Uncategorized | Kaira Rouda

5 03, 2013

Real You: The power of patience

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:11+00:00March 5, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The power of patience

I've joined a meditation class. I was reluctant initially because I didn't understand that there is an entire methodology behind the practice of meditation. It's not about chanting, or some other "out there" sort of new age thing, as my youngest assumes. (He'll learn.) It's the art of opening and emptying your mind and being still. It's a place inside yourself free of judgment and full of love, devoid of technology and abounding in possibilities. It's a hard place to find, but it's wonderful to learn. To practice. And to practice patience. Oh, and it was good timing when I started the meditation class. My third novel is on submission with my agent and the waiting, this next step of waiting in the publishing process, is enough to drive anybody crazy. (Breathe.) My son is waiting to hear from colleges to discover where he'll [...]

23 01, 2013

Real You: So about those New Year resolutions . . .

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:12+00:00January 23, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: So about those New Year resolutions . . .

I used to make a resolution, or several, each year New Year. I know many of you do, too. Unfortunately, this is about the time, the end of January, when those resolutions go bust. My theory. Don't make them and then you can't break them. Don't get me wrong. I'm all about goal setting, and I'm really trying to up my cardio exercise intake this year even with my compete disdain of any type of sweat. But it's not a New Year's resolution. Nope. It's a fitness commitment. Oh, and I've joined a meditation group, too, but that's just something I've wanted to try. Ok, well, maybe there is a link between the new year and trying some new things. I just prefer to give myself the gift of less pressure than a failed resolution. I'm going to try new things this year. Some I'll stick [...]

22 12, 2012

Real You: 10 ways to give to great causes from your heart

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:18+00:00December 22, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: 10 ways to give to great causes from your heart

Please welcome my guest, author Jill Williamson. Jill has a wonderful take on the some of the most wonderful ways to give gifts this Christmas! Oh, and she's putting her words where her heart is - read on! Welcome Jill: People spend more and give more in the month of December than in any other month. I love seeing how generous people are at this time of year. But there is so much need in the world. Do you ever feel like there’s just no way to give enough? And if money is tight, how can you afford to give to charities when you’re concerned with paying your bills and putting food on the table? Fret no more! Here are ten ways to give to great causes that are close to your heart and on the other side of the world. And if you have [...]

11 12, 2012

Naughty or Nice Holiday Giveaway! Winner Announced!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-06T23:51:42+00:00December 11, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Naughty or Nice Holiday Giveaway! Winner Announced!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! And to celebrate, we've asked two of our favorite leading ladies - Kelly from HERE, HOME, HOPE - and Ellen from ALL THE DIFFERENCE - to select prizes they'd love to receive. Ellen, representing the devious women of Grandville, selected some Naughty gifts - Arsenic perfume, a Black Swan Ornament, a Journal to write about her secret lives, a Swarm of Bees candle and more. Kelly, representing the happier women of Grandville, selected an assortment of Nice presents for you including Rosewater perfume, a handblown White swan ornament, a journal to record your good deeds, a pure white soy candle and more. To enter, leave a comment or enter via Rafflecopter here or on my Facebook Author Page! UPDATE: WINNER ANNOUNCED! Emerald Barnes is the winner of the Naughty & Nice Giveaway! Thank you to all of you who entered! More exciting giveaways and events are coming - as [...]

21 11, 2012

Real You: So much to be thankful for, especially you!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:04:53+00:00November 21, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: So much to be thankful for, especially you!

It's that time of year, when we all reflect on our blessings. As an author, finally putting my passion into action and having the career of my dreams, I am sure of one thing - your support makes all the difference. With each book or short story, I've been thrilled by the response from long-time friends, and new friends alike. I'm so grateful my novels have resonated with you, and that you are looking forward to the next. Who could ask for anything more? But there is more. Always. My family. A week ago, my daughter's college house burned down. She lived there with 8 other girls, and thankfully, none of them were home when the fire started. It moved quickly and the damage was enormous. She lost everything - possessions, clothes, computer, photos - but she is safe. And really, that's what matters as [...]

