Pure, Unadulterated Joy

#Style by @NicoleJanowicz, #Fashion Flash with @Jaime_King @DitaVonTeese, #Foodie Fun with @AdrianGrenier

By Joy A. Kennelly

Int'l Stylist, Nicole Janowicz Update

Been busy behind the scenes and finally able to take a break to blog. 

I love working with Int'l Celebrity/Wedding Stylist, Nicole Janowicz, and am learning sometimes things I would normally be shouting about on the rooftops need to be kept under wraps a lot longer than anticipated.:)

I can tell you this though. Nicole has re-connected with Director Dago Gonzalez of Veneno Inc. whom she worked with on Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: World Tour Video Elements, Slash, and dancers for Paulina Rubio: Nada Puede Cambiarme,  and the Spice Girls: World Tour Video Elements. 

See, it's not all Backstreet Boys and weddings all the time with her! She does other entertaining projects too!:) She is currently styling for two major World Tours with Dago and having a ball.

It's always fun when you work with people you like and who respect your work. Rare in this town, but when you find it it's a treasure which may explain why Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorcese and so many others keep their same teams film after film.

Remember my blog post on teams with Entourage Actor Adrian Grenier? Here's the link in case you missed it the first go round: Importance of building a team: Why Adrian Grenier, Willow Smith and Gary Oldman are successful.

In any case, back to Nicole. So, if you don't hear anything from me about her, just know great things are perculating behind-the-scenes as we work diligently together.

Her latest Huffington Post article entitled: How To Create A Consistent Style From Wedding Ceremony To Reception is live too.

Here's a brief intro to pique your interest by Nicole Janowicz: "On April 1st, I made an appearance at the "Unveiled Bridal Style Revealed" event in Beverly Hills, Calif., held at the exquisite Beverly Canon Gardens. "Unveiled" is an outdoor bridal event that brings together the best event professionals, resources, and designs for couples to enjoy as they plan for their big day.

I am not married nor am I engaged. Thus, I can only imagine what it must feel like for newly betrothed couples when the engagement haze wears off, and the reality of creating a wedding becomes, well... real. Venues, food, guests, invitations... the details and decisions are seemingly endless. Bridal events, like "Unveiled," are an invaluable resource for couples. They are like the Barneys New York women's shoe department of weddings: the best the industry has to offer, in one place, and with smiling, friendly people waiting to chat and help!

My team and I were on-site to talk with brides about all things wedding fashion and style including: upcoming trends, choosing your wedding gown, choosing bridesmaids dresses to compliment every personality and figure, how to style your groom and groomsmen, and much more.

One bride in particular asked my advice on how to wear different ceremony and reception dresses, while maintaining a consistent style. My conversation with said bride inspired this article because I know she is not the only woman grappling how to wear two different dresses, while maintaining one overall look.

So, let's talk it out..." Click here to continue reading: http://huff.to/ItgDYY

I can also tell you she's been invited to speak before the Wedding Industry Professional Association sometime next month. Still nailing down the particulars, but it will be great. The organzier is very good at what she does and we're excited to participate. (I know, I said "we," but I get excited with my clients, what can I say?:)

Other things are bubbling and will be announced in due time. SO! That's the latest with Nicole.

FASHION FLASH

Since you've been patient, I thought I would share some fashion highlights I've been receiving from other publicists because now that summer is upon us it's fun to see what all the stars are wearing and doing.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive this highlight of Actress Jaime King wearing ban.do since Nicole has styled her in the past for LADirect Magazine (purchased years back by another publication.)

Isn't this a cute headband and look? Jaime looks like such a Southern belle I love it.

Jaime King wore ban.do on a recent episode of Hart of Dixie! The model turned actress sparkled in a glam crystal headband ($225); www.shopbando.com. 

 

 

 

My friends and I love Austin and really beautiful jewelry there. Have you heard of another Jamie named Jamie Pope? Well, Jamie decided to design her own jewelry line when she couldn't find what she liked and tcreated the Liz James collection.

Have to say, fashionista's everywhere are happy she's designing if this picture is any indication:

If a trip to Austin isn't in your plans any time soon, shop her designs online here: www.lizjames.com.

Now, since it's getting sunnier and sunnier, here's some fun shades called Lumete which means a precious object used for protection and luck, and lumen, meaning light.

One of our favorite strip tease artists, Dita Von Teese, (I know the PC term is Burlesque, but let's call a spade a spade people.:), loves 'em. If you can believe it, I actually saw her perform at a private birthday for an 80 plus year old mom of a very wealthy son's party up in Rolling Hills Estates years back.

Dita is good at what she does! The men in the crowd were cheering and all the rest of us were just amazed the mom had agreed to this performance.:)

Doesn't Dita look glamourous and mysterious in her "summer sunnies" as the publicist calls  'em? Love this look!

 Check them out online too here: http://lumete.com/catalog/category/view/s/collection/id/3/

FOODIE FUN

Oh, and I also received the news two cool people I've written about in the past, Entourage Actor, Adrian Grenier, and Stonyfield Farm chairman Gary Hirshberg were at the recent opening of a new natural and organic restaurant at Chelsea Piers last night, Chelsea’s Table, which Gary also founded.

Aren't they cute?:) Hey Adrian, Nicole would love to work with you if you're not already with a stylist!:)

Photo credit: Brian Ach /AP Images for Chelsea's Table

Chelsea’s Table features natural, organic and local ingredients in a fast-casual atmosphere proving that “healthy fast food” is not an oxymoron. (Just like Stonyfield Farm's organic yogurt I had the fun time promoting last year. You can view all the fun pix from the Family Love Fest here in my blog: http://bit.ly/ihsNZk just keep clicking.:)

Gary and Adrian formed their friendship two years back when Adrian launched his eco-media platform SHFT (http://www.shft.com) which supports environmentally conscious and sustainable living. 

You can view more info about Chelsea’s Table here: http://prn.to/I1knTg.

Okay, that's all for now. I'm hungry and dinner's calling. Hope you enjoyed the read!

Gifts I enjoyed this season: Environ Skincare products, Sees Candy, and other goodies

By Joy A. Kennelly

You may, or may not be aware of this book entitled The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Author, Gary Chapman, but I recently read it and it made all the sense in the world to me after taking his 5 Love Languages test.

I learned my top love language is receiving gifts. Now lest you think I'm materialistic, here's the description of this love language and I quote:

"Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures."

My second highest love language is Quality Time:

"Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, 'I love you,' like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful."

This explained everything to me about some personal dynamics currently going on with people who shall remain nameless to protect the clueless. I know one reads my blog so perhaps this will be shared with the less informed. One can hope, eh?

Moving right along...

So, when I was invited to spend "quality time" with a renowned Plastic Surgeon and a pioneer in plastic surgery and skincare named Dr. Des Fernandez who was visiting Atlanta, GA from South Africa, I gladly agreed.

It was an invitation to learn more about Environ, "his breakthrough anti-aging skincare collection which is available in the Atlanta area as well as nationwide in spas and medical centers" 
at one of the hottest new organic restaurants in town, Miller Union.   


Photo credits for first images by David Naugle. The following are mine.:) 

How could I refuse? 

Despite torrential rain, I arrived at Miller Union on time and enjoyed meeting Dr. Des and his skincare colleagues which included the owner's of the distribution company, his sales rep and publicist. Here's a few of his team below. He is the tall gentleman on the far left and his delightful team is next to him. What was special for me was Dr. Des took the time to review a small skin cancer lesion I've had on my shoulder for a little bit now and was able to alieve my concerns about it's growth. What I wasn't aware of, but happy to learn, Environ skincare products contain Vitamin A and he said in his practice when people started applying it to issues like mine it healed them. 

He said this happened so frequently it took him awhile to realize he wasn't doing as many surgeries as before, but mainly check-ups due to the success of patient's using his products which I found fascinating. I'm willing to try anything to avoid having my shoulder incapicated for a month and have been using Environ products ever since receiving them. I will have a doctor check it of course, but in the meantime, I'm excited to experience positive results.

From the official press release, "Dr. Fernandes’ concern for skin cancer in the early 1980s was the reason why he started the research that eventually led to the conception of the Environ Original range of skin care products. He knew from his medical experience and from statistics, that skin cancer was on the increase. 

In 1991, a vitamin A retinoid reaction, experienced by a consumer, led to the development of two milder creams, and the step-up system of gradually increased doses of active ingredients was born. The step-up system of increasing strengths provide a range of light, non-greasy moisturizers containing vitamin A and a sophisticated free-radical scavenging system of powerful antioxidants to assist in normalizing and protecting skin from the ever-increasing incidence of sun damage."

Since I grew up in CA where you're constantly in the sun (unlike Atlanta which seems to be constantly raining lately! LOL) and can suffer skin cancer so much more frequently, I was especially interested in learning more about Environ. Dr. Des showed so many wonderful before and after images during his skincare presentation over lunch I believe his miracles!:) 

Here's a link to results you can view for yourself: http://environ.co.za/results

He had the funniest tools he uses (one is called Cosmetic Body Roll-CIT ) which almost looks like a torture device to help all the nutrients of his skincare products fully penetrate. It does prick the skin, but people swear by it. Here's a closer look:

You can't really see it in this pic, but there are numerous tiny needles all over the barrel. Now imagine rolling these type tools over your body and face. Here's the official description: "It was a world first and helps to increase the effectiveness of skin care products. The instrument is made up of a convenient handle, smooth-action roller heads and durable stainless steel micro needles."

The bigger version will help you get rid of cellulite and the smaller ones help your face wrinkles. I'm sure there's a nicer way to say this, but I'm not doing it very well...:) Now I'm not one who is a slave to products and if you know me personally you'll know I'm telling you the truth, but I will say, I'm applying this product regularly and will keep you posted on how my skin improves.

I was very impressed with the entire team of experts and they have continued to make sure I'm doing ok with everything which is also impressive. No wonder celebrities, athletes and more swear by Dr. Des Fernandez's products! I think I'll soon be joining them.:)

From the official press release: "Over the years Environ has received numerous accolades for the achievements of the Company itself, showing that it is conscious of maintaining the highest standards in every aspect. Environ is one of the few Companies in the world where research and development, manufacture, distribution and marketing are all done in house."  

Now skincare isn't the only gift I"ve received which has definitely made going to the Post Office more fun lately. Ironically enough, I received an email from a PR firm in Santa Monica I had actually interviewed with years back asking if I would like to write a story about  . Now since this is my Dad's absolute favorite candy and it holds a special place in my heart having grown up eating it in CA, I said sure!

Because we all know, life is like a box of chocolates right?:)  Doesn't this look wonderful? Here's another good present for the chocolate lover in your life.... 
It's called the Winter Wonderland Box and is filled with such chocolates  as Scotchmallows, Butterscotch Squares, Milk Chocolate Foil Balls and Molasses Chips.  (Can you believe the price too? $6.80 for 4.8 oz) I hope there's some left because I'm sure you can order some deliciousness online to be delivered wherever here: http://www.sees.com/

I'm so bummed I was sick because I missed visiting their recent Atlanta pop-up stores in Town Center and Cobb and Mall of Georgia. Did you know..."Since 1921, See's Candies has been one of America's favorite candy makers. A tradition in the West, See's has consistently maintained its old-fashioned virtues of quality, caring and friendly service. With every delicious piece of See's candy, customers are assured of 'Quality Without Compromise®.'"

I know they're one of my favorites! I received a box from the family I visited over Christmas too. Needless to say, I've been nurturing my chocoholic this season. Wouldn't it be cool if there was such a thing as a chocolate diet? I do feel happier after having a piece I must say. Ok, truth be told, it's more than one piece a day, but who's counting?:)

And for those of you not into chocolate, how about a toffee?   "Toffee-ettes  Are a bite-sized version of See’s famous Victoria Toffee, ideal to enjoy anywhere. Everyone loves this rich, crunchy butter toffee and California-grown almonds, covered in creamy milk chocolate then rolled in toasted almonds." (I think it's the almonds that make this a little more pricey maybe? $17.70 for 1 lb.)

Here's how fanatical my Dad is about his Sees. Whenever anyone gives him a box as a present he will offer us all one piece and then he hides it in his room where he will nurse a box for weeks! LOL If you dared ask him for a piece later, he would never give one and despite numerous efforts to find his hiding place (because yes, he did hide it to prevent us eating it), we never did.

I personally always enjoyed popping into the Sees store back home because they always give you another piece to taste in addition to whatever you buy. Now? I'll just have to rely on the kindness of strangers I guess.:) Needless to say, the folks who gave me Environ and Sees to try spoke my love language and I'm very happy now.

Happy New Year everyone! Eat more chocolate!:) But take care of your skin too, ok? 

My Daddy Warned Me It Would Be Like This In The South, or Father Knows Best...

By Joy A. Kennelly

I have been apondering this for awhile now (like that apondering? They don't really speak like this back here, but I think it's funny.)

In any case, remember how excited and happy I was about the fact men actually ask you out back here in Georgia, unlike California? Well, it's become a little more tempered the longer I live here. I got off a few of the online dating sites I was on because one of my first dates with a guy who had wanted to meet me even before I moved out here was a complete bust.

He rarely looked me in the eyes, preferring my chest instead, and was mad I hadn't read his entire four page (I exagerrate, but it was super long) profile before meeting him to avoid having to actually communicate. Yes, it's true. Computer head guys are clueless about communication and this only proves my point. Perhaps not all, but a lot I have met are very clueless.

This guy not only wanted me to read his entire profile, but memorize his likes and dislikes, his interests, etc. He had claimed to enjoy outdoor activities, but in person said due to the oppressive heat he was more of a home body and by the way, the reason I'm texting during our time together is because I have two twin 17 year old daughters. Don't remember reading that in all the other minutia of his life. Would have liked to know that fact ahead of time...

I mentioned how my Dad had warned me that men who say they are Christians out here live a more culturally Christian life than ones back in CA. My Dad said, at least in CA if a man goes to church it's because he has a real conviction and relationship with God, whereas many men out here in the South go to church because everyone else is going.

This guy acted all upset over my saying that which should have been a precursor of what was to come. We said good night and of course, he said he would call. Since he was EXTREMELY boring and arrogant, I didn't care and let it go. 

Being new to cyber dating, I thought I would be polite and tell him via an email I wasn't interested, but enjoyed meeting him and wished him well. He responded very nastily and it spiraled downward from there as he proceeded to text me incessantly calling me all sorts of names (even the "C" word) which I've never been called in my life and all this, while he claimed to attend Andy Stanley's Buckhead Church weekly.

That was a little jarring and I did report him, but of course, Plenty of Fish did nothing. I went off it for awhile, but when I went back on a little later, he was still there, ready to attack the next woman and I got off it completely.

Good thing too, because one of my good guy friends warned me he had heard many married men used Plenty of Fish to have affairs. This seems to be a common theme with singles dating sites out here which is rather shocking to be honest, although I don't doubt it goes on in Los Angeles, but it's so blatant here!

I joined OK Cupid thinking maybe their claim to have more intellectual men would mean a higher quality of guy, but again, you get what you pay for and since this site is free too... The other thing I find odd and a little creepy about this particular site is there are really personally invasive questions asked and then your answers are posted for the world to see.

It's obviously a more liberal leaning site and some of the questions like my stance on homosexuality, politics, and other personal topics not normally discussed in a first date situation, are asked in a variety of ways over and over again. 

Having worked in technology and marketing for as long as I have I wrote the owners to ask why they were pursuing this line of questioning because it seemed like one big intensive focus group for a political end. Never heard back. Didn't hear back either when I asked them why they also allowed married men to seek affairs on a singles dating site.

Apparently, some men hold no honor for their marriages back here despite it being the Bible Belt and all. I was approached by a very handsome, intellectual guy I would have easily dated, but once I realized he was married, asked him why he was on there to which he replied he was just interested in talking. 

