Charmed Monday Minute July 16

I can already see that doing the Minute every other week makes it more like the "Charmed Monday 5-Minutes," so I hope you have a bit of time and maybe of nice, tall iced tea...

I told you last time that I'd fill you in on the second half of my book tour. I went from LA to Chicago where I met with the Harpo radio people. As many of you know, I lost my radio show on the Martha Stewart channel of Sirius due to a station-revamp last fall, and I've been looking for a new radio home. Oprah & Friends isn't making any additions for a year, and when they do, I would love to be included. It was a great meeting. We talked about my tried-and-true show format, the Charmed Life show, and about a new idea: a show about personal spirituality, which would be so gratifying and so much fun to do. And I can't imagine anything more glorious than working for Oprah!

After Chicago, I was in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, did the Sunday service at Unity Temple on the Plaza and a Cornerstone Foundation lecture there the next evening. I saw so many old friends and met some fascinating new ones. One woman who was particularly interesting is named Cat Running Elk. She reminded me a lot of myself at an earlier phase of life, since she's homeschooling two daughters. She's written a wonderful book for parents called Mystic Mommy. Her website is www.catrunningelk.com.

I also spoke in Columbia, Missouri (my mom's hometown) and Topeka, Kansas. Being back in the Midwest grounds me and lets me know I have roots. When I drove across the Missouri River coming in from the airport, it hit me very strongly that no matter where I'm go, I am in this life made of that locality, that earth and that water. It felt good.

Back home in New York City, I've been catching up with my coaching clients - the in-person New Yorkers and the others I coach by phone all over the country. They were kind enough to give me the month of June "off" for my tour, and it's wonderful to reconnect. I've also been doing a lot of radio interviews for Fat, Broke & Lonely No More and gearing up for further travel.

Here's where I'll be - If you're nearby, please come, and if you have friends or family in these places, please let them know. Nashville, TN: Sunday, July 22: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, "The God-Shaped Hole." Center for Spiritual Living, 6705 Charlotte Pike, 615-356-0174 Nashville, TN: Monday, July 23: 6 p.m., Davis Kidd Books, The Mall at Green Hills, 2121 Green Hills Village Drive, 615-385-2645 - talk and signing, Fat, Broke & Lonely No More Memphis, TN: Tuesday, July 24, 6 p.m., Davis Kidd Books, 387 Perkins Rd., 901-683-9801 - talk and signing, Fat, Broke & Lonely No More Johnstown, PA: Friday, July 27- Sunday, July 29, North American Vegetarian Society Summerfest, University of Pennsylvania at Johnstown, 518-568-7970, or email vegfest@telenet.net -- Fat, Broke & Lonely No More keynote address plus assorted breakout sessions Norwalk, CT: Sunday, August 5, 10:30 a.m., Unity Church of Fairfield County, 3 Main St., 203-855-7922 - "The God-Shaped Hole" Mercerville, NJ: Wednesday, August 8, 7 p.m., Friends Health Connection, Hamilton Health Center, lgombas@friendshealthconnection.com -- Fat, Broke & Lonely No More keynote with discussion, q & a, and book signing Reality show update: The option process to turn Fat, Broke & Lonely No More into a reality show continues. It's thrilling and kind of nerve-racking at the same time. I am breathing, accepting, anticipating, and frankly so excited I can barely contain myself. I'll keep you posted as more develops. Oh, if you'd like to see some very happy pictures of me at Warner Brothers, click here. (Since we redid the site, we've added a photo album - the WB pix are near the bottom since they're recent.)

Question of the week - You often recommend Dr. Hauska cleansing milk as your favorite cleanser, but it's really expensive. Is there something comparable that's cheaper? - Paula, Tulsa, OK Hello, Paula - You know, a month ago I would have been stumped on this one, but I found a new (to me) line of products at the drugstore that have that same almost magical quality that I love about Dr. Hauska. They're called Juice Organics. The "Nourishing Cleanser" smells lemony and luscious and is very gentle (and I have super-sensitive skin). These products are organic, vegetarian, and no animal testing - and very affordable, comparable to Nivea or Basic (these are also drugstore brands that don't do animal testing). In vision: The Little Book of the Spiritual Life - This is the book I really want to write next and I'm working on the proposal now. I am envisioning a book about the how of developing an inner life that works. I'll talk about what's expected, of course (meditation, forgiveness, kindness), but I see it as a little edgier than that. For example, many of the really spiritual people I know and read about get up extremely early. And they're not super-sappy, givey/givey types either: they take care of themselves so they have the strength - physical and psychic - to tend to the rigors of the spiritual path. I'd love to hear your ideas about the solid, down-to-earth practices that you think comprise a spiritual life. Feel free to send those to me directly or to Joya,and she'll print them for me. Thanks a lot!

