On the road

I am off to attend a business conference call The Brand Gap in Portland, OR. I have helped to set this event up and I am so excited to attend.

I will give you all the wonderful details this weekend!

A few more picts

So the first picture is of my new Business card. Vera- I can send you one if you want. I needed to get a card for my conference this week. I am hoping in the next few months to get a better card but this will do for now.

The next picture is of a pair of shoes I have been wanting to buy for over a year. As I get older I hate paying full price for things, so yesterday I found the exact pair of shoes I have been wishing to buy and they were more than half off. I just could not pass it up.

I love these shoes!

Needless to say I am very happy. I also figured out a way to fix my camper boots so they will fit.

I am crying as I write this

Well not really but I got so excited about a pair of Camper boots that I put faith into them. Only to realize that all my years of weightlifting and biking around Wisconsin have left my calf muscles too big for the boots.

I have a business conference this week in Portland and I was so excited to be hanging out in my new boots that were more than half off the retail price. Oh.... Why can't companies make shoes and clothes for people a little bigger than a bean pole?

Besides that not much else is going on. I got some business cards made, I got a couple of new outfits for my conference and I went to an excellent lecture on product development and branding last night. It was given by Jody Turner who is President of Culture of Future an international company. It was a very interesting mix of design ideas from all over the world with a dash of optimism for the corporate future and agenda. There was a Q&A at the end of the lecture and it was the first time in my life that I knew so much about the subjects that I wanted to answer the questions.

Hopefully next week in Portland I will have three days of the same thing I experienced last night. I am very interested to see where this conference takes me.

So far so good

Ok, the job is going well. Of course I am exhausted at night and I feel at times my head is going to explode but what else can you do for your few months on the job?

A few weeks ago I wrote about working with Elaine on a energy healing that changed my life. Well, it is still working. I was asked to be on the board of an organization that I am very interested in. It would also be a great networking experience. I am not sure if I can join, I have to see what happens with this job and my energy level but just the fact that they asked made me feel good.

As some of you know, my last few years have been very hard in terms of life and career. I just could not get anybody to respond to me. Not even temp agencies was to talk with me. This is when I started working with Elaine. She helped me to move some issues aside, to clear up my energy and to look forward. I know she did more than this but since I do not know how she does what she does, I just know it works. So all I can really say is she helped me and whatever she does it works!

I feel like Emily 2006 is turning into one of my best years ever!

It is 8:20 at night and I am sad to report that I am off to bed now.

I promise cowboy pictures and stories this weekend.

Little side notes

Ideo has long been one of my favorite companies. This article in Business Week from a couple of years ago helped me to realize that there is such a thing as creativity in the work place, and some companies are getting paid for work that I love to do in my spare time.

I guess you could say this article changed my life.


In other news, I will be going on vacation starting tomorrow. I will be unable to update my blog since we will be in the back country of Oregon. However, I will take plenty of pictures so I can show you just how far in the middle of no where we went.

I also start my new job on Monday. I am not nervous yet. Especially since yesterday I went to buy a first day outfit and I found a Cashmere sweater and Ralph Lauren Tweed jacket that cost $50.00 all together. I have never bought a cashmere sweater for 15.00 dollars but I have to say at those prices I would wear nothing but cashmere if I could. So far all signs point to yes, this is going to be a great start to my new job.

A long lost friend

Ok, so I have a little time to spare since I am on vacation this week.

So here is the link to my first blog.

The Diary Of Helen Wheels

I first started to blog in 2000. I read a New Yorker article about it and thought I would give it a go. It was wonderful! I loved writing and knowing that there were people in the web world that would read what I had written. I was the first of my friends to blog. Everyone thought it was a nutty thing to do but I knew better than that.

So I have taken a couple of years off from blogging. I started other blogs but never found the energy to continue. I think for awhile I lost my voice. Rereading Helen Wheels I am impressed with my writing. I just remember how lost and alone I felt in the Midwest and how writing in my blog made me feel alive and in touch with myself.

