Write Thinking

My big move!

2008-05-20T19:50:00.003-04:00

Write Thinking has officially moved! I launched a new website today and the blog is front and center. I'm very excited about my updated web presence and am thrilled to share it with my readers.

From now on, you'll find my daily thoughts right here:

www.nancola.com

Thanks for reading!!!
Nancy

Horoscope as blueprint

2008-05-19T14:46:00.006-04:00

One line out of my horoscope today:

Treat yourself the way you wish a lover would.

I like it because it seems simple, but it is really a call to action and a shift in thinking. It begs the questions -- How well am I treating myself these days? Where is there room for improvement? Celebration?

Yes, that is an excellent piece of advice. I will take it. And give it. And take it again.

A hunt and a kill

2008-05-17T23:37:00.004-04:00

Bought a sleek dress today. It was one of those bargains that blows the mind. Brought back a pair of pants and was determined to only spend the refund or less.

Bingo. The dress was less than half price and was within a dollar of the price of the pants. I already own the fabulous jacket that goes over the dress.

Meant to be? I think so.

I rock.

Provocative

2008-05-16T22:49:00.003-04:00

Had lunch today with a life coach I met at the Conversation Among Masters conference in Asheville, N.C., last month. She made me think, really think, about several areas of my life just by asking some good questions.

This is what distinguishes coaches. This ability to note a pattern, suggest a next step. She is good with a capital 'G.'

My mind is working. It's delicious. Much to consider moving forward.

More Than a Feeling

2008-05-16T08:43:00.004-04:00

There's something going on with me and music this week. My earlier Game Plan was about Frank Sinatra. Today's kicks off with a bit about one of my all-time favorite bands -- Boston. It has a new lead singer and his story inspired a column:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/lifestyle-money/feeling/

Reaching across the pond

2008-05-15T23:47:00.003-04:00

Headaches running rampant, on and off today. What was supposed to be a packed day turned into a spotty one.

One thing that I'm happy worked out was a meeting tonight with a woman from Scotland who had written me after reading my column. She's a coach and is looking to relocate in New York. She was visiting the U.S. and I met her and her mother for coffee; they were delightful. They had never been to Hoboken and they seemed to really enjoy it.

Global reach. Gotta love it.

What a hoot

2008-05-14T22:39:00.004-04:00

So I'm watching Medium the other night and about halfway through I get a jolt. They are teasing the upcoming 11 o'clock news and I hear, coming from my TV, this: What the f--k are you doing? There is a picture of a cruise ship, but suddenly it cuts away and programming resumes as normal.

This made me laugh out loud! I just sat there, astounded, wondering if I was hearing things. Then I laughed some more.

I now know it was anchorwoman Sue Simmons. Apparently, they're deciding what her punishment should be.

Geez. Get over yourselves. It was a mistake. It hurt no one.

Move on.

Ol' Blue Eyes

2008-05-14T07:31:00.005-04:00

Today's Game Plan column is about Frank Sinatra, as it has been 10 years to the day since he died. I think he had something to say about how to live life to the fullest. A tip of the fedora to my brother John and cousin Joe for lending a hand with this one.

One of my favorite quotes from it: “I'm not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I'm not looking for the secret to life ... I just go on from day to day, taking what comes,” Sinatra said.

Check it out:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/make/

End in sight

2008-05-13T23:19:00.002-04:00

Did a fair amount of work on my website in a really productive meeting with my web dude today. I'm so excited about unveiling the finished product.

It looks like my branding is getting a makeover. There's nothing like seeing just the right mix of graphics and color and realizing sometimes two heads are indeed better than one in the creative process. What a rush.

Stay tuned.

Luck is anything but dumb

2008-05-12T08:37:00.004-04:00

Was out of town Friday and didn't post the latest edition of Game Plan on FOXBusiness.com. This one is about my pet peeve that people too often throw the words "luck" or "lucky" around when talking about those who do what they love for a living. Check it out:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/whats-luck-got/

Give me a dose

2008-05-11T21:12:00.004-04:00

Something I confirmed this weekend: I am addicted to email. Was gone for three days visiting Mom and the family for Mother's Day and resisted the urge to bring the laptop. OK, so maybe I'm not really addicted.

And I have managed to avoid Crackberry issues, so I am not one to text. Ever. I think this keeps me sane.

Even if I am a little too happy to be sitting at my computer and typing this ...

Zoom Zoom

2008-05-08T23:04:00.002-04:00

I'm looking at my teeth whitening experience at the dentist today as an opportunity to embrace a nice white food like vanilla pudding rather than as a devious means to keep me from coffee for 48 hours.

How glass-half-full of me.

High energy

2008-05-07T21:13:00.005-04:00

Had five client sessions today. What a dynamic bunch.

I say this all the time, but I can't help but continually marvel at and revel in the amazing people I meet through coaching. The Law of Attraction doing its finest work.

I am blessed.

Ready, set, action

2008-05-06T23:00:00.005-04:00

Another thing to love about New York: Walking down Fifth Avenue and realizing some guy with a walkie talkie is telling you to keep moving if you're not part of the set and that you've indeed walked into the middle of somebody filming a scene for something.

Never did figure out who or what it was, but I must confess it wasn't my first time. I've happened on two Law and Order scenes in my day.

What a hoot.

