Today we were in Sydney, Nova Scotia again...what a charming little town. This time of year is specially beautiful as the leaves are starting to turn and the trees are all different shades of green, yellow and red.

Right on the pier where we dock is a very large statue of a Violin. It looks exactly like a real violin but it is about as tall as the ship. Out of this violin came the sounds of very jovial fiddle jigs.

After we got back on board I went and sat outside on the front of the ship on deck eleven, right at the top of the ship where the sun was baking down while a cool breeze was sweeping by and I had a perfect view of this violin and everyone walking by on their way back to the ship.

                     

It was incredible! I would see people coming from far away, walking slowly and tired after their
long day of sightseeing towards the ship. As they got closer and could hear the happy violin music play, they would automatically straighten up a little and start walking at an increasingly faster and more lively pace.

By the time they got to the huge violin, I am not kidding you - every person without exception,
young and old, would imitate some kind of little dance jig or step or pretend to jovially play the violin. With bright smiles they would have their pictures taken in front of this magnificent statue and briskly make their way to the gangway to board the ship.

I am certain that on a conscious level none of these people were even aware of what was
happening to them - but this clearly demonstrated the impact some happy music can have on your mood and attitude.

In the Pizzazz Factor I talk about how you can also use music to brighten up your day, to put you in the state of mind that you need to be, to have a productive and positively upbeat day.

Everyone should have music in their lives - surely there is one song or piece of music that stands out in your mind that you love for a particular reason.

Observing all these people today, reiterated this for me. Music is very powerful, so if you wake up in the morning and are not feeling on top of your game, or you are feeling a lull in your day. Take a few minutes to listen to a song, or any piece of music that you know makes you feel great.

But remember - the wrong choice of music can have the opposite effect, so choose the music wisely. Preferably something upbeat to brighten your day and lighten your mood. I know it works for me... try it!

Kind Regards

Vanessa Bader

P.S. If you want to hear some truly inspiring piano music - visit http://GarinBader.com
He is a winner of 13 International awards for his piano playing. You can even listen to some
of it free on the website. He has three wonderful CD's that I would highly recommend!

This following quote by Brian Tracy speaks volumes to me and I believe captures the essence of the Pizzazz Factor so perfectly:

“You may not be what you think you are,
but what you think, you are!”

Take a moment and read that quote again...

The attitude you have about yourself, the thoughts you have adopted about yourself is going to determine who you are and how you project yourself to the world out there.

Even if initially you are completely wrong – in other words, your self-image may be totally different from what other people see, but eventually you will become what your self-image is. At least – the image you have of your self will be what you project to everybody else.

Can you see how damaging this can be? On the other hand, this can be a great thing if you can cultivate a positive, self-affirming self-image, then that is what you will be projecting and that is what you will then ultimately be...

I want to dedicate this article to one man who will be remembered forever. A man who knew the true meaning of Powerful Presence and living with Total Passion and Commitment to his craft. A man who had Super Star Status in the Opera as well as the Pop music world!

A man who in his career of almost 50 years as a singer and a devoted musician managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of so many.

Luciano Pavarotti! He sadly passed away last Thursday. I felt a the pang in my heart when I heard the news.  Anyone who has ever listened to the voice of Pavarotti knows that it resonates deep inside... with me it does...

Garin (my husband) told me of the unbelievably Powerful and Magnetic Presence Pavarotti radiated when he came to give a Master Class at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where Garin was studying at the time.

He told me that on stage that day, Pavarotti was not an overbearing and boisterous man, he did not feel the need to prove himself as a master, but in stead had a calm and all encompassing Confidence and Presence that captured the attention and wonder of everyone he came in contact with.

This was evident when he was on stage - a big man he was with a big, magically enchanting voice, but more than that - here was a man who had true Pizzazz!

Let's face it - there are many magnificent voices out there, voices that might never be heard... because just having a great voice is not enough!

It was said about Pavarotti that "He was more than just a voice - He had Charisma.  There are plenty of good singers, but he had something more!"

Pavarotti also started from humble beginnings. Not many people know that he began as a teacher, and had failed as a salesman long before he found his calling as a singer. 

He had to work his way through his insecurities and cultivate the now well-known presence and fame of a world-class performer! It didn't just come naturally to him... he wasn't born with this charm and Powerful Presence.  He made effort - he worked at it... just like everybody needs to work at it!

It is a total misconception that anyone who becomes famous did so overnight... virtually anyone who is known for their talents, poise and charisma had to put some amount of effort into developing their image - the Powerful and Magnetic image that allows them to stand out above the crowd.

Luciano Pavarotti lived with Passion, Commitment and Drive.  His sincerity and passion as a man shone through when he was on stage.  But not only on stage - it was so clear in his voice... his passion, drive and charisma can clearly be heard in his voice when he sang... and
many say even when he spoke.

You may say... but I am not a singer, or an actor, or an acrobat or dancer - but no matter what it is... you have your own special talents.  You just need to come out and realize it - live your life with passion and drive!

There is a Pavarotti in you too... someone who has much to offer the world if only you have the courage to go after it.  If you have the courage to get out there with the Powerful Presence that resides within you.

When it comes to standing out, to being remembered, to making a lasting impression - you need more than just a great voice or a pretty face or the body of a model or movie star... you can have all those things and still not have the Pizzazz Factor.  You need that "something extra", that charisma and Magnetic Presence.

With the Pizzazz Factor I show you how to achieve this... you do not necessarily need to be born with it.  A Powerful presence is not a talent, but a skill - a skill that can be acquired. 

With some knowledge and awareness you can also have what it takes to be a charismatic and
magnetic person! 

Pavarotti knew the art of Magnetic Presence, he knew that it took more than just talent to be a
star... to be adored and admired.... and he was!


What an amazing Voice, what an amazing Talent, What an amazing Man!

Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007)

Kind Regards

Vanessa Bader

P.S.  Luciano Pavarotti will be missed by many, but his Passion and Charisma will live on in the music! http://PizzazzFactor.com

It is known that we grow taller until we reach a certain age, but then it seems that after that, when we hit another later age, we start shrinking again.  Have you noticed that?

Incidentally, the people that are sailing with us this cruise happens to be the latter - The age group on this cruise is a little older, and I see their hunched over postures everywhere,making them look small and frail.

Have you noticed that as people get older they seem to be shrinking... but are they really?

It is a fact that specially with women, Osteoporosis is a common problem.  The bone density decreases because of hormonal imbalances and the risk of easily breaking bones increase.  It is also quite often noticeable in the spine as they start to get that hunched over look in the upper back as the bones weaken.

But that aside - most people can absolutely prevent this hunched over posture from happening, they can keep looking tall and younger as they grow older by being mindful of good posture.