It's All About the 30th B-day & Purse Dancing...

I turned 30 last week and had the most fabulous birthday of my life. Jim (better known as "the man!") threw me a lovely party with some of my closest friends at Henry's in downtown Portland. He made wheat-free cupcakes (delish!), a rockstar poster that everyone signed and a gorgeous collage. Friends from high school, present day and even my dad made an appearance. After the party, a few of us (and you know who you are) headed over to Aura for some serious (and sexy) purse dancing. Who knew 30 could be so wonderful?!

I truly believe in the power of celebration. For the day leading up to the party, I treated myself to some of my favorite things - a new hairdo (caramel highlights!), pedicure and manicure with one of my closest friends, a massage (courtesy of Jim, my dad, Amanda and Alison - two of my sisters) and a night's stay at Hotel Monaco, one of Portland's shee-shee hotels. The actual day of my b-day, March 23, I spent in Oceanside, Ore. - my favorite beach.

Whether or not you have a birthday celebration, an anniversary or you just snagged a gig from a publication you've been eager to write for - celebrate. And make it big! It's so important to enjoy these moments in our lives. They DO matter and who we share it with is even more valuable.

Thank you to everyone that celebrated the big 3-0 with me, and a gi-normous shout out to Jim who truly made it my best b-day ever.

Much love & happy writing!
Heather :)

Portland State University Presents the Reality of the Iraq War

For finals week, Portland State University presented a startling scene in the South Park Blocks. From far away, they looked like white and red flowers, but as you moved in closer you noticed that they were actually small white and red flags. There were thousands more white flags than red. And with these small flags, decorated on a beautiful lawn, PSU students brought the reality of the Iraq war to Portland, Ore.

Each red flag represented at least 5 Americans killed in the war. And each white flag represented at least 5 Iraqi's killed in the war.

I stood in silence and said a prayer for all of these people who never asked for any of this. In addition, I prayed that 1/20/09 would arrive sooner, rather than later.

If what's happening in Iraq is "freedom" bringing and the glory of "democracy," we're in big trouble. Thanks a lot George W.

Oh and by the way, I wonder why our economy is struggling? Check this out.

-Heather

On Assignment: GlobalShop 2008 in Chicago

I'm headed out early tomorrow to do press at GlobalShop 2008 in Chicago. Display & Design Ideas magazine (staffed by the coolest editors ever!) is one of the sponsors, and who I'll be writing for while there.

Be sure to stop by the Retail Design Diva blog daily (sometimes twice daily) starting Tuesday the 18th to get my play-by-play coverage on innovative products, speakers and events. I'm even covering Chocolate in Retail (yum!).

Happy Writing!
-Heather :)

Laura Berman - Law of Attraction Music For Your Soul

Looking for inspirational music to get you through the Monday's?

Check out Laura Berman, one of the most amazing artists you'll find today. Her lyrics are positive, inspiring and passionate. I had the pleasure of seeing Laura perform LIVE at a Neale Donald Walsch event, and it was mind-blowing! Her music (performed with husband, Craig) immediately shifted the energy in the room, lifting the vibration to an out-of-this-world level. When I struggle with getting into writing, I'll play Laura's music and instantly my attitude and energy is increased.

Stay tuned for information on Laura's next Portland gig, coming up the first weekend in April. In the meantime, join her MySpace community and order or download her CD.

Oh, and check out my favorite song - You and I. I get chills everytime I listen to it!

Happy Writing (and listening!)
Heather :)