Love your haters

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 9/30/13


Dear readers, as you know, I've been in deep prayer and meditation for the past several weeks.  I am happy to report that I am feeling better than ever, and have never been happier.  The intense introspection was painful at times, I discovered parts of myself that I didn't like, but with God's help I am working hard to eradicate those qualities. I'd like to thank my haters for causing me to pause, humble up and examine my life.  I have emerged stronger than ever before.

Also, out of this time period came a very prolific artistic period.  I started giving away paintings.  I never did paint for money - which is a good thing because no one wanted to pay me for a painting. I painted because I love it.  My only criteria for a painting was that the new owner love it.  I took great pains to be sure that each painting went to a loving home.  They are my children, after all.

I had been sad that I could no longer use acrylic due to an allergy.  But.  Clearing out the paintings felt good. I felt lighter and now had room to create new art!  And it doesn't matter what medium I use, as long as I create.  I create because I must.  It's that simple.   I've been very prolific over the past several weeks.  I could barely keep up with my various muses.

Over the next few days I will be revealing my new art, and the direction I am taking.  Then we will be discussing colors - aren't all the bright colors fantastic?  They look really fab tempered with gray.  One of my favorite color combos is neon coral pink and gray.  Also love mint green and gray.  Teal and gray.  Orange and gray.....you get the idea.

Once we've discussed colors, I will reveal my apartment.  I have worked hard on my apartment to create a beautiful, edgy, girly pad that doubles as an efficient work space.  Not easy in 450 square feet with small closets.  Fortunately, I am resourceful.  There will be plenty of tips on organization.

Also, don't forget to check out my urban photojournal.  I've been taking a lot of pictures lately.  Politics aside for now, let's have some fun!

Stay tuned, cuz you're gonna hear me roar.

Katy Perry, you are fabulous!  Thanks for being an inspiration.  You go girl!

Happy Monday!

Good morning dear readers!  I had a great weekend.  Creative and restful.  I hope you did as well.  I have several exciting announcements.  But before we launch into that, pour a cup of your favorite Colombian coffee or jasmine tea and settle in.  Let's listen to the grooves of Bob Marley.  And what's better than Bob Marley? Why Bob Marley with Lauren Hill, of course!  Dedicated to my boo.  I miss you.  Who do you want to give some good, good lovin' to?

Happy thoughts for a Monday, indeed!

Saturday Night: Gettin' Girly

I'm so excited.... and I just can't hide it!  I'm going to a fab party in Cleveland tonight!  Woo hoo!  It's been a long time since I've been in my home town.  I'm homesick!  Remember Mazi?  The fabulous dude who let me tour his beautiful pad?  Well, it's his 50th birthday!  And we are gonna celebrate 50 years of fab-u-lous-ness!

I am hoping to meet artists that Mazi turned me onto.  Namely, Kevin Busta and Halim Ina.

It's been a long while since I've gotten all dolled up.  I've been considering my clothes, makeup and hair all week.  I really wanted to get all Nicki with it.  As you know, she's the shizzz.  Can't get enough Nicki? That's a coincidence.  Neither can I.  Check out my Nicki Pinterest Board.

This pic made me wanna cut my hair and dye it green.  My girl Haley says, no better get a wig.  Good thinking.  Any way, I love the makeup so much I tried it last night.  I can pull off a pink lip.  Fail.  Nicki is so much cuter than I am.  And she has professional stylists too, I guess.

I spent a ton of time on my hair this week.  I had a large tangle like you've never seen.  I thought I was either gonna have to cut it or go with dreads.  Took hours to get it out.

I thought about this cut.  Doesn't she look fab?  Nothing like a cute girly-girl in a comfy outfit.  That hair is not as easy as it looks, though.  it's dyed.  A lot, see no roots.  It's blow dried, it's straighted and it's teased. Great look, but too much maintenance for me.

Hmm.  I'd love to do something like this.  Luckily I talked with a girl at Sally Beauty Supply who had a hot pink dip.  She told me it's more trouble than it's worth.  It got all over her clothes, and all over her neck and shoulders cuz she sweats.  Uh oh.  What to do?  I do have some pink extensions.  Maybe I'll put those in.

I settled for this hair color.  It's close to my natural color, and provides great dimensional color and doesn't turn out too yellow, like many blonde dyes do.  It also makes my hair so soft!  An added bonus.

Wanted to add a little youthful pizzazz, so bought this temporary comb in color from Sally Beauty Supply. Glad I didn't go with the hot pink.  What a mess.  Cute on my hair, but all over my neck and shoulders. Yuk. Also the hair won't dry.  But I just did a small piece underneath so it's all good.  But won't be buying this again.  It's crap.

