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This is THE Teleclass Series to take - presented by my friend Nancy!

If you've never gotten into FaceBook or MySpace or other Social Networking, you are missing out on one of the easiest, "funnest" ways to market your business!

Or maybe you've been teetering on the edge of jumping into the fray, not knowing where to turn or who to trust to teach you the ropes...!

My friend Nancy Marmolejo is the one who got me to try MySpace, and then to "graduate" to using other social networking sites to help grow my business.

(So far, FaceBook is one of my favorites! I've really enjoyed promoting my art there and have some fans already!)

Now she has announced her latest teleclass starting August 5 to help entrepreneurs get in the spotlight using social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In. This will be premium, trust me.

Nancy is a well-known PR, media, and social networking strategist, and I got to meet her up close and personal at a workshop last year. Her integrity really stood out to me.

Nancy enjoys a flurry of free PR and effortless marketing using social networking, now she's ready to share her secrets with others. I know I want in on this one!

How to Get Free Publicity and Attact New Clients With the Power of Social Networking, happens August 5, 7, 12, and 14. Here's a link to learn more:
http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2515301

Nancy's got 3 info packed teleclass sessions lined up plus a bonus Q and A call. Whether you're a newbie to social networking or an experienced user who wants more profitable results, Nancy is the person to talk to.

Here's the link one more time, but hurry up because space is limited!
http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2515301

Green Smoothies Rock!

I've got my granddaughter Georgia loving and guzzling green smoothies--yes! It's so cute, it's hysterical! (This one had spinach, bananas, and oj.) We kept passing the glass back and forth, sharing, we both love them so much!

From the first sip to full on chug-a-luggin it, here she is at her finest!

With a final self-hug, she declares, "I love green smoothies!"

I learned about green smoothies from my coach friend, Vicky White. You may recall an early post on this blog where I highly recommend her programs. Vicky is all about inner AND outer Feng Shui - the path to great energy includes decluttering, all kinds! Click on this link to see more about Vicky.

http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=736391

The more time went by, the longer I took...

Wow, amazing how quickly time flies by. The more time went by since I last posted here, the longer I took to get current with ya'll. I could just call it a vacation, but I was still here!

Over on my art blog, I explained my procrastination as due to wanting to have the most recent painting done and available for the next post. But I'm not sure if I'm done tweaking it yet! I'm calling it, "Chaos, in Color!"

Every week, I can see changes in Georgia's ability to talk and put different ideas together. Recently I let her have at it with a real paintbrush and some of my paint! She was in her glory! What a hoot to watch! I'll have to share that photo with you too. Funny thing, though - even though I gave her lots to choose from, she consistently picked similar shades of blue.

So now we're more caught up!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, or FaceBook, or FriendFeed!

The Right Place at the Right Time

Hop on over to www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com to read a very kind testimonial from one of my first customers to purchase a giclee reproduction of "Cloud Dance."

It is amazing what just the right painting hanging in just the right place can do for a person! I feel honored to be able to share my art work in this way.

Meanwhile, the Browns are preparing for a little sun in another state. We've had the opportunity to visit Arizona a couple times already this past year, so it's starting to look like a pattern--a good one--and definitely will be the right place at the right time for us!

A few days will be doing some touristy things, and the rest will be a three day business building workshop for me. Check back in several days, and I'll give you an update!

In the meantime, take a peak at a post in the "older posts" section at the bottom of this page. Keep clicking older posts till you find the one for January 10, 2008. That's me and my marketing coach, Kendall Summerhawk, known as the horse whisperer for businesses. Click here if you'd like to what she has to offer small business owners. http://www.cartville.com/app/?af=546548

This is it!

Finally, here it is! This is the exact link to see what I was talking about in the previous post! www.lifedesignstrategies.com/blog/?p=37

Vicky has featured one of my favorite paintings, "Cloud Dance," on her blog, and it is such an honor! I'm still flushed with eager self-consciousness!

(You can see some of my other paintings at http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/ .)

But if you go straight to my friend Vicky's blog today www.lifedesignstrategies.com/blog/?p=45 , you'll find a very "out there" post on perkiness and being sized right! That post is a hoot, and I don't mean a hooter! (You have to know how introverted she is to get the humor here!)

