Welcome to My Darkside

I have tried for decades to keep the two very distinct sides of my personality separate.  I am very much a Christian and yet, there's a darkside to my creative vein.
I have always been drawn to the dark side of history.  I'd dive into the outlaws and the gangsters, and then as I got older the serial killers.  But the mainstream of my life was/is very clean and shiny... I am quite the rule-follower and do my best to see the best in others and lead with love. 
I decided that I was so fascinated at how others function SO differently than myself.  My study of the brain began here. 

I eventually decided to allow the dark side some creative space knowing that God made me and knew ahead of time what He was getting himself into!  Lol!
When it was suggested I create a podcast, I had to figure out what topic I could legit dive into regularly and never get bored of.  History.  That was easy.  I love American history and am still a bit resentful of my teachers for not fanning this flame in my youth. 

I knew I didn't want to do serial killers, I don't want to turn them into rockstars.   They are still evil creatures and their acts are not something to celebrate, but with all the fascination of true crime and serial killers, I knew there were others (thousands upon thousands) that liked to dip their toe on the dark side.  I gave myself permission to create the Bag of Bones Podcast.  Revealing the dark side of American history.
Murderers, outlaws, tyranny, battles, hauntings (I do love a good ghost story!), folklore, racism, tragedy, and straight up stupidity.  So things don't get too dark, I add in some quirky and strange stories that may have been swept under the rug that make us question how our species have survived some decisions.  Lol.

I am having a blast.  I spend a huge amount of time diving into my weekly episodes to bring you well researched and as factual information that is available to me.  I read tons of articles, books, documents and court transcripts to give me every opportunity to bring you the facts from our yesterdays.  I am in LOVE with my podcast.  (Am I allowed to say that? Lol)
I believe I come at every single episode with a heart of integrity, not just to glorify the ugly and headline-grabbers.  Many episodes are meant to shine a light on how we, as a country thought and believed, so as not to forget... and repeat.  Other episodes are biographies that reveal so much more of the subject matter than just the "crime" or "tragedy".  Some are very difficult for me.  I am sometimes more sensitive than I should be if I'm going to share these stories.  Other times, I let you see my opinion ... I tend to be quite sarcastic, I'm told... 
But I love 99% of my podcast... not what happened, but the opportunity to share it with others in a way where (hopefully) it will NOT be boring and just regurgitating facts and dates.  These moments in history involved real people, real emotions, real choices, real consequences...  our history IS people. 

All that to say, I was happy to discover that many of my Christian friends and followers enjoyed the Bag of Bones Podcast.  
I was so worried about that because I am billed in every book store and webpage as a Christian Author... and I still am... but then, I just veered a little sideways.  I thought I was going to have to build an entire new website to cater to this new whim of mine and honestly, that still would be the best option, but instead, I decided to embrace it.  You never know who might come in for one thing and get intrigued by another.
Many have suggested that I use a pen name for my dark side activities, but then I decided that because I am very hands on... very much involved with my following, that might not be such a good idea.   I love getting to know my fans and readers.  Sidenote:  I'm hoping to go another level of connection and sign myself up for more book tours and conventions in the future- SO, I might as well not use a pen name since it's going to be Elizabeth Bourgeret that shows up to all the things... I might as well have my name on all the things.
Yes, this does offer a bit of confusion when people are researching me...

So... after saying all that... it has been decided.  If and when I write a book that slips into the Dark Side, I will use a pen name.  It won't be a secret, I won't be trying to hide who I really am, but this way, I will have the opportunity to reach an entire new audience and those who have been introduced to me as a Christian author, and pick up the "wrong" book, won't be surprised.
I waffled back and forth with this decision and I've talked with other authors with multiple pen names, and they recommend this practice to help book stores and on-line formats better know where to catalogue my writings.  
The answer, is ...yes, I have decided on a pen name.  You will be introduced to her when I finally get time to tap into a new genre... it may take a minute.

