The Bold Soul: A Writer's Life in Paris

When honesty is not a virtue

It's been a while since I spotted something in the news that made me ask "What in the hell were they THINKING?" but we've got a live one today, from Muncie, Indiana. The AP reported today that a woman was pulled over for a routine traffic violation. While the officer was processing her ticket, she asked him if it was all right if she smoked, and he said yes. No problem, right? Wrong. The woman proceeded to light up a joint, not a regular cigarette. Right in front of the policeman. Her first name? "Honesty" -- and yes, I'm serious. Can a policeman write a summons for criminal stupidity? Read more →

A comment on comments, and an update on life

I'm experimenting with a new type of comments on Typepad, so if you're reading comments or trying to leave a comment, you might notice some changes. I'm still sorting through how it all works, but it appears that you can set up a free account with Typepad which can include optional links to your own blog or web site, a photo or image, and some profile information. With this new type of comment system, they also recommended that I disable that annoying spam-filtering device that made you type in some alpha-numeric code, because they claim they have an internal spam-filtering device already included. So THAT's kind of a relief. I like the way the new comments are formatted and numbered but I'm still trying to work out why the image in my profile is NOT showing up on my past comments -- perhaps it will only appear on new ones in the new system. Anyway if you have any difficulty with comments, please let me know as this system is in beta and still has some kinks to be worked out. Feel free to send feedback to me about this new system. -------------------------------------------------------- In other news, I had a FABULOUS... Read more →

My Favorite Librarian

I was messing around with Google last night when I inadvertently discovered that the Detroit Public Library system actually has a copy of my book on hand! I know there are a lot of authors who don't like lending libraries because it means people aren't paying cold, hard cash for their books. But seriously? I am feeling very validated right now, knowing that a librarian in Detroit felt my little coaching book was worth putting on her library shelves. Whoever that librarian was, I'd like to send her a box of Laduree macarons, a miniature Eiffel Tower for her desk and give her a big, fat bisou. If you live in the Detroit area and are an aspiring author, feel free to check out the book at the library. Or you COULD pay the $19.95 and get your own copy. Either way, maybe you'll FINALLY write your book! Read more →

Accomplishment

I did get one major item off my list of "Things I've been procrastinating about for months". I finally finished writing and mailing our wedding Thank You notes today. WHEW! And it only took me nearly FIVE MONTHS*. (I believe the etiquette books give you six.) It's not that we weren't grateful and appreciative of our guests being with us and showing their generosity. It's just... life gets in the way sometimes, despite our best intentions. Sigh. Rome wasn't built in day, you know. But at least my mother will get off my back. If you were one of our lovely friends and family who has been awaiting a "Merci mille fois", just know we haven't forgotten you and your wait is nearly over. And we really DO Thank You. *I only got the ones done from the wedding in the U.S. which was in July. We still have to do the French ones from our September "after party" here in Paris. So I'm not totally off the hook yet. Read more →

In short

Too busy. Can't write. Quick update. Husband home. From India. Safe, sound. Very relieved. Kids fine. MUCH work. Clients nagging! Projects overdue. Hair pulling. Maalox-popping. Stress eating. Weight gaining. Still coughing. Dammit. Read more →

Live from Paris... it's Saturday Night!

This Saturday afternoon (OK so it's not really at night), I will be participating in a VERY fun and totally cool event: the first-ever Katia and Kyliemac Podcast LIVE VIDEOCAST for their 200th show! It's their first show with a live audience, and some of us who have appeared on the podcast (I was their first guest way back in episode 23 & 24!) have been invited to join in the general merriment and shenanigans as we record episode 200 and 201! They'll be broadcasting from the Great Canadian Pub near Saint Michel, starting at 5pm Paris time which will be 4pm in London, 11am in New York, 10am in Chicago and 8am in San Francisco. If you're not doing anything at that time and feel like watching us LIVE, you can either come to the pub (but I warn you I think it will be PACKED) if you're in Paris or log on and watch the streaming video. If you miss the live show, you'll still be able to catch the recorded podcast later on. And there are CONTESTS, apparently. So click the link above for details. You'll see/hear me, as well as some of your other favorite Parisian... Read more →

Last Call for Bold Souls in 2008!

Great News! I've been having SO much fun doing Bold Soul Coaching that I've decided to extend the opportunity for 1-on-1 Bold Soul Coaching into 2009! However, I'm doing an across-the-board rate increase in my business effective January 2009 (before you squawk, I haven't increased my rates in over three years) so if you want to get the DEEP, DEEP DISCOUNT of $995.00 for THREE MONTHS of coaching, you must enroll before December 31, 2008. After January 1st, the price goes up to $1,250. You can get the complete coaching program description right here. If you are tired of facing another New Year knowing you aren't living the bold life you really want... maybe it's time to get started? Read more →

Scenes from a step-mother's weekend

With Georges still away on business and this being our weekend with the Little Guy, I was on solo step-mom duty for the past few days. This didn't faze me much, as I've spent entire weekends with my sister's kids as their designated auntie/babysitter on many occasions when they were younger. And the Little Guy and I get along very well despite the fact that I'm still not fluent in French (he is my petit professeur in that respect). Still, it's a lot of work entertaining a 7-year-old pretty much on your own, and that's why blogging was out of the question the past few days. I'm only blogging now because it's 7:22 am and I haven't woken the boy up for school yet. And my own brain isn't firing on all cylinders yet, either, so forgive me if this isn't Jane Austen (ummm... not that it ever is). I just wanted to capture some highlights of my weekend: Having a small face peek into the bedroom door early in the morning, then having a small person run and jump on the bed to wake me up with a big smile on his face; Making shadow puppets on the wall;... Read more →