Posts Tagged ‘hope’

Through the Looking Glass

“ ‘Closed timelike curve’ is the jargon for time travel. It means you go out, come back and meet yourself in the past.”-Kip Thorne.

As I stood at the gates next to my Father  I could nearly grasp those lost childhood years. The now abandoned  park that I gazed into was once teeming with  activity. However, now it stands a silent and still monument to  an era of magic.  Originally built in 1963 and closed down in 1999,  The Prehistoric Forest (or “Dinosaur Land”)encapsulated a few years of my life within it.While I  gazed into the park with a myriad  number of mixed emotions welling up inside me; I  imagined as I shrunk back into a child the park grew up  full life again. There exists throughout time and space pieces of us and our hearts wherever we’ve passed. In this case a road side attraction had  pieces of my beloved childhood memories within it. Beyond the fence  meant to keep me out, lay 8 acres of overgrown trails, random dinosaur(some broken)sculptures, and  a precious piece of me. It nearly felt as if  there was an invisible wall and  I could walk through into  my memory. So badly did I desire to relive that period, but alas time marches on with or without us. What it does leave behind for us are the memories. Even though I couldn’t physically  be back inside of that memory,  I was surrounded by the ghosts of it. I found it funny that present day I was standing in front of this park with the very people who lived in that memory with me, my Mom and Dad. Nothing will make you  cherish your life more then standing in front of the ruins of it, from a marvelous  period gone by. I could see a little me excitedly grabbing my Dad’s hand and crunching across the gravel to the now empty souvenir shop. “I want the  neon triceritops stuffed animal Dad!”  Although this place was fading away as each page of time was turned, it remained as vivid as ever within my memories. My Parents are  getting older and showing signs of wear, but here, in my memory they are always young. Never had inanimate objects made me consider my mortality more. I thought of all those moments that seem to go by unnoticed while they’re happening, but later become wholly significant. Because even as your living it that time  will hold great value in the future. Therefore, take lots of pictures, slow down, and tell the people whom deserve it that you love them every chance you get. To  learn and see more about my memory, click here!

Cheers!

bleu

Whoa oh, ho, it's Monday!

*blogged after a lazy Saturday and a grilled hamburger*
Yet again it’s Monday you know. Perhaps it’s not exactly magic to you  but it  certainly  can be! Therefore, to help ease you into this week here’s a list of  seven things that should be on your radar, one for each day!
1)Broadway Plays!
 
 

My oh my, are good plays overly expensive. However, sometimes it’s totally worth it. I was having a major hankering for some artistic fulfillment so I  made the splurge this time. It’s even better when you can share it with  someone you love. Therefore, I’m also taking a lovely little cousin to Her first play. You can never start em’ too young. Not to mention it’s   the best way to spend two hours of your life, rather then on Facebook people.
 
 
2) The Henry Norman  Hotel Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

This place puts the H in hip, with it’s amazing location and loft style living rooms. They have a curated mini bar full of locally produced goods, and some stellar doormen  that make you feel fancy. Not to mention the  sleek  cars they will freely chauffeur you in around Brooklyn. I can’t say enough lovely things about how great this place is. So, if your holiday destination is in New York  City,  stay here and live like a local not a tourist!
 
3) Hard Root Beer
 

Pictured: Not your Father’s  hard root beer, and Coney Island hard root beer. I have not been into anything with the label hard on it since sneaking ” beverages,” into  my underage slumber parties. I also, didn’t realize that root beer, which is already good  could be greatly improved upon with the addition of alcohol and a nifty label.
4) Pleasant Ebay Transactions – the money and the people who part with it-
It’s not often you have sweet interactions with complete strangers on the internet(unless you’re being a creeper) usually  never making face to face contact with someone is  impersonal, but sometimes you get surprised. I’ve been  a highly rated seller(bragging rights) on Ebay for quite sometime and I still get surprised. To  give you an idea, here are some of my favorites. Recently a  Husband purchased an anniversary  gift for his Wife from me, and We discussed when to ship it so it could be  a surprise for Her. Another,  was  with a kind young Lady that was enthusiastic and interested in my item, and as a follow up happily let me know how much She liked it upon receipt. You just don’t get those kinds of interactions  everyday as a seller, and I love when I do!
5) Coffee Wars!?
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For a time I  boycotted the billionaire beans peddler Starbucks in favor of local small  coffee shops. Many of us already know it’s over rated but even so, I still get surprised when I find good coffee for under  $3.00.  One such case recently was our Canadian friends Tim Horton’s. Even though I’ve consumed enough Starbucks to be a card carrying gold member(oh how I’ve turned from my ways!) I still try to support smaller businesses as much as possible. Besides, I’m only a gold member for the benefits!
6) Childhood Memories
Many of you have positive memories of your youth(I hope) but nothing  tears at your emotions quite like visiting places  from your younger self. Recently I had the pleasure(and displeasure) of standing mere feet away from my favorite childhood destination, the prehistoric forest. As I imagined myself getting smaller  I could see the now abandoned(tears) park coming back to life. This was the place that held so many childhood memories for me, and all I wanted to do was go back!
7) Mother’s Day everyday
If you’re in the U.S, I presume that since yesterday you have hugged, kissed, and even given your Mommy a present.  It’s probably good for your bank account this doesn’t happen everyday. However, your Mother  is still your Mom everyday! Therefore, if you can’t afford to buy Her things all the time, at least show some appreciation kids.
Last but not least, the drink! A chocolate margarita, find the recipe here.
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Cheers!
bleu

