September 8, 2014

Make a list of donts

“If your always wishing you were somewhere else, you’ll miss most of your life.” -unknown.

All of us at one time or another focus on what we don’t have.
However, when you flip the switch and focus on what you DO have that list of don’ts, suddenly becomes much more positive.
Lately I have decided to make a list of don’ts in order to feel better.
For example:
While I may have had a devastating stroke, I don’t have many of the problems associated with one, thus I made a list of what I don’t have.
This is like many positivity exercises, although I’m no new age guru.
While I did previously subscribe to some of it, I no longer do.
Instead of believing in only myself, I do indeed believe in a higher being.
Part of that is still very much positivity,health, and wealth.
While your list may be different than mine, I think you too will find your list puts a spin for the better on an otherwise negative view.
Furthermore by taking note of what you don’t have rather than be saddened by it, you’ll probably be more grateful.

While wallowing in your own problems it’s easy to get swallowed by them.
There are times I’m sure when you’d rather be someone else.
Little do you know there is someone who would wish to be you!

I went on for months wishing I was anyone but me.
Except one day I met a woman bound to a wheelchair, that really wished to be me.Little did I know the blessings I had because I was too busy looking much farther than my nose.
When your studying for a test if your overly concerned with the final grade, you won’t do well in studying for it.
I was so worried about where I would end up I forgot to look where I was at that moment.
The best advice my parents received while I was in an ICU dying was this: “Don’t look any farther than right here.[ taps nose]

To summarize, if you look too far in the future or too far in the past, those thoughts will eat you alive.
Life, for me at least truly is day by day.
After all, we aren’t promised a tomorrow.
The best you can do is take advantage of your here and now.
I am still learning as are all of us, but at least I can share my wisdom in hopes you will avoid your own troubles.

Cheers my fellow friends and travelers! I bid you well on this journey,

August 27, 2014

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland

aliceinwonderlandsequelhole

“You used to be much more…”muchier.” You’ve lost your muchness.”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.

Much like Alice we are all on a journey to find our muchness.

I have found that my own personal journey has very much reflected the story of Alice in Wonderland.

Over the past year and a half I have met character after character.
The jabberwocky for me was the recovery and overcoming of the massive stroke.
Many times I have been at a crossroads of confusion.
It was as if the Cheshire Cat was pointing me in all sorts of directions.

However, I couldn’t always listen to him but follow my own feet as best I could.

The evil queen of hearts for me though, resided in a large hospital castle.

She sent her army of doctors after me,while I ran thru a garden maze looking for the exit.

Luckily, I have found the tiny door to a room that leads out though.
When I finally return from the depths of the rabbit hole I have plans.
Like Alice,I too have large dreams and new frontiers to set sail for.
Alice keeps getting questioned who she is in the film repeatedly.
Until, finally the mad hatter recognizes her after she regains her”muchness.
I also was questioned repeatedly on who I was.
In test after test I determined to show therapists “I’m still here, I’m okay!”
After months of outpatient therapy, I began to feel mad.
However as in the film:
“The Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?
[Alice checks Hatter’s temperature]
I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.

**Cheers!**

August 13, 2014

Everyday is Like Ebay.

“There’s alot of nice people in the world, be one of them.” – unknown

Just as a fortune cookie is unpredictable so is the world of online bidding.

In a more recent interaction I saw the glaring differences in the interactions you can have.

Interaction A) via stateside…

A girl takes a screenshot of my auction and posts it on her Facebook because I unknowingly used her picture.

Many messages of harassment and nastiness ensue from her and her friends.

It ends in me contacting ebay over the harassment and eventually pulling the auction.

Interaction B) via our neighbors from across “the pond.”

A girl simply retracts her bid after I ask her to because shipping is too costly as I guessed it would be.

It ends in a resolution for both parties and myself feeling like just shipping her the item for free

Did I? Unfortunately I couldn’t because there was another bidder, otherwise I would have loved to.

The gap between these two interactions is wide.

One exchange left me feeling like giving out hugs, the other slugs.

The reason is simple, whether it be in person or online the way you treat someone reflects you and determines the results you’ll receive.

This is obvious as it’s something most Mothers and Sunday schools tell you.

However, even so rarely do I see that difference in interactions so close together.

They were nearly back to back!

One girl had me highly frustrated while the other made me just want to give her the$150.00 Spirithood( the auction at hand)

Although it should be obvious to treat people well, for some it isn’t.

I’m adverse to being identified as a hippie, but on this theology I can agree.