So I hope I can bring back a side of Helen Wheels for this blog. Helen Wheels was my secret side. She was the woman that dreamed big and could speak her mind. She was also very thoughtful and could express herself and not be scared.

I have a feeling after this posting this blog may get a little more personal.

It is true, as I have gotten older I do not feel such pain. That maybe because I am in a relationship my search is not as exciting but to be honest. I am now searching to grow up. I am searching to start my own business and to find work that I love. I am still searching for community, a house to buy and a place where I can be surrounded by loved ones.

I still have Helen Wheels in me, she has just grown up a bit. Gone on her wild days. In place is a greater sense of self worth and a brain truly worth it's weight in gold!

Nap Time

I took a rest today and this is what I saw when I woke up. This is Ahmi. She is my best friend. I found her almost five years ago at Evergreen State College. I thought I would give her to my aunt but that fell through because once I took her home she was mine. She would follow me everywhere I went. Nobody could get her attention if I was in the room. So I kept her. She keeps watch over the house and my two cats and in return I make her own food ( red peppers are her favorite treat) and I take her to the woods a couple of times a month where she can run off leash. I think it is a pretty fair trade!

A meatless lifestyle

Today I am starting a new month long vegetarian diet. Right around when I started this blog I also began to realize that my body wanted to stop eating meat. I am making this diet a month long because I do not want to feel like I can never have organic meat again. I just want to slowly move into this lifestyle. However, I am going on vacation this weekend to a crab feed so Seafood will be ok for awhile.

I have two cats and a dog. I love these animals more than I ever knew I could love a non-speaking mammal. These animals may not use words but I always know what they want. And they are smart, really smart. I then began to realize that all the cows I have ever met were very sweet and gentle. And chickens? Well I have never been won over by a chicken but I also get very grossed out when I drive by a chicken truck on it's way to a slaughter house. And last but not least, pigs. I like pigs, they are smart and make funny noises. Dirty, yes! But sometimes on a hot day the thought of rolling around in mud sounds good to me.

So, needless to say, the little voice in my head has been gently guiding me towards wanting to live a more organic and healthy lifestyle. The guidance has been very kind and soft with me. Reminding me over and over again that I love animals, I love the earth and I want to start taking care of animals and the earth, instead of eating tainted meat and non-organic fruits and veggies which will hurt you over the years.

Today is my first day on this adventure. As I prepare to say goodbye to my two best friends as they are moving to Sweden, I have set up a dinner date for us at the wonderful Vegan restaurant Bamboo Gardens. This is our celebration, goodbye and I can not wait to visit you next year dinner.
And it is a gentle start to a new lifestyle for me.

Taking much needed time

So I must admit that these last few months of not having a job have been stressful. I never lost hope but I often wondered what was going to happen. At one point I just gave the situation to the universe and admitted that I had no idea what to do next. At the same time I started working with Elaine from Clear Reflection Coaching .

After two session I knew my energy was changing. I suddenly understood myself better and I knew more about what I wanted. In one sense I felt like I had suddenly grown up but then on the other hand I also felt like a bunch of negative energy was lifted from me and I could now be what I had always wanted to be.

Two days after my last meeting with Elaine I had a week full of job interviews, all coming in on the same week. I went from not being able to get anyone to call me back and having no leads to suddenly having everyone call me at once.
One week after I started the interview process I had accepted an offer from a place I really wanted to work.

I look back at these events and I am amazed at how the universe had lined everything up for me. While I was looking for work I made sure that I keep a clear mind and I began to mediate more. I also started working on my blocks that were holding me back. I was ready for change and I was doing my part of bring it into my life. This is why I think I was able to get a job so quickly and have it be the one I wanted. Because I was finally ready to do the dirty work in my life so the universe could provide me with love and positive changes.

I now feel more connected with spirit and my life. I feel like I am glowing with happiness and love.

I am also thinking it is time to become a vegetarian and non-sugar eater. We shall see.