Oh, hey it's margarita Monday!

*blogged after a Dunkin’ Donuts chocolate glazed donut, Oh Yeeaah..*

So, are you getting sick of Mondays,margaritas,and me yet? Has my drink pushing caused you to join Alcoholics Anonymous? If so I deeply apologize, and please don’t blame it on Monday.  He didn’t do anything I swear. In fact, He has only been trying to offer you  a new start and some extra time(120 hours actually) this whole year so far! Going forward with that new information I hope you’re able to forgive him. Therefore, here it is,  7 things for each  day of the week, I hope you like it!

  1. Upscale Resale Howell, Michigan.

     

Dear God this resale shop is so nice it made me feel slightly under dressed.  Instead of buying from the conventional mall or a  department store, upscale resale shops are so much better. Not only can you consign your discarded clothing for some extra cash  but  this avoids  further contributing to  all the stuff already in land fills! By supporting these types of shops you help decrease on the clothing industries wastefulness. It’s like a  recycling center for clothes. Instead of trashing your stuff  why not sell it? Also, purchasing  previously owned designer things at a discounted price not only saves you money but cuts down on the amount of stuff  occupying  space in the Earth and in numerous stores. Our Mother Earth will thank you for helping Her get healthier. If you enjoy shopping then you probably know what the best part of cleaning out your closet is, …getting new stuff! It’s much more economical and  eco- friendly to go the resale shop route.

2) Starbucks Gold Membership

This is a great option if you find yourself  at Starbucks a lot, it actually saves you money, and if you’re paying five dollars for a coffee then you could probably use it. All you do is download the Starbucks app and register a card(gift cards are good for this) and through the app you can start earning rewards. Earn enough “stars,” and you’ll become a gold member – cue the oohs and ahs-    This means you’ll qualify for free stuff!  While the whole rewards program is really a gimmick to get you to spend more money, if you are a frequent customer it really can benefit you. Because, after all we all know more money is the last thing Starbucks needs! However, you can use the program to your advantage(take that  big business! Not to mention, you  get a fancy pants membership card that will impress your friends and strangers alike. That is, if you’re into that sorta thing. Otherwise just enjoy your free drink rewards and order the largest one possible, because you can.

3) The Kids Section?

Why is it, that at nearly every store(I’m lookin’ at you Target) the kids section is so much better!?   Just because I  “grew up,” doesn’t mean that suddenly I’m boring. I’d like some bright, whimsical, and cheery designs for me too thank you very much. If your in ned of a pick up to  the doldrums of the “Adult,” decor I suggest checking out the kids section. It’s there you’ll find a bright pink flowered hand towel, and that’s sure to bring some more fun into your visual life! Personally I prefer some cute kid touches floating around my space because it’s not so boring and can actually help your blaise moods sometimes! So, don’t be afraid, just take a stroll through  the kids section every once in awhile.  I promise it won’t hurt.

4) Dylan’s Candy Bar

While I know this place doesn’t need any reps from me, I’m going to do it anyway. Why? As above, the whole place is a kids section!   The daughter of illustrious 1990’s designer Ralph Lauren, Dylan Lauren owns it, hence the name. It may just be a candy store but it’s actually  pretty fun place. It’s even better if you have a sweet tooth(like me) that requires appeasement once in awhile. While  this particular candy shop doesn’t come cheap, you’ll be sure to find at least one special item to enjoy.  If you can control yourself and not fill up your basket Dylan’s is very  affordable.

