Charmed Monday Minute, August 27

Hello, all, and happy pre-Labor-Day-weekend -

Can you believe the end of summer as we know it is almost here? Gosh, it's important to look carefully and breathe deeply and get the most out of every day, the way they race past.

The New Age Health Health Spa with my daughter Adair last weekend.
What a terrific place! It's really a world apart. I spoke one evening and one morning and was told that I'll be invited back in '08, which is a delicious prospect. The 110-minute hot stone massage is amazing. In addition, Adair aced (and I attempted) the Alpine Tower. It's a 50-foot-high climbing contraption to test one's mettle and overcome one's fears. Adair really was incredible (the instructor said, "She should change her name to A-dare-devil") and shimmied up the thing as if it was a flight of stairs. (She's been thinking about going to stunt-person school, and this convinced me that it might be a good idea.)
I decided that my goal was 1/3 of the way up - to a particular point where there are some rope-ties and a change of angle. It was hard near that point, but it was my goal and I made it. When I got there, the instructor said, "Now go on." But I absolutely couldn't. And I learned a huge lesson about goals: If I'd made my goal to get the top, or to go 2/3 of the way up, I might not have reached that point to due trepidation, fatigue, lack of physical strength, whatever--but since my goal was set where it was, it was impossible for me to go further, even though I felt fine physically. I have a sense that that's a bigger lesson than I realize, even now.

While there, I took a couple of exquisite yoga classes and the teacher, a lovely woman who's studied Jainism and has a beautiful, compassionate way about her, passed out a sheet of "52 Proven Stress Reducers." Here are some of my favorites...

Stress Reducers from the Spa:

"Don't put up with something that doesn't work right. If something isn't performing, get it fixed or replace it."

"Do nothing which, after being done, causes you to tell a lie."

"Make friends with non-worriers."

"Make duplicates of all keys."

"Do the least pleasant stuff early in the day and get it over with."

"Have forgiving outlook and believe that most people are doing their best under the circumstances."

My son-in-law is Marcel Marceau-like! Adair's husband, Nick Moran (yep, he took her last name) is one of two mimes in the birthday party scene in The Nanny Diaries. Although The New York Times wasn't crazy about the movie, the reviewer did call Nick (he's the one on the right when you first see them) "Marcel Marceau-like," which, for a mime, is a pretty cool thing to be called. Nick is in the credits, got to go to the New York premier and take Adair, and says that Scarlett Johansson is really nice. I read a wonderful novel. Reading really good fiction is such a joy. So many novels don't "grab me" in the first few chapters and I don't stay with them, so when I find a book that invites me in and won't let me go, I'm in heaven. This one did that: The War of the Rosens, by Janice Eidus. It's about Emma Rosen, a little girl growing up in the projects of the Bronx in the mid-sixties. Her parents are Jewish and yet militantly atheist, and although the pretty, poetic Emma is her father's favorite, both she and her sister are subject to his periodic bouts of violence. When tragedy strikes the family, Emma comes into her own. This is a beautiful, gripping read. I highly recommend it. And speaking of books... Some of you have asked for this, and I'm so happy to get to tell you that my 1992 book The Love-Powered Diet, republished in 1997 as Love Yourself Thin, is going to have yet another life. Lantern Books, publishers of books on vegetarianism, nonviolence, natural healing, etc., is going to republish the book sometime in 2008. I'll keep you posted closer to the time. In the meantime, you can get one of the earlier versions used on Amazon.com.

WHERE I'LL BE...

-New York, NY: Learning Annex, "How to Live a More Spiritual Life." Aug. 30 (Class repeated October 25), 6:45pm.

-Providence, RI: Community Church of Providence, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m. (401-751-9328)

-New York, NY: Getting to Next seminar, Sept. 28. Luncheon speaker.

-New York, NY: Law of Attraction seminar, Sept. 29. Contact theoroca@gmail.com for more information.

-Wichita, KS: KS Book Festival, Oct. 5-6

-New York, NY: 92nd St. Y Expert Series, "Fat, Broke & Lonely No More" seminar (This is the creme de la creme... Don't miss this one!)

-Lake George, NY: TOPS conference, Sept. 13 (518-438-8928)

-Hamilton, Bermuda: Girls' Getaway Weekend, Oct. 18-21

Charmed Monday Minute, August 13

Welcome to the Minute if you're new, and welcome back to everyone else. You are all much appreciated.

