Momentum Matters

Dear 2011,

It's almost time for us to part ways... and I can't say I'll be sorry to see you go. I knew I was in for a tough road when you walked in the door, 2011. That's why I claimed JOY as my word for the year. It certainly helped me focus on the blessings of the moment, but after Dad's passing, just 11 months after Mom's, I thought I would never experience true joy ever again. But I did. On multiple occassions in 2011:

 

My word for the year, JOY, surfaced when I least expected it. Thank you for that, 2011. Actually, thank you for the joys, the upheavals, the loving and the loss. Now please don't take this the wrong way 2011, but I'm ready to say farewell to a year of extremes. In a mere 48 hours I'll be on to a new year, a new word, a new beginning. And when the time comes, I'll say one final thank you and silently release you, 2011. So long, farewell. Here's to a new year where everything flows beautifully. 

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

 

Wassail Friends!

A BIG shout-out to Jerry Phillips and the Rittenhouse Singers (including my facebook friends Lois Albrecht, Solveig Hadland and Janet Bewley) for making our weekend so special. Last night my honey and I and a few good friends enjoyed the 35th annual Wassail Dinner Concert at the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield. 

Billed as a magical evening to celebrate the spirit of the season, the evening delighted everyone in the house. While 53 of us enjoyed our festive, five-course holiday meals, the choir of carolers performed in the dining rooms and hallways.

Innkeeper Jerry Phillips said the Old English term "waes haeil" translates to "be thou well" and the tradition of "wassailing" — going from house to house in the evening at Christmas time, singing at the doors of the neighbors and wishing them a good New Year — is at the root of the event he and his wife Mary established more than three decades ago. 

They quickly attracted an amazing group of talented vocalists, many of whom we know in their professional roles as attorneys, retail business owners, fundraisers, nurses, marketing professionals, teachers, musicians, and even State Representative. The evening filled us up and did indeed celebrate the spirit of the season. 

Whatever your holiday traditions, Wassail friends! Be well and enjoy the holiday season and the New Year! "See you" in 2012.

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

 

Customize Your Greetings

They've starting arriving... those long, "it's all about me," holiday cards. There really is a better way to connect with those important enough to receive your holiday greetings. Make your own custom cards. This is one of the best things I've done in 2011 as my cards tell a story and touch those on the receiving end. And that makes me feel good.

Click here to send a free card. It's easy. Simply add photos, a special message, the date you want the card sent and voila! It's done from the comfort of your home or office and without having to go to the post office.

My journaling and entrepreneurial clients love this service. Think about it. What do you typically find in your mailbox? Junk! Ditto for email. When you customize your cards and have them delivered via snail mail, you WILL stand out from the crowd, simplify your marketing, and have fun in the process.

Here's to meaningful connections!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

 

Green Martinis for the Holidays

This holiday season I'm making green martinis, a super easy concoction that's getting the thumbs up from my discerning taste testers. Two versions:

1. Juicer:  Push 1/2 cucumber, one handful of fresh spinach or kale (removed from spine), 2 stalks celery, and 1 apple through your juicer.
2. Blender:  Toss 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup chunked cucumber, 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, and 1 chopped apple into your blender. Whirl away.

In minutes you'll have an amazing holiday martini that's festive, nutritious and delicious (and will help offset some of the holiday goodies you might be indulging in). Need some equipment? Click here for my favorite juicer and click here for free shipping on my favorite blender.

Cheers!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst