21 Days 21 Pages

21 days ago, I started posting my art story book, Forever Dragon, one page per day on the blog. I am here to report that I have managed to keep this up, and have every intention to continue till the story is completed.

Thank you for those who patiently waited all these years. Thank you for those who check in.

Yes, I can get in the zone even one page at a time. Same goes to your novel, phD dessitation, research and big dreams.

What could you do one per day that is meaningful for yourself and others?

The Book "Forever Dragon" by Amy Lee Segami is an artistic interpretation of a story, based on both legendary and historical facts. It is being released one page per day. All art works inside the book are reproduced from the original paintings by Amy Lee Segami. See first day announcement

 

here.

To start from page 1, read about the genesis of the story, click here.

Post Note: Swim Across America-Baltimore

The Art of Being Supportive.

My friend, David completed his Swim Across America challenge this morning, see email forward below. I am proud of you, David. Since I could not be in Baltimore to swim, David and others, represent those of us who wish to lend support.

Being part of the champaign to raise $400,000 makes me feel like I was in the water, part of the ocean. Given that about 70 percent of our planet is covered by ocean, I use ocean as metaphore often.

What could you do to-day to be part of the ocean of support, metaphorically speaking?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Lunken
Date: Sun, Sep 19, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Subject: THANK YOU! re:Swim Across America-Baltimore
To: Amy Basic

Dear Amy Thank you for your generous support. I completed the 3-mile swim in just over 1:32. It was a beautiful sunny day, the water was fantastic and I felt very lucky to be a part of this inaugural event. I want you to know that every dollar raised will go directly to the Kimmel Cancer Center - over $400,000! Pretty darn amazing! Thank you for supporting me - I am honored. Sincerely, David Lunken Thank you for your support! Click here to visit my Web page Swim Across America, Inc., [SAA] is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service.   www.swimacrossamerica.org   © 2010 Swim Across America · Privacy Policy · Opt-Out

A Feast For the Mind: Moon Banquet

I have been posting a few moon pieces on my artist site, for the book, Forever Dragon.

With the Moon Festival one week from today, I am inspired to do a cultural learning workshop/Network event. Below is the description. Hope you can join me.

Registration will be closed on Sat, Sept 18 at noon. Click here to reserve your space now.

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A Feast For the Mind

A 10-course 

Chinese Banquet to Celebrate the Full Moon Festival, Learn Chinese culture, phrases and Network with others who have similar interest in Chinese.

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Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is on Sept 22, 2010, i.e. The 15th of the eight month in the lunar calendar. Sometimes refer to as the Moon Festival.

According to the accumulative observation from the past 5,000 years, on that day, the moon will be at her fullest and brightest of the entire year, aka Harvest Moon.

Although you can find tons of information on the internet, none will give you the insights that I can offer. No where else can you get the same Segami interpretation, from both Chinese and American view point.

Going to China?

Doing Business with China?

In contact with someone from China?

• Learn more about the most colorful festival of all: blending the legend and fairy tales with historical facts.

• Enjoy a sumptuous banquet with a quick course on the etiquette of attending a Chinese banquet.

• An "Once In A Blue Moon" occasion because yours truly will be in Chicago.

• It's reunion time with some of you. It's retouch time for the new acquittance. And it is also open to the general public to connect others with similar interest.

• To top the special occasion, I am prepared to do a demonstration of the Painting On Water™ for the early arrival, at 4:38 pm. http://PaintingOnWater.posterous.com/

• Find out what is the relationship between this festival and the book, Forever Dragon. It's being released one page per day, http://segami.posterous.com/

Bring your family (8 years old+) and colleagues to attend this fun and informative event. Your knowledge of the Chinese culture and etiquette will be rounded by the end of the evening.

Dinner will be served at 5:02pm. 

Public parking is available on the same side of the street, just a block up north.

See you in the moon light.

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The Art of Being is about learning. Are you ready to learn more about the Chinese culture?

