PARTY OF ONE

Walking into a party the dimly lit room was filled with spellbounding energy that stopped you in your tracks. Force so intense as if you walked into a glass door. That moment where your heart raced and you paused to catch your breath. Adrenaline raced throughout your being engulfing you with a surge of energy; that when you blinked weakness swept in as if fatigued after a phenomenal workout. You marvel as you gaze around the room drinking in the splendor this moment bestows. You take your time embracing the awe that has overtaken you. From the candles lit to the beautifully fashioned presentation of tapas and tidbits. Liken to being in Paris for Fashion Week amidst the couture as these models entice the room with silver trays adorned with picturesque delights that heighten the senses. Distracted by the guests watching the servers, you see their eyes light up with each step closer your attention is fixated on their meeting. Merriment sets in as they are liken to children on Christmas morning, you strain to see what entices on that next platter. The music is crooning balancing the voices that fill this room with lively chatter. A violinist walks among the room serenading the guests as they attentively smile and nod wide eyed with wonder. There is a couple slowly dancing in a corner, the gentleman twirls his companion rhythmically. It is the epitome of precision and perfection in Entertaining. It is as standing again in Paris only now, in the Louvre Museum taking in the splendor of a painting that has come to life.

I liken this to us when inspired by not only living our Life but loving it now and yet daring to Dream. We are in our element and orchestrated by the most precise conductor when we lock into that which sets our soul on fire. On Instagram I enjoy a weekly inspiration called Whole Heart which I highly recommend. Each Monday they will have a thought for the week to focus on and it is not only to better yourself but everyone around you to impact our world for the better. They give me that extra jolt needed with my cup of bulletproof coffee on the brand new start of a brand new week. This past week they focused on Dreams which ignited my soul like wildfire. You see, the first paragraph above is when we lock eyes with that Dream. As I often say our lives are the greatest party we will ever attend. It is the one Main Event that we will be both the Host or Hostess and the Invited Guest. That I have the power to set the tone on this "life party" I am attending....right now. 

This Month my Daughter turned into a Teenager. She has been gushing about it being her "Golden Birthday" (it is when you turn the age of the day you were born. In her case she turned 13 on the 13th.) since I can remember. I became rather nervous as the day was approaching but no concrete plans had been made. To add to the pressure, her age found me in an added disadvantage because normally I would proceed on my own but with her  teenage independance I was clearly at a loss. Knowing we could not let this day pass without proper recognition we got to work. We rented out and had an all night party at a trampoline park facility. I am one about celebrating the mark you are embarking on leaving in order to usher you formally into where you are going. It is in essence taking this moment of time and as taking an orange sliced and placed upon a juicer being able to drink in it's delicious juice that is the very heart of the fruit.  We held a banner that traditionally we do on the last day of school upon running through you are leaving the one grade to move on to the next. How often we get so entangled with the Tomorrow's we miss out on the Today or what is next instead of what is present and all that it is gifted to us, right now. Being all in right now. Since all of the girls that were present will be turning teenage years or recently have, ran together cheering and laughter filled that vast place warming our hearts and souls. Attesting that this is something awe inspiring, THEY are awe inspiring. Proclaiming most importantly to themselves this next phase of life NOW is one to take on boldly and to go after life with the same gusto. Shakespheare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" has a quote I absolutely adore it is, "the world is thine oyster/which I with sword will open."  Basically, this expression just implies that somebody will make the most out of life in a circumstance. How would you open a shellfish? By prying it open.

You can't simply tenderly touch a shellfish with a blade; you need to put some muscle behind it. However, we think all that diligent work is absolutely justified, despite all the trouble because there's a shot of a gigantic result inside. Not just are they absolutely delectable—once in a while there's a pearl inside.

Out in the enormous world, there are unlimited conceivable outcomes, yet you need to attempt to discover them. Also, a pearl isn't simply lounging around for the taking, yet a clam is. That implies that regardless of the possibility that you discover a shellfish, there's no assurance that it will pay off.