I'm entering in to my third year of the podcast and am still learning, but I'm going to treat it more like a business this year than a hobby.  So, if you are already a fan, keep an eye out for a brand new newsletter, merch and other ways to interact.
Also- because I can't help myself- I will be launching new novels that will fall under the Dark Side category.  I've suppressed it as long as I could! Lol!  The story ideas just wouldn't stop coming!  I must write them down!  So, with books AND a podcast AND merch, I will be a more welcome attendant to conventions and festivals.
You'll see the reflection in the website,  there will be a Dark Side section that will outline all the Bag of Bones details and release information on the books that fit there.

Whooo!! That feels good to get it off my chest and actually make a decision!  Not that I need permission or approval, but I never want to alienate someone who is new to my world and this decision has been rattling around my head for at least three years, so it's nice to be able to move forward.

That being said-
Watch for some changes on the website and for new merch and books coming your way on both the Christian side and the Dark side.

You can't truly appreciate the light without experiencing the dark.

(Pretty sure that's my new motto, because it is 100% accurate.  I would have never been saved had I not first had to walk through the valley of the shadow of doubt.)

If you haven't tuned in to any of the Bag of Bones episodes, do me a favor and check them out.  I promise you, there really is something there for everyone!  I do my best to warn against the really bad stuff... so go ahead, cross over to the dark side...  (ooo... that sounded really creepy... I love it!) 

Bag of Bones Podcast can be found on any podcast platform.  We really are everywhere!  New episodes almost every week. (I had to build in breaks this year because it is really very work intensive and I get a little swallowed up, but I will average at the very least 3 per month.)
(I've put together a Topics page, so if you'd like to search a specific subject, you can see those here.)
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Follow on Facebook or Instagram and you'll be tapping into my warped, sarcastic sense of humor.
And as always, keep checking back here, as to the new developments!  I'm super excited to share these new stories and episodes with you, my friends.
Welcome to my Dark Side.


Bag of Bones on Apple ITunes
Bag of Bones on Spotify
Bag of Bones on IHeart Radio

Update! Check out the new blog Beyond the Bones!  It's an extension to the Podcast but also allows a place for me to add other interesting historic stories you will love or may have never heard of but not quite long enough for an episode!  Check it out here!

This morning I had a private prayer meeting at the sunrise service.  It was just me, the Platte River, the sun sneaking up over the plains and God.  The birds were the choir and a slight breeze kept the heat away.  

The brand new sunlight caught the mist coming up from the water and gave it warm etherial look. 

Per our usual conversations, I begin with gratitude.  How thankful that I am that I can take this journey.  It's come at a high cost, and I never want Him to think that I don't realize it.  I also know that there will probably be a high cost when my travels end, and I let him know that I accept that too.   I am grateful for the littlest things like a safe place to sleep and the beautiful orchestra of nature around me, but I am most grateful for an audience with Him.

Because, and I'm sure He knows it... it's not long before I begin to fret about all the things.  "How am I going to afford this?"  "What happens next?"  "What if this... what if that..."
His answer, is always the same..."Let me take care of that, you take care of the things that are in your control."
At which, I instantly felt the tiniest sting of reprimand. 
Am I doing all of the things I'm supposed to be doing?  Maybe... but am I doing them to the best of my ability?  Probably not.

I am easily side-tracked with the latest, newest idea and I usually chase it down for the length of my leash to see what I can do with it.  Sometimes I have no business being there.  Sometimes I can find a few nuggets to make the things I do better and sometimes, I think that I have the power to bend time... that's my biggest problem, I think.  I WANT to do all these things, so I TRY to do all these things, but it turns out that I have the exact same number of hours in the day as everyone else.  I'm not SUPPOSED to be doing ALL the things apparently.   And He waits patiently until I can come to our meetings for Him to tell me so. 