Who first used the term "charmed life"? Shakespeare! Good heavens, he came up with a lot. I was researching the origin of "a charmed life" and found this on www.phrases.org.uk: Meaning: A life of guaranteed good fortune or invulnerability, by virtue of a charm or spell. Origin: From Shakespeare's Macbeth, 1605. MACBETH Thou losest labour: As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed: Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests; I bear a charmed life, which must not yield, To one of woman born. A planet-healing meditation: Whenever someone sends me an email that says "Fwd." I delete it in an attempt to have time for a life away from the computer. I did open one, though, that I believe may be important. I'll share this with you only because I do believe there's something to it. The request is that this Tuesday, July 17, at 7:11 a.m. Eastern time, everyone who is willing to, enter into prayer or meditation, or simply into a state of gratitude and joy, or listen to uplifting music. If you're unavailable at this time (i.e., you're on the West Coast and sleeping!), the suggestion is to write yourself a statement of intent before you go to bed that during the period from 7:11 to 8:11 a.m. Eastern, whether you are working or sleeping or whatever, you will align your energies with those who are meditating for the healing of the planet. For more information, please visit www.firethegrid.com. This is a little more "out there" than I usually get, but I was very impressed with what I read. The woman who came up with this was in a horrible car accident in which both she and her 4-year-old son were pronounced dead. While unconscious, she was given instructions for staying alive that she believes came from angelic forces. Obviously, she lived, as did her little boy who was on life support for several day. The angels also supposedly told this woman that humans can help repair the planet on many levels by joining in prayer, meditation, gratitude, and music tomorrow morning. I know nothing more than this, but they're not asking for any money and intuitively, I personally trust what she's saying. Worst case scenario, I'll meditate a little longer tomorrow and with more joy than usual. If you do it, too, well - see ya then...

Diet books I actually approve of: I know you're shocked, but here's a writer I discovered and a couple books worth reading -- By Linda Spangle, RN, MA... Life Is Hard, Food Is Easy: The Five Step Plan to Overcome Emotional Eating We all give in to emotional eating sometimes. But when you're trying to lose or maintain your weight, your "non-hungry eating" can sabotage everything you've worked for. In Life is Hard, Food is Easy, Linda Spangle presents five steps that go right to the heart of emotional eating. This book provides great tools that will help you deal with what you're trying to "feed" when you overeat. 100 Days of Weight Loss: The Secret to Being Successful on Any Diet Plan In spite of their good intentions, most people average just three to four weeks on a diet before they fall off the wagon. In 100 Days of Weight Loss, Linda Spangle provides simple mini-lessons that keep dieters committed to their diet for a minimum of three months or longer. No more lost motivation or falling off the weight-loss wagon. Instead, you'll discover the secret to staying on your plan and reaching your goal. Linda's site is weightlossjoy.com. Bermuda, anyone? The Ultimate Girls' Getaway Weekend is happening in Bermuda October 18-21 and I'm the keynote speaker. (For more info, visit www.ultimategirlsgetaway.com). Here's some interesting info they unearthed about women traveling alone or with other women: "According to a companion consumer survey of 470 women, when traveling with female friends or family members, women say they do so guilt- and worry-free (92% and 73% of those polled, respectively)." "The majority of women polled say they feel excited (78%) and liberated (64%) when they go on a women-only vacation. "They said that being able to "re-connect with friends" (88%) and "relax and recharge" (86%) are among the best things about 'girls-getaways.' " "As an added perk to getting away, 54% of women reported feeling more appreciated by their mates once back at home." "It's time to nurture yourself!" And to that, I say 'Here, here!' ('sounds Bermudian, doesn't it?)...

VICTORIA'S NEW, 10th, and (we're hearing!) BEST BOOK EVER, Fat, Broke & Lonely No More: Your Personal Solution to Overeating, Overspending, and Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places from HarperOne Get your copy today! If you'd like to order online, here are links to the big guys: Amazon Barnes & Noble Or, call your favorite independent bookstore to reserve your copy! (To find an independent bookstore in your area, you can search on booksense.com here.)

Take care, and all good things -

Victoria Moran