Vibrant Visions International Newsletter & April-May Calendar of Events

April - May 2011

Vibrant Visions International Newsletter

Background Photo: cherry blossoms, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, NY

Photo (right): Girl with Pussy Willow Tree, Van Suan Park. Paramus, NJ

In This Issue

Women's History Month commentary by Verena

March was Women's History Month and the Bergen Community College's Women's Institute had LOTS of offerings all month long! I participated in 3 events and loved the connections, context, and communications I enjoyed, shared, received, experienced. The first event was a Wellness Seminar co-hosted by the Active Center for Health & Wellness in Hackensack. They had my friend and NJAWBO contact, Patricia DiZenzo (also a jewelry designer with her own business, Red Feather Design) on hand (literally) to provide mini-chair massages to a long line of people. Nice!

The second event I absolutely loved featured Gloria Steinem, 76, who spoke for over an hour, patiently and graciously answered questions for a long time, and then stayed even longer to autograph books and get photographed with an another incredibly long line of patient admirers. Although the gym (where the event was hosted) was set up "classroom style" with all seat facing forward, Gloria started off by stating "I hope we can become more of a circle and learn from each other."

Gloria spoke about many, many topics. One that stood out for me was when she said "Our country is escaping -- becoming free." She said that this is potentially the most dangerous time and drew a parallel with studies made about battered women. She said that the most dangerous time for them was just when they were about to escape the battered home or those who just escaped. She said that when people deeply believe the need for hierarchy (or, in my estimation, are too numb or asleep to even care) the country is most at risk for a Hitler-type take-over.

Gloria quoted herself: "The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off."

The third event featured Kathleen Donovan, the new County Executive of Bergen County. She said: "When you are in politics, you never lose. You don't win all the time; go after what's over the next hill." She also reminded us to "Enjoy what you're doing now! Don't be afraid to try something that might be wonderful for you -- and enjoy it!"

Afterwards, Devon Kinch, Designer and Author, Pretty Penny Sets up Shop, told us how she was inspired to create a book for young girls to encourage them to get creative and earn money. Her belief is: "Start a relationship with money at a young age so it doesn't become an obstacle in old age."

Photo (Top): Verena and Patricia DiZenzio

Photo (Middle): Verena and Gloria Steinem

Photo (Bottom): Verena and Devon Kinch; Verena wearing a black and white print kafkan by NJAWBO Member, Thomasina Hyland of Draped in Elegance.

Quote of the Month

"I Am Willing"

Lyrics by Holly Near

I am open and I am willing

To be hopeless would seem so strange

It dishonors those who go before us

So lift me up to the light of change

There is hurting in my family

There is sorrow in my town

There is panic in the nation

There is wailing the whole world round

May the children see more clearly

May the elders be more wise

May the winds of change caress us

Even though it burns our eyes

Give me a mighty oak to hold my confusion

Give me a desert to hold my fears

Give me a sunset to hold my wonder

Give me an ocean to hold my tears

Photo: Olympia's Daughters

after their performance at

Central Unitarian Church, Paramus, NJ. "Olympia's Daughters is a women's a cappella choir that builds bridges between communities and cultures. Through song, we challenge attitudes, foster healing, share our hearts, spirits, and joyful love of music."

Indigo-Rainbow-Crystal Children Magic

Sugarless Day Poster
Youth Art Month Entry (IKEA exhitib)
Spanish Month Flashcards (various) by Delphine, 9

Verena Visser Aibel, Owner, Vibrant Visions International, is an XPR Advisor, licensed through emPowering NOW LLC. The Mission of emPowering NOW LLC: "To bring forth the Path of XPR as a way of transition from a world mainly in GReed where Giving/Receiving communicates via fear, confusion and domination, to a world of GRace where our word flows freely from the silence and the sounds of LOVE." Mahalene Louis, Futurist, Artist, Author, and co-Founder of emPOwering NOW LLC

Vibrant Visions International's Calendar of Events & Top Picks
Scroll down to see Verena's Top Picks from our VIBRANT VISIONS INTERNATIONAL ONLINE CALENDAR which is updated daily*. NOTE: All events are subject to change. Please call and confirm event details prior to traveling. Contact us if you receive conflicting dates or data. Thanks!
*Go to the Vibrant Visions International LLC website and click on "Calendar of Events" and scroll through our calendar. Contact information and registration information is also listed per event. Calendar listings also includes events hosted by professional associations such as the New Jersey Professional Coaches Association (NJPCA), New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO), Institute for Sustainable Ente

rprise (ISE), etc. Please also check their websites for latest details.

Newsletters are now archived: Check them out via "Newsletter Archive" on our new website.Appointments: Please feel free to make your private coaching appointment or complimentary assessment with Verena directly via our Online Appointment Scheduler. Please note that Verena's Vibrant Visions International LLC offerings are listed and described separately above in this newsletter and maybe listed below in Purple. Additional listings are in red.

Photo: Verena Visser Aibel and Kathleen Falco, Realtor/Associate, RE/MAX Accomplished Realty, Franklin Lakes, NJ.