I have been given a great deal of success and growth with my podcast, Bag of Bones.  I love it.  I really love everything about it, but I'm not utilizing it as best as I could.  Meaning, I'm spreading out, instead of digging the well a little deeper.  I jumped into a second podcast before Bag of Bones was even a year old and one, both are extremely research intensive, and two, I wasn't able to give them the amount of time I need to bring forward the quality I desire.  So, with heavy heart, I am cancelling the release of Trails of History.  Maybe postponing it?  I don't know, but for now, it needs to come off my plate so I can continue to grow and nurture and monetize the podcast I have currently.

The other thing I need to remove right away is the more public version of the Writer's Lounge.  I am moving this branch of my company to a more niched down version.  I am discontinuing the Facebook group.  It takes a huge amount of time creating daily posts for people and it's just not being used.  And I am also discontinuing the League of Authors Membership site for this year.  I love the concept of this- but it's just too big for me to deal with at the moment.

I am going to switch my focus to smaller group coaching to writer's who are ready to get their first book written and published.   Many people SAY they want to write a book but few actually put in the time and effort to do so.  I want to work with those few and help them with all the crazy transition stuff to make it a dream come true.  
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And then finally, my readers have been most patient with me, allowing me to follow this path and that- not having a new book from me.  I need to get back to that.  I owe you all A Devil's Errand that was supposed to be released in May, but I will do my best to get it released before the end of the year.

So keep an eye out, these transitions will be happening slowly throughout the website.  Things will disappear and new things will pop up, fear not... all part of the Master's plan...

How Can You Help?

​With the overwhelming series of unfortunate events surrounding my Leading With Love tour, I must say that your outpouring of love and concern have been so heart-warming.  

So often when authors undertake something of this magnitude, we feel like we are "in it" alone.  It makes sense; we do spend a lot of time alone.  I write best when I'm alone... I research alone... I daydream alone... I create alone...  And while all of my creations are meant to enrich the lives of others, they must have time to steep in quite and solitude.

My book signings and workshops are my main opportunities to really get to be with people and interact with them.  
All that to say, I always just assume that I have to find solutions to my problems... alone.

So for the first few dozen folks or so, when they ask me "What can I do to help?"  I've said, "Nothing, I just have to figure things out."
For person number thirteen, that was an unacceptable answer.  I got the "No man is an island" speech.
So... (short of sending me food and gas money) I have come up with a list of ways you could help me keep my head above water with little to no cost to you.

This list will actually help any author on your love list but allow me to thank you in advance by participating in any, or all of the following suggestions! 

1. Have You Bought A Book? (or several?)
Contrary to popular belief, I do not make much money from the sale of my books.  However, every time a book is purchased through Amazon, it raises my status and ranking.  I make more of an income when I sell my books at fairs, books signings or out of my trunk (lol).  But the actual "public" sale of my books help me more in the long run.  So if you haven't done so, go to amazon.com and search my name and purchase a book!

2. Leave a Review (5 stars?)
Once you read the book and realize how wonderful it was, while the moment is still warming your heart, head back to Amazon and leave a really great review.  This too, raises my ranking (even more than the purchase. So if you have already purchased one of my books elsewhere, PLEASE, please, please go leave a review!)  The higher ranking, the more Amazon will promote my books and get them in front of new readers.  (A lot of new authors are purchased thanks to the "if you liked this book, you might like this.... method!)
Goodreads.com is also a really great place to leave a review! 
Also- if you loan your book out to anyone else to read, please encourage them to leave a review as well!! 

3. Amazon Searches
Every time you go on Amazon for anything, search my name.  Type Elizabeth Bourgeret into the search bar, whether you need a new book or not.  (Even if you are shopping for vitamins, fishing lures or cookware or... whatever) Again, it helps to trigger Amazon that maybe they might need to make my work a bit more accessible.  If you are like me, I shop for everything on amazon!  I also let Amazon know who I am similar to.  For example, I'll do a search for Joel Osteen, Karen Kingsbury, Tony Robbins or Francine Rivers and THEN I'll do a search for my name.  It starts to link the names together.

4. Social Media
Love it or hate it, I have to be a part of it.  I do love it for the great way it allows me to connect with readers and give those who are interested quick updates of the highs and lows into the life of Elizabeth Bourgeret and her Great Dane, Meera.  
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.
Whether you are on there sixty times a day or once a month, please like and follow my page.  
I try very hard not to post too often and I am always considerate of inflammatory content.  But my pages are a great way, like I said, to get quick updates, share stories and thoughts and be privy to new blog posts or books.

5. Share Posts
Yes, not only do I ask that you like my Author page, I do ask that you share posts or comment on them.  (The demands are getting greater!!  Sorry you asked yet? Lol)  If you have found a reason to like me, there's a chance that someone connected with you just might like me too.  Please encourage others to like my posts and hopefully, my page.
There are a lot of Elizabeth Bourgeret memes floating around with my quotes either made from my camp or elsewhere, but if you see one, PLEASE like it and share it!!  It helps to build name recognition!

6. Local Bookstores
While you are out and about, stop in at your local bookstore (big or small) and request that they carry my books. (This can also link back to #1.  If you want to help support your local bookstore AND me, this is a great way to do it!  I love to promote and support the smaller bookstores! Just request that they order my book for you to purchase and maybe they'll get an extra to carry in their store.  OR when I get around that city they may be more likely to allow me to come in for a book signing!!)

7. Invite me to your Book Club!
Book Clubs are SO fun!  I'd love to support your book club! I am happy to help with book discounts for bulk purchases, I'm happy to Skype with your group and answer questions or if you are within a 60 mile radius of where I am located, I'd be most honored to make a live appearance, sign books and chat about whichever book you guys are reading!!

So, there you go.  There are seven suggestions that you can help me get past this dreadful "hump" that I'm having trouble getting past.  These are little to no cost, but just take up a bit of time.  (Add a post-it note close to your computer to help remind you of your favorites so they can be done multiple times...!) 

I can't say enough how much I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, words of encouragement and now actions.  I am thrilled that you have chosen me to invest a piece of your heart in.  It reminds me that I am doing good things and am where I am supposed to be.
Thank you, and thank you again.  

The New Year is well under way and it looks like it's going to be a busy one!
2015 was awfully good to me and I expect nothing less from 2016.

For those who know me or have come to know me, can attest to the sheer diversity I have in my life.  I am into all kinds of things!  This year will be no different!

Last year, Daddy's Girl was released and given great reviews.  This year, A Detour Home will continue the series in Bakersfield, AR with some familiar names, and introduce new characters to grow our lovely family.

Last year, this site was all about me.  
Late last year I opened up the Book Club to allow new authors an opportunity to get their work in front of new audiences.  And you, my audience, my readers, my friends have made them feel very welcome and I am so happy and proud that you have warmly accepted these new visitors.  
They find me through a website called Fiverr and they pay five dollars to promote their book.  I started this because my on-line bills were starting to out weigh their income, so the Fiverr would off-set it and help me out.  I didn't want to compromise my site with a bunch of unsightly banners or advertisements so this seemed to fit in nicely.  And, thanks to you, it now completely pays for all my websites, fees, and other silly stuff I am responsible for.  
Sure, it started with the intention for a small income, but then I was able to "meet" some of these brilliant authors!  There's a little bit of everything in the Book Club!  If you need a new read (and you've already read my whole collection, Lol) there are SO many choices!!  My to-read list is growing by leaps and bounds.  There is fiction and non-fiction and something for every age group!  I am so happy I chose to do this.
One of my favorite quotes by Zig Zigglar is, "You can have everything you want, if you help others to get what they want."  That is SO true!  I love seeing these new authors post their books on my site!  They are so passionate and creative and amazing!  And, like I said, you have made them feel so welcome!!
(And I know your favorite way to correspond with me is through e-mail, but I would be so grateful if you'd show a little love in the comment sections.  These authors could use some positive feedback!  Don't be shy! They are good people and who doesn't need a little positive reinforcement?)