Smoothed this on my hair before using the straight iron.  Fab!  Hair feels so soft.  And dig the bottle.

Got some of this for after the party.  Wanna look fab in the morning.  Will let you know.

Think I'm gonna go with makeup inspired by this look.  Love the pink.  Wish I was this skilled with liner.  Love the fuchsia lips, but prefer a matte lipstick.

Wish I had this pink velveteen from Lime Crime.  Gotta keep a watch on the site, it's not available yet.  I'm sure it will sell out the second it gets in.

Settled for Wet and Wild 967 Dollhouse Pink.  Love it.

Nails are periwinkle by China Glaze.

Hope to have some glamour shots for you later!  Hope you are doing something fabulous as well!  xo

I Got Mad Gratitude

Do you know who these ladies are?  Hint, they are all heroes, some reluctantly, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

What I'm listening to - Sisters Rockin' it Old School

The Pointer Sisters, Slow Hand.  mmmm hmmmmm.  Great music to clean the apartment to!  And I'm happy to report that I'm up shaking my thang.  Hey, ya gotta do it - it's good for you.  Your butt isn't too big, or too small, or too anything....if you are a woman you are fabulous.  If you are a man - well - you are fabulous too. Heck, we are all fabulous.  But a slow hand....I can dig it....

No one says it better than the Sisters three.  Well, Sister Sledge ain't too shabby either.  Ah, back in the day at Kent State.  The night I got my big sis at the sorority - we shook our (then littler asses) to Sister Sledge. Only thing is, I didn't know how cute I was.  Such a shame - I'm gonna hammer this - young girls - old girls - if you are woman - YOU ARE FABULOUS!  No exceptions.  God don't make no junk.

We danced and sang "We are Delta Z!  I got all my sisters with me!"  Yeah, we were clever like that.  Good times.

God's been sending me a lot of angels lately.  Fellow Warriors of Love who want to change the world with love and humor.  Love is our religion.  God been berry, berry good to me.  I lamented to one angel when I showed him a pic from my youth, "Man I didn't even know I was cute."  He reminded me:  "You're still cute and you don't know it."  hmm....  This is what The Course refers to as a Miracle.  A change of mind.

Light bulb!  I'm doing the same thing now that I did then.  Hmm.  It didn't work for me then - so why on Earth would I expect it to work for me now?   Forget that crap.  Time is precious.  There's no time like the present.  And every other cliche you can think of.  That's right - I'm fabulous.......and so are you....don't ever forget it.  Now go out there and love your neighbors, sister!  And ignore the haters, they're suffering.  Don't judge them, but don't get sucked into negative vibes.  We are all on the path.  We're on GT (God's Time), so might as well surrender.  Let go and let God.  Oops, I did it again.

As always, thanks for reading.  Love to all!  xo

A Profound Week...or....I am My Own Bride

Hello my loves!  This is meant to be a quick update to keep you posted on happenings in my life.  I've had another profound week.  Experienced the whole gamut of emotions from excruciating pain throughout my entire body, a near death experience (I am not shitting you), so much puke, poop, barf and tears, I was cursing orifices!!!  So much humor, laughter...and so many tears.  So many angelic nurses...and a psychotic nurse.  I actually provided feedback to the ombudsman at the hospital.  I complimented those who did their job well - they don't hear it enough as we tend to complain more than compliment.  Don't know why this is, but it's stupid.  And in an effort to perform the work God has assigned me, also filed a formal complaint against a very mean doctor.  That was hard for me.  But I must do all I can to eradicate this type of behavior.  I must do my part to create a better world for my nephews.  I don't have any choice.  I am God's conduit.

Whew.  What a mouth full.  So much for a quick update, lol!  I had minor surgery Monday.  Had complications from anesthetic.  I met God.  His name is Dr. Park and he is Korean-American, I believe. And so, so gentle.  I asked him to marry me.  Had the nurses cracking up even before I was on drugs.  And I'm sorry to report that it was not possible for them to give me enough pain medicine.  Man, who knew the human body was capable of sustaining so much pain?  I guess moms do.  I didn't know because I've never had a child. Also made the angel-nurses cry.  So much love and kindness.  And then.  A brutally vicious, impatient and unkind nurse.  After all the love she couldn't have hurt me worse had she stabbed me in the heart.  In fact, a knife would have been preferable to her cruel treatment.