In any case, I really recommend you check out Vicky's programs too. Her clutter-busting coaching circle (which I joined several months ago) has been instrumental in my proclaiming that I am now a professional artist and going ahead and having my first painting scanned to make high quality giclee reproductions!

To see Vicky's products and programs, click on http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=736391 . Working with Vicky as a coach is a real treat!

I won't spill the beans yet!

I'm really excited about being featured on my good friend's blog in just a few days!

This is all about my art being featured and how I finally got going on having my paintings reproduced for sale. Now to some of you, that might sound familiar, as I have posted on this blog about that very subject. (So there's a clue if you're in the mood to read the archives! Hint: Click on the link below that says, "Older Posts.")

When the post is up, I'll return here and give you the exact link to read all about it!

Stay tuned!

Snowing (again) at the end of March!

What an interesting week it has been!

We've had big, fluffy snowflakes falling three or more days this past week! And that was after some unseasonably warm weather in February (no complaints there).

We even went out in it a couple evenings ago and took a decent walk, having some fun with the camera.

Although it was very wet, the snow stuck to the ground long enough to pile up a few inches, and still covered our car in the morning. A soggy wall of slush!

I have to say, it is quite charming to see the pink cherry blossoms in full bloom providing a backdrop for swirling frozen white "petals" of snow! (There's my fascination with color again, pink and white in this case.)

The mountains around here have been looking fresh with their dusting of white powder, suggesting a trek to the upper lands might be in order!

Join the fun at Sheryl Brown Art!

Come on over to http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/ and join the fun! I've been inviting feedback and votes between two paintings, and now I've added a new one called, "Love in Motion!" http://sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/2008/03/thanks-for-votes-now-heres-love-in.html

Meanwhile, I've been letting my granddaughter, Georgia, into my better art pens, and she's showing promise as a color expert herself!

Help me decide which one next!

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday!

Drop on over to my art blog and let me know which of these two paintings you would like to see reproduced next.

"Serenity Rising (from the Deep)" is at this link http://sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/2008/03/which-one-will-be-next.html

and "Calm in the Eye of the Storm" is at this link http://sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/2008/03/and-here-is-door-2.html . Your feedback will be so appreciated!

I'm very pleased to say that "Cloud Dance" has been showing up on walls here, there, and everywhere! The latest is at my office!

Introducing a separate Art blog!

Well, I did it! I set up a separate blog http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/ to focus on the art.

Not to say I won't continue to post art here from time to time, but the other one will make it easy if you've just got art on your mind! And might particularly want to make an order!

Sheryl's Sunrays will continue to be my general, all-purpose, this is what I'm all about in general, whatever-is-on-my-mind kind of blog. How does that sound?

There is so much to learn about the latest in technology, we just can't keep up with all of it--we have to pick and choose. And I have to admit, I'm far more interested in the communication aspect than anything else. (That must be code for "I just wanna talk!")

So even though I feel a bit nervous getting in over my head with more things to keep organized and maintained, I'm sticking my neck out, and adding a blog!

I have to say, blogspot is pretty user friendly. Being a "What you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) kind of thing, and all. But there are times I can't figure out why the paragraph spacing won't work (so I apologize for where those paragraphs are all crammed together!).

In any case, we're all learning together, right? Press on!

Another pair!

You may notice these two photos are of the same area, but one is closer and at a slight angle.

Look closely in the center of the bubble and think of what you see there.

Keep in mind that when I was painting, I was just swirling a bunch of color with my paintbrush, and the only shapes I had in mind were three dimensional spheres, like bubbles. Then I was giving them some irridescent reflections with other colors.

So when I went back to it, I began to notice something like a mother and child--then I looked again, and it seemed like it could be two parents gazing at two infants.

Make of it what you will, I think of the family unit as being protected and kept together. Nice and cozy feeling, isn't it? Let's call this series, "The Nuclear Family," Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved by Sheryl Brown.

Pairs, "Grandma's Joy"

I was cruising through some old digital photos of paintings I did a few years back, and came upon a treat.

