Thought of the Week – “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway!!”

“It doesn’t matter how long we may have been stuck in a sense of our limitations. If we go into a darkened room and turn on the light, it doesn’t matter if the room has been dark for a day, a week, or ten thousand years – we turn on the light and it’s illuminated. Once we fulfill our capacity for love and happiness, the light has been turned on.”

– Sharon Salzberg

WOW – what another mega weekend; social, fun, music, dance and a touch of romance – nothing serious – no need for bridesmaids frocks just yet 😉 However, it was epic for little old Melbourne with a some flirtatious points that gave me hope in a few ways.

The last few weeks I’ve felt a little stuck – unable to move forward for a few reasons,  including the pain of possible rejection, which was at the top of the emotional heap.  So, I’ve remained still – unable to muster up the courage to take a chance and a felt a little muddled. It’s amazing what a mega weekend with a few lovely surprises will do – including shaking me a little out of my comfort zone to help feel amazing outside it’s perimeters.

So, this week as I embark on a new international adventure with new possibles (who knows whats at the other end?),I feel the need to turn on the metaphorical light in my life and illuminate everything around me. Actually stop for a moment, open my eyes and look around. So much amazing is already there – I just need to focus on my abundance of love and opportunity then grab hold – the ride’s going to be mega, come along!!!!

I hope your week ROCKS!!!!

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOXOXOX

Friday Frock Up: Lights, Camera – DRAMA! Eli Saab Ready-to-Wear Winter 2013

Lebanese born – Uber chic designer Eli Saab is no stranger to creating maximum drama with his eye popping, red carpet ready, mega star couture – and last week in Paris, his  2013 Fall/Winter Ready-To-Wear runway didn’t disappoint. However, just like sharks, if designers don’t keep moving, they die. Saab has continued to evolve his fashion house especially with this collection by effortlessly combining day wear “Workin’ Gal” office chic with “After Five” cocktail dressing while strutting into “Red Carpet” FAB in his signature killer heels and figure hugging silhouettes.

Black features prominently this season – perfect for the “Melbourne Uniform” dressing this winter, however he’s beautifully showcased slashes of block primary color this season including lemon, grape, navy and teal. Oh, and off course, an overload of embroidery, rhinestone/sequence detail, floral embellishment and flowing chiffon for that extra drama – a mobile wind machine will be required to close out the look 😉

Saab has once again created a fashion sensation with stunning form hugging fashion that creates a long line and celebrates the female form. What ever the occasion, this Winter dressing in Melbourne will need to include Eli Saab investment pieces in very gal’s wardrobe for that extra pop and dazzle!!!

Have a FAB weekend my lovelies and remember – “When the going get’s tough, the tough STRUT – In Killer Heels!!!!

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

XOXOXO Peter P

Openly Gay Footballer Seeks Team – Hello Gorgeous!

Openly Gay Kicker Alan Gendreau Going Out For The NFL

The NFL may be getting an openly gay player this season if Alan Gendreau, a former college kicker (Above  – SWOON!!) at Middle Tennessee State University, gets his way. And while Gendreau has no shot (NFL insiders have stated of record) of being called tomorrow during the NFL Draft, there is a good chance he could score an invite to a team’s training camp over the next few months and land a spot on their roster, making him the first openly gay active NFL player. WOW!!! New Zealand legalized same sex marriage last week, France followed suit today and now an openly gay NFL player in the USA – falling behind much Australia???????? I wonder what the reaction would be if we had an openly gay AFL or NRL player here in Australia??? I know I may finally be interested in football 🙂

Gendreau spoke with “Out Sports” about all this in a story published today. He had a stellar college career, and was the all-time leading scorer in Sun Belt Conference history with 295 points, and seemed destined for the NFL. After a less than great senior season however, Gendreau’s priorities started to change.

“I didn’t have an agent, and I didn’t know how to get one,” he told the site. “I felt stuck. I didn’t know what to do. I’d been competing since I was 3, and I started telling myself I needed a break from competition anyway.”

This is no longer the case, and after a year away Gendreau is trying to make his NFL dreams happen. And there are quite a few players who think Gendreau has a good shot at playing in the league.