I was in the wheel chair and ready to go.  Sooooo ready.  I friggin' hate hospitals.  Lame, I know, but who does?  I just couldn't wait to get out of there.  I was there much longer than anticipated.  Had cell phone issues so couldn't reach my ride.  Cell phone would not work in the hospital.  Mean nurse wouldn't let me use land line.  Mean nurse wouldn't let me go outside.  Finally I said, "Am I a prisoner?"  No, she said.  Then I'm leaving.  I got up and I fully intended to walk home if need be.  I will never ever stand helplessly and let someone treat me badly again.  I've reached my limit.  I'm 52 years old.  I will not engage in meanness. From now on I will run from meanness.  Even if I love you.  Just cuz I love you don't mean I gotta take your shit.  If I love you and you love me, then it's on.  I'm gonna be good to you.  But I must protect my heart.  Can't do God's work if my heart is broke.  Hey Al Green and Smokey Robinson say it better than I ever could.

I got up to leave.  Mean Nurse said in a lazy-i-don't-give-a-shit-voice (look lady, I know you're tired and overworked, and oh yeah, you're the only one in the world in that boat):  I can't let you do that.  I did not give a shit what she could or could not let me do.  I can be a hot head.  I'm really, really stubborn.  Not kidding.  Sometimes God has to give me a blow to the head (that's a Monty Python joke), lol!

I said, "Are you going to call security?"  Not giving a shit what her answer was.  I was leaving.  Once my mind is made up...that's it.  Plus I was over-medicated.  She said no.  I said call the cops if you want.  Do what you gotta do, I'm doing what I gotta do.  I wasn't bluffing.  I was ready to be a 52 year old woman who just had surgery being taken in cuffs to jail - on the news.  My friend was from out of town, I was panicking that he had an accident.  In 30 years I've known him, he's never ever showed up late.  I was beside myself.

I left.  I walked.  It's only 7 miles home, so I was ready to walk the whole way if need be.  My friggin' cell phone is still not working.  I never have problems with that phone!  I only walked a couple of blocks.  Then God sent another angel, my sister-in-law.  She saved my life.  Again.

My loves, I'm getting a little tired and still have so much to tell you.  But I need to wrap this up for now.

Some wonder how I can prepare such long posts, and have been criticized for being too prolific.  Here's a confession:  the reason for large gaps on my blog is that sometimes a post takes me a week to write.  As is the case here.  If you're impatient and want a quick look at what's happening, I invite you to check out my Facebook page on the sidebar.  I do use Twitter to a lesser extent, but mainly for politics and trying to catch Prez Obama's attention, haven't succeeded there.  Yet.  And oh yeah, I'm an insomniac.  It's a gift.  And a curse.

Here's a boring update on my love life (or lack thereof).  A few weeks ago, I was excited because I thought I had found THE ONE, who sure took his sweet time getting here.  I even smugly reminded my readers that love comes in all shapes and colors.  Like paintings.

I was mistaken.  Oh well, not the first time.  Hoping it's the last.  He abandoned me at this crucial time.  I put his ring down the garbage chute.  I did it with love, not anger.  I thanked him for the lesson.  I told him, "See ya.  But not again in this lifetime."  I even laughed at that.  I laughed again when I heard the incinerator squash the ring.  Poor little innocent ring.  Thanks for serving me little ring.

Here's what I want to know.  Is there a player handbook?  They all say the same shit.  Heard it all before, but hopefully not again.  I stood there and said, next!  I didn't look back.  I wish I had read The Rules when I was a young woman.  I did read He's Just Not that Into You, but like I said, I'm stubborn.  I tend to be a slow learner.  Jeez.

I feel pretty good.  And am amazed at my strength.  A friend told me years ago that I aim too low.  Wish I had listened.  LG thanks for that.  I'd like to say to young women:  Don't settle and don't waste time with Mr. Wrong.  If you do, Mr. Right might not show.  You have to leave room for him.  Live your life, love yourself and take no crap.  Ever.  If you are a woman you are beautiful.  Period.  Not too tall, fat, short, skinny or anything.  We are all friggin' beautiful.  We just forgot it.

And hair.  Well, what does hair have to do with this?  Well, I think you already know I am obsessed with hair.  Usually after a break up I cut mine off as a symbol of my emancipation.  Remember this hair cut from a previous post?  Usually I'm not a fan, and I don't like hair cuts that involve shaving.  But....

Miley Cyrus sure wears that hair don't she?  I mean look at her rocking that hair and owning it.  No wonder she was voted most desirable by someone (Maxim?).  Gosh, wish I had known how cute I was back then.  Miley, you go girl!  'Course Miley's got a cute little face and a banging tiny bod.  The girl would look good in a potato sack.  Not so with me.  But ladies here's the point:  you are fabulous just by being virtue of being a woman.  Period.  The reason Miley is so popular is not just her good looks, it's her confidence.  There is nothing sexier than a woman who is comfortable with who she is.  So whoever you are, rock it.  Use what ya got.

