People Archives - Page 29 of 108 - Sonia Marsh

Get A Free Vacation In Spain While Speaking English

May 22, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 14 Comments

The "Crazy" Vaughan Town"Anglos and Spaniards — The “Crazy” Vaughan Town”Anglos and Spaniards

(Part One of Volunteering with Vaughan Town.)

Lock 15 “crazy” Anglos together with 13 “shy” Spaniards in a remote Spanish hotel and what do you get?

28 freaked out Spanglos by the end of the week.

If you’re longing for an unusual experience where you help people practice their English through games, one-on-one conversations while walking through the Spanish countryside, delicious three-course meals with wine, a beautiful hotel room and nightly entertainment then Vaughan Volunteers may be just the program for you. Now here’s the amazing part; all of this is paid for so you are only responsible for your airfare to Madrid, and any extras you wish to purchase.

Last year, while attending a writers’ conference in Orange County, California, I was fortunate to discuss volunteering abroad with a fellow writer. She asked me if I’d heard about the Vaughan Volunteers program in Spain, and said she signed up for the Fall. At first I was surprised as this lady was in her late seventies, and I thought you had to be young to sign up. I soon find out that this is a popular program for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and that they encourage non-teachers to sign-up. They are looking for different accents so that Spaniards can learn to communicate with British, American, Canadian, Australians an other native English speakers from around the world. It is mainly sponsored by Spanish companies, who pay the fee for their employees to improve their English conversation skills. Those fees pay for the Anglos to attend.

Needless to say, I am anxious to sign up, however, the program fills up quickly as it is extremely popular.

I book my ticket to Madrid and stay at the EuroBuilding 2 Hotel (photos), where the Vaughan Town headquarters are located. I land at Barajas International airport early on Saturday morning, which gives me sufficient time to do a quick tour of Madrid’s famous, “Mercado de San Miguel,” a must for all foodies with its selection of tapas, breads, cheeses, meats, sweets and drinks. Who would have thought Spain was still suffering from a recession after seeing the local crowds enjoying a Saturday outing with children, parents, grandparents and friends. Check out the mojitos served in the mercado.

On Saturday evening, the Vaughan Volunteers program starts with a festive tapas reception to meet the other Anglos; most of us are from the UK , the US and Canada. I am surprised to find out that many of the Anglos are on their 4th or 5th volunteer program.

Sunday morning we meet our “Spaniards” transfixed to the sidewalk, gripping onto their suitcases and loved ones. They are searching for a friendly Anglo “date” to sit next to on the bus ride to a small village called Torrecaballeros, one hour and fifteen minutes from Madrid.

100_2320 — I sat next to Maria Jose, my new Spanish friend

I put myself in their place. How nerve-wracking to speak English to Anglos from all over the world, with such diverse accents. How long will it take for them to feel relaxed?

Check out the video of my beautiful hotel room with a view over the pastures of TorreCaballeros.

We arrive at the gorgeous “El Rancho” hotel on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The weather is sunny and warm, and after placing our suitcases on the stunning hotel lobby mahogany floors, and admiring the paintings and interesting artifacts from Africa, we order a cafe con leche at the bar, and the bonding continues.

Please tune in June for Part Two.

Pete and Marisa, are the two wonderful organizers of our week at El Rancho.

MGS FINAL COVER Small — Click on cover to go to Amazon

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

How Could This Happen? I’d Done Everything Right

May 19, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 10 Comments

The day I started telling myself the truth

“My Gutsy Story®” Robin Korth

It was an August afternoon in 2006. I was standing in the quiet of my living room. The “whoosh” of the air-conditioned air coming from the vent above my head made the silence hard to ignore. The room felt very large. I felt very small. My husband had moved out two weeks earlier. My son was away at summer camp. My daughter was somewhere else. I was utterly and totally alone—not a single soul needed me or cared where I was. The chill of this truth arrowed my heart and I began to cry. Then I began to sob. Then I howled. The pain and the tears shook me to the floor.

I was 51-years-old with not a clue as to how I had gotten to this place of feeling so solitary and undone. Life had treated me badly. I had done everything right, but it had just come out wrong. How could this happen? Who was to blame? I remember eyeing that terribly cold room as if the answers might be found there. As if someone would walk in the door and say, “Gee, Robin, I am at fault. Let me fix it all up. I’ll make it okay.” But no one was coming. I was the only one there.