Yeah right dude. I wrote him back and said he needed to spend more time talking to his wife and stop trying to have an emotional affair with women on this site. Use Facebook if you want to just "talk", but going on a singles dating site to talk? Liar.

Another guy posted he was married which I wrote him and said Congratulations for finding someone on here to which he replied, Oh, I'm married and my wife has a boyfriend so I'm on here to find someone too.

I was floored and asked him why he allowed his wife to disrespect him like that and what about the damage he was planning to cause anyone who would be stupid to get involved with him? He thought it was ok since he was being upfront about his intentions. Selfish jerk.

I wrote the owners to complain about this and tell them how disgusted I was that this type of action was allowed. Needless to say, got off that site too. When I told my friends on Facebook one of my girlfriends called it "Stupid Cupid" which I agree with. 

Seriously! I know I come from CA and it's very liberal there, but I don't ever remember married men actively and openly seeking affairs or it being so prevalent, or blatant back home. Maybe because Angelenos put off getting married for so long there aren't that many married men to begin with and when they actually marry, they are ready and willing to make the life commitment and honor their vows.

I haven't figured it out yet, but I do know I have met more divorced single parents of very young children here in the South which breaks my heart because it's only fracturing our society more. It makes me wonder what people are being taught about marriage in the South that they don't consider their vows a sacred commitment they made before God and family and friends. Why aren't they seeking pre-marital counseling before? Or marriage counseling during? Why are they rushing into marriages and out of them just as quickly?

I don't get it. However, I've never married so I wouldn't understand I'm sure. I did read a very good couple of articles on marriage and divorce from Second Ponce De Leon Church lately though which you can also read here: http://www.spdl.org/marriagehelp.php

I especially liked the description of a healthy relationship which you can read here courtesy of Associate Pastor Charles Qualls, an author and conference leader in marriage enrichment. He actively works with a variety of pre-marital, married, and divorced relationships. You can reach Pastor Charles by e-mailingcqualls (at) spdl (dot) org: 

"Hallmarks of a Healthy Relationship   Well, no doubt you want to hear some good news.  You’re clear of the scary stuff listed above?  Well, look for these among some factors that might indicate a healthy place for YOU to be YOU:  Does your partner help you feel free to be you?  Does your relationship empower you rather than hold you back?  Do you and your partner communicate regularly, deeply and constructively?   Does your relationship leave you both room to express your talents and personal callings in life?  As challenges arrive, do you feel safe in expressing them toyour partner?  Can you ask your partner for help?  Do you and your partner have healthy, balanced relationalexpectations that you have negotiated and shared?  Does your partner, by being who they are, challenge you in some way to be a better person?"

Pretty good questions, eh? Makes you think. In fact all his articles are really thought-provoking and I hope you take the time to click the link above to read too! Pastor Andy Stanley has a great series on Love, Sex and Dating which you can see here too: 

http://www.northpoint.org/messages/the-new-rules-for-love-sex-and-dating

I really am questioning morality a lot living back here to be honest. I thought moving from a state where 18% of the population are Christians to a state where 38% are Christians it would be safer and more honorable.

At least in CA I knew most people are heathens and not living according to God's standards, only their own, and I was prepared and had my guard up all the time. I never expected anyone to have faith in God and was rarely disappointed. When I met someone who was honorable, it was a pleasant surprise. I have so many good Christian male friends from growing up in the church I kinda thought that's what guys would be like in general on either coast.

However, living out here, I find I am constantly shocked at the immorality all around me. It's like there's this veneer of false Christianity you must constantly pierce through to get to the real person and what they really think about God and their faith.

Just the other day I was informed that our Fusion Singles Groups I have been so happy about participating in are often places where men go simply to seek women they can sleep with (and do!) One guy told my girlfriend he knows someone who will take a girl out, sleep with her Saturday night and then take her to church in the morning as if that's the way he's going to witness to her and bring her to a relationship with God.

I get sick to my stomach just writing this. This isn't what God had in mind for singles, or Christians at all! I have to wonder if the mega church Andy Stanley has created is so intent on not offending anyone and reaching the lost there is now a whole generation of new believers who have never moved to the next level of their faith because they're not challenged to do so.

However, I also remember he created this series on The New Rules of Love, Sex and Dating which gives me hope: http://www.northpoint.org/messages/the-new-rules-for-love-sex-and-dating Plus, it's up to the individual to make the right decisions, a pastor can't control behavior, only guide it.

Yes, it's wonderful if you realize you're a sinner and you need God to save you. Yes, it's great that you're going to church and learning how to become a better person, but if that's all you're doing, then that's not enough.

The Bible is supposed to be our guide, our standard by which we live our life, our inspiration. We are called to live differently and to love one another as Christ loved the church. Not use each other and do exactly what the world is doing in the singles/married scene. There are black and white consequences to how we live our lives as believers.

No wonder people don't want to become Christinas. They see the hypocrisy of the people they know and ask themselves why do I need that? However, I always encourage people to read the Bible and hear what God/Jesus has to say about life and love because He is the author and perfector of our faith.

Humans are always going to be human and fail. It's just what we do. But we can encourage and hold each other to a higher standard and point out things that are wrong in an effort to shed light on something people are trying to ignore.

I must go, but this has been on my heart for a very long time. I have met some really great guys out here too, don't get me wrong, but this immorality all around me with people who are married, or claiming to be Christian, weighs heavy and I felt like it needed to be discussed.

Love to hear your thoughts too.

 

@theellenshow Can't wait to see Angie Johnson 9/13 @Derekjhair - Hope @MBFashionweek was a blast! #sneakpreview #adele #fashion

By Joy A. Kennelly

Been busy the past few days. Enjoyed checking out Dragon Con (totally not my scene, but fun to observe nonetheless. Amazing costumes which I'll post another time.); Betsey Johnson's fashion show was young, flirty and fun, especially since I was sitting next to the fabulous Derek J, Owner of The J Spot Salon, and Real Housewives of Atlanta fame (I don't know what it is about celebrities. They find me, or I find them without either of us trying. Never fails.:)

Then poked my head into the amazing "A Night to Remember" Fashion Show SCAD Fundraiser honoring Bethann Hardison, one of the first African American models from the 70's who is still going strong, and featuring the handsome Tyson Beckford too. (Make sure to click the link for all the scoop.:)

I loved how the entire show of 20 plus models walking were African American except for one white model and the DJ was playing great 70's music like Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass and more great old school R & B. Visually stunning.

 

Click here for more photos and celebrity sightings of which there were many: http://freddyo.com/tyson-beckford-comes-to-atlanta-for-a-night-to-remember/celebrity-events/ 

And finally, what I started out to write...

Thank you Ellen for honoring our military like you plan to do on September 13 and showcase U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and Sidewinder. Here's the sneak peek as promised...

 

 

Atlanta vs. California Part II and Fashion's Night Out Atlanta coming soon... @FNOnyc can't wait!

By Joy A. Kennelly

ATLANTA VS. CALIFORNIA again

Last night was fun spending time with LA friends who have moved here before us and were celebrating a milestone birthday. It's nice to affirm we've all made the right decision and to hear stories of how dead it is back home in LA for others in the entertainment industry.

I don't know when those who still live there and want to work in film and TV will realize this fact, but Atlanta is slowly, but surely, becoming the new Hollywood what with 12 films in production this September alone and 23 TV productions considering bringing business to Atlanta too now. 

Ever since other Southern states have ended their tax incentives (dumb move which they will realize after it's too late), all the work is shifting here and those of us established, or becoming established, will stand to benefit the most once everything truly ramps up.

It's been interesting to hear the perspective of locals who feel like outsiders are coming in to take advantage of them by virtue of the fact this is a work-to-hire state and there is no union involved. I disagree and said so, but unless you've lived outside your comfort zone to experience something new it's hard for people to understand all movement can be forward movement if you go with the flow.

That's what I'm learning to do out here. Things move a little slower, people speak slower, there's a genuine interest in holding real conversations; there truly is something to Southern hospitality which I've experienced everywhere I go; men are Southern gentlemen who open doors, hug hello and good-bye, and stand aside to let us ladies enter elevators; and lights take forever to turn green.

My only pet peeve out here are the lights and traffic at rush hour which I thought for sure I'd left behind once and for all. I may have to call John Lewis and ask him to look into this issue.:) I met him during Jane Harmon's pre-Inaugural breakfast gathering and look forward to connecting with him again down the road. Also, want to meet the rest of our state representatives because it's nice to know you're in a state where real issues matter and business is supported.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT ATLANTA

I love the fact there is a dynamic fashion scene too. Just researched all of Atlanta's Fashion's Night Out events and love the fact there are going to be some red carpet events and other high-end fashion shows I will hopefully be sharing with you soon. 

I was beginning to think my days of attending red carpet, fashion, and celebrity filled events had drawn to a close now that I've moved here, but am pleasantly relieved to see that is not the case. It just takes a little bit to tap into, but it's definitely here and probably even more high-end than Los Angeles simply by virtue of the fact it's East Coast and closer to NY.

Here's a link to my previous fashion coverage of all the LA Fashion Weeks I've attended over the years in case you're curious what the LA fashion scene is like: http://www.fashionindustrynetwork.com/profiles/blogs/my-la-fashion-week-coverage-on and for video coverage check out my last Actress client, Yari DeLeon attending Sue Wong's private garden collection this past March: 

 

Can't wait to see and participate in Atlanta's fashion scene! 

Welcome to Atlanta! My experiences with @samsung #Summer Splash, #Alon Bakery Market, @Comcastcares, @comcastbill @ATTCustomerCare #OC BBQ Bonanza @louiegiglio @Christomlin @passioncity and more...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Well, well, well. This blog post has been a long time coming now hasn't it? Upon arriving in Atlanta I had nothing but internet and phone troubles and am on my 3rd phone now, a Samsung Galaxy, and still experiencing battery failures, GPS screw-ups, and other hassles, but hey, whatever! (Samsung if you're reading this, hit me up. I hate this fast battery drain and need help!:)

Otherwise, life is grand out here in Hotlanta! I love the Southern hospitality and the weather is growing on me.

I do mean, HOT, HOT, HOT!:) It took me almost a week to acclimate and realize the more time I spent in air conditioning, the less time I will spend passing out or dripping wet.:) Temperatures haven't varied much from the 90's except for the occasional rain storm when the weather drops to around 80, but the balmy nights more than make up for the scorching days.

To break the heat, my friend and I decided to hit Sandy Spring's Summer Splash and inner tube down the Chattahoochee River with the rest of Georgia. I believe I heard rumor about 4000 people went? It's the 4th Annual Summer Splash and was so relaxing and fun.

Click here to see the photo album our local Sandy Springs Patch created: http://sandysprings.patch.com/articles/summer-splash-photo-gallery?upload_started=1312733492#photo-7202964

It was so much fun going down the sporadic rapids and just lazily floating down a river with the most beautiful scenery we have seen in a long time. Nice people along the way too. I would have taken pix, but didn't bring my phone because I was worried about tipping over and losing it.

I caught this one at the end though. Isn't this scenery just gorgeous? LOVE IT! I've added more of my pix to the official Patch site which you can click on above to view.Despite numerous promises by Comcast and AT & T to have switched our service by August 8, we are still without wireless in the house which has required me to camp out at various cafes around town until August 18.

We dislike both companies' customer service and service overall because they keep changing everything constantly and require my roomie Brenda to sit for hours on the phone while they do who knows what behind the scenes to make the switch, but when you live surrounded by trees you're somewhat limited on your choices.

Comcast Bill and ATT Customer Care help us out here! We can't deal with the incompentence of your companies much longer... Seriously!:)

That said, it's been fun to sit in various cafes and observe how people dress, speak, chat and interact while I'm working. My favorite cafes to date are Alon Bakery Market (seen below, but for the full impact, click the link!:) and Caribou Coffee, which is comfy cozy, and there's always Starbucks too.

Weird there is no Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf out here, but lots of interesting cafes still left to explore. Isn't Alon adorable? Reminds of a much bigger Joan's on Third back home.

I have been busy promoting our upcoming OC BBQ Bonanza at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex taking place August 18 - 21 across the internet and inviting foodie bloggers and media to attend our private press event on August 18, 2011 in addition to looking for work and exploring Atlanta. 

Click the link here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/ for more information. We're offering special discounts to military, children and everyone else too. Plus, there's an amazing VIP Rib Village open to the public where you can buy all the ribs, drinks, and sides you want to enjoy in an exclusive area during the festival.

More details here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/rib-village.php

If you fit the media/blogger catetory and are interested in covering this as press, please send an email to: vipribvillage (at) gmail (dot) com with a link to your site, your media outlet, what you cover and we'll send you information if you qualify. 

Other than that, real quick, I am thoroughly enjoying being out here. I was getting so bored in CA having grown up there. Now? Everything is new and fun to explore with my two CA girlfriends, Brenda and Anne, who moved out before me. We call ourselves the CA2GA girls (get it?:) and plot all kinds of fun adventures together.

Here's a pic from our recent excursion to the High Museum of Art which I particularly love because it's like art is imitating life, or is it the other way around? You tell me...:)We're still getting asked why we moved out here, but rather than go into everything here in this particular blog, I'm going to write one specifically addressing it later. For now, just know the men are friendlier and nicer; Atlanta is extremely sophisticated and cosmopolitan contrary to the myopic belief in LA; there's plenty of opportunity to create a new life and find work; I've found a wonderful writing group: http://www.meetup.com/roswell-alpharetta-writersgroup/  lead by a real dynamo with amazing writers and a publishing company attached; the art scene is eclectic and varied; the food is some of the best in the nation; the music scene beats LA hands down; too many quaint towns and homes to see; lots and lots of gorgeous nature; more faith-oriented people than CA by a long shot (19% vs. 38%); there's always something going on and it's the positive change I was needing.

So much happier!:) And with that, I'm off!

Tonight is Passion City Church with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin and I need a little nappie poo today after my busy week last week.:) Enjoy this song by Chris!

 

"Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." words to live by...

By Joy A. Kennelly

What I always find interesting is watching group think in action; whether it be in school, work, TV, film, or on any of the social media platforms I regularly frequent. Makes me wonder where critical thinking has gone in our society when basic truths that are easily proven accurate are disregarded because no one wants to rock the boat, research their beliefs, or go against the common opinion.

Even when it's wrong.

Now I understand where Bob Lefsetz is coming from when he challenges musicians to create a revolution. I find that young people today that I have met seem shocked when anyone stands up against the status quo, or speaks out against group think.

I'm finding it more and more on Facebook, Yelp, and now even Posterous which is nothing more than censorship in its worst form. Where's public discourse?  Where's the opportunity to explore opinions other's might hold to see how well your own hold up against scrutiny or discussion? Where's the freedom and competition to do business when only certain businesses are allowed?

Isn't this what America is built upon? Isn't this what our original founders came to America to enjoy? Freedom of speech, opportunity and religion? I find it disturbing when only one side is allowed to be represented and will always speak out.

I find when I do, sometimes I help change people's opinions, sometimes I help others to be bolder, and sometimes I help others to understand the other side a little better. 

Then other times, I see close-minded, small-minded and insecure people who can do nothing more than attack me and others on the internet, before running away to hide from a response for fear of someone actually challenging them or causing them to actually think. 

It's rather humorous actually which is why I don't mind because their cowardice and pettiness reflects more on them than it ever will me. What you see is what you get and that's why I continue to have liberal friends as well as conservative ones. They know I'm fair and they can trust me to always speak the truth. Even when they may not agree with me.

There's a mutual respect.

If we continue to be a PC society and only allow one side to have a voice, then pretty soon we won't be America. I encourage all start-ups, social media sites, newspapers, media in general, and others who hold sway over the general public's information business offerings, politics and education to consider the fact we are a stronger, better educated, more accepting and better prepared country as a whole when there is balance in information and opportunity.

Accept the fact you may not always agree with someone else. That's life. Get on with it. Value diversity of opinion and thought because often those in society who challenge status quo create greater opportunities than those who don't. 