Remember when Felicity (played by the adorable Keri Russell) chopped her locks?  Yeah me neither.  I've never been a TV viewer, I caught the show on Netflix.  I hate commercials.  Not a profound show, but a fun one about a girl with a problem we all need.  Two fabulous men in love with her.  She loves one, but he's not into her.  She lets him go to free herself from pain and cuts her hair.  This is a step almost all women have gone through.  Don't we all want to experiment with short hair at one time or another?  I read that when she cut her hair, her popularity plummeted.  How stupid.  I don't understand haters.

I think she rocks this hair.  Like Miley, Keri is so cute she could rock a potato sack.  She'd look good no matter what she does.  I've had my hair short, coupla times.  I don't feel pretty with short hair.  I've envied girls who can pull off the short platinum look.  But that's not me.  I feel more comfortable in long hair.  And it's bullshit that "older" women can't wear their hair long.

I'm growing my hair to my ass.  But I'm not doing it for a man.  I'm doing it for me.  I can do bad all by myself.  And I'm also okay by myself.  If you are bringing me drama and pain stay away.  I've wanted a ring for so long, I decided to marry myself.  After all, I love my company.  I'm fabulous.  And God blessed me with a great sense of humor.

Ahh Cher.  What can I say about my love, Cher that you haven't read, heard or said yourself?  But I gotta give it a try anyway.  How can a 70 year old woman rock purple and pink hair?  Cuz she's Cher and she's fab.  Cher, you go girl.  For previous post about Cher, click here.

No matter what, I love being a girl.  One of my favorite things right now is nail polish.  Luckily I can get the new funky colors at Dollar General - for - wait for it - a buck!  That's right I'm rocking periwinkle, another of my favorite colors - for a buck.  I married myself today in a lovely ceremony on my balcony.  My best friend, the tree, presided.  I don't believe in diamonds, so this is a 99 cent cheapy from Dot's.

Happy Independence Day!  That's right!  I am my own bride. Image by Peggy.  This is a pic from my art journal, which I plan to publish in the near future.  ( Blue ladies are vintage gift wrapping paper.)

Fuck the haters.  i learned that from Rihanna's instagram.  Warning!  Do not click on badgirlriri's instagram unless you like have nothing to do for, um, the rest of your life.  It's so incredibly addicting - even though she speaks a foreign language I do not understand.  I mean it.  I got so addicted I almost had to find an AA meeting.  But when I called AA, they didn't have a badgirlriri group here in Akron.  Yet.

BTW she is rocking those specs.  Don't believe for one minute that men don't make passes at girls with glasses.  Men make passes at all kinds of women.  Small, big, young, old, white, purple, pink and brown.  It don't matter.  The most appealing thing to a man is ........confidence.  Yep, if you are comfortable with yourself men will be falling at your feet.  And if you're not there yet, don't fret.  Fake it till you make it.  Don't take my word for it.  If you want a man, try it.  Heck if you don't want a man, try it.  Confidence is fun! Confidence is the new black (sorry).  I hate "the new black" metaphors, lol.

Happy Monday Dear Readers!  Hope you had a great weekend.  It's gonna get real on this bitch this week. Warning!  Not for the faint hearted.  I am working on a photo journal telling the story of my life.  It's an insomnia cure for sure, so not a total waste of time.  Some of it will be very graphic, and I hope that all of it will be funny.

I am God's servant.  I am humbled and honored to accept my new mission.  As with my paintings, I do what I do because I must.  I have no choice.  I am here to serve.  Please continue to send prayer requests and thank you for your prayers.  And always remember, I am fabulous.....and so are you!  xo

Friday Fashion Fun!

Welcome to our Friday Fashion Extravaganza!  It's Friday!  Why not put on something that makes you feel fabulous and grab a bite or a drink with someone you love.  Let's get this party started!

MAKE UP

Your face is your canvas!  So why not have some fun with color or monochrome as the mood strikes you.  I am particularly in love with pink eye shadow, white eye shadow and glitter!  I like to play up either the eyes or the lips so they don't compete.  If I do a bold lipstick color, I use a neutral shadow.  If I use bold eye shadow, I use lighter lipstick.  These are just preferences, there are no rules!  We are all fabulous in our own way.

Love glittery eyeshadow.  Love the winged eyeliner.  Not that good at applying it, but working on it.  Image the fabulous Promise Phan.

Love bright orange lipstick with neutral eyes, gorgeously lined.  Image source unknown.

This girl is rockin' those specs, that hat and blue lipstick.  Image via Her Tiny Teeth.