Arrow in motion

2008-05-05T23:10:00.006-04:00

Tonight was the conclusion of the 10-week webinar on A New Earth with author Eckhart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey. It was illuminating and inspiring and, to use a term they mentioned tonight, I feel like I strengthened my "spiritual muscle" during the course.

What really spoke to me in chapter 10 with regard to my own life and how it impacts my coaching was Tolle's presentation of three modalities -- acceptance, enjoyment and enthusiasm. He writes, "You need to be vigilant to make sure that one of them operates whenever you are engaged in doing anything at all -- from the most simple task to the most complex. If you are not ... look closely and you will find that you are creating suffering for yourself and others."

Later, in the section on enthusiasm, he writes, "Enthusiasm means there is deep enjoyment in what you do plus the added element of a goal or a vision that you work toward. When you add a goal to the enjoyment of what you do, the energy-field or vibrational frequency changes." How wonderful to bring this understanding, or dimension, to a coaching relationship. And to help facilitate in a client what Tolle describes here -- "You will feel like an arrow that is moving toward the target -- and enjoying the journey."

I am feeling this. I want others to feel it, too.

Chocolate

2008-05-04T22:23:00.000-04:00

Lindt Lindor Truffles are so good I could cry.

Saturday collage

2008-05-03T18:22:00.003-04:00

Facilitated a collage workshop in Manhattan today. What a fun experience. I so enjoyed the mix of ages and perspectives. Even did one myself so I could demonstrate to the group and it proved to be telling.

Left the workshop, strolled through the farmers' market in Union Square and wound up in the West Village having a fabulous hot dog at Gray's Papaya.

A special afternoon, particularly because it threatened rain but never broke through.

Perfectly pleasant.

An artist and a teacher

2008-05-02T08:30:00.006-04:00

The chance to interview author Julia Cameron on Monday was special, kind of a full circle moment. Not only is her work infused through my life coaching, but she is an example of a writer who has truly followed a calling.

Check out today's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com about the interview:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/lifestyle-money/artist-teacher/

My expanding world

2008-05-01T23:39:00.006-04:00

It's amazing how the process of creating a new website forces us to ask questions that go far beyond the technical. My fab web guy, Pete Lacis, has broadened the scope of my thinking just by making a few simple suggestions or asking what seems to be a simple question on the surface. He thinks in a completely different way than I do, which means we complement each other very well. While I'm in my little web world tunnel, he's in the mindset of the big global Internet, you know?

For example, who is my audience? Potential life coaching clients? Readers of my FOXBusiness.com columns? Readers of my blog? All of the above? So then the tagline should reflect that, Peter suggests. Yes. It seems so clear now. Let's make that happen, I say. And he does.

This is our process and I am loving it.

It's a whole new world.

Finding and giving direction

2008-04-30T09:19:00.003-04:00

Today's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com is about child and family advocate and coach Tracey Serebin, who has a New Jersey-based business called A Child's Voice. I like her story and how she paid attention to signs to find her way. Check it out:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/lifestyle-money/finding-giving-direction/

Vocation, all I ever wanted

2008-04-29T22:25:00.003-04:00

I got two new clients today. One brand new one who is looking for coaching on her writing. A dream assignment for moi. The other is a person I really like who I did a consultation with a few years ago and she just decided she's ready to take action in her life now. This, too, jazzes me to no end.

Also had a terrific session with an existing client today, one who ended our hour with these words -- "This is the best money I've ever spent on myself."

This -- all of it -- is why I do what I do.

More on balance

2008-04-28T13:26:00.009-04:00

Friday's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com -- http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/lifestyle-money/work-life-balance-personal/-1616138015 -- about work-life balance has been getting an interesting response from readers. I think because it doesn't espouse the popular notion of trying to have it all, but rather make some hard choices, it has touched a collective nerve.

Honestly, writing that column has given me a sense of personal freedom about my own choices to use my gifts and get paid for them and love every moment of that. I wouldn't presume to impose that same decision on others, but it works for me and that's what the column was all about. Has that way of living affected my personal life? Yes. Would I change any of it? No.

However, moving forward, I have a renewed vision about this. Perhaps instead of assuming a meaningful relationship might get in the way of professional growth, the idea is to find someone who understands with a capital 'U.'

Last night I was watching the ABC series Brothers and Sisters and there was a moment that crystallized this. The Rob Lowe character, Robert, is a senator who wants to be president and he is married to a character named Kitty played by Calista Flockhart. They met because she was working on his campaign. While he didn't get the presidential nomination, he was asked to be the running mate of the man who did. Kitty, very focused on their infertility issues, didn't approve. But he explained he had ambition and she had fallen in love with the man with that ambition. It was still there. He hadn't changed just because he had lost this round or because he had married her. He wound up turning down the offer to be vice president for the right reasons. She eventually assured him they were on the same page.

Fiction or no fiction, it was a real work-life balance moment.

Ripple effects

2008-04-27T20:40:00.014-04:00

Received a great email from a client named Terry today. She wrote to coach Cheryl Richardson, who has a show on Hay House radio, and offered some advice to a guy who had called in about feeling overwhelmed because he was a couple of years behind on his taxes. Richardson read Terry's email on the air! With her permission, I present it here:

Dear Cheryl:

I listen to your show on Hay House, and heard Paul - the musician with the tax issue. I have a life/writing coach as well. I put my writing on hold to deal with my tax situation because until you take the matter into your own hands, your creativity is stagnant.

I owe an additional $1300 to the irs. It is overwhelming. I could not move forward until this was taken care. I decided to forgo my coaching sessions until my finances were on track. I have a great coach behind me.

On top of the $1300 that I owed in taxes. My car over the last four months had to have repairs in excess over $1500. I don't make as much as I used to because I decided to get out of the corporate world and focus on my writing. I have a steady job.

Although its a financial struggle at times, I feel if I can offer Paul some advice to overcome the anxiety: get a project management style notebook. Start listing what you think you owe. Getting everything out on paper helped me get a real about what I owed. Looking straight at finances helped me become less overwhelmed.

What was down on paper was scary however, I refocused my attention on getting clear with the taxes. I worked out a payment schedule with the government and found I eliminated the pressure that was pounding on my head and the tears pouring from my eyes on a NIGHTLY BASIS. I went an extra step to refocus my financial goals and found a writing community on line so I can get my creativity back on track.

REFOCUS PAUL YOU CAN DO IT!

best to you and love your show
ms. terry

What I love about this is that it really positions Terry for success. Facing down the finances, setting up a real plan and then sharing it and reaching out to someone else.

Good stuff.

Redesign

2008-04-26T21:03:00.009-04:00

So happy to see the newly refurbished FOXBusiness.com homepage, which feels a little newsier and is much easier to navigate than the previous one. It still has six stories leading the section, but users can see them all at once.

Also, the search box on top of the page allows users to find specific topics (or columnists, wink, wink) whereas before it only searched for quotes. So, to all who have contacted me with concerns about being able to find my Game Plan columns, it has just become a cinch. Either catch them fresh on the homepage every Wednesday and Friday or plug my name into the search box and they'll come up.

As always, they're also listed on my website: http://nancola.com/pages/press.html.

I love streamlined communication. Yeeha.

Thanks for reading.

Balance, wherefore art thou?

2008-04-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

Sometimes good interview = good column. Love that. Check out today's Game Plan on FOXBusiness.com about work-life balance, which includes my interview with author and coach/consultant Anthony F. Smith:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/careers/article/worklife-balance-personal_575961_24.html

Food for thought

2008-04-24T21:52:00.004-04:00

Went to see an event at the Paley Center tonight called "From Bella to Hillary: Women, Media and Politics" with panelists Laura Flanders, Carol Jenkins, Suzanne Braun Levine, Marlene Sanders, Gloria Steinem, Mary Thom and Marie Wilson. Felt good to feed my inner feminist.

Found this quote, as mentioned during the Q&A by Liz Abzug (Bella's daughter), wonderful:

Women will change the nature of power rather than power changing the nature of women.
-- Bella Abzug

Sometimes it just feels good to take stock and remember how far we've come. And who to thank for it.

One-woman audience

2008-04-23T21:29:00.004-04:00

What a fun afternoon. I spent over three hours at a dance studio in Chelsea watching a choreographer for Nickelodeon work and then interviewing her for an upcoming Game Plan column for FOXBusiness.com. I couldn't pull myself away.

There's something fascinating about seeing a dance team work on a song and get the routine down just right.

Love the creative process.

'Cause she's got ... personality

2008-04-23T08:32:00.003-04:00

What do the words of advice "Just be yourself" mean, really? A whole lot, in my book. Especially if you're running a business. Check out today's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/careers/article/pays_570646_24.html

Good life

2008-04-22T23:18:00.005-04:00

The biggest dilemma of my day:

How to suppress the urge to sing like a maniac on the leg extension machine when Long Time by Boston is playing in your ear.

The corporation of Nancy

2008-04-21T23:05:00.005-04:00

A banner day, one of gleeful self-employment:

-- Filed a column to FOX by 10 a.m.
-- At the gym by 11 a.m.
-- Responded to a potential client seeking coaching on her writing by 1 p.m.
-- Took a call offering the possibility of teaching writing (more to come on that) by 2 p.m.
-- Conducted an interview that felt more like a conversation (my very favorite kind) by 3:30 p.m.
-- Started writing the next column by 6 p.m.
-- Took a break for dinner by 8:30 p.m.
-- Tuned in to Week 8 of the webinar featuring A New Earth by 8:45 p.m.

And those are just the highlights!

I will sleep well tonight.

An artist starves no more

2008-04-20T16:02:00.004-04:00

Those familiar with my Game Plan columns may recall that back in December I wrote one about a terrific guy named Julian Calderon who supervises all the flower arrangements at Tavern on the Green. I loved his energy and his allegiance to his creative talents.

Well, guess who was pegged to do the flowers for the Pope's visit to New York?

It seems that Julian will continue to use his gifts in amazing ways.

The column, in case you missed it:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/artist-starves_418876_23.html

Called me chuffed

2008-04-18T13:36:00.006-04:00

In today's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com I wrote about a columnist from Scotland named Janey Godley. What a hoot that she has already reached across the pond to respond to me. Here's the column link and her response is below:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/life-coach-friend_565511_22.html

Dear Nancy, thanks for writing about my article that I wrote for The Scotsman newspaper. I am so chuffed (Scottish word for happy) that you gave it a mention. I know that life coaches are important and I was just taking a 'tongue in cheek' approach to your job, it wasnt meant as nasty in the least! I hope you understood that!

Janey

Got it, Janey!

Work week

2008-04-17T22:35:00.004-04:00

It has been an intense week of coaching. Two consultations, both with writers, both inspiring. Sessions with existing clients have been deep and uncharacteristically emotional.