Life Coaches Rule

Today I met with two friends from Sweden who started talking about life coaches and how amazed they are that their friends in Sweden are starting to get life coaches.

In the last year I met my first life coaches. They are now friends and I have never been coached by them but I have to admit that I love what they do. They also have amazing energy surrounding them, I always feel like I can do anything when I am with them.

My favorite main stream life coach is Cheryl Richardson.
She has truly influenced me to not only want to change my life but to also take those action steps needed to change my life.

Also, her new book, The unmistakable touch of grace, inspired my latest candle called GRACE.
It is a wonderful candle that brings grace into your life and also helps you to be more aware of the grace that touches all of us.

The Search is Over

That's right my blog friends. I accepted an offer this morning for a new job. I am so excited!
The job offer was very nice. I get a free bus pass and I get a flexible schedule.

WOOO HOOO!

So I now can start Odessa's Herbals up again. I can create new products and I can finally afford to get my packaging done.

I can feel the stress rolling off my back.

I also want to thank Elaine La Joie who had truly helped me to reach the place I needed to be to receive this job into my life. She is truly an amazing healer and coach. If you have not talked with her I would call her as soon as you can!

Candles and Sodas

Well, I will admit it. I have not been making as many candles as I would like. Timing and resources are to blame. And the fact my energy has been focused on my job hunt.

However, I did create a new candle this week called POSITIVE CHANGES.
This candles is best for when you are ready for the changes in life that affect us all. From something as simple as a change in how often you do the dishes to something a little more dramatic as a change in career path or relationship. This candle can help you focus on the future because you know it is all for the best.

I have been using this candle in conjunction with other candles because I found it is a good partner to whatever intention I am working on creating.


In other news, I had my best job interview so far. It was only 4.5 hours long with four different people. But everyone was really nice and I know I did my best. I will let you all know the details as they come this way.

Something funny happened yesterday. I was at a friend's house when I noticed he had an extra new modern looking soda in the fridge. I asked him if I could try it. He reluctantly agreed that I could have it while telling me he is totally addicted to these new sodas and has to drink at least two a day. They are considered the healthy soda with great packaging. Viso. I tried it and it was lovely. Tasted very similar to drinks I had while living in Scotland. So here I am, sitting in my friends living room, dreaming of Scotland and all the wonderful friends I made there. When I notice a red box on the label. This is a caution label, turns out the drink I am consuming in a fast pace has as much caffeine as three cups of coffee. I announced this to my friends who were shocked but then did notice a trend between drinking those sodas and being very productive and coming up with "brilliant" ideas. It all came crashing down as he realized that the soda had caused some sort of unknown fantasy for him of himself.

But he said he will still keep drinking them so sometimes we just need a little help to push ourselves to be that brilliant person we know we are.

A new thing

Ok, I first want to say that I realize I need to add new pictures. Not only for my blog but also for my Flickr page.

I promise, soon!

Next item of business.

Today, for the first time ever, I turned down a job. Now, I know this sounds shocking since I need a job and I do not have one currently. However, when the head of the department is telling me in the interview that this job has no future, there will be no raises and there are no benefits and I must commit to a part time job for one year..... Well that pretty much wrapped it up for me. I could have done the work. I would have enjoyed it even, but when a company can not even sell you on the position or the company for that matter. I am out the door!

So, I have three more interviews this week. Wish me luck!

Does this sound interesting to you?

Does this sound interesting to you?

Because it sounds amazing to me.

514 Design Planning
Introduces students to the context of design planning. It includes a discussion of the general forces acting upon an organization -- competition, technological developments, channels of distributing information and products, and how to understand the people who use design. Particular attention is paid to how, within the context of all of these forces, design can benefit an organization.



This is from the Institute of Design in Chicago. This program is one of the few programs in the world that offer a graduate degree in Design. This school maybe in my future. I have two years to bust a move, take some classes and prepare to head back to the Midwest to attend this amazing school. That is, if d. school does not work out.

