Flyers/ Great Dates/ Chemistry/Romantic Stocking Stuffers - 12/07/06

[Smartmarriages]

- CONFERENCE FLYERS
- HAVE DATES, WILL TRAVEL.....
- WHEN IT WORKS, IT WORKS......
- AND, SPEAKING OF CHEMISTRY
##########################
- CONFERENCE FLYERS
 
> Diane, I am doing 4-5 workshops in late Jan and Feb - BEFORE the Conference
> brochure is available - and I imagine many other
> presenters are too. What about creating an one-page flyer to
> announce the Conference times and dates that we could hand out at our
> workshops? Something we could download and make copies to hand out.
> Elizabeth Einstein
>  

Elizabeth, Thank you so much for asking. The flyers really are the only
effective way to grow our marriage education movement.  When I ask people
where they heard about the conference, most of the time they say it's from
word of mouth. So it's not all those ads, it's "people telling people" that
gets the job done.  I've been meaning to tell the list that there is a
preliminary flyer posted on the website.  It's a pdf. Make copies in nice
bright colors and please start handing it out - or tack it to bulletin
boards.  People need advance warning to save the dates BEFORE they make
their summer travel plans.  And, they need you to tell them that this is not
just another ordinary conference - tell them what makes it so special.

Also, if you see mistakes on the flyer, let me know.
This should not serve as any kind of final announcement of presenter
selections. I'll be updating it as presenters are added but there are 200
presenters in the final line up and, realistically, there is no way they'll
all fit on a flyer.  Sooner than we can realize, we'll have the brochures.
And, then in a blink it will be June and we'll all be in Denver.

Download the flyer at: http://www.smartmarriages.com/denver.flyer.pdf

#############################
- HAVE DATES, WILL TRAVEL.....

> Diane, 
> Wanted to send you a "10 Great Dates" update. Things are getting very exciting
> out here! We just did a training session in Ohio and they are moving full
> steam ahead! While training is not really needed (10 Great Dates one of those
> teach-out-of-the-box curricula you keep telling the list about), we find that
> an on-site training and introduction seems to inspire churches and agencies to
> work together for a more successful launch to the community. In Ohio we came
> in several weeks after Mike & Harriet signed a Community Marriage Policy and
> this easy program is a no-brainer way to help the churches begin to cooperate
> and work together.
> 
> We were also just invited to do training to launch 10 Great Dates in
> Spokane, WA through their grant. And we're included in the Portland, OR
> grant. Also just contacted by a marriage initiative in WY who are launching
> 10 Great Dates and want us to come in to do training.
> 
> Claudia
> 

I guess you could say the message is that David and Claudia Arp "have 10
Great Dates and will travel".  They will also be in Denver and will present
a MINI/TOOB training on "10 Great Dates".  The Mini/Toob trainings were
created just because of the point that Claudia is making: training is not
necessary for the Teach Out of the Box programs, but it sure is helpful to
get ideas for teaching and guidelines for implementing right from the horses
mouth.  The trainings also provide a sample of the course content to help
you decide if it's a program that would work in your community.  There will
be more than 40 of these Mini/Toob trainings in Denver. To get an idea of
what we're talking about, see last year's list - many will repeat in '07:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/minis.html

- diane 

############################
- WHEN IT WORKS, IT WORKS......

Diane,
The quote below from your post "Unnatural Selection" certainly does not
apply to Harriet and me.  After our first date, which was a blind date,
ended when I took Harriet home at 6 am, she told her mother, "I met the man
I am going to marry tonight."

On our second date I asked, "Would you consider marrying me?"  She said yes.
It took a year, however.

Mike McMannus
MarriageSavers.org 


>But I don¹t believe them - the first night I spent with Jeremy showed me that I
>knew approximately as much about discerning chemistry as I do about nuclear
>physics - and I feel sad for what they might be missing. There may well be such
>a thing as love at first sight; I know people who claim to have experienced
>it, although the ensuing relationships rarely lasted over the long haul.
>
>And when I think about my friends, I realize that every single one who¹s in a
>stable, long term marriage is wed to a man she initially claimed was not her
>type.

########################
- AND, SPEAKING OF CHEMISTRY

How many of you are sitting around trying to think of the ultimate, romantic
surprise for your honey - something small to slip into his/her stocking.  I
was updating the Directory of Programs today, and emailed Howard Markman to
ask if they'd picked a location for their Feb "Love Your Relationship
Weekend".  His response prompted me to share it with the list and also to
remind you of the wonderful cruises and get-a-ways on the Directory. Order
it now and put the tickets under the tree - even if the get-a-way isn't
until next summer.  So many wonderful choices.  Here are just a few coming
up in next few months - visit the Directory for the full list.  And, those
of you with schedules, SEND ME YOUR schedules so I can update the dates.  -
diane 

Here was Howard Markman's reply to my inquiry about location:

> It will be in the beautiful colorado mts - at the keystone lodge- - which over
> looks keystone lake, with ice skating, hockey, romantic lights, and knight
> skiing (skiing at night with your knight!!), sleigh rides, snow shoeing,  also
> - the best set of hot tubs I have ever seen and swimming in heated pool with
> the snow coming down!!

To which I say, all this and the fun, renewing "Love Your Relationship"
course, too.  Or, if you prefer coconuts to snow, check below.