“It’s totally legit that he can get into the league,” said Vikings punter and LGBT ally Chris Kluwe. “Place kicking is all about doing this one specific skill set. And if you can do that, you can make it whether you’ve been out of football for one year or 10 years.”

It’s no secret that sports and I have absolutely no respect for each other – actually, I’d go as far as saying we’re like putting too large cats in the same cage – fur will fly. However, with the world around me embracing same sex attracted peeps by legalizing marriage and now with an openly gay footballer pursuing his dream taking on the habitually “dude” based bastion of sport – maybe I need to look at sport in a different way too?

I hope Alan Gendreau achieves his dream,  gay or straight – either way, he has a dream and a drive – and that’s just hands down inspirational. Oh, by the way – why are we falling so far behind in so many equality spheres here in Australia?? Just sayin’!!!

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOXOX

Thought of the Week – “Opportunity + Inspiration = FABOO”

My week @ TRFM Traralgon is over and I’m nicely implanted back in my life here in Melbourne once again.

Last week didn’t only push me out of my comfort zone on so many levels, it shook, dragged and sashayed me out of it into creative self expression, inspiration and achievement that I haven’t experienced in years.

After so much learning, a little self actualization and enjoyment – it’s now time to reflect on my next steps. Do I pursue a career in radio?? Do I pursue new clients in my current business? Do I stay in Melbourne for my Dad?? Do I go back to LA and create a new business there??? So many questions and very few answers at this point. All I do know is that I’m proud of my work @ TRFM and this path represents another choice in the journey that is the “Peter P Come Back Tour 2013”. I think the last week was a combination of opportunity plus inspiration resulting in a fulfilling outcome.It’s nice to know that I’m back in the game enough that I can once again recognize opportunities and grab them. That part of me was gone for a while. Welcome back instinct and emotional connection – I missed you!!!

So, this week is not only about reflection, but also about unearthing the next exciting opportunities and looking forward. However, as I look at this new time in my life – I feel comforted to have choices once again, including great love from my amazing dad and friends, achievement, excitement and a touch of glamor. Bring on the next phase – what ever wonder and FABOO-ness it may present. Bring it – I’m ready, and with all the right outfits!! 😉

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

XOXOXO Peter P

 

 

My Week in the Country – Wednesday 17 April 2013

Day 3: TRFM – Traralgon, Victoria: Australia

Crossfade, Save to Log, TR Sweep, Spot Block, End Block, Play Rotation, Intro/Outro, Segue, Time Up Jingle, Air Check and OB – just a few new terms that made up my very busy and intense third day @ TRFM.

Day three was all about taking the learning from yesterday and overlaying it as part of the Mid Dawn show I’m working on this week. However, my big challenge for today was taking very bland CSA’s (Community Service Announcements) and making them conversational with a personalized emotional hook that sounds authentic and believable. Some of the CSA’s I had to work with included promos for “Bogan Bingo”, the “Bachelors and Spinsters Ball”, “Oz Kick” and the “Local Library Book Sale”. My spot’s needed to include the back and forward announcing of music and create a “story based” promo for each CSA with an emotional hook that people could relate to. WOW – this new inclusion into my spots made for a very tough day – especially with Bogan Bingo!!  However, I took the challenge and ran with it.

Once again – the program director completed an “Air Check” of my 20 X 30 sec spots for the Mid Dawn show and provided me with comprehensive and mainly positive feedback.

The other thing that stood out for me today was how much I’m enjoying the music I’m listening to while producing each of my spots for the program. So, my top three music picks from this weeks experience include:

 

 

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOXOXO

My Week in the Country – Tuesday 16 April 2013

Day 2: TRFM – Traralgon, Victoria: Australia

Forward Announce, Back Announce, Pre-Record, Mid Dawn, Emotional Hook, Liner, Voice Track, Segway, Next-Gen and it goes on. All of these new terms and skills formed the major part of day two @ TRFM. My brain is fried!!!!