5) 7  Star Replica Handbags

Up until today I thought knock off or “inspired,” handbags were just fake designer purses. You could buy them in China Town NYC, in a creepy secretive way and they break super easy and that’s that. However, woe as me was I wrong! As it turns out they(whomever they are) have a rating system for replica handbags. A seven star rated bag means that it’s the closest thing to real you can get and they’re made much better then the ones from China Town. As it turns out, you can get them online(bad idea) but they can also be found in select upsale resale shops like #1!  In fact, I put a very nice Chanel number on layaway today.

6) TonyMoly Face   Masks

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If you want flawless skin, follow the lead of those who have it. This is where Korean Beauty comes in. Many of the “Asian persuasion,” have beautiful skin. Therefore, not too long ago Korean beauty products became popular. Not only are they exotic but  also fun, bubble  masks anyone? This particular line has a slew of very nice and effective face sheet masks. You might feel a little bit like Hannibal Lecter wearing it for 30 minutes but you’ll feel fabulous(and look it) after it’s off! You can find them on Amazon here.

7) The Jungle Book in 3D 

This popular Children’s tale by Rudyard  Kipling comes to life and in your face in this Disney directed film. It not only features the voices of  Christopher Walken, Bill Murray, and Scarlett Johansson, but the  CGI and 3Danimation is stellar! All the animals are so well done you’ll just want to reach out and pet them pretty badly, especially if you love animals. Overall the storyline flows well, the visuals are great, and it will leave you smiling. Therefore go see it before it’s out of theaters!

And finally, the drink! A cool as a cucumber cilantro margarita that  will refresh you and make others green with envy. Find the recipe here.

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Cheers!

bleu

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Margarita Monday vol. VI

*blogged while drinking  mango juice and listening to  David Bowie 45’s*
 
Oh Monday, what can we say about you?  For most of us you mean another too long  work week. But for some you’re like the sunrise  of a new day(or in this case week. With  a  myriad of new possibilities;a day to embark on  missions to complete new goals and reach new heights. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s here. So, to make it a little better here’s a list of seven things  to have on your “radar,” one for each day!
 
#1) perpetualkid.com

Wait a minute, there’s  a  website full of kitschy gifts and fun things I remember and loved as a kid!? Yup. If you’ve never quite grown up and want to  still have some fun in this “grown up,” world consider checking out this website. Best of all it’s not too expensive! So, you can save up your  pennies for the weekend or Disney World, whichever comes first.
#2) Anonymous book sending

 
Do you love books? Is there one in particular that really helped you? Well,  send it to some unsuspecting friend! Yup, if it’s something that could benefit someone you know, why not drop it in the mail and surprise someone?   It’s even more fun when it is anonymous, because it becomes a gift for both of you. Not only will it potentially drive them nutty because of the anonymity, but the sudden appearance of a mysterious book will very likely prompt them to read it. Therefore, if your intention was for them to read it, mission accomplished! See, Monday is shaping up already.
 
 
#3) Pay it backward?

The next time you’re in a line, whether it’s in a car or on foot, buy the persons order behind you!  It’s easier to do this anonymously in a drive thru. However, it’s not like you can’t whisper to the barista(or cashier) to pay for the person standing behind you either. This may cost you, but frankly it’s a lot of fun and you could start a chain reaction of kindness! Good deed done for the day? check.
 
#4) Dr. Caroline Leaf
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Since my brain has become  a large point of interest for  doctors and me too, finding this knowledgeable Woman has been incredible.  Forget the self help books, the gurus, and  psychologists, listen to this lady! She has a show on television and can be found online as well. So, give Her a look here.
 
#5) Five Leaves Cafe, Greenpoint  Brooklyn.

 
 
What can I say?  Good food, Heath Ledger, and Brooklyn. Those  words alone should sell you! This place is not only  co-owned by the late actor Heath Ledger(before his death) but also pretty cute. The food  is also good too. I had the pleasure of  having brunch here on a sunny day  next to a hoard of hungry hipsters. The  service was sweet, the  burger was delish, and  I loved the location! So, give it a try  cool guy(or gal) if you have the chance!\
 
#6) Siggis Yogurt
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Yogurt, I think I’ve found your perfect form. Not only is this free of all the junk(no high fructose,colors,or extra sugar) but is also a very healthy and  tasty treat. Not to mention, it’s  Icelandic(Bjork fans rejoice!  It also happens to use simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar.  Dive in for a thick, creamy, tasty, and protein packed experience. People, just buy it.
 