These two photos are close up's of one of the largest paintings I have ever attempted. It measures 30"x40" overall, and the close up's each cover only about a few inches square.

What a different effect it has getting this zoomed in look.

So now I've found a series of Pairs that match up nicely which I'll be posting in the next few days.

My original intent with this one was to paint something to express my joy at the anticipation of becoming a grandma back in the summer of 2006 (since I seem to be on that theme this week!) (and you thought I might change the subject, eh?), and so I named it "Grandma's Joy" (Copyright, All Rights Reserved by Sheryl Brown). I kept trying to think of a better title, wondering if that sounded too cheesy, but heck, I do tend to be cheesy, so there it is.

I never was overly satisfied with the painting (looked something like bouncing beach balls), and it never seemed quite done; but knowing my tendency to overwork things, I haven't added to it since. Maybe the beauty in it is the close up view, and how everything in life adds up to make an imperfect, yet workable whole. Does this sound like some kind of life lesson?

Well, there you have it--those are my musings for now. Stay tuned....

Being a grandmother rocks!

Here's a cheesy smile from my very sweet granddaughter, Georgia! She's more than two and a half, so soon I'll need to start saying almost 3 years old! Growing up so fast! Today her mother told me she gives the other little kids in the daycare goodbye hugs when it's time to go home!

Among our activities together, of course, is messing around with colored pens and paper. I have a nice little collection already of another budding artist! And of course, when the weather is fine (which it sure has been lately) going outdoors is always a great option. Larry and I were having a chuckle at remembering her antics last summer in the cold lake--she had no fear and didn't mind the cold in the least! It was actually a bit of a challenge to convince her it was time to get warm and dry!

Okay, I know that had nothing to do about business building or relationship tips, per se, but you got another glimpse into my world!

Discover a great way to clear your space!

My amazing friend, Vicky White, has created just about the best online community of fellow clutter busters around! Here is a supportive, caring, and creative group that will help see you through to the completion of your goals to make your home or office an inviting and efficient space! Since I've joined, I have made huge strides in making these things happen in my space, and I'm looking forward to more of the same.

You can click on the link in the heading or the blue cloud graphic above to go explore and see what Vicky and her coaching is all about. (And she can help you Feng Shui your space in no time!) Get started by checking out her free ebook, and see what you think.

In the picture, we are standing by a small lake right at sunset--great colors, wouldn't you agree?

PS This is the coaching group I referred to in my January 15th post that propelled me to "going pro" as an artist, quite literally, by getting my painting, Cloud Dance, reproduced and available for sale!

(You can see Cloud Dance in my January 23rd post by clicking on January under "Archives" on the right side of this page or by clicking on this link http://sunraysheryl.blogspot.com/2008/01/after-rain.html.)

Sweetheart Jamboree 2008! (and 2003)

This was definitely a weekend to kick up our heels, in more ways than one!

Saturday we went to the Sweetheart Jamboree for the Dinner Show and then open dance after. We bumped into a lot of our friends, and had a good time all in all.

Here we are at the table (photo on right), but sorry, no pics of us live in action on the dance floor this time! So as a consolation, on the left is a fun shot of us from the same event 5 whole years ago--in 2003! Where does time fly?!!

Oh, and a really nice comment from a dancing gal buddy we've known since when I was barely learning to dance was that our styles have really melded together!

Then this afternoon, we walked around Green Lake (well known to Seattle-ites) in the sun, sun, sun, sunshine! Could almost have been tricked into thinking it was Spring!

And just think, tomorrow we are hoping to go cross-country skiing. Our seasonal thinking may be flip-flopping here, but our heads are still on straight! (I promise!)

This is my Valentine!

Here's me and my sweetiepie, Larry, after our Valentine's dinner out. (Now is that look mischievous or what?)

We met at a dance back in '99, and have been going strong ever since! I thought it would be cool to post a picture of us dancing, then I remembered the one I had in mind was pre-digital camera! So when I get it scanned, you'll get to see us in action on the dance floor!

Our favorite dance is West Coast Swing, but Cha Cha and Waltz are close seconds for me. And East Coast Swing and Country Two Step are always fun. Okay, so we love 'em all (but don't know how to Tango!) (even though "it takes two to Tango!")!

Notice the rebels that we are, not wearing red or pink! (Well, actually, I am wearing a pale rose quartz necklace....)

Thank you, Linda-Ann!

What a great day we had on Sunday in Langley, BC with Linda-Ann's horse, Rio!

Several of us gals joined Linda-Ann Bowling at her horse ranch for a potluck after we spent time outside learning how she uses horses in her coaching business. Horses are such sensitive creatures that they mirror back what's going on inside us.

Here I am with Rio after a session of grooming and then walking Rio around the corral. I came away with a renewed idea of keeping balance in my relationships. Because I am such a relationship person, I can spend a lot of time focusing on others' needs, not always minding my own. Rio also reflected back to me a certain cautiousness I have in moving my business forward. I tend to want to stay out of the limelight, and to avoid taking too much risk (at least in certain areas).

Okay, I know my close friends and family are now chuckling at that because I'm not too shy. I do love to show off my art and to get a laugh out of people with my corny sense of humor. I actually have been known to get up in front of people and talk. But when it comes to formal public speaking or being considered an expert at what I do, I tend to downplay myself a bit, and maybe stand in the sidelines.

So, folks, there you have it! True Confessions of a "Psycho" Therapist!! (I've been wanting to put that in print for years! The "psycho" therapist joke, I mean!) (Just remember, you heard it here first!) (That is the name of my autobiography to be written before I'm 70.)

You can learn more about Linda-Ann's work on her website http://www.equine-imity.com/ . There's an excellent description of how horses are prey animals that you definitely should go read! She has other cool stuff there too, and does spa-like retreats.

Thanks again, Linda-Ann, we had a blast!

Art definitely runs in our family! Look at Sara's "Stained Glass"!

Yes, the gift of painting is shared by more than one of my family members, and the one I'd like to feature today is my niece, Sara Bremner.

Now she's a gal I've known all her life, more than sweet sixteen years (closer to 18), and more than sweet!

This brilliantly colored painting is entitled, "Stained Glass" Copyright 2008 by Sara Bremner, All Rights Reserved.

(Oh, and I must apologize, Sara, your initials got cut off when we took the photo this evening. Yeah, we share the same intials, SB!) (And since we don't live in the same town, state/province, or even country, I can't quickly re-photo it tonight!)

There is another of Sara's paintings I love, but the photo did not come out too well, so I'll hold you in suspense for that one.

(Here is one reason I love my new professional art scanner/reproducer--the reproductions come out so precisely--but that will be for another post!)

In the meantime, if you'd like to see more of Sara's art work, check out her FaceBook profile which I'll add here in due time!

(PS Tuesday--Note the link in Sara's comment.)

Confessions of a Midnight Owl!

Maybe someone should start a Midnight Owls Anonymous Group! Well, here's my contribution...

Ode to Midnight Madness

At night I hate to go to sleep,
My mind is oh, so brilliant.
But when I finally nod my head...
When morning comes, I Love my bed!

Copyright 2008, Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved

Anybody else out there relate?

Nancy has a great program to Spotlight You and Your Business!

Hey You Beautiful People!

If you’re like me, you like to share great ideas when they come along. Here is something coming up that holds great possibility for any entrepreneur.

My friend Nancy Marmolejo of Viva Visibility is about to launch a new round of Spotlight U, her coaching program designed to put your business into the spotlight. Over the course of 6 months, Nancy will coach and mentor a limited number of business owners and emerging experts on how to make more and get greater recognition as sought after, recognized experts.

Nancy not only works with clients to get them more known- she takes it up a notch and makes sure her clients are the experts who stand out and sizzle.

And here is great news for you: Nancy is extending the registration deadline for a select group of people. If you're getting this message, then you're in that select group. You only have until February 10 to sign up and take full advantage of what this program has to offer.

If standing out, getting known, and getting more business sound like things you’d like to accomplish in 2008, then don’t wait. Imagine the possibilities that increased recognition would bring you: media attention, a waiting list of clients, the credibility you deserve. It can streamline your marketing and make 2008 your breakout year.

