I found this on WordPressfreshly pressed and it’s just too good not to share! I think of the”f word,” everyday.
January 2015 archive
The Haunting
Every year right near my birthday I’m greeted with hearts and proclamations of romantic love. Usually I’m not only close to celebrating my birthday but also somehow always single. Needless to say, over the years I have built up an emotion resembling contempt for this hallmark holiday. However, this year even when stumbling upon a small collection of love notes(below) from an ex, I could find no ill will in my heart.The ghosts of Valentines past didn’t succeed in upsetting me.
Normally I would toss these sentiments away along with any reminders, gifts, any associated music files, their phone number, and pictures. Except this time I chose to not only keep them but I also read them over and remembered the sweet times. You may ask me“Why Grinch of Valentines Day would you do such a thing!?” My reply would perhaps be confusing for you fellow Grinch’s but nevertheless maybe my heart grew two sizes( and my brain) so as a result I felt no contempt.While the who’s ran around throwing their heart confetti everywhere and chattering about upcoming dates I had a date with reality. The truth is no matter what your status is this holiday, it really doesn’t matter as long as your happy even if it’s with yourself. Although these things would normally make me sad, I’m simply not because I no longer waste my time being forlorn over someone that was too daft to recognize my beauty. You most definitely shouldn’t either!The world’s population stood at 7.125 billion people in 2013.Don’t you think at least one of those humans might just fit your puzzle piece? That being said, clearly there is no shortage of available suitors. Now my dear friend it’s just a matter of serendipity. Having this knowledge has helped me to completely avoid any forlorn nonsense. Because life can be navigated on a Vespa motorcycle fitted for one too! Some moments have been devised solely for your consumption.If your ever feeling really blue during this very pink holiday, just seek out the nearest couple arguing in public, which is guaranteed to help you feel better( works for me) because your not the one making a spectacle of yourself. If you choose not to spend your time toiling away on anti-valentines day cards this year at least go on a date ( with a bestie) and enjoy some time well spent. Furthermore rather then looking for love outside of yourself try turning your gaze inward. You have nothing to lose and a world to gain when you learn to truly(finally) love yourself.
This ones for you:
Cheers!
Have Company?
I wish the question “What do they sell at Walmart,” was uttered by more people other than just Paris Hilton on an old reality show(the simple life) unfortunately all too often big business is killing the little guys. As a friend of mine described herself “part punk rock and part hippie.” I too possess this dichotomy. Besides quirky coffee shops and d.i.y markets like the Rustbelt Market (See here!) I also love the handcrafted movement.More recently I’ve found this little gem in Grand Rapids Michigan.They not only have artist residencies, a gallery, and loads of handcrafted goods but they’re online too! (Shop!?)
Photo Above: My Have Haul
- Good Vibes Oil by Moon Rivers Natural
- Activated Charcoal Mask by Moon Rivers Natural
- Hand knit headband by resident&artist Marlee
Women Artists Volume 2 interviews& illustrations by Naomi Elliot
As individuals we should have goods as individual as we are.Were not cookie cutter beings. Not only does shopping small enrich our landscape and support local businesses but also helps the economy here and abroad(fair trade coffee anyone?) Those quaint little neighborhoods don’t have to be a thing of the past.
Shop small and independent,
Checkmate
“When you see a good move, look for a better one.” –Emanuel Lasker
The game of Chess always seemed like a difficult and intimidating game to learn, much less master,that is until I got a brain injury. Of course I’m in no way downplaying the skills it takes to master this game.After I was injured, perhaps it was my determination or perhaps my ever present stubbornness (I do have a tattoo that reads rebel rebel after all) but I could recall passing by men in Central Park sitting at tables behind Chess boards waiting for a challenge or an opponent.I wanted to be able to sit across from one of these men and play a game under the sunshine in a beautiful park, but passed by not knowing how to play. However(,(rebel that I am) once I was under the impression that people didn’t expect such things from me I absolutely wanted to learn and I had the time and a wonderful teacher available to me, so why not? Furthermore there are big benefits for your mind(read here!?)in learning Chess. A game in the park, the mental work out, and the allure of a new skill all called my name.I just thought “ How cool would it be to learn Chess after this happened to me? Take that life!” After all when life hands you lemons do something it doesn’t expect.When the tides try to pull you under, your strength rises up. Dear reader may your strength too, come unfurled like a race horse charging out of the gate.
Filofaxy Galaxy
This New Year amid all the resolutions to get in shape, I desired to become more organized and thereby productive. In my quest for organization I discovered this 80’s throwback the Filofax, a yuppies dream.As I explored this new found world I soon discovered there were other fans of this simple joy.Instagram had boards dedicated to showing off how you decorated your planner.There were loads of goodies for them on Etsy,and a popular blogger Gala Darling had also admitted Her love for them! Like any other accessory loving goal driven individual,I too became interested.After researching, reading,hunting, and more searching without further ado here are the spoils of my labour.
**drumroll**The Personal Rasberry Saffiano Filofax!
- Filofax supplies link love!
- Kawaii Paperie(cute clips!)
- Kiddy Qualia (Rainbow paper)
- Filofaxusa ( basic supplies)
- Woof! (Puppy to-do stickies)
Last but not least I’m having a GIVEAWAY!
There are no rules, I simply want to hear about your resolution, why, and an event your proud of overcoming. 🙂
I will choose the winner from the comments and send you a pack of rainbow paper for your Filofax(or planner) from Kiddy Qualia! 🙂
Rainbow paper(Psst it’s down there)
Cheers, Happy New Year and goal reaching!