Day two was all about stretching my “On Air” performance skills for the Mid Dawn (Midnight – 5am) music show. All the learning from the Melbourne Radio School was put to the test today prerecording the show (which is how one does the Pre –Dawn Show in the Biz) where I had the opportunity to speak 4 times per hour – with only a maximum of 30 seconds to speak during each spot. SO, I had to reduce my words, get to the point and create an emotional hook for topics I had no interest in (i.e. football!!) Are you kidding me!!!! It’s no secret that I love to talk and using as many words as possible to deliver a message is my one discernible skill!!!  It took me a few takes (maybe 15), but I nailed it and my first show was in the can by 4pm.

The magic of radio is created using the amazing Next Gen system – super intelligent software that controls the whole radio process. It’s like an electronic “Big Brother” that see’s, hears and does everything magically – transforming a multitude of moving parts into a cohesive, professional end product we hear on the airwaves. AMZING!!!  It took me a staggering 4 hours to produce 20 X 30 second spots for my show. I had the opportunity to creatively present a variety of information from sponsor based content, to pop culture sound bites – from introducing music to footy based details on for stations web site – it was a comfort zone stretching experience. I was then systematically critiqued by the stations program manager with direct, sometimes gut wrenching feedback as we both listened to my spots – one by one!!! It’s hard enough listening to oneself in digital format  – ad a seasoned professional to the equation and all one can do is cringe!!! The feedback gave me loads to work with for tomorrows show.

So, another mega day – loads of learning and content for a job well done. Bring on day three!!

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOXOX

My Week in the Country – Monday 15 April 2013

Day 1: TRFM – Traralgon, Victoria: Australia

What a day – from LAX to Traralgon in a matter of a four short weeks! From a Qantas A380 Business Class international flight with exclusive lounge access and unlimited Bellini’s to a Vic-Rail train trip through country Victoria including a gaggle of fascinating commuters and no beverage service. From a luxurious Uber chic Malibu beach house to the Comfort Inn Motel in Traralgon. From red carpet Oscars chic to livestock wading in a muddy creek. My current new life experiences continue to intrigue, surprise and push me out of my comfort zone – constantly!

My first day here has been full of contrasts – some unexpected delights, a few confirmations of long held perceptions and loads of fun.  What struck me the most was meeting a vast array of colorful characters in a small country town that represented a common thread in human behavior – no matter where I visit, from California to Cranbourne, people want to make a real connection. They want to belong and feel understood. So many people today where not only generous of time and effort – but of themselves; sharing their hopes and dreams while communicating with a level of sincerity that took me by surprise.

I had the opportunity to flex a few new radio skills today and had a blast – but also had the chance to reflect upon my next moves as part of the Peter P “Come Back”.  The danger of late is that I keep snapping back and yearning for success once achieved but long gone. However, my world has changed and so have I for that matter. I need to refocus my efforts and stop doing the same things and expecting different outcomes – the true definition of madness.

An amazing first day (all be it a little exhausting).

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOX

Thought of the Week “New Beginings”

“I’ve talked to nearly 30,000 people in 25 years, and all 30,000 individuals had one thing in common – they all wanted validation. … They want to know – “Do you hear me? Do you see me? Does what I say mean anything to you?”

– Oprah

This week I embark on another new adventure – an “On Air” internship with a regional radio station in a little place called Traralgon, Victoria – Australia. It’s certainly a far cry and a very long way from the Glam, Glitz and Red Carpet shenanigans of my LA trip earlier this year. However, this journey to a very different place (on so many levels) closes the loop on an adventure that I was inspired to take by a few amazing peeps in my life just over 12 months ago.

It’s no secret that my life went though some monumental changes in late 2011 – presenting me with an unrecognizable world in 2012 that came with immense personal pain, constant change, the difficult deconstruction of a past life and destroyed self esteem. I had never been though so much in my life in such a concentrated period – and I really didn’t know if I would come though the other side. Well, I have – however, much has changed. Nothing looks the same, tastes the same or even feels the same. So much that made me happy in the past no longer even exists, let alone warrants any form of priority now. During this time, I was blessed with unconditional love, constant support and an abundance of generosity. From these amazing sources of deep empathy and understanding came inspiration and creativity. In an effort to keep me moving though my intense pain – a few of my dear loved ones encouraged me to participate in Community Radio and participate on a variety of levels. This may have been a charitable gesture to keep me moving – but I fell in love with Radio. In November 2012, I attended the Melbourne Radio School with a friend and learned all about Radio, from production to “On Air” presentation – and everything in between. It was an intense 10 week course and loved every minute of it!!!

