Ink on my fingers

~ My Creative Life: Danielle LaPorte ~

I first discovered my next Creative Life interviewee when her book, Style Statement, was recommended to me a few months ago. Tumbling happily into the land of writer & speaker Danielle LaPorte, I started reading her blog, invested in a Fire Starter session for my business and found so much inspiration from how unashamedly she walks her talk. In her varied career she's been the executive director of a Washington-based think tank and run her own communications company for 10 years, so it's no wonder budding entrepreneurs will travel far and wide to hear her speak about everything from guerrilla marketing to life purpose. She's also a commentator on the CBC TV show, Connect With Mark Kelley.

It's an honour to have Danielle on my blog today, and, just for fun, I'm sharing some thoughts over on her blog today too - on video, no less! Two for the price of one.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the white hot truth of Ms Danielle LaPorte...

SC:  Yours seems like truly vocational work – how did you get to this place?

DL: I think you should be mindful of how you refer to your work in the world (career, j-o-b, chore, calling, service...) and so I love the word "Vocation." It's rooted in voice. I got to this place - this place of earning my living by voicing my perspective - in part due to a severe allergy to conventional business and bullshit corporate policies. So that pretty much kept me from ever getting a real job. I got here by asking, relentlessly, for what I wanted, whether it was for a better position, a new gig, a better rate at the bank, or asking the universe to help me realize my dreams. I asked. And I believed.

Speaking in public is most people’s worst nightmare – how you prepare to blow your audience’s mind?

I intend to be useful, really useful. I'm clear that I'm there to teach, so there can be plenty of poetry and theater (that's where kimonos and killer boots come in,) but everything has to circle back to being practical. No filler.

I prepare. I think about four key nuggets that I'm most inspired about and I make sure I hit those notes no matter what. I'm transparent. I tell my story with plenty of vulnerability. I'm righteous. I don't apologize for my very strong opinions. And I pray. Before I get on stage, I say micro-prayer, it's one word: shine. I want us all to be shining and radiating and high on life by the end of our time together. So far, so good.
Describe a typical workday.

- Wake up in a cuddle pile with the kid and the man, and the dog at the end of the bed.
- Check email quickly to see if anything stupendous has happened overnight. Immediately feel guilty about checking my email.
- Look for Spiderman or Batman paraphernalia, and walk the munchkin to school.
- Call a girlfriend on the walk home. Usually Candis.
- Stretch. Pray or read something inspirational (or trashy.) Make pot of Yogi Indian Spice Tea with Honey.
- Crank my "Devotion Emotion" or "TranceBoomYa" i-Pod playlists.
- Depending on the day (I do the Entrepreneurial Time Management System) I'm at my Mac writing, jamming, you know, rocking the world. If I'm not writing for my site or others', I'm doing Fire Starter Sessions with clients, or working on distributing my new stationery line. And when I'm not doing those things, I'm lost in creating my next book - and selling it.
- On Wednesdays I record my segment of a new CBC TV show, Connect With Mark Kelley. And that evening, if my husband isn't doing a night shift (he's a fire fighter,) I do a 5 Rhythms  dance class and sweat my prayers out.
- Most days involve milk chocolate. On the days when I have to cook, I stress out about it and wish that the man were cooking that night, and then I suggest that we go for sushi.
- Hot bath with lavender.
- Stay up too late watching the newest documentary DVD.
 
What does true success look like to you?

Creative freedom. Deeply nourishing relationships. Fat cash. Helping to create aha's and ease for people. Social responsibility and effective philanthropy. Stirring the cosmic melting pot. Thick gold hoop earrings. Trust.

How has motherhood changed your way of living/working/creating?

When my son was born, I realized on a very deep level that, if I was going to teach him to live according to his own agency, that I myself had better up my game. And I committed to live more artfully and passionately. I became more creative when he came into my life. And less willing to suffer fools.

What books/music/blogs etc do you love?

READ:
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
The Astonishing Power of Emotions by Abraham-Hicks
Anything by Krishnamurti, Alan Watts and Pema Chodron
Grace and Grit by Ken Wilber
Beauty by John O'Donahue

LISTEN:
Antony & The Johnsons
Stadium Arcadium - the Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Big Time Sensuality - Bjork
The latest Jason Mraz
American Prayers - The Doors

CLICK:
Seth Godin
The TED talks
Abraham Hicks

How do you balance your online life with you off-line life?

I don't. And I don't believe in "balance." Balance is not the stuff of greatness, and the pursuit of it causes stress. I believe in proportion. A lot of love, a heaping amount of focus, and plenty of room to follow my heart and take a nap when I need one.
 
What three things could a creative entrepreneur do to make their business rock even harder?

1. get clear on your core desired feelings - they're driving everything whether you're conscious of it or not.
2. know your Hedgehog Concept, or call me for a Fire Starter Session.
3. always be the giver.

You're having a dinner party and can invite six famous people from the past or present - who would you choose?

Bruce Mau, Leonard Cohen, Jesus, Oprah, Isis, Meister Eckhart, Joan of Arc
 
What is the message you want to share with the world? (in other words, what do you consider to be your life’s work?)

Truth is freedom. Freedom is all.

* * * * *

Danielle, thank you so much for sharing with us today. I love that you're a fire starter, and your husband is a fire fighter - sounds like a passionate combination to me :)

[photo of Danielle by Anastasia Photography}

~ The Photo Album ~

Speaking of books, my copy of The Photo Album finally arrived this morning and I'm thinking it's a thumbs up from the universe - a gentle nudge that says get on with it woman - for this lovely book includes one of my favourite Polaroids! In fact, this is the first time one of my photographs has been published in an actual honest-to-goodness real-life book, so i guess it's a red letter day all round.

Put together by Frankie magazine in Australia, The Photo Album contains 110 photographs collected from photographers all over the world, and I'm so happy to be in the mix with lots of my Flickr pals.

If you like dreamy light, balloons, thoughtfulness and whimsy, this is definitely the book for you; i can't wait to see what they cook up for Volume Two.

~ a little hello ~

[This is Bath; i left my plug adaptor and USB lead at home like an idiot!]

The day before my flight i had the beginnings of a cold and now, on my second day in this beautiful European-flavoured city, i am a mess of blocked sinuses and used tissues. Yesterday i walked around Jeanine's neighbourhood, snapping a few Polaroids and foraging for coffee and books; as i currently have only two working senses, i'm fascinated by how we usually interact with a new place. I have no sense of taste or smell, so i can't tell you what the food is like, or what the streets smell of. And, most uncomfortably of all, my ears are blocked, so my hearing is so impaired i'm walking around feeling like i've a glass helmet on my head. As my new course is all about the senses I've been noticing how much more my eyes want to work to compensate for the lack of anything else - everything is so much bigger and more colourful suddenly. I also now realise how important taste and smell is for making you want to eat (i have no appetite) and how incredibly inward you become when you can't hear what people are saying.

What's also interesting is that despite all these physical discomforts, I feel incredibly comfortable here. I was a little wary of the language issue, considering that i don't speak French, but everyone i've met has been a) bi-lingual and b) so nice it hasn't been a problem; shamefully, my school-girl French is but a distant memory. Right now Jeanine and I are sitting in her favourite cafe, typing away on our laptops while our coffees cool and African beats pump through the speakers attached to the wall. Tomorrow we leave early to drive to Squam, making our way to the border and on through Vermont and New Hampshire; i can't wait to see if the leaves have changed colour, and what the journey has in store for us...

[I've shared a few words and pictures over on This Joy + Ride this week.]

~ Housekeeping ~

[Perfume oil samples from Scent by the sea; gorgeous print (and magazine!) from Paper Cameras]

I'm not sure I can squeeze more into my brain today; it feels like every single cell is full of thought and all it will take is a gentle knock for the whole lot to explode like wishes from a dandelion. I'm taking the afternoon off to go on a photo safari around Bath with my new pal Angie Lemon (whether we take photos is another matter, as I have a feeling we'll be too busy imbibing frappacinos). The sun is out and this girl desperately needs some fresh air.

The reason for the brain-jam is that I am busy creating fun things for Unravellers to do. The new course, Unravelling Further: Exploring the Senses, is shaping up into a course I really want to take myself, so that's always a good sign! I've been getting a lot of emails asking about dates and when i'll be launching the photography class, so i wanted to do a bit of housekeeping today:

Up-coming dates:

Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self starts Monday September 28th... enrollments begin Tuesday September 1st.

Unravelling Further: Exploring the Senses starts Monday October 12th.... enrollments begin Monday September 7th.

If the registration days are anything like last time the places might go fast, so the best thing to do is be on the mailing list as i'll be sending out an email the minute the registration pages are live on my website.

The photography class I've mentioned here before is not just simmering on the back burner, it's positively boiling and trying to catch my attention! I have so many ideas for this class and can't wait to get started on it. As this autumn is already so full of trips abroad and a new course, I'm planning to run the photography class in the spring - most likely March-time, when the world wakes up again and there'll be plenty to photograph. I'll be sending out updates in the newsletter as they happen (i'd run this course tomorrow if i could - so many juicy plans brewing).

If you want to chat more about it, please do get in touch.

* * * * *

In other news, this blog was featured in a recent Typepad webinar, entitled 5 Elements of Professional Looking Blog Design, presented by Niya Sisk and Andy Wibbels - you can fast-forward to 29:50 to see Ink on my fingers, but it's actually a really interesting and useful broadcast that's worth listening to all the way through. And, of course, props must go to my web designer Jo who took onboard everything i asked and created this page (which i am still loving so much!)

~ Pola gratitude No. 3 ~

I've been having fun being a rent-a-blogger this week: I'm sharing my favourite things over in Holly's space, decor8, today... my first column for the Wishstudio is now live... and I'm sharing five photography tips for the weeked over on Simply Hue. It's been a busy week! Last of all, if you're in need of an inspiration boost, go soak in the wisdom of this crazy-talented woman: Danielle LaPorte.