Not all Blogs are Created Equal
Everyone has a blog,reads a blog,or is currently the writer of one.A Google inquiry of how many blogs? Yields results in the millions like this one: On 16 February 2011, there were over 156 million public blogs in existence.
The internet has not only become a means of big business, but also a main facilitator of human communication and expression.Therein lies “the blog,” an omnipresent entity among the tech savvy movers and shakers.Not to mention the social butterflies, It is a great way to connect in an increasingly disconnected world. The one where everyone knew their neighbors seems to be a thing of our Grandparents day. Concerning all these personal gadgets and media I can recall one comedian’s observation ; “Thank you Apple for giving NewYorkers another way to ignore each other.” As a rule social interaction is not encouraged on the subway. It makes strangers uncomfortable. While I completely understand that,it seems this may be happening on an even larger scale.When faced with a lack of social interaction, it seems We have taken to writing creative letters in cyberspace to an invisible audience,if only in our minds. However I’ll admit I quite like having the ability to pass out well designed business cards that say “I’m a writer and I have a blog.” Therefore I must be interesting, right? I find, like many I’m sure that writing is cathartic.Whatever your reason, it’s a great way to spend your time! It’s certainly more productive then sleeping or being a couch potato that’s for sure.Personally I’m not doing it for money.Perhaps in the beginning I had grand delusions of using it as an additional source of income..That has since changed more into a means of personal satisfaction, and ultimately helping someone else.Furthermore have you heard of such glamorous workshops for more serious bloggers called Blogcademy!? I was unfortunate enough to miss the very first one, but caught one in Chicago(see here!) which was great and fun.Being a fan of creative things I find blogging to be enjoyable and like the ability to change things around like it’s silly putty.Not to mention I take satisfaction in knowing that my ex boyfriend’s blog is not as interesting nor as well designed(Ha!) that gives me some odd sort of revenge.Although, revenge aside it’s creating a whole community, and were seeing things like bloggers being invited to fashion shows,being tapped into promoting a brand,and even gaining large followings and internet fame much like some Youtubers.At any rate,I say let the bloggers blog!
Cheers and Happy blogging!,
Dating – A Class I Never Want to Take Again
I think this girl is onto something, and I can relate!
About a Boy
“Sometimes heartbreak is a lesson, the best thing to do is just learn the lesson.” – Jon Voight.
Since the eponymous holiday of St.Valentine is upon us, this led me to reflect upon past loves.One cannot avoid this holiday as it announces itself in a flurry of pink,red, hearts, and candy in every convenience store as soon as February draws near.I guess Love just cannot wait! Normally this holiday comes and goes with an eye roll and “anti- Valentines Day,”cards mailed to friends from me. Instead, in anticipation of it I thought about the subject of heartbreak(that and the great decor’ this time of year) I admit, I have a difficult time letting go.The biggest regret I have of this is the time wasted spent talking about, thinking about,or crying about someone who was simply not worth it. A good friend of mine once told me “Don’t waste your time on a man(in this case boy) who is not strong enough to jump the hurdles with you.” This is good advice for a couple of reasons, one, look for those on your playing level and two, time is precious. I’m no expert but I do know the best things I did when in this sad state were going out and pursuing what made me happy and healthy(yay for rad friends!) Unfortunately though for some it is true that no one can complete you.However, if you learn how to love yourself(start HERE!) you’ve already won.While you shouldn’t resign yourself to lone wolf status forever, you’ll be better off(and healthier) if you can carry your own.It’s a win-win situation to be and feel whole in yourself.We all deserve a person that recognizes how wonderful we are.Do the things that you enjoy,fulfill you, and that truly enrich your life it will only serve you for the best. As they say “The best revenge is living well.” Besides when you do meet the person who is worthy of your time it will be all the better if they find you to be a happy and whole person all on your own.When your on life’s path to the top of the mountain to conquer it(whatever yours may be) the best thing is to meet a fellow traveler who is also on their way up too and can keep you company on the way there.This year go on a date with your best friend,be it a boy or girl! 🙂
Safe Travels this holiday!
Struggle= Strength
“I didn’t know how strong I was until that was the only choice.”
I have always been fiercely independent and prided myself on that.However since having a near death experience I’ve also been severely dependent in some ways.For quite awhile(a year?) I have had someone around to help me even with simple things like getting dressed! I felt as though all my independence had been stolen from me.Seemingly trapped in a body that was not working for me,even the little things like getting dressed suddenly became difficult. It was strange to be asked questions by healthcare workers like “Are you able to feed yourself?” Because, of course that was always a given! My world had been turned upside down and in the prime of my life I found myself in a battle to regain it.Even small steps were big ones to me.All the things I had previously not noticed or taken for granted were in stark contrast to what I was dealing with now.I’m still in the battle but now I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.This morning instead of having an “assistant,” there to help I insteaddfid everything myself, even though at times it was a struggle as I realized I was doing it on my own again I increasingly became excited and proud of myself,not all too dissimilar from a kid finally tying their own shoes.That sense of accomplishment was worth the momentary struggles of getting dressed using one arm,even better I did it in under 20 minutes! The struggles of the past gave way to victory.These things are what make you stronger. Although we see our struggles as a pain in many ways they’re the stepping stones to an eventual (and equally glorious) victory.Through such a small feat to others I found(if only a sneak peek) some of my confidence and determination.As I wheeled(wheelchair) out of the room I looked at this picture(below) and said “See you tomorrow.”
May you too be bold and find your strength,