 Hello It is such a pleasure to welcome you to the brand new ME-Letter, a happy little publication about creativity, inspiration, and encouragement. The message is about following our dreams, believing we can succeed, and creating the lives we are meant to live. Think about a quiet walk in a sun-dappled park, a cup of tea and a good book beside a glowing fire or watching the sunset across a golden lake. What about a massage in a still room with only the sound of soft music playing or a snuggle with someone you love. Times of true serenity are not always easy to come by, are they? Yet, it is important for us to remember to take time to slow down and invite serenity into our lives because serenity is good for the soul. If the soul can be defined as the place where we think and feel from - our mind and emotions, then serenity is a particularly healthy place to be. I have recently created a new line of list pads and note cards called the Serenity Collection. With soothing colours and watery backgrounds, they each feature a single word reminder to Breathe, Relax, Retreat, Calm, Balance, and Heal. My hope is that when you are writing a quick list of those 'must-dos', or sending a note to a friend, you remember to take a moment to capture your own serenity. See the new Serenity Collection by going to www.wendydewarhughes.com and clicking on Shop. In other news, (drum roll, please) I'm leaving on a cruise next week, wandering down the west coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles. A dear friend is travelling with me and we're expecting to have a total all-out girlfriend time. Lounging by the pool, seeing the shows, shopping, sunning, sightseeing. Did I mention shopping?? What else do girlfriends do? I'll have a report in the next ME-Letter. Please enjoy the following articles by some great, smart friends of mine and share the ME-Letter with your friends, mother, cousins, aunts and sisters and whomever else you think would enjoy it. And write to me whenever you like. I love getting mail. Wendy P.S. Hot off the printing press are also my new Bra Pads and Panty Lines. I'm not telling you any more than that so you'll have to take a look (and have a laugh) at www.wendydewarhughes.com. Who would not want a bit of serenity in their life, if only to reflect on the word? I welcomed this months' theme of Serenity when Wendy shared she was preparing her newsletter again. Almost immediately what came to my mind when reflecting on serenity, were my mothers' hands. I drifted back to a time when I first recognized my Mom in a serene place; getting ready to go out with Dad by doing her nails. I would not have noticed the hundred motherly duties she did in a day but I do remember being mesmerized by her sleek hands calmly filing and applying clear nail polish to beautifully shaped nails. In a houseful of 'four kid chaos', my mom found serenity in the creating a ritual of caring for herself. Today Mom still has the most beautiful hands. Though she'd argue with me, pointing out her arthritic swollen knuckles and gnarly thumbs, I look past her evidence. She's the grandma who takes time to touch a grandchild's cheek, the helping hand to the other seniors in her apartment building; a retired nurse who continues to use her healing hands. I learnt much from my mother; filling the day to its maximum, using my own hands in a creative capacity. I also learnt that as a woman, one has to find the small parts of a day, to fit in a ritual of looking after oneself. Lovingly looking after ourselves, that is serenity. I believe Mom would agree. Earla breathes in Harrison Hot Springs fresh air at earla@shaw.ca where she currently is creating a new line of photo art cards with her hands called Inspired by Nature. Thousands of women are starting new businesses everyday. The majority of these new business owners work from their homes, juggling busy households, and raising children. The birth of a new business is like taking on the responsibilities of another large and demanding family. In the midst of this chaos, the 'Mompreneur' often feels isolated and lonely. A woman may open her business thinking only about the product or service she will deliver without considering the emotional support she will need. It can come as a surprise to find that her life partner may not want to hear of the business struggles, only about all the money she is making! A woman may also find she can't depend upon her girlfriends, who are also busy working mothers and just don't understand the struggles of running a business. So where can a new 'Mompreneur' go for emotional support? Communities are full of successful 'Mompreneurs' who are willing to mentor and are experienced networkers, attending various business events every month. Check out the local newspaper, do an on-line search, or ask another small business owner where they go to meet other business people. There are many advantages to meeting and networking with other businesswomen. You can share your business struggles, create alliances to refer customers, learn from one another, and best of all, have a whole new group of friends who can relate to you and your business. Be sure to nurture your new business friendships. With the right businesswomen in your life, you'll be a stronger and more confident 'Mompreneur' and you will never have be lonely again. Pamela Chatry is a Self-Employment Specialist & Personal Business Manager to Entrepreneurial Superstars. She may by reached through her website at www.pamelachatry.com. Thank-you for subscribing to the ME-Letter. I'm planning lots of fun things for next time.
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