Monday, February 24, 2014

Interview with a Life Coach.

I recently had the pleasure of doing an interview with a gentleman from up north.  He shared his life passion & gives advice that will surely motivate you.  Enjoy the following Q & A with Life Coach, Frank Brown Jr.

Bee:
Where are you from Frank?



Frank:
I was born in Washington D.C. but raised in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Bee:
Have you ever lived anywhere else?

Frank:
No, this is the only place I've ever lived.

Bee:  What's your dream city? For instance, I want to one day reside in New York City, not just visit but work and thrive there.

Frank:
D.C. is my dream city. I love it here. There are other places I enjoy that I frequent like, Brooklyn, Miami, Vegas, LA and Atlanta. I think it would be cool to take (5) years and live in each one of these cities for a year.
Washington, D.C.
 
Bee:
What do you feel is your passion/mission in life?
 
Frank:
My passion in life is to inspire and motivate people in creative and efficient ways. I'm amazed with people and how they work. I think my gift in life is my curiosity for why people do things. I spent countless hours studying examples of success and use my findings to create new ways to inspire and bring success to the lives of people I coach and others. There's a right and a wrong way to attack a goal and your approach can make the difference, it helps when you have a helping hand. 
 
Bee:
I think that's awesome. I too enjoy finding out why people do certain things. What's your favorite meal?
 
Frank:
Mac and Cheese.
 
 
Bee:
Mmmm...Great choice!
What is the best advice you've ever received?

Frank:
Nobody should work harder on your dreams than you do.

Bee:
What is your best advice?

Frank:
Love yourself, know yourself and be yourself.... If everyone likes you, you're doing it wrong.

Bee:
What would be your top (2) Do-Overs?

Frank: 
I would have started writing a lot sooner. I would have taken the last opportunity I had to see my brother I lost. There are a lot of other things I could have done differently but these things have taught or inspired me in one way or another.

Bee:
Beyonce or Oprah?

Frank:
Oprah

Bee:
Hamburger or Steak? And how do you like it cooked?

Frank:
Steak cooked medium.

 
Bee:
What in your opinion is Social Media's biggest advantage? Disadvantage?
 
Frank:
At this point in time there is no better way available to the common man to reach an unimaginable amount of people in a short amount of time. It's only an available tool for you to use, what you use it for and how you use it is up to you. The disadvantage comes in the mis-education of users on social media. Conduct isn't always the best and can be discouraging at times. Be responsible, safe and don't post things you don't want the world to see.
 
 
 
Bee:
Name someone that you've met through Social Media that has changed your life for the better?
 
Frank:
Every follower and friend I have online, their continued support keeps me inspired and motivated.
 
Bee:
That's a lot of inspiration. You have 36,000 followers via Twitter & 3,000 plus on Facebook.
Impressive to say the least.  Your ability to connect with people is pretty awesome.
Where do you see yourself in (5) years?
 
Frank:
On a beach in Panama visiting my parents. I want to buy a house for my mother in her home country.
 
Bee:
Are you single?
 
Frank:
Single.
 
 Bee:
As 2014 begins to blossom, there still seems to be a disconnect between men and women. Even after all the relationship advice in books and on T.V. shows, the struggle to connect with the opposite sex is real. Why do you think this is?
 
 
 
Frank:
You can have all the books and shows you want that teach you all of these codes and techniques and tactics but if none of them show you how to build yourself first, you might as well be building a house on sand. It's difficult to connect with others when we are disconnected from ourselves. 
 
Bee:
I've read some of your tweets and they hold tons of wisdom, who influenced you to think the way you do?
 
Frank:
As iron sharpens iron. I think a lot of what I write comes from other deep thinkers, and not just in words. I see inspiration everywhere. The tweet, "You can have anything but you can't have everything" & "Focus and attack, don't spread yourself too thin", was inspired by a documentary on killer whales and sharks. Lessons and golden nuggets are everywhere, in art, media and even nature. Seek to learn and the universe will provide.
 
If you are willing to see, ye shall find. ~Sommell Liberosensa
 
Bee:
What advice would you give to the younger Frank Brown Jr.?
 
Frank:
You know a lot when you realize you know nothing at all, be a humble sponge.
 
Bee:
Do you have any fears that you've overcome?
 
Frank:
I once feared being a big profile on social media. I knew the pressure and responsibility that comes with it and over the years I've learned how to be comfortable in my role.
 
Bee:
If you could sail around the world with one person, who would it be?
 
Frank:
A beautiful friend from Brooklyn, we've only sailed south.
 
Bee:
What's your favorite Book, Movie & Song/Artist?
 
Frank:
It's a long list, I would have to say my favorite song is Closer by Goapele ... I listen to it before every event I do. My favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People and I would have to say my favorite movie is probably Inception.
 
