San Francisco Womens Journal » My Time

Astrology: 5 Ways Leo Stokes the Creative Fires

SFWJ — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:45:20 +0000

Jamie Kahl

Leo (July 22-Aug 21) is the most creative, expressive sign, there is, and that’s a gift! This can be hard to remember when your friendly neighborhood Leo is being loud and showing off.

by Jamie Kahl , SF Bay Area Astrologer

But the real purpose behind bad Leo behavior is to get in touch with one’s playful, innocent inner child, open up creativity and express one’s real self. Leos at their best are friendly, effusive, warm, welcoming and authentic. Here’s some advice for Leos (and the bit of Leo in the rest of us) on the path to self-discovery and creative expression:

1. Be appropriately self-centered.

This is a delicate balance. Love yourself without arrogance as a flawed-but-beautiful human being: one of many, all of equal importance, holding yourself as your own special charge. You are the shepherd of your own self, the guide of this body, this mind, this heart, this soul, this being. Cherish this person you were given to be.

2. Shine on everyone.

Leo knows a very special secret: that attention is the most valuable commodity in the world. Everybody wants some and almost everybody wants more than they are getting or a different quality of attention than they’re getting. When your Leo side is badly-behaved, it will pull you to grab attention—any attention at all. When your Leo side is healthy, you give attention as the Sun gives sunshine—naturally, because you cannot help it, and because you simply love to share.

3. Be a role model.

Be a leader. Stand up, be seen, be visible. Chief obstacles to this include embarrassment and fear of looking silly. But don’t let them stop you! If people don’t have other people to look to, how can they learn to live? If there’s something you’ve figured out about how to live an excellent life, model that, be that, show that to the world. I’ll betcha someone around you needed to see it in action.

4. Play.

Be a child. Have fun. Get so absorbed in what you are doing that you forget how others see you. Engage others in the fun you are having. Taking a playful approach to just about anything opens up creative channels and allows for relaxed, right-brain thinking.

5. Never underestimate the importance of your unique, authentic creativity.

Leo exists to remind us that the individual point of view is important. Modern physics tells us that the center is everywhere—and nowhere. This means the center of the universe resides in you just as powerfully as in anyone. Your point of view matters, and the creative flow that can come forth only from you and you alone is absolutely crucial to the workings of the whole.

Give Leo credit. It’s not easy to be your truest, most authentic self in front of God and everybody. That’s scary stuff. Occupy your whole social footprint—no more, no less, and the Leo in you will be happy.

* You don’t have to “be” a Leo to feel like one. Everybody’s got at least a little Leo inside (and sometimes a lot); even if their actual “sign”, (i.e. Sun sign) is something else.

Read more about Leo on Jamie’s Astrology and Personal Empowerment blog.

And if you’re not a Leo, check out Jamie’s other articles on Gemini, Taurus, Aries and Cancer!

Jamie Kahl is a professional astrologer with 30 years of study and 18 years of practice in Berkeley, CA. She specializes in showing women the power of feminine archetypes in everyday life. She does readings for individuals, couples and families. She also teaches classes in person in Berkeley and online.

Jamie believes that every human being contains the seeds of greatness, and that your astrology chart is the finest shortcut to accessing it. Using your chart as the “owner’s manual for being you,” Jamie can help you have satisfying relationships, enjoy career success, discover your life purpose and navigate your path in ways tailored to work uniquely for you. Learn more at Pandora Astrology.

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Increase Your Energy by Check’n Out to Check Back In!

SFWJ — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:09:16 +0000

Nikki Anderson

This past week was one of ‘those’ weeks. I had to get a lot done in a short amount of time with less energy than ‘normal’. During these times, there are always two voices that speak to me.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

The first goes something like this, “Just push through it- get another cup of extra strength decaf so you won’t have to feel so tired. After all you need to get this done if you want to be successful.”

The second voice sounds like this, “If you want to do quality work, you need to take a rest and honor your health. Everything will be fine, EVEN if you take a break.” At different times both voices sound incredibly compelling. However, as of late the later has been more prevalent albeit a bit scary to trust.

