I don’t need ChapStick

Take me or leave me. It’s really that simple. I think it’s funny or perhaps pathetic when people give you ultimatums.  Really? And you think because you’re older than me that I’m going to just compromise?  Because – you have more life experience than I do? 

Let me help you out with that little idea of yours … 

I’ve learned – in my life experience – that when you are at peace with yourself – you don’t have to make unnecessary compromises within your life.  You know the compromises I’m talking about … the ones that you do in order to ‘have something’ or ‘have someone’ in your life.

Bottom line is that I’m true to myself.  You know, following Willie Shakespeare’s timeless advice: 

I don’t need to do anything less than follow my heart. After all, nobody else is doing my living for me and if anyone wants to — I’ll send you my monthly bills. 🙂

As for people thinking that I’ll “come around” to compromising who I am to keep a ‘friendship’ — let me assure you, I don’t need ChapStick because my lips aren’t chapped from kissing anyone’s butt now or ever.  You can keep your “friendship” because I don’t need friends like that in my life.

My week was sorta-kinda fast, but not really … but it’s over and now I’m on holiday.  Alexa and I are taking our first trip away from home — we’re jetting to West Palm Beach for a little sun and fun (like we don’t get enough of that at home, but it’s a totally different experience in Palm Beach!).  I’m interested to see how she travels … I’ve a travel tranquillizer just in case I need she needs it!

I’m going to be so glad to be away for a few days and of course, having some of my good friends over once I return … they’ll be meeting Alexa for the first time and I’m actually happy about that!

Speaking of the little angel, here are a couple of her latest pixtures … 

I am hopelessly head-over-heels in love with her … still working on the things you work on with a three month old puppy and I love hearing the pitter-patter of feet throughout my house again … I still miss Nica terribly and there isn’t a day that I don’t think of her and cry, but that’s part of the entire process of being a pet parent … we don’t get to keep them very long, but for the time we have them — they do so much for us and with us!

So, I get emails once in a while about my telly watching … I don’t know why, but I do and I often get asked about what shows I watch.  I don’t always talk about them all here, but here they are … 

And there are others, but I think that’s enough for now – right?  As for Will & Grace – I’m sorry, but I’ll watch that show over and over again — and well, Sex and the City and QAF, too!  And to Tony, yes – as you guessed, I rarely watch a show the same night it airs — that’s why I have my TiVO! 🙂 And I never watch my Twitter feed either … too many people trying to spoil it for others!

And little did I know that when I started posting some of my favourite quotes — there would be requests for more … so, just in case you don’t get your needs met here — you can visit my tumblr quote page — Quote-a-Topia to get more! 🙂 

And you didn’t think I wouldn’t post any before I take my little holiday did you?  

And with that … I’m off to crawl in my bed so I can be up “early” to pack for my quick trip and run some errands later!  I hope everyone has a great week and I’ll post once I’m back next Thursday! 🙂

Hugs,

 

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In the end, love is ALL that really matters

This week … Sheesh – so much hate running rampant across this planet. It’s sad and well, heart breaking.  I don’t think I can ever truly understand why people choose to hate.  Quite frankly, it takes more time to hate than it does to love or be tolerant of those you might not like or agree with in this world. 

So, let me get two things off my chest first … 

On Wednesday, the news reported that a division of the Presbyterian Church (USA) had issued a rabid, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish report.  I was shocked, momentarily, until I remembered that the radical elements that had rooted themselves in the hierarchy of the PC (USA) was the reason that I left the Presbyterian Church in 2007.  

By Thursday, the mainstream media had picked up the story and Israel, of course, was already standing firmly in defence of their state.  And by midday, the people of the Presbyterian Church had become incredibly vocal in their denouncement of the report.

And although the leadership of the PC (USA) issued a statement that the committee was a ‘branch’ — they still had their anti-Israel information on their main site.  Then, we began to hear how various Synods and Presbyteries began to firmly denounce the actions of the committee and leadership for sanctioning the report and the hate.

If the people find a way to usher the hate mongers out — then the PC (USA) might just be saved from the radical elements that tend to invade the more open reformed faiths.  If they’re not able to push them out — then I’d expect there to be a major split in the PC (USA).  So, long as the hate spurred by this radical element is smashed – that’s all that will matter in the end.

This picture sums up the entire situation in Arizona.  I love how Republicans think they have a special relationship with God because they support hate.  Apparently, their Bible was printed by Satan because – let’s face it — what they’re doing in the name of  their god is HATE and well, the God most people recognise and believe in — was all about LOVE.

I say let them have their ignorant, silly little law.  What needs to happen is every person living in Arizona who vehemently opposes this proposed law — stops spending their money at any business that proudly supports the law and any business that actually throws anyone out.  When their cash flow dries up — let’s see how long they stand on their religious beliefs — and let’s be clear: religion and faith are NOT one in the same. 

I think they should replace their little phrase “Welcome to the Grand Canyon State” with “Welcome to the Racist and Hate Mongering State” … and I’m done with this nonsense because it’s typical Republican trash. And quite frankly, I’m tired of so-called Christians using the names of God and Jesus to spew their hate and bigotry.

This song by Hillsong United sum up my ideas … Everyone needs compassion. A love that’s never failing.  Let mercy fall on me. Everyone needs forgiveness. From the pretenders at Westboro Baptist Church to those who enact hatred into law — they need the exact opposite of what they’re dealing – love.  In the end, love is ALL that really matters — and whether you chose to love instead of hate determines a great deal about you and your character.

And that’s all I have to say about all of that hate … 

The rest of my week was simply awesome because the weather finally decided to stop freaking out between cold and warm … but the pollen – seriously, the pollen. I’ll be glad when I’m allowed to take my allergy shots again. 

So, through the grapevine, I’ve heard a few tv shows have been axed – so far, only one I was watching got canned — The Carrie Diaries.  At the start of the second season, I was really into the show and hopeful, but now … well, it started dragging.  And dragging. And :::thump::: died three episodes from the end.

What it lacked, in the end, was speed and good writing – bottom line.  It really had a chance at its inception and mid way through it’s second season; however, I think when it began to totter, they should have found a way to bring in some of the original writers of Sex and the City … it would have perhaps survived.

I was so intent with Sherlock being back on and now, I find out … they only filmed three episodes for the third season? REALLY? Not feeling this – at all.  I will say the entire mini-season was epic and quite brilliant! For those who haven’t yet seen this season – I’m not a spoiler … so, you needn’t worry about getting any details. But seriously, BBC … don’t make any of us wait quite so long this time for the next season.

As of late, I’ve been receiving lots of emails regarding my posting of quotes as of late (it would be okay for you click the “like” for those posts and send email 😉 ) and so, I’ve decided I’ll share a few each time I scribble down my thoughts as well … 

And on that note, I’m off to enjoy my Sunday … I’ve chores, errands and a little cutie to play with all arvo long!  I hope everyone has a great week … and just think – in two weeks I’m on holiday! 🙂

Much love,

‘Tis the season to do so …

I realise that I’ve been away for a bit, but I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed with a good number of things.  Recently, my therapist asked me to explain it to her.

“Put it into words for me,” she said, “Paint me a picture.”  So, I did with these words:  Think about your worst Christmas shopping experience ever … all of the people, the hustle and bustle, the rudeness, the lack of any happiness from those around you … that’s my overwhelmed, I told her.

I haven’t been spinning out of control nor have I been unhappy, but just overwhelmed by so many things that I have -truly – no control over whatsoever.  The lack of control, for me, is a feeling of helplessness — a feeling I loathe beyond measure.

That helplessness is what overwhelms me; however, throughout my journey back to my full-time happiness, I’ve learned one thing that has helped more than all: KEEP CALM.

Of course, some of you are now rolling your eyes; however, I can tell you — that old World War II British PR campaign — truly, truly is therapy on a poster.  It did help keep London and an entire nation focused — and that’s the most important thing when you’re feeling helpless/overwhelmed – to stay focused.  That’s what, ultimately, brings you through those moments in time.

And so, my advice to everyone, everywhere overwhelmed by situations that just seem to seize control — just remember your happiness and always, always remember to:

Speaking of Christmas … it’s my favourite time of the year because I love lights, decorations and the loads of happiness it brings me.  For the longest time, I was opposed to giving gift cards, but as of late, I’ve discovered the same wide-mouthed “wows” and smiles are brought about by those little plastic, ‘use-it-once’ gifts.

So, for some I buy little presents, but for many — it’s the gift card with a note attached that says:  Please post me an email, a card to let me know how you like your present.  I thought, in the past, that there was no thought or meaning behind giving a gift card; however, my niece said to me at some point, “I can buy what I want to buy and that will make me happy.”

That set me to thinking that gift giving is about making one happy … and so, gift cards became a part of my gift giving; however, I always try to purchase at least one gift that I’ve put thought into to go along with the plastic card! 🙂

And now, I intend to shower you all with a collection of Christmas / Hanukkah pictures because ’tis the season to do so and I love pictures … So, put on some Christmas music and enjoy this barrage of happiness covered in lights and maybe even a little tinsel …

The grandest Christmas tree ever at Rockefeller Centre. 🙂

I love Penguins anyway, but seriously — how could anyone NOT love them dressed up as Santa Claus?!?!

This is Cartier, on 5th Avenue, all wrapped up for Christmas! One of my favourite store decorations!

Christmas and Hanukkah … it’s that time of the year! 🙂

Christmas decorations in NYC are always the best … you can feel Christmas everywhere you travel in the city!

It’s official name … Holly Jolly Christmas Candy Cane Cake. 🙂 Present forks!

Good friends make the holidays so much better …

Ahhhhhh, a warm Mocha Latte will life the spirits of all! 🙂

So excited for Hanukkah to start on 8 December … As Adam Sandler calls it … “Eight Crazy Nights” 🙂

Lighting the Menorah … more than the meals and gifts – Hanukkah is a reminder of the miracles bestowed upon the Jewish people.

Sweet treats!

And although we know that the birth of Christ didn’t happen during this time of the year, it’s a symbolic time for Christians who celebrate the greatest gift ever given to humankind …

And that’s it at this moment in time … now that things are back to normal – whatever that is – you should expect posts — miraculous posts back on schedule! 🙂  I do hope everyone is going well at this season!  Happy Hanukkah to all as we ready ourselves for Saturday! 🙂

Shalom,

here are few of my favourite things

I truly cannot express exactly how tired I am right now – at this very moment , but let me assure you that when I finish this post and I crawl in my big bed and put my head on my pillow, I will automatically just fall zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! 😉

I just realised how long its been since I did a picture post … hee-hee 🙂  So, here are few of my favourite things right now!!!

Beats baby!

I feel like this a lot … sometimes. 🙂

Jake Gyllenhaal cracks me up!!!

My favourite flowers are Sunflowers and these grow in one of my favourite places … Italy in Tuscany! 🙂

BRING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😛

Forget the Butterfinger … nobody better lay a finger on my Red Velvet Cake!

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes. Yes, please! 🙂

September 1st baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FEAR THE SPEAR!!!!

Uh oh, we gotta … FUNNY!

What, what, what? What don’t you understand? 😛

I love, love, love this workspace … so incredibly COOL! 🙂

This is a stunning light fixture!

For all my sweet, dear Anglophiles 🙂

Surf’s up duuuuuuude!

Notre Dame | Paris, France EU

Hugs,

Ready for the weekend …