Love the pink monotone.  Image via Wedding Beauty.

Ah.  Porcelain pink perfection.  This is my favorite look today.  I may try this.  I know it's photo shopped, but you can't deny that it is exquisite.  I have finally come to embrace my pale skin.  Only took me 52 years.

Caution digression alert!  A quick word about fake tans, if I may.  I don't mean to rankle any feathers, but IMHO they are not attractive. I can tell one a mile away, they are a strange color, not natural at all.  Sorry folks, the sun is dangerous.  I know it's sad.  But it's true.  So what's wrong with being the color you are?  All skin colors are gorgeous, even pale white. Your natural skin color is softer and less high maintenance looking than a fake tan.  Again, I'm an advocate of having fun, doing what makes you comfortable, but also of self-acceptance.  I am proud to say I love my pale white skin.  That was a long hard battle, I used to be teased ruthlessly at the swimming pool, and adults to this day try to talk me into going into the claustrophobic monstrosities also known as tanning beds.  They're just not for me. I'm pink and I'm proud. End digression.

If you need to change colors, how about doing it with your hair?  At least that's only temporary.  It's so fun to change to reflect a new attitude with a new 'do.  And if you make a mistake, it grows back.

HAIR

I think about hair constantly.  Sometimes I think I should have become a beautician. I've worn every variation of the bob there is, and still find the bob to be my favorite.  I like my hair long and one length.  I've had it layered and I've had bangs, and I don't like either.  I love to let my hair air dry, it feels fresh and silky.  After much experimentation, I find that long hair is what I feel comfortable in.  It's a part of who I am.  And I don't give a shit that people think I am too old for long hair.  Nor do I give a shit that my hair is considered too fine by some experts to be long.  What's wrong with being a natural blond?  Nothing.  What's wrong with being a bottle blond?  Nothing.  The point is, it's fun to be a girl no matter what age, and you should do whatever makes you feel your most fabulous.  I sometimes envy girls who can rock a spunky short 'do, but I'm not one of them.  I am obsessed with all the new colors and dipping techniques.  

Love this dipped look.  This 'do is calling my name.  But, I just can't get with a high maintenance cut/color right now.  But once I win the lottery.... Oops, sorry again image source unknown.  I'll investigate and update.

Really cute twist on the ombre treatment.  Edgy and feminine at the same time.  The gray color gives it a cute  ironic twist as the look is very youthful.  Image via Creators of Desire.

Love Jenny McCarthy's new 'do.  Love the dipping color effect.  Via Google images.

Ah Kate.  You just get better and better with time.  Kate Winslet looks so fab in platinum blond.  The only reason my hair isn't platinum, is well..the maintenance.  Like I said, I'm a low maintenance kinda girl.  Via Google images.  Kate's one of my long-time girl crushes.  See previous posts about Kate here and here.

I want this color hair.  I am obsessed with pink hair (and have been since my college days, when I fell in love with Dale Bozio of the Missing Persons.  See previous post here). Your hair is just another extension of your canvas.  If you are like me, and can't get enough of pink hair, see my flickr gallery here and my pinterest board here.  Image via Pastel Locks.

SPECTACLES

Glasses are nothing to be ashamed of.  If you need them, have fun with them.  Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable.  I'd love to wear contacts, but can't.  Glasses are very expensive for me, so I've never been able to afford to have multiple pairs to change as fashion statements.  That may change since I discovered Zenni Optical!  So excited!  I'm thinking about ordering the Drew Carey type frames that I wore in the 80s.  So comfortable.  I love looking like a sexy librarian.  Demure and refined, and then a tiger when she lets her hair down.  And don't believe the old adage that men don't make passes at girls with glasses.  I'm here to tell you, it's not true!  Men like all kinds of women.  Especially ones who are comfortable with themselves.  Image Carice van Houten via Fuck Yeah Hot Actress.

ACCESSORIES

Go big, bold and dramatic with your jewelry!  You only need a couple of pieces, but nothing polishes a simple, geometric look like a large piece.  I am especially addicted to costume jewelry because it helps me stretch my very small wardrobe.

I'm an advocate of the low maintenance, imperfect chic look.  I adore this blouse.  The imperfect hem is the perfect foil to potential perfection of this shirt.  There are several things I refuse to do ever again in my life, having done them for so many years.  One is:  ironing!  I will never ever iron again!  There I said it.  I hate ironing!  Always have.  I ironed clothes for about 30 years during my nightmarish stint in corporate America.  Never again!  I have learned to embrace and even love wrinkles.  Two:  I will never ever wear those torture devices -  also known as pantyhose - again!  Ah, getting to know yourself and being comfortable with who you are is such freedom.  Don't get me wrong, if you like to iron, have at it.  And can we make appointment for you to come iron my sheets?  LOL!  The point is to do what makes you feel comfortable, don't worry what any one else thinks.  You can be cute, but you don't have to be in pain to do so.  That was a long hard lesson for me.  Wish I'd learned it sooner.