Listen to What Your Body is Telling You

Sometimes as women, our energy level dips. At least mine sure does. And, I always have the choice to try and mask what my body is telling me with preservatives, caffeine, extra doses of vitamins, and I’m sure I could come up with more ‘additives’ to keep me going.

The thing is do I really want to do this to myself? Is ‘success’ or my ‘image’ so important that I’m willing to sacrifice my health?

Good Health AND Success at Work

Or perhaps I could have both – success and conviction around honoring my health and energy. I forget that this doesn’t necessarily have to be an ‘or’ decision – it’s this way OR that. I can make this an ‘AND’ decision.

That said, I am clear that honoring my health AND my work is not always the easiest or the most convenient choice. Sometimes this means I need to get an extra nap in my day or not stay after a work meeting for the after-work-dinner. Or call it a day at 5PM EVEN when there are a million more things to do.

But in the end, to my surprise, I’m finding that taking the time out for me and my health lets me re-fuel my tank. And it helps me get clearer and more concise about where and with whom I’m spending my energy. The bottom line, I become more efficient when I take time to check out!

Here’s to a time out for both of us! After all, we deserve it and so do our bodies!

Nikki
Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.

Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

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Travel: The Science of Packing

SFWJ — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:37:18 +0000

Michele Benza

With skyrocketing plane fares added to the new trend in charging fees for checked luggage, it makes good sense to pack all your travel gear in a carry-on. It not only saves time, but also ensures that you and your luggage arrive in the same city at the same time and, best of all, it gives you peace of mind!

by Michele Benza
San Francisco Image Consultant

Since I am an inveterate traveler, both for business and pleasure, I have learned through trial and error the art of maximizing a minimized wardrobe. Being an organized packer is key. Once you have that down pat, you can pack your bag and be up and away like a free spirit.

Here’s the packing formula that works like a charm for me:

Clothes: Count the number of days you will be away from home, divide the total by three to get the number of tops you will need. Then, divide the total days again by four for the number of bottom halves–including pants and skirts. Just for fun, toss in an extra top. I refuse to do laundry while on vacation, so I pack 12 pairs of panties (plus an extra one just in case…) and six bras. That’s it!

The next important element is that your traveling wardrobe should be based on two colors. I like black and white as it makes it much easier to accessorize. I usually throw in a third color like a red top and skirt to add a bit of dash and dare, but 90% of the wardrobe is black and white,

Outerwear: choose a water resistant hooded shell that you can scrunch into your handbag to keep you warm during the flight, as planes can be chilly.

Bags: select one large handbag with a shoulder strap, preferably lightweight and not fragile. Inside the bag place a small leather purse with a wrist strap (see picture below by Juicy Couture) with all your personal items such as your passport, cash, credit cards, driver’s license, lipstick and mirror. Not only will this help you find your personal items in a flash, but it also can be your back-up purse and serve you well for an elegant dinner or show.

Carry-on suitcase: I personally have a preference for bags versus suitcases like this one made by BRICS.

Shoes: Wear one pair of comfortable but elegant walking shoes on the plane and pack an extra pair of flats and a pair of heels if you intend to party.

Jewelry: Keep it to a minimum. Take only the pieces you love and wear all the time. Add a couple of fabulous earrings. Et voila!

Toiletries: As you well know, all liquids, gels and creams must be carried in three-ounce containers. Not a problem if you know that three ounces of toner and makeup remover are enough for 12 days of a daily skin care regimen! (So no excuses!) The same amount is needed for multi-purpose contact lens solution. As for moisturizers, eye cream, and serum, you will need about one ounce of each. Place makeup in a separate Ziploc bag.

Stuff shoes with socks and underwear, place each shoe in a plastic bag and pack the shoes in the corners of your carry-on. This way the weight will be balanced and the corners of the bag re-enforced. Place heavier clothes at the bottom of the bag. It is very important to button all tops and fold your clothing perfectly. That way they will be ‘pressed’ by the weight on top of them and, if you have folded everything precisely, they should be wrinkle- free when you unpack. Make sure to fill every single little space in your carryon-on with small items.

