Fearless Fabulous Project

Recently, I forced my husband to sit through the three versions of “The Avengers” TV series from the 1960s. Patrick McNee played John Steed, an uppity-snuppity British spy ; in every episode he was outfitted in tweed and bowler with an umbrella in hand (often wielded as weapon). Through the years of the series, he always had a female foil with whom he bantered as together they solved a series of ridiculous crimes. [The 1998 movie adaption was dreadful; the 80’s TV series “Remington Steele“ was on the same track.]

Early episodes paired Steed with Mrs. Cathy Gale, portrayed by Honor Blackman. In the middle and best years, Diana Rigg was the cool and clever Mrs. Emma Peel. The series wrapped in 1969 with Linda Thorson playing young, beautiful Tara King.

At ages 7-9, it was Emma Peel that struck my fancy. She was glamorous and strong, clever and smart, and ever ready for the next adventure or risk. She had a witty remark for every situation. I wanted to be ready for anything like her. I actually wanted to be her.

It was probably one episode in particular — not found during the recent marathon viewing by the way — that featured Steed and Peel fencing, complete with spandex outfits (he in black, she in white), masks, foils, and a more than a bit of wicked humor. At least I remember it that way. I always intended to take up fencing based on that very strong impression; I wanted those agile, flexible, dramatic moves for my own arsenal.

Now that I am at the mid-point of my life, I laugh a bit at my early infatuation. I’m struck by how long and fiercely I clung to my “Emma Peel Ideal.” But now — and especially after realizing how dated the conversations, styles, and story lines from the TV series — I’m satisfied with my own style and progress toward my very contemporary ambitions and ideals. I’m a business owner with a clear vision of what I want to accomplish. I have numerous friends, opportunities for self-development and travel, time to explore my interests and passions, and a balanced life.

This past winter I conducted a pilot 12-week group coaching program focused on female boomers. In the past few months I’ve swallowed and digested an enormous amount of new technology; I’ve developed a web site, blogs, and now I’ve launched an ezine (sign up at the top of this page to receive a weekly issue via email). I’ve learned how to set up my online shopping cart, arranged for a merchant account, written autoresponders, and created an online forum. I’ve created coaching packages and taken on clients. I am focused on bolstering my marketing efforts in order to fill my group program scheduled for July.

Emma, eat your heart out.

Think about your early influences. Is there a role model from your childhood or earlier adulthood? What is the temperament, “look,” or “MO” that inspired you? Does the image still do it for you?

Is there a contemporary model out there that embodies the ideal for you now? What is your definition of a Fearless, Fabulous Female? Share your memories and experiences. Post a comment. Let’s collect a bunch of these impressive female profiles, and then I’ll figure out a way to share them with all readers of this ezine.

To write a book is the fantasy of so many! To write the Great American Novel or to simply appreciate the heft of the “finished product,” dreamed of for so long.

Andy Wibbels, of “Blog Wild: A Guide for Small Business Blogging” and general small business development fame, is hosting an eight-week class that will meet “virtually” four times to get the dang thing done.
Write a Book in 45 Days Book-Writing Workgroup

Write a Book in 45 Days Book-Writing Workgroup

I’m using the opportunity to write the book I thought I might write in a few years to support my recently piloted—and in July to be launched—12-week Fearless, Fabulous Project coaching program. Before the end of June I need to flesh out the content from my extensive outline form, and thought the first “real”round would provide that opportunity. But then I slapped myself upside the head, and realized, “Gee, I can chase down the final outcome now, and then have more than what I need to run the groups!”

What’s even better, is I’ll be able to pull out the prose in chunks to offer up on this blog, in my ezine and in autoresponders. It will all be at my fingertips, if I kick it in the workgroup.

There are some heavy hitters of the coaching and Internet Marketing worlds have signed up: Molly Gordon and Lorrie Morgan-Ferraro to name just two. I know and have benefited from their work, and they are both gifted writers. So, I know I will be kept to the straight and narrow on fulfilling my commitments. Don’t tell anybody… but I think I’m gonna benefit from their expertise.

?I’ll need to fully develop two chapters each week to keep my schedule and reach the goal: a finished book by mid-June. It’s more than a little scary to put myself on the line this way. What if I freak out? What if I overcome my fear and fulfill this long-imagined goal?

?Can she do it? I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.