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A Little Story 
Several years ago, during a busy catering season, I was out in the garden one morning, in the Green Mountains of Vermont where I live. It was one of those glorious days when you're glad to be alive - warm and sunny, breezy, a deep blue sky, birds chirping madly. I was picking basil leaves off of several beautiful bushy plants to use in a sauce for one of the dishes we were serving at the wedding we were catering. I was suddenly so overcome with what could only be described as a deep joy that I remember standing up and spreading my arms apart, in some effort to embrace all that beauty we call life. I have shared this story many times when working with clients around the peak experiences they have had, using those experiences as indicators of what they truly value, what is really important to them in life. In my case, I think I was completely struck by the connection between the miracle of nature that allows food to grow and my participation in this endless flowing cycle; planting the seeds, growing the garden, harvesting the food, preparing it and feeding people in a way that touches and pleases the senses and creates a memorable experience. Philosophy The joy I felt that day is always accessible to me. I simply have to go back there in my mind's eye and breathe it all in and I can feel the energy in my body changing. We all have that capacity and that is the reason I coach. I believe that there is greatness in every human being that is meant to be expressed. We all have a contribution to make and if we will pay attention to the ways in which our greatness wants to be expressed, and create an environment where that can happen, we will experience greater joy, greater ease, and greater fulfillment in our lives than we ever thought possible. Coaching facilitates the development of that two-part process - paying attention to how our greatness wants to be expressed and creating an environment to support that - to reach an outcome of joy, ease and fulfillment. Most people tend to do it backwards. They are trying to manipulate the environment to fix problems. Instead, in coaching, I work with people to get clear about their passion, their gift, their contribution, and allow the solutions to problems, the right elements for that environment, to naturally flow from that clarity. This is the way of ease, not struggle. This doesn't mean we don't work with issues around money, employees, marketing, etc. Of course we do, those are the reasons you come to coaching. The difference is, rather than focusing on the problem (which you have already probably tried to solve every way you know how), we focus on the solution, as it fits in to (and literally comes from) your overall vision for your business. Now doesn't that sound like fun? (Ask me about an experiment I performed to raise sales at my restaurant.) My Background 
I worked for several years as a waitress (I know it's not most people's aspiration in life but what a great, lucrative and portable job it can be!) and then about 24 years ago I had the brilliant sense to meet up with, and eventually marry, a very talented chef. I'd like to just take a moment here to be grateful beyond words for all the amazing meals he has prepared for me over the years. We owned and operated a catering business for 9 years (AnnaLise Catering), and a Mexican restaurant (I lived in Mexico for 9 years) for 7 years called Tomatillos Mexican Cafe that was so popular we still put on public dinners occasionally so people can get their Tomatillos fix and we can see old friends. Most recently another partner and I created, operated and successfully sold after two years an awesome little upscale coffee shop called Bad Girls Cafe. (Last I heard someone had spotted a Bad Girls hat in Norway!) I've been fortunate to work front and back of the house and understand the ways in which these two parts can mesh beautifully, as well as mis-communicate and experience conflict. I was also responsible, for the most part, for the financial, marketing, hiring and management aspects of the business. They were all at times challenging and always rewarding and a great source of personal and professional growth. Six years ago I was introduced to coaching. It took all of a minute and a half for me to know that this is what I wanted to do. Most coaches have been naturally coaching, regardless of what their work actually was, before they knew it was a profession. My favorite part of all my jobs and businesses has always been about inspiring people (and myself), creating new things, organizing and supporting people in whatever it was they wanted to do. Oh yeah, and having FUN! (A totally underrated quality in this left-brain society - but that's changing.) So it was a natural fit for me. Here are a few of my credentials:
• International Coach Federation Accredited Professional Coach and Member Enough about me. What about you? Who are you, what do you love, what are your dreams for your life and your restaurant? How might coaching support you? If you'd like a complimentary consultation, just give me a call or send me an e-mail to set up an appointment.
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