#7) Conscious Beauty Products!  
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As I gazed into my drawer of old and new makeup products I thought “You only have one face.”  I repeat, one face.  Therefore you don’t really need 20 different overpriced eyeshadows, 6 high dollar lipsticks, and about 3 different kinds of mixing bases. I may be exaggerating but not really, and you get the idea… Just like fast fashion helps destroy the environment, so does the cosmetics industry. The production and consumption of beauty products has some not so pretty side effects on our world. To name a few, the chemicals in many products  get into the environment  and break down ecosystems, the waste from the packaging takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, and all that stuff going down your drain makes its way into our water systems. Not to mention the sheer amount of money these products cost. Walk into any beauty store and you can easily drop $100.00 in less than 30 minutes. It’s very likely your skin doesn’t want to be assaulted by three different kinds of skincare products in less than a month too. Just like  any billionaire company, they make money off of  making you think you need more.  Some beauty companies may tout ‘natural’ on  the label, but guess what? A higher demand for natural ingredients means more mining the Earth to get them fast and cheap. Therefore, certainly not sustainably. If you really want to help the Earth and your pocketbook, just stop buying so much of these pricey products.
 
 
And finally, cheers! with this agave margarita. Get the recipe here.
 
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Drink up!
bleu
 
 

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The Feels

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Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. -Dalai Lama

How much better could we understand each other, if we were able  to actually inhabit each other’s bodies? Like some version of the movie Freaky Friday.  I certainly know that I wished someone could inhabit my body(other than me) so they  could better understand my point of view. However, there is the ability of empathy , but even that wasn’t enough for me or others  that are in a crazy situation. Mere words were not enough, I wanted an absolute understanding and connection with someone. The support group I had gone to before,  I left because it was too negative and seemingly a group of people sitting around griping and being sad.  More recently I actually  revisited the group and found it to be better. Although, there was an overwhelming sentiment of people just wanting a relationship. Some had even never really had a romantic relationship. Whether romantic or not, it seems that  well and  “sick,” people are looking for a real connection. Why is that?  Even in an age that is so well connected.What makes it so difficult to connect with another human? Have we built up our walls of protection to be  too resilient? Is it a lack of empathy?  Perhaps it’s a mix of both. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that we need to be connecting to more than just the internet. Except for anyone in an isolated circumstance, the internet  becomes the connection. When you can’t really leave your house and your social life is  hanging on by a thread, the internet offers some much needed  socialization. Personally, I’m very social and I like talking to people so this was crucial for me. However, what about those who only see a caregiver and don’t really use the computer!?  I have often asked the Woman that comes over to help me, how much She knows about the other people She  works for. Of course, this is not done only to be nosy on my part. Knowing that some of those people likely desperately need  a social life, why not  help provide them with  that?  Sadly, not everyone realizes how important that is until it happens to them. Again,  where is that  body switching machine!? We really do need more understanding among us. Since this occurred to me I have become so much more aware of  the spirits inside of  some people. The World may see a smelly, street person, but I see   the person inside who really just needs  some compassion and acknowledgement. You don’t have to be religious, a guru, or “new age,” to  see someones  true spirit. You just need to pay attention in those places that the rest of the world(or those around you) ignore.

pay attention,

bleu

Staring Contest

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Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.”
– Harvey Fierstein.

How often  do you feel the unexpected gaze or stare of  a stranger? Well, I do quite  a bit. So much in fact that my usually non-violent  cute little cousin spouted off frustrated comments about one such incident. I believe the statement, “ I would kick Her in Her big dumb face,” was  actually used. As mean as that sounds it was very sweet because She was upset about the gawking of one particular Woman. I, on the other hand didn’t even notice it. I’m sure people wonder what in the  heck  happened to me, which is fine. It took a good while to feel okay about going out into public after the hospital due to the potential(and  actual) gawking. However,  I was told to hold my head high no matter what, and haven’t looked back since. Whether you feel particularly good  or awfully different that makes no difference. Because, either way you should carry yourself with esteem.  Your story is unknown to a stranger and certainly not their story.This is where unknowingly the Ray Bans tagline of “Never Hide,” is actually brilliant. At some point I decided people were staring because I’m so damn pretty, so there. This allowed any rude gawkers or gawking to quickly fade to black in  my  grand play of life. Understandably, my cousin is thirteen years old and has yet to learn this. Yet, people of every age could benefit from such an attitude! You don’t have to resemble a piece of beef jerky and wear stretch band waisted pants, and “special shoes,” before you stop caring what other people think. You can start doing that  right now and it is  freedom!    Just imagine it like when kids   pick their noses in public, “ We just don’t care people.” To  have that feeling  of freedom is pretty awesome. It means you can focus more on the important things and less on other people. Because, it is extremely likely the rest of the population is far too self absorbed to pay so much attention to you anyway. In those odd moments when they do, whether it’s for something spectacular(I do have Prada on, thanks!) Or  something a bit embarrassing, it’s totally okay just breathe and move on. Granted, we’d rather be thought of as mostly spectacular the latter happens sometimes too. It is in those moments, whether occasionally or perpetual, we learn to just get back up. Besides, what  somebody else eats does not give you a stomach ache unless you let it.  Therefore, focus on what’s on your own plate. This isn’t to say you should be self absorbed,  certainly not. Except, that sometimes what’s on your plate is more important than what they have on theirs. After all, they’re not living your life for you that’s  in your hands.