Once in a while clams have nothing inside (but more shellfish). The lesson? Anybody can get a clam, yet just the fortunate discover a pearl inside. In case you're citing this line, then risks are you're a hopeful person trusting that the clam you get will be one of the fortunate ones that really contains a wonderful pearl. I found this when researching what this quote meant and found it even more inspiring! 

 My Daughter has not stopped talking about how this Golden Birthday was more than she anticipated all these years while continually speaking of it often over time and she now attests she will never forget it. We sang Happy Birthday at the stroke of Midnight. We savored and celebrated this magical moment. I too shall never forget all that this milestone birthday or one of my most coveted Dreams, My Daughter taught me. This is the Wonderment of Life. xo

WISH UPON A STAR

This week we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  in all of his accomplishments, exhortations, inspiring words and philosophy.
All because, this great man had a Dream. Overcoming Doubts and Fears his life is still impacting and encouraging us all to dare to Dream. I find it extremely ironic that often times when people refer to "Dreamers" they inject notions such as they have their heads in the clouds or flighty.  In  Dreaming I would say that this is a very accurate statement only difference is to be effective, your core needs to be anchored by the weighty roots of your very being - your Heart.  As in a match of dodge ball you have to be able to move, swerve and contort yourself. If you are too rigid and lack the fluid movement of being loose and limber you will be eliminated way before your time. Dreamers have mental agility from rigorous mental training. For instance, MLK was quoted with so many phenomenal nuggets that were born in the hardships of enduring to see his Dreams come true. Such stamina is exerted when we are Dream chasing.  It is empowerment injected within your very soul that sings out like that song in the Night that Morning is coming. I love this quote he said, "Only in the Darkness can you see the stars." My mind carries me away with being in a country field away from the city lights. Darkness veils the night as you cannot see your hand in front of your face only sensing that something is near. Oftentimes this is the same in persuit of our Dreams nothing in sight only the sense that it is near. Recently, I found myself looking for the stars, literally. Self doubt, fear and fatigue all covered me like heavy blankets weighing down my spirits. I went in search of truth, debating if perhaps I were desiring too much. Perhaps I should simmer down and find contentment within the boarders I was now residing. With a picnic packed with the elements fitting for a very cold night I held my cup of toddy closely to my body as if embracing not only the warmth but the soothing aroma. I laid back on the hood of the truck and drank in the Beauty that not only surprised me but it engulfed my being with the sky so full of stars shining brighter than that of the most rare diamond. The snap of the cold air and the sounds of nature at nighttime worked harmoniously in having the stars of the show take the stage. 

I let the outside elements woo me as liken to flirtacious and playful banterings and in a moment I had fallen in love. In love with not only my Dream(s) but the dark moment that when I thought to give up or settle instead I was being lured to defend my Dream as if standing up for the honor of it. I realized the fortitude I needed to suffice my uncertainty would be found in the connection of it mattering. The no matter what type of matter. Vowing my commitment because it was the wick that sustained my flame and fire. I was enticed to persevere all because it mattered to my soul. It is where the spotlight shines when I measure it within the boundaries of my faith and roots. Throwing out the hypothetical tape measure by attempting to tailor fit my very being liken to those around me. Unleashing the vibrance of my innermost desires to soar as a bird takes flight that had been entangled and unable to fly.  Calling to mind yet another one of MLK's power punches of inspiration. "Our Lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that Matter." Right then and there I connected where only before I felt garbled, scattered, confused and ready to quit. It was if my plug had been united with that of the extension cord or socket and instantly I had power.  I saw on Twitter yesterday a video clip where a Gentleman got out of his car to give a homeless man on the side of the road his coat. It gets better. They hugged one another as he put it on him. It was such a beautiful act of humanity and of what mattered to this man. Thus inspiring me from deep within as if to high five my very soul.  It mattered to him to follow his heart and it impacted all who have been fortunate enough to view it. It was heartfelt and soulful. Most importantly imagine the surge of Hope it injected into that homeless man. You see these are the very examples of it only takes one to make a difference or the beloved song from our childhood, it only takes a spark. If it matters, you will find a way I read earlier on someone's post. I wholeheartedly agree. I was researching the science on matter and it's definement as a whole. I was searching as intently as when a dog is on the hunt for what it smells and has him spellbound sniffing so agressively we can hear it. 