Registration will be closed on Sat, Sept 18 at noon. Click here to reserve your space now.

Image Title: Once In The Blue Moon, by Amy Lee Segami

Sign up for Speaker University - The Art of Being a Speaker

Download now or preview on posterous

NSA-IL SpeakerU.pdf (163 KB)

As a visual artist and a mechanical engineer, I was never trained to be a speaker. If I have something to say, I would express in paintings. And I would express in equations and formula.

Then I discover the art of speaking. The art of being able to share with others, in more ways than one.

Thanks to National Speakers Association, NSA. I found an abundance of information about the speaking business many years ago. Of course, there are tons of information out there on the web. Choosing the proper source could be daunting.

The Illinois Chapter of NSA has done a great job in keeping the big secret in the speaking industry. Now, for the first time, they are really letting the word out.

Below is a direct copy form the letter sent out by Sue Black, the Executive Director. You would miss it if you are not a current member. You would miss it if you have not open up Sue's email in the past because it might had gone into the spam folder or low at the bottom of your e-pile.

This just might be what you have been waiting for. The firs class begins on Tuesday, Sept 14. Sign up now. You will get a detail syllabus.

Sue Black, Executive Director
sueblack@nsa-il.org  
630-208-0776 
www.nsa-il.org

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Attn.
Professional Speakers, Entrepreneurs, Coaches, Meeting Planners and Business Professionals  


Give The Experts of NSA-Illinois just 3 hours a month and we’ll give you the Insights, Strategies and Tactics you need to build a successful speaking business...

...Even if you’re starting from scratch......

Announcing
The National Speakers Association-Illinois
"Speaker University"

 
Dear Business Professional,

Whether you are a beginning speaker, moderately busy speaker or Business Professional who would like to take your career to that next level, Speaker University is for you. In our nine month training you will be provided with the best “How to information”  on how to take your career to a new level of excellence through speaking and the nuts & bolts for building a successful speaking business. 
    
Listed below are some of the many learning benefits of our program:

1. How to find speaking opportunities locally and internationally.
2. Selecting & developing meaningful topics within your chosen area of 
     expertise.
3. How to find out what topics are hot through offline & online research.
4. How to develop an effective & unique communication style.
5. Mastering the art and craft of presenting and performing.
6. Understanding how to set the stage for your presentation.
7. How to develop productive marketing strategies for sales success.
8. How to design brochures/promotional materials that get noticed by buyers.
9. How to develop a brand image that is memorable.
10. How to find leads and develop productive sales & marketing contacts.

And Much More…..
And that’s only a taste of what you will learn….

So what is “Speaker University”?

Speaker University is a program of the Illinois chapter of the National Speakers Association, designed to get you started in the speaking business or take your current business to the next level. The curriculum is designed around the National Speakers Association's four competencies of Expertise, Enterprise, Eloquence and Ethics.

This program consists of nine monthly forums led by some of the best talent the speaking industry has to offer and personal support by assigned mentors. Our program has been designed into action-sized portions so even the busiest business professional who wants to speak can get actual results and build their speaking business quickly.   

Let Speaker University…
“Give you that Competitive Edge… ”

It’s no secret that the economy has made doing business tough. However, there are those business professionals with specialized knowledge and training who are finding ways to not only survive but dominate their marketplace. We at Speaker University have taken the time to understand the speaking secrets behind their success and in our nine month training program we will share with you what they did and what you need to do to gain that same competitive edge.  
Who Should Participate?

This program is designed for:
•    New speakers who want to accelerate their careers.
•    Moderately busy speaker who want to sharpen their skills.
•    Business Professionals who want to speak to promote their businesses.

What’s The Next Step?
If you are truly interested in becoming a professional speaker or in learning how speaking can help grow your current career or business, please speak with our Executive Director Sue Black.

Sue Black
sueblack@nsa-il.org  
630-208-0776 
www.nsa-il.org

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to take your career or Business to the next level…

= = =

P.S. The pdf file has the identical information as this blog. You may download to your desktop and forward to your colleagues.

ABZee Tips: Sign up with a colleague, partner or friend. You have a build-in support system. On the other hand, there are lots of opportunities to build new alliance.

The Art of Being a Speaker is to know how.

Are you ready to learn the tools and techniques of being a speaker?

9 Year After 911

9 years ago this day changed many lives.

9 years ago this day, like many others, I was changed.

I felt the need to be more useful. To make a contribution to mankind. What was I doing being an artist, creating the art that most people said it could not be done? And I was enjoying it all alone. I did not want to be alone any more.

Later on, I turned the PaintingOnWater™ into the speaking business, Making the Impossible Possible. In stead of just talking about the concept, I was able to demonstrate, with show and tell. Now, I take it another step further. I have the audience experience it, do it and sense it themselves, with the message for the Art of Being. I am not alone any more.

9 years ago this day, I was alone at the condo and felt an eerie dead silence. All phone lines were jammed. Skype and Google Voice were not available yet, back then. Let alone any form of social media connection. Unable to reach my parents in Hong Kong, I went down to talk to my doorman, Ken. Someone I can see eye to eye, through my tears. I was glad that he was there. I was not alone any more.

Just called Ken to thank him for being there, 9 years ago. I am going down to give him a hug now.

The Art of Being after 911.

What do you wish to change, consciously?

Post CPSI Conference Recap

Click here to read about 350+ CPSI attendees painted on water.

More Painting On Water

Painting On Water Workshop at CPSI 2010 on Thursday, June 24, 2010

Do you need more creativity confidence, or do you just want some? It is the secret ingredient to success in life. An appropriate dash of creativity spices up life. On the other hand, too much confidence spoils the relationship of you and those around you. The real test is when you face uncharted waters, chaos and uncertainties in business and personal life. Take the challenge. In this one-of-a-kind workshop developed by an engineer and award-winning artist, you will learn by doing; it's a 100% experiential experience. The basic art of Painting On Water™ - a contemporary version of the ancient Suminagashi (Sue-me-nah-gah-she) - is based on an ancient art of flowing ink on the surface of water, originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Both relaxing and energizing, this most requested creativity workshop is known to be fun and unique. Highly recommended for those who can’t draw or paint. Ideal for those who say they are not artistic. Suitable for anyone who thrives on creativity. It helps to have a curious attitude. No pre-requisites. Must be 21% open-minded. No drop-ins.

Sign up for the 3-hour workshop at CPSI 2010 website

Achieve your Goal With The Flow

Painting On Water Pre-Conference Workshop at CPSI 2010 on Sunday, June 20, 2010

FLOW is a desirable creative state. According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of "Flow," people say they are happier while they are in the flow.

How do you achieve that regularly in your busy schedule? Experience the optimal flow that all creative professionals thrive. An irresistible invitation for the muse. You will handle the uncharted waters, chaos and uncertainties in life with a new perspective. In this one-of-a-kind workshop developed by an engineer and award-wining artist, you will learn by doing, a 100% experiential experience.
The basic art of Painting On Water -- a contemporary version of the ancient Suminagashi (Sue-me-nah-gah-she) is based on an ancient art of flowing ink on the surface of water. Note the "Ahas!" transforming your personal and work applications. As a bonus, you will also gain insights into the Asian wisdom and Chinese legends. Both relaxing and energizing, this most requested creativity workshop is known to be fun and unique. It serves as an introduction as well as a review of the CPS, Creative Problem Solving model.

Sign up for the day long workshop at CPSI 2010 website

ACE Workshop

Since the public workshop was announced, here is a report on what happened.

The ACE conference was held from May 6 to 8th in Atlanta, Georgia at Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, the center for Business Innovation and Creativity. The session was scheduled first thing on Friday morning.

The room was packed with attendees from both business and education sectors. They pushed their own comfort zone. They dared to do something different and innovative. They experienced Painting On Water™ for the first time with an open mind.

When asked why they showed up, they gave the reasons ranging from being curiosity to a deep desire to enhance their innovation and problem solving skills. They laughed, learned and bonded. It sure made it worthwhile to be up early and share with such an enthusiastic group of life-time learners. To all the attendees, thanks for sharing the time together.

Here is the link for the photo album,
http://gallery.me.com/amybasic#100376


Below are a few testimonials.

Amy is creative, confident and unique. Wisdom, Warm, Safe.
- Rosemary Rein, pH. D.
GoWildGoGreat.com


Clear and brisk presentation with humor.
- Michael


Full of wisdom, humor and talent. Superb presentation! Not prescribed.
Got to do! Loved it!!
- V. King


This session is very different. I liked the way Amy linked the experience to creativity and life.
- Susan Wenger


Clear and open. Structure used when appropriate. But also allowed free flowing.
- Scott Miller


I enjoyed your humor and encouragement. You showed us how there were no mistakes and one doesn’t have to be artistic to create art. Don’t change anything! This was a great workshop!
- S. Lane


Amy is charismatic, engaging and a natural teacher. Thank you.
- Tobi Carvana-Moore


I enjoyed the Painting On Water experience. It really captives everyone’s attention and the interaction was great. “Doing” is definitely the best form of learning!
- Kurt Hartfelder


Interactive. Encouraging to every member in the group. Insightful. Imaginative. Enjoyable (hands-on) experience.
- Ronnie Hon


We learned because you let us do it!
- Anonymous


Enlightening presentation. Enabled beginner to take a chance. Creative, balanced.
- J. Witt


Nice tips on viewing paintings. Interesting oriental view points made.
- L. Lane


I liked Amy’s pace in giving us information. She peaks your curiosity and really makes you want to beg for the answers. She is funny and smart. Don’t change, Amy.
- Anonymous


Warm, Smart, Controlled
- B. Rein


Lovely presentation, Amy. You are totally present, very clear in communication, very supportive of everyone’s process.
- Anonymous


Personable. Willing to share. Excited about topic.
- Anonymous


Humor. Engaging. Eye-opening. Please do not change !!
- Laurie Beaty
Laurie Beaty Design


Jump into painting right away. Love it! Gave us time to breathe!!
- R. Brown


Loved everything! Don’t change a thing.
- K. Berry


Great reflective workshop. Very soothing and engaging. Love it!
- N. Brooks


For all the attendees, I wish we could spend more time together. For those who could not make it, I wish to see you at some other cites, one of these days.
Amy@PaintingOnWater.com

Have You Done Anything Different, Yet?

Here is an opportunity to participate in a Basic Painting On Water™ Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia in May, just before the Mother's Day weekend.

May 6 - 8, 2010 Atlanta Creativity Exchange Conference

Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA.

Building Value through Innovation in Business/Work, Education & Life

To think differently, do something different. Take time to play while facing uncharted waters, chaos and uncertainties in life. Paint on water for a change.

Developed by an engineer and artist, this one-of-a-kind experience is 100% hands-on. Learn the roots of the 2,000 years-old Suminagashi (Sue-me-nah-gah-she), flowing ink, with a contemporary approach. Apply universal principles and learn new ways to shift perspective. Collaborate with nature. Experience the optimal flow that all creative professionals thrive. An irresistible invitation for the muse. Note the "Ahas!" transforming your personal and work applications. As a bonus, you also gain insights into the Asian wisdom and legends. This entertaining workshop offers you an interactive, inspirational and spiritual insights. Both relaxing and energizing, this most requested creativity workshop is known to be fun and unique. Suitable for anyone with a curious attitude. Must be 21% open-mined. No pre-requisites. No drop-ins.

Learning Objectives

1. Relax and recharge your creative juice

2. Expand your creativity experience

3. Create your own piece of Painting On Water

With high interaction and hands-on experience.

Registrar now to save your seat. Click this link for all details.

May 6 - 8, 2010 Atlanta Creativity Exchange Conference

Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA.