Thursday, December 24, 2009

Celebrate your dreams and musings, and yes, beliefs.

Pre post preface~Let me just say...I have no idea why this is in caps.  I did not type caps and I am so not yelling.  I just don't know what happened.  The preview is not in caps and when I go to edit, it is not in caps.  I don't know enough HTML to fix it, so please, please excuse the obnoxious caps!  Thanks. pf.

 Hey Ya'll,  

Just throwing in my 2 holiday cents.  While we are celebrating our beliefs, I think it is also a good idea to challenge them as well.  If they are solid, you will feel a renewed commitment toward them, if they are off, you can adjust them as needed. 

I've  always thought (and I don't claim to have originated this thought...) that many/most if not all Christian holidays have their basis in Earth religions... which everyone was before the emergence of more modern day religions.  Because it was more than just something to do on Sunday back then, it was a way of life.. honoring the earth, the seasons, directions and cycles of life and working with them instead of against them or despite them.   Our very existence depended on it. (And by us I mean humans)  The funny thing is, it still does, regardless of our denial or arrogance.

 So, here is my belief... Jesus was black or blackish in color.  I do not think he was even born in the winter.  I believe that the facts have been distorted over time to suit the Holy ruling class, the only ones who were allowed to be educated...  But more importantly his messages have been abysmally twisted and misshapen as well.  I also believe he was one of many  holy men who have been worshiped or whose teachings were thought to be of higher good throughout history.

What I am  celebrating here in the middle of winter is human evolution and perseverance in the face of adversity (winter), and practicing our gratitude and fortitude.  But whatever you celebrate or why, it is a great time to reflect on what you want for yourself, your family and the wider world community.  It's fun to snuggle up at night and read or watch a good movie, write in your journal or whatever.  It's good to contribute to the higher good of our wider community by volunteering or donating to charities...It's fun to wake up and drink something hot and soothing and feel good about all the blessings you enjoy in your life and wishing the same for those who are less fortunate.

I pilfered the following post from another site, because I thought it was interesting, not because I believe all of it... I find it fun to ponder new perspectives, so if you like to do that too, read on.... and Happy Celebrating, whatever holiday or reason that you do it!  Peace, pf

Christianity: what’s different?

Was Jesus’ appe darance
closer to this ...

Jesus as typically portrayed in art of the Middle Ages

or to this ...?

Jesus portrayed in true racial and cultural context
Which of the images on the right is closest to how Jesus might have looked?
The first is influenced by the art of the Middle Ages and shows Jesus with European, rather than Jewish, looks.
  • In reality, Jesus must have had Semitic features with olive skin, darkened by exposure to the sun. His hair and beard would have been black, curly and bushy – untrimmed in obedience to the command in the Law [Leviticus 19:27]

    Leviticus 19:27
    “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
    The Bible says He was not physically attractive [Isaiah 53:2]


    Isaiah 53:2
    He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.
    He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
    Beauty, in God’s eyes, comes from within [1 Peter 3:3-4]


    1 Peter 3:3-4
    Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.


  • On the other hand, the devil is handsome [Ezekiel 28:14-17]

    Ezekiel 28:14-17
    “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.
    You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.
    Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.
    Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.”


  • The gospel rings true in my heart is because it is the opposite of the way man normally thinks.
  • Who would have conceived a philosophy where salvation would come through believing that God would come to us as a helpless baby, born in a stinking stable, a peasant among a despised, subjugated people in an obscure land, and would later be nailed up to die like the worst of criminals.
  • The natural mind is more attracted to youth and beauty, success and acclaim.


    But, God’s thoughts are the opposite of man’s thoughts [Isaiah 55:8-9]
    Isaiah 55:8-9
    “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

    OK IT'S ME, PF ...I"M BACK, JUST TO SAY.... THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE ONES THAT I THOUGHT WERE PARTICULARLY BEAUTIFUL.  THEY ARE NOT RELATED TO THE CHRISTIAN POST.


       

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Classic Holiday Fare from a 70s Child

We all have our traditions and quirks... One of mine is that I just have to hear this bit at least one time during the season. It always makes me smile and it never gets old.




This one brings back memories... good message, mediocre song, interesting cast of characters, and the hair alone is worth watching for!


I never even heard this one till tonight, but I love Freddy and Queen:


I'm afraid Harley's favorite Christmas song next to Jingle bells, is entitled Happy Holidays ya'll, by Robert Earl Keen Jr. He knows most of the words, and what he doesn't know, he makes up... I just pray that he doesn't sing it at school!


Ms Moon was right, we're going to hell! But in the meanwhile, let us keep sharing our joys and seasonal cheer in whatever form that takes.
xo pf

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Rainy day Blues...

This morning, Harley and I are watching Pooh's Grand Adventure for the 67th time. It's raining and chilly out. Gray as far as the eye can see. It's been this way for what seems like forever this year. The weather has been crazy whack-a-do, which is not unusual for Florida, but still annoying. A few nights ago we were running our A/C, and the very next night, it was FREEZING again. WTF?

As many others in our little bloggy orbit, I have not done a single thing to prepare for Christmas. Yea, we have our tree up and it's fabulous,.. We even put up the dragonfly lights, but as far as shopping and sending cards... not so much. Why do we do this? WHY?? We don't even do a real big present thing, but we do make sure Harley has a few choice things to open. this year, we have just been dragging ass badly. Maybe it's time to break out a new focus wheel! ha!

We do have a birthday party to look forward to today for one of Harley's dear friends. Guess where it is? Yep, the park. It's chilly and wet, and we will all dutifully go to the park and wonder what the hell we are all doing there on a day like today. It will be a nice diversion from the Christmas procrastination blues though, so there is that.

The one thing that does make me feel calmer is counting my blessings, which I try to do as much as possible. This is a relatively new thing for me. I mean I kind of always know they are there in the back of my mind, but I've always been more focused on what's wrong, and taking the blessings/good things for granted. I've become much better at acknowledging them in my old age though, and it really does help to calm the buzzing. A few things have happened to others this week, which has really whipped my perspective back to what is important.

So, in my sweaty palm panic over not being prepared, I am also grateful that something so small, is my concern. I hope you all have many blessings this winter and stay safe and warm and loved.
Peace,
pf

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Focus on LIFE

Do you spend an inordinate amount of time running about "doing"? Worrying about "doing"? Fulfilling obligations? Feeling scattered and panicky? .....By taking a minimum of 15 minutes a day for yourself to do something relaxing and fun is a great start to relieving some of that tension.

The Focus Wheel developed by Abraham Hicks is a good place to jump in... Just imagine spending some time getting to know yourself more deeply, re-framing limiting thoughts/patterns, and creating more focused energy and space in your life. Aaaah! Sounds heavenly, no?

As many of you know, I'm in training to become a Life Coach. It's been a fun and exciting journey so far. Along the way I'm coming across some incredible tools that I would like to share. Sometimes I feel like I'm swimming in so much great information, techniques and discoveries that I can't sort through them all, do them all, use them all fast enough! One of the best parts is I keep uncovering great ideas that I'd forgotten about, as well as areas of my self or by extension, my life, that I want to consciously improve.

I will be starting a coaching blog at some point, where I will list all sorts of these marvelous nuggets of self enhancement, but for now I will just post here. Mainly because I need to have a business name first! (BTW, any and all suggestions are welcome and encouraged!) I can't get crazy names like Personal Life Support out of my mind, and then realizing the term Life Support has that yucky plug pulling association... So, please please don your best creative fedora and help me here if you can!

In the meanwhile, here is a fabulous video on how the focus wheel works. I know people (friends) who are regular users of this method, and it works! It works in ways that you cannot imagine. It's an incredible tool, if you let yourself get into it. I am just beginning, so I'll let you know how that goes. For now, here is a marvelous video and a template for a focus wheel complete with instructions for your immediate experimentation. (Disclaimer: I'm not saying this will fix everything in your life.. or really anything. What I am saying is that it is a great starting place to begin focusing on yourself, and most people experience at least some benefits from spending time working it. I hope it works for you!)

Happy Focusing!
PS Don't forget to send me those business names! There's a free coaching session in it for you!
:-)


Focus Wheel template (PDF)

Friday, December 4, 2009

Kitty cat, Dragon, and Dragonfly

Hey ya'll,

I have been wanting to post about our goings on... and we do have lots of fun pix and videos to share. The problem is we've been slam busy and getting over being sick, and recovering from company, Thanksgiving and Harley's birthday parties, and and and...

So here is the Halloween post. On the left we have mommy kitty. Mommy is ALWAYS a kitty. That is because it is easy and no smothery mask or costume etc... Harley was very insistent on being a dragonfly this year. And he was a marvelous dragonfly, for his school parade. For the actual tricks and treats evening of door knocking, he wanted to be a DRAGON, which is what he was last year as well. The costume is actually a dinosaur, (maybe a Brontosaurus??), but he calls it a dragon, and so for us, it is.


