Creativity in any form often benefits from collective energy and enthusiasm. So often the creative process can feel like such a solitary affair. Sometimes this can make it challenging to stay the distance and make it through to the finish line. But it doesn't have to be this way.

I love collaborating and sharing my enthusiasm with like minded people. This helps boost my creativity no end. While working on the final edits of "Happy@work: job hunting for mid-lifers" I was stuck on finding an image to illustrate the chapter "Employ yourself." I was also stuck on where and how to have the book launch.

Inspiration struck in the middle of the night : "Artists experience the realities of self employment every day...why not have a photo of someone or something artistic,' my intuition gently asked. But "who and what", my rational mind wondered.

The next day while visiting my friend Ron Epskamp, passionate owner of Exhibitions Gallery" I summoned up the courage to ask him if he would consider holding my book launch there. " With pleasure," he said and promptly whipped out his calender. "Why not on the 28th of November to coincide with our Christmas exhibtion of artists." I was thrilled!

"Perhaps you would consider profiling one of my artists - Mark Olsen."

And suddenly, miraculously, there was the answer to my "problem" re who to use to illustrate my book!

"Working out the 'how'" as Mark Olsen, one of New Zealand's most successful artist's says:" is as simple as focusing on what you want - end of story, the "how" finds you."


From IT worker to Best-Selling Artist - Mark Olsen to Speak at Happy@work Book launch
Mark and I share a passion for self-development and an awareness of the power of the mind to transform reality. Something also shared by the creators of the DVD's "The Secret" and "What the bleep do we know" Joy turned to elation when he agreed to present his own personal story re moving from IT sales person to accomplished, best selling artist.

Here's the brief I gave Mark:
"Essentially the focus is to inspire people to follow their passion ...to have the courage, hope, perserverance and resilience to believe dreams really can come true.....I think your own personal story re how you made your dreams come true and using relevant learnings that anyone looking to make a move to fulfillment could apply...bricklayer, return to work mum, solo parent, disillusioned office worker..many who may not know that they want, or if they do, how it could be possible - your "what I have learned" musings bill perfectly!."

...and his reply:

"I enjoy not only speaking on the mind set tools that I have employed, but being able to state how I applied them and what the results have been. This way I have the example that folk can click with opposed to just telling them how to live their live. I also believe that our only gift is that of our own example as words do not teach"

Mark will have returned from the US the week before The Happy@Work Book launch" which will be providing the next chapter in his story. This will be compelling listening so mark off the 28th of November 5:30 - 7:30 in your diary now. Spaces are strictly limited so please RSVP by dropping me a line

Pre-order you copy now!
A limited stock of first edition, signed copies of "Happy@work:job hunting for mid-lifers+" will be available prior to and during the launch.

Avoid disappointment - find out more and pre-order now

Mark's feedback also gave me a boost to surge through the final edits and helped curb any doubts I was having about the whole project:

"Good on you for doing this project - it will take people's attention off what is and place it upon what they would like - doing so you have given them a helping hand - how very cool" - Mark Olsen


Thanks Mark and Ron- and everyone else who inspires and supports me. I couldn't do this without you.

You can read more about Mark's inspiring career makeover in "Happy@Work: Job hunting for mid-lifers +"

RSVP TO LAUNCH:
Don't forget to put a bright orange circle around the 28th of November 5:30 - 7:30, at Exhibitions Gallery, Featherston Street, Wellingtonby RSVPing to cassandra@cassandragaisford.com.

Look forward to seeing you there:)