Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Slow but steady wins the Race!
So here's the deal, our blog as well as our book was on a temporary hiatus as Dina and I were busy working on other projects. For me it was my Research business, Bullseye Research Services and for Dina it was her Mediation work, Kisima Enterprises. Nevertheless, as summer provides us with a little time we are back at it, plugging away at the book.
As it turns out we are at a bit of a crossroads. We have very different writing styles and we have a couple of possibilities as to what we can do with the book. The first option would be to have two distinct sections to the book. We would each write one part and provide different perspectives on romance as well as writing about different topics.
The second option would be to write two different, but complementary, books. With this second idea we could have 2 different covers, one on the front and one on the back. The content would read from either side, so in essence both sides of the book would be the beginning of a separate book.
What do you think? If you have any views on this please drop us a note at info@whatsromantic.com we'd love to hear from you!
Best -Peter
So here's the deal, our blog as well as our book was on a temporary hiatus as Dina and I were busy working on other projects. For me it was my Research business, Bullseye Research Services and for Dina it was her Mediation work, Kisima Enterprises. Nevertheless, as summer provides us with a little time we are back at it, plugging away at the book.
As it turns out we are at a bit of a crossroads. We have very different writing styles and we have a couple of possibilities as to what we can do with the book. The first option would be to have two distinct sections to the book. We would each write one part and provide different perspectives on romance as well as writing about different topics.
The second option would be to write two different, but complementary, books. With this second idea we could have 2 different covers, one on the front and one on the back. The content would read from either side, so in essence both sides of the book would be the beginning of a separate book.
What do you think? If you have any views on this please drop us a note at info@whatsromantic.com we'd love to hear from you!
Best -Peter
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Deep in the trenches
It's been an eon since my last post and there is much to report. We are digging down deep trying to finish the book while still maintaining all of our other work (and our sanities). The book progresses but not nearly at the pace that we originally had anticipated. Ours is the perfect story of on-the-job training as we need to put on a different hat everyday. Both of us need to be authors, publishers, publicists, marketers, bookkeepers, administrative assistants and every other role involved with running a publishing business. Wow, it really is a lot.
The good news is that we are getting better at it. Everyday brings a new challenge but proves us to be more adept at the skills that were required from previous days. Soon all of these small tasks will become routine and I foresee that with each new book we will be better prepared. One thing that we have been neglecting is to keep up with the posts here on the blog. If you have been following our progress I apologize and promise to provide more frequent updates.
One major distraction that we face is that the weather has turned so beautiful (finally!) that it is hard to spend all day in the office writing. I must remember to take a pen and a pad outside so I can enjoy the sunshine. Yesterday was up in the 80's which was absolutely balmy. Good for us, but not so great for those folks that were running the Boston Marathon. There was some serious dehydration along the route.
Anyhow, that is it for now. Check back soon and as always feel free to contact us with any questions or comments at info@whatsromantic.com
It's been an eon since my last post and there is much to report. We are digging down deep trying to finish the book while still maintaining all of our other work (and our sanities). The book progresses but not nearly at the pace that we originally had anticipated. Ours is the perfect story of on-the-job training as we need to put on a different hat everyday. Both of us need to be authors, publishers, publicists, marketers, bookkeepers, administrative assistants and every other role involved with running a publishing business. Wow, it really is a lot.
The good news is that we are getting better at it. Everyday brings a new challenge but proves us to be more adept at the skills that were required from previous days. Soon all of these small tasks will become routine and I foresee that with each new book we will be better prepared. One thing that we have been neglecting is to keep up with the posts here on the blog. If you have been following our progress I apologize and promise to provide more frequent updates.
One major distraction that we face is that the weather has turned so beautiful (finally!) that it is hard to spend all day in the office writing. I must remember to take a pen and a pad outside so I can enjoy the sunshine. Yesterday was up in the 80's which was absolutely balmy. Good for us, but not so great for those folks that were running the Boston Marathon. There was some serious dehydration along the route.