In fact, the girl who is comfortable is her own skin and comfy/casual is far sexier than the high maintenance woman.  Have fun, but don't take yourself too seriously either.  An air of mystery, and a sense of effortless beauty are very sexy.  Above two images Kaliyana via Closet Rivalry.

Oh gosh, here is another obsession of mine.  Clutch bags.  So cute.  I especially love vintage, beaded and Lucite ones.  They look great dressed up or down.  So easy and effortless.  Just pop in a few things, i.e, license, keys, phone, lipstick and go!  I gotta be careful here.  This could become a problem for me.  I could easily own tons of them and I am trying to control my consumption.  Ah, I've said it many times.  I'm such a good consumer, just not a very good capitalist.  Image source unknown.  My bad.

COMFY/CASUAL CLOTHES

These days I'm all about comfort.  If something is uncomfortable or hurts, I'm not gonna wear it.  One of my favorite looks is dressed up jeans.  They look adorable dressed up with funky jewelry, a pair of dressy shoes, a jacket or a hat.

 

And provide just the right amount of edgy femininity.  These yellow pumps are a nice whimsical touch with this outfit and look so fab with no socks!  Socks is another thing I hate (unless they are the cute, lacy ankle variety).  And dig that bag.  I love over sized messenger bags and have been on the hunt for one for a long time.  I really love the design of man purses and have bought them for my own use.  I really need a camo bag.  Ok, in fairness, I want one.  I can probably live without it.  :)

This lady looks cute enough to go to the office and then to dinner and drinks.  Love the silver pumps and the jacket.  Cute business casual look.

Gray is my new favorite color!  I want a whole wardrobe in gray t-shirt fabric.  This lovely lady looks smashing in her simple, comfy gray dress, statement necklace, and sandals.  Notice those cute toenails.  Ahh, nail polish in funky colors.  One of my favorite, affordable girly luxuries.  Oh gosh.  I hate being such a bad blogger.  Can't remember where I got the above three images.  Will investigate and update.

SHOUT OUT

I've been wanting to do a shout out to Gabi of GabiFresh for a while, so this seems as good a place as any.  Gabi is well...totally fabulous.  Ha!  Thought I was going to say Fresh, didn't you?  Well she's that too.  Check out her website.  She's got great style.  I love this dress with the tights and those shoes - to die for!  Love the clutch, the hair and I need those specs!  Gabi, you go girl.  Thanks for always being an inspiration.

Emma Stone via Google Images

One last word about hair color.  I finally got off my butt and colored my hair.  I had been putting it off for quite a while.  My hair is naturally blond, but sometimes nature needs a little help from science. I dearly love platinum hair, but am unable to maintain it.  I also like my hair to look healthy and prefer dimensional color.  Most blond hair dyes make my hair too yellow, so I experimented with an ash blond yesterday.  Here, the fabulous Emma Stone shows that ash blond looks great with pink lips.  Here is a bonus treat for my loyal readers, since I love ya'll so much.  I am working on some glamour shots tomorrow to show you my new hair color.  I'm sure I will be doing bold pink lips.  I won't look as cute as Emma, but hey, like I said we are each fabulous in our own way.  Please see my post below if interested in the shit I was thinking about before posting all this fabulous beauty.  

And what about you dear readers, what are you wearing this weekend?  Send me a pic if you'd like and perhaps I will feature you here on this blog. Whatever you wear, I know you will be fabulous.   Thanks for reading!  xo

Fabulous Green Haired Lady Making Spectacles

this post is lovingly dedicated to my fabulous nieces, maggie and abbey...

today the stress was inordinate.  honestly, i'm worn out from the struggle.  i decided to unplug, and walk.  i prayed, remembering to breathe.  hugged trees and remembered that i am god's conduit.  my goal in life is to love unconditionally, without judgment.  you know, dear readers, approaching the brink and having nothing can actually be a gift.  there is nothing that can be taken from me.  i am no longer afraid, indeed can no longer afford the luxury of silent complacency.  and if i can save even one person from the stinging indignity that i have suffered, i can rest easy.  feel free to send prayer requests.  if you are: an abused woman; being crushed by the weight of sallie mae or social security; or any other social injustice feel free to contact me.  my inbox is filling up quickly these days - and i am grateful for that.  it may take me some time to get back to you, but i will do my best.

