November 7, 2015

Revel

1940s-Dance-Party-vintage-photo “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.”

Everyday you’re free is cause for a celebration. We are so accustomed to our innate abilities to roam where We’d like and do what We want that it is completely taken for granted. Most of us have no knowledge of what it’s like to be limited. However, when you actually experience being limited, freedom becomes appreciated and tangible. Many of us don’t know what it actually feels like to be free, even though We are everyday. The first time I felt the true rush of freedom, I just stood there soaking it in and enjoyed the moment for as long as I could. For what has seemed like an eternity, I have not been alone or free to roam where I please. As it turns out there is nothing to fear in being alone, because We aren’t and it is refreshing to have a moment to yourself. How many times did I wander unrestrained, and be completely unaware of what a privilege it was? After enduring real limitations, you realize the value of freedom and why you need to break through those limitations. How many people place limitations on themselves that are not only invisible but also unnecessary? When you have complete freedom, of thought and in movement there is no reason or place for limitations. You have the freedom to travel, to choose, and to move(some do not. Choose the light over the dark,what you feed into is what grows. Delight in your blessings and abilites, and for God sake do not remain stagnant or still! If you asked a man who was wheelchair bound what He wants to do most, He’d likely tell you “run.” Therefore, run don’t walk past any limitations and certainly don’t place any on yourself!

run, don’t walk and cheers!

bleu

October 31, 2015

if you're able.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

-Dalai Lama.

Do both of your hands function? I have often daydreamed about what I would do if both of mine did, because currently my left hand does not. I think I would take up knitting, complicated needle point, scrub the entire floor with a tiny toothbrush, and finally find every excuse to use my hands. When you have an ability naturally, it’s taken for granted. If only We all realized how amazing having them truly is. We would all be much more grateful, and eager to use our abilities. Also, it’s likely that We’d look for opportunities to be able to use them. Many of these opportunities, would be in helping those that do not have the same abilities. Being aware of these things now, I know in the past that I would’ve been much more charitable and helpful towards my fellow man. Just as John Lennon imagined an enlightened World so do I. However, my wish is that everyone would fully realize what a gift they have and share it amongst each other. If that happened, I imagine there would be no need for charity or as many costly social programs. The level of people helping each other would dramatically increase. Just imagine if We met each day as zealous as Scrooge on Christmas morning. What kind of dreams would be realized if We were aware of our innate abilities and gifts? Even more so if We shared them, culminating into a collective good that We all benefitted from. There are times each of us can recall of not going out of our way to help someone. If We were aware of how incredible our abilities to function normally really are, very few things would be considered as “going out of the way.” Instead helping others would just be a normal part of life.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLgYAHHkPFs&w=420&h=315%5D

October 24, 2015

On art and being human.

“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.” -Oscar Wilde.

How often is it that you find a person whom you’ve never met that changes your life ? Even if it’s for only a day, it’s strange to think that even those so close to you now, were once not in existence to your knowledge. Stranger still, is the strong impact a perfect stranger can have on you through the power of human expression. We’re all connected by an invisible tapestry of networks, real or imagined. It’s through these networks and artistic merits, that through time and space, the presence of another can be felt. It is in doing these these things, writing, painting, music, and theatre that our personal or private life experiences become a shared one. Whether it’s through the sonic landscape(music) the written word,film, or the visual arts, it helps to know were not alone. You can find traces of a shared human experience, woven throughout the artistic tapestry. While technology has seemingly connected us in ways as never before, it cannot compare to the authentic emotions that are brought forth by a moving piece of art. We are one of the few creatures that possess the ability to create, and even fewer still possess the raw talent to bring forth a strong piece that speaks to our souls. Each of us have our own particular brands of artistic expression, as unique as our fingerprints. It’s nearly impossible to explain art, because it is as broad as the ocean is deep. What brings about “good art?” The answer is simple, inspiration. An inspiration, that funnily enough comes from being exposed to the artistic expressions of another human being. This is where the interconnectedness of the human experience becomes all too apparent. For without each other there is no inspiration. The cogs of the human machine come to a halt without the oil of inspiration to keep them turning. This is why We blog, why we create, and most importantly share. All these beautiful things are made in an effort to grasp something real, in a sometimes very fake and chaotic world. Through the act of creating, were bringing comfort to ourselves in knowing we’re not alone, and at the same time reaching out our proverbial hands in order to join them together. Therefore, run, jump, play, be wild, free, and most importantly, don’t cease creating.

Nice to “meet,” you.

October 9, 2015

Warning: Perspective changes ahead.

“True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen.”

-Francois de La Rochefoucauld.