go pick your nose!

bleu

Brooklyn or Bust

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“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” ― J.K.Rowling.

It wasn’t all that long ago(or so it seems) that I  had a daydream, which like most daydreams seemed unlikely to happen.  While I wobbled along  in a rehab building on an indoor track, relearning  how to walk my mind wandered to a less dismal place. For motivation, I would imagine myself walking across the Brooklyn Bridge(my favorite) towards  a  more joyful  and better place than my current reality. At the time walking at all was a feat, much less completing over a mile walk across an iconic bridge that was over 600 miles away from where I was. Just like  hope can pull you out of a dark place; having a daydream can pull you forward towards your goal. It’s so important that you be around and supported by people who don’t find your daydreams to be preposterous. When you share your vision, it’s wonderful to be met with  a vote of confidence, offers of help, or even those who treat it as a perfectly normal statement. Your dreams will have a harder time of  being born  into reality, if they’re planted in harsh soil. Therefore, share them with those that will encourage and help them to grow. Once I built up the endurance to walk a long distance, I then needed the funds to make the trip. Through an online fundraiser and with the help of a number of friends

imageand family, I  was able to  raise enough money  to take the trip to Brooklyn. Not to mention ride Jane’s Carousel!

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The support  not  only financially, but emotionally helped bring a baby daydream to its full term reality. Without  the backing from  the numerous people that believed in me, my daydream would’ve withered away.  On my own I could not have reached my goal. This is proof positive  of how important it is to plant your dreams in fertile soil. The seeds born from your imagination, do best in supportive soil. Therefore,  keep them safe from the thorny grounds of disbelief,negativity, worry and  doubt. I  am very fortunate to have had so much support. It is because of that, I can now tell you  I walked all 1.1 miles of the Brooklyn Bridge with those very same supporters. Of course I imagehad to leave  a memento, so I made my own love lock(see here)image for the occasion. Nothing is impossible my dears.

-cheers and plant in good soil!

bleu

keep walking

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“Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything.” -unknown.

We all  need encouragement  to accomplish our  dreams, pursue a goal, lose weight, or simply just to be assured that were doing okay. Throughout my recovery I have met many a cheshire cat(Alice in Wonderland) that helped to point the way and encourage me I was on the right path. In particular one of them happened to be a child. Since children are unencumbered by the burdens of adults and can see more clearly, I   certainly took his words as wise. I found myself in the sanctuary of a church in Redding California(long story) it was Bethel  Church to be exact. It was here  amid music and a general strong sense of  God in the room, that I was approached by two young children with  an adult. They proceeded to  kindly bring me out of my thoughts, and  with the young boy holding a piece of paper in hand,  began to explain that they were looking for me all morning. I was  completely unaware that while I was carrying out my day, somewhere a child held some encouragement for me in his hands. Just a few weeks prior I had tried to walk on a treadmill and it went badly, because I found that I  could not  really do it. What ensued was a lot of discouragement, due to that perceived failure. However, when the little boy turned that  piece of paper over, it was to change.  I was told that in the morning during prayer, He received a picture and decided to draw it. They had been looking all morning to find the person whom it was for, and  upon seeing me  He  found the pictures intended recipient. Now what could possibly be on this paper for me? a treadmill!

