Coastal Groove Sighting

Love when my husbands band plays.

Liberty University Graduation.  Great weekend celebrating Robs accomplishments.  Time really does fly!

A Well Needed Weekend Away!

If there ever was a time in my life when I need a break from my usual weekend this was the time. I went to New Hampshire for some rest and relaxation and that is just what I got. A place called Pilgrim Pines.  My expectations were low.  When you add a great massage and wonderful speaker and great food and the weekend became priceless.

The weekend brought me closer to God, and I also took care of some things that have been bothering me lately in my daily routine.

A special plus moment was when I had an hour of planned quiet time.  (I know you are probably saying “Lori being Quiet, sure”

I went away with 4 other friends, least unlikely friends to all be together in for one weekend and they were so much fun to hang with.

There is no doubt in my mind I need to do this more often.

Forgiveness

The Wedding Day!
June 4, 2016 was a beautiful day for a wedding!  And our family had just that.  I cant imagine doing anything else that day or being anywhere else.  My daughter Kristine was beautiful.

50 Shades of Hope (My response to 50 shades of Grey!)

There has been a lot of chatter about this new movie.  A few of my friends have said they can't even believe they are putting it in a movie.  I have not read the book, I will not go see the movie.  I like what Dr Miriam Grossman writes: (and I quote)

"The bottom line: the ideas of Fifty Shades of Grey  are dangerous, and can lead to confusion and poor decisions about love. There are vast differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, but the movie blurs those differences, so you begin to wonder: what’s healthy in a relationship? What’s sick? There are so many shades of grey…I’m not sure.  Listen, it’s your safety and future we’re talking about here. There’s no room for doubt: an intimate relationship that includes violence, consensual or not, is completely unacceptable.  This is black and white. There are no shades of grey here. Not even one."

So here are my 50 shades of Hope sprinkled with things Id rather do!

1. Jesus loves you!  Seriously if you are believer know that)

2. Focus on having Healthy Relationships!

3.  If you are a women, teen date guys who treat you right.

4.  Be kind to others.

5.  You are enough!

6.  Hollywood is not real but the content of this movie is very real. And it's sick, stay way from it.

7.  It's the worst chick flick ever, watch "Pride and Prejudice it's way better.

8.  Abuse is never okay any form of it. mental or physical.

9.  Here's hoping for peace among everyone in the world.

10.  Spend time doing nice things to others.

11.  Give of yourself in a positive way not in a unhealthy way.

12.  Love and Respect goes a long way

13.  Journal

14.  Spend time being thankful.

15.  Go to a third world country and help out.

16.  Adopt a child.

17.  Have a family game night

18.  Have a family sing along.

19. Watch the sunset and the sunrise

20.  Take a walk on a beach

21. Go to a charity event.

22.  Visit someone who lives alone and have conversation

23.  Do things that will have a positive flare not harm you

24.  Have girls night out.

25. Go camping.

26.  Have a movie night

27.  Have great night out to dinner with your loved ones.

28.  Tell someone you love them

29.  Helps someone in need.

30.  Play my guitar

31.  Watch a disney movie.

32.  Go listen to a band!

33.  Talk to some family long distance.

34.  Buy something for someone with out any strings attached.

35.  Spend time focusing on what I'm thankful for.

36.  Catch up with people you have not seen in a while.

37.  Invite another couple over for dinner.

38.  Go to Starbucks and get the free download.

39.  If your married .... spend quality time with each other.

40.  Go skiing.

41. Make a fire in the fire place.

42.  Read a book.

43.  Light some candles and take a hot bath.

44.  Go get your oil changed.

45.  Go to a lecture somewhere.

46.  Go visit and art museum

47.  Go for scenic drive.

48.  Go golfing or bowling

49.  Have some ice cream

50.  Show love and gratitude for everything.

When I was teen I heard a speaker say garbage in garbage out.  Spend time deciding what you want your eyes to see and what you want your mind to think and conceive. This movie will not have a positive impact on our culture. Don't see it, tell your friends to not see it and do not let your kids go see it.  Seriously, just saying...

My Birthday Every Year!