Then the bomb exploded. “It’s you,” said a voice in my head. “You are in this room, here and now, because you chose to be. Isn’t it time you take a good look? Perhaps it is time to do something about what’s going on in your life.” The challenge of these words stopped my self-sorry tears as I just sat there—very, very still. I then wiped my smeary nose and I chose. I chose to start telling myself the truth.

My marriage was in serious trouble because I had grown lazy, selfish and scared. I had stopped talking to my spouse or showing my real self to him. Our relationship had slid into a black hole of us each “doing our own thing” and meeting at meals to talk over the future of our children or the price of a new computer. I could not remember the last time we had shared anything intimate or heart-felt. It had been too easy to go to sleep each night denying that anything was wrong. The intimacy of sharing the same bathroom and bed now masqueraded as a full-loving partnership. I had done nothing to stop the march of this sad show.

My eyes widened as more truth seemed to just rise up from the floor. Where was my daughter right now? I assumed she was safe, but I knew nothing of the specifics or people who filled her spirit and her days. She had gone away to school and I had let her slip from my grasp. She came home on weekends here and there. We smiled and we shopped. We watched a movie or two. I asked how she was and she told me fine. My daughter was an “I love you” stranger now. I had let this happen.

My son was at camp in upstate New York. His almost-teenage-hood was messy. He wasn’t happy or doing as well as he could. I had so easily marked all the stuff off on his “must-have” summer experience list, and just given him over to someone else’s care. What was really going on with my boy? Did he cry at night? Was there a young woman who longed as much for his smile as he did for hers? Besides loving math and computers and white-sauce pasta, what was special to him? I didn’t know these answers. I had been too wrapped in my own lostness, in my own I-don’t-want-to-look fear.

I did not know my husband, my daughter, my son. I did not know my own self. I had set us all aside and apart from myself. This truth—that I was responsible for my being alone and terrified—caused sweat to prickle my armpits and my breath to come short. My choices and actions had brought me to this place of soul-punching despair. I remember looking slowly around that room where I sat, seeing it all as so different now as this truth sank home. In that single moment, my life went from outside to inside. Inside, where I understood, finally, that I create it all.

How powerful I was! Look at what I had done. What could I not do if I chose differently and acted differently? My heartbeat was a peaceful cadence in my chest as I sat on that floor, clear-eyed and very calm. I was done. No more denial. No more blaming others. No more hiding from the painful stuff, being lazy and soul shy. I was going to start living my life with conscious choice and honest good care.

My life of deep personal truth began on that hot August day. But it did not end there, not by a long shot. The journey of self-honesty is a day-by-day, get-braver-as-I-go sort of thing. It means being kind and patient with myself, too. For so much of what I hold as “true” are things I never even thought to question before. In the setting aside of old habits and old thinking, I allow the inside of me to come blossoming forth with wonder, curiosity and love. Living this way brings a power and a joy to life—and an ability to share myself with generosity and openness—that I choose to never, ever let go.

ROBIN KORTH is a renegade and an outlaw. She is also an international speaker, writer and businesswoman. Number four in a family of seven children, she grew up in the 1960s uncluttered scrub palm neighborhoods of Miami, Florida. After years of doing life as she was “supposed to,” Korth walked away and began doing life from deep inside. She captures her experience in her book Soul on the Run, which will be published by Balboa Press in May 2014. Soul on the Run is Korth’s courageously honest exploration of the power and joy that living is meant to be.

In 2013, Korth launched her information and blogging website, which generated more than 40,000 on Facebook in its first year. She also introduced the “Robin in Your Face” daily motivational app, which has been downloaded thousands of times across the globe. She is a divorced mother of two, has a friendly rescue dog, named Scruffy and a self-assured cat named Sean. For more information, visit www.RobinKorth.com.

Robin Korth SoulBook — Click on cover to purchase

Links: View book and purchase information here.

Twitter: @RobinKorth

Facebook:

SONIA MARSH SAYS: I commend you for your honesty. Figuring out that you were all alone because you were responsible for the outcome, and being willing to admit this, is admirable. Parts of your story resonate with every mother, wife and woman.

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

PLEASE COMMENT AND SHARE ROBIN’S STORY USING THE LINKS BELOW.

Winner of the April 2014 “My Gutsy Story®” Contest

May 15, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 2 Comments

This April we had FOUR OUTSTANDING “My Gutsy Story®” authors. Their stories will be included in our 2nd “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology, published in the Fall of 2014. Thank you to all four authors. Your stories are all WINNERS.

Our first place goes to Ginger Simpson won 1st Place for her “My Gutsy Story®” about whether she caused her husband to turn to drink. The phrase that struck me in Ginger’s inspiring story is:

“Wanting someone to change isn’t enough. They have to WANT the change.”

Ginger Simpson

2nd Place goes to Kathy Gamble, about finding her way as an expat living in different countries around the world.

3rd Place goes to Benny Wasserman, about the impact that one teenage friend had on Benny to change his life.

4th Place goes to Alana Woods for her inspiring story about her 200-mile trek across the U.K.

Thank you to all four authors. Your stories are all WINNERS.

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

How I Started My New Life

May 12, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 43 Comments

New Life

“My Gutsy Story®” Laura McHale Holand

The Icelandair flight taxis down the runway. I peer out the window, a brown suede shoulder bag clutched to my chest. Moments later, the jet lifts off and zooms toward the clouds. New York City shrinks, the North American continent recedes, and it hits me: we’re crossing the Atlantic; there’s no turning back.

I open my bag to affirm the travelers checks, passport and open-ended return ticket are tucked where I last saw them—about a minute ago. Also inside is a note with the address of a friend of a friend in Switzerland, along with a list of Youth Hostels in Europe.

It’s 1973. I am twenty-three years old, and feel like my adult life so far has been a great big zero. No, scratch that. It’s been a negative number. I just left a man 13 years older than I am. A man I met when I was eighteen, and confused. A man I never loved but I married anyway because I thought I’d never be able to leave him. A man who recently threatened to kill me. That jolted me out the door, at last.

Now I am about to land in Luxembourg without a plan. I might be crazy; I don’t know. I’ve attended night school and I want to return to college full time. But when I think of sitting in a classroom with students several years younger than I am, I can’t imagine what I would say about myself. That I could have gone to college right out of high school, but I put it off, stumbled instead into things that ripped me apart and left me that way? That I allowed myself to be so completely controlled by someone that I often couldn’t even speak? That I don’t know if I deserve to have any hopes at all? Not exactly good ice-breaker material.

I want to create a new life, a different me. Flying to a continent where I don’t know a soul may be foolhardy. But I’ve heard that young people from all over the world hitchhike and ride trains throughout Europe, and the people there welcome them. I thought I’d give it a try.

I nap during the flight and then delve into The Teachings of Don Juan before the plane lands for a stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland. It’s 11 a.m. and pitch black when the other passengers and I deplane to explore the wares on sale in the airport store. I admire a brown lopapeysa-style sweater with a yoke of brown white and tan. A woman who looks about my age approaches and says, “Nice, huh.” The lenses of her wire-rimmed glasses are slightly fogged.

“Sure is, but it’s probably way too expensive for me.” I say.

“Me, too. Dan–the guy over there; he’s my boyfriend.” She points to a tall man with long, wavy red hair. He’s wearing a green parka and looking at a jewelry display–”Dan and I have about four hundred dollars to last us our whole trip.”

“I’ve got less than that, but there’s only one of me.” We both laugh.

“I’m Mags” She extends her hand.

“Laura.” I reach out, too, and we shake.

“Where are you headed when we land?” she asks.

“The Youth Hostel.”

“That’s where we’re going, Let’s go together.”

“Sounds good to me,” I say.

Dan looks up and motions for Mags to come over. “Oh, my guy’s up to something. I’ll see you later,” she says.

After we arrive in Luxembourg, Mags introduces me to Dan and three other young travelers she’s just met. We all pick up our backpacks and duffel bags and share a ride to the city, marveling at the breathtaking bridges we pass. Once we’re on the street, I find the address of the local Youth Hostel. Dan studies his map and picks a route. We march off but are soon lost.

“We should ask for directions,” Mags says. “Anyone speak French?”

I know a little French, but I’m sure someone in the group is more fluent than I am. After a long pause, I say, “I can try.”

I approach a tall woman with black hair and smiling eyes, “Excusez-moi, s’il vous plaît. Où est ‘lauberge de jeunessse?”

She replies with such speed I cannot understand her. I ask her to please speak slowly. She laughs and then drags out, “Allez tout droit pour un bloc, puis tournez à droite et il sera là.

I thank her and tell the group, we’re just a block away.

Mags grabs my hand and says, “You’re handy to have around.” She pulls me, skipping toward the hostel. I feel a little blush of pride.

In the morning, all those who bunked in the dorms gather over cafe au lait to talk about where we’ve been and where we’re going next. Mags and Dan are headed for Amsterdam. Two guys from Ohio are meeting friends in Paris. They ask me to join them. I recall staring at posters of Sacré Coeur and Montmartre during French class when I was in junior high. I opt for Paris.

The group of Ohioans and I become siblings for a few days. We buy croque monsieur sandwiches from street vendors, tour the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and all the landmarks I used to dream about as a child. We talk over French bread, cheese and wine long into the nights in our pension. Then they board a train to Marseilles, and I catch a ride with a Canadian family bound for Madrid. As I settle into a spot in the back of their VW van, a blue eyed preschooler offers me a bag of trail mix, “Wan’ some?” he asks.

“Sure.” I say. The van lurches forward. The boy tosses a roasted nut into my mouth. I toss a raisin into his. We continue our game as the van bounces along, and I realize my new life has begun.

LAURA MCHALE HOLLAND is a multifaceted storyteller and indie publisher, who has released two books: the flash fiction collection, The Ice Cream Vendor’s Song, and the award-winning childhood memoir, Reversible Skirt. Laura’s work has appeared in such publications as Every Day Fiction, Wisdom Has a Voice, several Vintage Voices anthologies, and the original San Francisco Examiner. Her prize-winning play Are You Ready? will be produced by Sixth Street Playhouse and Redwood Writers in May 2014. In all of her work, Laura strives to illuminate truths that are often hidden. Intrigued? Get her newsletter at http://lauramchaleholland.com.

Please join Laura on:

Twitter: @wordforest (I’ll follow you)

Facebook links: www.facebook.com/laura.mchale.holland and www.facebook.com/Wordforest?ref=hl (I’ll like your page, too)

Here are Laura’s books:

To view on Amazon click here

SONIA MARSH SAYS: I hope your gutsy story of seeking a new life helps someone take the plunge to do something bold and start over. Thanks for sharing your courageous story with us.

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

Please leave your comments for Laura. She’ll be over to respond.

Next “Gutsy Webinar” on May 30th at 9 a.m. PST “Everything You Need to Know About Formatting e-books and Why Metadata is Important.” Jason Matthews, expert on e-books will be presenting with me. Reserve your seat TODAY.

Special June Book Coaching Offer. I have room for two new clients and am offering my 3-month coaching package, for only $499, instead of $599.

$599-CUSTOM-MARKETING-PLAN CLICK HERE now $499

The Author Entrepreneur

May 8, 2014 by Sonia Marsh Leave a Comment

Sonia Marsh, Kathy Pooler and Susan Weidener

I’ve been invited to speak at the Women’s Writing Circle on “The Author Entrpreneur.”

I am thrilled to finally meet my East Coast memoir writer friends including Susan Weidener, founder of the Women’s Writing Circle, Kathy Pooler, and Jerry Waxler. Susan Weidener invited me to present to her group of writers.

Author Entrepreneur Workshop

How to Sell Books and Build a Platform

Presented by Sonia Marsh

Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Fairfield Inn, Exton PA 19341

Cost: $25 To Reserve Your Space: Contact Susan Weidener: sgweidener@comcast.net; 610-304-5370

Sponsored by the Women’s Writing Circle, this workshop is open to men and women who want to publish or who already have.

There are many options available for you to become a successful indie author. Want to get your books in COSTCO, land a front page story in the newspaper, get a radio interview, create your own Google+ hangout to chat with other authors and readers? During this two-hour workshop, Sonia Marsh will guide you through that and more.

Topics include:

• Building your platform to sell your books
• Creating your brand
• Pros and cons of various publishing options
• How to get endorsements from best-selling authors
• How to get reviews on publication day
• Creating a successful book launch party
• How to sell your book
• Mistakes to avoid

Sonia Marsh is an award-winning author who knows how to market books both online and in person. She continues to promote her own books at Costco, REI, and other retail stores and is committed to helping authors avoid common mistakes. Sonia understands that most authors cannot afford to hire an expensive publicist, so her goal is to help authors develop their own plan to sell books. Contact her at: sonia@soniamarsh.com or visit her website: https://soniamarsh.com/

It’s wonderful to finally meet friends you’ve met online, and in a way, thanks to Google+ Hangout interviews, it seems like you already know each other.

Here is my recent interview with Kathy Pooler on “How to Do Everything Right Before You Get Published.”

After my presentation this evening, I shall fly to Madrid, Spain, to volunteer with Vaughan Volunteers. More photos about El Rancho, the village where I shall be speaking English to Spanish business people for one week.