Ruth Kalinka Designs

My friend Adria Richards and I recently discussed my goals and she posted this awesome video endorsement.

As Adria mentioned, I am looking to play a greater role in the conversations and strategy surrounding your brand and to get involved with what people are saying about your products and services. Particularly in the wine and food industry.

3 roles I am eager to play in your next project:

1. Conversationalist (What are people saying about your brand online? How can you engage in the conversation?)
2. Conference Evangelist (How do you connect at conferences and trade shows? Who’s out there talking about you?)
3. Design and Content Strategist (What are your words and visuals actually saying about you? What do you want them to say?)

I am detail-oriented, LOVE people, and love sharing everything I discover about wine and food! Currently on the East Coast (US), I can work with you anywhere (gotta love technology!) and am open to relocation and new adventures.

Who do you know? How can I help?!?

Though I announced my 2010 ThemeWord a few weeks ago, I’ve just realized tonight that I didn’t mention my 2010 ThemeSong.

Last month, I was particularly moved by an episode of Glee featuring the immensely talented Chris Colfer and Lea Michele in a duet of Defying Gravity (from Wicked). The song’s soaring determination resonates deeply on my journey of transformation.

Incidentally, if you haven’t watched Glee, yes, it is definitely the best show you’re not watching. Huge congratulations on your Screen Actor’s Guild Award tonight, Glee! So well deserved!

Defying Gravity

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It’s time to try
Defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I am defying gravity
And you won’t bring me down!

I’m through accepting limits
’cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I’ll never know!
Too long I’ve been afraid of
Losing love I guess I’ve lost
Well, if that’s love
It comes at much too high a cost!

I’d sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I’m defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
And you won’t bring me down!

I’d sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I’m defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
And you won’t bring me down!
bring me down!
ohh ohhh ohhhh!

Last night, my friend Erica O’Grady and I had a wonderful long phone conversation about life, goals, the past year, what lies ahead, what we want to improve, and our ThemeWords for 2009 and 2010. Like Erica, I’ve been picking ThemeWords since 2008, and it’s been fun seeing this idea from LifeCamp2007 inspire so many people!

In 2009, I began with the ThemeWord FLOURISH. Throughout the year, I met amazing people, completed important projects, and grew tremendously, but it was also the toughest year to date in every aspect of my life. While I kept my sights on flourishing, a more appropriate ThemeWord might have been SURVIVE because, miraculously, I did.

Like so many other people, I am excited and relieved to see a glimmer of hope for the new year. My 2010 ThemeWord is TRANSFORM. In these last few days of 2009, I am preparing by tying up loose ends, setting goals, decluttering my computer, seeking advice, and exploring new tools.

How about YOU?

1. What are your goals? Your ThemeWord?
2. How will you check in, stay on track, and measure progress?
3. What strategies and methods do you use to get things done? How have you developed – and stayed with – a system of follow through that you trust?
4. What tools do you use to manage information overload, keep resources organized (especially links and digital files!), follow through, connect with people, and interact more efficiently with your world?
5. Are you still searching for tools and techniques? What has – or hasn’t – worked for you and why?

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and suggestions!