Passion can power a purpose driven life. A given field or endeavor can draw us into its orbit. When this happens, we might feel as if we do not need to expend energy pursuing whatever it is that has captivated our interest. On the contrary, it often turns out that something we have a natural affinity for provides us with more energy than we put out in its pursuit.

How do we know if we have passion for something, be it art, music, sports, an entrepreneurial endeavor, etc.? One signpost of our predilection might be that we are always thinking about that activity. When we wake up in the morning it is on our mind. We think about it when we go to sleep. Oh, and during the day when we are supposed to be doing others things, this activity exerts a continual pull on our attention.

Want to rise to the very top of your field of endeavor? Remember this always, “The basics are the best!”

So many times we think the pursuit of excellence requires some secret formula. Whether it is in school, sports, business or some other activity, we are seduced by the notion that there is some secret we can learn that will insure our success. Admittedly, in any given activity, there may be information that is not widely available that may help us succeed. However, even if that is the case, is that the secret to success? The answer is no!

This past Friday evening, members of the cast of The Real Housewives of Miami and country music star John Rich met up at Roy and Lea Black’s Coral Gables home for a special get together/cocktail party. Above you can see me with Lea, who is an absolutely superb hostess by the way.

At the party, in addition to Miami’s beautiful people, there were mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres and plenty to drink. Guests were treated to classical music until John Rich arrived and performed in the living room. Before his performance, we had a chance to do a sit down CYInterview with him, covering his career, politics and much more. Our candid conversation with the country music star will be released exclusively, here on CYInterview, in the coming days.

After our last trip to New York, I offered my review of the Tony Award nominated Broadway play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. [see here]. We also spoke with rising writer/director/producer Angelo Guglielmo, who is enjoying much success with his book/documentary film The Woman Who Wasn’t There [see here].

Back in 2003, freelance writer Ed Jakubik’s former high school English teacher inspired him to pen his first book. Ten years later, that work is complete. Ed signed a publishing deal with Nashville based Dunham Books. Now, they are releasing his psychological thriller, The Doll Collector. The story focuses on a detective’s search for a disturbed individual who abducts young girls and leaves doll heads at the crime scenes.

The novel will be available for purchase in an ebook format on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and other online outlets, starting June 1st. With other psychological thriller novels being made into films such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Da Vinci Code, it is possible The Doll Collector will follow in their footsteps.