Next- at the end of 2015, my daughter and I opened a vapor shop called Phoenix Vapes.  Talk about a new world!!  I am learning so much!  If you are unfamiliar, it is proving to be the best, and healthiest option for people to quit smoking.  The most common term is the e-cis, or electronic cigarette.  (It is WAY more complex than that, but I didn't want to bore you with all kinds of extra details!  It opened in November and we are still in the scary first quarter stage, but I am feeling pretty good about it.  It's my first "brick and mortar" venture for quite some time and let me tell you how it not only sucks up money, but it sucks up quite a bit of time as well!!  So, my writing has been put on the back burner for a minute until I can create a new schedule that includes everything.  For the last few months Phoenix Vapes has been front and center, but now I need to get back to my writing.
Which brings me to...

More website changes...  I am thinking of taking down the on-line store of this website and just promote my books and my upcoming events and of course, the Book Club.  My goal for 2016 is to expand to the online courses we've talked about before, but time has not allowed it to happen.  I'm not ignoring your requests, by any means... I just have to get back into the swing of things.  
I was told that if I wanted to go down all these separate paths that I was going to have to divide into separate entities.  Apparently, they were right.  


Whoo!  This blog turned out to be longer than I expected! Lol!  But there you have it... So, if I'm missing from here, check one of the other sites or I'll be helping the world quit smoking! 
Thanks for sticking by me...


Links you might be interested in:

Visit the Elizabeth Bourgeret's Book Club and see what she means with a huge variety of good reads, study material, audio books, and even coloring books.  A little bit of everything.  Make these authors feel welcome! 

And finally, follow Elizabeth on Facebook!

What Do You Really Want?

It seems like a simple enough question.  What do you want?  I mean, what do you really want?  Have you given yourself permission to even think about it? 

I now live on an island.  Everyday if I drive more that a few miles, I will inevitably go over a bridge.  Looking over the edge of that bridge knowing that the ocean is just a bit away, fills me with joy.  Seeing the sunshine bounce off those beautiful blue waves just... does something for me.  Simple right?  It was a need that I didn't know I had.  This time last year, I had to ask myself that question.  What do I want?  What do I REALLY want?  All I knew was that I was cold, and didn't like it.  But I didn't know what it was, specifically, that I wanted that would make me happy.

And when you first ask it a whole bunch of "superficial" answers come up.  I want cake.  I want a million dollars.  I want that new dress.  I want to travel the world.  I want, I want, I want...  and then, if you keep at it, you dig a little deeper.

I want more time with my children.  I want to sleep peacefully at night.  I want to live in a warmer climate.  I want to write and write and write...  and yes, if you keep going, it gets deeper still. You start to realize those deeper needs; the important ones that get glossed over as we push through our daily routines.  

It's hard to look in the mirror and realize that you are not where you want to be.  But you can't change that, until you know what you want.  So I offer this exercise up to you.

Take out a sheet of paper and write.  I WANT...
Then, set a timer for three minutes and write.  Write everything you want.  Even if it seems outrageous.  Even if it seems selfish.  Even if it seems impossible.  Write.  Don't pick up your pen from the paper until the timer goes off.  Don't worry about being descriptive or specific or spelling or what anyone else might think.  This is for you.  Write.

If you get stuck, answer these questions, but keep writing.
Where do you want your finances to be?  Where do you want to be health-wise?  Who do you want to be with?  What items do you want?  Where do you want to live?  What do you want to own?  How do you want to spend your day?  What do you want to do to earn an income?  How do you want to spend your down time?

Dig deeper.  How do you want to give back?  How do you want to continue to grow?  How do you want to be remembered?  How do you want to affect others in your life?  How can you show love to others?

When you have finished, choose the top ten things that matter the most to you and re-write them on another clean sheet of paper.  This time around, we are looking for balance.  Find at least one thing in each category.  Finances, relationships, recreation, health, career etc...