You can learn more by clicking this link: http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2259580

Remember, you only have until Februay 10 to register. And rumor has it that Nancy won't offer a live program like this again for quite some time.

To your continued success,

Sheryl R Brown, MS, LMFT
Sunray Counseling
a place for hope and healing
425 652-1413
http://www.sunraycounseling.com/

P.S. Nancy's clients typcially double their fees within 30 days of working with her. When you visit the site, you'll read about the success stories of entrepreneurs just like you. Don't wait.
Learn more here: http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2259580

P.S. 2 When I met Nancy last April and saw her creative energy, I knew this was a gal to be reckoned with, and I know she'll help you realize your own success in a very bright way!!

Love in Motion (Love for You and Me)

Here's another bit of sweetness and light from my paintbrush on canvas to your eyes. I will call this one, Love in Motion (Love for You and Me), Copyright 2008 by Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved. My thought here is that we need to love ourselves in order to love others most effectively.

Tomorrow I'm going to have an expert art printer scan Cloud Dance, for the purpose of ordering some copies made. This will be my first foray into professional artistdom. That will make such a difference from these home photo-ed versions. The reproductions will be so much more like the original paintings.

I am thrilled to be taking this step to making my art available to others, and my earnest intention is that they will bring hope and healing to you and yours.

For sure, they bring me a great deal of comfort and inspiration!

Let me know if you would like to make an order. Call 425 652-1413 or email me at sheryl@sunraycounseling.com .

Here come de Boots!

Ah, technology, we love it when it works, and the better it gets, the more spoiled we are to have it work right up to snuff (now there's some expression!) at all times, and right this second!

Very warm, water repellent, and snazzy! (Did I say 50% off?) No commercial here!

It was too much fun dancing away with music piped into my ears (it was Jewel), and not giving a rip what anyone thought of this bulky black figure hopping and twirling like a rapper on chocolate!

"Hey, I got my new boots on and suddenly everything's right!" (adapted from Nutini)

New Boot Snow Dance, as promised

Hey, I put my new boots on, and suddenly everything was right!

Oh right, that was shoes, and it was a line from Paolo Nutini's song, New Shoes. (It's on YouTube--it helps to read this post with the tune going in your mind, or on your radio!)

Well, my new boots and the ipod I scarfed off my son (okay, so I bought it) got me dancing in the sweet snowshine!

...and I was wearing my brand new boots! (Yes, and I was even doing turns.)

There's the evidence in the snow, right there in the front.

Blogger and Picasa weren't up to two photos in one post, so new boots coming up!

Chakra Shower and Chakra Dance

Here's a new one--a couplet of paintings!

I started painting this first one, Chakra Shower, Copyright 2008 by Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved after a day of decluttering (again!), and didn't get back to it for several days. At first, it just had the strong bands of color. Later, I added the streaming shower of light effect. I started to feel sad that I might have overworked the painting, so decided to try doing a second one, and stopping sooner.

Now I have to tell you, it is almost impossible for me to copy my own work. Believe me, I've tried! It seems each painting wants to be its own unique individual (just like people!!).

But this is the closest I've managed to come up with a very similar effect. Again, I painted more than the basic solid bands of color, but this time it looks more vibrational between the color bands than the first one (which seems like a shower of light), so I've named it Chakra Dance Copyright 2008 by Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved.

I would be very interested in hearing if you have a preference between the two paintings and why. Thanks so much for your feedback!

And by the way, I am taking Cloud Dance to a professional fine arts scanner this coming Monday!

So, if you want to make an order, now is the time! Call 425 652-1413 or email me sheryl@sunraycounseling.com with the size you want 8 by 10 or 16 by 20, on paper or canvas, and what your general budget for it will be.

I am so excited and pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to have some of my art in your home or office to bring good feelings and to inspire your own creativity!

(Does it sound like I've got dancing on the brain?? Wait till you see my next post on New Boot Snow Dance!!)

Reproductions of Cloud Dance, By Popular Demand!