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Are You Worth A One Hour Investment?

Could you benefit from some support in shifting the limitations of your story and widening your horizons?

Might your dearest wish revolve around the full revelation and expression of your voice and your genius?

If you answered "yes" to either (or both), please contact us so that we can set up your personal, complimentary, "Power to Change" conversation with Verena... Verena@VibrantCoach.com or 201-487-6910.

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Groups Forming!

Interest in "becoming the change you wish to see?" One-on-one and Groups forming, locally and virtually. Contact Verena directly and see what's best for you! Call Verena at 201-487-6910 or email her at Verena@VibrantCoach.com.

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Mark Sganga & Friends Play R&B, Blues & Jazz

First Friday of each month: THE OLD 76 HOUSE, 8-11 pm; 110 Main St, Tappan NY, 10983-2427; 845-359-5476

Second & Fourth Thursday of each month: Palmer's Crossing@ The Clinton Inn, 145 Dean Dr, Tenafly, NJ 07670, (201) 871-3200.

Description: Along with Mark's longtime partner in crime Larry D'Albero, bass & singing the blues, we welcome the always awesome Pete Levin on keyboard (late of Paul Simon, Robbie Robertson, John Scofield, Gil Evans, you get the idea?). Terry Silverlight returns on drums (George Benson, The Brecker Brothers, & Laura Nyro to name just a few). This is going to be great fun! No cover, good food & drink. Come join the fun! (Subject to change).

For more information, contact Mark Sganga

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New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's (NJAWBO) Bergen Chapter Network at Noon: "Affordable Marketing" NJAWBO Lunch with Kim Keating, Dir. Mktg/Communications, Marsh & McClennan Insurance Agency, Speaker

April 5, 2011 (Tuesday): 12:00 - 2:00 pm EST

Location: Marsh & McClennon, 66 Route 17, Paramus, NJ

Fee: $17/member and $22/non-member

For information and reservations: email Verena Visser Aibel at lunch@njawbobergen.org or call the Chapter Hotline at 201-444-8773, Ext. 5 or call Verena directly at 201-487-6910 or check out New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners-Bergen Chapter.

Photo: Helen Burton, Love Yourself Coaching, and Verena at NJPCA meeting

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New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's (NJAWBO) Bergen Chapter Breakfast Networking

April 14, 2011 (Thursday): 8:00 - 9:30 am EST

Location: Panera's Bakery Cafe, 165 Route 4 West (in Kohl's Shopping Center), Paramus, NJ
Fee: Members: $10.00; Non-Members: $15.00 - CASH ONLY
For reservations and information, call the Bergen Chapter hotline at 201-444-8773, ext. 4 or e-mail Joanne Clark at jcwills@optonline.net or check out New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners-Bergen Chapter.

Photo: Carrie Greene, Carrie Thru LLC, Anthony Calabrese, Absolute Transitions, and Verena at NJPCA meeting.

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Jacquelyn Ottman, Author, "The New Rules of Green Marketing" Speaking at the Institute for Sustainable Enterprise/CHRMS Breakfast

April 15, 2011 (Friday) 7:30 - 9:30 am EST

Location: Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Mansion Bldg 1, Hartman Lounge, 285 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940

Register: www.fdu.edu/forms/chrmsregister.html or email your rsvp to pniewski@fdu.edu Information: Call ISE/CHRMS at 973-443-8577.
Fee: $40 ($25 non profit organization members).

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Open Mic Night

April 16, 2011 (Saturday): Time: 8:00 - 11:30 pm EST

Location: Rest Stop Rejuvenate, 21 Maple Ave, Rockaway, New Jersey
www.reststoprejuvenate.com
Cost is $10 - $20 (donation). We are a gathering place for well-being. Upon entering you will find a living room atmosphere that nurtures and replenishes your wellbeing as soothing aromas fill the air and mood-enhancing music assists in addressing life's daily stress. Rest Stop Rejuvenate is a place that enhances life by bringing people together and offering enriching conversations, thought provoking exercises, transformational games, creative classes, workshops, and entertainment. When we care for and nurture ourselves we are better able to make choices that are not driven by the stress and discord of daily life. Information: Vicky at 1-862-209-1439.

Photo: Delphine Aibel, 10, and Lucille Skroce, Owner, Matisse Chocolatiers, and CAbi Consultant

******************************************************************** New Jersey Professional Coaches Association presents "Becoming Whole - Uniting Masculine and Feminine Energy" with Presenter: Cheryl L. Wilson

April 20, 2011 (Wednesday): 6:00 - 9:00 pm EST

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 50 Raritan Center Parkway
Edison, NJ 08837; 732-225-0900
www.edisonraritancenter.gardeninn.com

All of us have masculine and feminine energy. Sometimes they work in harmony with one another and sometimes they are in conflict. By having the awareness of these energies, how they interplay with one another, and knowing tools to help you to identify and intentionally create your own unique balance of these energies, you will not only improve your relationship with yourself, but attract or re-create intimate relationships that are more passionate and fulfilling. And as a result, as a coach, not only will you help your clients do the same, but you will also become more empathetic and more understanding in a way that virtually eliminates judgments.