You can't find happiness if you don't know what it is.  It's like trying to hit a target that you know is "out there" but you just can't see it.  Bring it in to focus.  Once your brain knows what it is looking for, it will switch gears to try and get it for you.  (You have to take the steps to get there, of course...)  But the brain will start thinking of ways to get you what you want.

I believe that our purpose here on earth is simple.  We are here to give back.  Whatever gains you have been blessed with, give some back.  I'm not just talking about finances.  Giving of your time, your knowledge, your resources, your love... give what you have and it will be returned to you ten-fold.  I know this to be true for a fact.

And the other thing, how do you want to grow?  I believe that if you get all the best "toys" and are living the biggest house, it will never be enough until you find balance.  And part of finding balance is to make sure you're always growing.  Learn new things, see new places, meet new people, strive to become a better you.  

Okay... sorry, back to the exercise.  

Take your ten things in your various categories and write a sentence or two about WHY you want these things. Unveil your heart.  Again, this is only for you.  Why do you want your top ten list?  Your brain functions on reason more than want.  So write down the reasons you put this on your top ten.  (It would be helpful if you write down more than "just cause".  -Can you tell I'm used to working with teenagers? Lol!)

Then, when do you want them.  Write a time line for each of the ten items. (You might need to be a little more realistic on this one.  If you want a million dollars, it might need a bit more time to show up than 24 hours!)

And then, read your list.  Every day.  Every night before you go to bed.  Keep those things in your mind.  And slowly check them off when they come into your life. (Then replace them with new things!)  Trust that the future you want WILL come to pass.  

Yes. Yes.  A lot more goes into getting what you want other than making a list.  But first thing before all else... you have to know what you want.
So, just for fun. Take a few moments and spend them on yourself and discover what it is that you want.

Some things you may realize that you already have in your life but have perhaps taken them for granted.  This is the time to freshen up or take a new look at what's around you.  Maybe you don't want things to change too much, but you just have to love (or find new ways to love) what/who you have a little more.

I knew I needed a different life, but I didn't know what.  It wasn't until I saw that I really needed to do some major changing to clean out the toxicity in my life, that I could make those changes.  And I did.  I see the ocean (or at least arms of it) every day.  It was one of those things I wanted.  Really wanted.  And I am happier for it.

I check my list everyday and am pleased to say that I cross things off and replace them with new items all the time.  It works to corral your focus and really get what you want.  

So let me ask you... What do you want?

(Did somebody say cake?)

Relational Dynamics

​As many of you know, I am a hairstylist when I am not writing, and I have recently moved from my home state where I'd been living most of my life to someplace completely different.  Adapting to the changes have been quite a challenge. 

People fascinate me. Now, being an introvert, I like to watch from a distance, but being part of the human race, I eventually have to participate as well.  When I was studying relational coaching, my goal was to use it for mainly teens, but I am surprised that I can use this knowledge in every aspect of my life.  

I have been a hairstylist, off and on for over 23 years and have belonged to several different shops. The one I left was probably my favorite and the one that I developed the best friendship skills.  Granted, this was also the time I was studying my relationship coaching training, so I learned a lot and put new ideas into practice of how to get along with other people. They essentially became my tribe.  I belonged.  We all looked out for one another.  We played together, we worked together, we loved, we lost, we bonded.  It was the first time in my life, I had multiple friends.  In the past, I had only been able to concentrate on one friend at a time.  This became a separate.... family, so to speak. (Like I said, I'm an introvert but never had a name for my "condition" until a few years ago!)

When I moved and started my new job here, it's been an excellent reference as to how complete strangers assimilate to become one team.  These twelve people, my new tribe that I had been assigned to- some have worked together before, some knew each other in passing, and I, of course, was completely new... but all of us were new to this franchise and brand new store.

I like watching the natural progression of things grow.  How people group together; find different ways to assert their authority; come together to weed out a common enemy, toleration, education and bonding together.  It is amazing to watch.  

I had been asked to be the leader of our motley crew but had declined.  I wanted to devote my time to creating and not so much cutting.  But knowing that I am out of the running for a leadership role, I am able to watch the process unfold without bias.