I'm very pleased to announce that due to popular demand, I am taking orders for reproductions of Cloud Dance!

So far, I've looked up a local giclee printer and have seen some preliminary pricing. Since this is my first time to get a reproduction made, I won't know how long the whole process will take.

For one thing, it will help me to know a ballpark of how many people would like to buy what size and format, so I can make a large enough order to keep costs down, yet have enough people actually buying to pay for the order.

Folks, this is really exciting! I have wanted to do something like this for some time now.

So if you would like a copy of Cloud Dance beaming down at you from your wall, drop me an email at sheryl@sunraycounseling.com and let me know if you want a basic budget, ie 8 by 10 on photo paper, unframed (might be around $20 or less), or want to go the whole nine yards and get a 16 by 20 on canvas that is "gallery stretched" (which means the sides of the canvas continue the color and are wrapped around the frame) ($200 or more?), or anything in between. The latter should look very much like the original.

And if you'd rather have another painting, let me know that info for the next round!

Here's what Deborah Yaffee of Shelburne Falls, MA wrote to me recently,

"I enjoy the passionate, strong movement of the storm (Calm in the Eye of the Storm (Riding the Waves), ed.), but I confess that the gentle radiating colors of Cloud Dance connected with me more....I felt like the center of that was a Divine Heart emanating rainbow light blessings to all beings. " (And later added) "I like the Eye very much.... (But) Cloud Dance just made me feel so peaceful and calm.

Okay, we're on a roll now here, let's rock and roll!

Calm in the Eye of the Storm (Riding the Waves)

Here is Calm in the Eye of the Storm (Riding the Waves) Copyright 2008 Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved, a 16x20 acrylic painting I did after some serious massage and detox last month.

As often happens, I didn't consciously paint something I later saw--it looks like a seated figure in the center of the bubble, with a light shining down from above! (You may not be able to see it easily in this size.)

For me, I was just playing with swirling color, and as usual found my favorite themes of water and sky appearing beneath my paintbrush.

This is a great metaphor for life, isn't it? Even when circumstances can be challenging and even overwhelming, we can find a place of strength and peace within, and be able to weather it out. Here's to smooth sailing! --in one fashion or another!

After the Rain, it's a Cloud Dance!

Since many of you have written to say how much you enjoyed Serenity Rising (From the Deep), I decided to choose another painting to share with you.

Here's one I painted last March (2007). Hard to believe it was that many months ago, it feels so fresh and recent to me! I have to say that I get a lot of inspiration just gazing at the way colors blend and contrast into various shapes and illusions on the canvas. I can really get lost in it!

Earlier today it occurred to me that a poem I wrote last September goes just right with it!

This poem is entitled After the Rain, and the painting is entitled Cloud Dance.

Sunray
Laser of light
When I dance on your clouds,
You'll find a rainbow.

Copyright 2007 Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved

My thinking in this poem is of how the sun plays upon the moisture in the clouds and creates a gorgeous band of multi-color in the sky. In the same way, the interaction I have with my clients in discussing the problems they are facing can result in a burst of insight and colorful solutions!

As always, I welcome any feedback!

Check out my new book!

Well, sorta still new! In any case, I'm still excited about having a chapter included in David Riklan's collection entitled, 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume3. I'm in chapter 74!

This means I am now published! Keep posted to see what new things I come up with in the writing and publishing department.

So click on this link http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=1803263 and find out what a deal you can get. You can either buy Volume 3 alone, or for just a bit more, get all three volumes!

Ideas for Journaling

I often recommend the use of journaling to my clients. But some people have an automatic knee jerk, kinda negative response to journaling per se.

Here is one idea that could break loose the log jam of "I don't wanna--don't feel like it--can't--tried it, hated it" feelings you may have had yourself.

1. First, just grab a blank sheet of paper and write down all the questions you have on a chosen subject. For example, you may be looking at a relationship problem. Just write down all the questions that pop into your mind that have any connection.

2. The next step (which you may choose to do on another occasion after your mind has had a chance to let the questions percolate) (or ferment, whichever metaphor tickles you more!) is to pick just one question, and write whatever comes into your mind. You may use the tactic of imagining your friend has come to you for advice on this.