Anyhow, that is it for now. Check back soon and as always feel free to contact us with any questions or comments at info@whatsromantic.com
Friday, March 26, 2004
Stealth Romance or Why I Love Car Detailing
Having a recently detailed car is almost better than sex. There, I said it. In fact, it is better simply because that warm glow lasts a lot longer.
Car detailing is the ultimate in car pampering. Peter heard me complain one too many times that my little Subaru was a mess, so he did what any good guy would do. He fixed my problem. He got me a gift certificate to Mr. Detail as a holiday gift. Sadly, I wasn't totally overjoyed and didn't see the true meaning and value of this wonderful gift.
I stand before you a changed woman. Detailing rules. It is one of THE most romantic gifts in my opinion. When I picked it up, my beautiful red car shone in the sun with a gleam I hadn't seen since I left the showroom a year ago. Every single surface had been thoroughly cleaned. Even the sticky, brown clementine stain was gone. The car glowed (and so did I). I felt totally spoiled in a vicarious way. The care and thought behind the gift snuck up on me just like a stealth airplane. Hence, the term: stealth romance.
Why not 'go stealth' on your partner. Try this short list;or, create your own.
Your sweetie will feel like a million bucks. Mission accomplished...ciao, Dina
Having a recently detailed car is almost better than sex. There, I said it. In fact, it is better simply because that warm glow lasts a lot longer.
Car detailing is the ultimate in car pampering. Peter heard me complain one too many times that my little Subaru was a mess, so he did what any good guy would do. He fixed my problem. He got me a gift certificate to Mr. Detail as a holiday gift. Sadly, I wasn't totally overjoyed and didn't see the true meaning and value of this wonderful gift.
I stand before you a changed woman. Detailing rules. It is one of THE most romantic gifts in my opinion. When I picked it up, my beautiful red car shone in the sun with a gleam I hadn't seen since I left the showroom a year ago. Every single surface had been thoroughly cleaned. Even the sticky, brown clementine stain was gone. The car glowed (and so did I). I felt totally spoiled in a vicarious way. The care and thought behind the gift snuck up on me just like a stealth airplane. Hence, the term: stealth romance.
Why not 'go stealth' on your partner. Try this short list;or, create your own.
- Take the clothes to the dry cleaners
- Hire a housecleaner for one day
- Buy a useful appliance to make life easier
- Get the car detailed!
Your sweetie will feel like a million bucks. Mission accomplished...ciao, Dina
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Today is a Red Letter, er, Cover Day!
Authoring a book is a doubt-filled, arduous, satisfying, liberating process. And, I say authoring instead of writing because that captures the full extent of it. It's not just putting pen to paper, although that part has its own challenges; it's the myriad of seemingly endless and ultimately important decisions to make that can really get an author down. What author knows from typography and dpi? Often I get that sinking feeling of regret like when I wear business casual only to discover that everyone else wore a suit. I made a decision, but it turned out to be the wrong one. One author's perfection is another's remainder pile, you know.
Today, we made the right decision. Pete and I selected the cover for Ideas for the Romantically Challenged- and oh, what a marvelous cover it is. It's simply beautiful, genius, delightful... (First books, like babies, are much adored.) Let me describe it. The cover is cherry red. On it sits the cutest, mischievous Cupid riding a flowing white cloud while checking his laptop. He's irresistible and knowing. If HE doesn't have the right gift on his laptop, who does?!
I guess my lesson is that whether its a mate or a book cover, it's best to follow your intuition if you truly want to be satisfied. I loved Pete and the book cover from the start and I couldn't be happier.
We're thinking of having a contest to name our little Cupid...We'll keep you posted. Ciao, Dina
Authoring a book is a doubt-filled, arduous, satisfying, liberating process. And, I say authoring instead of writing because that captures the full extent of it. It's not just putting pen to paper, although that part has its own challenges; it's the myriad of seemingly endless and ultimately important decisions to make that can really get an author down. What author knows from typography and dpi? Often I get that sinking feeling of regret like when I wear business casual only to discover that everyone else wore a suit. I made a decision, but it turned out to be the wrong one. One author's perfection is another's remainder pile, you know.
Today, we made the right decision. Pete and I selected the cover for Ideas for the Romantically Challenged- and oh, what a marvelous cover it is. It's simply beautiful, genius, delightful... (First books, like babies, are much adored.) Let me describe it. The cover is cherry red. On it sits the cutest, mischievous Cupid riding a flowing white cloud while checking his laptop. He's irresistible and knowing. If HE doesn't have the right gift on his laptop, who does?!
I guess my lesson is that whether its a mate or a book cover, it's best to follow your intuition if you truly want to be satisfied. I loved Pete and the book cover from the start and I couldn't be happier.
We're thinking of having a contest to name our little Cupid...We'll keep you posted. Ciao, Dina
Monday, March 22, 2004
The Devil Is In the Details
Growing up, my father often said to me, "The Devil is in the details" as a reminder of how the even the best intentions can go astray if one forgets the little things. You know, the little things. They're those time consuming and unimportant tasks that aren't likely to cause harm if you don't do them.
Little things, like calling the voicemail before your next meeting;or, taking the time to actually book the movie tickets online instead of only checking the showing times; or wiping the jelly stains off the kitchen counter, can make a big difference.
This week I'm buried in completing the details for our book, Ideas for the Romantically Challenged. Did I fax back the revised contract? Did I send our contact information to the new association? Did I find the supply the tiff needed? Sure, all details, but if I miss one it can threaten the success of the entire project. These days the same can be true for relationships. The details of tending a relationship are important and need constant attention.
Right now, today, do that small thing to make your mate feel your love. Make a gesture. Be silly. Be brave. Do whatever little thing you can to express your feelings. Take action. Because the devil may be in the details, but there's also alot of love in there too.
Ciao, Dina
Growing up, my father often said to me, "The Devil is in the details" as a reminder of how the even the best intentions can go astray if one forgets the little things. You know, the little things. They're those time consuming and unimportant tasks that aren't likely to cause harm if you don't do them.
Little things, like calling the voicemail before your next meeting;or, taking the time to actually book the movie tickets online instead of only checking the showing times; or wiping the jelly stains off the kitchen counter, can make a big difference.
This week I'm buried in completing the details for our book, Ideas for the Romantically Challenged. Did I fax back the revised contract? Did I send our contact information to the new association? Did I find the supply the tiff needed? Sure, all details, but if I miss one it can threaten the success of the entire project. These days the same can be true for relationships. The details of tending a relationship are important and need constant attention.
Right now, today, do that small thing to make your mate feel your love. Make a gesture. Be silly. Be brave. Do whatever little thing you can to express your feelings. Take action. Because the devil may be in the details, but there's also alot of love in there too.
Ciao, Dina
Friday, March 19, 2004
One is the loveliest Number
I know, I know. The song title is 'One is the loneliest Number', but you know, I think that notion is outdated. It can be quite lovely to be single.
Singularly Spectacular!
Heaven bless Oprah Winfrey. Besides single-handedly bringing reading back into vogue, she reminds us all that being single can be downright fabulous. Being single presents an opportunity for one to know yourself, to explore the dreams, desires, expectations and boundaries that make up your life. Do you know about you? If not, what will you have to share?
What's Romance Got to Do with It?
Plenty! Singles need romance too. And, maybe it's time for us to start romancing ourselves, time to do all the little things that we'd normally wait for a lover to do. Imagine that!
When I was married, my former husband brought me fresh flowers every week as a token of his love. Those flowers made me feel cherished and special. After we divorced, I brought my own flowers- a token of my love. I romanced myself and it felt good.
Self-Loving is Good
And, it paid off. I grew so confident and loving that I attracted the right partner for me. Peter knows who I am and appreciates me for it. I appreciate me and think he got a good catch! Now, I don't mean to imply it's simple but romancing you seems like a good place to start.