I have emerged satisfied, challenged, exhausted.

Wow.

Follow your gut

2008-04-16T08:14:00.004-04:00

Today's Game Plan column was inspired by my mini-addiction to the Chefography series on The Food Network and all the lessons herein. Check it out:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/careers/article/learn-follow-gut_560599_24.html

On the move

2008-04-15T23:17:00.002-04:00

I hired a web dude today. Changes are coming. I'm psyched.

What it boils down to is I'm taking the reins of my Web site, which is currently in the hands of a dear friend who has better things to do (my words, not his). I was initially worried about being "tech" challenged, but then I remembered that I used to be a web producer for a major sports site that had to be updated constantly and was highly scrutinized. This is not rocket science. And, frankly, I know few people who like control more than I do, so this is good bordering on scary.

Stay tuned.

Touchstone

2008-04-14T23:40:00.005-04:00

I had a conversation with someone today who reminded me of where I was a few years ago and where I am now. She wanted to know how spirit played a part in me creating the life I want.

I told her the single most important shift I made was feeling real abundance in my life. Not financial or material abundance based on attachments, but the kind that can only come from within. I live simply, but this is not to be confused with deprivation. I like and appreciate nice things! (Geez, it was all I could do to walk away from a pair of pointy pink Manolo Blahnik suede loafers today.)

It was gratifying to connect with this person today. She sought me out, but I gained much from our conversation.

My world view

2008-04-13T21:33:00.004-04:00

What a glorious beginning to a day. I power walked to the tip of Pier A Park, which as its name suggests is a park built on a pier that juts out into the Hudson River. The Manhattan skyline view is spectacular and you can see as far south as the Verrazano Bridge and as far north as the George Washington Bridge.

Today I was keenly aware that I was staring at the "entry" into our country even though Lady Liberty was just out of my sight. New York is so serene from that vantage point. Even surrounded by gray clouds and gray water, the city looked majestic. My MP3 player was piping Bobby Caldwell's version of Beyond The Sea into my ears and it all just felt spectacular.

At one point a young man stood at the southeast corner of the park staring at the lower end of Manhattan, where the World Trade Center towers used to be. Every time I see someone at that particular spot I wonder what that view means to them.

My trip to the "Conversation Among Masters" conference in Asheville is still washing over me. I've been playing it pretty close to the vest since I returned, as I don't think words do it justice. So this was also time to ponder that and let my mind wander to possibilities.

Once again, after nine years, I pinch myself to make sure it's real. I live here. I do.

Family formula

2008-04-12T22:49:00.003-04:00

Went to visit the folks in Leisure Village today. Celebrated Dad's 77th birthday. Classic Colasurdo gathering -- Mom's pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, pickled beets, salad with kick-butt balsamic dressing and bread sticks. The finale -- triple-layer yellow cake with raspberry and apricot filling and cream cheese icing, also courtesy of Mom.

Food = Love.

The pressure cooker

2008-04-11T15:31:00.005-04:00

Today's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com called "Escaping the Pressure Cooker Isn't a Crime" grew from a discussion at lunch one day in Asheville:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/escaping-pressure-cooker-isnt-crime_555981_22.html

Funny, but I'm reading Anthony F. Smith's book right now -- The Taboos of Leadership -- and another perspective is emerging on the whole work-life balance issue.

Stay tuned.

Connections

2008-04-10T21:18:00.006-04:00

I have landed back in Hoboken, but not before my car service guy hit another car in the Newark Airport parking lot -- an attorney in a Mercedes. An hour-long production ensued, of course, but blessedly no one was injured.

It feels good to be back, but what a trip it was. Inspiring speakers, beauty all around, good food. But most significantly, I feel I was divinely sent to Asheville to make soul connections with a very special group of women I met on my first night there. Seven of us had put our names to the signup sheet to eat in a downtown restaurant called Sugo. It was as it was supposed to be and it set the tone for a special experience.

Yesterday's conversation with Martha Beck was wonderful, transformative even. The energy in the room was so warm. A funny thing happened to me in the beginning. We were all sitting in rockers in a big semi-circle around Martha. She began talking and I had my pen and pad poised for note-taking. Then I got this tickle in my throat and it was persisting enough where I knew it would escalate. I was in the front row! So I got up and grabbed a glass of water and sat back down. Since I was holding the glass, I abandoned the pen and paper. Then the message hit me. Just be with this conversation, Nancy. Don't start writing and miss half of what's said. Be with it. Experience it, right now.

So powerful. And topping it off with lunch on the Sunset Patio with my newfound friends made it all the more so.

I will be feeling the ripple effects of this "Conversation Among Masters" for a long time. I have already signed on for next year.

I am filled with gratitude.

Resume Game Plan

2008-04-09T21:59:00.004-04:00

I'm still in Asheville, N.C., and will likely deconstruct this amazing experience I'm having at some point when I return and feel more thoughtful about it.

In the meantime, one mountain honey wrap and massage later, I present my latest Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com. I had a little fun with the topic of resumes:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/careers/article/looking-new-job-jazz-resume_549945_24.html

In short, jazz the thing up!

Luck of the draw

2008-04-08T08:53:00.003-04:00

Too much dancing to report from Asheville, N.C. last night. Dueling pianos. Lots of fun.