It's a good group of girls here, under a good GM and a positive owner.  The shop will do well, and these girls look like they are here to stay.  So I am anxious to watch the friendships unfold and to see if it stays "just" co-worker status among them or if they will bond together as a cohesive unit. 

I am having a nice time learning who everyone is.  They're likes and dislikes, things we have in common, their work practices (how they cut differently than me or customer skills or retail skills).  I am fascinated with their family-lives, how many kids they have, boys/girls, ages, married/single.  Their hobbies, their joys, their addictions, what makes them laugh.

While I miss the cohesiveness of the tribe I left behind, I am learning so much about myself and the others and this experience is only going to make me a better person by being able to love on these new people.

We have all been thrown together for about a month now, and in that short amount of time I have learned so much about these young women.  Their heartbreaks and their trials and the things they are doing to cope.  If they have a common denominator among them all, it's strength.  I have heard of some of their trials; things that would cripple another human being, but these girls don't give up.  They find a new way to keep going.  They all have strong family ties and as with everyone, they are all struggling through something.  I am humbled that they trust me, an outsider, to tell their troubles to.  They don't tell me to "get" something from me, they are just sharing.  I am honored that they feel comfortable in such a short window of time to share with me.  Apparently, I fall into the "momma" role wherever I go. 

It is true that people fade in and out of your life in seasons and that not everyone you meet is supposed to be in your life forever, and sometimes its hard to let go of your "comfort zone", but we can grow stale if we stay in the same "place" for too long.  I have discovered that I am a wanderer.  I physically need to move from place to place to stay inspired.  I think I've known it for a long time but was too afraid to step out of the "norm".  But when I say "place", I am more referring to a mental or spiritual attitude if you will.  We as humans need to grow.  We are created to want other human companionship, and yet its scary to face change.  I wish for you to embrace change.  Me, the introvert, says reach out and love people.  All kinds of people.  It doesn't have to be up close and personal, but we can love from a distance as well. 

I will have to get used to meeting new people and leaving others behind.  And while I feel the need to not settle- at the moment- I hope that I leave behind me a trail of affection and that I touched people's lives with love.  I hope that those I come in contact with feel inspired and if I'm lucky, I will have the opportunity to watch their dreams come true.  (Facebook at its finest!  I can move about the country and still keep track of all my people!)

We all come in contact with people every single day.  Make it a positive experience.  And while we won't build tribes with all these people and they may only be in your life for a season, (or less), let it be a good experience for all involved.  A little love, a little kindness can go a long way.  Lead with love.

Shift Change

​I had something completely different planned for my blog today, all nice and neat and written out, but I was side-tracked. So please bare with me.  I just have to get this out there...

I am participating in a marketing program that is taking my web-site, my blogs, my writings and the things that I offer and scrutinizing them to  find my strongest areas and creating the best ways monetize them.  This is so very overwhelming.  First of all, yes, I do want writing and training to be a career for me.  So, I need to change my way of thinking that I can't just write whenever and whatever I want.  It has to shift into more of a business mind-set.  When they asked where my heart was; what my passions and personal goals were, I told them MY personal goal is to be able to offer fun and interactive workshops for teens.  I want to be able to travel from city to city and give them this amazing opportunity to become the best part of themselves and face their future with confidence.  I've called it the Total Truth Workshop.  I am really proud of it but have not put it into action as yet.  (I was waiting until this marketing team gives me feedback, I guess.)

I enjoy all the aspects of my writing "career", but they, the marketing team, have a point, and it is that I am spreading myself too thin.  Try as I might, I cannot be all things to all people.  I was told to choose.  UGH!  The agony!!  I want to help EVERYONE!!!  Why can't I help everyone?? 

With my history and my happiness, I return, always, to teens.  My work in coaching leads me in that direction as well.  I enjoy working with families and I do well with relational coaching and seminars.  I have been working with kids for over twenty-five years!  Whoa!  That's saying something!