We shall see......

A lovely poem

My friend Vera who is Dragonfly psychic,
sent me this poem today.

I think it is wonderful and I plan on using it everyday.
She said she was inspired to write this after reading "Your Hearts Desire". Which is one of my favorite books.


There is a part where you write a song or mantra to manifest your dream, and this is what I came up with:

I found my niche
I am rich
Love is mine
Life is fine
I have lots of time
As I hear the universe’s chime
I’m doing everything I want to do
And so are you.


Thanks Vera, you inspire me everyday!

Two new magazines I love

Call it the cross pollinator( an IDEO reference) in me but here are two magazines which I think are very smart and a great read.

PINK
A great new business magazine for women. I must admit, I crave the business knowledge and angle from a woman's point of view. With more women graduating from College than men, it is nice to read about women who are making their marks at the top. And also supporting each other along the way!

Body & Soul
From the publishers of Martha Steward Living. This magazine is a real treat. From the layout design to the articles about how to balance your life, this magazine has it all. Including my favorite photographer who has been featured in this magazine for a couple of amazing spreads, John Dolan.

So this has been my update.
I have been job searching, making candles and reading my little heart out. I just thought I would share a few of my favorite things right now.

The sunshine came out to play

We had a giant wind storm last weekend.
What a wonderful thing because this week has been sunny and warm. The storm took all the rain and clouds away.

I spent the week working on candles and sitting outside with the sun on my face.

It felt great.

I am still reading The Ten Faces of Innovation. I slowed down because I am enjoying the book so much I do not want it to end.

I will update more this week.

d. School

For the last few years I have been spending all my free time reading and learning about business design. From collaborative work environments, to project development and human research, I have been following international companies and how they handle new innovation.

While researching companies and people that are already doing what I love, I came across the d. school. Every few months I spend a good hour or so reading the website and trying to figure out how I can go to this school. I have never felt so excited about graduate school or career paths until I discovered this new trend in Business Design.

Here is a new class they are offering for the d. School that makes me melt with envy.



We are excited to introduce Experiences in Design Thinking: ME377 a new graduate course on innovation offered by the d.school Winter Quarter 2006.

What: Learn how to be an innovator and design thinker through hands on experience and projects. This is a 2-3 unit course.
When: Winter Quarter, Mondays and Wednesdays 1:15-3:05
Who: Staffed by innovators, guest experts, and wide range of interdisciplinary faculty who will introduce and practice the tools and frameworks required to lead innovation.
Our Topics:
Design Thinking - Human centered, prototype driven, mindful of process
Teams - Radical collaboration
Discovery - Design process
Storytelling - Communication
Trailblazing - Entrepreneurship
Delivery - How to plan and execute

A series of immersive experiences in innovation and design thinking, this course will blur the boundaries between technology, business, and human values. Drawing students and faculty from all areas of the university (business, earth sciences, education, engineering, humanities and sciences, law, and medicine), it is a unique forum for learning that prepares participants for real world innovation and for spring d.school courses on social entrepreneurship, experience prototyping, and business prototyping.

Instead of conventional classroom formats, the class is comprised of hands on exercises and projects, rich in frameworks and methods that support breakthrough thinking. It is uniquely fun and uniquely d.school.

Download the Application for ME377

A wonderful book

Right now I am reading The Ten Faces of Innovation: Ideo's Strategies For Beating The Devil's Advocate & Driving Creativity Throughtout Your Organization by Tom Kelley.

I have to admit that anytime Ideo come's out with a new book I buy it the same day. This book is not only smart and interesting, it gives creative and curious people like me hope.

So far I think I am an Anthropologist with a little Cross-Pollinator thrown in and a whole lot of the Collaborator.

I would recomend this book for any business owner, manager or someone that loves the idea that this world can be creative, exciting and you can love what you do.

New Friendships

Yesterday I met Ariel Meadow Stallings. I have to admit that I think she rules.