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On the back of this picture He wrote simply  the word “legs,” in quotations and went on to explain what the picture meant. The treadmill  brought with it the message to keep going, not to give up, and that I would be healed soon. Just when one could begin to feel forgotten, here was some divine intervention. I don’t believe in coincidences, so  for me this clearly wasn’t one. With my mouth slightly ajar it  became evident to me that there is always someone looking out for you. Sometimes it feels as though your the only one struggling, or that your alone. However, as evidenced by this picture your not forgotten and there is always hope.   A new development in my recovery, is that I have been able to  walk on the treadmill(same one I failed at before. The picture is now framed in front of it. This story is  for everyone as a simple reminder that you are not alone nor forgotten. Wherever there is dark shine a light.

Cheers!

bleu

Brain Dead

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“When nothing is certain,anything is possible.” -unknown.

I have a bone to pick with the medical community. Today I was mentally aghast, when I  overheard a woman telling  someone about the parts of their brain that were now dead,due to a stroke. I find this and statements similar to be abhorrent concerning the recovery process. It is simply counterproductive and hope dashing. Being “realistic,”is  an excellent attitude, if you don’t want to get very far. Do you know what drives success?   Not only ambition, having dreams and setting goals, but also not listening to the naysayers.  Those with negative or “realistic,” outlooks don’t get as far as the dreamers. Because in order to be interesting,successful,or have adventures  you have to have a broader view and believe in the impossible.   The difference is, that  being unrealistic lends it’s hand to inspiration,motivation,and success.  When I  was in the Hospital,in ICU it wouldv’e been “realistic,” to declare that I had severe brain damage and likely would not recover well,or at all. However, according to a neurosurgeon that saw my “brain damaged scans,” He declared with a happy face, that I was doing things that I should not be able to do. My answer to that(not at the time)is  “Yes of course.”  It turns out the more “realistic,” people were sadly mistaken. No one ever changed the world by seeing the glass half full.  Dare I suggest to that woman, “ Your brain is  beautiful, We just need to work on this and you will improve!”  Now, what would motivate and  send Her in the direction of a  better recovery? Telling Her that,or declaring that part of Her brain is dead? The more productive and correct  answer is the latter. There’s nothing I despise more than realistic or negative people.  Some of my largest accomplishments and the best stories, were born out of ignoring  those people. I certainly don’t have any plans to begin listening to them now. My   future and very life depend upon not listening  to them as a matter of fact. You must be   wise in who you choose to listen to,or not listen to. You can’t go too astray by shooting for the moon and striving for more. Besides, if you don’t quite hit the moon, you’ll be  a lot closer to the stars than those that chose to remain on the ground.

Love you to the moon and back!

bleu

The walking books

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“So often people act like they don’t want to be bothered, but I think they yearn for that.” -Iris Apfel

We all have a story, but how often  is the cover  of that book completely misleading?

The best connections and  intimacies   happen when We allow or are allowed to peel back the pages of another person’s  book. So often it seems that were not allowed to do this. Paper books are  read  and written,but not   our own. Why must We keep our personal stories so secret?  It is this lack of sharing and misleading covers that keep us so very disconnected. While it may not be obvious, there is a strong undercurrent in humanity that   screams out for connection. Why else are there so many blogs,gangs,addictions,attempted suicides,rich therapists,and internet forums? The very existence of such  things is proof of the latter. As a society We succeed at many things, but it is in this realm that we  miserably fail. During my recovery I found myself wanting to talk to everyone(even strangers)to the point of having to be reminded not to do it like some sort of child. I simply found myself actually wanting to know people. In having to take a closer look at my own story, I badly wanted to know others. Because at the moment  my pages   were(are)suspended in  disbelief, and I desperately needed to find  some common ground with my fellow humans. There are so many problems I see that could easily be fixed if there was some support. It’s as if since the culture of the  Leave  It to Beaver 1950’s,we have effectively learned how to remove our hands from supporting the crowd surfer overhead. In doing this they fall to the ground and hopefully haven’t broken anything. However, would any of us even stop to ask them if they’re alright?  I’ve gotten  some of the greatest pleasure in simply being allowed to get to know someone. It’s not often when a total stranger allows you to read their book. I have found that in places of  injury(rehab) people are the most open and willing to  have a connection.  Devastation is the great equalizer. When the world is seemingly ending, there is no time to create prejudices, categories,or invisible rules. We are all simply people in need of love,safety,food,and shelter. The real tragedy lies in the fact that until someone tries to destroy that world(ours or  actually)We blissfully operate in these divides. Never has it been more evident to me that “United We stand,but alone,We fall.”

Open up your book!

bleu

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