Ever heard the term “mash-potato manipulator?” Or would you ever believe you could learn to love the “F” word, failure? And what exactly does mash potatoes and failure have in common? They are surprising and irreverent ideas expressed in a fun, new workshop developed by the co-authors of the book Second Bloom: 10 Steps to Reinvent, Rejuvenate and Realize a New Life.

Along with creative and interesting stories about women who took bold and daring steps to reinvent their lives, the three-hour interactive workshop guides, helps and supports women as they develop a plan for change.

“We like to have fun and explore seemingly offbeat but actually common women’s issues during our workshops,” said Michelle Gamble-Risley, co-author. “We designed this workshop to pull back the curtain and take a closer look at common problems (e.g., mashed-potato manipulation) and walk women through the 10-step planning process to help set a new direction toward personal transformation, joy and happiness.”

The Second Bloom Workshop sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce will be held March 27, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the American River Room. In this interactive workshop you will learn to:

• Identify the change you want to make in your life
• Create a bold and daring vision that electrifies and motivates you
• Smash through obstacles clearing the path to your vision
• Craft a plan of action that empowers you to move from hoping and wishing to living and loving your dream

“Yes, we poke fun and laugh together at ourselves but at the end of the day, each woman has a serious, personalized plan for change,” explained Anne Marie Smith, co-author. “We’re excited to work with the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce to bring women together, discuss and explore the process, and help women reinvent their lives.”

Rancho Cordova is underwriting some of the workshop costs, which enables the authors to provide a Recession-Buster fee of $19.95 for members and $29.95 for non-members. Snacks and refreshments will be provided along with a Second Bloom planning template sheet. Second Bloom will also be on sale for a one-time fee of $14.95 available the day of the workshop.