Before you leave, make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place. In the event you lose this precious document, you can present your copy to the passport agent at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in whatever country you are visiting.

On board the plane, dress comfortably but elegantly. One never knows whom you may meet! Remember my constant refrain about the impact of a first impression? Crew members too, judge passengers by the way they are dressed.

A bientôt,

Michele
Michele Benza is San Francisco’s “Best Kept Secret”! She is the founder of “Michele Benza Image Consulting and Posture” and is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Michele is also the only American member of the Association Francaise pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnelle (AFIPP)!

You can work with Michele on-line or face-to-face. Call (415) 956-3025 or e-mail Michele for an appointment. You’ll be thrilled with the results! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

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Work/Life Balance: 3 Ways to Make More Time for Your Family!

SFWJ — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:25:41 +0000

Kristin Southwick

Part 3 of my series on “Work Life Balance, The Juggling Act” is a very critical one…How to create quality time with your family while also meeting work demands, finding time to rejuvenate yourself, and continuing to foster relationships.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I have found that many people I work with struggle to find time to spend with their loved ones. Busy family schedules add to the feeling of impossibility and stress of creating family time together.

However, I think what’s most important is not the quantity of time, but the “quality of time”.

Consider these 3 suggestions to help you create quality family time:

1. Family Dinner Nights

Although schedules can be tricky, make it a priority to have at least three dinners together a week. This will be a great way to catch up on each other’s day-to-day life. It is essential during this time to turn the cell phone and TV off, and put Facebook away!

Use this time to talk with each other and open the lines of communication between family members. Ask each person to discuss what’s important to him or her or something special about his or her week. This is a great time for parents to acknowledge their children and each other for their successes.

One way to engage the entire family is to have each person take a turn choosing his/ her favorite meal and help prepare it. If weekdays are a bit hard to get everyone around the dinner table, take advantage of free time during weekends. This will build a wonderful family tradition that your children will look back on and cherish. And who knows…one day they may even continue the tradition with their own families!

2. Family Trips

Traditional weeklong family vacations may be difficult to take during this economic downturn. However, family trips are a wonderful way to bond, create memories and are something all family members look forward to.

A simple, fun and less expensive alternative may be a weekend trip. Or consider less expensive outings, such as camping. You can always pitch a tent in a back yard or even your living room for a fun adventure!

Encourage everyone to participate in all the details from planning through execution so that they feel their suggestions are important and validated.

3. Family Nights

Planning a weekly evening with the family can be relaxing and enjoyable. Renting movies, playing games, going for bike rides or to the park, picnicking at the beach, attending local sporting events are just some ideas. Allow each member a chance to pick an activity so his or her interest is recognized. This insures that every family member feels included and equally important.

I hope these suggestions spark some creative ideas to help you easily plan and enjoy time with your family. With a little thought, family time can be fun and exciting, without spending a lot of money.

No matter how you decide to spend time with your loved ones, remember to talk, laugh, and turn off all the distractions around you.

Not only will this improve the “quality” of those precious moments, but it let’s all family members know that you cherish your time together!

Kristin Southwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the CA Board of Behavioral Science and received her Master’s from John F. Kennedy University. She has a private practice in San Francisco and Burlingame.

Kristin believes therapy is a meaningful experience that offers a supportive and confidential space to explore aspects of one’s life and relationships. She provides brief and long term counseling services to children, adolescent, adults, couples, and families. For more information regarding Kristin’s practice, please visit her website, KristinSouthwick.com.

