Loving Life Blog

Spur of the Moment Reflections

BatKid Day Forever! November 15, 2013

SFBatKid

A 5-year old’s wish to Make-A-Wish-Foundation was shared, it got some supporters who shared it – and in just a few weeks a whole city was involved to make this boy’s wish come true: to be Batkid.

This morning San Francisco’s Police Chief Greg Suhr called the boy named Miles into service help fight crime. As Batkid he rescued a woman from cable car tracks in Nob Hill and captured the Riddler in the act of robbing a downtown bank. He even rescued the San Francisco Giants mascot — Lou Seal — who was kidnapped by the Penguin.Mayor Ed Lee gave Miles the key to the city, and announced “November 15 The BatKid Day Forever”. 10,000 volunteers had registered to be involved to turn San Francisco into Gotham City – and in the end many more than that showed up.

Question to the father: “How do you think this wish come through for Miles will impact Miles and your family?”
Father: “He has been in remission since June after 3 years of fighting cancer. With this we got closure. This is a great way to kick it off”.

“The San Francisco Chronicle issued a special edition cover which devoted their entire front page to the young superhero. The headline for the lead story is “Batkid Saves City.” The author? None other than Clark Kent. The other front page stories, all about Batkid, are written by Lois Lane, Brenda Starr and Perry White.”

Even the President of the United States was involved via Twitter and Vine.

Question to you: “How do you think this wish come through for Miles will impact you and your family?”

Make a wish. Make a wish come through. A little dose of hero inspiration.

Johanna

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The Magic of Gratitude in Action November 4, 2013

OK – so I have had this book since the beginning of the year: The Magic, by Rhonda Byrne, who is one of the authors behind the Secret. “Ja, ja… the law of attraction crap – in your dreams.” One could think. Or one could give it a try.

So I got this book for Christmas, and I decided to give it a shot. It is a 28 day practice. Gratitude practice on different aspects of life. Starting with the past, with an aim to build a foundation, create closure to and set different situations in a enhanced supportive and positive light. Relationships, health, money, work…

I came to day #16 in the beginning of the year. And then I drifted away from my morning routine.

Last week I spoke at an event that had the theme “Freakout Moments” – for female entrepreneurs. One of the other speakers was Kariz Matic (The Matic), and the key take away from her story was: “Small or large events, every day – I meet them with gratitude”. The extreme situation she had experienced was (more…)

 

Today I am grateful for… October 27, 2013

I am Grateful forI saw her post the updates every day. Every day for a year. I knew that she was going through something. And she was up to something.

Although I sang with her every week, I never asked. I witnessed, I followed. I liked and supported. Got inspired.

What she did was to post every day on Facebook what she was grateful for. Publicly, for everyone to read.

Later the following year I got an invitation to TEDx Mission City 2.0 event where she would talk, that I couldn’t attend. 

Earlier this week I reached out to her and asked if there was a recording. Of course. It is a TED talk. Ideas worth sharing.  (more…)

 

I Love Vistaprint August 6, 2013


I find life amusing. Recently I have ordered killer deal printing jobs from Vistaprint. Of course they up-sale in the end of the purchasing process, and you end up buying more. Maybe. This time they offered me the car magnets that I have had the intention of getting for a very long while. I just didn’t get to getting the right help I thought I needed for the design. Well, this offer at the end of the purchase was so in-expensive, so I just used the same image for the car magnet as for the front of the business card, and hoped that the  file quality was good enough.

The print job was mailed sooner than expected, and I was very pleased with the result. It was with great enthusiasm that I displayed the “LLXLLQ – Size 10-12 Handmade Italian Shoes” on my golden Subaru. One of the first stops outside a friends house, someone past by and after reading on my car stated that “That is a very specialized niche”. That is true. Only for women with larger sizes shoes.

To my great disappointment I lost one of the car magnets on my first drive on the high-way. I think it was a bad sample, because I noticed that it felt like it came off very easily. Now, that doesn’t matter, because Vistaprint replaced it with no comments more than providing a guide sheet.