1 09, 2012

Real You: Transitions

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:05:14+00:00September 1, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Transitions

Labor Day weekend is such a bitter-sweet time, at least for me. I find myself lamenting the upcoming structures of fall and winter. With the kids' school and sports and activities schedule back in full swing in less than a week, those sweet sleep-in days of summer will be just a memory.But, with every seasonal transition comes that time for growth and renewal. It's also a great time for me to recommit to projects I've pushed aside and to reconnect with friends. It's also - ironically - when my book tour begins for my latest novel, ALL THE DIFFERENCE. And that is exciting! I'll post the tour soon, but here I come Columbus (September 20th), Cincinnati (September 21st) and Laguna Beach (September 30th). Transitions are tough sometimes. Make sure you have things to look forward to - like a book tour, or a new project. [...]

1 08, 2012

Real You: The power of outside approval

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:05:19+00:00August 1, 2012|authenticity, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The power of outside approval

It's funny. Whenever I talk to groups about empowerment or personal branding, writing or publishing, I focus on the basic fact that belief in yourself is the key ingredient of success. The ability to know your REAL YOU, to define it - and what you're conveying to others - authentically - is crucial whether you are selling yourself, widgets, books or teaching your kids an important life lesson. Too often we find ourselves caught up in what other's think - waiting for a five-star review, a pat on the back, a promotion. But really, that waiting and hoping for outside approval moves us far away from our purpose and dangerously close to the snark infested waters I write about in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. Relying on outside approval turns your power over to others - and often, unfortunately, those others are snarks who's jealousy or [...]

10 07, 2012

Real You: Passages

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:05:27+00:00July 10, 2012|family members, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Passages

My father-in-law, Harley E. Rouda Sr., died last Thursday. He lived a great life, accomplished so much, raised four kids, started a business that still survives today and, he loved to laugh. What's more, he was a trailblazer who welcomed women into management positions in the real estate industry long before most others. My husband and his dad were incredibly close - a type of bond you hope for between a father and son, a kid and a parent. But you know what else? He also was incredibly close to my children. He was a great grandfather to our four kids. Present, loving, giving, teasing, laughing. He was there and they knew it. Unfortunately, my children were too young to remember their great grandparents before they died. So this, their beloved grandpa was the first person they loved who passed away. First funeral. First memorial service. [...]

1 06, 2012

Real You: Great summer reads!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:05:39+00:00June 1, 2012|authors, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Great summer reads!

I just love it when authors work together to support each other and that's the case with a new Facebook women's fiction writers group I'm involved with! The women are all amazing - and amazing story tellers. So, if you're looking for a great read this summer, consider one of these! You won't be disappointed! Available NOW: Lisa Wingate's BLUE MOON BAY Kaira Rouda's ALL THE DIFFERENCE (yes, that's by me) Heather Barbieri's THE COTTAGE AT GLASS BEACH Camille Noe Pagán's THE ART OF FORGETTING (paperback) Coming Soon! Claire Cook's WALLFLOWER IN BLOOM Mia March's THE MERYL STREEP MOVIE CLUB Amy Hatvany's THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS (w/sneak peek of HEART LIKE MINE) Margaret Dilloway's THE CARE AND HANDLING OF ROSES WITH THORNS Laurie Frankel GOODBYE FOR NOW Sarah McCoy's THE BAKER'S DAUGHTER (paperback) Marisa de los Santos's FALLING TOGETHER (paperback) You really cannot go wrong [...]

11 05, 2012

Real You: My mom

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:06:02+00:00May 11, 2012|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: My mom

It's not like the only time I think of my mom is on Mother's Day. I'm lucky, I think, because we talk at least every other day on the telephone. I hope you have a great relationship with your mom. It's a blessing, I know, because I also know so many people who don't, or can't. If you want to know more about my mom, here's how I would describe her: My mom has a smile that lights up a room. She is able, with a single grin, to make babies stop crying (it’s true), disarm a grumpy teenager, comfort a friend who is feeling down and – this isn’t proven – but I think her smile is what fuels her green thumb. You should see her garden. Growing up, I watched her smile in action and reflected in its comfort and glow. Today, because of my mom, I [...]