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Astrology: Cancer Excels in Emotional Intelligence

SFWJ — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:21:04 +0000

Jamie Kahl

Do you know why Cancers (June 21-July 21) are so lovable? Emotional intelligence, that’s why! This sensitive Water sign quickly learns that life is all about feelings. Here’s just some of the great stuff Cancers learn as they swim through life’s waters.

by Jamie Kahl , Astrologer

Know What You are Feeling

One of the first and best pieces of knowledge that a smart Cancer learns is how to tell the difference between an emotion, an intuition and a mood. An emotion is any feeling you have. An intuition is a feeling you should pay attention to, even if you don’t know why you are having it, because it’s trying to guide you. A mood is a passing feeling that you don’t want to act on, because such impulses lead to bad choices.

Smart Cancers know the difference!

Manage Your Emotions

Knowing how to manage your own emotions springs directly from knowing the differences between kinds of emotions. When you know why you feel what you feel, then it’s easy to know what you should do about that (or not).

Suppose you just met someone and you took an instant dislike to him. Is that because there’s something creepy about him or is that because you’re in a sensitive mood or is that because they remind you of somebody who was mean to you years ago?

Each situation calls for a different response and you need to know how to choose.

Sympathy and Empathy

An emotionally intelligent Cancer is adept at sympathizing and empathizing with the emotions of others. Cancers are naturally supportive and sympathetic, which gives them an edge when it comes to establishing rapport and connecting with others. Being able to feel-with and feel-for others binds them to you.

Cancers are great bonders.

Cancers Value Love

Cancers value love and the ability to love above being right or being strong. They are not usually stoic people. A Cancer would usually rather be connected to someone they love, even if that connection is painful, than be shut out. Cancers are not usually interested in superiority or in dominating (unless they’ve got a Leo streak).

Loving, connecting and bonding and feeling-with are high on their value scale.

Channel Emotions in Ways that Make a Difference

As a Cancer matures, she becomes able to channel emotions into life in ways that make a difference. As soon as she’s comfortably situated, or at least oriented (and sometimes even before!) she looks around for things that need nurturing and she begins pouring love, care and thoughtfulness into those things. And whether those things include babies, gardens, businesses, projects, people or pets, under the loving gentle rain of Cancerian care, they cannot help but blossom.

It’s not necessary to have your Sun, Moon or Rising in Cancer to develop intuitive ability. Every human being alive has Cancerian emotional intelligence. Cultivate yours and watch your world flower!

* You don’t have to be a Cancer to be a Cancer type. That’s because you could be a Leo (or any other sign) yet have a bunch of planets in your chart in Cancer—enough to tip the balance and leave you feeling more like Crab than Lion.

Read more about Cancer on Jamie’s Astrology and Personal Empowerment blog.

And if you’re not a Cancer, check out Jamie’s other articles on Gemini, Taurus and Aries!

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SF Bay Area Featured Artist: Eve Shen

SFWJ — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:46:36 +0000

“I try to live an interesting life, why be boring when you can be exciting?” exclaims the SF BAWJ June feature Artist, Eve Shen!

Eve’s parents set the stage for an exciting life when they moved their family from Taiwan to the United States. She was 11 at the time and her parents settled their family in New Jersey.

Art has always been a part of Eve’s life…starting with coloring books as a child and later as her favorite class in high school. That interest continued into college where Eve attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. Feeling stuck in New York, she eventually moved to San Francisco to pursue her passions and see new things!

Art is Therapy for Eve

Eve describes art as her therapy. When she is creating she is often “dancing” at the same time. Her artwork provides a way to get her energy out and to feel good. It’s also a place where she can explore new things and do what feels right to her in the moment.

Chocolate Rasberry

Being a Mom is a New Kind of Creative Expression!

And lately…her moments have been filled with a new kind of creative expression…a son. Today Eve finds herself in the fulltime role of “Mom”. She happily says that her art right now is finding creative ways to raise her son!

"Bulls Eye" was featured on the June cover.

Art Provides Self-Expression and Life Balance

Visual art still has a place in Eve’s life. She relishes the opportunity for self expression and balance that it brings to her life today. Her son and his wonderful imagination are an endless source of inspiration as well as the simple act of stepping outside and experiencing the natural beauty of the Bay Area.

Eve describes her work as organic, fresh, colorful and happy! To learn more please visit her web site at eveshen.com.