Is my life better since I almost died? I don’t think so, or at least I didn’t see the value or purpose of the last three years. I believed that I would’ve been enjoying life more (and having successes, and had plans) had the ordeal not occurred. How true it is that life happens while your making other plans. However, there is still gold to be found amongst utterly horrible unenviable circumstances. When life attempts to knock you out, you have to come back at it with fists flying. Even though you may be weary, there is still strength to be found in the indomitable human spirit. Even professional fighters with bashed in faces can still see. I’ve come to find that material belongings have no real value in the big picture. Money itself is just paper. It is not material goods, not gossip, social status, some daft guy, nor pridefulness. Instead it is the people and relationships that come to your aid. Nothing brings about true gems like a death defying situation, or dire need. It is those people who remain in your corner of the ring, that are priceless. How they shine in the noon day sun of love to be seen from miles around. It is those that stay in your corner, the friends, and vehement supporters that deserve your recognition and time. Therefore, don’t wait until you nearly die to see them for what they are.

-Cheers wherever you are,

September 27, 2015

Knights Wanted.

“True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful”-Paul Sweeney.

If you’ve subscribed to fail before you’ve even begun, your already a loser. Unfortunately people inherently enjoy seeing others fail. Therefore, this planet has a serious lack of one key component for growth, and that is the benefit of encouragement. All too often people believe what they’re told they cannot do or achieve. Perhaps I’m disillusioned but I find having the attitude of completely ignoring these naysayers allows you to move forward, rather than remain stagnant. If you want to witness a place that has the largest amount of untapped potential, you should visit a graveyard. Because this defeatist attitude some people acquire is deadly, and can last a lifetime. Consider all those people that believed they couldn’t, thus remaining a vessel carrying about large amounts of untapped potential. All of us are capable of achieving our dreams in the face of adversity(whatever that may be. Your more than just a person, but also an overcomer! Against the odds and even logic, by adopting this attitude you can be a force of positive change. Whether that change is in your own life or others, don’t hesitate to be stubborn or steadfast in the belief that you can reach your goal. In fact don’t think that setting the bar high is unachievable for you. Because, as evidenced by reaching my own bar(see here) it definitely is not! This is why it’s so crucial to be in an environment of support, love, and positivity. Where there is strife and negativity, that little voice in your head espousing failure is free to run wild. Sadly, most people won’t believe that they can overcome the odds until they’ve either a) done it or b) grown up in a supportive environment. However, if you don’t believe me, I offer up my own story as proof positive that you can indeed and will overcome the battles of life when you adopt the right attitude and belief.

Cheers and onward!

September 20, 2015

Brooklyn or Bust

“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

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

janes-carousel-28

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 had to leave a memento, so I made my own love lock(see here) for the occasion. Nothing is impossible my dears.

-cheers and plant in good soil!

September 10, 2015

good food, good places.

I Thought I’d do something a little different, and give you all a new “taste,” of this blog(pun intended.

First on the platter is Rue 57 New York. with a deliciously rich atmosphere,and it’s fair share of celebrity sightings it’s no wonder this midtown Manhattan eatery is full of patrons.

Rue 57 offers everything from brunch to sushi, the service is attentive and timely. The presentation of the food is lovely, and more importantly everything is prepared perfectly at this French American Brasserie in the heart of the city. The kitchen, overseen by chef Rich Robson churns out dishes from eggs florentine or brioche french toast to duck ala orange, and bread pudding. There isn’t much you can’t get at this delectable dining spot.

#2)The Dor-Stop Restaurant, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

If you prefer quaint and homey to rich and fancy this place should be your second stop!

The Dor-Stop Restaurant in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is a breakfast fan favorite.

The atmosphere is casual and feels more like your home town diner, even if your from out of town. Don’t discriminate it based on looks alone however. Famous for being featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, this place packs a punch for your tastebuds into it’s tiny booths. The coffee is warm and the rasberry french toast is sweet. Not to mention, the prices are reasonable and their breakfast selection is hard to beat.

In keeping with the home town vibe, if yours is in Poland then your sure to love this next place!

#3) Podhalanka in Chicago, has an old world with a circa 1956 Poland feel. It’s a Polish diner owned for a quarter of a century by a woman from Krakow,and located in the city’s old Polish Triangle. Yet another quaint place, serving up authentic home cooked Polish meals.

For a more coastal(and warm) atmosphere, let’s head to Half Moon Bay in California.

Here in this serene and beautiful space you’ll find Sam’s Chowder House.

#4) Sam’s Seafood Market and restaurant at Half Moon Bay, Palo Alto California.

You know a place is good when a television show( Good Morning America) on the opposite side of the country reports on their food. In this case it’s the best lobster rolls I and many others have possibly ever had. The internet is rife with recipes trying to duplicate it’s greatness. However, nothing is quite like the real thing. Not to mention the location and atmosphere, is well worth the drive to this seaside Seafood Market and restaurant on the Pacific Ocean. The views are glorious, the fare(in this case sea creatures) are fresh and the price is also reasonable.

Speaking of our fishy friends, get ready for some of the best sushi and it’s stateside!(go America,go)

#5) Totoro Sushi Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Not only does this artistic(former very hippie)town offer good shopping,and tasty drinks but great sushi too! They have a variety of rolls and they’re always fresh. A personal favorite of mine is the yam-yam roll(hello sweet potato goodness!) If your not a local, no need to worry as it’s easy to find, right off of State street and next to an Urban Outfitters(I did say shopping didn’t I?