However, I can't let 24 hours go by before talking about my fabulous scores on the day. First, eight people here won the chance to have lunch with Anthony F. Smith -- co-founder and managing director of Leadership Research Institute -- yesterday and, yes, I was one of them. Watching him speak to our big group all morning, with questions and conversation in between, felt a bit like peeling an onion. Lunch was a chance to experience him in a relaxed atmosphere and go one on one. I bought his book, The Taboos of Leadership: The Ten Secrets No One Will Tell You About Leaders and What They Really Think, so more to come on that.

Then I won a raffle in the afternoon, a one-night stay at a spa in Monterey, Calif.

Not a bad haul, huh?

Off and running

2008-04-06T22:12:00.003-04:00

Asheville is one funky place. The South meets artsy/edgy. I am staying in a place that reminds me of the big hotel in The Shining, only the vibe is better (haha).

Ate fried green tomatoes and cheesy grits for lunch. And, yes, wild boar for dinner (with a group of dynamic and hip women).

All good. Business begins tomorrow ...

Walking my talk

2008-04-05T11:35:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com is about my recent artist date in New York:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/revisiting-sights-smells-memories-past_545644_22.html

This is something I encourage in my clients, so I try to make sure I practice what I preach, so to speak. I've had a recent lapse, which probably made this particular one special.

It's like taking a deep breath in the middle of the week.

Breathtaking

2008-04-03T20:14:00.001-04:00

How stunning is this photo?

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/travel/03personal.html?hp

Looking good

2008-04-02T21:43:00.006-04:00

I have had a long journalism career that has given me the opportunity to interview lots of cool people (Christie Whitman, Brooks Robinson, and Anna Quindlen, just to name a few favorites). Ranking right up there was my recent interview of Stacy London, the co-host of TLC's What Not to Wear and the subject of my Game Plan column on FOXBusiness.com today:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/ripple-effect-looking-good_540902_22.html

Stacy is a real champion of women and she's one of those people who is using her gifts to really help people see what they can be.

Good stuff.

Not so creepy?

2008-04-01T22:26:00.002-04:00

Just three days ago here I wrote about Wal-Mart and the lawsuit it had won against a former employee. It had exception-to-the-rule written all over it. I'm happy to say that the company has seen the light, perhaps because it has been roundly criticized in newspaper editorials and on cable news shows:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120708739471181553.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

That said, I still hope the snake has a long, long life.

Spa me

2008-03-31T23:43:00.003-04:00

There's something juicy about trying to figure out when to schedule my massage next week in Asheville. And then there are the details. With a mountain view? With stones? A 50-minute or an 80-minute?

Oh, the chore of it all.

Music to my ears

2008-03-30T23:55:00.002-04:00

The men in my family have provided a nice soundtrack for my life this week.

Dad converted four cassette tapes he had made me a while back into CDs. I've indulged in some swinging Sinatra the last few days.

My brother loaded up my MP3 player with goodies, most of which I haven't even gotten to yet. All I know is my workouts are better already. Each day there's another surprise.

The gifts that keep on giving.

Snake-bitten

2008-03-29T17:16:00.004-04:00

Read this story about Wal-Mart today:

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/wal-mart-sues-disabled-ex-employee/20080329083609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

Reminded me of the fact that the endangered northern pine snake is holding up the building of a Wal-Mart near my parents' retirement community in Manchester Township. The proposed center would be five times the size of a football field.

Hope the slimy creature lives a long life.

A tree grows in Hoboken

2008-03-27T21:47:00.006-04:00

So because of the holiday I was a little late in reading this week's Hoboken Reporter. There's an ongoing fight being played out in the Letters to the Editor every week -- should they have planted a bunch of trees in one of our parks here? I was amused to see this written in a letter from a 12-year-old girl who goes to nearby Mustard Seed School:

Due to the lack of play space we are not able to release enough energy to keep us focused for the rest of the school day. This causes stress for adults who are responsible for taking care of us, which is quite difficult when we are overflowing with energy.

OK. Either this was written by one of those parents who does science projects, too, or this child knows way too much about stress and energy.

They're just trees, folks.

A calling

2008-03-26T22:03:00.002-04:00

A heady day of coaching. Sometimes it's so natural it's surreal. Four clients today, all amazing in their own right. Each one keeping me on my toes.

I lay my head on the pillow tonight knowing I do what I was born to do.

Coming 'round the mountain

2008-03-25T19:55:00.004-04:00

I'm excited about heading to Asheville, N.C., in a few weeks for a conference called "Conversation Among Masters." It's for master coaches and the agenda includes some talks and facilitated conversations with some of the best life coaches in the country.

There is much to share and learn.

And, well, maybe a spa service or two to enjoy.

Piano man

2008-03-24T18:08:00.006-04:00

Despite the fact that Billy Joel looked like his publicist and/or his wife forced him to be on Oprah today, the interview was not without its cool moments. He talked of giving birth to a song, a comment on process that spoke to the writer in me.

After he performed Only The Good Die Young, he talked about how some Catholic universities and others banned it, which made sales skyrocket. He told Oprah, "I said, 'Can you ban my next song?'" He went on to say that the only stand the song was taking was one of "pro-lust."

Good stuff.

A cool dozen

2008-03-23T23:43:00.002-04:00

We're almost a quarter into the year. How are those resolutions going?