Price: $39 Members; $44 Non-members; $19 Virtual Attendees

* Price includes buffet dinner; Register Early - Limited Seating Available.

To Register: http://www.njcoaches.org/

Photo: Gayle Gruenberg, Let's Get Organized, and Verena at NJAWBO meeting.

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Legacy Odyssey Complimentary Mini-Treks with Master Coach and Sports Trainer

April 21 (Thursday) Sunset Trek (5-8 pm)

April 22 (Friday) Sunrise Trek (6-9 am)

April 22 (Friday) Coaches Only Trek (12-3 pm)

April 23 (Saturday) Midday Trek (2-5 pm)

Trek with Legacy Odyssey's Certified Sports Trainer, Cyril Dufour, and Edmond Antoine, Founder of the Legacy Odyssey Trek and Master Certified Coach. Donations raised from a major trek to Nepal will be sent to sponsor a child at the Durga Educational Society for Help (DESH), Nepal.

RSVP by April 15th: office@teamglobalnetwork.com with name/how many in your party/Trek date choice/contact information. Information: Team Global Network

Photo: Mother and Daughter

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New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner's (NJAWBO) Bergen Chapter Dinner Meeting

April 27, 2011 (Wednesday): 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: IKEA, Restaurant on the Second Level, 100 IKEA Dr., Paramus, NJ 07652; 201-843-1881

Members:$35; Non-members: $40 (If paid by March 11) or $45.00 at the door.

For reservations: call the NJAWBO Bergen Chapter Hotline at (201) 444-8773, ext. 3 or email Diane McGuire at dinner@njawbobergen.org.

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Animal of the Month

Dove

KEYNOTE: Feminine Energies of Peace

CYCLE OF POWER: Dawn & Dusk

The dove has a tremendous wealth of lore and legend surrounding it. Most of it centers around all of the traditional feminine and mother symbols. In the Greek tradition, Aphrodite was born from an egg brooded by a dove. The Oracles of Dodona which Alexander sought were founded by a dove. To the
Slavs, the soul would become a dove at death.

To the alchemist, it was a symbol of sublimation. To the Christians, it is a symbol of peace, while to the early pagans it was a symbol for the yoni or female sexual organs. It has been associated with female sexuality through such goddesses as Astarte and Isis. Because of its association with many goddesses, it was considered the embodiment of the maternal instinct. "The name dove has been given to oracles and prophets...The prophet sent to Ninevah as God's messenger was called Jonah or the Dove..." (from the teachings of All Ages, by Manly Hall).

To the Pueblo Indians it was also honored. Its feathers were often worn and used in prayer sticks. The mournful song of the dove was considered an invocation to water and an indication to men where water could be found. (Again we have the ancient symbol for the maternal in the connection to water.) Its song would signify waterholes or springs to which the dove must return at dusk to drink.

The song of the dove speaks to all who hear it. Its mournful tones stir the emotions, the internal waters. During the summers, as a child, I loved being up before others had arisen. I remember stepping out the front door, the morning
sun soft, and from the woods surrounding the house would come the sweet-sad song of the mourning dove. It always
seemed to stir a sense of promise.

The dove is also a ground feeder, reflective of keeping contact
with Mother Earth and the creative possibilities of the feminine energies on earth. Its diet is mostly seeds, but it will eat stones that accumulate in the gizzard to help with digestion. Those with a dove as a totem will find it beneficial
that they eat bulk to aid their own digestive and creative processes.

The dove's song is its most distinctive characteristic. The
voice of the dove is the rain song. Our of its mourning, it invokes new waters of life. Its song should remind us that no matter
what our life conditions, new water and new life are still possible. The Earth is a female planet, and this should remind us that creation and new birth is available to all of us upon it. The mourning dove helps us to remember that.

Although its song is heard throughout the day, it seems more distinct at dawn and dusk. These are the "Between Times" - a time in which there is a thinning of the veils between the physical and the spiritual, the past and the future. The dove can help you to use these times to see the creation process active within your own life.
The song of this totem tells you to mourn what has passed, but awaken to the promise of the future. It is a bird of prophecy and can help you to see what you can give birth to in your life.

Source: Ted Andrews' Animal-Speak

Photo: A pair of doves on the roof, visible from Verena's kitchen window, Hackensack, NJ.

Photo Gallery

For additional photos, check out Vibrant Visions International's website!

Latest photos viewable via the "2011 03-04 Photos" folder.

Contact Info:

Verena Visser Aibel, Founder, Visionary, Shaman, XPR Advisor, Integrity Coach
Vibrant Visions International LLC, a Global Coaching and Consulting Enterprise

Email: Verena@VibrantCoach.com * phone: 201-487-6910 * mobile: 551-486-7365
Website: www.VibrantCoach.com

Vibrant Visions International's mission is to emPOwer Leaders and Visionaries to receive, develop and maintain the state of mind where ALL things are possible.