This week represents a “Full Circle” moment – as I embark on the one week internship in the country to finalize the course and see if my passion for the medium continues in a commercial radio environment.  Will I like it??? Is it for me?? Who knows – but I intend on uncovering the answers this week.

At a time when I needed to be heard the most – I was so completely understood that the great loves of my life helped me see a new inspiration that I had never considered. Nothing was the same – that comfort had gone – died. But with encouragement and a little nudging – I found a new path. One that I continue to explore this week.

This week, I’ll keep you posted with the daily happenings at Gold 1242 in Traralgon via my blog and please feel free to share this with anyone you may know that is a little lost and may need some inspiration.

Make sure you hear your loved ones this week – they need you to feel them, be heard and be seen. We only have each other – cherish that.

 I dedicate this week to all my peeps that have heard, seen and loved me – you all ROCK!!!

“Never Dull Your Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOXOXOX

The Braxtons are planning a talk show!

In news that might upset rumored talk show host and Kardashians’ matriarch, Kris Jenner, Toni Braxton and her sisters from Braxton Family Values are in negotiations to host a daytime talk show! YAY – I love these chic’s – they are far more entertaining than the Kardashians and I’d definitely watch their talk show!!

According to a source at WE ( the network in the US that produces Braxton Family Values) “Toni, Traci, Towanda and Trina are all in LA right now, pitching a talk show. Think ‘The View’ but with a lot of sass! There will be the Braxton sisters’ version of “Hot Topics” called “Spill the T” plus gossip, relationships, fashion, makeover segments and celebrity guests. They even have their mum doing an “Ask Mommy” advice segment. I can’t wait.

The Braxtons already have an incredibly popular show, so they definitely have a market that’s interested in what they have to say. The Braxtons also have the unique advantage of having family history and a camaraderie with one another that’s more than 30 years in the making, unlike the ladies on “The View” or “The Talk”.

The Braxtons have even managed to secure Rob Dauber who worked on Oprah, The Wendy Williams Show, and The Rosie Show to be their executive producer. The only thing that seems a little amiss about the Braxtons’ good news is that their sister Tamar Braxton seems to not be involved with the potential talk show. Tamar Braxton recently picked up her own spin-off starring her and her husband Vince, so maybe she’s too busy to film a talk show? Looking forward to all the Sass and drama 🙂

 

 

“Never Dull Your Sparkle”

– Peter P XOXOXO

Thought of the Week – “In Search of Happiness”

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we don’t see the one that has been opened for us.”

– Helen Keller

I’m blessed to have a diverse and large amount of amazing people in my life. I love the many dimensions, outstanding experiences and love they all bring to my world. With this magical diversity and shear number of peeps also comes a myriad of challenges that each person around me will face – and sometimes there seems to be a large number of issues presenting all at the same time. Of late, my loved ones are experiencing a combination of  relationship breakdowns (been there done that), the loss of a loved one through disease ( been there, done that and got the ill fitting t-shirt) and finally career/work woes.

So many people have been there for me at my darkest moments of loss and pain and I feel this is my time to support my great loves. However, I’m not too sure what to say when asked “What should I do?”, “Should I walk away from my job/relationship?” or “Why am I repeating the same mistakes?” I have an ocean of love and support to give to my dear ones – but don’t have any answers. It’s frustrating when all you want to do is help and take the pain away.

I may not have any answers when presented with “Big Ticket Item” questions – but what I can say is try and re-frame to focus on all the possibilities for happiness in your life – however small they may be to begin with. My dad inspired me last week with his love for cake – he has lost so much and endured so much change. However, a coffee and cake catch up with his loved ones makes him radiate from the inside out. My dad chooses to be of the moment and enjoy. Happiness has a way of working like a snowball. Happiness begets happiness – like is attracted to like. Life continues – no matter what is presented in front of us. It’s our choice how we live it.

May your week have happiness overflowing and smiles all around.

“Never Dully Your Sparkle”

– XOXO Peter P