My latest Game Plan column on FOX Business suggests taking the next 12 weeks seriously:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/new-years-resolution-failing-try-12week-makeover_527241_22.html

A moment of regression

2008-03-20T21:39:00.004-04:00

If my eyes could speak, they'd be thanking me for watching Ashton Kutcher for 30 minutes tonight.

Eye candy?

Maybe a Lindor truffle.

Let's get real

2008-03-20T12:53:00.002-04:00

How gracious and real, from The New York Times Magazine last Sunday, a Q&A with Laura Linney:

You were nominated recently for your third Academy Award, for your role in The Savages.

People come up to me and say, "Oh, I'm so sorry you lost." What did I lose? I didn't lose anything. I didn't lose a thing.

That's sane of you. What do you think of Marion Cotillard, who just won best actress for her performance as Edith Piaf?

Of the five of us, that performance was on a whole other level. It just was.

Where's the mudita?

2008-03-19T22:56:00.003-04:00

Wrote a Game Plan column about something that bugs the crap out of me -- pervasive negativity. It appeared on FOXBusiness.com today:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/travel-lifestyle/article/goodness-sakewheres-mudita_522983_22.html

Race matters

2008-03-18T20:40:00.005-04:00

What a real, wonderfully written speech by Senator Barack Obama today:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/us/politics/18text-obama.html?em&ex=1205985600&en=06a539b9d149224f&ei=5087%0A

It's a long overdue commentary on race in America.

Thank you.

NETworking

2008-03-17T16:41:00.002-04:00

Just created an "expert" page on a website that serves as a resource for self-growth professionals. Check it out:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/nancy_colasurdo.html

Received

2008-03-16T22:25:00.002-04:00

Just watched The Big Give. Andre Agassi's lightness of spirit is a joy to behold.

Strengths in numbers

2008-03-15T15:16:00.005-04:00

Hmmmmm. Just took a test on the Authentic Happiness website. It's called the VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire and it consists of 240 questions. Here are my top five strengths:

Your Top Strength
Appreciation of beauty and excellence. You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

Your Second Strength
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness. You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Your Third Strength
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy. Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

Your Fourth Strength
Gratitude. You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

Your Fifth Strength
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness. Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Very telling. Yes, indeed.

Action packed

2008-03-14T01:34:00.002-04:00

What a fun day.

Appeared on Martha Stewart Radio SIRIUS 112 this afternoon with host Mario Bosquez and career consultant Maggie Mistal in a discussion about "career serendipity." We took calls and really just had a good conversation about career issues. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tonight I attended a cast party for Shannon Durig, the star of Hairspray on Broadway. I interviewed her for a FOXBusiness.com column set to go live tomorrow (well, actually later today) and she invited me to her 1,000th show celebration at Spotlight Live in Times Square. They featured a Cosmopolitan-type drink with a splash of pineapple juice in honor of Shannon called Shannon's Shenanigans or something like that. Delish.

Yep. A fun day.

Publicity

2008-03-12T21:26:00.006-04:00

How cool that I have a client and a former client on the newsstand! The current client, a musician, got a blurb in the March issue of More magazine. The former client, an entrepreneur, has a Q&A in the April issue of Cosmopolitan.

They're movin' and shakin'.

In the past, I've had clients who appeared on "Page Six," the New York Post's notorious gossip section, and on Crossing Over with John Edward.

I just love living and working in the center of it all.

New York, New York.

KISS-Y

2008-03-11T23:06:00.003-04:00

Realized I was laughing out loud on the treadmill at the gym this morning.

Had Rachael Ray on the TV. She showed a clip of Kristan Cunningham making over a room for a couple. He was a huge KISS fan and had a room filled with memorabilia. She wanted a classy room. Cunningham managed to merge the two by furnishing it well and then putting KISS stuff -- like framed album covers -- around the room as accent. She converted the closet into this crazy scene with flames and blaring music whenever you open the door. The guy's reaction was priceless.

But better yet, Rachael Ray has them all on the show and says since Kristan broke a piece of his memorabilia, they have a surprise for him. Out walks Gene Simmons with a KISS lamp in his hand. I thought the guy was going to freak. And his wife was blown away, too.

Gotta say, that's some fun TV. Made my workout a breeze.

The facts of life

2008-03-10T23:14:00.006-04:00

Interesting that the governor of New York is embroiled in a scandal the very day after I saw former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey in a Hoboken cafe I frequent. He looked relaxed and comfortable in his own skin and was warm and receptive to my handshake.

Now, more sex and politics in the news. Another man devastating his family and disappointing constituents.

Our leaders are flawed.

This is life.

Help

2008-03-09T22:04:00.003-04:00

The Big Give is so inspiring and thought-provoking.

Tears aplenty streaming over here.

New York state of mind

2008-03-06T23:21:00.002-05:00

Had a really pleasant dinner in Midtown tonight. Sometimes there's nothing like that Fifth Avenue vibe to put some zing in the day. It was a nice night. Strolled from Radio City to St. Patrick's and then browsed some stores before meeting my friend. Even ducked into the Lindt store for a sample truffle.

Zing.

Me and my keyboard

2008-03-04T22:31:00.001-05:00

Did a lot of writing today.

It is always good when I can say that.

Entitlement

2008-03-03T22:18:00.003-05:00

Dropped into my local Panera cafe today. Watched a group of four women with strollers get up and leave after eating lunch. They left every scrap of paper, every dish, every crumb, every tray for the employees to clean up off the tables, chairs and floor. It was a mess. And this is an establishment where you bus your own tray.