okay, now to hell with all the pithy whining and moaning.  let's have some fun.  that's right, i want to change the world, but i want to do it with grace, beauty, humor and kindness.  i'd like to introduce a fabulous woman i recently discovered on one of my favorite blogs, doe deere blogazine.  doe's blog is addicting and  empowering.  my favorite:  feminine with an edge. and unapologetically so.  it's all i can do not to post every picture, i can't get enough.  doe is too too fab. if you are down, feeling misunderstood, excluded or geeky, remember at all times that you are fabulous, and check out doe's blog.  doe reminds us to honor our eccentricity at all times.  her blog is like therapy and tons of guilt-free fun!

meet the lovely, fabulous and multi-talented model, natasha lillipore.  as you can see the girl rocks green hair!

she's so fabulous, i had trouble selecting only a couple images.  not only is she gorgeous, but she's a talented business woman. she is the owner/artisan of the shop her tiny teeth.  natasha sells one-of-a-kind spectacles that she has lovingly made by hand. i need several pairs!  i'm going to contact her to see if i can get frames without lenses, so i can put prescription lenses in them. oh gosh, not sure how i would choose which ones!  i may need several.  if you like what you see, you better contact her soon, i have a feeling she's going to get so busy she's going to need to hire an assistant (if she already hasn't).  natasha, you go girl!  thanks for being an inspiration.

and dear readers remember, i am fabulous and so are you!  xo

Blog Love: The All in the Family Edition

happy monday dear readers!  hope you had a great mothers' day!  i find mothers' day difficult, but this year was different.  i used a mantra:  WWBD?  and WWJD?  i.e., what would buddha do?  what would jesus do?  it worked.  i was my fabulously funny self.  a good time was had by all.  whew hew...high road for me every time! 

i looked at mothers' day differently this year.  as a celebration of women.  mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mothers of furry children, mothers-to-be, etc.  no longer did i feel excluded from this great day.  it is in that vein, that i'd like to continue my celebration of women today, with a very special edition of blog love.  the all in the family edition!  grab your cup of coffee, this is a fun one!  i'd like to introduce (or re-introduce as the case may be, 'cause i think every one knows these fab ladies) some of my favorite bloggers from Ottawa!  each extraordinarily creative, funny and beautiful in their own way.  kim, jen and julia. (respective links will be at the bottom of this post)

meet the fabulous kim.  as you know, kim and i have been friends from the early days of blogging.  i believe she and i first met when i discovered apartment therapy.  i never lurked!  i dove right in even though i had no clue what i was doing.  i didn't even know what a blog was at the time.  i believe i first met kim when we entered the annual color contest at AT, and found each other on flickr.  as you know, i am not using flickr as much as i did in the past, but i still love it (for details see my post on social media below).  

kim is one of those people you like immediately.  she's spunky, so damn cute and courageous.  she adores cats and even though has a large brood, is always adopting and rescuing cats.  and she's a fabulous decorator/designer!  i love watching kim's style evolve.  one of the things i like most about kim's decorating is that even when something is temporary, it's gotta be gorgeous!  i so get this.  i mean you gotta have beauty, even if you are planning a renovation.  renovations take a long time and are muy expensivo.  i don't know how married couples survive them.  i'd have to move into an apartment.  i've watched kim move, renovate, and do quick pretty fixes and i believe there is another huge renovation in the works.  i've watched kim go from using tons of color (like i do).  she loves pink (as i do) and had a pink kitchen for a time.  i am amazed at the speed at which she can paint!  her husband and she are a great team.  he's a great builder.  her style now is rather neutral/ethnic/organic/industrial/rustic chic.  not eclectic, but collected.  it's very very cool.  i also appreciate how she incorporated masculinity when she got married.

kim writes desire to inspire with jo, another fabulous lady.  jo is from australia, and they have never met face to face, although they are the best of friends.  desire to inspire is one of my favorites, i read it everyday!  and i owe a debt of gratitude to DTI.  according to google analytics, the bulk of my traffic comes from DTI.  thanks for linking to me ladies back in the day when no one would!  also, as i stated below, DTI is mega huge, but never made me feel excluded or like crap.  even when i criticized animal skin rugs.  kim appreciates all comments - even negative - as long as you have the courage to own your comment.  don't go negative if you are anonymous.  i think that's a good rule of thumb for commenting any way.

kim writes a fabulous blog with her sister jen called closet rivalry.  it's one of my favorite fashion blogs, and on my daily read list.  kim has a high power very technical job.  i'm a little envious of her programming skills but too lazy to learn.  hey we each have our respective strengths, right?  honestly, i don't know how she does what she does, but i am so glad she does it!  and with such flare!  kim told me in the early days that blogging is A LOT of work.  girl, you ain't lying.  i can easily be at the computer 24/7, but i force myself to unplug from time to time, in an effort to maintain balance.

i adore seeing what kim wears to work each day.  kim can never be accused of being lazy.  she is meticulous with her appearance.  and it's just the right amount of feminine with an edge.  my favorite.  kim and i have been having a ball talking about hair.  i dearly miss my eye makeup, but with kim's encouragement, i have found other ways to be girly. you're never too fat, too old or too anything.  it's fun to be a girl!  and you never need to be jealous, we are each fabulous in our own way.  as you can see, kim has found her unique voice and the world is a better place for her having shared it.  ain't technology grand?

i particularly adore the pic above.  love the alley.  love the juxtaposition of concrete and kim's lovely outfit.  love the vents behind her which mimic the stripe motif.  i also was tickled 'cause i had an outfit like this back in my corporate america days.  i don't think i looked this cute, but hey, we are all fab in our way, right?

i really got a kick out of this pic.  i had these exact shoes (in a cheap payless version).  i adore the black nail polish!  it's only recently i worked up the courage to wear black nail polish.  it looks totally fab with these shoes, and again provides just the right amount of edge.

here's kim in the alley, again looking fab-u-lous!  i love that she's including pics in the alley.  so edgy.  this is one of my favorite looks, ripped up jeans dressed up.  this is the sort of thing i used to wear in college, but we did it on the cheap.  i'd get jeans from the goodwill, rip them up and hand paint them.  people always wanted to buy them.  and dig those shoes.  omigosh.  kim, i neeeed those.  keep up the alley shots girl!

there are so many pics of kim's that i could share, but you probably already follow kim.  if you don't you'll want to.  here is a recent pic from her kitchen.  very different from my own style, except that kim and I both enjoy white pottery.  i adore how kim has styled this shot and have it in my inspiration folder.  i'm not so skilled at vignetting and tend to do very clean and simple.  kim has managed to stay clean and simple, with more objects than i tend to use.  also, i dearly love the organic and earthy touches.  i wish kim and i lived close to each other so we can go thrifting and play makeup and hair.  kim, you are fabulous, you go girl!

next, meet jen.  i believe she is the younger sister of kim and julia's.  she is also a cutie.  apparently, good hair, skin, teeth and legs run in the family (their mother is also gorgeous).  as i mentioned above, kim and jen write closet rivalry together.  jen has what i think is the most difficult job in the world - she's a stay at home mom.  her daughter is too cute, so you get to see pics of jen with her and they are delightful!  jen is a natural beauty, and has a cute, simple style.  i am always amazed, i'd probably look like something the cat dragged in if i had to care for a toddler.  not jenn, she always looks fab.

an exciting bonus is that jen is pregnant with her second child!  and guess what?  she's cute as a button even preggers.  oh btw, jen - kim kardashian called.  she wants to know what she should wear tonight.  kim kardashian is another fabulous woman, but she's got nothin' on jen.  it's also been great fun talking hair with jen.  i love a girl who can talk hair.

furry children are a big part of the sisters' lives.  i think jen looks absolutely adorable in this pic.  wait hold on...what's that kim kardashian?  oh jen, kim says can she borrow that dress tonight?   p.s. jen, can we see some pics of your home?  thanks love, you are fabulous.

next meet julia.  kim's twin sister.  she is also fabulous.

she writes a blog called the boo and the boy.  it's a delightful blog.  i've linked to it many times on this blog.  julia also has great style, i loved her recent bedroom renovation.  i've cried with julia and prayed for her husband many times due to his illness.  and i am watching her kids grow like weeds!  julia shares some of the things they say, and they are wise and hilarious!  and even though i'm not much into kids' decor, julia shares some kids' rooms that i enjoy and have found inspirational.  i swear i would buy stuff from pottery barn kids for me!  julia can talk hair too, and changes her hair a lot.  i love when she died it bleach blonde.  p.s. julia, i call my nephew boo!

as you can see julia is a hot mama too.  like i said, the good looks run in the family.  i believe - if i am not mistaken - that they also have an older sister.  i must ask kim if she has a blog.  (update:  received email from kim, no other sisters.  i probably got confused but didn't want to leave any one out!)

who needs reality shows when you have fabulous blogs like these to read?  i often find (extra)ordinary women so much more interesting than celebrities.  ladies, i feel like you are my friends.  thanks for always being a source of joy and inspiration.  i hope you all enjoyed your mothers' day.  and always remember, i am fabulous and so are you.  

want more fabulousness?  here's the links!  xo

Desire to Inspire

Closet Rivalry

the boo and the boy