Because of the difference in attitudes of these two ladies it caused me to see the differences and thus inspired me to write about it.

This micro event can easily reflect the bigger picture, which is: “you get what you give.”

There is no reason to spread darkness, only light, even if your having a bad time.

“Be kind to others as you don’t know the battle they’re fighting.” -unknown

The reason this seemingly meaningless interaction meant so much was because I was having a bad time, a very bad time making kindness all the more meaningful, even thru a computed message.

Cheers!

August 3, 2014

The Rust Belt Market

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If you are a fan of etsy.com, then welcome to its real life version in Ferndale, Michigan. The Rust Belt Market is a good sized venue chock full of independent designers and sellers.

If your in the metro Detroit area at all, this place is worth a stop.

I found a couple of treasures and of course it’s always important to support small&independent businesses.

–dark brownleather cuff with vintage key closure by an amazing leather designer from Czechoslavakia, She had very unique leather clasps closures,and leather jewelry.

–lemongrass sugar scrub,all natural from Bath SAVVY

The unique wares don’t stop there,check out these Scrabble game board floors at one vendors shop!

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Another Vendor employed a great use of pink wooden frames in her shop.

If that isn’t enough for you,they have cake too!Armanda Herbert at Soul Seasonings whips up cakes from the caramel cake and whiskey sweet potato to the aptly named “lemon cloud and all are delicious.

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A slice will run you 5 or $7.00

For more information you can visit The Rust Belt Market Here.

Check out this video below! (pssst it’s down there…)

Just click this link please Madam or Mister D.I.Y or die!

**Happy crafting and creating!**

July 29, 2014

Standing on a soapbox.

soapbox on google

“Dying is easy,it’s living thats hard.” -unknown

I find this statement to be quite true at times.

Not just for me but for everyone on this earth.

Anyone can get on a soapbox with a bullhorn.

Except few people can command attention with it,despite their cries of indignation.

Through circumstance I have been given that authority,

likewise ,“With great power comes great responsibility,” as said by Stan Lee.

Through unexpected,and unplanned circumstances I’ve found myself primed for a soapbox.However small the audience,each person matters.The question begging an answer is,now that I’m here, what do I have to say?

While driving along to a concert with my family a thought occurred to me;Attempting to describe any singular great experience is akin to trying to fit music and the entirety of feelings it encompasses into a box.

Besides such an act seeming impossible, at times so has my recovery.

However, I have some good news it’s not impossible.My hopes besides a full recovery are to demonstrate what’s been given to me to others similarly in need of their own recipe to bring them through their troubles.No one person can fulfill this because its something we have to find on our own however other people, like the Cheshire Cat(Alice in Wonderland),can certainly help point the way.

Which direction will you choose? Well, that depends on which cat you encounter.

The best kind are positive,follow through with what they say,and are able to properly demonstrate love.

It is in love that I recommend blocking out the negative things of this world,

especially when faced with an important mission.

It is not enough to simply be alive, but to also actively live your life and share that lust for life with others.Because were all in this boat together.

Overall it has been these types of people that have built a human chain of sorts that has brought me through.

Humanity is like a chain link fence,were all together as one, if any link be weak,strengthen it.

How do you help the weak link? Just as you would a metal fence,build it back up.

Be it with words,inspiration,a hug,some physical help,or whatever the method it’s important to do it.

***When I was living in New York City I saw that negativity could spread throughout people almost like a cancer and physically exhaust you.

Now that I have been able to look back into it like a snow globe after returning from the brink of death,my hope is to be an inspiration,not only thru actions but in,interactions as well.

Each one of us is a walking,living story, in order to let other people read your book, you have to show them.

Nonetheless I am determined that where I’m headed is nowhere near where I came from.

July 24, 2014

A new beginning.

What were you doing on October 12th 2012?
Well, I can tell you what I did because I had a massive stroke that day
while out of the city (NYC)for my job.

I was found unresponsive and very near death by a cleaning woman in my hotel bathroom.
I was then rushed to the very hospital I was working for.

Below Photo: In Wilson Hospital of New york in ICU

Seven blood clots,many cat scans,a med flight, and a few surgeries later here I am in present day time. It has been a year and a half of recovery from my personal war in a hospital in upstate New York (Wilson Hospital).

A team of healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to save me while I was surrounded by my family and friends praying to God for my life to be spared.
Against the odds it was spared and I survived.