Let me know if you try this, and what kind of success you have, or what better ideas come to you!

Serenity Rising (From the Deep)

Here is one of my recent paintings, Serenity Rising (From the Deep) Copyright 2007 Sheryl Brown, All Rights Reserved, which I painted after a day of "decluttering." It was a combination reward/celebration!

(In a future post, I will tell you of the coaching group I am in that helps people who want to create more order and space in their environment.)

The imagery I have used includes showing a place of peace and calm that can co-exist in spite of (and indeed, arises from) the dark, murky chaos that is our "too much stuff."

Our world (inner and outer, personal and universal) is not perfect, but we are always on a quest to improve our lives, and we do so, as best as we can! Onwards and upwards, keep on keeping on!

Check out that Ernest Bridge!

...and speaking of Rock Stars, here's another one I know well--my son! He and his band, Ernest Bridge www.myspace.com/ernestbridge are really close to having their first album released. Yahooooo!!!

You wouldn't believe how long it was before my (not really, but sort of) "shy" son actually conceded to let me to hear him sing!! But that's all water under the bridge (SERIOUSLY, no pun intended!). Thanks to Michaela (his one and only) for coordinating that!

OKay, go on over now and listen to a few of Ernest Bridge's songs on MySpace. Just click on that link above there, yup, you got it!

Ring out the old, Bring in the new!

Here it is for old time sake, the picture that was on my website for the last few years.

Photo credits for both this one and the new one go to Wendy Grace in Mukilteo. Here is her full contact information:

• Wendy Wilson Grace
• Lens-Art Photo Studio
• (425) 349-1562
• http://www.lensartphotostudio.com/
• email her at: wwgrace@aol.com

Thanks, Wendy, for being my personal and professional photographer!

(PS Wendy gives the best parties, and her husband is a Rock Star!)

Discover 31 Easy Ways to Brighten Up Your Life!

Here we are already halfway through January!

I'm really excited to be able to offer you a fun page of "31 Ways to Brighten your Life" when you visit my website http://www.sunraycounseling.com/ and sign up for my free tips and articles. You'll see the sign up link at the top right hand side of my homepage. And anyone who has a comment, let me know what you think of the new photo!

(I knew it was time to update when some of my closest friends and associates agreed my old one looked "dowdy/frumpy"!! No offense taken! After all, people still mistake me for an almost 40 year old... if only they knew!!) (I'll post that here later, just for laughs.)

This is my long-thought of and planned for (dare I admit, procrastinated upon?) newsletter/list-building project. I have to admit, it was easier to jump and just do it when I hired some help through http://www.virtualhelper4u.com/ . They helped me set up Aweber for my autoresponder (see previous post). And it also seemed more do-able when I thought of it more as writing a few lines rather than a full blown ezine. Informal works for me!

And blogging is easier too when I think of it as jotting off a few lines like I would email to a friend! (All these little tricks of the trade..., I'll tell you, marketing is not for the faint of heart!)

More later!

Check out Kendall's Programs and Products!

Hello, on my second day of really blogging!

Of course, since I am a therapist, a lot of the good stuff I might have to say is likely to be related to relationships, right? True!

But being self-employed, I've been learning a lot about marketing, i.e., "Getting the Word Out" so people who need and want my services can find me. So it only stands to reason I would want to share anything cool, great, or otherwise relevant that any of ya'll could use.

Which brings me to mention my very special, amazing, and very practical marketing coach, Kendall Summerhawk, the Horse Whisperer for Business, and writer of Brilliance Unbridled. I could wax eloquent (or elegant, as my hubby likes to say) telling you all kinds of stories on how I found her, what it was like to meet her, and what all I've been doing, etc.

But here's cut to the chase: Hire Kendall, and you will grow your business! No bull--but you might get a kick in the pants if you need it (or want it!). And what I also love about Kendall is she's real, and easily "gets" people. (Let me tell you, she sure has my number!) So her coaching not just helps my business, but extends to all areas of my life.

You know I'm a therapist--I believe in therapy. And then there's coaching, similar, but different. There's a time and place for being in therapy, and there's a time and place to have a coach. (Personally, I like to have one of each at all times!)

