A Life Well Lived | Nigel Marsh at Tedx

What’s the key to a more balanced life? Sex! Well, and some other stuff too. Listening to Nigel Marsh’s talk about work-life balance from his recent talk at Tedx in Sydney got me thinking… are you thinking what I’m thinking?

S-mothering? Parenting from a Helicopter.

A special guest post from Chi-Town. Carolyn ponders the virtues of loving too much. Is that even possible?

Time out in Taghazout Morocco

As I write this we are in Morocco on vacation and we are staying someplace where there is nothing to do BUT relax – and surf. I was really sick before we came – was advised by the doctor not to travel at all and if I did to sit around and do nothing while here. Hell of a prescription. Relaxing in the sun for a week. I guess I can try and follow her orders.

Falling into the Void

Fall - I love so much about it - especially the cold, sunny days… a cup of steaming coffee or cider… the cheerfulness of orange and yellow in the trees. Gradually though, almost imperceptibly, the sky goes gray. Dampness invades your bones, colds your household and your spirit starts to sigh.

Since we are experiencing our first fall in Paris and our kids have to be commuted to school we are going through, how shall I say, a bit of a wake-up call.

What I Love about Paris!

There is much to love about being here. The sheer difference of it all. The languages. The diversity. The food and the history. I’m not going to go on about all thatbecause it is already well documented. Amazing. Beautiful. Instead, I will simply share some of the moments and pictures that have made this experienceextraordinary…

It’s Like Those French Have a Different Word For EVERYTHING.

Anyone out there old enough to recall Steve Martin’s Wild and Crazy Guy standup album which included a brilliant piece on being in France? “Oeuf means egg, chapeau means hat. It’s like those French have a different word for everything.” Welcome to our lives in France.

International Travel with Kids

Ok, so here’s a good time: Pack 8 bags and 4 carry-ons. Pack snacks (including candy) in your carry on and then force two children under 6 to behave for over 12 hours in basically the same seat.

Parting Gift

After having been through (well, I’m currently going through) this process of planning and “hosting” my father’s memorial service, I have learned something I feel compared to share with you, readers. Before you die – plan your own damn funeral.

What to take to Europe from the US?

In the interest of minimizing some of the pain and suffering that is bound for my husband and kids while I, the only one of us who speaks French, am at work and they are navigating a new foreign city - I asked around about what we should bring from the states.  What items can [...]

The Truth in Social Media

As a marketer, I am alternately amazed and made cynical by emerging technology. I watch the trends, try the new “hot thing” and experiment with forms of media as much as I am able. I tweet. I Facebook. I use Picassa, Flickr. I DM. I join groups. I start groups. I read about awards and applaud innovation. I consult. And through it all, I must confess, runs a thread of cynicism. I have, after all, been in Marketing my entire career. I have had a first-hand view of how campaigns are conceived, planned, created and launched.
As many of you already know, my father died last month. I was far away on an island in the Pacific when, though I had personally told only a handful of people, I experienced the true power of Social Media.