Over the weekend, my friend Angela and I visited Decatur gem Eagle Eye Book Shop for an author signing/discussion.  Dana Kuebler, N.D. (a very smart and caring naturopath) was there to share the concepts in her new book Great Cleanse Lifestyle Journal: How To Do Your Own Great Cleanse.

This was not the “don’t eat anything and drink this gross stuff, all the while feeling horrible” sort of cleanse we hear about a lot.  Although these crazy plans lure people in with what sounds like a “healthy” way to lose weight (lose 10 lbs in a week because you’re releasing all the toxins from your body!) — they seem to do more harm than good.  A few years ago, I tried one — even though, that very week, Dr. Oz clearly stated on his radio show that those types of cleanses have no scientific proof to support them.  (I gave it a go anyway because I wanted to jump-start some serious weight loss.)  Aside from being totally disgusted by the juice I had to drink and the chalk-like stuff I had to eat, after day two I had to endure 5 days of fuzzy brain.  I couldn’t get any work done because I couldn’t concentrate (this is a real problem when you work for yourself and make money by billing for your time).  But enough about what I now call the “heck no, you couldn’t pay me to do that again” type of cleanse.

In contrast, the concepts Dr. Dana shared about healthy cleansing were really interesting – and more importantly – logical!  One simple question brought me on board to want to learn more.

Why would we give our bodies less
and ask them to do more?

That’s one of those questions that makes you feel a little silly for not considering that point sooner.  She went on to share the major tools involved in her cleansing program:

• A way of eating that supports the body’s natural systems of elimination,
• Supplements for binding up toxins and getting them out,
• Lymphatic stimulation (to aid in releasing toxins through the skin), and
• A protocol of daily exercise and sweating (preferably via sauna).

Now, in all honesty, it is very unlikely you will ever hear me jump on board with any type of supplements.  I simply don’t like taking pills or drinking extra stuff.  Period.  Unless the situation becomes extreme, it’s really not up for negotiation with me.  (Just my personal preference.)  But, eating healthy foods that help my body perform more effectively sounds great.  Treating myself to a regular scrub to get that lymph system working, sounds even better.  And, since I had started that day by practicing yoga outside in 90+ weather, I knew I was well on my way with the movement/sweating plan.  I figure all of the other things sound totally doable, and 3 out of 4 ain’t bad!

I’ve already read the first few chapters of Great Cleanse Lifestyle Journal: How To Do Your Own Great Cleanse and am looking forward to learning more and implementing new, healthy, safe, and enjoyable ways of keeping my body well.

If you want to check out the book or get more information about the Great Cleanse and Dana Kuebler’s services (she has some cool, spa day cleanse packages that sound pretty yummy), check her out at www.greatcleanse.com.

I’m sitting at Strongbox West (a co-working space in Atlanta) and I’m really excited about an event that took place here tonight.  Erik Wolf and Stephanie Frost of Zero-G Creative held a book signing and presentation featuring their newly released “Marketing: Unmasked – insider’s tips + tricks for success in small business marketing.”

First, I have to give them props for the great presentation.  One of my biggest pet-peeves when I attend presentation-oriented events is the evidence of the heaps of bad (really bad) presentation materials in the world.  These two get an A+ from me.  Not only did they have great slide design (just enough text + engaging graphics), but I also happened to agree with every bit of marketing advice they shared.  (I’m pretty sure that means they’re geniuses.)

A couple of dozen entrepreneurs listened as Erik and Stephanie shared valuable marketing tips in a clear and concise way.  After a short Q & A session, I got my copy of the book signed, and the authors mixed and mingled with their adoring fans.

I can’t wait to get started reading the book!

Last night I had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth Gilbert read the first chapter of her new book Committed: A Septic makes Peace with Marriage at Agnes Scott College.

Not surprisingly, she’s very well spoken and did a wonderful job answering audience questions with eloquent and relevant responses (not as easy as it sounds).

One fellow fan asked “What advice do you have for other writers?”  Aside from the usual, obvious, and often overlooked advice to “actually write,” E.G. shared a suggestion her sister (a successful author of young adult novels) once gave her.

That advice, summarized, was this – Whatever you’re writing, from an email to a term paper to an article to a novel, write it like you’re writing to one person – not to the whole world. Decide who that one person is, and write like you’re writing it for them alone.  It will make the project more personal and less intimidating. (Think “How the heck do I follow up a smash hit like Eat, Pray, Love?”)

I thought this was brilliant advice! I left the reading with my signed copy of Committed (got my Eat, Pray, Love signed too!) feeling inspired and excited to read E.G.’s latest insights.

Check out Elizabeth Gilbert’s website for more of her thoughts on writing.

Hip Tranquil Chick by Kimberly Wilson is fun and informative. A great read that inspires and reminds us to take time for ourselves and deepen our awareness of body and self (in an assortment of ways). It may not be right for the super-snooty yoga types, but it is perfect for the fun, social, and loveable ladies who are – or aspire to be – a Hip Tranquil Chick!

I saw Emily Giffin at this year’s Decatur Book Festival (in Decatur, GA).  I thought her presentation was great, so when I saw her book, Baby Proof, on sale knew I had to check her out.  It’s a fun chick-lit read.  Good writing.  I enjoyed it.

Just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees last week after seeing the movie the week before.  Here’s what I think:

Book:  Very good.  I’m not a fan of the fact that Sue Monk Kidd is partial to including tedious details that lend nothing to the story or imagery (frankly, I don’t need to know the toilet seat is moving underneath Rosaleen).  Aside from that, I think the book is really a good story of truly interesting characters.  I definitely recommend it.  Having said that . . .

Movie:  Awful.  Though I like all of the ladies in the cast, they all fell horribly short in this one.  Not only was the screenplay seriously lacking crucial details from the book, the acting was, at best, mediocre.  Since typically Latifah, Fanning, and Okonedo are awesome in anything, I’ve got to look at the director as the culprit.  Additionally, vocally speaking, Hudson and Keys are truly phenomenal, but neither should be acting without a little more training.  Both performances were stiff and not particularly believable (something I’ve seen three times now from Hudson).  I was so disappointed in the movie, I almost didn’t want to finish reading the book.  I persevered however, thankfully, so my Bees experience ended on a positive note.

Final thought:  Read the book, skip the movie.  If you’re hard headed and must see the movie, see it before reading the book.