Vistaprint replaces keywords for large size shoes

That’s the background info. Yesterday I was walking around with the “I love Vistaprint” thought in my mind. I should take a photo and tweet them, sharing my love and appreciation. Thinking – I wonder if they would retweet – would that lead to more cross marketing.

Early this morning I was submitting a press release for distribution. Using the free version, there was an add in the beginning of the press release, that happened to be Vistaprint. Interesting.

Later today when I was looking at the press release report – this is what I find:

“Search Phrases – this report lists top 5 phrases that visitors used in search engines to find your release on PrLog.
1. vistaprint”

Mind you – this was a search engine optimized press release with keywords – for large size shoes. Isn’t that wonderful – I didn’t even tweet my love to vistaprint – and they have already sent me traffic. Hm. The power of thought… or the power of unconditional love. Vistaprint – the company that keeps giving.

Vistaprint – Thank you!
Johanna

Below is a preview shot by StephenGregoryPhotography.com, of the LLXLLQ shoe, named after the founder Lucia. The shoe is one of many that is installed for the Shoe Exhibition August 9-31, with opening reception 5-7pm Friday August 9. join us at that event – more info and RSVP: www.therightshoes.eventbrite.com

And yes – below is also the bespoken car magnet of LLXLLQ from Vistaprint. The car is on brand.

LLXLLQ Shoe Exhibition at Dolce Amore - Thank you Vistaprint

 

Single in San Francisco May 14, 2013

Filed under: Health,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 7:44 am
Tags: , , ,

Sandra Philips, Book of the List Party

Earlier this year I attended the event of the year hosted by San Francisco Business Times – “The Book of the List Party”.

I was there with my friend Sandra Philips, branding and PR professional, and we were after having talked with various people, the exhibiting companies and enjoyed a little bit of the delicious food, standing catching up ourselves. Up to us comes a man wanting to talk, and asks how we are doing this evening. As a response when we are returning the question he says: “It is great. I have had a lot of exciting conversations”. Later on when I hear what his profession is I can’t help but smile – given that this event was slightly male dominated, I am sure he had a lot of  “exciting conversations” – he was at the time launching a course for men learning how to come eight times in one evening.

He talks some about what he does, and then he turns the focus on us. “But I am curious – how is it for you both to be single in San Francisco?” Surprised I express “What makes you think that?” He continues: “Well, you know, it is not easy to find a great partner. You may meet someone who is considerate, successful, handsome, and tall – but can he dance?” Now I was even more surprised. I know I am easy to read (in my mind) – but THAT easy? He suddenly gained some points.

The question is: can he dance? How many of you is that important to? And what is the reason for dancing being important?

Johanna

 

Mama Mia! May 13, 2013

Filed under: Swedish-American — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:30 pm
Tags: , , , , ,

This upcoming Saturday it is time for the Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Sweden, since we won last year, with Euphoria. Growing up, that was big. The dream was to stand on that stage. The event is still big. Living in San Francisco, I have found friends who might be even more excited about it than I was before. Saturday night Pacific Time, the recorded version of the event will be replayed. And strict rules for the guests, to be disconnected during the day, not to reveal any results… That was difficult last year, having a dear excited cousin Anna, who send me a text… EUPHORIA – WE WON!!! 🙂

Today, as a reminder about the event, the winning song Waterloo by ABBA from 1974 was shared (see below).  For all ABBA lovers: since last week, there is now ABBA The Museum open in Stockholm. It is part of a larger Swedish Music Hall of Fame.

I am sure it partly covers the impact ABBA has had on it’s fans. I have only in the past two months in San Francisco met one, and heard another, case of women that have learnt Swedish for the only reason that they loved ABBA.

As of me… I was Agneta. And yes, I do have the ABBA music book with me… to San Francisco.

To-de-loo,
Johanna

What has ABBA done for you?

 

Music and Mimosa for Mom May 5, 2013

Mother’s Day in the US is coming up. My a cappella group Keeva has a concert in the Church of Sweden – upstairs with the view over the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. – bring your mom and family – or just yourself! – after your mother’s day brunch and enjoy some mimosa and music.

Would love to see you!