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Life Balance: Making Time for YOU!

SFWJ — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:12:18 +0000

Every time you board a plane, you hear the stewardess instruct you to put your own air mask on before helping those seated around you. Many women feel an instinctual desire to help their children and others first.

However the words of the stewardess turn out to be vital…not only in the event of emergencies but also in your daily life.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

You must help yourself first in order to be available and effective…
for those around you!

This is part 2 of a 4 part series on creating life balance. Last month we talked about the Juggling Act between work and home. In this article we’ll talk about an important part of life blance…finding time to nurture and care for yourself.

Consider this, when you are exhausted or overwhelmed, do you feel as though you have the same level of patience or desire to meet the needs of those around you?

Many women may feel guilty about taking care of themselves, or feel that they can’t spare any extra time to attend to their own needs. But if you take time to respect and listen to your body, you’ll have more energy, optimism, and patience for others. You’ll feel less depleted and will be able to create more balance in your life.

Following are 3 simple steps to help you make time to nurture yourself.

1. What’s Important to YOU

Think about what’s important to you…something you love that you don’t get enough of. Maybe you wish you had time to practice yoga, go to the gym, read a book, have a coffee date with friends, take a walk around your neighborhood, or indulge in warm bath with a glass of wine before bed.

These are all simple basic needs that are positive and healthy for the body, mind, and soul.

2. Consider Your Schedule

Once you discover what you would like to do to pamper yourself, consider your schedule.

How much time you would like to take to enjoy yourself so that you get a sense of fulfillment?

For example if it’s going to the gym, figure out what time of day would be best, morning before you get lost in the activities of the day, or maybe lunch time. Perhaps evenings or weekends would work better for you. Decide how long you want to stay, and how many times a week you feel you could participate. You might decide to take an hour right after work twice a week while your children are at day care.

3. Get the Support You Need

Now, talk to your partner about times during the week that each of you could plan something for yourself.

Brainstorm ways you can support each other without the guilt that sometimes comes with putting your needs first.

Perhaps your partner can watch the children so that you can pursue something that relaxes you. It’s so important to communicate with your partner as to what your needs are, and how taking time for yourself will help you and your relationship with those around you.

If you don’t have a partner, ask a family member, neighbor, or make arrangements to extend day care for an extra hour once week. Remember, if people offer to help you, take them up on their offers. They would not offer if they didn’t want to support you.

I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration to plan something for yourself that you love and are passionate about. Taking care of yourself helps you be a better partner, mother, friend, career women, and person.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like Part 3: Creating Quality Family Time!

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Create Peace and Productivity in Your Life with White Space Time!

SFWJ — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:37:30 +0000

Do you need less stress or more results? Most women need both! And many of them are finding a little “air pocket” where they can create both peace and productivity.

It’s called White Space Time!
(You can read this article in the SF BAWJ magazine here.)

by Michelle Lisenbury Christensen and
Sara Harvey Yao

It’s a special kind of appointment with yourself: you protect it from any pre-set agenda. Crazy as it sounds to block out an hour (or three) when you don’t plan to do anything in particular, it really helps women find equilibrium and get amazing things done.

Your To-Do List Expands to Fill Your Time

Have you noticed that your to-do list expands to fill the time you have? That you feel like you never have a moment free?

Take an open or “white” time on your calendar and block it so it STAYS open! Then when you get to that appointment in your calendar, you will find a gift to yourself…freedom.

You now have time before you, and the opportunity to ask, “What do I really want to do with this time? What do I need right now?” If you’re disciplined enough to give yourself full permission to follow those desires (instead of checking e-mail or ticking off errands that aren’t your deepest desire), surprising things begin to happen.

White Space Makes Time for Amazing Things to Happen

One of our clients needed to get a marketing plan created. What he really wanted to do during his White Space was go to the driving range. Within two days, he got a great idea for the marketing plan, because he’d cleared his head while hitting golf balls.

