Sometimes a little nudge is all I need. I have had in the back of my mind (which actually means the front because it has been tugging at my attention) that attending BookExpoAmerica would be a very good idea this year. Given it is THE annual event in the book world in North America, I could learn tons, meet interesting people, and make great connections.

It seems obvious now that I have a plane ticket in hand, but I drug my heels and practiced the fine art of talking myself out of something. Ever do that? You have this compelling drive to go somewhere, call someone, buy something that may seem really random but the urge is insistent.

I love that I get dished up reminders to walk my talk EVERYDAY! The reminder this time - honor my gut.

The reality is that I just got word that my book has been chosen as a finalist in The National Indie Excellence 2008 Book Awards. The announcement will be made at BEA (the event mentioned above). No big fanfare but it was just the nudge I needed to get out of "oh, I could go next year" and into action. I knew all along I wanted to go!

I'll be headed to LA at the end of the month for the event and love that at the end of the day, one way or another, my gut wins out!

Oh,  winning the award was pretty fun as well!

For those who have read my book you know, I am all about mud pies! Coach Judith revealed recently in her blog that she too, is a mud pie queen. Here is an excerpt:

This past weekend I rode my horse for the first time in ages and it felt like a true renewal. Even the time I spent just getting her ready to ride felt energizing. Of course she was covered with mud from head to hoof. Another part of spring that isn’t as wonderful, MUD! My granddaughter and other children would probably disagree. I remember when I was a child in the spring time I would send hours in our alley (yes, in those days I lived in town, in Kansas). I could make magnificent meals out of mud for all of my dollies.

Later the hollyhocks would bloom (that is all that bloomed in the alley) and I could use toothpicks and create beautiful dolls. I used a large blossom turned upside down for the skirt and a medium one for the body with the unopened one on top for the head. Did you ever do that? I would then find a mud puddle to float them in.

What about you? Can you pull up memories of
days gone by when getting all gooey and messy was the point? The good news is that we can tap into that free flow of creativity we experienced as children as soon as we let go of the fear of getting messy, doing it "wrong" or looking silly.

Perhaps it's making a mud pie, perhaps finger painting with a child or grandchild, or perhaps letting a paint brush teach you how to paint.
What's a formula for more creativity in your life?

Learn more about Coach Judith Geiger, her fabulous retreats and her work helping clients to identify their soul's purpose. www.flyingchangecoaching.com

Top Five Reasons to Go to a Book Signing

1. It is a fun, out of the ordinary, thing to do! Call up a friend and make a date!
   
2. You are guaranteed to meet interesting people
3. You will most likely go home with a new book or two to dive into
4. You will most likely be supporting budding new authors
5. There may be a surprise. Each person who bought a book at my most recent signing at Malaprops received a beautiful What if ... Poster for free!
   

                                                ......

How does life feel when you are surrounded with people you cherish, who cherish you, and who inspire you to be the best you can be? Interact, engage, live the benefits that come when you are in nurturing and playful relationships. Choose your community wisely, show up, and delight in the revelation that having fabulous people in your life supports a fabulous you!
- Excerpt from The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living

When Terry contacted me to celebrate the release of my new book and to celebrate the ambiance and delight she dishes up at her WineCellar, my response was an enthusiastic YES!

What I experienced was ... a group of very cool women getting to know one another in a fun way, a warm environment/space crafted with care by Terry, delicious wines to delight my taste buds, and a reminder that the possible ways to connect with women are endless and it just takes a little creative thinking.

Terry will be gathering women together on a regular basis for a women's night out in her fabulous venue so, if find yourself in beautiful Waynesville, NC stop by to see her to learn more!

Vin Wine and Tapas Bar