Having lunch with her yesterday made me realize how amazing Blogging and Bloggers are. I remember when I had my first blog in 2000, most of my friends at the time thought I was a little nutty for writing online. But now over half of those people have blogs. However, I am not sure they would hangout with or call themselves bloggers. But you know what, Bloggers are cool!

So I am now going to beef up my links section to include bloggers I like. I am also going to write more on my blog since I have been a little quiet lately.

LONG LIVE BLOGGERS!

This caught my eye

Yesterday I was feeling sort of lost and stuck. I opened my copy of Ask and It Is Given and this quote is what caught my eye.

" We refer to that time between your offering of a thought and its physical manifestation as " the buffer of time." This is that wonderful time of offering thought, noticing how it feels, adjusting he thought to achieve an even better feeling, and then, in an attitude of absolute expectation, enjoying the gentle, steady unfolding of anything and everything that you have concluded as your desires."

So this paragraph basically saved me from falling into some type of despair based on the fact I feel that buffer of time right now.

What a great relief.

This morning I went to a sale at Glassy Baby. It was great. I got six new colors for my sister. If you have not checked out this company, I highly encourage you too. They are wonderful.

Have Faith... AGAIN

So there is a reason to have faith. See that picture? That is SUNSHINE in my garden. I woke up this morning to the sun. Sometimes I forget how much I love the sun but then days like today make me realize how wonderful this world is.

I am going to spend some time outside in my new garden, enjoying the sunshine and looking at all the new growth.

Also, I spent this weekend making candles and coming up with new recipes.

There will be more about these in the next few days.

The last time we saw the sun

OK, after 28 straight days of rain and the another week of pouring rain I have the winter blues.
Normally the weather does not get me down but this year is painful.

So my task for today is to create a candle that reminds me of the summer time. Endless days of sunshine and short nights. This year we will spend all summer outside in our new yard. Having bonfires and eating our meals on the deck. Playing with the dog and gardening the evenings away.

So I ask all of you that can, please send some sunshine this way....

New Candles

This weekend was a very productive weekend. Because of my big move at the beginning of the year, I have been unable to make any new candles. Well the creative focus came back stronger than ever this weekend.

I have two new candles I am really excited about.

Artist Space
This candle is for anyone wanting to connect with the artist inside themselves as well as create a physical space in their lives to connect with the creative energy of the universe. I often recommend my clients to burn this candle and envision what their perfect studio might look like. Or the wonderful office they want to create, or even what the corner painting studio might look like. Once we can see the space I then ask them to turn their attention towards what this space might look like inside themselves. Can they see themselves connecting with their creative spirit to work on a weekly, monthly or daily basis? This candle also helps to connect the artist with spirit who will guide them to their inner genius.



Self Courage
This candle is for the times in our lives when we need courage and guidance to face our fears and work through them. This candle was also created to assist with working through our self esteem issues so that we can see ourselves as the wonderful and lovely people we truly are. Sometimes we just need a little courage to face our shadow sides and bring light back into our energy fields. This is a very powerful candle that is a lovely orange color to remind us how bright and alive we all are.


I have also come up with two new powerful recipes for abudance and career oriented issues. I have not yet finished these candles so I will post more info about them soon.

Have Faith

"Have Faith" has come up in many ways recently. A few weeks ago I changed the message on my cell phone to " Have Faith" because I needed to remind myself that most of the time I have no idea what the universe is doing on my behalf in the background of my life.

At the time I changed the message this statement did not seem that big of a deal. However, since then I have had a few interesting things happen. I keep seeing a certain number formation everywhere I look.
I asked a friend what this number formation might mean and she said that it is the universe telling me to have faith, that I am on the right path.

Then today, while talking with another friend at lunch, I told her about my new statement in life. She was blown away because she had recently had a dream where an old lady was telling her to have faith. She took this as a great lesson for not only her but also as another example for me to have faith.

So I now know, I must have faith and learn to fill my life up with positive experiences because the universe is taking care of it's part.