So take a look and see if any of Kendall's programs or products are a fit for you. And, please, do feel free to call or write, and ask me any specific questions on what I've used and/or what I'm familiar with.

http://www.cartville.com/app/?af=546548 Click here to see Kendall's Programs and Products

The Success Circle Coaching Club (SCCC) is an excellent program, and is the one I started with.

"How To Charge What You're Worth and Get It!" is a great product with CD's and an interactive workbook.

Happy Marketing! (Doncha just love being in business for yourself?!)

Get Nancy Marmolejo's ebook on MySpace

I have to tell you about Nancy's ebook on getting started on MySpace.

By now you've heard about the amazing reach of the internet site MySpace. You may know of it as a social website, but did you also know that MySpace is a great place for entrepreneurs, authors, marketers, speakers, consultants, and other business owners? The bottom line is this: MySpace, when used effectively, can help you build your name recognition, generate leads, and cultivate valuable business relationships.

You can try to catch up with everyone by figuring it out on your own, or you can check out a great resource I HIGHLY recommend from Nancy Marmolejo of Comadre Coaching. Nancy is a visibility expert; her specialty is helping businesses stand out and get noticed. Right now Nancy is crazy about MySpace and her book "Make MySpace YOUR Space" teaches you how to set up a credible, reputable MySpace presence in as little as 30 minutes.

Nancy will take you by the hand and lead you through the steps of getting established on MySpace. She shows you how to apply your current in-person networking skills to MySpace, gives examples of winning MySpace pages, warns you of tricks not to fall for, and much more.

The value of this guide far exceeds its low price. Check out "Make MySpace YOUR Space" right now and get a foothold in the new place where business is happening. Here is a link to get you started.

http://tinyurl.com/247c64

Good Therapy Listing/Notice to Therapists and Potential Clients alike

One of the directories where you will find me listed is GoodTherapy.org. Click on the icon below to see my listing.




GoodTherapy.org is dedicated to promoting healthy counseling & psychotherapy. They include a directory of over 2000 counselors & therapists worldwide who believe people are equipped to transform the obstacles to optimum health and happiness.

If you decide to join, please let them know I referred you when you sign up. You can visit GoodTherapy.org here:

http://www.goodtherapy.org/

Anyone want to set up a simple newsletter using an autoresponder? This is it!

Now here is a reliable way to get your updates out to your readers--use an autoresponder. Aweber provides a great service at a reasonable price. And how reasonable does "no cost" sound for your first month? This is a great company with a reliable service. I'm new to Aweber, but everything is working well, and I hear no end of good reports from my friends in online business land.

You can test drive Aweber for a month, using their autoresponder/newsletter function to build your list and build your online business. Click here to see for yourself:
http://www.aweber.com/?289257

And if you want to see how it flows first, go to my website http://www.sunraycounseling.com and sign up for my free tips page, "31 Ways to Brighten Your Life," and you'll see how sweet the deal can be with thank you pages, and links to the PDF both on the thank you page and in an email you get in your inbox.

(If you want help creating a PDF, email me and I'll give you some resources.)

Here's something fun -- Check out my poems on MySpace

Hey Guys,

Last year I set up a MySpace account, and wouldn't you know, the ambience of "edgy-ness" there unleashed my inner poet! Go have a look in the blog section at http://www.myspace.com/sunraycounseling , and feel free to email me with any comments.

One of my poems is about being volatile (in a good way), another is about my granddaughter ("Birthday Baby"), and another is on the passing of summer ("Blue Summer").

I even got bold and put one on the homepage of my professional website! You can find it at http://www.sunraycounseling.com .

Hey, I'm having lots of fun getting back into blogging, or should I say, getting into it in a more decided way. It's a great way to get your voice heard on whatever is your passion in life! Why not try it?

(Coming soon... I'll be including some of my art. Painting is therapeutic for me, and so is just looking at it -- that has healing aspects as well.)

Mark Joyner's Free Blogging Training!

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

• The best blogging techniques.
• How to get traffic to your blog.
• How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.