Every year I get together with a bunch of my friends who have Birthdays in December.  We always do breakfast at some kind of diner.  This year I hosted it.  It was a blast.  This is such a fun event in my life.  I have some friends that weren't born in December crash this year.  One thing we also did different this year is shared a favorite Birthday moment.  I shared about my best birthday moment ever when I was 7 years old with all my moms family in Pennsylvania.  Others shared some pretty cool stuff too.  We also talked about favorite Christmas moments, too.  One of my friends who is actually born on the same day as myself last minutely got sick and could not make it.  But for sure some of my favorite moments have been with her. 

Some of my friends are suggesting we not do something in December anymore but pick random day.   I pose this to all of you who are born in December, no one else is ever asked to celebrate their birthday in a different month that were born in other months.  So why should we.  December is perfect, we matter. I keeping my Birthday in December.  I think some days should be untouchable!

So Many Things To Be Thankful For!

There are so many things in life to be thankful for but I'm most thankful when I'm with my family.  When they are not around I miss them terribly.  Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.  The main reason is because I'm with family.  This year we went down to South Carolina over my brother-in-laws to all meet up as many of as we could.  It was nice to see Robert and Kristine again.  One of the neatest thing when we are all together is the laughter.  And watching my kids and seeing how much they love each other.  Knowing this gives me so much comfort.  What are you most thankful for in November?

In Jesus!

Sometimes you have to spend time thinking who you are in Jesus.  I did this exercise today at lunch event that reminded me of who I am in Jesus.  I am enough.

Thank

You

Jesus!

Social Media And Sunsets

Lately, I’ve been sharing a lot on implementing the right strategy for your business with social media.  One of the biggest things you want to do with your social media strategy is make a lasting impression.  This is why I have named this blogpost “Social Media Strategy and Sunsets”!  Now I know this is stretching it but there have been many sunsets that will be forever remembered in my memories, mostly on beaches, some in Arizona and my latest in South Carolina.  So my question to you is how are you doing with making a lasting impression with Social Media?  Here are three strategic ways to “wow”  your people that you’re trying to reach with social media.

1. Give them information that they don’t already know that will help them!  Talk about making a lasting impression.  If you help solve their problem.  They will love you forever.  Also they will keep coming back to see what else you are saying.
2. Always post quality pictures with great quotes!  Post pictures that are pleasing to the eyes that will encourage your fans to read the quote too.  There is nothing like a picture perfect sunset and there is nothing like a picture with with words!
3. Listen to what your customers and connections are saying and get them to talk more!  The engagement that happens on your social media platforms will get you known in a big way.  That perfect sunset that we have all seen and we continue to talk about is the  way we should encourage people to talk about our products or services.

It’s funny but you know that perfect old western movie where they ride off into the sunset, the ending to your social media strategy should always be about serving your audience more!  No doubt about it you want your fans to be totally impressed with everything you do!  Drop me a line below and let me know what you do to make lasting impressions!

My Mom On Her 87 Birthday!

My mom is the coolest lady ever. She still does so many things to make me smile.  

My only prayer is that she would have more energy and be as vibrant as she used to be.  

Not everyday is a happy moment!

Yesterday we set up for a memorial for my friend Joey's wife Wendy.  Joey asked us to set up these batteries on a railing.  When I asked him what they were used for it was to keep Wendy alive for the last several months.  With each battery that I placed, there were many silent tears falling from my eyes.

Today we will celebrate the life of Wendy with Joseph Cardamone and family.  We lost her to Cancer, she will be remembered by those who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends! My thoughts at this time are that I'm very grateful for her life and how much she loved Joey and her children! She was a great mom & wife & sister & sister in - law and friend!

Nothing can beat that smile on Joey's face when he was with her.

Keeping It Real On Social Media!