I was flown to University of Michigan Hospital where I remained for 64 days
in in- patient rehab. My Father and I during the medflight on Kalitta Air. (above)I relearned how to walk again and built up my strength As well as re-learning things like reading,writing,reasoning,and conversation skills with speech&language therapists.

It has been an unimaginable journey and it still continues.

Now I have another “go-around.”

This time I am not only smarter and more determined but also know how to go about things better,I’m thankful for that.

In conclusion, this has certainly highlighted the fragility and beauty of life for me.

At an all too young age, I have suffered what some do in very old age.

This has led me to appreciate different things.

As well as meet a slew of special people along the way.

Today I’m sitting at a beautiful new desk and typing on a new computer.

I still have physical problems and work to do.

However I know it will get better and continues to.

The world may think I’ve “lost.”

I beg to differ,I’ve gained more than most.

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May 20, 2014

Blogcademy Chicago 2014 Recap

These boots were made for bloggin’ Image:Shauna Haider @Nubby Twiglet 2014

Dear Blogcademy,How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1)You encourage a sizable gathering of babes and creative women.

2)You make everything have that certain *sparkle*

3)You even got theparents out of the house to venture to Chicago seeking your glitter covered guru guidance.

4)You facilitate networking among up and coming bloggers furthering a great community a.k.a “tribe.

5)You have a “Brit Babe teaching too and I just love listening to that accent!

To make a long story short back in October 2012 I suffered a massive stroke which caused me to miss Blogcademy NYC which I lamented for weeks upon realizing I had completely missed it. however ,Lady Luck paid me a visit, there was a second class in Chicago ! I HAD to go but unfortunately I had no money any more to attend so I decided to apply for a scholarship, I then excitedly headed to a craft store and picked everything out for my project and with fingers crossed and a hopeful heart …proceeded to create a very cute scrapbook that followed my short essay- See Here

Well,much to my surprise I WON!

Hence followed a road trip to Chicago ,a dinner with local friends I had not seen in awhile and class the next day

The class was held at a co-working space called Enerspace Chicago, which is perfect because it’s a place for start ups and those seeking to further themselves,a business,or an idea, it was a lovely incubator to hatch our collective blogging dreams&schemes!

Much to popular belief bloggers and blogging is not just about “Look at me!Although “selfies can be fun… In fact it’s actually serious business and all three “headmistresses run their blogs as such.

The “Headmistresses!(above)*note the good style…

Everything was covered in depth from branding to content to marketing to monetizing,even the legal side of taxes,contracts,and agreements.

Gala introduced herself as well as the others and told all the “Blogcadettes where things were located We might need or want

After that intro it was time for each of us to do our own and answer the following questions:

1)Who are you?

2)What defines you?

3)Is it a business or is it a hobby?(your blog)

4)What else can you tell us about yourself?

Throughout class there were funny stories,laughs and of course good/fun music to each of our blogging activities&exercises

For being an 8 hour day it went by fast! Which to me indicates it must have been good to feel so fast

I learned more than I thought,the “Headmistresses were available to answer any and all questions,as well as generally just chat about anything,they were gracious hosts!

Matching ears.Matching shirts.

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Check out my friend Erin’s site Here!

GOODY BAG SWAG SPONSORS BELOW:

ART SCHOOL DROPOUT simply cool.

LADYBIRD LIKES yet more paper goodies

LIFE ON MARS VINTAGE PinkCircle Marilyn Monroe scarves.

MAD BIJOU Look at Her ” disco bullets…

LOVE IDEAS INK lovely paper goods!

REETA KRISHNA provided the indispensable WordPress for Beginners Book

SODA FOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY Just take a LookSee!

CROWN AND GLORY beautiful “crowns and sparkly ears too!

REETA KRISHNA provided indispensable WordPress for Beginners Book

B-TRIZ COLLECTION from across the pond…

In conclusion,I learned alot it was a fresh atmosphere thats an open forum for learning,sharing,networking,inspiration,and fun.I can saythat if your at all interested in blogging,head on over to Vimeo and look for Blogcademy for a sneak preview of what its all about and I can promise you won’t be bored.

*Cheers!*,

In conclusion I feel that it was time well spent for a sneak peek head on over to Vimeo and look up Blogcademy for a preview of what its about I believe if you have the blogging bug at all you’ll want to participate in class,and I can promise you won’t be bored.

* *Cheers!*

Above Photo: Ears away!(my lovely friend Erin&I )

Goody Bag Swag Sponsors!