I was in disbelief.

My "glass half-full" side hopes someone slipped the floor manager a $20 for his troubles.

My well runneth over ...

2008-03-02T22:20:00.005-05:00

Went to see Hairspray on Broadway today. What fun!

Brunch at Thalia's, five of us in all. Then the show.

Shannon Durig, who plays the lead, is magnificent. Her energy carries the show. And her moves are fierce.

What a great way to "fill the well," a concept from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. It's about immersing yourself in others' creativity to fill your own creative well.

Mission accomplished.

Vegas and a song

2008-02-29T17:47:00.002-05:00

I wrote this in my December 2007 newsletter and want to revisit:

GIVE A GIRL A DREAM:
I have a smart, sweet client named Mirna who wants to be a professional singer. In 2006 she was a finalist at the USA World Showcase in Las Vegas. She'd like to enter again in 2008 and has already begun her enthused mission. The thing is, the contest has a $500 registration fee and Mirna is homeless. She is on track for finding a home soon and is really putting her life back together after an unfortunate turn. If you or a business you know might be interested in sponsoring her for this spring event, please contact me. Thank you!

Since this ran, Mirna is oh-so-close to getting herself to Las Vegas! I am so thrilled to be working with someone so appreciative, diligent and talented. It makes it all worthwhile.

Mixing it up

2008-02-28T22:22:00.005-05:00

Went to a really fun networking event near my home tonight. Nice vibe. Outgoing, interesting people. Sometimes there's nothing like mixing the professional with the social in just the right way. There was very little hardcore selling, but talking about our work in a relaxed atmosphere. And it had a nice community feel.

Much more effective than stuffier versions I've attended.

Let the sun shine

2008-02-27T22:21:00.004-05:00

I long for the day -- soon -- when the sun is shining and only a light jacket is required. This winter has been fairly painless, yet I can feel that warm weather ease just around the corner.

It is calling my name, baby.

Pretty woman

2008-02-26T20:34:00.004-05:00

I haven't seen Valerie Bertinelli's book, but I have seen her being interviewed and I have a lot of respect for her. She was compelled to tell the truth.

While I don't think airing dirty laundry is necessary in many cases -- even in this one -- it means something to me to hear Bertinelli speak her truth because I was so enamoured with her life back in the 80s. She got Eddie Van Halen, for Pete's sake.

Now she tells us what was really happening. It's courageous. She's grown.

We all have.

Teacher

2008-02-25T18:16:00.005-05:00

Talked to my former college journalism professor today. He's retired now and I felt like connecting. It was good to hear his voice and to hear what's happening in his life. Even now I feel the ripple effects of his confidence in my talent.

An amazing man.

Writers shine

2008-02-24T23:23:00.004-05:00

My favorite moments on the Oscars:

Ratatouille writer Brad Bird thanks his junior high guidance counselor for his repeated skepticism when he said he wanted to make films. "I only realized just recently that he gave me the perfect training for the movie business."

Juno writer Diablo Cody winning best screenplay. She seemed stunned and humbled. Her reaction was so real, her accomplishment so inspiring.

Let's hear it for the writers.

Weekend

2008-02-23T19:23:00.004-05:00

A low-key Saturday afternoon. Meeting friends for lunch. Strolling in and out of shops to check out what's new for spring. Running a few errands. Shopping for fresh ingredients for a late dinner.

Just right.

Life is good

2008-02-22T16:02:00.003-05:00

I am so enjoying writing my Game Plan columns for FOX Business. I really loved writing today's piece about the company called Life is good. There are two sisters who just opened one of these in Hoboken and it's just so upbeat. Check it out:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/article/spread-news-life-good_487976_20.html

Well versed

2008-02-21T17:39:00.006-05:00

What an enjoyable morning I had! Poetry!

My cousin's daughter, Dominique, competed in the region 2 finals of "Poetry Out Loud," a national recitation contest for high schools. Nika, as we call her, was terrific -- confident, poised, animated and clear. And, much to my delight, she sang in the last of her three performances -- A Song for Soweto by June Jordan. Who knew she had such a great voice?

Another highlight came near the end. I was sooooo hoping one of the participants would recite Still I Rise by Maya Angelou and it wound up that two young women had chosen it. A double dose. What a treat.

I think I'm inspired to pluck something off my poetry shelf ...

Greenery

2008-02-20T23:50:00.004-05:00

Each day I am more delighted by the ivy plant weaving its way around my bedroom window sill. So full of life. Actually, so persistently alive.

I took the opportunity to reflect upon it and make a confession regarding plants in my February newsletter:

http://nancola.com/pages/newsletter.html

Antidote

2008-02-19T23:29:00.003-05:00

The wind carried me two blocks today as I ran errands. Every hair on my head was windswept.

I came home to write.

But first I made chicken soup, just so I could smell it while I worked.

Floating

2008-02-18T23:30:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow my new firm super plush mattress will be delivered. I could have gone into deep slumber in the showroom alone, a la Sleeping Beauty.

Happily ever after ...

Pendaflex heaven

2008-02-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

Got my brand spanking new filing cabinet yesterday. Nice wood with a black stain. A piece of furniture that will also make it a joy to stay organized.

And so I got my red Pendaflex hanging folders and I'm going to embark on a file journey.

It makes my dorky little heart sing.

Take me down home

2008-02-16T16:23:00.005-05:00

As an avid fan of The Food Network, I have been intrigued by the coming attractions for a new show called Down Home With The Neelys. This is a family that runs a few barbecue restaurants in Tennessee and I saw them for the first time on Road Tasted, the show hosted by Jamie and Bobby Deen. They seem so inviting as entrepreunurs and as people.

So I watched the new show this morning and I love their energy, particularly their spiritual energy. You never know what you're going to get when you're watching a dynamic between couples, but theirs seems so real and vibrant. And, well, the food looks deadly good.

I don't expect to be in Tennessee any time soon, but I feel like I have a taste of it coming into my living room. Good TV.

Me

2008-02-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

Writing, writing, writing. All day. So good.

Writer. It's who I am.

Quotable

2008-02-12T23:38:00.002-05:00

Words on a mug that is my pencil holder speak to me today:

When I began I was like everyone else.
-- Claude Monet

In tune

2008-02-11T23:28:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days where things clicked into place. The reason a long-awaited check was delayed became clear. The reason I was compelled to sign up for a meditation series became clear. The reason I hadn't had a call back from someone I wanted to interview became clear.

Answers, obvious and not so.

And there were more.

I'm in tune.

Blast

2008-02-10T23:14:00.000-05:00

Had a really nice family weekend. Shopping, eating well, hanging out.

Glad the bitter cold saved its appearance for the tail end.

Warmth is better.

The beat goes on ...

2008-02-07T23:25:00.000-05:00

Watched Eli Manning on Letterman last night. What a good interview. Dave was the perfect combo of funny and inquisitive about the final plays of the game. Eli was relaxed and showed his sense of humor.

What a swell diversion that Super Bowl has been in our crazy, mixed-up world.

A day in the life

2008-02-06T21:54:00.000-05:00

I watched fellow life coaches Martha Beck and Cheryl Richardson and author Louise Hay talk about the law of attraction on Oprah today. I am so aligned with all they spoke of, the affirmations, the positive thinking, the work on self.

It feels like I am in a continuous conversation about how to live life. The columns I write for FOX Business, the steady stream of vibrant clients, the life coach from Sweden I met this morning over breakfast and compared notes. Et cetera.

To boot, I met an amazingly creative guy today. We had a consultation. I so hope he becomes a client. I believe he's poised for a ride and I want to take it with him. Call me selfish, but I'm no fool. I love what I do and in this case I would be helping facilitate the growth of some really cool projects.

Two great client sessions tonight and, well, what a day.

Red, white and blue

2008-02-05T18:30:00.000-05:00

Just an average day.

Voted to help determine the next President of the United States. Attended a parade for the Super Bowl champions. Ate some chicken.

Ho hum.

Top pick

2008-02-04T18:55:00.000-05:00

Written about Eli Manning and published January 27, 2008:

You may understand nothing about football, or sports, but surely you understand this: When you’re the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft and you move to New York City, you don’t live with your college sweetheart. In Hoboken.

--New York Magazine

Uh, yeah you do.

Hail, Eli

2008-02-03T22:35:00.000-05:00

Hoboken is rockin' off its hinges right now. Horns are blowing. People are yelling in the streets. The Giants have won the Super Bowl in AMAZING fashion.

Eli Manning, we bow to thee. (He might be rivaling Sinatra for favorite Hoboken boy right at the moment.)

With just over a minute to play and behind 14-10 on a third-and-5 at his own 44, Manning avoided the rush, literally pulled himself free from the clutches of the Patriots' defense, and threw an astounding 32-yard pass to David Tyree, who made an equally astounding catch. That set up the Giants on the Pats' 24 and a subsequent touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the end zone to win the game.

As I watched that ball float into Burress' hands, I felt like I had just won a marathon. Honestly, I don't think I've ever worked up a sweat watching a sporting event before. It was exhilarating exhaustion.

Eli Manning, we bow to thee.

We do.

Pen to paper

2008-02-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you set out to write morning meditation pages and half a life coaching column pours out.

What a wonder art is.

Let's get physical

2008-02-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

Forced myself to go out in the chilly rain this morning for a workout. The gym was quiet. I was in no rush. I felt each rep as I worked my lower body on weight machines. I love sensing the connection of physical power and mental power.

Sometimes it is all about being in the moment.

Veggie delight

2008-01-31T19:42:00.000-05:00

Call me crazy, but asparagus at $1.99 a pound today made me want to sing.

I spared the ears of the good folks in my Garden of Eden store.

But I bought two pounds.

Great creators

2008-01-30T22:11:00.000-05:00

Coaching was so satisfying today. Two clients with progress on books they're writing, among other wonderful strides they're making. Another client who reached her goals with a flourish, including completing a film that had a highly successful showing in a film festival. It's only the beginning for her.

I am endlessly fascinated by ambitious, creative people and delighted I attract them into my life.

Connecting you to your creative core ...

A grabber

2008-01-29T23:37:00.000-05:00

I'm slowly test driving a new approach to my book. A powerful first line packed with potential that came to me while reading a magazine on a train.

I need to sit with this and let it develop organically. My excitement is growing.

Pace

2008-01-28T22:52:00.000-05:00

Simple pleasures today. A hair cut. Hot dogs at Gray's Papaya. New lipstick and eyeliner using Macy's gift card. Seeing a friend's three-day-old baby girl (Welcome to the world, Azumi). Having tea with another dear friend. Leisurely paced work in the evening hours.

Nice.