I’ve managed to mix some travel into my summer so far, with one of the high points being this view from my ocean-front room at the Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach.

Another, the unbelievable simultaneous feeling of relaxation and invigoration that washed over me as soon as I smelled the salty air and heard the waves at the end of a 15 hour journey on only 90 minutes of sleep.

Somehow in my exhaustion, I allowed an Avis agent to upsell me from the compact car I’d reserved into the new Chevrolet Camaro SS. I figured what the heck, I never get a chance to drive a sports car.

What a mistake. Aside from the cost it was incredibly uncomfortable to drive— with tiny windows, nowhere to put my purse and huge blind spots in the back. Clearly the Camaro’s target audience and I do not share the same needs or physical size.

It was amazing to see how many men checked us out on our travels. People would actually gather around this car and gawk as if it was a celebrity.

I took the whole experience as a reminder that what may seem glamorous from the outside isn’t necessarily a joy to experience. I’ve been reminded of this same lesson as the clock ticks down on an upcoming trip for a home staging video shoot. With only a week until I’m supposed to jump on a plane, contract details are still up in the air and I may have to cancel if they don’t get their act together. Corporations can move so slowly even when the project was their idea!

I welcome your opinions and/or new story ideas and hope you enjoy this months posts and what remains of the summer.

Debra Gould, President Six Elements Inc. Creator of The Staging Diva® Home Staging Training Program

Debra Gould’s mission is to inspire others to follow their dreams and use their innate talents to also earn a living. She has trained over 4000 women and men on five continents how to take their talent for decorating and turn it into a successful home staging business. Learn more about the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program.