Every time I go on to Facebook the friends I’m connected with are doing amazing things. I always am fascinated by the image that we portray on social media! Then last week a good friend of mine posted this post on facebook. “I promised a friend that I would tell the truth more on facebook. That I would work harder at “keeping it real.” Here’s chapter one in that storybook. http://silvermine.blogspot.com/2014/05/keeping-it-real.html “ My friend Gail always keeps it real, but she really puts it out there by making a promise. This is what I love about my friends they really challenge me.
Then a good family friend of mine posted this, “We have officially transferred to Hospice care. No more chemo. Wendy will be able to continue her nutrition bag, for which we are very grateful. There is no time frame, other than “one day at a time sweet Jesus…”  Talk about being real.
Then a colleague of mine lost a family pet earlier last week and took time in the beginning part of her membership call to be candid about keeping it real.
Those three messages were a challenge on keeping it more real in my life and on social media.  You see it’s easy to post the happy stuff. Graduations, proms, family events and great milestones and occasions should be shared with our friends and family. In fact I was at a family gathering this weekend where a cousin told me she only posts happy things. I thought that was great! Now, I am not advocating that we should post all the bad things that happen to us.   That would not be good, but every once in a while we should get more vulnerable.  Share something you are going through so others can support you and identify with you.
I post so much content on facebook, and to the best of my ability I keep it real. I don’t try to give the appearance of a fairytale life. I share with my friends and my family and my colleagues a life of laughter, love and growth. I share the fun I have and the struggles in my life.   I laugh and I cry and I bleed like everyone else. I’m not perfect and I make mistakes. And in the midst of this journey, we face some circumstances we would not wish on anyone, like friends having cancer, accidents that happen, things like hurt and pain caused by others. When this stuff happens to us, love is so much stronger, Gods love is stronger.   When we share and when we are real we can help others in life.   Oh, how we all need each other to keep it real! I would love to hear how you keep it real on social media. Drop me a line.

Out Of Africa (PT 2)

When I got to the conference center in Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa to teach, I never know what to expect. Will we have our usual translator? Will there be someone there to translate for us? Will we connect? Will I like her? Immediately I saw some familiar faces and I saw Patricia who translated for us last year. I love Patricia. She is like my twin in Nairobi. We have the same amount of children and we get along and she makes me laugh. She was so touched that Lisa who co taught with me and I returned. She was sad that she would not be able to translate all week for us. Who would do it?
It was mid afternoon on Monday and I was starting to get a bit concerned that some of the other translators were not at the conference and the other leaders did not want to do it. You could tell. And then this women stepped up out of nowhere. I had never met her before. She spoke great English. Her name was Elizabeth. I loved her spunk and her genuineness. And she was also very wise. She shared too, always asking us permission but it was so good.
She shared that she was a teacher in school. She shared that she never married and never had children. Then she shared that she was Emanuel’s mom. Emanuel is shy, talented man at Lifeway who does all the IT and communications. He also is a great worship leader. That is when I put two and two together. When Emanuel was a little boy he lost his parents and family when he was small and he ended up in Nairobi. And Elizabeth took him and many other children and invested in their lives.  In fact, there was women that were at the conference that she helped and nurtured and mentored when they were smaller.  What a legacy!
As we worked closely throughout the week, I got to know Elizabeth and I could see how God gave her an incredible ministry. So many have been under her care as students and she made a difference in the circumstances she was in and became a mother to the motherless.   I was touched.
There is this commercial that used to be on TV that said "Reach Out And Touch Someone".  I don't know most of your circumstances, but I do know that when you put your heart into reaching out to some who needs it, you make all the difference in the world and in their individual lives.  Here is to making a difference one person at a time!

Out of Africa (PT 1)

This week I took the road less traveled on. Once again I stepped out into the unknown. I went to Nairobi and did some training to women in leadership and I was wrecked. I learned how thankful I am that I had the opportunity to give back in such and extraordinarily way. If you would of have asked me 5 years ago would I ever even thought of traveling to Africa. I would have said you are crazy! All I did is say, “yes” and I did it. It has changed me in every way. In fact there has been many roads I have been traveling on. Very contrary to the popular paths I did once before.The bottom line is spending a week helping others is the greatest road I have ever taken. The highlight of that week was being able to mentor a girl named Penenina. She was so eager to learn. In sharing with her and teaching her, I learned things about myself.
She was leader working with her husband who is a pastor in the Geomungo slum in Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa. This is where the poorest of poor live.  This is not a popular thing to do among African women but she decided to take the road less traveled on.
Robert Frost talked about taking the road less traveled and about how we can make “all the difference” in life. We all come to crossroads throughout our lives and eventually we have to make a choice to travel down one. My question to you is will you dare to take that road into the unknown, where the trail isn’t clear and the risks may be great?
That question is question that I have been asking myself everyday because I started down a path that many times I find my self alone and there is no one to ask directions. Here’s the thing, I would never turn back from the path I’m on now. I love it.
Successful entrepreneurs know that the scariest part of taking action is the very first step. When one comes to a fork in the road, it’s the choice to step away from the familiar path, well worn by the footsteps of others that can require the most courage. You have got to have some courage.
 Okay gotta run. Jot me a note below and tell me about your road that you are taking.

MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY!

A week and a half ago I had the opportunity to take advantage of a VIP day with my Business/Life Coach, Michelle Weimer  in Colorado Springs. It was amazing.  I learned so much about me and what was important to me.  I also got really clear on whom I was serving and my ideal clients with my social media business.  We also worked on a launch I’m going to be working on for this year in business.  Pretty cool! Huh!
I really believe because I stepped out of my comfort zone in many ways for that one day it paved the way for some wonderful opportunities.  Since that day, I have closed business, a speaking gig and I’m running smoothly with a Virtual Event I’m hosting with over 20 speakers that will air at the end of the month.
There is a great quote by Milton Berle that says  “If opportunity does not knock, then build a door” I love this quote because it is basically saying that don’t wait around and wait for opportunity, go out and work and build a door so when it does come you are prepared to open it.  At least this is what it means to me.  You have to get out there and make your own opportunities.  You have to build that door!
So my question is this are you making your own opportunities?
I believe one of the biggest opportunities out there for the small business is Social Media.  The problem is most of us are missing it.
I would like to share with you 3 opportunities for you create when using social media.
The first opportunity that is right in front of you is listen first and then engage! I believe if you will listen you find an opportunity somewhere to connect and engage with potential clients.  Start going into various groups that are your target market and listen to what is going on in that group and then start commenting on the posts or answer some questions.  Some will see you and want to know more about you and then the many possibilities are out there.
The 2^nd way to create opportunity is to share good content that solves your target markets problem.  This opportunity to share this across all the social media boards gets you major visibility.  I shared some of my content on some groups last week and I got person who wanted to know more about what I did with social media and ask me some questions.  And I got a client , I was hired.
The 3^rd way to create opportunity is my #1 strategy for getting a client and it’s on the linkedin platform.  What I do is when someone asks to connect with me I write a personal note to every one I accept saying, "Just saying a hello and great connecting with you.  If I can help you in any way just reach out."  The cool thing is I end up with several reach outs asking me if they can set up a call with me to learn more about social media.  I have gotten many clients using this strategy.  So don’t miss out on Creating your opportunities because you never know who is watching.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD IN 2014

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IT REALLY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE!

It’s Nineteen days into December, and my Christmas tree is up and decorated.  I have pulled out the Christmas books, the Christmas music and the Christmas movies.  I am officially in the Christmas spirit.  I must say I have at least 3 favorite movies for this enchanted season.  One of those movies I can watch over and over again is; “It’s a wonderful life”.  Oh how I love that movie.
As I watch the movie, I can relate to it in so many aspects.  George Bailey he had dreams and hopes and in his mind he had not fulfilled them.  In many ways we are all like George Bailey in the sense that we have dreams and hopes unfulfilled.  Without going into too much detail of the movie, on Christmas Eve George Bailey, head of Bailey Saving and Loan is under a lot of financial pressures attempts to end it all by jumping off a bridge.  This really is the turning point of his life, because an angel named Clarence rescues him.  Clarence’s assignment is George Bailey and if he succeeds Clarence will get his wings.  Then the fun begins.  George wishes that he had never been born and Clarence gives him that exact wish.   Clarence’s journey through George’s life shifts George’s perspective from monetary problems to the positive effect he has had on others.  George realizes that he does want to live and that he has a wonderful life, no matter the money difficulties.  Racing home to his family, he finds friends there who have gathered the necessary funds for the deposit, thereby saving the bank. In the end, all turns out well.  As George’s family and friends gather around him, a bell on the Christmas tree rings, signaling that Clarence earned his wings.
Some of us might feel a bit like George Bailey this year, financially strapped and not sure how we will make it through the tough times.  Maybe we are not sure is the business that we are growing is making the impact that we want it to or is growing the way it should.  Sometimes this leads us to be desperate in our thinking and it can affect our entire outlook on life.  A reframing of our thoughts takes us away from monetary and economic matters might help remind us as well that there is much good in life and much to be happy about, much to be thankful about.  Mainly because it still is such a wonderful life.
What makes us happy?  For me it’s giving to others through time, money and my talents. These things tend to make us happier.
George Bailey’s story unfolds in the small town of Bedford Falls.  For those of us who live in large cities, it is up to us to help create and participate in communities and associations.  These volunteer associations, about half of which are worship-related, provide a way for us to give to others as well as to create social networks that add meaning and context to our everyday lives.
This Christmas season, with so many people in need, try focusing on helping others out of the icy waters, and you might not notice that you are a bit cold yourself.  And you know giving to others will lead to an increase in your happiness, increasing your ability to work harder, be a better parent, have a better marriage and become better at your business.
The truth is, I’ve done some cool things this year. I’ve accomplished so many things in my business that I am proud of. I have people in my life I love and care about. So I guess my question to you is what cool things are you doing in your business?  And who are those special people in your life that you love and care about?  There are just so many things that turned my life upside down and I know have impacted others lives too, and these things have made me giddy and joyful inside. With 2014 right around the corner what will your wonderful life look like?