Let's see, to retrace my days and tell you what I've been up to these past two weeks... Well, August 1st, I had breakfast with my literary agent Linda Chester at my now-most-favorite breakfast spot, Asiate, on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental at Columbus Circle in Manhattan. The menu has everything - American breakfast, Japanese breakfast, and more vegan choices than I've ever seen on a breakfast menu outside of a vegetarian restaurant. They brought tiny smoothies as starters for everyone and when I said, "No thank you, I don't drink milk," I was told that they used soy milk. I was sold. Besides, this is an absolutely gorgeous place with a view of Central Park that makes me believe that anything is possible. Remember this place for when you visit New York, and if you live here, it's a great place to take someone you when making an impression means a lot.

I spoke at the lovely Unity church in Norwalk, CT, and for Friends Health Connection in Mercerville, NJ - welcome to everyone who signed up for The Minute in those places - and I landed a once-a-month radio show. It starts Wednesday, September 26, 11 a.m. Eastern, on Creative Health & Spirit Radio. This is Internet radio so you can all listen and, if you're working or otherwise occupied on Wednesday mornings it will be archived. The station url is www.healthylife.net -- "All Positive Talk & Music Radio." I'll fill you in on details closer to the time. And for all you fans of Love Yourself Thin and its earlier edition, The Love-Powered Diet, it looks as if this long out-of-print book may have a new life. I've met with the lovely people at Lantern Books and, although it's not a done deal, the chances look very good that they may indeed republish an updated version of the book. Let's keep our fingers crossed - I can let you know for sure in the next Minute.

William's three kids have all been here so we've had a full house. Erik, finishing a music production internship in Toronto, had to go back this weekend, but on Saturday we went with his younger brother James (sixteen) and my daughter Adair to Coney Island. It was a hoot. I think an appreciation for the tacky is one key to a happy life. And that Wonder Wheel, the mega-ferris wheel with sliding cars - it looks as if you're going to roll right into the ocean - is lots of good fun. They're talking about decimating old Coney Island and filling it with condominiums. Mayor Bloomberg has called a temporary halt, but I was still happy to get down there and play a little Skee-Ball, see a Brooklyn Cyclones game, and walk along the beach before gentrification changes everything.