Why teens:
That time in their life is such a struggle and it seems like we are in a weird "pretending it's not happening" to "micro-managing" to "it's someone else's fault" way of dealing with things.  These kids on the verge of adulthood are amazing but no one gives them the credit or the directions they need to make that transition!!  I want to help them get everything they want out of life.  I want their teenage years to be happy memories.  I want them to have the confidence to go after whatever their heart desires regardless of where they came from.  There is no other program out there that is offering what I do.  It's fun, it's interactive and it's a life-time of support and new friendships.  I am excited to get it out there.

Back to the marketing people...
Teens don't pay for my kind of programs.  That's where the parents come in.  So they suggest that I work on things for parents and then lead the parents into the Total Truth Workshop.  
I can do that.  I would enjoy doing that...  but...

At the moment, I am feeling so overwhelmed and pulled in several directions.  I have my fiction followers, my motivational followers, my relationship followers, my Christian followers, my fitness followers and (deep breath)....  I don't want to disappoint a single one of them.   I do however need to eat.  So I am trying to "chunk down my niche."  Not sure how I'm going to do this and for just a moment, I wasn't going to do it at all.  I was just going to keep on doing what I've always been doing for as long as I could do it... but then...

I went to a couple of the teen support group pages I regularly comment on, and was so overwhelmed by the sadness that was coming from the posts.  So much sadness and confusion.  They have no foundation within themselves to turn to for strength when times get hard.  I help provide that.  I can help them.  My workshops for teens are created for them.  My seminars for families can help heal them.  This is where I need to be.

So, it is decided.  I will start shifting things in that direction.  Teens and family will become my main focus.  I do have some projects that are currently in the works that I will complete but I need to narrow my focus to where my heart is needed most and I feel that I am called.  So hang with me as this slow shift happens.  The exciting thing is that I still get to do all the things that make me happy, write, travel, speak, create, motivate, help others, I'm just narrowing down my target audience even more than before.

So- if you are part of a family (and there's a good chance that you are) and you need to communicate with others, (my area of expertise) then chances are you still might be able to find some value here on my site.  

No! No! No!  You've got to stop me!! Don't let me try to go back to writing for everyone!! Lol!!  I need you to help keep me focused!!  I'm so weak!!
Thank you for letting me go off track and vent just a little... I will get things back on track soon!  Please, feel free to leave your comments below.  I love to hear from you!

There's a lot of changes going on at the Elizabeth Bourgeret camp and when you visit the website, it's like going to a playground and not being able to play on anything!  I know there are a lot of new tabs to click on that are not giving you the information that you're looking for, but I promise you, we're working on it!  

The teen photo shoot is scheduled for this Sunday, and that was part of the hold up because we need the images from the photo shoot. (If you haven't signed up for the shoot and still want to, click on the camera icon on the home page for all the details.)  And, honestly, there is just SO much happening that I'm having trouble keeping up!  All good things, I assure you.

As you might have seen, I'm opening up my Teen Life Coaching sessions on a broader (more public) scale and the brand new Total Truth Teen Workshop which will be launched in St. Louis in January 2014!  (Then, look for it in your city after that!)  I have switched my schedule around so I can kick my speaking engagement opportunities up a notch and yes, on top of that, I will still be writing my fiction novels and non-fiction books.  The next fiction, Waiting for the Sun, should be released in Spring of 2014.  And that's not all!  There's more!  But I'll tell you about those things another time!  As you can see, things are pretty busy around here!

So, I just wanted to thank you for your patience and to ask you to please come back and visit when it all gets set up and running smoothly!  I'll be sure to share in more detail with you all the new things that are going on.  I just know you'll be excited right along with me!  I anticipate that the site will be completed by October 14th.  (Whoo!  There's something about putting that date out there that motivates me to work twice as hard!  Don't want to disappoint!)  

I hope you will like the changes that are coming and it will benefit your lives in positive ways.  I am already so blessed that I didn't think it could get any better, but I am happy to be wrong!