There are other ways of doing things than your own if you open your mind and your heart to it. We are all unique and special. Allow your uniqueness to shine through and stop allowing yourself to be cowed into submission by group think and doing something just because everyone else is doing it. 

Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't make it right. Only safe.

Live dangerously. Speak out against injustice. Live with the consequences of your decisions. Accept responsiblity. Stop blaming others for your lack of success.

Create your own. 

You will find those who agree with you and support your decisions. And generally they are the leaders who have withstood criticism, blame, personal attacks, and everything else those who live in fear and group think will throw at you to keep you down.

But when you get past the personal disappointment of experiencing those cowards for who they really are, then you begin to live a life that is on a different level with more evolved, more intelligent, more courageous, more satisfied people who are on the same level and path as you.

Or, as Henry David Thoreau so eloquently stated it, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to their graves with their song still in them." 

Don't be one of those men (or women.) Live your life. Be fully human and alive. Be fair and respectful. Make tough decisions and stick to them. Those who disagree now will always come around later. I've seen it happen time and again.

Time heals all wounds and wounds all heels.:)

And lastly, be bold. 

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

I read that quote years ago and love it to this day. It's been true in my life and so many others. I'm not sure who wrote it, but it's brilliant which is why I'm sharing it here today.

That's all. Now enjoy your day. That's an order.:)

 

@MIHollywood @JinglePunks @RocketHub #Social Media Panel blogs & April 21 @Facebook Panel Speakers & Tickets

By Joy A. Kennelly

Normally when I attend conferences I take dictation and microblog what the speakers are saying while they are speaking. I couldn't do that while moderating which is why I'm very happy to share the Musicians Institute's comprehensive blog coverage of all the speakers on April 7th's social media panel which addressed viral marketing with videos, live concerts utilizing StageIt, YouTube, Facebook, personal vs. professional publicity and so much more.

Click the picture below to be stunned and amazed at the wisdom coming from these mere mortals with extreme talent, creativity and intelligence:

And for those who didn't get to click the pic above,  you can click here: http://blog.mi.edu/post/Social-Media-Seminar-Series.aspx

Jingle Punks has another fun blog post and Facebook Fan Page highlighting our event as well which you can review here:

And for those who again, didn't understand to click the pic, click here: http://www.jinglepunks.com/blog/2011/04/15/photo-recap-musicians-institute/

They included more of the funny pictures taken that night which you can like here: http://www.facebook.com/jinglepunks

I'm in the camp of Jingle Punks where you can combine fun in business and life. Those who think those two can't work together, guess you haven't read Richard Branson's bio. You know, the Virgin Atlantic CEO, right?

Read his thoughts on life: http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/ 

Maybe it will change your mind.:)

And RocketHub has posted their blog coverage of our panel together too which is a nice quick overview of the most salient points which you can read by clicking the RocketHub logo or title below:

Musicians Institute Hosts The State of The New Music Industry Discussion

APRIL 21 FACEBOOK SEMINAR

7:30pm - 9:00pm Musicians Institute 

This week's panel on Thursday, April 21, which I'm moderating again, covers everything you ever wanted to learn about Facebook. Speakers on this week's Facebook Marketing panel include: 

Brad Bogus, Member of SXSW showcased band “Audio Runner” & Social Media Architect for “Speak Social”

Joseph Yi, Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment/VPMarketing – RewardMe 

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher 

Britton Sparkman, co-founder and lead guitar player for Red Circle Underground are speaking at this week's Facebook marketing panel

You can buy tickets for the April 21 panel, or any of the ensuing panels below:

Online Ticketing for The Joy Writer & Musicians Institute Present Social Media Seminar Series 2011 powered by Eventbrite

Come early to enjoy Chef Jack Harding's simply great gourmet food at his Clean Street Food Truck 5:30pm - 7:30pm across from the Concert Hall.  

@TheJoyWriter & @MIHollywood #Social #Media Seminar Series New Panelists Announced March 29, 2011

 

 The Joy Writer and the Musicians Institute are pleased to announce more panelists are confirmed to speak at the Social Media Seminar Series 2011. The five-part instructional seminar series is designed to teach the how-to’s of social media and online marketing. 

 Each hour and a half program, moderated by Social Media Expert, Joy Kennelly, will focus on the basics of the social networking tools currently available and feature panels with high-profile entertainment industry executives and technology experts discussing how to utilize current social media platforms, upgrade social media skills and how to brand and market your company, your label or yourself online. 

The seminars will be held Thursday’s April 7 and 21, May 5 and 19, and June 2, 2011, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Concert Hall of the Musicians Institute located at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028. 

Buy tickets here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

Social Media Seminar Topics & Speakers

>     April 21     How to Utilize Facebook and the differences between Personal Pages, Groups, and Fan Pages, as well as Privacy & Protocol issues. Attendees will learn how to best utilize the largest social media platform in the world while incorporating other social networking sites into it to maximize their exposure.

SXSW performer, Audio Runner Band Member & Social Media Architect with Speak Social, Brad Bogus
 Follow @audiorunner   http://audio-runner.com/

Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment / VP Marketing – RewardMe, Joseph Yi specializes in brand management and digital strategies 
   Follow @joseph_yi    http://josephayi.com

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher, is profiled alongside such luminaries as NARAS Grammy President, Neil Portnow and Gene Simmons (KIIS) in Dan Kimpel's book, It All Begins with the Music: Developing Artists and Careers for the New Music Business. 
Follow @LaFamos http://lafamos.com

>     May 5        Twitter and Twitter Time Management Tools including TweetDeck, Hootsuite and others. Panelists will analyze who to follow, how to develop an audience, what to tweet, and why Twitter is important for artists, companies and self promotion.

COO/Executive Producer/Host, TechZulu.com, Amanda Coolong, is recognized nationally as an online media company covering technology brands and the personalities behind them. 
   Follow @acoolong   http://techzulu.com   

President/CEO, DashGo, Inc., Benjamin Patterson, a leading digital distribution and marketing firm. Clients include Weezer, Delicious Vinyl, Coconut Records, Time Records, Rock Mafia and Next New Networks among others.
      Follow @dashgo  http://dashgo.com

>     May 19      Blogging with Bloggers and others as they discuss the various platforms available (Wordpress, Typepad, Tumblr, Posterous), styles, audience building and blog marketing tips.

 Blogger, Author, Advertising Copywriter and Brand Consultant, Black Conseco's clients include Ford Focus and the Rock + Roll Hall of Fame, Absolut, RedBull, Mercedes Benz and more. 
Follow @blackcanseco  http://hustleknockin.com

Founder/Online Programming Producer, Special Purpose Media, Josh Brooks, is a former talent manager and digital executive; co-founded Fanscape.com, and specializes in Mobile Strategy/Mobile Development
               Follow @JoshBrooks  

Billy Johnson Jr., Journalist & Author has covered hip-hop, R&B and pop music for such influential publications as Vibe, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter and more. His Yahoo Music Hip Hop Media Training Blog averages 4 million hits per month. 
Follow @y_billyjohnson http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/

>      June 2      Geo-Location Marketing and how to establish, engage and utilize FourSquare, Whrrl, with a wrap-up of all other popular social networking sites available in marketing & promoting artists, events and venues.

Managing Partner of TAG Strategic, Ted Cohen is a former Senior VP of Digital Development and Distribution for EMI Music, and popular speaker on all things music and tech.
Follow @spinaltap  http://tagstrategic.com

 Co-Founder/CEO Rock Prodigy, Former Marketing Director, Guitar Center, Harold Lee, recently received an Appy Award for Education, was named “What’s Hot” by Apple, and broke into the Top 10 Free Music IPad apps in eighth week of operation (June 2)

               Follow @RockProdigyLive  http://rockprodigy.com

 More to be announced… 

For more details or to buy tickets, http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

About Joy Kennelly of The Joy Writer

Award-winning Social Media Strategist/Personal Publicist, Joy Kennelly’s social media marketing expertise includes a page one Google blog, working with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Hootsuite and over 100 regional online marketing sites to enhance search engine optimization (SEO), increase attendance at events, and develop business on behalf of clients in entertainment, travel, technology, fashion, and politics.

Joy’s clients have included Actress Yari De Leon (“The Lincoln Lawyer”), VOX DJs, the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chef David Linville, the Shore Restaurant & Lounge, Filmmaker and Grammy Award winning Musician, Damien Earl Matthias, Actor Domiziano Arcangeli, the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival, Fine Artist Gali Rotstein, the American Institute of Architects, and more. She has presented classes and seminars on social media at Musicians Institute, American Cinematheque, and at conferences throughout the United States.

About Musicians Institute

Since 1977, Musicians Institute has been a world leader in contemporary music education, providing cutting-edge resources in its state of the art facilities located right in the heart of Hollywood, the capital of the world music industry. Its dynamic curriculum is current, comprehensive and compatible with the needs of students who not only desire to study music, but also build a career in the music industry with the knowledge they learn on-campus. Over 6,000 students and alumni have passed through the school.

The mission of the Artist and Career Services Department (ACS) is to keep students informed of the many professional opportunities available in the music industry, help prepare them to take advantage of these opportunities, and make the transition from student to working professional as smooth as possible.  ACS assists in obtaining internships and professional placement for both students and graduates. Among other benefits, the office maintains a list of recording and rehearsal facilities, local clubs, management and promotional agencies, major and independent labels, and other establishments and services that are important to music professionals.

Buy tickets here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

#Social Media Optimization Summits, #Social Media Week, #Start-up Mixer, & #Musicians Institute - Part III Final Wrap-up

By Joy A. Kennelly

Now that my life is settling down a bit, I finally have the time to write about my recent experiences at the Social Media Optimization Summits in Dallas, TX, the recent seminars I attended during Social Media Week here in Los Angeles, the Start-up mixer at Wokcano in Santa Monica I enjoyed, and teaching Social Media and Fan Management at the Musicians Institute.

What some people don't realize, but I'll keep reminding them until they understand this fact, is believe it or not, there are women interested and involved in technology contrary to the young Meetup leader who thought women in the audience at a recent tech event meant we were there solely to look for a husband. lol

Can you believe it? He was a little drunk so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for speaking without thinking. Kinda like Jerry Brown allowing his associate to call Meg Whitman a "whore" and then his not apologizing for them during the Gubernatorial debate last night.

 

DUMB and Sexist! I'm really tempted to call Jerry's number and bawl him out since NOW continues to support him. Why? I don't know. Blind adherence to their "religion" I suppose.

But I digress...

Now to give you a little of my tech history. I've been around this industry since the 90's when the dot com craze first hit and produced a very successful online film festival called Media & Entertainment Festival (affectionately nicknamed ME Fest) for Penton Media back in the day.

I have friends who have produced, marketed, and sponsored tech events which I always attend and also keep up-to-date on information by reading and attending conferences. In fact, heading to Las Vegas tomorrow to hit blogWorld too.

I've been incorporating digital marketing into my PR & Marketing strategy for clients for over ten years. I also used to attend all the tech events VIC (Venice Interactive Community) threw and still fondly remember the HUGE party held at the Skirball Center just before the tech crash.

Anyone else remember?:)

If my recent positive experience at Wokcano for the Start-up meeting is any indication of the growth of tech again, I'm sure LA is primed to explode. I enjoyed hearing Investor Mark Suster of GRP Partners sound a rallying cry to tech heads in Los Angeles to stand their ground and refuse to leave for SFO & Seattle to help build up our LA Infrastructure for bigger long-term growth.

I micro-blogged during his talk (editing out his profanity) and you can review that here:

#Mark Suster of GRP Partners speaking @Wokcano

The common thread out of the talks I attended during the Dallas conference seemed to be:

1. Listen to your audience to hear what they're saying about you and your brand

2.Create a strategy based on that research

3. Then contribute.

Here's some highlights of the people I heard once my talk was over.

Jodi Gersh spoke on the Power of Place and analyzed a variety of geo-location tools out there. Her favorite is GoWalla, whereas Jason Falls enjoys Whrrl.

I'm giving Whrrl a whirl although GoWalla is intriguing because of the passport aspect since I love to travel and it would be fun to have a place to showcase my trips while I'm out and about.

I liked having the Geo-Location overview from a marketing person's perspective because then the following week during Social Media Week in Los Angeles, I was able to hear some of the CEO's of even newer geo-location services share their presentations on what made their geo-location service better than the others.

If you click here, and here, it will lead you to my micro-blog coverage of that series on Geo-Location Marketing which was sponsored by Moment Feed. Great evening.

Completely different perspectives and different ways of presenting information, but that's what makes Social Media so interesting. It's constantly evolving due to the creativity and technology utilized by people all over the world.

It's not just about Foursquare people!:) Even though there are now 3 million users using it, this entire type of marketing really isn't mainstream just yet which is limiting it's reach and visibility.

Jodi mentioned even more options too: Foodspotting, footfeed, tri-out, aroundme, tonight.im, m.check.in and to be honest, I haven't had the time to check them out. If you do, let me know what you think.

I ducked in and out of a few Social Media Optimization Summits seminars to make sure I heard as much as possible and if my notes are scarce, that's why.

I popped into Jun Loayza's "How to Implement Ambassador "Experience" Campaigns who stuck with corporate examples for his talk. I never gathered whether or not he was behind the strategies presented, or merely sharing other's successes as examples.

Here's one of his case studies for review. Click the highlighted name to learn more about the actual social media activities for this successful Ford Fiesta launch:

FORD FIESTA MOVEMENT

11 mil social network impressions

2.5 mil shares

11k videos 15k tweets 13k photos

38% gen y

What I enjoyed about his presentation was the direct ROI examples. People still have trouble understanding the value of social media vs. traditional public relations thinking they're separate and don't support each other, but I have never found that to be the case.

Traditional media relations is currently fueled by social media believe it or not. Sometimes the first place journalists learn about what's hot is on social networks. They also regularly read blogs, and constantly comb the internet looking for stories of interest.

I remind people of this all the time, because I have numerous journalists, civic leaders, celebrities, publicists, and others who pop in to read my blog due to my coverage of such a wide variety of topics. I never want to be focused on only one subject because I have a wide interest in all kinds of things and consider my blog more of a magazine style format, than an analysis of just one topic.

Again, I digress.

Back to examples of Ambassador campaigns that worked courtesy of Jun Loayza:

1.      Sharpie Squad - http://blog.sharpie.com/2009/05/meet-the-sharpie-squad/

2.      Red Bull University - http://www.redbullu.com/

3.      The Dew Crew - http://www.carsoncritique.com/college-career/my-job-as-a-mountain-dew-brand-rep-part1/

4.      Charmin – Enjoy the Go http://www.charmin.com/en_US/enjoy-the-go/index.php

As always, Fashion is on the cutting edge of social media and Jun shared how his company had helped create the LG campaign using popular fashion bloggers to spread the news. (Where was my invite? LOL)

Apparently, Jun's company, www.postrank.com, (according to him,) is recommended over Technorati  to find bloggers (which I find hard to believe knowing the CEO of Technorati and learning in another seminar Technorati is considered the 4th largest social network, but hey, Jun may be right among a certain tech demographic...)

His bottom line was determine what you want to accomplish, find the influencers who will help you achieve your goals, and then implement the strategy to achieve your goals. I asked what a band could do to and was given some good ideas which I'll be able to share with my students.

I attended the luncheon where I heard a few speakers including Shashi Bellamkonda from Network Solutions who discussed optional trends in New Media.

He basically gave a bunch of links and a quick highlight of each. You can find it on the company site here somewhere (I don't have time to research it for you.:): http://blog.networksolutions.com/

The speaker I most enjoyed hearing present was Erica Campbell, Senior Manager of New Media Marketing for Rent - Video & Photo Sharing for Optimum Growth & Brand Exposure which you can review here:

Video & Photo Sharing for Optimum Growth & Brand Exposure

View more presentations from Erica Campbell. Be warned, there are 175 slides and trust me, she had to talk REALLY, REALLY fast to go through all of them in the three hours allotted for her chat.

That said, it was great and even though this was applied to the apartment rental industry, the principles apply across the board to any industry and her presentation is excellent.

And I'll close with this speaker since you're probably tired of reading so much data all at once, right?:) Now you know what I feel like after attending all these conferences and seminars! lol

Strategic Planning by Jenn Kane Co.

KD Paine Measurement Checklist:

1.      What are your objectives?

2.      What audiences are you targeting?

3.      How would you prioritize these audiences?

a.      Media, influencers, bloggers, competitors, etc.

b.      Prioritize how you’ll reach them.

4.      What are your Key Performance Indicators?

a.      If this is really working, then>>>>

5.      What is the right measurement tool?

a.      Where will you know you’ve achieved this?

                                          i.     Socialmention.com – free! Use with Kids

                                         ii.     Peoplebrowsr

                                        iii.     Alterian

                                        iv.     Raidan6

                                         v.     Klout

                                        vi.     PR Newswire

                                      vii.     Jive

                                     viii.     www.search.twitter.com

Setting Benchmarks

               To define “Return,” ask:

a.      What are we measuring, and why?

b.      What does success look like?

c.      How will we know when we get there?

d.      Are there incremental milestones worth noting?

There's more, but you should hire Kane Consulting since that's all I have time to cover at the moment. Sorry. :) I enjoyed her talk because I've utilitized a lot of her suggestions as a leader of goal setting groups over the years.

I really enjoyed my experience in Dallas, TX because I was able to hear from a wide variety of speakers from all over the country and everyone was very interesting. Kudos to Tami for putting on a great conference which is sure to only grow as word gets out.

Now here's a great video of the Social Media Week seminar I attended at the House of Blues
entitled: "THE NEXT STAGE OF ENGAGE: BRINGING ONLINE MUSIC COMMUNITIES TO LIFE" with some great panelists.

I learned a lot and had other information confirmed to share with my students.

I'm teaching Social Media & Fan Management in the Musicians Institute's Music Business Program and am delighted to be working with such ambitious entrepreneurial students.

My kind of people!

Okay, that's all for now. Gotta run. I have a store launch to attend with my friend. Let me know what you think of what I've written!

My news, #Shopzilla, #The Joule, and touring Dallas, TX - Part II

By Joy A. Kennelly

Quick Update

It's been a crazy few weeks. Had to find and buy a car, find and move into a new place, and started teaching Social Media & Fan Management at the Musicians Institute.

Whew! All good though. Very happy with all the positive changes in my life. Now I'm prepping to attend BlogWorld if all goes well.

Social Media Optimization Summits continued

Finally have a moment to write more about my experience in Dallas and Los Angeles surrounding Social Media conferences I spoke during and attended. Here's a link back to Part 1 in case you've forgotten what I wrote before: http://bit.ly/aGqhaT

I spoke during Family Pro's Social Media Optimization Summits   and taught: Beyond Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn: Introducing, Combining, and Leveraging New Opportunities to Boost Your Brand.

I'm currently working on another  fun foodie/holiday festival launch for John Forrester & Associates utilizing these tools and tactics and if all goes well, you should be seeing O Entertainment's Annual Long Beach Oktoberfest in the top ten searches of Google soon.  

Wait! It's already there.:) Well, what do you know....Trust me, this strategy works. It's extremely time consuming, but definitely worth it.

Shopzilla Plug

Oh, before I get too much into everything, here's a fun video of the tech company I worked for during the summer called Shopzilla. Know it?

Cool group of people and brilliant tech business. Here's the employees and management as you've probably never seen them before. lol I enjoyed seeing all the people/friends I made goofing around in this.

Everyone really is that fun to be around too. My former boss, Robin, is the rocker chick and my buddy, Britton, is rocking out with her around 1 minute in. He's part of the talented band Red Circle Underground so this "acting" came naturally.:)

Here's just one of the fun monthly company-wide activities I worked on while I was there. All the children of employees in the company were given art supplies to create Shopzilla posters. Other times I worked on a huge Mexican Fiesta, a Carnival complete with a live camel and a beach party.

I love tech companies.:) Always have, always will.

Here's a few examples of the kid's design creativity of Shopzilla's logo, and what they received as a gift for participating.

Adorable, eh? I wish I could have stayed on, but they needed someone with Human Resources experience which I don't have, nor ever want to learn. LOL

Great company though... One I admire and wish well!
 

The Joule in Dallas, TX

I had the privilege of staying at The Joule, in the heart of Downtown Dallas, as their guest during the Social Media Optimization Summits which was absolutely delightful.  I highly recommend this hip, boutique hotel as a central location for anyone doing business in Dallas, looking for an excellent restaurant to entertain guests, host an event poolside or inside privately, or attend a hip nightclub to dance and socialize.

Here's a quick peek into why I enjoyed my stay so much:

My beautifully appointed room.

The Joule's beautiful poule high up in the city offers great views. A very popular happy hour venue too.

These two professional pictures were provided by The Joule. The others are mine. Please don't use without permission.

 

Meeting rooms.

Wine shop on-site in the entryway to the delicious Charlie Palmer restuarant. Click their name to see some of the cuisine, learn about the chef and the venue.

  My dessert was delicious and just the right size.




 

Here's some professional shots of the Joule Penthouse & PM Nightlife Lounge. For more information and to review even more images, please click on the links. 

They're both so opulent and you'll love what you see! I was very impressed with my experience there and give it a 4.5 star rating.:)

My Quick Dallas Tour

Every time I travel to a conference or Food & Wine Festival, I like to take in some of the local sites to gain a better idea of what the city is about above and beyond the event I'm attending. This trip was no  different. Every moment I had free, I walked, rode the metro, or explored because I love traveling and having new experiences.

Similar to LA's Downtown, Dallas streets were rather empty of people walking around, but I never felt unsafe. I only wish I had more time since there's a few museums and art galleries I would have liked to see.

But that's for another trip. Enjoy my visual essay. I will write up the Social Media Optimization Summits Conference next because I took notes and want to share now that I finally have the time.

Thanks for reviewing!

 

Bye Dallas. I may be back!:)

Momentum - We're not done yet! And other musings on singlehood.

By Joy A. Kennelly

I used to write long written blog posts on a daily basis a few years back, but switched to more photo stories because if I'm covering an event, an issue, or something I want to discuss sometimes writing a good blog can take anywhere from two hours up to 5 hours depending on what I'm writing about.

Lately my hands have been hurting since I'm on the computer so much job hunting and working on various projects I haven't been as motivated to write either. That said, today just felt like sharing since once September hits I have a bunch of things I've been working on all summer that I will finally be able to announce.

I also have a few new projects in the works with really amazing people which I'm very excited about. Can't say anything just yet, but will share as soon as everything is finalized. Just know it's all good.:)

I can announce I'm excited about the new singles group, Momentum, that Journey of Faith is launching this October because it's something I've been asking every church I've ever attended to create for me and my single friends since 2006!

Here's a blog post I wrote about being single in the church back then highlighting an expert's opinion on the subject too: http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2006/12/being_single_in.html

I'll never forget attending one church and asking the pastor to start a singles ministry only to hear him say, "No, cause everyone ends up getting married." Like that's a bad thing?!

Needless to say, when his daughter was wanting to get married, guess which church started a singles group for her age group?

Yep, that one.

And the bigger burn was that only a few months later she ended up getting married. Oh, the ironies of it all. Needless to say, I left soon after.

What's great about Momentum is there are so many amazing people interested in participating. Many are very accomplished in their careers and the people I've met are very dynamic. It's so nice to finally have friends to sit with at church I can't begin to tell you the difference it's made.

I'm confident that He who has begun a good work in all of us will see it through to completion once this group officially launches October 3, 2010. We'll be having tables set up for people to sign up between services at Journey of Faith and we're already starting to meet socially unofficially which has been fun.

If you're looking for a change of pace than the bar and volleyball scene in the South Bay, then consider joining us some Sunday at 11am. A couple of us are sitting in the middle towards the back if you care to join us. All are welcome and we're all new which makes it easier to break into the group too.

This Sunday you're also welcome to join another new Christian Singles group all day at Dockweiler Beach. Bring food, drinks, guitars, and fun stuff to share with everyone. Just look for the yellow kite or call Shawn Michaels 310 488-6784 when you've arrived.

I'm coming later for the beach bonfire after the Journey Tribute band at Polliwog Park.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Food, Fashion and Wine Festival Featuring The Dinner of Champions Comes to Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach Saturday, August 21 6pm - 10pm Benefits Dig4Kids

By Joy A. Kennelly

Looking forward to attending the Food, Fashion & Wine Festival honoring sports legends, Linda Hanley, Chris Marlowe & Steve Obradovich this Saturday, August 21, from 6pm - 10pm at Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach.   I'm especially happy to attend because this event also benefits Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Fonoimoana's Dig 4 Kids Education Foundation. Watch the video below to learn more about this awesome volleyball charity!

This is exactly why I admire some of our local professional volleyball athletes so much. Some are such amazing role models to the community and a real blessing to children who need them now more than ever.

If you join us you will also enjoy a live art show by Andy Brown. South Bay restaurants are serving food and wine will be served by One Hope, Rosenthal and Thomas Halby.

I love a good food & wine festival with art, especially when it benefits a charity. I've never seen the NY Backlot of Raliegh Studios either which is where it will be held.  How fun!

The other fun aspect this ambitious fund-raiser event has included is a fashion show (another favorite event of mine) hosted by the current MISS CALIFORNIA USA® Nicole Johnson and AVP announcer, Chris "Geeter" McGee.

If Geeter is the same guy who was emceeing the recent Six Man Magnum game, I'm sure it's going to be a very funny evening.

Also, the models are MISS CALIFORNIA USA® contestants and professional volleyball athletes which means lots of eye candy for all the guys who attend because they're wearing swim suits and casual wear from Body Glove, Sledge, Jayime Jean, O'Neill, Lost Bird and stylish shoes by Michael Antonio.

Just think, it's a worthy cause too which means you can write off your schmoozing and ogling!:)

But on a more serious note, here's the official statement from Dig4Kids Founder and Olympic Gold Medalist, Eric Fonoimoana, himself from the press release:

"I grew up in Manhattan Beach and as a kid, I loved watching the legends of beach volleyball compete. The Manhattan Beach Open Dinner of Champions was established to remember those who have won the Manhattan Beach Open and thank them for being a role model and ambassador of our sport."

Don't miss your chance to mix and mingle with legends of the Manhattan Beach Open and all the special guests in attendance. It's not too late to buy a ticket.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by clicking this or going to www.digforkids.org or at the door.

For more information, please visit www.civiccouch.com or email: Brad@civiccouch.com. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Can't wait to have extra time to write! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for my friends and family and YOU!

God bless.

Check out my The Joy Writer PR blog for the latest

Too busy to write here and don't always feel like spilling my guts lol. SO, check out my other blog for the latest and greatest: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr

There's some good Hollywood stuff there, I promise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some important Facebooking, I mean working to do. LOL

What a day, what a day, what a day...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Today was a very productive day. My shoulder and arm still hurts, but it's manageable and not preventing me from wrapping up another client's work. I need the space to work on my others and look for work so...

Anyway, today's first meeting of our TLC Empowerment Group went really well. We had a small, but motivated group of people participating. Sherry had some great hand-outs and we all set our three month goals. Now to work on them!

We're going to allow others to still join us next time we meet (not next Wednesday, but the Wednesday after), but after that we're a closed session. Space is limited to three more, but if others want to join we'll consider starting an evening event to accommodate those people too.

Call 310 798-5400 and ask for Mindy or Annabell ok? They're the Pharmacists hosting us at TLC located at 845 PCH, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 on alternate Wednesdays from 12- 1:30pm. For those of us wanting to lose weight we had our weight and body fat measured. OY!!!!!

Now to see TAIslim in action I guess. Oh, that's another thing I'm ending now. I will no longer be representing the products although I still believe in them, just have decided it's time to move on. Out with the old, in with the new.

Got a lot of work done today for Financial Expert, Steve Bloch of MHB Financial Group, which is always a good feeling of accomplishment. We shall see what transpires now.

I haven't written about Hermosa Beach in a long time, but feel the need to share because if I don't, I'm sure you'd never even know this was happening unless you took the time to watch the city council meeting from last week.

Apparently, there are measures in front of the City Council to allow drinking on the beach during the upcoming summer concert series. For some reason they don't seem to realize that this isn't a wise decision in light of the ever increasing homeless problem (due in part I believe to the TWO glowing five page articles the local paper, The Easy Reader, decided to write about how wonderful it is here to be homeless - hello? Yes, you read it right. Don't get me started....!)

Also, all the other issues this will bring to our community when we just finished cleaning up Pier Plaza. Why move the same set of problems over to the sand? Where's the rationale for increased police and trash collection that will be necessary?

I've tried discussing this rationally with some who believe there's nothing wrong with it, but I give up. I guess the old adage nothing comes between a man and his drink is true. Okay, that's not really an old adage, but it should be don't you think?

There really is no arguing with someone who likes to drink because they have a disease and it's not something they can control. Kind of like me and eating chocolate. Wish more would see the value in Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, but that's none of my business.

Okay, that's all, just felt like sharing because I feel like whatever is decided at the next City Council meeting will directly affect our community for years to come (and in my opinion, not for the better.) I'm entitled to my opinion and you're entitled to yours right? Gotta love America.

Oh, and speaking of which, since when did America become a Muslim nation as Obama claimed today? Give me a fricking break. Okay, I really need to stop. Starbucks is closing and so am I. lol Too much coffee right?

Have a good night everyone.

I've had a change of heart about Obama - shocked, eh?

By Joy A. Kennelly

Nothing like a life-threatening accident (ok, it wasn't that bad, but when it was happening sure felt like I was going to die from the pain), to make you stop and smell the roses, or in my case, stop and watch more TV News shows to gain perspective on the Cheney vs. Obama debate.

After listening to the Leherer Hour (sorry, I know that's not correct, but it hurts too much to sit here very long so Google it yourself - lol), I can see that Obama isn't all wrong, nor is Cheney all right. I apologize to those who were offended by my disrespectful words and retract them publicly here.

Otherwise, not much new to report. Laying on ice packs all day still hasn't diminished the extreme pain I'm feeling between my shoulders - like someone took a log and smashed me one. Isn't there a saying that God tries to get your attention with little things and then hits you over the head with a log, or words to that effect. lol

My attention has been gotten. HA! My mother promises me I don't look like a monster, but I've never had a black eye before and the swelling on the left side of my face really isn't attractive. Needless to say, I'm hiding out this weekend rather than going to a very cool music event at The Bachelor house this weekend I was invited to which I'm extremely bummed about.

However, the drive to Malibu would have killed. I'll just have to enjoy the pix along with everyone else once they're posted. I'm also not going to be registering voters on Sunday which is kind of a relief to be honest. ha ha

My friend Shana teased me saying that now I don't have to be upset at all the drunken activities that are sure to happen this weekend too. She is one of my best friends and totally opposite of me which is why we get along so well. Iron sharpens iron as they say.

So...a retired Cougar can change her spots (or in my case, freckles) and decide that maybe it's ok to let good 'ole Obama give it a whirl and see what he accomplishes with this new tactic against whatever his new nickname is for them!:)

Oh, and once I'm feeling better remind me to share my community service with you. I've really been enjoying it because I'm meeting the most interesting people with the most interesting backgrounds and I would never in a million years ever have crossed paths with some otherwise.:) I love the diversity!

Must go. Hurts to sit too long no matter how much I want to share everything. Thanks for popping by. Please be safe out there! Remember to wear a helmet and don't drink and drive please!

Note to readers - thanks and other stuff

By Joy A. Kennelly

I'm always learning from those who search for subjects and stumble on my blog, those who deliberately search for me, and those who have other blogs.