Think for a moment, pretend you too are sitting on top of your truck. Cold windshield behind you as you gaze into the stars that are always there, just for most of us within the city limits they are overshadowed by the lights of other things. They are always there. Just as magically bright. Our Dreams of what matters are shining deep within us.  In moments when we abandon all restrictions and allow our soul to run free after our Heart; the power of passion is unleashed. Anyone who has ever built or reconstructed a House knows that those blueprints were never in stone as in the dodgeball analogy you have to be able to tweak and revise. Vowing that even though the blueprints are not quite as precise as hoped for we will forge on. Another quote from the one and only; “Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.”  The Wonderment of Life here is another one of MLK's quotes; “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I can imagine the thoughts that swirled in that gentleman's mind to not get out of his car and do what unctioned him to do such an awe inspiring act. Fervency overcomes me when I see someone who is free to be themselves and embraces what matters most to them against any odd; against all odds. The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find themselves in places no one has ever been before -Albert Einstein. Here is something from someone I follow on Instagram. She too was moved with such passion from the movie The Greatest Showman. We all have been given the ultimate gift of Living and building, designing custom fit our Life may we inspire all those around us as we chase our Dreams even when we have to dodge.  xoxo

PASSION PROJECT

Life is full of Wonder. That statement could complete the synopsis of my entire point of this blog in general; especially this one as I am writing it. Looking at this picture it makes me smile from the depths of my soul, it is from my sofa in my Living Room. Even when I am alone my heart is full of memories shared here and instantly it comes to life. I reflect on the word life here titling Chapter 1 of 12 of 2018. Mulling over this word my heart grasps the defining portion of the following, a way or manner of living. This bottle of wine we were discussing with friends at Dinner the other evening is a fascinating must have. Phenomenal gifting choice and Host or Hostess gift. My friends were showing us this app that goes with this wine and there are different bottles and criminals where when you place your phone in front of the label they come to life to tell their story. Fascinating presentation takes gifting to an entirely different level as the price is very friendly and it yields more than meets the eye... and palate. I liken this to Life itself and how every single second of every single day we too can yield more than meets the eye inspiring not only our very own soul but impacting others around us. With this being the beginning of a New Year, slate is swiped clean so to speak and we all have a new found confidence or added doses to our existing amount to where we are able to do much and accomplish even more. Notice in the picture several candles are lit and my fire has been started. However if you look closely if you did not already notice, my fire has yet to ignite and be all that it was designed to be and do. The gas is going and I see my logs turning red hot but the flames have not displayed the dazzling blaze I desired. Blaze defined is intensely burning fire. I am drawn to the adjective intensely here as it is something full force and not stopped at half way. 

The thing about this picture at the top are the moments that were behind this snapshot of time. My Daughter was sick with a fever and we were the three bears except there were two. She would sleep and sweat her fever off. When she awoke, I would have her fresh clean clothes to change into. Then as a doorman in disguise, I would usher her to a dreamy plush new surrounding  with delightful smelling linens where I had already lit candles before I got her so they filled the air with highly pleasing aromas where if only for a moment she forgot she was sick. I must have changed linens just shy of a half a dozen times this day. It was an honor to change them each time in spite of normally not being very fond of this task because I knew how this would make her feel. As any of you know when you have a sick one in the House it is fruit basket turnover. I must have climbed those stairs enough to count it a workout smiling as my foot went in front of the other. Knowing that whatever she was now requesting ever so great or small was my part in flaming her fire to ignite and feel better. You see by the time I was able to have a mere moment to myself I fell onto the sofa drained but eager to watch my awards show I had recorded because I was busy with her when it came on. I looked around my surroundings that are engraved upon my Soul searching for encouragement. In my mind I envisioned myself with an empty glass holding it high in the air imagining as if there were a butler to fill that emptiness to satisfy not only my thirst but my being. Interrupting my mirage jolting me back as if a herald loudly announced the proclamation reminding my being that this is Home and it is my Oasis from which I draw. In a moment as if shot with a B12 I was on my feet lighting those candles and starting a fire to suffice my weariness as in rewarding myself for my efforts. Realizing as I struck the match and it made that unforgettable sound as it came to life inhaling that distinct smell that this is a metaphor of us in our pursuit of our Dreams, Resolutions and Goals. 