Best of life to you,
Victoria

Overhead in NYC... This may not be worded properly, but it's how I overheard it. A man was referencing The Talmud, the Jewish book of civil and ceremonial law, and said he'd come upon a passage that read (more or less): "Unlike many other aspects of life, financial wellbeing is totally in the hands of God." I liked that. It helped me remember I don't have to drive myself nuts trying to make things happen: I do the best I can and the most I can. The rest is beyond my control. Some exquisite cards to look at... I love words on paper, whether a book or a greeting card or a blank card someone writes in. I discovered a beautiful line of these, Singing Heart Press. Take a look. "The Antidote" from author and psychotherapist Thom Rutledge... Thom Rutledge is the author of a terrific book, Embracing Fear, that I cite in Fat, Broke & Lonely No More. He's written an intriguing article called "The Antidote" about another way to look at the information in The Secret. Several months ago, in response to the correspondence I'd received from Secret viewers who were blaming themselves for every challenge in their lives, I gave you my take on the Law of Attraction idea, which is that I see it as a genuine law of the universe - one of many. It's not going to override the others - the Law of Karma, for instance. I've gotten a lot out of The Secret and it's helped me keep my thinking on the right side of the line. I also admire my colleagues who are part of the project. Even so, some people have used this very well-intentioned work in a way that has diminished their self-esteem rather than added to it. Here's Rutledge's (abridged) take on this. If you want to read the entire article, or learn more about the work of this wise and witty fellow, click here. "...The vast majority of [The Secret's] readers will not be harmed, and most will even benefit from the emphasis on positive thinking and personal empowerment... I am speaking out for the other readers... the person with low self-esteem who already believes everything in his fault, the person who has believed that she is inherently bad... The Antidote · Know that the universe in which we live is, to say the least, a complex place. If someone claims to have solved this puzzle, look him or her straight in the eye and say, "You have got to be kidding." · Respect the complexities of the human body (including the brain) and the human mind. Brilliant minds have been at work on these projects for some time now, and the best of them (and most of the worst of them, now that I think about it) will tell you we have a hell of a long, long way to go in understanding mind and body. · Embrace and celebrate independent thought, and encourage others to do the same. · Express genuine humility. I believe that humility and wisdom are closely linked. My definition for wisdom is this: Wisdom is the accumulated knowledge of our ignorance. The older I get, the more aware I become of all that I don't know and all that I don't control. Since I don't happen to believe that the meaning of my life revolves around knowing and controlling everything (I did when I was 20), this is perfectly okay with me. · Look beyond your own Santa's little wish list of all the things you want to "manifest" in your life, and encourage others to do the same. Even if I could conjure up a Ferrari today, would that really be the best use of my magical powers? · Don't focus so much on everything that you want, but instead on clarifying, and living in congruence with your personal value system. Doing this is not easy, but it is rewarding beyond measure. (Contrary to what The Secret tells us, just because something is difficult, or even painful, it does not mean we are doing something wrong. Sometimes it means we are doing something right.) · Don't run from what scares you. And don't try to make what scares you go away by hiding your head in the sand or casting a magic spell in its direction. Instead, know that moving toward your fears, coming to grips with what really scares you, is part or learning what we need to learn, part of being a full grown, healthy adult. One thing the authors of The Secret don't tell readers about the secret to their own successes is that every one of these people has been willing to do the hard work that is essential for success. Every one of these authors have faced and overcome many obstacles, both external and internal. And I would be willing to bet that most, if not all, of these authors, owe their successes to their own hard work, their willingness to take risks, including a willingness to fail. It is that kind of courage, that kind of nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic, that kind of relentless persistence that has the best shot at guaranteeing success. When I approach life with these things in mind, even if I fail to achieve my goals outwardly, my integrity remains in tact. I can say that I have given it my best. When I die, you can come to my wake and say one of two things: 1.) Thom accomplished everything he set out to accomplish, or 2.) Thom may not have accomplished everything he wanted to in this lifetime, but that son of a [gun] never stopped trying." (Note from Victoria: The original word here was not "gun," but my last Minute was returned for profanity from several email servers because it contained a review of a book called Skinny [Gun]. I guess dog breeders can't send emails...)

Product of the Week... The "Better Water Drinking Water Filter Bottle" is pretty cool. My assistant, Joya, discovered it this week at a natural foods store while looking for an alternative to the dozens of plastic bottles of spring water we all buy (and throw away!) when we're out and about... It's made by a company called New Wave Enviro Products. You buy it empty and then fill it with plain, old, free tap water. When you squeeze it, the water goes through a small, Brita-like filter that removes the chlorine, and the water tastes great! (You can refill it up to 90 times.) Best of all, the bottle itself, which looks and acts like normal plastic, is actually made from corn instead of petroleum and will biodegrade after 80 days in a commercial compost system. (For New Yorkers: Joya got hers for $6 at Westerly Market. For others, I bet if you contact Enviro, they can tell you where to find their products near you.) Free Video on Health Foods... This link came from my friend Jeff Novick at the Pritikin Center. (He's thanked in the credits of Michael Moore's new documentary Sicko.) "On June 1, I gave a presentation in Burbank, CA at a vegetarian conference on reading food labels. The presentation was just put online and will remain there free through this Wednesday. If any of you are interested, the presentation can be viewed here. (NOTE: The site has lots of ads. I am sharing this with you only so those who are interested can see an 80 minute presentation of food labels and labeling for free. I have no association with any of the other advertisers or products, and as you will see in the video, find most of them unhealthy.)"

A Conference for Moms... My colleague, Judith Sachs (who is the Editorial Director of ParentingTeensOnline), just told me about the first annual telesummit for moms: "The Momference," coming up in October. It's a six-day, online summit, featuring 50 experts in every walk of life that might touch mothers and offering a chance for busy women who often can't get out of the house to be empowered and strengthened in a community of like-minded women. For more info and to register ahead of time, check out their website here. Website of the Week... Fat, Broke & Lonely No More is featured on the Book Resources page of this fun site for women in their prime: hotwomenhotflashes.com. Check it out!

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

Charmed Monday Minute, July 30

Hello, all -

In an effort to keep The Minute down to a minute, I fully intend to start blogging in between times. That way, for those of you who like my ramblings about this little charmed life of mine, you can tune in right here and keep up that way and I can save The Minute for more useful info.

Since I haven't gotten that organized yet, let me tell you just a bit about my most recent travels: Nashville and Memphis were so much fun. The music and the energy were different in the two cities - country for the former, blues for the latter - but just being in such musical places filled my soul in places that needed it.

In Nashville, I stayed with a good friend (and wonderful astrologer) Rosemary Cathcart and saw other amazing people: Karlen Evins (author of I Didn't Know That: From 'Ants in the Pants' to 'Wet Behind the Ears' - The Unusual Origins of the Things We Say), singer/songwriter Georgia Middleman, Thom Rutledge, author of Embracing Fear, and singer/songwriter/motivational speaker Jana Stanfield. I also had my hair and makeup done at a cool place called The Mirror. I felt like I was ready for my Opry debut, but instead I did an interview on local TV. (I scratched the rental car in the parking lot and learned that that American Express insurance really does work. They said, "We'll take care of everything." What a comforting sentence!)

In Memphis (in addition to meeting wonderful readers, including one who'd driven all the way from Little Rock), I went to Graceland and was actually inspired. My favorite exhibit was the wall that showed 42 checks for $1000 each that Elvis wrote to various charities on one day in 1962. I was home for one quick night and then took Amtrak (my totally favorite way to travel) to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for the North American Vegetarian Society Summerfest. I hadn't been to Summerfest in eleven years and something really astonished me: vegetarians age amazingly well. The people I ran into looked great. It was strange to see young adults I'd last seen as children next to their parents who looked almost the same as the last time I saw them. I also read a terrific book by one of the other speakers: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD., who did pioneering work at the Cleveland Clinic for over two decades. If you or someone you love is dealing with heart disease, get this book. It could change everything. Martha Graham's Prayer... A really wonderful actress friend of mine, Karen Fitzgerald, turned me on to this beautiful prayer or statement of purpose from the founder of Modern Dance, Martha Graham. I'd like to share it with you: There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening That is translated through you into action, And because there is only one of you in all of time This expression is unique, And if you block it, It will never exist through any other medium, And be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, Nor how valuable, or how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, To stay open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Martha Graham, Choreographer

New York Learning Annex: As I prepare to write The Little Book of the Spiritual Life - thanks so much to everyone who wrote with ideas for that - I've been engaged by the Learning Annex of NYC to teach a class, "How to Have More Spiritual Life." It's happening in Manhattan on August 30 and October 25. For more info, go to learningannex.com. Summer skin protection... I saw a nanny pushing a stroller and the little boy in it was baking in the sun (she didn't have the shade down on the stroller so she could use it for carrying gear). Of course I said something (I lied and told her I was a nurse) but she did nothing. (Don't get me started on some of the nanny stuff I see in this city...) The plight of that baby did remind me that I should be telling you - regardless of your skin type but especially if you're Caucasian and fair - that this is the season to step up the sun protection. Here's what I know: A barrier block (avobenzone, oxybenzone, zinc oxide) as opposed to a chemical block (PABA, Parsol, Mexoryl) can be applied immediately before you go out; if you're using a chemical block, it needs 20 minutes to provide protection. Life is short: The life of sunblock on your skin, even if you don't sweat or swim, is 2-3 hours. After that you need to reapply. That's a problem if you're wearing makeup, although your SPF-containing foundation may be reapplied. Another way around this is to use a tinted SPF moisturizer instead of foundation, or touch up every couple of hours with a sun-blocking pressed powder like the one from Physicians' Formula. It's finally legal! Mexoryl, the chemical block shown to truly protect again UVA (aging) rays is finally approved for sale in the US. (I used to buy it in England by the case.) Lancome has the patent in this country for now, and it's not cheap ($30) but to preserve my skin, I'll save up. Don't be stingy with sunblock once you've bought it. You really have to cover the exposed areas with the lotion. Don't use it sparingly like moisturizer; really use it. Should all those places be forgot... Protect the forgotten places, notably the area between you bra and your chin. This is one of the most aged areas on most women's bodies: clothes cover much of the rest, and the face get sunblock, a hat, whatever, but this no-woman's-land ends up discolored, blotchy, and noticeably damaged. Also protect your hands (use sunblock after washing and if you drive or ride a bike, wear gloves) and your arms (again, if you drive: your left arm in particular). Lips aren't immune. Dermatologists are seeing more skin cancer on lips since we've been protecting the rest of our face. Use a gloss with SPF. Plan your day. What's the line about mad dogs, Englishmen, and the noonday sun? Take heed. If you can do your jog or your errands in the morning or evening instead of midday when the sun is at the peak, arrange your life accordingly. I know some of my readers believe that chemical sunblocks have problems of their own. I certainly respect that view. If it's yours, use a barrier block like Dr. Hauschka, but do protect yourself. You're important.

A really remarkable Tarot reader: I'm pretty cynical about this kind of stuff, but I had a truly helpful and insightful Tarot reading from a gentleman named Roy Sorrels. He's a writer and understands creative sorts, but specializes in intuitive, supportive Tarot reading to help anyone achieve spiritual and practical goals. He can work with you in person in the NYC area or by phone wherever you are. If this sounds like something that would interest you, drop him an email: RoySorrels2@aol.com. Another diet book I actually like! I'm on a roll here (see my blog for the July 16 Minute where praised Linda Spangle's 100 Days of Weight Loss and Life Is Hard, Food Is Easy.) This week's book is really in-your-face (it makes Fat, Broke & Lonely No More read like a love poem) but its two authors make some points I wholeheartedly agree with. It's Skinny Bitch: A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous (Running Press, 2005) by former model agent Rory Freeman and former model Kim Barnouin who now holds a Masters in Holistic Nutrition. Their contention is that if you aren't healthy, you won't be skinny (I'd use a different word, but you get the point). To that end, they tell you that "Sugar Is the Devil" and artificial sweeteners are demonic, as well; dairy is a disaster; "The Dead, Rotting, Decomposing Flesh Diet" (i.e., Atkins et al) won't keep you trim for keeps; and they give detailed, brand-specific suggestions for putting together a whole-foods, vegetarian, eating plan that is delicious, satisfying, and easy to transition into. If you're offended by four-letter words, don't read this book because they're used a quite a bit. If that's not a problem, this is a motivating, info-packed read. Maybe I like Skinny Bitch so much because its gutsy young authors say what I haven't said since Love Yourself Thin (the 1997 reissue of 1992's The Love-Powered Diet - both are now out of print but can you find them used on Amazon). I've been keeping a lid on my vegan sentiments, figuring that once somebody with food issues gets clear on the emotional/spiritual part of things, they should be free to make their own choices. But that's only true when you know all the choices, including how delicious and filling and non-deprivational a whole foods, plant-based diet can be. I need to remember how much of staying clean with food and leaving a weight problem behind I owe to a pretty-close-to-purely-vegan manner of eating. This may not be for everybody, but I don't want to keeping the good news under a bushel either. Thanks, Rory and Kim: you guys rock.

Quotation of the week: "There are three kinds of people in the world: those who are immovable, those who are movable, and those who move." - Arabian proverb

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

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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

Charmed Monday Minute, July 2

Because I've been on the road for three weeks and have so much to share, I'm going to forego our standard ezine format with quotes, q & a, books reviews, etc., and just write you a letter. The tour was lovely, start to finish - the best of my eight book tours, I believe. (Yes, there have been ten books, but only eight got tours.) Part of the blissing of it (that is my new favorite made-up word) was that it was June. My Younger by the Day tour was in January - big difference. And this time they built in "travel days" so it was leisurely and I didn't come home feeling as if I needed a vacation. It was a good lesson for future travels, business and personal: faster is not always better. The tour began in Portland, Oregon, where I was the houseguest of my dear friend Terry Jordan. We met nine years ago, after she'd read my book Shelter for the Spirit. She had a little book party for me, which was wonderful. I am all for these in-home gatherings. That way, I really get to meet people and talk with them and learn about them.

The next morning I did the Sunday morning services at Unity World Healing Center in Oswego, and a talk and signing at 23rd Avenue Books in Portland. The next day I was on AM Northwest, a long-running local TV talk show. That night Jennifer Louden (www.comfortqueen.com) and I did a co-presentation at New Renaissance Books. We'd never spoken together before, but we came off like a well-rehearsed comedy act. It was so much fun. (And someone who likes both of our books gave us homemade soap!) In Portland, I also got to know Barbara Christenson (www.speakwellbeing.com) who books me to speak for women's health conferences. AND I got a speaker story: a magical life event that's good enough to tell in public. I wandered into a nail salon and the guy working there does ballroom and salsa dancing. At the end of my manicure, wet nails and all, he led me out into the center of this kind of grubby salon and said, "First, we learn rumba." It was amazing. I kept telling myself: "Remember this: you may never again dance in a nail salon." In Seattle, there was a talk/discussion at Barnes & Noble University Place. It seemed that someone came representing every book I've ever written. "I first read Creating a Charmed Life... I know you from Fit from Within... I found Fat, Broke & Lonely No More three days ago and had to come..." It was so sweet. Among the attendees was a dear reader-friend Elaine Stefanowicz (Elaine: if I'm spelling your name wrong, please forgive me, I'm going on instinct) who actually got on the phone the next day and booked me a radio show.

I also spent time with author Jane Adams whom I met last year when I interviewed her for an article I wrote for Body & Soul about women's friendships. (She wrote Boundary Issues and When Our Grown Kids Disappoint Us.) We had lunch at the café beneath Eliot Bay Books and she took me with her to walk her dog. (I was already dog-deprived, and it had only been a few days.) Then San Francisco - what a place! I had lunch with my clever and gracious editor Gideon Weil and dinner at Millennium, a superb, 5-star vegan restaurant. As a guest of the owners Larry and Ann Wheat, I was treated to the most sumptuous tasting menu! They gave me a written menu so I could share details with you. I'll do that next week.

Also in the Bay area, I did a signing at Book Passage in Corte Madera and lunched with Julie Stuffelbeam (she and her husband manufacture a very cool toy: www.beamo.com) at Café Gratitude (the restaurant where every dish is an affirmation: I am Grateful, I am Beautiful, I am Joyful, I am Worthy). Brenda Kinsel (she's a terrific image consultant and author - www.brendakinsel.com) came to the signing, as did the editors of VegNews magazine, and Marci Shimoff (Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul) whom I kept looking at, thinking I knew her, until I realized I'd seen her in The Secret. (And another lovely reader gave me homemade soap. I'll be too spoiled for store soap after this.) In Palo Alto, I spoke at a beautiful Unity church (the minister, Karyn Bradley, used to be at Unity in Kansas City) and in San Rafael, I addressed Vegetarians in Marin, a guest of my gracious and life-changing former agent, Patti Breitman. (I have the best agent karma: both my agents are fairy godmothers. However, they're about my age, so fairy god-sisters maybe?) Then LA - in fact, I'll stop with LA because it was so special, and I can fill you in on Chicago, KC, and environs next week. Southern California really is heavenly in so many ways: the flowers, the weather, and that little bit of Hollywood magic not far away.

My event at Barnes & Noble at The Grove (an outdoor shopping mall that looks like an oldtime town center) was so much fun. Dinner followed with great friends: Suzanne Taylor (www.mightycompanions.com; Suzanne is making a film about crop circles), Cynthia Dadonna (Diary of a Modern-Day Goddess - and she's about to start a syndicated radio show called "Romancing the Table"), Michele Anton (she was Dr. Laura's exec producer for years and is the author of Weekend Entrepreneurs), Mary Cordaro (she does environmental home design ), and reader Camille Wilson, a lovely teacher I met last year when I did a retreat at Pumpkin Hollow Farm in upstate New York. I felt so warm and safe on the other side of the country with all these amazing women. It realized that wherever I go, I have God and, almost wherever I go, I have people. The next morning I went to Frederic Fekkai on Rodeo Drive for hair and makeup. The makeup person, Janice Bremec (www.janicebremec.com) is actually the makeup artist for Extreme Makeover. Then I was driven to Warner Brothers and had a terrific meeting about a TV possibility. I will tell you all about it once there is something absolutely solid to tell. I will say that, for a girl from Kansas City, going through those gates of Warner Brothers (Clark Gable could have come around a corner and I wouldn't have been surprised) and having people who can make things happen interested in my work. Well, it was very, very special. Hold a thought for me - I'll keep you posted on further developments. (And hold on tight to your very own dreams! Believe me, if these possibilities are taking shape for me, you can do anything.) We will send out a Minute next week but not on Monday - Joya's parents will be visiting. In the meantime, l recommend Michael Moore's Sicko. I believe it's his best film, and the one that will reach the farthest and cross barriers to open discussion about a topic that concerns all of us. Be well and happy - Victoria

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.)

Happy week, all!

My very best,

Victoria Moran