> Love Your Relationship Couples Retreats: Howard Markman/ Colorado - CO
> A little PREP goes a long way!  Immerse yourselves in a weekend
> devoted to learning how to enhance and protect friendship, fun, love, passion
> as you enjoy the best of PREP combined with a luxurious, romantic getaway.
> **Schedule: 9am – 4:30pm
> Feb 3-4, Keystone Lodge, Colorado Rockies with skiing, hot tubs, the romantic
> works. 
> Toll-free: 866-601-5683
> Email: info at loveyourrelationship.com
> Web: http://www.loveyourrelationship.com

> Annual Couples Valentine's Cruise
> February 10-17, 2007 -- Western Caribbean
> Join us aboard the Grand Princess for marriage seminars and
> group events such as a "Marriage Game Show" and socials. Intimacy
> educator and author, Laura Brotherson, entertains, uplifts and
> energizes couples as headliner. It fills fast...so book early! In the
> words of one of last year's very satisfied participants, "It felt like
> I was out on a really fun date seven days in a row!"
> Check specials at 866-446-4218.
> Web: http://www.strengtheningmarriage.com/cruise.php (for info and photos from
> 2006 cruise)

> Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Cruise
> January 6-13, 2007
> Join Mark Gungor, creator of the highly regarded Laugh Your
> Way to a Better Marriage Seminar, on the third annual Laugh Your
> Way to a Better Marriage Cruise. Mark and his wife Debbie will host
> the cruise to the Western Caribbean Jan 6-13, 2007.  Rates start at
> $560 plus taxes and fees per person double occupancy. There will be
> plenty of sun, food and fun, as Mark keeps you laughing your way
> to a better marriage. Brochure available.
> More information:
> 866-525-2844
> Email: info at laughyourway.com
> WEB: http://www.laughyourway.com/

> Playful Relationships Cruise - August 9-21, 2007
> Join Keith (author of Couples and the Art of Playing) and Joan
> Hackett, originators of Playful Relationships Playshops on this once in
> a life-time cruise to the Baltic Capitals. This 12 nights cruise starts and
> ends in Dover, England, and visits Berlin,Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki,
> Stockholm and Copenhagen.  Play, cruise and enrich your relationship
> all at the same time!
> Web: http://www.playfulrelationships.com (click on cruise for details).

> Adventure In Intimacy: Hedy & Yumi Schleifer
> Hedy and Yumi specialize in 3-day experiential programs for couples and
> training for professionals in wonderful, exotic destinations.  Married over 40
> years, they incorporate their own marital wisdom along with Imago Relationship
> Theory, Martin Buber’s relational philosophy, neurobiology, and Appreciative
> Inquiry to give couples the most effective and complete transformation for
> their marriage.  Learn to speak your desires so they are heard, dissolve
> deeply rooted conflicts, transform daily frustrations into vehicles for
> change, and bring passion back to your marriage.
> For more information and registration:
> 305-604-0010
> Web: http://www.hedyyumi.org
> Schedule, usually 8:30am - 7:30pm daily:
> Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – FL: Jan 19-21
> Paris, France (in French): May 4-6

> Being Together: Couples Retreats in beautiful settings
> Richard & Antra Kalnins Borofsky
> Learn to become unconditionally present, create a balance
> of self and other, and identify and dissolve fears that limit intimacy.
> Weekend Workshop for Couples:
> Santa Fe, New Mexico - NM: Jan 20 Seventh International Conference on Sacred
> Sexuality
> Weeklong Workshop for Couples:
> Sueño Azul, Costa Rica: Feb 10-17
> 617-661-7890
> Web: www.beingtogether.com

> If You Really Loved Me…
> Annual Residential PAIRS Workshop July 28 - Aug 3, 2007
> Michele Baldwin, MSW, PhD and DeWitt Baldwin Jr, MD
> The Haven Institute, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada
> Tuition (excluding room and meals): $862, Early bird: $722 Canadian dollars
> per person,
> This beautiful relaxed setting is perfect for couples who want to
> learn PAIRS emotional re-education skills to prevent, explore, problem
> solve, and heal relationship issues, or reawaken a relationship gone stale.
> Professionals interested in learning about PAIRS are welcome.
> Michele Baldwin: 312-337-0506, mabaldwin at aol.com
> or The Haven: 250-247-9211, http://www.haven.ca

> Marriage PREP 101: San Francisco, California - CA
> Skill-based marriage classes for pre-marital and newlywed couples presented by
> Michelle & Patrick Gannon includes inventory, catered lunch and workbooks.
> Communicate better, enhance strengths, resolve conflicts and create your
> personalized Marriage Bond. Fun, informative and inspiring in a beautiful
> setting. Non-religious - couples of all faiths and backgrounds welcome.
> **Schedule: Marriage Prep 101, Fri 7-10pm and Sat 9-5pm, Fort Mason Center,
> San Francisco, California- CA, $395 per couple:
> Fri 7-10pm and Sat 9-5pm, $395 per couple:
> Feb 2/3; March 9/10; March 30/31
> 415-905-8830
> Email: drmichellegannon at aol.com
> Web: http://www.marriageprep101.com

> PAIRS couples retreats and classes on Maui, Hawaii  - HI
> Passage to Intimacy Weekend Workshops
> Maui, Hawaii - HI:  Jan 28-29
> 808-874-6441
> Debra Greene
> Email: info at PowerMarriage.us
> Web: http://www.PowerMarriage.us PAIRS in New York City!

> PREP at NYU in New York City! (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement
> Program)
> One-Day Skills Workshop, $200 per couple:
> Feb 25, May 20
> New York, New York
> 212-263-8720
> Email: crugem01 at med.nyu.edu

**************************
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11th Annual Smart Marriages Conference, Denver Adam's Mark Hotel,
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Pre-Conference Training Institutes June 26-28
Post-Conference Training Institutes July 2-3
Details: http://www.smartmarriages.com/conferencedetails.html
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Diane Sollee, Director
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http://www.smartmarriages.com
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cmfce at smartmarriages.com

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