Johanna

Keeva Spring Concert Flyer

 

Daddy’s Girl Go Places April 10, 2013

April 8, 2013. A date many of us in San Francisco, and Scandinavia have looked forward to.  The SAS inaugural flight took place in-between CPH and SFO, and landed on time. 2o minutes early after the 11.5 hour flight.

Going forward there are 6 intercontinental direct flights per week in-between Copenhagen and San Francisco with Scandinavian Airlines. A trip that makes it easier to travel. Faster. For everyone involved.

SAS hosted a celebration seminar yesterday, where I as a representant of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce was invited. They shared their insights from their latest corporate journey of a financial crisis, nearing a bankruptcy, what saved them and the strategy behind turning it around and how to create a #1 Airline in the Industry.  Inspiring story indeed. Implementations in it’s work. Some changes might seem so obvious, but they weren’t that easy to implement… “So even if we have the peak of demand during the summer months, we pulled back on our service because it was stated in the employee contracts that they had right to 5 weeks of vacation during the summer time. It was like being in retail and ignoring Christmas”.  [Only in Scandinavia].

Down size, cost control, renegotiated union contracts, and having a staff dedicated to turning the situation around… SAS is heading to great destinations, on time!

With the departure times, direct flights, personalized service, use of technology, 100% next generations airplanes, onboard wifi and expanded reach through new routes and partnerships  –  it will be easier for everyone, no-matter age, to go places. 

SAS concluded with this commercial, saying that they were looking forward to seeing everyone on board…

Make sure to enjoy it you too – Scandinavia, including Sweden,  is a beautiful place to visit! By your tickets before April 16 and you may catch their sale… http://www.flysas.com/en/

Johanna

 

The Real Deal. April 2, 2013

What would life be without music? And more importantly, with live music. It’s like talking with someone you really like over Facebook, Email, Text, Phone – verses in person… SO much better.

I dropped by Sheba Lounge, in the jazz district on Fillmore Street last week. I wanted to catch the last set of Jesse Foster Trio with Jesse Foster on vocals, Grant Levin on piano and Pierre Archain on bass.

Jesse Foster is a singer, songwriter and percussionist extraordinaire, with an original composition and arranging style which conveys deep and personal messages through songs crossing a wide range of musical genres.

Although Jesse has worked with and been influenced by many renowned artists, he credits the body of works by master artists like Wes Montgomery, Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, Smokey Robinson, David Ruffin, Nat “King” Cole and Miles Davis for having a profound impact on his concepts, musical direction and career.

Talking with Grant afterwards, he said: “I love playing with Jesse. He is the real deal. I love his artistry.” Grant himself is a humble great talent who in this case (below) manages to play perfectly on a piano that is out of tune – yes – you just gotta avoid certain keys… And Pierre, is a cheerful solid bass player.

I’d like to call them my guys. Jesse was my vocal coach for a period of time when I first moved to San Francisco. When hearing his students with whom I did the performance workshop at the time, today, I wish I had continued… Grant is my pianist. It’s so new, so it is even a little unreal to write it – but I have a pianist! 🙂 And he is awesome! And Pierre – he played bass in the quartet that I performed with at what is now called… Tipsy Pigg!  Yes, it was a music bar/restaurant at the time on Chestnut in the Marina. Today, it is mostly tipsy…

Anyway. Here is cheers for the real deal, and for Jesse Foster and musicians, bringing the live jazz back to Lower Haight in San Francisco! (See below!) What a…. LOVELY DAY!

Enjoy,

Johanna

And yes – the recording is very dark. You gotta come and visit live!
Bi-monthly Jazz sessions at Two Jacks Niks Place – 401 Haight and Webster.
7pm – 9.30pm: Jesse Foster trio with Grant Levin on keys Adam Gay on bass and Mark Lee on drums – and guest artists of accomplished musicians from the Bay Area.

 

Not Johan, but Johan & Nyström February 8, 2013

IMG_5601When it comes to social media and getting your message across, you can sometimes ride on the wave of success created by others.

  • Comment and engage on blogs or articles that have a large number of readers and views
  • Position yourself by stating something controversial, maybe contradictory or variation of an already accepted and established concept
  • Engage in a trending topic on Twitter
  • Comment with a video response to a viral video on youtube

The last one I would have loved to see from (more…)

 

 
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