The Business of Pleasure and the Pleasure of Business

Holidays have created a bit of a hiatus in my blogging world and although I have enjoyed the relaxation and halting of all things work related, I must say, I have been in blogger withdrawal. Self-inflicted, yes, seeing as at any point I could have pulled out my clunky laptop and started typing. I, however, vowed to myself that I would give it all a full rest and simply be, enjoy and observe.
In truth, what the 'break' has truly helped me realize is that when you love something, even if it is of the work vein and business side of life, it's almost painful to leave it behind for a time because pleasure is ultimately attached.

 About a week ago, I was going through U.S. customs and after winding my way along the never ending lineup, I found myself at the mercy of the stern looking customs security officer I was directed to. Vegas was my end destination and the only thing standing between it and me was him. I pasted a smile to my face, ready to answer all of his questions like a pro, thinking that I knew in advance what he would ask:

Who are you traveling with?
What is the purpose of your trip?
Where will you be staying while there?

The question he threw at me right off the bat was a variation of this but the wording and exactness required in the response was a bit of a curve ball to me in my early morning and zombie-like state.

"Good morning. What is the purpose of your trip, business or pleasure?"

I responded without thinking, stuttering out the response, "Business...oh..no..I mean pleasure." I corrected myself bashfully and gave a nervous laugh. Clearly not quite the pro I thought I was.

"Jessica, is your business the pleasure of gambling away your hard earned money?" He continued.

"No sir, my business is the pleasure of spritzing it up poolside (translated means-enjoy some white wine spritzers) and getting a stellar tan."

He cracked a smile and gruffly replied, "Good answer, Jessica, good answer. Enjoy your business of pleasure trip."

I laughed, wished him a good day and went on my way but have since reflected on that exchange and my recent travels noticing that regardless of how restful and seemingly void of business each moment is intended to be, the natural tendency to network and promote comes out no matter how hard I try to shrug it aside. As I've said in earlier posts, I don't like talking myself up and have always felt awkward when explaining my qualities during various job interviews etc... but when it comes to my writing, I feel that it's such a part of me that it's impossible to answer questions about how I'm spending my summer while on holiday from teaching, without involving a reply about my writing. I don't see it as business, I see it as an exciting hobby that has the end possibility of transferring to business.

For instance, I was interacting with a few NBA players while in Vegas. They were there for summer league training. Of course I inquired about them all and asked how they find the NBA lifestyle. I was completely impressed with how humble all of their attitudes were and the fact that each of them asked specifically about me and how I keep busy. Naturally I talked about teaching and writing. By mid conversation I had these 6 foot 5 inch tall, burly guys intrigued about my publishing journey and the plot of my chick-lit fiction novel.  (I suppose they may have just been feigning interest, but I appreciated it nonetheless.) One of their lawyers even asked if I needed an entertainment representative for the process. Of course I happily took his card, and no it wasn't just because his chiseled chest was beckoning me to do so while we sat sipping Sangria.

At my core, I simply love writing and will continue no matter what successes may come, and no matter what my surroundings may be. From the fancy pools of Vegas, to the rocky shores of Portugal, the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean to the grassy bluffs of Prince Edward Island, pleasure is always in this business of mine.

I'm no travel blogger at the moment, but that's a new one for the never ending bucket list!

If you've yet to see it, check out my trailer for my novel, The Tantalizing Tale of a Bitter Sweetheart by clicking here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzUCspmOebw

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

Connect with me on Linkedin Jessica Ashley Dafoe

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Putting a Little Strut in my Launch

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had to find methods to pass the time while voiceless and set back from carrying out any bookstore drop- ins due to not having any books in hand. One way I kept busy was by  purging my closet of all clothing and some accessories that I no longer want or need. Most of the items I intended to discard of, by giving them to Goodwill, are pieces that I have either never worn or worn once or twice and the majority are decent brands.

With so much extra time on my hands, I got thinking about ways I could put these quality garments to good use and benefit the charity I support. "Why not throw in a charity fashion show for the Because I am a Girl initiative along with the already intended fundraising efforts that will be made at my book launch party?" I thought this to myself while on the elliptical the other day. This brainstorming had me in such deep thought, at one point I almost forgot I was on the unstable machine and came close to bailing off the side. Regaining my footing I continued to lay out in my mind the manner in which I see the fashion show playing out and fitting in with the evening as a whole.  Sure people can give any amount they wish and drop it in the charity's donation box which will be set up at the event. Of course people will be donating to the initiative with every copy of my novel that is purchased at the launch as $1.00 for each novel sold will go to the charity ( There will be giveaways of my novel as well!). But who doesn't want a little extra eye-candy and a bit more of an incentive to dole out hard-earned cash? Let's face it, it's wonderful to give, but getting a little something in return for your kindness certainly is a welcome thought.

Below are just a few of the pieces that will be sold for bargain prices at my book launch event. ALL profit will go directly to Because I am a Girl. These few are strictly from my own closet, but thanks to some kindhearted and fashionable friends, there will be more added to the show:

Sioni faux fur vest- 

(Never worn /still has price tag on)

http://www.sioni.com/

French Connection UK- cotton dress

(worn once/excellent condition)

http://canada.frenchconnection.com/

Dex wool sweater

(worn twice/great condition)

http://dexclothing.com/

S.I.S Clothing- scoop neck dress

(never worn/perfect condition)

https://www.facebook.com/styleisserene

Numph UK- blazer

(worn twice/great condition)

http://www.numph.dk/

                                     Nine West- distressed suede size 7 heeled ankle boots
                                                     (worn twice/great condition)
                                                     https://www.ninewest.ca/

                                         

S.I.S Clothing- T-back, ruffle neckline with a cherry pattern against chocolate brown

(From Mendocino- worn three times/great condition)

                                                             Fantastic t- back
                                                           http://mendocino.ca/

BCBG Generation- Teal satin cocktail dress with cutout back

(worn once/great condition)

Cut out back

https://www.bcbgeneration.com/

Mossimo- size 6 booties

(never worn/perfect condition)

http://www.mossimo.com/

ONLY- black pleather cocktail dress

(worn twice/good condition from Mendocino)

http://mendocino.ca/

Jessica Simpson- three-quarter sleeve black lace cocktail dress

(never worn/still has price tag)

http://www.jessicasimpson.com/

BCBG Max Azria- wool sweater dress

(worn twice/ great condition)

http://www.bcbgmaxazriagroup.com/

Club Monaco- Scoop neck, knee length cocktail dress with a ruffled hem line.