Art School Dropout provided awesome hairpins
Crown And Glory For the sparkly ears and pretty headbands!
Mad Bijou Look for the “disco bullets! ours were pink 🙂
Life On Mars Vintage Great name and very David Bowie! provided silky pink Marilyn Monroe Circle scarves.
Love Ideas Ink Rad Stationary!
B-Triz Collection Notebooks from over the pond!
Reeta KRISHNA provided an indispensable WordPress for beginners book!

My friend made us matching shirts! Upwards&Onwards.Check out Her blog and illustration work

In conclusion,I found the two day class to be jam packed with useful information as well as inspirational i.e. it got me pumped

I would certainly recommend it to anyone even mildly interested so, GO?

Each of the “Headmistresses were so sweet and thanked me,as well as hugs!

I appreciate&admire them not only as amazing bloggers but as rather cool people too.

Get Inspired and attend Blogcademy,seriously!

Post Script: Check out this Chicago Class Video Here

April 13, 2014

My Blogcademy Chicago Scholarship Entry

What do people and the general public know about blogs?

-Very little.

What do people know about the type of person who blogs?

-Even less.

A beauty queen? A troublemaker?A nerd? A sports aficionado? An oddball?

It’s a veritable blogger Breakfast Club!

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In my experience few people know of the great things that can be done by simply putting your fingers to keyboard keys

It also doesn’t hurt to have a great imagination and creative flair (not flare)

It may appear to be a mindless diary or just have a good design aesthetic…

It’s anything but!

As Women We have enough beauty magazines to tell us what to buy,how to look,or how to be better…

Instead We need a positive forum to connect,network,and show that were pretty inside and out!

It may be a “Man’s World” but why don’t We make that a Woman‘s world?

with pink combat boots and all!

Why I think I should win:

I was actually all set to attend Blogcademy NYC but 2 weeks before at the age of 28(I’m now 30)I suffered a massive stroke and besides serious Hospitalization I missed out on quite a few things,too many to bear…. -BUT- after being motivated to create this essay/scrapbook for a scholarship to the class it helped to really motivate my creative gears to begin moving again after being in a long depressive slump.

I believe the blog “phenomenon” could help many others and the reason I entered to win this,this time around is because due to mounting medical bills,it’s the only way I can afford to go….

Thank you for your time,and good luck to all entries! I hope to see you all soon

April 1, 2014

The Road to Recovery…

On October 12th of 2012 in upstate Newyork at the age of 28 I had a massive stroke out of nowhere,but now a little over a year of recovery time,I am in therapy on a weekly basis,its been a hard road…We put a years worth of miles on our car in half the time…

There are several types of therapies to keep you moving…

Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Massage Therapy(which dealt with getting nerves to wake up again)this was considered to be an alternative therapy
Suit Therapy-which is typically for children with Cerebral Palsy but helps to activate
Speech underused muscles 6. Speech TherapySincemy discharge from Inpatient Rehab(all 64 days of it…) I have been on a weekly schedule of therapy and Doctor visits,which at first were arduous,but now have become routine as I make my way back into some normalcy in what as been a very irregular and difficult time period in my life thus far,now all I can do is continue to work,persevere,and keep hope.Never has the saying “One day at a time been more relevant,as well as the term ‘Patience of a Saint’ While recovering and being less independent I have had to learn how to be patient and wait for nearly everything, which has probably been one of the larger changes,coming from being a fiercely independent woman….
Barwis Method is ran by College Football Strength&Conditioning Coach,legendary Mike Barwis out of Plymouth,Michigan, the training facility consists of an area for weights and modified workout machines(built by personal specifications according to Mike) as well as an indoor field,He physically challenges athletes and laymen alike and of all physical rehab I have done his is my favorite.These days Mike is a hard guy to catch as He builds a new center and more recently has begun filming on American Muscle,soon to be on the Discovery Channel.I have been lucky to meet this forward thinking trainer,not to mention a person that like most rather than being self focused chooses to take time to help others.

A poem upon parting……

One ship drives East,
and another drives West,
With the self-same winds that blow;
Tis the set of the sails, and not the gales,
Which tells us the way to go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life;
Tis the set of the soul that decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

XO **BLEU**

October 13, 2013

These Days

On October 12,2012 I suffered a massive stroke that has surely changed things ,mine will be a story of recovery and fighting the good fight to get back what I lost as well as be grateful for the things I still have and can offerI have found very little in the way of fellow young survivors save for one,Nina from Boston,Massachusetts who had one at the age of26Shehas a great quirky blog check it out here——>POP!

Cheers!

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