If you like shopping, then you know about New York City. However, your probably unaware of a lesser known(and equally great) place that’s just a hop skip, or a zipcar away.

#6) The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick New Jersey. This place boasts all of the swank(valet parking anyone) with none of the attitude. Not just the main entrees are delicious, but so is the bar. During happy hour(4:30-6:30) you can enjoy bar food such as mini croissant wrapped kobe beef hot dogs(so good!) with a delicious drink. Not bad at all for a swanky place such as this. Even though it’s off the beaten path from New York, don’t discount the possibilities New Jersey has to offer. As well as it’s lesser known delicious dining destinations.

Last but not least some yummy eats that are far from the East!

#7) Boudin Bakery and Cafe.

Ah San Fransisco,

Your hills,your iconic bridge,the flower children,and the salty air in your yeast!? Yup, the San Fransisco air does something a little bit special to it’s famous sour dough bread. Which is why you should try some while your there. Enter Boudin Bakery and Cafe. These can be found dotted around San Fransisco and serving up it’s tasty bread along with soups and sandwiches. Move over Panera, because here comes your laid back and hipper older sibling.

Cheers! live well and eat well,

September 5, 2015

feedback.

“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”

-Bill Gates.

You can’t wait for other people to step up and be nicer than you. Why not just take it upon yourself to be a good person? As a long time buyer and seller on Ebay I’ve noticed some people won’t give you feedback until you give them a review. If everyone on Ebay did this no one would have any feedback! This apparent practice by some people exposes a selfishness among the community and people in general. If We all waited on another person to be more kind then We are, all of us would be at some sort of stand still. The majority of people are not all that nice, although they have the capacity to be. Not everyone will go out of their way for you. Therefore, why not let yourself be the one to make the first move, even if others choose to stand still. The mob mentality is a very real thing, if none of us broke from the crowd, nothing would progress or change. Throughout my recovery it has been the good samaritans or those willing to take notice of others needs around them, that have helped me the most.Simply put, things would cease to function if no one was willing to step out and

have a less self centered perspective. Or if We only helped others because they helped us. Likewise if We only gave to receive. You aren’t always going to get something in return and that’s okay. The satisfaction We feel from giving becomes marred, if We only do it expecting something in return. The spirit of giving is one of love and selflessness. If our motivation is to get something back for it, We simply turn it into a meaningless exchange, like buying goods from a store. The World needs more people that are willing to step out from the crowd, even if it makes them feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. Usually if something creates discomfort in you, then that’s a good sign that you’re on the right track. Because comfort zones rarely breed progress or large successes.

Cheers and get more uncomfortable!

September 3, 2015

If you read nothing else today, read this!

Click this link to read an incredibly intelligent blog post —-> Hit me!

Thanks and cheers lovelies,

September 1, 2015

dress to impress(yourself.

“The person we believe ourselves to be will always act in a manner consistent with our self-image.”
-Brian Tracy.

I couldn’t write this unless I practiced what I preached. As a recovering shopaholic and a recovering stroke victim I’ve learned by the most difficult way possible, the value of things. Whereas before(the stroke) I was shortsighted and indulged in instant gratification, I do no longer. Because, in the broad view of life material objects only offer short term happiness and pale in comparison to the achievement of your dreams and goals. These days I find more fulfillment in taking steps towards my goals rather than a shopping spree. Not to mention, seeing that money in the bank rather than collecting in the number of objects around you, is far better. A bad habit or overindulgence is indicative of a missing piece inside you. While I am not complete, I’ve realized that too much shopping is a form of self defeat. Perhaps it’s a self image thing, boredom, or just a ” girl thing,” but I certainly don’t want it to be my thing! It’s helpful to push that pile of stuff out of the way from blocking your goals. Not only that but our society of mass consumption has blinded us from the fact that all those material objects are mostly unnecessary. I shudder when I think of shopping malls filled to the brim with stuff. Where does it all go? Either into landfills(the Earth is getting sick of our trash), your basement, a spare room, or when you move you’ll get the pleasure of lugging exorbitant amounts of personal belongings into a truck. Did I mention that you have to pay for it all? Never mind all the things you could’ve done with those funds instead. The memories We create together are priceless, your designer handbag is not. As a matter of fact, if you ever try to resell it you won’t receive your money back, and more than likely it was manufactured in Indonesia. Perhaps I’m being too harsh. However, wasting your precious time and money is worse! The more this revelation becomes clear, I move closer to becoming a minimalist. I’m more interested in life experiences,good memories, and achieving my goals than shopping. While I’ll admit I still enjoy it, but I enjoy saving money even more now. Like Mr. T(see here) I pity the fool who pays full price for anything. Just like empty calories don’t fill you, and can cause obesity, so does shopping too much. When you begin to feed on material that nourishes your soul, you’ll feel more satisfied and the only thing that will become obese is your bank account!

and with that I challenge you not to shop for 30 days,

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