Goapele
 
Bee:
Thank you for the opportunity to get to know you better and share your message. I wish you continued success and many blessings. May God continue to shine His light on you.
 
 
 
 
 

 


 
 


 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

An Interview with an Oncologist

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Diane Radford via Twitter. I enjoy learning about the lives of people and so I decided to ask Dr. Diane if she would oblige me with an interview. And she graciously said, yes. Below you will find some of Dr. Radford's adventures, her passion and a run - in with a Psychic. Should be interesting, enjoy!

Bee: What is your favorite Ice Cream? 

Dr. Diane Radford: Ted Drewe's Frozen Chocolate Concrete.

Bee: Frozen Chocolate Concrete...hmmm, sounds worth a try.
Have you published any books? If so, what are their titles?

Diane: I've contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books- Here Comes the Bride and Hope and Healing for your Breast Cancer Journey. One of my mother's sayings (I call them Margeryisms) appeared in Mother Knows Better: Sense and Nonsense From American Moms. I wrote the foreword for Catch That Look by Ann Pietrangelo, and contributed to On The Wings of Pink Angels by Dawn Colclasure.

Bee: Pretty impressive. So, on top of having a demanding job, you find time to contribute the literary world also. Amazing, I'm always inspired by over-achievers:))
What draws you to writing? 

Diane: Crafting sentences that paint pictures with words.

Bee: Who is your favorite Author? 

Diane: David Sedaris.

Bee: What is an Oncologist? 
Diane: A specialist in cancer treatment. I'm a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. A medical oncologist treats cancer with drugs. A radiation oncologist specializes in radiation treatments. So there are several types of oncologist.
Bee: How did you decide on becoming an Oncologist? 

Diane: I was called to surgery at a young age (13) and always felt I was meant to focus on breast cancer.

Bee: I have an immense amount of respect for you because of the emotional, mental, and physical endurance it takes to be in this profession. I studied Surgical Technology when I was younger and know how serious the jobs of Surgeons are. I'm sure your patients are glad to have you on their team.
If you won $1,000,000.00, what's the first thing you would buy?

Diane: I probably wouldn't buy anything straight away. 

Bee: Who are some people that have mentored you along the way?
Diane:Knights: Professor Sir Andrew Watt Kay (surgeon); Professor Sir Patrick Forrest (breast cancer specialist); Professor Sir Tom Symington (pathologist and cancer researcher).

Bee: One person you would like to have a conversation with...? 

Diane: Ann Patchett

Bee: Hamburger or Steak? 
Diane: Neither, I don't eat much meat.
Bee: Phil Collins or Kenny G? 
Diane: I like them both, so that's a hard choice.


Bee: Do you have a bucket List? 

Diane: Not really. I regard every day as precious and we have to make the most of every moment.

Bee: I agree with that but I have to admit, I do have a bucket list. I'm up to 78 things so far:)) Have you ever met someone famous?
Diane: I met David Sedaris at a book signing last year. Our short conversation was very entertaining.

Bee: How do feel about social media? 

Diane: My favorite SM is Twitter, maybe because I liked precis in high school English class - being sparse and exact with words.

Bee: What would you tell your 'younger' self? 

Diane: Pay more attention to what your parents said; don't underestimate your abilities; be mindful.

Bee: I always love asking that question because it has the opportunity to change someones course in life. Good advice is priceless.
What are your Top 3 Do-Overs? 

Diane: I have none. I did have two regrets, both relating to travel - trips I wish I'd done when I had the opportunity. However, I then corrected that by going back years later to visit those sites. They are: flying around Mount McKinley in Alaska; and visiting Machu Pichu in Peru.
Mount McKinley
Machu Pichu

Bee: Both are absolutely breath taking! Welp, (2) more things to put on my bucket list (Laughing). Are you a Cat or Dog person?

Diane: Both. Our household includes two cats and one dog, all loved equally.

Bee: What is your message? 

Diane: I am a breast surgeon, devoted to providing the best possible care for my patients. My scientific background is a foundation for an evidence-based, yet compassionate approach.I'm also a writer, photographer, and lover of the arts. I have a medical side and a creative side.

Bee: Have you ever had any paranormal experiences? 

Diane: Lisa Williams came to St. Louis a few years ago. Much to my amazement both of my parents had messages for me.
Lisa Williams

Bee: Favorite Movie? 
Diane: De-lovely

Thank you for your time and I wish you continued success!
Bee

Saturday, February 1, 2014

***Author Interview*** John Hampton

John Hampton is an avid reader and Author who hails from Coff's Harbour, New South Wales. He was born March 4, 1948 and continues to evolve. He has a very easy and welcoming disposition with a wicked sense of humor. Please enjoy our conversation below.



Bee: Thank you for giving me a moment of your time John, let's start out with something easy. What's your favorite time of the day?


John: Night time.

Bee: Mine too, it's quieter and I can think more clearly.
What are your Top 3 Do-Overs?

John: My first and second novels – Simple Things – Just Another Day – and me. Boy-o-boy, do I need a do-over!


Bee: (Laughing) I think everyone feels like that way sometimes.
What are the titles of your books?

John:  Simple Things, Just Another Day, Saturday’s and Iced Vo-Vo’s, Aggravation & Henry Talbots Book of Yesterdays. I also have two works in progress; Here Be Demons & The Bird Bath.


Bee: So you have five published books with two in the works...busy, busy! Good for you.
Do you have a full-time job other than being a writer?

John: Retired

Bee: Where are you from?

John: My mother's womb! Sorry, couldn’t resist that. Born in Paddington and lived in Stanmore until 1957. Then I moved to Mays Hill just west of Parramatta, where I lived with my parents, brother and sister. In 1978 I moved to Blackheath, a small town atop the Blue Mountains, with my new bride Gail. Ten years on we moved to Coffs Harbour where we still reside. All towns mentioned are in the state of New South Wales.


Bee: Is there a message you hope to convey through your writing?

John: Message? No. I write because I have a passion for what I know. I simply extrapolate and fictionalise, and hope those who read my books will enjoy.

Bee: I believe having a passion for what you do is very important. Passion allows the real you to be exposed. Any advice for new authors?


John: So you want to write, eh? But you don’t know what to write about, don’t know where to start. No problem. Grab a pen and pad, sit down, and jot down whatever it is that pops into your head no matter how banal it might seem. And when finished I guarantee there will be a word/words, sentence or paragraph that will fire up your imagination, then go for it. And don’t tell me you can’t do it because you can if you are prepared to give it a go. No excuses. No 'poor little me, I’m dumb, stupid,' and so on. Just make a decision to do it and you will do it.

Bee: Just do it, I agree 100%. If you don't just do it, you will forever question yourself. Which one of your books was the hardest to write? If any.

John:  Simple Things. So hard in fact that, since writing it five years ago I still don’t know which way to take it.

Bee: Favorite ice cream?

John: Full cream, of course – vanilla or chocolate, but I really have a penchant for Boysenberry ripple.


Bee: I've never heard of that one before but it sounds interesting. Do you have a favorite book?

John: Gee, that’s a tough one. My favourite author is Stephen King, so by virtue I’d have to say it’s a toss up between Pet Semetery, IT, and 11.22.63. And to top off my bundle of five I would include Catch 22 and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Bee: Tell me about your last book. Title, synopsis, favorite review received, where the idea came from, and why the reader should buy it.

John: Saturday’s and Iced Vo Vo’s. William (Bill to most, Mister Bill, to one) Williams – aged sixty-two and living alone, develops a close relationship with four younger people - new neighbours – a lesbian couple and single mother and her mentally handicapped son, and he knows what remains of his life will never be the same again. No reviews. Not sure where the idea came from. A comment in passing, a TV commercial, me as an older man eating the biscuits, I really don’t know. Buy because it’s a down-to-earth true to life, sometimes heart rendering, thought provoking, at times witty and funny, but most of all it’s ratable to so many.

Bee: What would you tell your 'younger self'?

John: Wake up to yourself. Get rid of the big chip on your shoulder. The world owes you nothing, not even a living. So pull your finger out and make something of yourself while you can. Whatever that may be even if it’s not what you want to begin with. Keep on trying because sooner or later every dog has its day, and who knows, yours may come quicker than you realise. But if it doesn’t, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And what do you have to lose?

Bee: Lady Gaga or Beyonce?



John: Neither

Bee: Phil Collins or Kenny G?

John: Neither

Bee: Steak or Hamburger?

John: Give me a medium done T-bone any day over a hamburger.

Bee: If you won a million dollars, what would be the first thing you'd buy?

John: I would buy what I’ve always wanted since I was a kid. A big, big backyard (a thousand acres would do nicely) where I can isolate myself from all of life’s teeming aggravations on a permanent basis. Heaven!

Bee: Do you think there will be a female US President in the near future?

John: Absolutely. Hilary Clinton, perhaps.

Bee: Miley Cyrus...Ratchet or Smart?

John: Obnoxious.

Bee: Favorite quote?

John: The drowning man is not bothered by rain.

Once again, I would like to thank you John for letting the world and I get to know you a little better. All my best,

Bee

Review for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin Parmer/Tech Ridge.

 On  February  12th through the 15th, my son Jaxon & I stayed at the Fairfield by Marriott in Austin , Texas which is located about 20 m...