This is how it all started. I met a man. A hero of sorts. He compared his life to Odysseus from Homer’s, “The Odyssey”. For over twenty years or so he had held different positions in manufacturing all over the country. When he found a new job in the small town where I lived along the Hudson River in Upstate, NY, we met and became lovers. He called me “Circe”, who was the immortal goddess Odysseus lived with for two years before making it back home to his wife Penelope.
During his brief stay on my island, he introduced me to the world of Google Guides. I was intrigued and soon started my own google map presence, writing reviews and taking lots of photos of all the local sites, stores and restaurants.
Eventually my Odysseus moved to Cleveland, OH. It was in this city that I got my first taste of how much influence my reviews might make. We went out to a very hip club called “Society Lounge”. Later, I gave an excellent review with many pictures of the club and it’s manager Ben, whom I mentioned by name. The next time I went back to the club Ben was thrilled to see me because his boss read my review and then highly praised him a staff meeting. This experience showed me the great power and good that can come from being a Google Guide.
After Ben’s feedback, I took my reviews more to heart. I mentioned the names of the wait staff, sales people, managers and owners in my reviews. I was determined to have my reviews have a ripple effect, helping these businesses and people thrive. I especially liked reviewing small clothing boutiques, for I love fashion and writing about fashion. Most of the people working in these stores love fashion too and so we bonded. I adored taking pictures of myself in the clothing I purchased at each store. I got to be a model and also I got to highlight the wonderful workers.
Now he is another city where he has been for 3 years. I still visit and continue to explore his city, and the towns and cities nearby, writing many new reviews and visiting with the friends I have made there.
In short, being a Google Guide Level 7 has been and still is a win, win, win, win, win. I delight in the challenge of creating good photo compositions. I love writing about all the positive things and experiences I am having. I pay closer attention to the small details that are really not small at all. It’s the smaller things, the shining things that can add joy to one’s life. Putting out these uplifting, positive stories enriches my life. It’s like a boomerang; in the end it is all the positivity I put out into the world that comes back to me and because of that I am a happier person.
Finally, how clairvoyant my Odysseus was when he called me “his Circe” because after meeting him and becoming a google guide I have truly become immortal and will remain immortal as a Google Guide Goddess Influencer.