Losing Time On Social Media!

Many people in business lose time daily while trolling and participating on the various social media platforms.  Unfortunately you can never get that time back.  Unless of course you move the clocks back.  Hey wait a minute, didn't that just happen.  My favorite day was Sunday, November 3rd because the clocks moved back. Getting more time in your day can be as simple as making a few minor changes.  We know there are only so many hours available, and adding more is just not possible. Unless of course you can move the clocks back again.
However,  these are three practices that help me get more accomplished in the time I do have available and they help me spend my time wisely especially when on the different social media platforms..
1.  Avoid unnecessary interruptions on social media - How many times have you been immersed with a project or savvy post on facebook only to get interrupted by a notification or an instant message?  Then when you finally get back to what you were doing you totally forgot where you were.  Probably the best way to handle this is not to be interrupted.  Especially when you are working on project that has a deadline.
Make sure you have limited, if not eliminated, the possibility of interruptions.  Here are some suggestions:

• Set your business time on social media platforms only for business
• Close your email or turn off email notifications.
• Avoid reading other peoples feeds at this time.

2.  Get rid of social media clutter - Need I say more?  No, seriously.
Get rid of unwanted emails that clutter up your boxes.  Avoid having a lot of private messages not viewed.  Answer any questions that need to be answered.  Don't let anything pile up!
Also some times friends add to the social media clutter.  Stay focused and go back on later on after work and have fun with your friends.
3.  Make a social media schedule - Making a schedule is the best thing I have done for utilizing social media for my business.  This schedule is more than just a "to do" list. I actually plan my day by adding allotted time and time frames to my social media calendar.  I challenge you to set some appointed time for your post and your engagement on social media. Also set  reminders and honor them.
One other thing I do is I schedule my content across the different social media platforms.  So I now have a content calendar. I really believe being scheduled helps you accomplish things.
Stop what you are doing that is not about your business and actually complete the task that you set up at the appointed time.  This way after you completed the your social media marketing for the day you can do other things to build your business and make it grow.   If this is just not possible, reschedule it to a more convenient time.
So what are some things you do to keep yourself from loosing time on social media.  Drop me a line below and let me know!

Prioritize Your Priorities!

If you ask women how they manage to keep balance in their lives and business, one of  the common threads in all their answers seems to be prioritizing.  We seem to have found that making sure we use our time on things that matter is key.  Beyond that, though, we have to select which items we spend time on and when we spend time on them.  That's what I like to think of as prioritizing our priorities.

One entrepreneur responded, when asked about how she keeps balance, by saying she is proactive in her planning. She actually "axes" or gets rid of anything in her plan that distracts her from her goal.  That response really resonated with me.

Staying balanced and prioritizing means keeping your eye on the prize.  We have to constantly ask ourselves, what really matters?  What are we trying to accomplish?  The answers will help us plan and stay on course each day.

One other thing women seem agree on is taking time for reflection.  Some take time for quiet meditation or prayer.  Others go for a meditative walk to start the day.  Or maybe you take yours at the end of the day, with a soak in the tub by candlelight.  Whatever we choose, we need to find a way to go inward to recharge.

Getting our priorities in order depends on how well we understand what is important and how we set our goals.  Once we know that, our goals practically set themselves.  In other words, know yourself and what you want. Then you can plan how to make it happen in a way that works best for you and those around you.