Another began writing again after a long dry spell, because she used her White Space to daydream about her perfect life and realized she needed a space to write in. Right then – because she had the time – she cleared a spot in her guest room and created a nook where she now writes each morning.

Come Up for Air with White Space

White Space is a place to come up for air during your busy work week. It helps you to not feel so “behind,” the same way a $100 bill in your wallet makes you feel abundant, even if you don’t spend it.

Here’s How You Do It:

1. Find a block of 1-4 hours (more, if you dare!) that’s not already committed, and reserve it. Take it from “blank” on your calendar to an appointment – with yourself.

2. If any other uses for the time come up, deflect them. Tell others you’re committed. Remember that this time is deeply important, even if it feels indulgent.

3. Show up.

4. Give yourself permission not to be productive, not to do it “right,” not to meet any pre-conceived linear notion of what you should do.

5. Ask yourself, “What would I really like to do with this time?”

6. Do THAT.

Take the White Space Challenge

People who’ve committed to taking White Space at least once a week for three weeks have reported phenomenal changes in their energy, focus, and feelings of satisfaction. You can read some of their stories at whitespacetime.com. We hope you’ll join them and let us know what happens when you take the White Space Challenge.

Michele Lisenbury Christensen and Sara Harvey Yao are the authors of “Succeeding without Side Effects: Burnout-Proof Your Leadership and Life” and the “White Space Time” audio program. They help business owners and executives create more success with fewer side effects. Their retreats and seminars for women are transformative and deeply rejuvenating. They can be found online at WorkingWithPower.com .

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Celebrate Life Events with Decorative Painting!

SFWJ — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:51:32 +0000

Just like repainting, remodeling, or redesigning, adding a mural or decorative painting treatment to your home, business, or community space often signifies transition, which means change.

Change goes hand in hand with transformation, and decorative painters are here to help you celebrate your life events with creativity, and make your transitions fun, beautiful, and transformative!

by Debra Disman, Decorative Painter

Working closely with you, the decorative painter can create customized pieces, finishes and treatments that reflect the important transitions in your life, business, or career. We support your journey in a unique, way, harmonizing our work with your particular environment, needs, tastes and goals.

Twin Bundles of Joy: Life Imitates Art, Two by Two…

The advent of the birth of twin girls inspired the lettering of a quote from a beloved children’s story which wraps around the nursery walls. The story, about a French girl’s school where lines of little girls walk two by two, (rain or shine!), set the theme for the twin’s nursery, where the lettering gradates from gold to copper. The space between the picture rail and the crown molding makes a perfect background for the iridescent text.

Doing something so special and appropriate for the room and the occasion helped the Client prepare herself for the transition of motherhood- times two!

Are You Ready to Recycle, Reuse, Recreate?

A treasured piece of furniture that has seen better days can be transformed into a one of a kind accent or even focal point through the magic of decorative painting. A console table, bought second hand, and beloved by the Client, was ready for transformation after a light sanding removed its peeling paint.

Since the house was being remodeled, the entry where this piece lives was being transformed. This set the stage for imaginative reuse of the existing furniture, with the Client as creative collaborator in the process. As is often the case, one change inspires another.

Restaurant Revamp adds a Unique Touch!

When Benihana’s Restaurant in Cupertino, CA underwent a remodel, it commissioned a graphic treatment on approximately 46” by 500’ of corrugated wooden soffit that wrapped the building side and front, 80’ in the air. The players involved came from the worlds of business, construction, graphics and installation.

The imagery, colors and design of the treatment is based on Benihana’s existing brand graphics, used in its interior wall coverings. The Cupertino location is the only venue in the US where this kind of unique exterior painting treatment can be found.

Close coordination with the highly skilled team was crucial to its success. As Director of Retail Development for the participating P+R Group Reed Larsen said, “We discussed the desired effect and Debra went to town and got it done in time & it looks great”.

Update and Celebrate with Decorative Painting!

New addition to your family? New space? Recreation of your existing space, room, building, business? Time to revision that piece of furniture so that it can live up to its aesthetic and functional potential?

Remember that transition = change = transformation, and transformation is the stock and trade of the decorative painter. The next time you find yourself moving through one of those all important life transitions, consider how a change of color, texture, pattern or image could support and reflect this milestone of your life journey, and offer you something expressive, lasting and yes, even transformative, in return.

Debra Disman’s passion is to translate her Client’s inner vision into concrete visual form. She can help you use the magic of decorative painting to transform your home, place of business, even your community!

She is principal of ArtiFactory Studio, a decorative painting company based in San Francisco, CA which provides custom decorative painting, murals, and color consultation to customers from all backgrounds and walks of life. Debra holds a degree in painting from the University of Iowa and has studied in France, San Francisco, and San Diego. She is a provisional member of the International Association for Colour Consultants/Designers and serves as the Color Muze for blog talk radio’s Artistically Speaking Radio. To learn more please visit ArtiFactoryStudio, or connect with her on Twitter or Facebook.

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5 Ways Gemini Looks…and is SMART!

SFWJ — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:57:03 +0000

What is it about Gemini types (May 21- June 20) that make them appear so smart?

How is it that they slide through school without even appearing to try? Sometimes it looks like magic, the way a Gemini type* can finesse those multiple questions tests and even the essay tests and dazzle teachers with their knowledge.

by Jamie Kahl
Astrologer

Here, in a smashing celebration of Gemini goodness, is how they do it . . .

1. Love information. It’s true that Gemini types are naturally drawn to facts, data and information. I’m speaking now to you, Gemini Girl.

You are most likely, of all the signs, to win at Trivial Pursuit and then to modestly proclaim that your knowledge is useless. But you seek it anyway. You can be enthralled—and persuaded—by statistics.

Let’s face it: ferreting out, ingesting, remembering and ultimately sharing information is beyond a hobby with you. It’s a way of life.

2. Grasp the surface concept quickly. And then move on to the next idea. Don’t linger too long or dig too deeply.

Sure, there’s more there—there always is. But you don’t need to get caught up in it. The Gemini intelligence knows that the main idea is enough. If you can grasp it, remember it, and produce it when you are asked, you can build a wealth of facts that are useful in an everyday way. And you can pass tests.

3. Engage other minds in conversation.

Practice your ability to get ideas across to other minds (with other mental styles) and to hear their ideas. Ask questions that put the attention on the other person. Genuinely want to know the answers.

It’s a paradox that half of looking smart is in making others look smart. Don’t pay too much attention to whether you look smart because you probably do without trying.

4. Be the dilettante you are. Gemini, you are good at many things.

You’re an excellent mimic. You develop your own style by trying on the style of others. You are a Renaissance woman—embrace it. Enjoy it. Gemini has a short attention span, but is this really a problem in the modern world? More of a necessity, I’m thinking, because those who can’t think fast get left behind. That very distractibility can be used to your advantage—keep it fresh, keep it light, keep your mind moving.

5. Dwell in wonder. Be endlessly curious. To be Gemini is like having an eternal child-mind: “What’s that? And what’s that?” and the big one: “Why??”

Gemini wants to eat up life-experience with the brain. For Gemini, life is a road made of questions. When a Gemini thinks she has the answers, some part of her deeply curious, extremely mobile brain shuts off. And that’s a shame, because this sign’s sense of wonder is immense and it’s a great gift to have and to share with others.

So the next time you stop to absorb an interesting idea, instead of just filing it away, ask yourself a question about it. Enjoy the mystery, even as you are penetrating it with your understanding. Thanks, Gemini, for eating up information and then offering it to the rest of us in bite-sized pieces.

Please consider this:

* You don’t have to be a Gemini to be a Gemini type. That’s because you could be a Taurus (or any other sign) yet have a bunch of planets in your chart in Gemini—enough to tip the balance and leave you feeling more like Twins than Bull.

And if you’re not a Gemini or just curious to learn more about astrology, check out these articles on Taurus and Aries.

Read more about Gemini on Jamie’s Astrology and Personal Empowerment blog.

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