Back on Track

I've been back in London now for 3 days now, been trying to catch up with all the emails,  the ecourse, the general day to day demands that tug at you.  Had a really good time at the conference in Norway (http://www.create.uwe.ac.uk/news.htm) , as well as taking in the lectures over the 4 days, I got to enjoy the peace that comes with being in your own space, learning more about what it is I want from my creative journey, and not having to cook for 4 days, but being pampered with the culinary delights from someone else's fair hands!

The conference was held in Gjovik, and there were researchers from all over the world, I was quite privileged to be among some of the brightest minds.  As well as work, there was play, we got a tour of the worlds largest underground auditorium built for the XII Winter Olympic games in 1994

We also had a tour of Oslo, and visited the The Vigeland Sculpture Park covering an area of 80 acres. The 212 sculptures are all modeled in full size by Gustav Vigeland, it was definitely a sight to see!

the viking museum

.....and many other places,  as well as some time on our own in Oslo.  All in all I had a great time.  It was great to get back to the family, my computer and my art materials!  Now I need to hit the ground running into the next adventure! I've got my eye on the many art retreats that are taking place in the US and some in Europe.  It would be great to get some feedback from any that you may have been to and enjoyed, so please comment.

Review of Delivering Happiness - a path to profits, passion, and purpose

Once I opened up the book to read, it joined the ranks of books that I didn't want to put down until I finished, that said it's one of those book that you can keep on dipping into, trying out the ideas and making changes to your life.  Delivering Happiness is not only for employers wanting to make a change in the work environment and to their customers, but it is for anyone who would like to make changes to their mindset and ultimately their lives.  It is written in a clear and humourous style.  Tony Hsieh reflects on his life, his mistakes and his successes in an open and honest way.

Overall, I thought the book gave great insite in to his journey, written so that it is easily accessible - telling his story and encouraging the reader to change at the same time by getting you to ask yourself some key questions.  It was also great to hear the views of his employees and the act of being open and transparent as an organisation, whilst sharing the vision behind the company organisational structure.  I definitely encourage everyone to read it, and take a look at their website -  http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com   

When you walk with purpose you collide with destiny........ Bertice Berry

Winged Thoughts - I am an artist

From one of the pages of my journal I look at the way ideas are formed and how being that they are so delicate we have to use wisdom.  In the depths of my heart creative dreams are calling me to take notice.  With all the distractions its quite easy not to take notice of our ideas.  I explored the areas that I wanted to work in, things I wanted to try.  How many times were you told you couldn't do something or you shouldn't try something?  I've just recently started the Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse, and just been reading her blog entry on facing our fears. its amazing to look back on this now and think about the fears I had when I did this journal page and the growth thats come later on.  I have named and shamed the fears.

In 12 hours I will be winging my way to Gjovik in Norway for a 4 day conference - sharing and learning from others who come from all over Europe who have an interest in colour research.  I have been taking little steps that have led me to this point and as I face my insecurities, I'll soar like the eagle and I will be able to look down on the fears and insecurities. I know that I will come back enriched from the experience, and welcome the numerous experiences and blessings yet to come.

Delivering Happiness - Free Giveaway!

I just received my advance reading copy of Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com to write a review.

In his first book, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh shares the different lessons he has learned in business and life, from starting a worm farm to running a pizza business; through LinkExchange (acquired by Microsoft for $265 million), Zappos, and more. Tony shows how a very different kind of corporate culture is a powerful model for achieving success — and how by concentrating on the happiness of those around you, you can dramatically increase your own.  

If you would like to have an advance copy leave a comment and tell me what your definition of happiness is.  Your name will go into the prize draw.  The first name out of the bag at 5pm on Monday 24th May will win the book.  If you are a blogger and want to take part in the advance copy giveaway programme follow the link http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/contact/apply-for-an-advance-copy/