do you have other hobbies?

I used to sew with a passion, I love to paint (in the summer).

How long have you been creating?

Since 2002.

What inspired you to turn your talent into a business?

My boss wanted to buy my earrings. How did you start? She gave me my first show at her house the Christmas season, I sold $1800.00 in earrings. I was in business.

What challenges did you face?

#1 challenge, getting my designs up on my website. I take the pictures and have to find time to get the photos cleaned up enough for my website.

Who do you use for a support network?

My husband, son, and sister.

Do you have a website?

www.houseofraquel.com

Do you blog?

http://houseofraquel.blogspot.com

What advertising methods do you use?

My customers! My website, My blog, Other website, My Chic Things, Blog Linking, Newsletters What has worked best? Repeat customers

I noticed that you’ve changed the name of your business. Were there challenges associated with that?

Awh yes Hija4 Designs since 2002 was the name of my business. My youngest son had told me for a few years to change my name. I wouldn’t listen. I joined Divapreneur and a very smart women suggested to me that people couldn’t pronounce it or understood it. I had begun selling from my website all throughout the country. My selling target was no longer friends of friends and family.

What do you do to make time for creating your jewelry in the midst of a busy life?

I don’t do housework, hahahah. I don’t cook. I get home from working at a 9 to 5 office job, eat dinner and go to my design table. Turn on music, or the tv and I am either designing, taking photos, on my website, blog. My laptop is very near me.

What advice do you have for other designers or women going into business?

First of all I will say do something that you love. Being in business for yourself you tend to spend many hours doing it. I find that I have the energy because I love what I’m doing.

Second, not everyone is going to want to buy what you are selling. Do not take it personal. Find your niche and build upon it.

Lastly, join Divapreneur and network network network!

Dream Big - The Courage To Follow Your Dreams And Laugh At Your Nightmares

You Deserve A Bite! Big Crumbs - Save AND Earn And Help Others Do The Same

When Friends And Family Don’t Support Your Goals May 8, 2008

Some time ago, I took an online test that supposedly measured one’s ability to become a successful entrepreneur. One of the questions was in regard to whether family and friends supported your goals. I had to answer “no” for the most part. The assessment counted this as a big negative and along with various other materials I’ve read, indicated that this is a major reason for failure.

Hale Dwoskin’s Sedona Method Newsletter arrived in my inbox today and addresses this topic. You can read his article here:

Goal Support

You’ve heard me go on and on about places like Divapreneur and The Fairy Society. The internet has its pitfalls, but social and business networks like these can do so much to make up for the support we lack in our personal lives.

I purchased The Sedona Method several years ago and I can tell you that it does work. Hale offers a free CD and DVD on his site for just the cost of shipping. I enjoyed him in The Secret. He’s got a contagious laugh and is more realistic than some of the other “teachers” featured in the movie. Order the materials - you’ll enjoy them.

It’s almost Friday! Have a Terrific Thursday! and thanks for reading.

Blessings,

Parthena

Tools For Sculpting Your Best Life