(worn once/great condition)

http://www.clubmonaco.ca/home/index.jsp?geos=1

Free People- Sleeveless ruffled blouse with faux leather trim

(worn once for my video shout out/great condition)

http://www.freepeople.com/

Also just added, Roxy size 7 leather sandals in a teal and brown colour (never worn), Calvin Klein size 8 brown suede flats (never worn), Material Girl size 7 canvas striped cream and brown flats (never worn)

The sizes of the garments displayed range somewhat but I will be sure to acquire a more varied range of sizes by the night of the event. Gentlemen, if you have anything to donate, please get in touch with me via Twitter or Linkedin. Also, if you are unable to attend the event in late August (no fear, invites have not been sent yet, but it is set for August 24th) and have seen something appealing, please get in touch and I would be happy to put it aside for the price of a set donation amount.

I'd like to thank, in advance, my great group of gal pals who have stepped up to assist me with this portion of the evening.

I will leave you with this fab video I came across yesterday that is so on point, I think every woman must have a look (men too, as you could gain some insight from it as well):

http://sfglobe.com/?id=1283

If you've yet to see it, check out my trailer for my novel, The Tantalizing Tale of a Bitter Sweetheart by clicking here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzUCspmOebw

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

Connect with me on Linkedin Jessica Ashley Dafoe

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody

Top Ten Ways to Keep Busy While Waiting For Your Published Book to be Printed and Market Ready.

So, the title of this post might be a bit misleading, in that someone may open this thinking that I have a wealth of knowledge as to marketing strategies and purposeful ways that authors who are in limbo between the publishing stage and the printing stage, like me, can spend their time. I'm not going to pretend to be that person. These are quite simply the ways that I have been spending my time over the course of the past few days, since discovering that the printing of my novel and therefore the possibility of touring, has been postponed another two weeks.

Below is therefore a top ten list that is quite applicable to few, actually, it's pretty much only applicable to me. Welcome to my nutty mind and my top ten ways to keep busy ( not necessarily busy in a productive sense, however)....ahem, here goes:

10. Organizing party details for my launch and interacting with the fundraising coordinator of the Because I am a Girl initiative. (Okay, so this one is clearly productive. My apologies but productivity dwindles from this point on.)

9. Engaging in new exercise routines. Lynda, I will make it to hot yoga! I promise! As soon as my voice is back, because we all know how important a voice is when torturing ourselves by contorting our bodies in all sorts of  positions and sweating like it's our middle name.

8. Attempting to learn sign language online, just in case my voice never returns.

7. Watching the entire first season of The Mindy Project. I had watched a few episodes back when I had cable, but damn is that girl ever hysterical!...oh "poop pie". Yes I've watched the entire first season in a week, but when you are unable to communicate in manners other than gesturing and signaling, it makes being sociable and mingling with the outside world quite unappealing. Please don't judge me.

6. Laying out on the balcony in the hot hot heat with a glass of sangria and my music blasting in hopes that my uber handsome upstairs neighbour will lean over his balcony and strike up a conversation. Even if the conversation begins with "Can you please turn that down?" I can at least have the opportunity to respond with, "Turn down?... but...for what?" in my barely there husky yet borderline seductive voice (got to use it while I can).

5. Dancing like a maniac in my condo to "The Club Can't Handle Me" while cleaning with curtains wide open so that the neighbours across the way can be thoroughly entertained by my moves.

4. Writing this blog post (because I am doing this to distract from the fact that MY NOVEL IS STILL NOT PRINTED)

3. Purging my closet of all items that I've never worn or haven't worn in at least the past 3 years, to give to charity. Tell me all you fashionistas out there, is that faux fur trend returning anytime soon? Please say yes. I jumped on that bandwagon with a little too much enthusiasm. Who needs 3 faux fur vests,  and a faux fur headband? Apparently this girl.

2. Pampering myself. Even without a voice, pedicures, blowouts and facials found their way into my week and worked their magic to ease my frustration.

1. Booking an impromptu trip to Vegas! Yes, why not? Especially when the anticipated tour dates for hitting various North American bookstores to drop off printed copies and have signings, must be cancelled for now without the said printed books. Not to mention the fact that the purpose of the trip is to keep a friend company who is keeping a friend, that is married to one of the Raptors coaches, company, while the Raptors are there in Vegas for training. A bit of an incentive, I'd say.

And there you have it...A look into the way this girl, who is entirely a rookie to the publishing process is handling the constant need for flexibility of schedule (which appears to possibly present a great benefit if these yoga classes pan out thereby improving other forms of flexibility. You know, for added extension on my kick ball changes and jazz slides while cutting a rug.) Roll with it.

If you've yet to see it, check out my trailer for my novel, The Tantalizing Tale of a Bitter Sweetheart by clicking here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzUCspmOebw

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:

http://becauseiamagirl.ca/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be

http://plan-international.org/

Connect with me on Linkedin Jessica Ashley Dafoe

For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody