Good Night Sweethearts, It’s Time To Go…

Do-do-bee-dee-do…

If by chance you’ve visited Wise Sparked lately, you’ve probably noticed a definite difference. The updates have been fewer and farther between, going from almost daily to just a couple a week. And this, my friends, is telling. It’s time for me to let go. Shut down. Move on.

When I first started out, my intentions were to spark rich, meaningful conversation and hopefully to develop some writing skills along the way. I imagine I’ve managed to do both, albeit with limited success. And now that I’m exploring new writing and business horizons, I’ve changed focus. I’m simply not giving it the time nor effort it takes to build a really great blog.

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to stop in. I appreciate the feedback and support I’ve gotten both on and off line along the way. I’m especially grateful to Laura from the Delicacies and A Page of My Own blogs. Despite not knowing each other personally, she’s been a great role model, consistent supporter, and willing mentor. I encourage you to visit her blogs - you’ll see why she’s such a successful blogger and writer.

So that being said, thanks for being part of my first foray into the blogging world. It really has been fun, and a great learning experience. You never know - we could meet again in the blogging world. But in the meantime, keep those sparks a’ flyin’!
                                                                  Trish

Risky Business

Without risk, there isn’t opportunity.

I heard that somewhere lately, and it struck a chord.  I don’t like risk. I avoid risk. Just the thought of losing anything I've worked hard for shakes my inherent need for inner balance and peace. You won't ever see me in Vegas - I don’t even open ‘em first to know when to fold ‘em.

How much of a risk-taker are you? On a scale of 1-5 
(5 being the ultimate in risk-ocity), where would you fall?

Okay, I’ll admit, I’ve taken some risks. But not without a ridiculous level of scrutiny and risk-factor analysis. And even with that, my “gut-feeling” is the ultimate rubber-stamper. It’s either good vibes or a no-go.

Business risks are even worse for me - a different animal entirely. I envy those who take huge chances in belief of even bigger gain. Enterpreneurs, inventors, business owners, stock market players. When they lose, they lose big. But when they win, man, they know a financial freedom I can only dream about.

And yet, here I am, suddenly stepping for the first time into a business venture. Suddenly those usual aversions to anything risky, or anything “business” for that matter, are thrown out the window. I’m open. Excited about the possibilities. This thing must have potential for success because that inner voice isn’t holding me back.

I’ve wanted to write a children’s book - that’s part of it. Wanted to make some kind of contribution to the world - that’s a part, too. And of course, any improvement to my financial status would be heartily welcome. And just as well, I’ve found a great business companion whose approach and talents mirror my own. Talk about good vibrations.

“Without risk, there IS no opportunity." Well, opportunity’s a-knockin’, and I’m just gonna let it in.

And you? Are you a risk-taker? What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? How are you when it comes to business risk? Come on, write in. I need to know I’m not the only one!


photo by Ellie at Flickr.com

The Best and Worst of the Girl Friend Thing

Best girlfriends - nothing rivals that bond. It’s strong and loving and powerful. And no surprise here, it’s even healthy for you.

With a best girlfriend, everything’s up front and on the table. Nothing is hidden.  You get to trade insecurities, fears, information, joys, and secrets with complete and unabandoned truthfulness. Trust is never a question, vulnerability not a blip on the radar. Always, you have each other’s back. 

And then there’s the joyful part. I don’t care how old you are - laughing with a girlfriend is the best and most freeing experience ever. One minute you’re giggling like little girls, and the next you can be as deliciously outrageous and bawdy as teens. Totally soul-filling.

Sadly, though, we’re also known to for relationships akin to walking through mine fields.  For as much as we have this incredible capacity to love so fully, we also have the potential for unmatched hatefulness.

As a kid, many of my own “friendships”  were mired in petty squabbles and sometimes, downright cruelty. Even then I never understood it. What was behind the need for all the hurtfulness and backstabbing? Envy? Insecurity? Jealousy? Defensiveness? Probably all of the above. It wasn’t long before I learned to seek out and nurture those few friendships I expected to be true.

It makes me wonder. Are all girls wired with this way?  Is there some innate, primal need  to compete with each other?  Recently I witnessed a situation in which fully grown women engaged in ridiculously vicious behavior toward one another.  It totally threw me. We’re beyond 50 years old, for God’s sake!  What a sad waste of time and emotions. 

I also wonder if it’s even worse for today’s young girls. Online social networks are increasingly used as weapons in girl-to-girl psychological warfare. There’s also apparently a trend toward greater physical aggression on girls’ parts, too. Okay, so we have the capacity to eat each other alive. But why would we want to?

Girl Power. We’re thinkers, feelers, nurturers, doers. We live at a time and place in which most of us can create whatever world we choose. So why wouldn’t we choose to enrich our lives by weaving colorful, deep tapestries of friendship? That one will always be a mystery to me.

What are your friendships like? What’s the best of the best of them?  Sure hope you’ll share.

Photo by Gwen's GwennyPics at Flickr.com