~ Being visible ~

Something really unexpected happened yesterday. Abby and I were in town; we'd had lunch out and were perusing the high street, drawn to shops with air conditioning (it was insanely hot yesterday). As we were nearing home time and starting to flag, we popped into one last shop for a last-minute present, and to try on a few of the dresses that were on sale. We were helped by a lovely young woman, who was wearing the most fabulous top (from here; i asked her). On our way out we paid, did our usual sister-comedy routine at the till when we realised we'd forgotten wrapping paper and a card, so doubled back, chose some, and paid again (are you keeping up?)

It was when we were about to leave that the lovely woman in the fabulous top looked at me and tentatively asked: 'Is your name Susannah?'

'Yes it is,' I said, feeling my face flush a little.

'I read your blog,' she said.

Friends, this has never happened before! I was two parts embarrassed to one part thrilled. It was humbling and weird and lovely, all at once, and completely made my day. We chatted for a bit before Abby and I made our exit, and when I got home i mused on how my word for the year  - visible - has now officially been achieved. Paula, I'm so glad you said hello!

* * * * *

In other news, I've been rather visible on the internet over the last week or so - i know, i know, it's an addiction. You can find me chatting about the creative life over on Create Well... Create Often, and I'm moaning talking about my rainy summer in a guest post for the lovely Stephanie Levy. And if that's not enough, you'll find my final Super 16 column for Paper n Stitch here. 

Happy Wednesday! and ps. i have a Creative Life interview to share with you tomorrow that i am really excited about......

~ Making Monday a little brighter ~

[Poppytalk Handmade photographers - clockwise from top left: Tricia McKellar, Alicia Bock, Angie Muldowney, Sophik, sfgirlbybay, Futurowoman, Unravelling]

The new Poppytalk Handmade market, Here Comes the Sun, launched today and looking through the photography section I see I'm in very good company and wanted to share a few of my favourites - don't we all look great together? Jan's market always draws such incredible talent and I love how each market ends up looking like a curated art exhibition.

My Polaroid-loving twin, Alicia Bock, is also in the market, and our Favorite Things pairing for today is quite possibly my favourite so far (though i seem to think that every week). We're already on week 35 of our project and are seriously thinking about putting together a little Blurb book of our adventure in transatlantic Polaroids.... we'll see how we get on.

And last but definitely not least, Holly and Ez have launched the new desktop wallpapers for summer over at Kindred and I'm thrilled to be one of the ten artists featured! There's fabulous work by some seriously talented women including Alicia, Sarah Ahearn and Jessica Gonacha - i think i'm going to be changing my computer's wallpaper on a daily basis :)

~ Is there a doctor in the house? ~

[perfectly pixie Penny, last Friday]

Dear blog,
I really miss you.
I was doing okay - thought i was on the mend, seemed to be getting my energy back and then bam, I'm sicker than before.
It wasn't Penny's fault - we had a lovely day together on Friday.
It wasn't Kim & Deb's fault when I met them for coffee on Saturday.
It was my fault for trying to do too much, not just then but over the last few months.
I need to pace myself.
I get it.
I'm learning my lesson.
I sure do miss you, blog. I have lots I want to share with you.
Like this interview i did with lovely Jena over on Modish Biz Tips.
And that Roid Week has started on Flickr.
And best of all, that the Summer Unravelling class has started
and my new Unravellers are a wonderful bunch
who are keeping me going with their infectious enthusiasm.
Thank goodness.
So,
that's all i got today.
I need to lie down.
Again ;)

~ Happily unravelled ~

Today is the last day of the Spring Unravelling e-course and it has been an amazing ride. I've just posted the last video from me on the course blog, and I would never have dreamed I'd feel as comfortable as i do on camera now. Well, i'm not about to audition for day-time TV, but I have really enjoyed being able to connect with participants in the flesh, so to speak. And judging by the wonderful feedback I've been getting from them, the unravelling process has been working its magic, not only guiding them to look at themselves in new ways, but also facilitating connections within the group. I've been the leader, but it's the Unravellers who've made the class a success; it's been really humbling watching them support and champion each other's progress. You guys all rock!

I just wanted to swing by here to wish you all a happy Easter/long weekend. It'll be my three-year blogiversary on Sunday, so i may stop by with some new Polaroids. But there's lots to be done before then - enrollments for the Summer Unravelling course start next week, so if you'd like to join us on a new adventure please do join the mailing list as I will be sending out an email when the enrollment page goes live on the website.  Places are limited so it's best to enrol early to secure your place.

If you're not sick of me yet, I've shared some of my favourite things over at Simple Lovely today, and a photo that really inspires me at Things We Make.

xo

Bid for blogosphere domination #26

Every Tuesday you'll find me over at Paper n Stitch sharing my Flickr favourites in Super 16, a curated montage of photo inspiration. Brittni always has such gorgeous finds on her blog - have you seen the Paper n Stitch shop? - and she's very bravely asked me to write a wee photography column for her. How could i refuse, when i'd be talking about my favourite subject?

I'll be back here tomorrow with my Polaroid guide, something I've been promising lots of people - it's coming!  Thanks for all your PMS love - if you follow me on Twitter you'll know exactly where i am on that front. Starting to understand why they say Twitter's addictive - it's like gossiping around the office water cooler from your own home.