Often times we get weary and grow sluggish needing our flames to be ignited or stirred up to unleash our enthusiasm. As awoken from a deep slumber rested and vibrant we are gallant as we arise to conquor. Often times we look everywhere but within for the fuel to cause our flames to burn fervently. As if the "something more" is the answer when Gratitude shines the light on the power we already possess. Think of it as being Clark Kent jumping into the telephone booth being transformed. Often times we overlook the ordinary within our midst when it is indeed the extraordinary! After appreciating and embracing within my here and now my telephone rang and it was one of my beautiful, dear girlfriends who was at Dinner the night before. She said she was dropping off a happy on my doorstep all the while not knowing that my Daughter was sick and how daunting my day had been and what impeccable timing she had. As you can imagine much to my delight when it was indeed that wine! Her reacting to that which pricked her heart to do for me maybe she thought not a big deal; resulted in a vigorous brand new woman who then found the fortitude to not only embark on another day in what felt like forever in the land of fever but to overachieve in loving my Daughter back to health with all the extras I could muster up. I believe it starts within the realm of our Hearts that our Dreams are born and as in tilling up the land, we are ready to plant our seed of a dream and then shower it with the necessary variables of life needed for not only growth but the manifestation of what was toiled after. 

I posted on Facebook last week about being blown away from the Movie Musical, The Greatest Showman. I cried from the very beginning to the very end. I went the next day to see it again with a girlfriend to see it for her second time as well. Not only inspired again I picked up on things perhaps missed the first. All ages are being inspired by it. I was playing the soundtrack over the weekend in my car and the entire fully loaded car broke out singing and attesting that this is the Best movie. I marved at how much it effected them and these songs and they are seventh and eighth graders telling of how they cried throughout the show and how moved they were. My Daughter and I went the first time seeing this together. The Theatre was packed all ages it was awe inspiring to see grown men even the elderly that I sat by and witnessed to be so incredibly moved. Most everyone stood and applauded when it was over.  It is because our Dreams are real. Life is the greatest show. We were destined for a unique purpose within these moments called life and only we can declare how far we will go and the measure by which we will be affected. It ignited within me that this message is incredibly needed and the uniting of one another is more than cruical to achieving that which we dream. My evening was made spectacular by the thoughtfulness of my loving friend. By her kind gesture fueled by her love and showing of support of Me and who I am, it allowed me to be all that I dreamed of being for my Daughter. Of being more than she anticipated. In turn I was able to pay it forward for another when they have been weary knowing how invaluable the simplist of act can mean. Uniting together as if a force field that brings not only something for ourselves but it continues to thrive as it is given again and again as in the domino effect.  I will be mindful as I journey not only in this year but forevermore how everyone is incredibly special and dreaming their own dreams. Furthermore, the importance of what truly matters for that is what Dreams are made of. The Wonderment Of Life is when we value the here and now absorbing this very moment as the air that we breathe we fully experience life as custom fit to our own unique manner of living. I leave with you a beautfiul well known quote that I believe the people she speaks of are metaphors of life moments and one of the best music videos I have posted that too was shared with me by a friend. xoxo

Yvonne Pierre wrote the following:
“For every person who closed the door in my face, thank you. For every person who told me I wasn't good enough, thank you. For every person who laughed and told me that I was wasting my time going to college, because I was going to fail, thank you. For every person who tried to break me, thank you. For every person who took my kindness for weakness, thank you. For every person who told me I was wasting time chasing my dreams because I would fail, thank you. It could of broke me. From the core of my heart, I thank you. I truly mean it, because if it weren't for each of you I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't of spend hours and loss sleep studying. I wouldn't developed tough skin. You pushed me to think about what I "really" want out of life. You pushed me to master my craft. You helped me develop the drive, passion and determination. You pushed me to not wait for someone to believe in my vision, but to find a way to make things happen. I know you didn't "intend" to, but I thank you for teaching me to believe in myself! AND you taught me to TRUST in God and lean on my faith, not man. Thank You!”