To paraphrase Roslind Russell, the best cosmetic for any woman is happiness.
Ciao! Dina
I know, I know. The song title is 'One is the loneliest Number', but you know, I think that notion is outdated. It can be quite lovely to be single.
Singularly Spectacular!
Heaven bless Oprah Winfrey. Besides single-handedly bringing reading back into vogue, she reminds us all that being single can be downright fabulous. Being single presents an opportunity for one to know yourself, to explore the dreams, desires, expectations and boundaries that make up your life. Do you know about you? If not, what will you have to share?
What's Romance Got to Do with It?
Plenty! Singles need romance too. And, maybe it's time for us to start romancing ourselves, time to do all the little things that we'd normally wait for a lover to do. Imagine that!
When I was married, my former husband brought me fresh flowers every week as a token of his love. Those flowers made me feel cherished and special. After we divorced, I brought my own flowers- a token of my love. I romanced myself and it felt good.
Self-Loving is Good
And, it paid off. I grew so confident and loving that I attracted the right partner for me. Peter knows who I am and appreciates me for it. I appreciate me and think he got a good catch! Now, I don't mean to imply it's simple but romancing you seems like a good place to start.
To paraphrase Roslind Russell, the best cosmetic for any woman is happiness.
Ciao! Dina
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Seasons
The snow is coming down heavy here in Boston and it is quite clear that winter is still with us. While I daydream about walking on the beach under a hot sun, I am reminded of something that many of my friends and relatives have told me upon moving back to Boston from some warmer climate. It always seems to be the same reply "I moved back because I missed the change of seasons."
Hmmm, they moved back from a beautiful sunny location so they could watch the leaves fall off the trees?
To many people this just doesn't seem logical. Why move back to the Northeast when you have to put up with 6 months of winter? (OK, maybe it's not 6 months but sometimes it feels that way). The fact is that a great many people find the change of seasons to be very romantic, yes romantic.
Let's break it down:
Springtime brings flowers and plants of all colors that help to decorate the landscape and it is often said that spring is the time for love.
Summer is glorious as the warm weather comes in and we all want to get outside and walk in the sunshine. It is a time for picnics and beaches and for going on vacations. It is a time for passion.
Autumn is noble and beautiful. It is the season of the harvest. A time to go hiking and pick fruit. The fall is a time for reflection and a time for listening and communicating.
Winter is solemn and peaceful. Snow gently covers the ground as we curl up together underneath a down comforter or perhaps in front of a fireplace. It is a time for closeness, a time for intimacy.
So maybe some of us up here in Boston are jealous of those that can go outside in shorts all year round but, the truth be known, most of us like our seasons.
The snow is coming down heavy here in Boston and it is quite clear that winter is still with us. While I daydream about walking on the beach under a hot sun, I am reminded of something that many of my friends and relatives have told me upon moving back to Boston from some warmer climate. It always seems to be the same reply "I moved back because I missed the change of seasons."
Hmmm, they moved back from a beautiful sunny location so they could watch the leaves fall off the trees?
To many people this just doesn't seem logical. Why move back to the Northeast when you have to put up with 6 months of winter? (OK, maybe it's not 6 months but sometimes it feels that way). The fact is that a great many people find the change of seasons to be very romantic, yes romantic.
Let's break it down:
Springtime brings flowers and plants of all colors that help to decorate the landscape and it is often said that spring is the time for love.
Summer is glorious as the warm weather comes in and we all want to get outside and walk in the sunshine. It is a time for picnics and beaches and for going on vacations. It is a time for passion.
Autumn is noble and beautiful. It is the season of the harvest. A time to go hiking and pick fruit. The fall is a time for reflection and a time for listening and communicating.
Winter is solemn and peaceful. Snow gently covers the ground as we curl up together underneath a down comforter or perhaps in front of a fireplace. It is a time for closeness, a time for intimacy.
So maybe some of us up here in Boston are jealous of those that can go outside in shorts all year round but, the truth be known, most of us like our seasons.