I also really appreciate the Typepad staff because they helped me re-align my subscribers with Feedburner and now I have 21 readers subscribed! Wow! The pressure is on. I've already lost 10 from my original count of 31, but I don't mind. I know as soon as I start blogging about politics they'll come running. LOL

That Pelosi woman... But I digress.

Turns out quite a few people who read this blog are affluent, like my political,travel and fashion writing the most, are evenly balanced between men and women ages 39-45 and read this blog most often from home. Interesting, eh? At least it was to me.

Don't worry, it doesn't tell me who you are although if you'd like to let me know, I'd love to hear!:)

Sorry haven't been able to write too much lately. Whenever I have a lot of professional writing to do I'm spent and it's hard to be creative here too. I have more to write today which means you might not hear any new news for a bit.

However, that said, if you want to keep up with my professional work - then go to: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr/ and realize I don't always include everything I'm working on there either because oftentimes I forget that others might find it of interest.

I'm also waiting on approval for some projects and can't announce anything until it's a done deal, or unless the client wants it known. Just know, it's all good.

Have a great Wednesday!

See? I knew no one would care...:)

Those who care about my Oscar experience have contacted me and those who don't, well they just haven't!:) I think it's funny.

In any case, have a good one. Not writing about tonight's two events either. Or the movie I watched last night, or the good book I read last week.

Just not doing it!

New policy for this blog

I've decided that unless I'm getting paid to cover an event, story, or otherwise interesting topic, I will be limiting my comments on this blog. As a result, if you want my personal experience working for the Academy during the Oscars, let me know how much you pay per word and I'll be happy to write something for your readers.:)

That's all for now. No more free writing.

Oscars

By Joy A. Kennelly

Words can not begin to describe my experience working the Oscars. As a result, I won't even try. If you want to know, please call or email me.:)

What is a press release, Project Touch - and other stuff

By Joy A. Kennelly

Seeing as there can be confusion as to what a press release entails, I thought I'd take a moment to clear up some of the basics before sharing a worthy local cause with you all.

Still recovering from my flu, but feeling better every day thanks for asking.

press release

NOUN:

An announcement of an event, performance, or other newsworthy item that is issued to the press.

It isn't an article, it isn't a long-winded promotional story, nor is it meant to have superlatives or adjectives. Just the facts ma'am. Cut the pork in other words. If the reporter likes what they read, then they will go to your website, ask you for an interview, or otherwise seek out what they need in order to write about you.

Due to budget cuts there are fewer journalists and editors actually covering stories now. They just don't have the time or the manpower to get to everything that crosses their desks any more. If you're promoting an event, be happy you're included in calendar listings unless you have an amazing story that is bigger than the actual event itself.

For example, I'm sitting in a cafe watching a very cute book club form with lots of young kids and a couple of parents. The event, a book club, isn't that interesting, but the story angle is the age of the kids involved, the books they're selecting, and why they're doing this book club.

I find them absolutely adorable and agree with the photographer who is documenting the event. The leader is asking questions to draw out why they like certain books and their answers are so cute. Their ages seem to range from five years up to 13 years which is fun to watch too.

I know, I'm a nerd. I like books and all those who read. One tween is wearing a fedora and is seriously discussing some sci fi book. I just love hearing young minds at work.

But I digress.

That said, I was asked to tell you about Project Touch's latest fundraiser to raise money to support this worthy cause which you can learn more about when you click on the highlighted link. I wrote extensively about them in another blog and will just highlight the upcoming Sand & Strand Race/Walk sponsorship as I promised.

Project Touch is currently looking for sponsors and here's what sponsorship offers to those who are involved:

First Place - $1,000 Sponsor
- advertising on all registration forms/flyers/posters
- advertising for 1 Year on PROJECTtouch web site
- advertising logo/name on ALL t-shirts
- 4 FREE registrations to participate in S&S ($120 value)

 

See 3 attachments for more race course and registration information.  Yes!  $1,000 Sponsorship gets their logo on each registration form!  We anticipate 3,000-4,000 registration forms, 5,000+ flyers, and 2,000+ t-shirts.

 

NOTE:  PROJECTtouch is a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Corporation, ID# 23-7332857.  So, your donation to Sand & Strand is Tax Deductible!

 

Last, Hilary Henson, Executive Director, or the Assistant Director, Dorothy Forba, will announce and thank every $1,000 Sponsor at Council Meetings in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach, along with any other committee meetings and service organizations contacted until the event on Sunday, March 22, 2009.

 

FIRST PLACE - $1,000 Sponsor

Check out my other blog - The Joy Writer PR for the latest

Since I've spent all weekend working and not much of a personal life, thought I'd just write an update on my professional blog - The Joy Writer PR. You can read all the latest there.

Thanks for stopping by.

Another weird sleep day - Go Steelers!

Woke up at 4am today and had trouble falling back asleep because it was so cold. I had fallen asleep without the heat because it didn't require it, but then as soon as it hit 4, I was freezing.

I sure wish my landlady would use my Beach Cities Professionals BNI window guy, Earl Gorman, and replace all our old wood windows with vinyl because apparently it keeps heat in so much better. Plus, it would reduce her electricity bill 30%! Call him at 310 480-3753 if you're in the market to reduce costs in this economy too.

I'm kind of in a down mood because when my sleep is off it affects me emotionally too. I have run out of my Gochi Juice which normally helps with sleeping well and need to order more soon. I also want to order some of the new weight loss product Free Life has come out with called Tai Slim. You can buy it here too: www.joykennelly.freelife.com

I'm going to be my best before and after I can already tell. Others keep wanting me to hurry up and start taking it too because I'll be their best before and after too. Maybe that's why I'm a little stubborn in getting started. LOL

In any case, I've decided I'm voting for the Steelers in honor of my old room-mate's bulldog Steeler. Really not a sports fan to be honest. I just like watching the commercials. Have you all seen this promo for The Office which will run afterwards?

Click on this link and enjoy a laugh with me.

Ok, that's all for now. Have to get some other writing down in the interim. Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Oh, and speaking of Sunday, I didn't mean to imply that my Worship leader is doing anything wrong. It's very natural to go with the flow of the worship when singing and it's not a black and white proposition. I was just having a little fun. No offense if any was taken.:)

And for those who love the commercials as much as I do, here's one NBC is refusing to air put out by  Fidelis, a Chicago-based Catholic organization. Click here to see why.

Random thoughts after midnight - insomnia strikes after long nap

By Joy A. Kennelly

Remind me never to lay down for a short nap at 5pm and then sleep for five hours. After waking up at 10pm I can't get back to sleep! Too funny. Oy vey.

I woke up at 5am today worried about politics and everything else going on right now in my world before falling back asleep for a short bit. Then waking up for another hour or so and then sleeping again. I should have blogged then because writing has a very soothing quality for me.

Now look at me! Wide awake and I don't think I even had caffiene today. Must be that time of the month - whoops, tmi. :)

Dumping my brain on screen causes me to relax which is why I finally have decided to do it now at 2:30 in the morning. Rather than continue watching all the food commercials on late night TV that are making me starving for Papa John's new pizza, Apple Bee's new promotions and everything else they're tantalizing me with.

Good thing I still have some pretzels around to munch on seeing as I skipped dinner in lieu of napping.

What to dump first. Let's see... Politics. Lest others have the misconception that I'm a new Obama lover, let's get this straight right off the bat.

I am still diametrically opposed to many of his recent decisions - you know, like FOCA, DOMA, Abortion funding in Mexico, the totally over-the-top, totally partisan, totally pork stuffed stimulus plan with no real results for years and no new jobs... Sound familiar? So, no, not a big Obama fan at the moment.

The inauguration was too long ago and now reality has set in. This is who this man really is and I am not particularly happy about his extremist positions. He's beginning to make Clinton look like a conservative. And I'm not the only one to be saying that either.

Interesting how there's been no outcry from the media on the amount of money spent on his inauguration (again, highest ever spent - I guess keeping in line with his expensive campaign too right?) when there is such an economic crisis in our country right now. Now if this had been a Republican? Total different story.

But then again, if he can bring into office someone who has not paid his taxes as the new person in charge of us paying taxes I guess he can pretty much do anything he damn well pleases - after all as Obama says, "I won". What a cocky statement, yet again - no outcry from the media cuz he's their newly appointed god.

Was a little comforting to hear on NPR no less that Obama's claim for transparency in office was dismally lacking when the White House tried to feed only white house photographs of the 2nd swearing in to the newswires. I was so proud of the journalists and news bureaus who refused to take the hand-outs and demanded there be more freedom in news coverage.

Now to see if that actually happens in the future or not. We'll see. I bet you this won't be the first, nor last time the media is shut out. Could get interesting! Maybe then for once the all positive news all the time mentality will be dropped and actual news will be reported.

Sorry, I'm very cyncial, but I've had two years of Obama campaigning to get to this point. You did hear that Obama received 90% positive media coverage during the campaign right? Well, that's not journalism folks - that's called publicity. And I should know.

I have been enjoying hearing from friends I haven't heard from for awhile on F/B (Facebook for the curious) whenever I post one of my little political jabs because I like hearing their viewpoints. Doesn't mean I agree, but I appreciate them taking the time to share. Just as I hope they feel about me.

I'm wearing some teeth guards to prevent me from grinding my teeth while I sleep and for some reason they're really causing a gag reaction right now. Guess I could take them out for now, right? Now I'm not speaking with a lisp any more am I? Just teasing.

Let's see what else is on my mind now that I've explained my non-partisan viewpoint - lol. I've had an extremely busy week. Lots of meetings, lots of work, and lots of good stuff happening. First off, had a full page of my inauguration pictures showcased in our local paper, The Beach Reporter, and was given great photo credit and a link to my website.

Plus, two other pictures I took were used in The Easy Reader with great photo credit too. Couldn't ask for better free publicity than that.

Once I've taken a picture of everything, I'll share. Have to admit, usually I get my clients into the paper and no one knows I'm the one behind the scenes doing that except for my clients. As a result, only we celebrate together. However, this go round, lots of people have recognized me which is really a great experience if you've never had it. Aint publicity grand?:)

I have a few more misc pix of my inauguration goodies to share too. And no, I'm not referring to hot men, only actual items I picked up while I was back east. Didn't pick up any hot men (didn't really see many for that matter - I guess brains and beauty really don't mix after all - JUST KIDDING! It's probably just a DC thing - you know - seeing as it's such a conservative town and all. Guess I'll have to stay living in Hermosa Beach to continue enjoying shirtless hot men.)

Just learned of an interesting opportunity to get more involved with politics and am going to pursue it. No, not local, national.  No, I'm not going to share just yet because I don't feel like having any competition since space is limited. If it happens, I'll share. Otherwise, that's all for now.

I had a great meeting with an actor from The Office who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent. Just know he's hilarious and as delightful in person as he is on the show. Definitely someone I would love to represent because those are the kind of people who make what I do fun. And it's all about the fun while working real hard right?

I pitched my local church the idea of creating a meetup site for our church activities and I think they're going to go for it. There's got to be more people than just me who are seeking spiritual enlightenment and may just not know where to go right?

Are you? Visit www.churchofthebeachcities.net and come up and see me sometime (ala Mae West). I'll be the one running the slideshow for the service on occasion. It's been really fun doing it because it's kind of like a game between those of us doing it and the worship music director.

Which direction is he going to head next that isn't in order of how the songs are presented online? How many slides is he going to skip over? How long is going to stay on this chorus line? Which song is he completely going to ditch?

I love the mental challenge and have fun singing along loudly from the back hoping he'll realize I'm on to him and he can't lose me! Totally kidding, but it certainly does make you pay more attention when you're the one everyone is counting on for the screen display. I'm pretty good if I do say so myself.:)

I have been having fun writing copy for a dried fruit snack product that is absolutely delicious and I'm not just saying that. I hate eating fruit for whatever reason and really love this product. It's 1.5 apples per package and they're crunchy, light, non-greasy, french fry shaped snacks.

My friend Shana is always saying - eat an apple when you're hungry cuz it will fill you up which I just hated and never did. However, if I had this snack handy I know I would. Once I finish writing up their company backgrounder and the site goes live I'll share it with you. I promise you're going to get addicted like I am. They're that good. I just wish some of the local grocery stores would carry them sooner than later. We'll see.

What else? Oh, I have been thinking about Mr. NYC all day and wish he would magically reappear soon. I took his number out of my phone to stop texting/calling so much after watching the commercials for He's Just Not That Into You to see if it was true or not. We'll see.

Speaking of that film, I'm going to the premiere on Monday night. Can't wait because there's so many of my favorite actors involved and I think the movie looks very funny. I'm hating to see it on one hand because I've read the book and know I'll see myself on screen in certain scenarios. OY!

On the other hand, I think Bradley Cooper is adorable and would love to see him up close and personal. He's probably married. Don't worry I hold my crushes private in public. I am not a stalker. Repeat, I am not a stalker. :)

I'd be a pretty lousy personal publicist for celebrities if I did wouldn't I? Could you imagine how much trouble I'd get into if I acted on every silly crush I have had on actors that I bumped into at red carpet events? Too funny. Never going to happen cuz it's not polite and not in my character. Secret crushes for me!:)

Good thing too because I just received my schedule as press escort for the Oscars and I'm going to be pretty busy. Can't wait!

I think I'm finally getting sleepy now that it's almost 3:30am and am going to quit now. Have a good morning too ok?

DC bound - what a ride this has been.

By Joy A. Kennelly

I woke up this morning at 4:45am and for hours researched what was happening in DC, where I could stay, what to expect and corresponding with various new friends back east. Got my ticket to the Pre-inaugural brunch put on by my Congresswoman, Jane Harman which I'm excited to attend.

Bummed the adoptive family and my son will be out of town, but now that I know what the conditions are back there it's probably just as well. So many street closures, security, and people - lions, and tigers and bears oh my!

Turns out my Hermosa Beach Mayor, JR, and City Council Member, Michael DiVirgilio, are going to DC too. I will see them at the brunch which will be nice because I don't really know anyone back there. I do have friends going, but they're going with big groups and who knows if we'll connect. I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath.

I want to see some of the museums, art galleries and concerts. I actually like traveling alone because then you meet more new people and can just do whatever you want without having to check in with someone else. Although sometimes it's nice to share experiences too.

I'll just have to mix it up a little! Through some good friends I have located a place to crash for two nights for free out in Arlington which will be a new experience. I also found a couple cool places in the city through friends and this cool website which lists places to crash with people. I'm thinking of offering up my place some other time as a trade to get out of town more often. We'll see how this trip goes.

I've gone back east plenty of times, but never remember where my one girlfriend lived when I visited her last. Lately, I've just been going to where the adoptive couple lives and it's way out of town. I'm excited to explore again. I love DC. It's so beautiful and you feel such electricity in the air. I'm sure the city will be even more so now that Obama's inauguration is happening.

So, on the eve of my departure I still don't have a confirmed space although the woman I wrote earlier today who lives in the city said it was ok for at least Friday. OY! I do have back up and I'm sure it will all work out. I totally feel the way I felt when I went to Europe the first time - not knowing what to expect, having some feelers out in all directions and totally winging it.

I was debating earlier this week when I saw how cold it was going to be and when I still didn't have my place nailed down. However, two good friends encouraged me and the rest is history. One told me to think of all the hotties I would meet - that was motivation. I'm sure there will be a lot of handsome black men back there and they LOVE me!:) The other said to just buy gloves and toughen up, or words to that extent.

I'm so glad I did. I feel like I've tipped over the edge and am now free falling down the other side. Should be a very interesting few days regardless of what happens! Wish me well! I wish you well and will try to write updates on my new Twitter account - thejoywriterpr if/when I figure out how to do it!:)

Okay, that's all for now. I think my clothes are dry and I really must begin packing. OY! I have a 6am flight. Double OY!

Whew, my DC inaugural trip is slowly, but surely coming together

By Joy A. Kennelly

Have to admit, one of the reasons I haven't been writing is because I've been in a state of mental conflict on whether or not I should attend the inauguration because of certain considerations.

However, I'm pushing forward in a "radical step of faith" as one person has called my journey. I have a ticket to the pre-inaugural brunch by my Congresswoman Jane Harmon and a ticket to the actual inauguration which has made so many of my Democrat friends jealous and my Republican friends puzzled.

I can't let them down!:) I have a lot of good people in my life who are cheering me on and now that one good friend has just sent me a cool website with lots of leads, it looks like it might come together. I have to go research more now.

Will write more later!

Very busy right now - DC bound!

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've been enjoying doing quick updates on Facebook rather than long posts on here because I've been so busy.

I'm in the final countdown to heading to DC for the inauguration not sure where I'm staying yet, but am getting ready!

That's all for now. I've got too much going on mentally, professionally and otherwise to do my typical long-winded blogging.

Hope you're having a great week!

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a blessed day...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Today is Christmas in the United States and it's grey and rainy on the outside, but sunny in my heart! The sun will come out tomorrow, tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, come what may, TOMORROW, TOMORROW, TOMORROW, tomorrow...

Okay, you get the point.:)

Even though I haven't received a lot of Christmas cards because I switched addresses and didn't get my cards out early enough for people to know that, I did receive a very beautiful gift in the mail that I must share real quick.

Julia Bristow designs really beautiful unique, hand-crafted, nature-inspired art jewelry and when she read my blog about Chef David Linville's involvement with the recent LA Magazine's Food Event she decided to share some with me because I didn't receive any during the show.

Well, I've been so busy and thought for sure my old post office had returned them I didn't bother to pop by and pick them up until just the other day. I love my old post box people and they were so gracious as to save them for me even though according to the contract they had every right to return them and not care.

But they do which is why I'm giving out a shout to the little Post Office & More on the corner of 26th and Wilshire in Santa Monica located at 1158 26th Street. If you need a mailbox, go there. You'll be so happy with their service - I miss them already. lol

Back to my new earrings. They're really beautiful and delicate green earrings that I have decided are my favorite. I'll try to take a pic to share soon. She also enclosed a beautiful fruity broach which I shared with my friend Lauren because I'm not a broach girl. Just know it was very whimsical and adorable too which Lauren is enjoying.

I have to rush because I'm meeting my parents to drive to San Diego to spend time with my relatives, but just wanted to say Merry Christmas! I've been having a wonderful Christmas season and will try to upload some pix for you here. If you're on Facebook (click my new link to mine on the left and add me!), I've uploaded some there.

That's all for now! Have a good one and God bless.

Gotta tell ya - it's like a huge magella has been lifted off my back.

By Joy A. Kennelly

Now to get rid of one of the other bitches who is haunting me and life will be all good. I guess once a stalker, always a stalker, right? HA!

Can't complain too much though. Life is really rockin' and rollin' in a very positive direction. New info to be announced soon.

Life is good and so am I. LOL

I'm punchy. Give me a break. I've been in back-to-back meetings since 4pm and I'm tired. All good though!

Good night. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.

Somebody stop me...:)

Quick update then off to brecky and back to work!

By Joy A. Kennelly

I hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day holiday weekend. I still have mixed emotions about what I experienced, but have decided to focus on the positive, fun aspects (like speed boating, hearing a fun band and bumping into my good friends Shana and Rick up in Lake Arrowhead unexpectedly) and pray for the other aspects because it really is heart breaking. And that's all I'll say about that.

It's just taken me a few days to recover which is why I haven't been able to write. I'm very sensitive and when something bothers me it's hard to express myself through words. I just shut down and express myself in other more physical ways and/or go silent.

That said, I really just wanted to be with someone I loved and hide out all day on Monday. Alas and alack, that didn't happen. Remember that old song with the lyrics "Make the world go away, get it off my shoulders. Say the things you used to say and make the world go away."

Those were my sentiments exactly. Did have some shopping therapy at the Hermosa Fiesta though with my good friend/neighbor Lotus which really helped. She's a shopper!

Yesterday and today are new days. Got a lot of work done last night. Felt good to accomplish something that I've been needing to do for a few days. I still need to share pix and info from my latest South Bay Professional Connection at The Shore which I promise to do today. Finally have the time and joie de vivre to express the happiness that event brought to many of us.

Busy planning fun activities on my new Elite Singles by The Shore group which has been fun. Am going to be getting even busier now that my actor client,Domiziano Arcangeli, has hired me for red carpet appearances. Fortunately, I have a new assistant organizer who I will be meeting with and she and I will split some of the responsibilities. Whew...

Every time I make a list of everything I have going on I get a little overwhelmed. That's partly the reason I started the singles group - to force myself to stop working, get out and have some fun with new people.

Plus, then people know what I'm up to and can join me if they feel like it which takes some of the pressure off me from having to remember to invite people when I'm caught up with work. Not really looking to make a love connection out of it, but you never know.

Enjoying my new morning networking group a lot. I love being around motivated, positive people. Period. I was going to add something to that statement regarding others I know who aren't in the group and buggin' me, but decided to take the high road. I hate being lectured is all I'll say. Yo' not my mama!

Lots to do today too. Taking a few meetings, wrapping up some stuff, writing, and then hitting The Shore with some of my new meetup friends to hear the Kua' Ana band playing tonight.

Here's the blurb:

Kua’ Ana  (www.myspace.com/k2kuaana) 10:00pm 

 

Kua’ Ana brings the Hawaiian reggae vibe to the mainland, making you feel like you are back on the islands. The boys hooked up in Carson, CA after resurrecting the original Kua’ana lineup several years ago. Kua'ana soon found themselves performing at clubs up and down the West Coast. Kua’ana has had the honor of sharing the stage with numerous high profile musicians and comedians.

Doesn't that sound interesting and relaxing?

Now, off to brecky like my good friend Shana always says.

More laters. 

Age is only a number baby - Cougars rule... And America the Beautiful

By Joy A. Kennelly

Someone I don't know just sent me a link to Perez Hilton mocking Sharon Stone for dating a 24 year old, but I say honey, if you've still got it, flaunt it! Right?

Here's the link in case you're curious:  http://perezhilton.com/2008-08-19-sharon-stone-in-the-running-for-queen-cougar-crown - is this funny or what?

I'm missing my text boy toy a little bit, but if it's meant to be... HA HA HA! Who am I kidding? He's 26 years old! Still in college! A Junior no less! Too fun, but definitely not long-term material no matter how enticing the package. LOL

Just returned from a great documentary film that you really must see called America The Beautiful which exposes the cosmetic, fashion and beauty industry like nothing else has before. I'll write more in the a.m. because I'm too tired to now, but just know when it opens on Friday, you really must see it.

It is really eye-opening and thought provoking.

It actually brought up a lot of emotions for me too. However, that could just be because I'm pmsy. LOL TMI I know, but hey, what you see is what you get when you're reading my blog.

Okay. That's all for now. I must crash. Did another of my early morning networking meetings and I am soooooo not a morning person. However, for this group, I will be one at least once a week because if the business deal I just helped bring together happens, it will be a very good thing.

And that's all I'm going to say about that!:)

Have a good one.

What a difference sleep makes...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Time to move on and it feels good. Today's sermon was all about being patient and waiting on God's reward for your faithfulness. I took it to mean being patient as I wait on God to bring the right guy into my life seeing as Mr. right now's haven't worked out lately. LOL

Seriously though, I think I like living God's way more than my way because I'm just happier in the long run. Plus, I have way too much stuff going on right on now to focus on negativity and dwelling on stuff that's over now.

We've got some amazing musical acts booked at the Shore. I plan to share them with you soon. Now to get back to promoting all the events I have responsibility for.

The beach is calling my name - can you hear it? Work first, then play though.

Hope you have a good one. I plan to.

Just have to share! MD quits medicine to blog full-time since it's more money!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Very funny news that is actually quite inspiring. We've been discussing blogging on my online women's newsletter and my friend Jennifer posted a link to The New York Times article entitled, "My Son, the Blogger: An M.D. Trades in Medicine for Apple Rumors."

Read it and weep. Now if only people would pay me a lot of money to write about the gossip and politics of Hermosa Beach I could draw a six-figure income also!

Enjoy the read. Very interesting my dear Watson.

Girls just want to have fun (including Kathy Griffin...)

By Joy A. Kennelly

I don't know what those Greeks put in my iced coffee today, but it's 4:30am and I'm wide awake! It's the only thing I can think of. Just teasing. Or am I? That, plus the fact that I totally overdid my fun today and my back is telling me so in no uncertain terms. I'm waiting for the two Ibuprofen to kick in to put me to sleep.

Backs are so weird. When you're feeling good and not injured, you never know it's there. However, once you're hurt, then it feels like a hot burning rod that says, Here I am. Don't sit there. Wait, don't lie like that. No, that's not right either. Stop it. You're hurting me! OUCH! OUCH!

OY VEY!!!

Fortunately, I will have relief in the morning when I visit the doctor's office. Oh wait, it is morning. I don't think I've ever in my life stayed up this late except for..., oh let's not go there. Memories, like the corners of my mind. Is that the verse? I think I'm becoming delirious. Just kidding.

What totally cracked me up, is here it was 3:30am in the morning and since I'm not sleeping I think, let's see what all the other insomniacs watch. Lots and lots of informercials, but then, I flip to Bravo and guess who was on?

My new best friend, Kathy Griffin! I can not even believe it. I can't get away from that redhead. She was just what the doctor ordered. She's my Oprah. You know how other people turn on Oprah to escape their life? Well, I'm watching Kathy to escape my pain. Thank you Ms. Kathy Griffin.

Thank you too, for bleeping out the bad words. Although I have to admit, I did swear during a recent Hermosa Beach Planning Commission meeting which was televised, so I'm not innocent either. However, it's much more pleasant to watch your show sans the F bombs. Now if you could only teach Chris Rock to clean up his act too.

Wouldn't it be funny if someone washed out all the celebrities mouth's who swore on TV? Think of all the lives that could be changed by cleaner airwaves - young kids growing up realizing that the F word isn't an adjective. Teen-age boys realizing that the F word doesn't signify making love. 20 somethings the same thing. 30 somethings same thing. 40 somethings I don't know. Our whole world might have an expanded vocabulary!

I AM SO TIRED! Why can't I sleep? I'm telling you. Don't order Greek iced coffees if any one ever offers you one ok? Trust me, it's murder. My body is so tired, but my mind is racing a 100 mph. TURN OFF PLEASE! Generally whenever I've not been able to sleep before, I blog and then my mind goes calm and I can sleep.

So, back to Kathy. So, here I am, 3:30am in the morning watching Kathy go to a Bear convention. Now when I first heard the news, I thought it was for people who get off dressing up in bear costumes which is funny and weird as it is, but it's not that. It's gay men who look like bears.

Now that really is Life on the D list. Too funny.

Now what was so hilarious about this one is that Steve Woz, her beau (you know, the guy who created Apple Computers with the other Steve), actually looks like a bear himself and the bear gays were into him! Woz is such a crack-up because he's so brilliant and yet so naive it's really endearing. She kept calling him the Billionaire bear. Wouldn't you like to take him home with you?

I now see why Kathy likes him and vice versa. She's very smart. He's very smart. He's not phased by her act. She's not phased by his wealth. He accepts her for who she is. She accepts him for who he is. Isn't that what we all really want after all? They're adorable together.

I also learned why Tom, her male assistant, always looks so odd. He plucks out his top eyelashes! No wonder! I thought it was because he just looks bug eyed, but now that I know this... Makes total sense. Nothing against you Tom. You're a good man, but you have to know this isn't helping your appearance.

I should talk. I pull hairs out of my eyebrows just for the hell of it when I'm too lazy to do it properly. I figure I'm so blonde no one can really tell what my brows look like anyway, but every so often there's these little gaps that show up when I put color on them.

Stop looking at me! It's really not that noticeable, but since Tom shared his beauty secret, I felt I should share mine too. I'm bonding. Don't try this at home.

Now if these stupid Ibuprofen I just took would only kick in. I've been trying not to take any drugs because I find when I do, then I really over do it because I don't know when I'm hurting my back as easily. When I'm not, then I do. However, I'm trying to sleep so hopefully this will kick in soon. I really must get some Motrin and GoChi Juice asap.

GoChi Juice is a natural anti-inflammatory and also helps your sleep. When I was drinking it before I felt really good and slept really well. Now, without it. OUCH! Insomnia! However, I'm trying not to complain because who wants to hear someone going on and on about this? I don't. I bet you don't either.

But if it bugs you so much, stop reading ok? I'm not paying you right? Sorry, feeling a little grouchy. Meow. Hiss...

Okay, I think that's all I wanted to say. I just really wanted to have some fun today because I'm so tired of not being able to live my normal life since this accident. Guess I really need to baby myself which I don't like doing.

Oh, and nothing against the Greeks. I'm just teasing. I'm also just teasing when I refer to my friend as a Desperate Housewife. She laughed so so should you ok? Life's easier when you can laugh at yourself. Right Kathy?

Okay, time to try to sleep again. Opa!

Quick update then back to your regularly scheduled reading...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Spoke to my brother-in-law yesterday and he sounds in great spirits. It's really a miracle that he's not hurt worse than he is. I cried when I heard his voice because you never know how much you love someone until you almost lose them. He has always been a real sweet friend to me and a great husband to my sister.

Makes me tear up just writing that. Dwayno, you are loved!

I'm very grateful he doesn't have brain damage or any of the other serious injuries we were first told might have happened. He doesn't remember anything about the ambulance ride or the helicopter airlifting him to Denver from Breckenridge which is probably a good thing because he's in a lot of pain now even with drugs.

God is faithful. Turns out the guests visiting my sister up at the cabin included a former EMT who helped keep Dwayne stabilized until the ambulance came. He knew just what to do which I think helped so much.

Thank you for praying if you did/have. Please continue if you remember. We appreciate it!

What always astonishes me when bad things happen is how certain people react which makes me realize I didn't know them as well as I thought I had.

One person, who I considered a friend, when told the news about my brother-in-law's injury and possible brain damage that this is the worst thing that's happened to our family responded really cruelly like it was no big deal.

I let it go then thinking since she'd lost her job that day maybe her stress was making her speak like that.  Guess not. When I mentioned the pain in my back was really bad last night (ran out of my GoChi Juice!) as an excuse for not going out or driving anywhere far, she was even more cruel and self-centered.

My car is probably going to be totaled since the damage exceeds the value of the car. Now do you get me?

Another friend I've known for a long time handled Dwayne's crisis with such a cavalier attitude I was shocked and still haven't spoken to her it hurt so much. I guess people's true colors come out in time of need. Needless to say, I don't have time for people like that right now. Only kind, positive, caring people. Know any? I'm in the market for new friends. LOL

On a more positive note, very fun news to share. The Shore Restaurant and Lounge will be featured in the upcoming July 21 issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal in the LA Biz Seen section for the recent South Bay Professional Connection event we held there this past June. 

Yours truly will be featured along with the owners and some of the guests. Check it out! As soon as it's available, I'll upload it of course.

Okay, that's all for now. Hope you're having a great day! I am now!

I'll upload Domiziano's award announcement soon. Thanks for reading.

Thanks too for praying. Means a lot.

Very interesting info on the future and fun soccer pix

By Joy A. Kennelly

I belong to Peter Shankman's online community for media professionals and found his presentation at the Executing Social Media Conference very interesting. So much so, I'm giving you the link to all the conference presenters to allow you to keep up on trends in the internetsphere also.

You might see some names you recognize if you're into this sort of thing. Click here.

Yeah bloggers!

We rule.:) Always disappoints me though to see how few females are represented at these conferences and that  those who are have kind of lame presentations because they come from such a limited point of view since they work within a corporate environment. I may be generalizing, but...

Where are the maverick internet women who are entrepreneurs and have their hands in numerous pots like me? Oh well. Maybe I should hire someone just to pitch me as a speaker. HA! I was honored as a Who's Who in Technology years back for my work producing Internet World's first (and only) online Media and Entertainment Festival in case you didn't know. I would give you the year, but I always forget which one is right (2000 or 2001?) and don't want to confuse you.

For awhile there I was getting so many awards/recognition it was hard to track (she says modestly waving a fan in front of her face because it's so dam hot in here.) JUST KIDDING! Not about the awards, just about being modest about it! LOL When you're good, you're good. HA!!! Notice it hasn't happened in a couple of years. That's to keep my head in check. :)

Oh on another note, by the way, all the photos of The Shore's food and table setting are courtesy of Nathan Schirmer, photographer for hire. If you need someone to take food shots of your restaurant or interiors, then please consider hiring him. He's got a great eye and is very cool to work with.

Here's his contact info - don't abuse it please: 310.463.2793 nschirmer3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Let's see, what else? Oh, here's some fun pix from the weekend (can you tell I'm stalling? I'm waiting on someone to pick me up and it's going to be a bit before they arrive.) Pays to have VIP front row seats, eh? By the way, the U.S. creamed Barbados seven to zero if I remember correctly. Very exciting game! I used to play AYSO soccer as a young person and totally love the sport. I also love how patriotic everyone is. GO USA!!! Doncha love the flag shot?  That's my money shot. All reproduction rights reserved by Joy A. Kennelly 2008.

 

    

Whoops! Also, fundraiser some reading might appreciate

Just realized that some of my restaurant pix didn't come through. When I added them I think certain ones got deleted. I'll add more I promise. Just not now.

In the meantime, if this event is something you like, then support a good cause and attend!

On behalf of myself, Dr. Kevin Brown, and the Urban Health Institute, we would like to 
invite you to Party at the Playboy Mansion on May 17, 2008.

This year’s event promises to be a blast for all that attend with VIP  cabanas, casino 
lounge area, playmates, open bar, tours of the property, and much more!

Hosted by Khloe Kardashian and Jamie Gold w/ DJ Spindarella keeping it funky on the 
dance floor.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.uhievents.org or call 323-734-1222 ask for Lisa

$1,500 to play in the poker tournament (includes general admission) w/ a chance to win 
A SEAT in the WSOP Main Event and lots more

$ 500 for General Admission for those who aren’t up to playing in the tournament you 
can still try your hand in our Casino Lounge tables ( blackjack, craps, texas hold 'em) 
with a chance to win a trip for 2 to Bermuda ( air and hotel included) for 4 nights 
5 days and many more prizes!!

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Urban Health Institute www.uhinstitute.org – 
your general admission and tournament entry fee donations are tax deductible

Party for A Cause – Join us at the Playboy Mansion – May 17, 2008.

If you are unable to make it but would still like to send a donation to UHI please call
Lisa Palma at 323-734-1222 or visit www.uhinstitute.org to make an online donation

Tell a Friend – Spread the Word

Thanks!

Kevin Brown, MD

 

Not diggin' the birth control...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just have to share because this is so annoying. Granted, my moods are much calmer now that I'm on birth control, but is it really worth it otherwise? Now I feel drained and tired for two weeks rather than 3 days out of the month. I always forget to take it. I'm not having sex (my choice), so is it worth it to gain weight for naught? At least if I was having sex I'd lose some weight and tone up!

Just kidding, but still, anyone else have this same frustration? There's got to be other women out there who hate this process as much as I do, right? Why on earth did God ever give us hormones? Then I wouldn't have to be on this to begin with.

OY! In any case, just felt like sharing. Getting some loose ends taken care of. Not going to MX after all, but looking forward to getting away regardless. Might like where I'm going better anyway. Just wish I had a special someone to go away with, but need to take care of myself and just go regardless.

Maybe I'll meet someone up there!:) Going with an open mind, a relaxed spirit, and a friendly heart. Now that I've tried to smooth things out at my building I feel better about it, but just really need to get away. Busy looking for an assistant to help with the tasks I don't really need to be doing which will be awesome once I find the right person.

I'm also trying to wrap up all loose ends to help me focus my career direction because whenever I've done that, I always find success. Time to have some of that again. Okay, that's all. Lunch is calling.

Have a good one. Thanks for popping by. Maybe when I get back I'll have more oomph to entertain you more, but now...not happening.

Really slammed lately which precludes blogging

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've been queried privately why I haven't written any long blogs lately and to be honest, I've just been too overwhelmed to think of anything I'm dying to tell you all about. Plus, for some reason I'm actually enjoying having some privacy again. Novel concept, eh?

I normally never, ever nap in the middle of the day, but after working solidly since 7am this morning I thought I'd just close my eyes for 20 minutes to refresh before moving on to more client work. Well, that 20 minutes turned into three hours.

I guess I really needed it. I have been burning the candle at both ends with everything I've got in the hopper.If you want to read highlights and client updates on what's the haps, then you'll see more over at my "The Joy Writer PR Wordpress" blog. Click here.

Otherwise, I've taken to writing at my other blog just to entertain myself on subjects you all might not find interesting like book reviews and stories from my past. However, if you're curious, you can read all about it over at The Pregnant Pause wordpress blog. Click here.

I've also temporarily and indefinitely decided to put pursuing commercials on hold. Too busy and don't feel like it's worth the time and effort without being part of SAG etc. Taking my own advice to be one thing! A Publicist and it sure feels right.

Very excited about my upcoming Mexico Fam Trip next week too. It's kind of crept up on me which is putting more pressure to get even more accomplished, but it will all come together. It usually does. I just won't have a life until then!:)

What's ironic is that the trip consists of visiting lots of wineries and a Tecate brewery. I know some people who would have killed for a trip like this! All I have to say is should be fun (even though I'm not a big drinker.)

Right now I'm making my Bible Study and church attendance a priority. What cracked me up last night over dinner with my former client, Actor Domiziano Arcangeli, is that he thinks my renewed spirituality is a facade and the real (bad and dirty) Joy is hiding behind this facade.

However, I don't think so. I really want to get married and have been working real hard on developing the softer, more spiritual side of myself. I am a delicate flower, but how will any man ever find that out if all he finds first are the thorns? Just think ma, I'm blossoming into a whole new More woman!

Not to say, I don't have a wild side dying to come out, but for now... I'm pouring all my sexual energy into work. I need to find a gym too. Never thought I'd say it, but it's time. I'm ready to be social in healthy ways and am checking into the new Equinox Gym being built over on Rosecrans. We'll see.

Sounds amazing and I do love exquisite surroundings. Check it out here. Maybe by the time it opens I'll have all the clothes and motivation... LOL

I'm also planning to go to the big GoChi Conference in April which has over 5,000 attendees apparently and then West Palm Beach in May just for fun. Can't wait! I need a vacation!

Oh, look at the time... I better run. Don't want to be late for my amazing Beth Moore Bible Study called Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith. Lovin' the study and the women I pray with and for and study with every week.

Catch ya later.

Gen Art Fashion Show, Seal Beach, GoChi, The Lost Patrol

By Joy A. Kennelly

Enjoyed hanging out with a bunch of friends last night at the Gen Art Fashion Show downtown LA and then again today over in Seal Beach. Two very different experiences, and very fun. I love my friends.

I need to give my hands and shoulder a break from typing since I over-extended myself too much this past week and an old injury is flaring up... It will calm down and then you'll hear all with pix.

Just wanted to say sorry about the GoChi juice commercial that still plays! Didn't realize it would and don't know yet how to stop it. Hope you keep coming back regardless. I promise to look into it. I do rep GoChi Juice so if you're interested, shoot me an email via www.joykennelly.freelife.com and I"ll hook you up.

Otherwise, enjoying some cool space cowboy/David Lynchesque music by The Lost Patrol - check it out here.

Have a good one!

Here's another good love devotional for your reading pleasure

Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional
Welcome to Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website. We honor your privacy and time. If this newsletter no longer meets your needs, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter and you will be removed immediately.      

March 5, 2008

Love Out Loud

By Karen Ehman

 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

James 1:22 (NIV) 

 Devotion:

One of my favorite passages from the Bible is the "Love" chapter from 1 Corinthians 13. I remember being challenged to memorize it for an English class in my public high school in the 1980's. Even secular scholars have no doubt that this piece of literature is a beautiful work, flowing in its rhythm and captivating in its cadence. It is actually relatively easy to memorize. However, living out the words is a whole different story!

Let's pick up the passage in verses 4-8....

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

How would you describe your love for others? Are you a patient soul or do you drum your fingers and tap your toes while you stew and sigh not-so-patiently? Is it hard to bring you to a point of anger or does flying off the handle come much too naturally? Do you keep score with those who have wronged you, ready to dredge up the past and become "historical" to make your point? Do you boast? Got a case of the green envies? Ever been rude to someone? How will we ever learn to love the way this passage urges us to?

Here's an idea to help to flesh this out in real life. Make a copy of the love chapter on your computer. However, wherever the word love is used (or its pronoun 'it') leave a blank. Then try over the next week or so to be able to write your name in the blank when you have a chance to exhibit this quality in real life. Were you patient at the doctor's office today and, instead of grumbling while sitting in the waiting room, you quietly thanked God for the extra time and then used it to pray for others?

Write your name on the "________ is patient" line. Did you and another family member get into a heated discussion and you were tempted to bring up a wrong from the past but, with great restraint, held your tongue? Bravo! Write your name on the "________ keeps no record of wrongs" line. Were you kind to the grumpy cashier instead of being rude right back? Get out that pen and write away!

Be assured that if you take this challenge, God will give you lots of opportunities to practice displaying these wonderful characteristics of love. And you can count on others noticing the change in you as you seek to love out loud.

Dear Lord, help me to accurately reflect the love you show to us by my actions to others. When I want to live in the flesh, help me to walk in the spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Stunning sunset tonight - you catch it?

By Joy A. Kennelly

Been very busy, but happily took a quick break at 5pm to walk down to the beach and catch the setting sun. I only wish I'd brought my camera to show you the results! Absolutely stunning. It's why I chose to move back down here and why I'm still here (despite everything else going on.)

Got to enjoy the positive ions while you can! In any case, hope you're having a great week. You can catch my client updates on my wordpress blog by simply clicking on my name above. Lots of good things to report and things I'm working on.

More later!

A friend sent me this - enjoy the read!

(Just received this via email - did not write it. Wish I did though!)

A young woman went and told her mother about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong , hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”

Think: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?!

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you go forward in life when you let go of past failures and heartaches. When hope fills your days, it will also fill your heart.

Boys will be boys, but it would be nice if they'd grow up too...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just a quick aside. Again, I've been viciously attacked, but I wouldn't expect anything less from the boy who sent it. I say boy even though he should be an adult because it's immature and petty. I've confronted him privately on his facebook page and hope he realizes it needs to stop once and for all. This has been going on since last August. Enough!

Another man-child questioned my life and my blog where I mocked these boys. Apparently he didn't read any of my future blogs where I actually apologized for what offended him. I'm being deliberately obtuse because this is meant for them only. I will not be posting their comments.

In the future, if you don't have the guts to reveal your real name and real email, then I won't be publishing your comments. I put myself out there. You can too.

That said, this was just sent to me by a friend and felt rather appropriate in light of everything that is going on so enjoy!

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'  

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. 

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith for an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

 As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. 

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'   She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.  

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Pass this on as in this very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them.

And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.

'Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.'

What does love got to do with it? do with it? Everything...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Seeing as the people I want to hear this will read this blog more likely than my other one where I would rather write it, here I am again in the spirit of love and truth. Read on if you dare. LOL!

I'll share the message I heard this morning that really pierced my heart and caused me to cry in church. Not for reasons you would assume since I didn't have a valentine to share with and the message's title is "What We All Really Wanted for Valentine's Day."

However, perhaps a little. Sometimes it's hard to figure out where emotion is coming from and it's just there all of a sudden.

I've been asking numerous Christian friends to pray for me as I take a stand for balance in my community. As a result, I feel protected, supported and loved by them. However, when you ask God to use you and make you more loving, you need to be prepared for the consequences of that request.

When I went to Hungary to live and volunteer with orphan children my desire through that experience was that God would humble me and help me to have His heart for people. Living in substandard conditions, being deprived of any type of sugar and having to eat deep-fried bread as the main daily staple was a huge learning experience.

However, what really touched my life was the love and good cheer of these children who had absolutely nothing and were generally despised in their country because so many of them were gypsies.  For some reason I really related to their feeling of abandonment even though I grew up in a two-parent family that was, and is, intact.

I still don't know what part of me was moved to relate so closely to their life experience, but it humbled and broke my heart changing me forever. As I've told you before, for four years after that experience I collected toys for these orphan children and shipped them over during Christmas.

But that's not what I really wanted to write about today. When you ask God to use you and you ask that you have love in your heart for the people you're speaking to, that's when you experience growth. At least I have.

I know people in the community read my blog and also my comments on This is Hermosa, our community forum where people can voice their opinion on what has happened, and will happen, with our Downtown nightlife scene.

I've not cared what people thought that much and just spouted off my opinion, oftentimes angrily, oftentimes loudly because I've felt this issue is so important and it's time for change at any cost. Also, that anger was the only way to get my point across and be heard. As a result, despite my best intentions and sincerest intent, the message has sometimes been lost in the emotion.

What has also happened, is that things that weren't meant to be read a certain way, have been read completely different than my intent much to my chagrin, embarrassment, or sadness. However, I've set up certain people to expect certain things from me and as a result they expect them even when it's not true. (I know this is obtuse, but bear with me, I'm getting to my point.)

In any case, I've been challenged privately by family members and friends to consider how I'm saying what I'm saying and to share God's love, rather than just judgment. As a result, for the most part, I believe I've really tried to do that.

However, this weekend it became very evident that I hadn't accomplished my goal very well when an email I sent out to a group of concerned citizens I've been working with privately was completely misinterpreted and read as an attack by one man.

As a result, this person decided to viciously attack me back in front of everyone. I've been waiting for something like that to happen all along on the forum and have accepted it there often, but never expected anything like that to come from someone I like and respect and have supported. I was completely blind-sided.

Apparently he felt disrespected and doesn't like me, so my fault for thinking otherwise. I feel terrible he felt that publicly attacking me was the only way to express himself and that he took what I wrote so wrong. I also felt sick to my stomach that he felt so disrespected when that wasn't my intent at all. I've apologized and hope he accepts it. I've done my part. Now the ball's in his court.

What was more devastating was the lack of support I felt I received from people I've been working with for the past couple of months and considered friends. The attack was what it was. There were elements of truth to it which is why it stung so deeply and hurt more than it might of if it wasn't accurate, but that I can handle.

I welcome criticism (when constructive and when it reveals my blind spots because then I can work on these areas to change), but what I don't like is people acting one way with me in private, and then another way with others in public because they want to be liked by everyone, or are ashamed of me and my actions or opinions.

That rips me to shreds every time.  Be my friend, or hate me, just be honest. I'm honest. Be honest back. That's why I'll never be a politician. I'm too honest and blunt - not good at kissing butt and playing games, but I'm learning. It also helps to take a step back and let people do what they're going to do.

If they don't want to be deep friends, you can't force someone to do so. You can be hi and bye friends and then allow both of you to be happier because there are less expectations. Or as they say in Al-Anon - Detach with love. Still working on the love part, but again, I'm learning.

What I love about my Al-Anon group is that when I go there I can feel safe and just be me and share. Everyone may not agree, but they love me nonetheless because we're all works in progress. Plus, we've all been there in some way, shape or form.

We've either hurt someone by what we've said, or been hurt by what someone else has said, but we're learning. I love learning. What's cool to is that I've finally found a sponsor to help me work the steps again. I need that desperately.

I've worked the first five twice, but have always moved which has prevented me from continuing the remaining seven. This time I hope to stay put to learn what it is I need to. The 6th step reads, "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."

