21 September 2007

Blogs, Iguanas, France, Passion and Purpose

Well, passionate folks, I have returned from my very first trip off of the continent. And I live to blog about it!

I just spent a week on a spiritual pilgrimage in France. Lots of time to think about my purpose and what I am passionate about. France is an interesting place. I got to use my 10+ years of French. However, in school we never learned words pertaining to airport security. What the hell is "Too many liquids?" in French anyway?

And by the way, did you know that in Paris, powered makeup is considered liquid. There's goes the American advertisements. I tried to explain that I just don't wake up looking this gorgeous -- I have to work at it! They did confiscate my toothpaste. There goes my dazzling million dollar smile.

Being on pilgrimage meant no blogging. I nearly died from the withdrawal! I did take my laptop along. But forgot the adapter. And there are no blogging methadone clinics in the spectacular mountains of the French Alps. So, I had to drink of the springs of spirituality. It worked, sort of.

So, what did we do for seven days? Visited no less than ten churches, ten airports, five hotels, six towns, but still no blogging. And because these people are "spiritual," I couldn't even mention blogging because no one knew what I was talking about. Go figure! I mean, what is spirituality with stuff like blogs, mp3 players, and iguanas?

So, I was excited to get back -- still groggy and running on Paris time -- and find a post about a bloggers get together here in New York City. The pilgrimage worked! My prayers have been answered. Blog talk, at last!

Because the lovely Diva Toby Bloomberg was descending on NY, the fabulously illustrious CK decided to have a little martini gathering last night at the Cafe Iguana, which is just slightly north of the theater district. I desperately needed a fix. Or is it a hit? So, I drowsily headed to the Iguana.

I am still drowsy, hence all the over the top adjectives. In France, I had to conjugate verbs; in New York, we work in adjectives.

I met some of the most fantastic folks. CB Whittemore was just a dream. We chatted about blogs, bathrooms and France. How totally normal is that?! And, I had a boob graze moment with the lovely Ann Handley. Yes, New York is one helluva town.

The fellows were simply divine. Then there was Curious George. Yes, the monkey. Okay, why am I mentioning all this? Because I went to France to confirm my passion and purpose; and returned with the confirmation of getting together with the very people who add value to my purpose and passion. Bloggers.

As one dynamic coach always says, the answers are in the same room as the questions. My passion and purpose are so apart of me. I know it because I totally missed it when I was abroad; and was drawn to it when I returned home. How flippin' amazing is that?!

Glad to be home. Glad to be blogging again. There's no place like home and the blogosphere!


The W List Women:
CB, Toby, CK, Ann, and
moi!

Photo courtesy of the dazzling Steve Woodruff, who referred to me all evening as the Wild Wiki Woman. Don't you just love it? These are my people, n'est pas?!

Live your passion,
Coach Carolyn

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Welcome home, Carolyn! Reading about your trip to France put a smile on my face. I would love for you to blog on about it more.

Hugs from the west coast.

Susan

Coach Carolyn said...

Hey Susan,

Thanks. I am happy to be home. When I can decompress a bit, I will write more about the trip. Thanks again for the welcome.

Carmina PĂ©rez said...

Hi Carolyn,
Great minds think alike - I'm actually leaving for Paris tomorrow! We'll have to compare notes when I come back. :-)
Au revoir!

Anonymous said...

You know, when you said you had just returned from France, I didn't realize that the emphasis was on.. JUST. As in, JUST now!

You look THAT fabulous and are THAT charming when you are drowsy...? Rock on, girl.

Coach Carolyn said...

@Carmina: Safe travels. Let's dish when you return.

@Ann: Yes, my dear. Got off the plane like the day before. It's the powered makeup. Luckily the French didn't confiscate that!

Anonymous said...

Carolyn - Nope .. was not the powder make up .. you are natural a beauty! You added such joy to our blogger happy happy time thank you for overcoming jet lack. Finding passion and joy .. wonderful lessons for us all .. thank you again dear Wild Wiki Woman (smile).

Coach Carolyn said...

Toby,

It was so awesome meeting you and everyone. I would not have missed it -- jet lagged or not!

Real life hugs are so much nicer. Can't wait for the next ones!

CB Whittemore said...

Carolyn, you are naturally beautiful, wonderful and wild! Thanks so very much for being there. I loved meeting you and look forward to more fun.

Coach Carolyn said...

CB, you were an absolute dream. It was so great meeting you. And thanks for the bathroom invite! Looking forward to it.

The Wild Wiki Woman!

Anonymous said...

WWW,

So glad you could join us - it was a pleasure having the chance to meet you!

Steve

Coach Carolyn said...

Hey Steve, so glad to meet you, and re-meet George!

3W

Anonymous said...

Carolyn,
I am envious... sounds like the blogging meet up was great! I wish I could have been there to meet you in person.

France sounded great too... welcome back home. :)

Coach Carolyn said...

Thanks Kirsten. I think I'm a die-hard blogger. All I kept thinking about was coming home to blog.

The Blogger meetup was awesome. I wish you were there as well. Who knows, maybe soon???