31st May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
May 31, 2010
Here it is Memorial Day and it’s important we remember not only
the men and women who serve us each and every day in the military,
but all the people who are important in our own lives. Some times
we take people for granted, and it’s nice to tell them once in a
while how much they mean to us.
I went to an Argentine Tango show last night. I have been so
enthralled with “Dancing with the Stars” that I finally had to go
and see the experts. Except for starting 45 minutes late (which
annoys me to no end), it was wonderful. I couldn’t believe how
many people were in the audience who were equally enthralled.
It brought me back to my dancing days, when I could do just about
anything and loved being with a partner who made me look good.
Today I saw “Sex and the City 2″ and loved that as well. it got
a horrible write-up from all the critics, which usually means I’m
going to adore it. I smiled the whole time, had some real loud
laughs…
24th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
May 24, 2010
It was an emotional weekend. Many of you know that my mom passed away six months ago, and yesterday was the unveiling of her headstone. Because she is buried in Albany, New York, we didn’t do it earlier because of the winter, and then it became a time when all of us (nieces, nephews, their kids etc.) could have the same weekend to do it. And yesterday was it. I flew to Syracuse where my sister and her family live and then we drove into Albany, had the ceremony and lunch with everyone and friends, and drove back. One of my friends that I’ve known since kindergarten was there as well, as we still see each other every year when she comes to Naples, FL in the winter and I used to take my mom with me to see her when I went. We had lunch, slept at her apartment etc., so she felt very connected to my mother and was appreciative we had included her. We also met with my mother’s next door neighbor and her kids (of course all grown up by now) who I’ve known for over 60 years. It was moving and beautiful…
22nd May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
I'm finally back from my sojourn to Reno. It's a great little town, but everyone seems to smoke. And when you're in a Casino hotel, which is every one, you just can't get away from it. You can be in a smoke free meeting room but once you leave to use the bathroom, or just walk back to your room, you are inundated.
I had a board meeting on Friday, took a trip to Virginia City on Saturday where I bought an amazing leather jacket and turqoise necklace, gave a speech on Sunday and had meetings on Monday. Back home yesterday.
I think I left just in time because a big chill was heading in as I left. Got back to the warm weather and loving it. My 3 little ones (two cats and a dog) were thrilled to have me home and I am the same with them. Luckily I had dogs on all my trips and was ecstatic.
Some people may like all that drinking, gambling and smoking, but it sure was good to get back to the workout at the gym. Will see an old friend of mine tomorrow at her book signing. She did my…
17th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
May 17, 2010
It has been an absolutely fantastic week in San Diego. I always seem to jump start my creative juices here. I see friends and have experiences that make me think about things in a completely different way. I went to an art festival and the dogs were plentiful (but Abby stole the show) and I must confess, I did buy some fantastic jewelry. My weakness is real unusual pieces and I found a stone (part of the amethyst family), that came from Israel I hadn’t seen before.
I also went up to Temecula (wine country even though I don’t drink) to see a friend and the mountains were spectacular. What is so great about this area is that you have mountains, water, hills, little neighborhoods all within short driving distances. Of course, then I go back to Miami Beach and the sunshine, humidity and buzz and love it too. Aren’t I lucky to have both choices. I think so!
Also took Abby to the dog park and she had her first experience with all these dogs running around, and though she ventured out a little bit (remember she is used to cats), she always came back to…
16th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
This is the best time of your life and you need to take advantage of it. You’ve been paying attention to everyone else all these years and now it’s time for you. You may be an empty nester, or you and your partner may finally get a chance to do what the two of you want, or you may be part of the “sandwich generation” where you are taking care of elderly parents as well as children/grandchildren. However, somewhere in there has to be time for you. What is it you’ve always dreamed about doing or becoming, where have you wanted to venture or travel, what new skill do you want to develop and if I could grant you one wish, what would it be?
I had a wonderful friend who always said, “Don’t die with the music still inside you.” I feel that way for you as well. What are your regrets? Write them down and then start tackling them. Don’t dwell on them, but get past them. We all have “What if’s” “If only’s” and “I could have’s.” The difference is what you do once you recognize them. Either start working on them, see if they are still important or move on–positively.…
11th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
I’m spending the week in San Diego and I must tell you it is delightful! So far, I have been out to dinner or lunch every day, seen Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance which I found out has been consecutively on stage every day since it was produced,
However, when I saw the play here, there were many “over 50″s” in the crowd and they were laughing up a storm. One thing about SD, there are tons of theatres here and always something good being produced.
when I went to LaJolla to sight see, the seals were on the beach and just delightful to watch. One large male was having a ball sliding in and out of the water and onto the beach. I took Abby with me, and she loved it all. Old. young, and in between were watching.
and most were from out of town. Great tourist town
10th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
May 10, 2010
Yesterday was Mother’s Day and 4 generations of us went out for dinner. It was very nice, very noisy and very hot, so we ate indoors. There were 4 mothers in the group as well, so it was appreciated by all.
I told you I was in Chicago for a board meeting of the Institute of Management Consultants and I took one afternoon to go on the Architectural Tour done by boat. It was fantastic and the docent narrating the trip was superb. The weather was chilly and it rained several times while I was there, but Chicago is a great place to visit and I enjoyed myself.
As you have probably heard by now, there’s another fantastic discovery in Britain of an 81 year old singer who is being dubbed another Susan Boyle. With Betty White’s performance on SNL which was a hoot, we S.O.B.’s are really coming back in style. I must admit that when I hear my age (72) I shudder a little bit until I realize I feel terrific and keep going at a whirlwind pace.
In addition, my old dancing partner called me and said he is going to our 55th high…
9th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
As many of you may know, I have spent the last 3 years promoting the Spunky Old Broad and what it can mean for women everywhere. This week I will be featured on CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC talking about what women need to do to be successful both in their personal lives as well as business. There is not one answer for everyone as indicated by the title of this blog.
Each person’s balance is continually changing depending on where they are in their life. I know that I am in Phase 5 or 6 at this point and each one takes different skills and energy. However, women are the most resilient people I know, so they seem to adapt, adjust and cope quite well. Is it ideal? Hardly, but they do what they have to do to make the best of a situation.
I, personally, am so proud of the women I know and meet, that I want to encourage all of you out there, that even in these trying times, it is up to you to set your goals, make your mark and create change. It is your judgment and actions that will pull us through all…
7th May, 2010 - Posted by gaylecarson - No Comments
When you are first starting out in business, you are so busy “making it” that all you can think about is networking, contacts, getting new clients, servicing the ones you have and making your business more unique and desirable. As you get older, you begin to value the friendships you’ve had for a long time and the new ones you are creating.
This past Sunday I went to the Miami City Ballet and it was wonderful. I was given a ticket by a woman from my gym whose friend couldn’t go. It was terrific and we are starting a great friendship that I hope will last for many years. Then I proceeded to head to Palm Beach for my friends 40th anniversary party. We went to college together over 50 years ago and are still friends. Another classmate also was there who moved to this area as well.
Yesterday I spoke to my girlfriend who is in Naples for a few months and she and I actually go back to kindergarten. I stayed at her home in Albany, NY when we had our 50th reunion. Another friend and her husband had dinner with me two weeks ago. I’ve known her since…