I am so ready, it's not even funny. When you keep getting pounded on the head with all your defects of character over and over and over and over again in different ways that keep getting more and more difficult to take, it's only a matter of time before you throw your hands up in the air and cry out, Ok God! I give up! Help me! Change me! I can't take it any longer! I don't want to be this person any more!

That's where I'm at. I don't want to be the person I am any more. I want change in my life. I want my life to reflect God's love in such a way that it's undeniable that He is the reason I am a different person because the change is so miraculous.

Not to say I think I'm so awful that I need a major personality overhaul, but there are definitely character defects that have been affecting all areas of my life and need to be eliminated once and for all. I feel only God can do it because I've tried so hard on my own and it's not working.

So, with that as the preface, here's the message notes from today.

I was a little worried that the guest speaker who was replacing Jim wasn't going to be as good, but I was pleasantly surprised. Greg Johnson is Jim's Brother-in-law and just as funny, (maybe more!) and quite insightful a teacher.

There were times when he was sharing you could have heard a pin drop. Since Jim was gone, of course his wife Sandy was gone too which meant we had a guest worship leader. David did a great job because he just has such an easy way about him and has fun leading us which is what music is all about anyway. Enjoyment and worshiping God.

I loved the electric guitar solo Steve, I think that's his name, did as our opening too. Gotta say, a man playing electric guitar is so sexy! Love it, especially in church. Stay away impure thoughts! It is church after all. But ladies, if you come, you'll see what I mean.

We have a very attractive music team I must say. And the talent there is really amazing. Monica Bruno sang a solo today and everyone burst into spontaneous applause afterwards. Really great singer. Plus, the drama was very funny and insightful too. Just love the creativity at this church. You must come visit some day.

So, without further ado, here's the message notes from today:

What We All Really Wanted for Valentine's Day

Everyone wants love... and a little something!

Ephesians 5:21:
²¹Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.

The pastor broke this down even more to describe the meanings of two words, Courteously: "Other centered; regard with respect and tinged with awe" and Reverent: "to act in a manner that provides dignity to someone else."

Whoa, this one really spoke to me. I haven't been doing that because I've been so angry at what's been going on in the Downtown area I haven't really cared. But God knew that it's easy to not be courteously reverent which is why it's included in the Bible as something to be. Okay, I'm listening God. I want that more in my life. I want to give it too.

1. Wives Want to Know They are Loved and Treasured.

A. A wife desires unconditional love from their husbands.
Ephesians 5:25:

   ^{25 -28}Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting.

Greg clarified this by saying, not unobserved love that doesn't have boundaries though. God is gentle, but direct. Learn to say the right things in the right way is what Greg suggested. Ok, I will.

B. Every man knows how to treasure what he truly loves.

Ephesians 5:33a
³³However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself...

Song of Solomon 8:7:

    ⁷ Many waters cannot quench love;
       rivers cannot wash it away.
       If one were to give
       all the wealth of his house for love,
       it ^[a] would be utterly scorned.

C. Harshness shuts down a woman's ability to feel safe.

Colossians 3:19:

    ¹⁹Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Greg explained that gentleness allows women to open up and feel emotionally safe and secure. It's hard to do which is why it's been put in the Bible. That is why I don't feel safe around that other man who attacked me. He was SOOO harsh it was a little overboard, but I have to realize that God must have felt I wasn't hearing the previous messages that had been said in nicer ways.

I like to think that things happen in our lives for a reason. Everything has a plan and purpose to it. This was just a life lesson I needed to learn obviously. I intend to grow from it no matter how painful it's been.

D. A treasured wife overflows with confidence and passion.

Greg has counseled a lot of couples during his time of being a pastor which gives him a depth and breadth of experience upon which to share with us. He said the greatest gift a husband can give a wife is to allow her to feel treasured because then she pursues her passions with confidence.

I've seen this in the couples I've worked with too. If the wife wants to be an artist and the husband wants other things for her and doesn't support and encourage her, she is not as confident in her life or artistic endeavors.

Those that are loved, supported and encouraged in their passions have such a different glow about them. They move forward in confidence and assurance that their husband is their greatest supporter and friend.

That's what I want in my life partner. That's why I admire certain marriages around me so much and why I want to spend more time with them. There's a common respect and love that just naturally flows between these couples which is really beautiful to see.

My friends Shana and Rick have that type relationship. I think that's why I like to be around them so much. They are true partners and supporters of each other, something I didn't really see exhibited growing up.

My family relationships have changed a lot now, but your parent's relationship definitely molds your view of marriage. Maybe that's why I'm still single? Probably one of the reasons... It's also the reason this past weekend was so painful. If you don't have a friend getting your back when you're being attacked when you're single, who do you have?

In any case, back to the message.

2. Husbands Want to Know They Are Loved and Respected.

A. A Husband desires unconditional respect from his wife.

Ephesians 5:33:
³³However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

This explanation I found very interesting: "women exert control by withholding respect which came as a result of the fall." I've not been very respectful of certain city council members or tavern owners which has affected my community relationships as a result.

I always forget how important respect is to men. I need to learn that better. I'm sorry to those I've offended unintentionally AND intentionally. Hopefully we can start over. Or not. Whatever you decide.

B. A wife must learn how to be a companion to her husband.

Genesis 2:18:

    ¹⁸ The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Greg shared how lately his wife, Sandy's sister, has taken to just coming and sitting with him while he watches a couple quarters of a game and how much that has meant to him. My ex-boyfriend always wanted me to just be with him even when washing the car. I couldn't understand why he needed me there when he could do it by himself.

However, it wasn't because he needed help. He just wanted my company. Now I understand. I want a companion in my life too. It's hard to be single and a business owner. What's nice though is I'm developing relationships with people to do business together which is new, but very welcome. I'm tired of doing everything alone. At least this part of my life is coming together. Now to work on the personal side.

C. Joining him in chosen activities inspires his life.

No Bible verse here, but Greg explained the motivation to share your husband's activities is to know this inspires him. Very interesting.

Now I know where I blew it in certain male friendships/relationships because I didn't understand why a guy needed me somewhere when he was surrounded by people and didn't seem like he needed me when he really did.

Sorry CT, JP and WS. Truly I am.

D. Admiration from a wife costs so little and does so much.

1 Peter 3:1-2:

¹Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ²when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

This one really spoke to me too. A friend of mine is in a relationship I don't necessarily approve of or see going anywhere (which is none of my business which is why we've agreed to disagree and not discuss it any more out of respect for our friendship.)

When I heard this verse I was struck that she is living her life in such a way as to win this man over by virtue of her life.  However, I wonder if it really applies since they're not married? I don't know, but love both of them so whatever God has in store... None of my business.

3. Kids want to know they are secure and safe.

A. Closely watching a good marriage gives kids hope.

Proverbs 22:6:

    ⁶ Train ^[a] a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Greg explained that the way was similar to a rut in the road, or a bend in the bow. Hard to not see.

4. Everybody Wants to Know They are Loved and Forgiven.

1 John 4:10:

God Is Love

This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.

This is the verse that really made me cry. That God would love me just as I am - judgmental, critical, angry, impossible, bossy and whatever else you want to call me, just as I am. As the old Christian cliche says, I'm not perfect, just forgiven.

My desire is to share God's love and to do that I have to feel God's love. You can't share what you don't experience. So, my goal is to receive the love that people have given me and express myself in love too. I may not always succeed. In fact, probably will often fail.

However, just know that this is something I'm working on. It's my deepest desire that you experience the love of God and if I'm hindering your ability to see God, then that's what needs to be changed. I'm sorry and ask your forgiveness. Probably won't be the first time I ask it, nor the last, but just know I'm saying this sincerely.

Okay, that's all. Gotta run. Have an awesome Sunday.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you have a love-filled day!

Check out the wrap up of my latest Valentine's Day event

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just updated my The Joy Writer PR wordpress blog with all the pictures and information from The South Bay Professional Connection and Spa Riviera's recent Pre-Valentine's Day event featuring Actress Maria Rangel.

Check it out!

Very surprised to learn this, but happy too...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just learned how to analyze my stats a little better and learned that I receive 1700 unique hits a month! Also, that roughly 20 people subscribe to my blog which means they like to receive copies of whatever I'm writing. WHOA! Too interesting.

Anyone care to advertise? I welcome all requests, but reserve the right of unconditional refusal.:)

Makes me feel good, but also curious as to who all these people are!?:) Hello gentle readers. Thanks for thinking I write things you seem to find interesting. Trying to get more diversity above and beyond Hermosa Beach, I promise!

You can always check out my other wordpress blogs: The Joy Writer PR, The Pregnant Pause, LA Cast Joy, for some other musings.

You can also just Google my name people, or even the name of this blog - Pure, Unadulterated Joy. I'm number one in Google and generally whatever I link to shows up in the top ten Google searches too.  Very valuable Search Engine Optimization I've been told. Now to learn how to monetize it!

Hope you're having a great week! I am. Lots of good stuff percolating with good news to report soon! Rumor has it the Writer's Strike might be ending soon too - thank you God! I don't know about you, but I miss my TV shows! Go Writers Go! Hurry up and settle Studios. Enough's enough.

I did receive a funny email from a writer/producer associate of mine, Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein aka The Script Broker, with a link to a funny response to this whole issue. I guess when you're creative, you're creative whether you're getting paid to be or not!

Check it out here. All the latest news on the Writer's Strike is also available on that site too. Very informative. Writers, we write. That's just what we do.

Enjoy!

Christine Kane is one of my favorite blogs to read...

By Joy A. Kennelly and quoting Christine Kane

Hi Everyone, If you've never read anything by Christine Kane before, you're in for a real treat. This woman is a musician, teaches creativity, and runs these amazing retreats in the woods of North Carolina that I'd love to attend one day.

I'm taking the liberty of posting her entire blog here because you really must follow this woman! I just love her wisdom and freedom to be the full expression of who she is meant to be. She is someone who inspires me, encourages me, challenges me and makes me laugh.

Here's a link to her blog.  Tell everyone you know! We all need to apply what she has to say. Think of what an amazing world it would be!

Enjoy the read!

The Architecture of Delight

January 3rd, 2008 by Christine Kane

The final Great Big Dreams retreat of 2007 happened over this past weekend. On Saturday, I was talking with one of the participants. I’ll call her Vanessa. We were talking about her daughter who is famous and successful in the arts. After she told me of her daughter’s many successes, awards, and world travels, I asked Vanessa, “Is your daughter happy?” She scrunched up her face and said matter-of-factly, “Hmmm. No. Not really. Not at all.” We both cracked up. The American Dream.

It’s interesting that so many of us clamor for some vague idea of success or goal-setting without considering our own delight in the process. It would be funny if it weren’t so depressing!

I’ve been guilty of neglecting my own joy, and forgetting the things I most love. Several years ago, I was touring almost constantly. I was working hard just to keep my office, employees and independent record label going. I got into such a rut that my lack of delight began manifesting in unhealthy behaviors - drinking more often, eating crappy food, a perpetual distractedness with my friends and family, and a constant fear of “not enough.” On the outside, you probably wouldn’t have known it. But on the inside my heart was breaking.

Eventually, I hit a serious emotional low and decided to take some time to myself. I took many hikes in the woods. It was hard to do this at first because I couldn’t connect to nature. I was all wrapped up in my head and lost in thoughts and to-do’s.

Then one day, as I passed by a blackberry bush, the wall around my heart cracked open slightly. I absolutely love blackberries. Not for their taste. But for how they look. I stood there and just stared at the blackberries as tears fell down my cheeks. It dawned on me that in my quest to make it as an artist, I had adopted obsession and forgotten delight.

When you adopt obsession, you require hard hits of big things to wake up the you that has become numb. It’s as if food has to be spicier, saltier, and fattier. Music has to be louder and faster. Moments need to be “events” to get you to notice them. It takes more flash to feel good. It takes more bling to be present.

When you remember delight - you taste, you express, and you smile. You remember to feed yourself and be fed. You remember to notice. You cherish.

It’s the difference between a vacation at Disney World, and a week at an old beach house that smells like salt air and ocean spray.

Why is delight important?

Delight is a “now” word. Delight is about living in the moment - but without having to prod yourself to “be present.” Delight shifts your energy so that you become “attractive” and happy. When you are attractive and happy, then effortlessness has a way of delivering your success to you, rather than you having to “work hard” for it all the time. Also, when you are happy and when you allow delight in your life, then “working hard” isn’t so hard. In fact, it’s more fun.

One of Abraham-Hicks’s daily messages in 2007 was this: “A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moment, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life.”

Delight is that moment.  Delight shifts your chemistry. It removes the resistance.  It teaches you how to allow effortlessness.

We all know that, of course. And we nod and think, “Yea yea - I need to do something about that.” And then we don’t.

But have you ever considered that it might be imperative to make space for delight in your life?

Do you recognize that delight and joy might actually attract more of your goal to you as you take action steps towards it?

I’ve discovered that the more I’ve opened up to delight in my everyday life, the more I allow it in my work life, too. The more I move toward delight in my work, the more unexpected opportunities show up.

Here’s a random example: At the end of 2006, I began teaching creativity to leaders of the Federal Government. This training happened every other month throughout 2007. (And will continue throughout 2008.) In spite of all of the objections in my head (”You’re a songwriter! You can’t do this!” “Who do you think you are? This is just weird!”), I started realizing that I’m good at it - and that I really love doing it.

So I acknowledged that and kept re-designing my class and looking forward to flying to DC every other month. I got two raises during the year. And I’ve now had several businesses and corporations contract me to teach creativity to employees after finding out about my classes. I have yet to advertise or to put up a website about these trainings!

I’m now convinced that delight is one of the best ways to create effortlessness.

5 Simple Ways to Invite Delight

I still get in ruts, even now. But I’m faster at finding my way out of them. I’m more tuned in to recognizing when I’ve abandoned delight. And I know that the fastest way to get me back on track is to take some time to shift into enjoying something in the moment - rather than trying to push through the pain. Here are five ways to tap into your own delight:

1 - Create a “Here’s What I Love” List

This is an on-going list in your journal. Just write a list of a hundred things you love. If you can think of more, write them down. But write at least a hundred. From the way your dog’s ears bounce when you take her for a walk, to watching West Wing re-runs to strawberries in the summer. Call it your Master “Here’s What I Love” list. Just creating it will open your heart.

2 - Create a “Fun To-Do’s” List

This is a list to have on hand when you forget to have fun. You don’t have to come up with 100 things, but it’d be great to get at least 20 things. Be sure to include stuff you used to love when you were a kid, just in case you might try them again some time. (Don’t forget swinging on swings, jumping on trampolines, and throwing water balloons!) What is fun for you? What gets you excited? What do you love doing? Put it all down.

3 - Create a “Friends I Want to See More” List

I called my friend Beth right before Christmas and left her a message. In it, I pointed out that we had seen each other only thrice this entire year. (Though I didn’t actually say “thrice.”) Whenever Beth and I get together, we usually laugh so much, I think it boosts our immune systems for a few months! It’s so easy to let time slip by without hanging out with your most cherished friends and family. Make a list of people you love to be with - and then call them and make some plans.

4 - Consciously choose to enjoy something in your day

Let’s say you’re at work and you’re giving a presentation. Let’s say you usually despise doing this. Try shifting it. Pretend you like doing it. Look around at the people, feel the funny blips of fear in your stomach, smile to yourself and have some fun! I started doing this on stage in the past few years - and it’s really changed how I show up as a performer. To just have fun in some of those moments and realize that this is where you are right now - this can be so liberating. You might even find that you can delight in things that you never even liked before!

5 - Do things imperfectly on purpose.

Let go of perfection. I know this is a hard thing to do. But it can really add to your delight to just do something because you want to do it - not because you have to do it well.

————-

Final Note: This article was scheduled to be posted yesterday, but it snowed here. And we woke up to a blessed shadowy white morning, and I opted to walk outside with my dog - who delights in snow while I delight in her delighting in the snow. I’m happy I waited!