I had never even heard of a Dragonfly costume... nor had never even heard of any child being a dragonfly for Halloween... but that's probably because I'm out of the loop. Anyway, the hub, as usual, wanted to take the creative, cumbersome, frustrating method of MAKING the costume. Now, let me remind you, that he had been putting off getting the costume or even looking for it till 2 days BEFORE said event.. ok, so finally I talk him into just going to the fun shop and seeing what could be used or tweeked. They sold their last pair of dragonfly wings (YES, they DO sell Dragonfly wings, and apparently, a lot of them!) the day before. SO... we had to go back to plan A, making them. Let me also say, this always starts the same with hub... (who has not time to blow his nose really) "This won't take that long, maybe a couple of hours". Ok, every time I hear those words I cringe. You have to multiply 2 (hours) times 4, which is about how off he is normally. UGH! Let's not mention the perfectionism, time pressure and subsequent cussing and carrying on that this produces. Finally though, the costume was made and although it is very simple, was the talk of the town! Although it wasn't our intention (certainly NOT mine!) to make our costume, or to make anyone else feel remorse for not making their kid's costume... I heard a lot of "Next year, we are making our costume, that's beautiful"! So, if parents are getting more involved as a result, kudos for that. If they are becoming competitive, then kudo retraction is in order. It's hard to tell these days, parents are strange. Hub had to set a few straight that they were not looking where they were going and practically mowing over Snow White, Spider man AND Tinkerbell trying to get video of THEIR kids... Honestly, there is a limit to this capturing the moment shit, and I think that knocking over Snow White, Spider man and Tinkerbell is IT. Kudos to hub. Sigh.

We watched the parade and there was some really cool costumes. I will attempt to show you these. I am bad at this techno thing. Even the easiest of things... so no promises.

Ok, this brings us to Halloween night. On this night, he did not want to be dragonfly, but plain ole dragon. So we pulled out his old home made costume which was handed down by his dear cousin Jor Jor who lives in Melbourne. Jor Jor's mother is a long time BFF of PF's and she knows someone who makes costumes. They are marvelous! Anyway, we get lots of fun toys, clothes, costumes, etc... from cousin Jor Jor and they are always fabulous. So, we went to a local mall for tricks and treats because we don't exactly live in a suburb... I figured the lighting was good, and his costume would be very visible and we would be safe and could see where we are going. Did I mention there is a Barnes and Noble where mommy could procure a delicious espresso? Well, there was... thank the the Coffee Goddess! Ok, so here we are.... mommy thinking she is oh so clever and MOST of these damn businesses RAN OUT OF TREATS!!! Now, let me say this event was publicized way in advance... EVERYONE knew about it... it was from 6-8pm... We were there at 7!!!!!!!!!!! WTF??

So, off we went, to our old neighborhood, which was THE place to be. The streets were blocked off with those construction horses and kids, strollers, parents and ghouls and fairies of all sorts filled the streets. EUREKA! I even found a place to park immediately. Partly due to luck and partly because I used to live there, and partly because I'm damn good! Anyway, we had a blast and got lots of fun treats and saw lots of cool houses. I want to tell you these people are into this holiday.... probably much more than adults should be... but it worked for us.

I will see if I can post more of those pix. Thanks for stopping... Birthday post to follow.

Here is the striding princess!





















The superhero trilogy, the world is safe again!!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Whiskey and Whine

This piece was written in memory of my brother, Raymond Valentino Recchi. He died from Pancreatic cancer in 1999 at a horribly early age. Like most things I do these days, I was late getting this post to my niece, Ray's daughter, who started a memorial site for the family a while back. I felt under the gun and am not particularly thrilled with the outcome, but it is from the heart and it's all true. I am missing him, so I thought I'd make him part of this world too. PS Isn't he darling? I love that face!

Most of the significant moments I shared with my brother were just that, moments. I don't have any sad or funny stories to tell, just a series of moments. But I'm happy to share them.

Ray was my big brother, but he was also my friend, my go-to guy, my shrink, and at times, a father. When I was little, we spent lots of time together, but it was mostly him babysitting me. I felt very safe in his arms. It was like being held by a huge friendly bear...He taught me lots of valuable life lessons... For instance, he is the person who got me to stop whining when I was a kid, by teaching me what it was.

RAY: "Min, you REALLY have to stop that whining".

ME: " IIIIIIIII dooooooooon't knoooooooow what yoooou're taaaaaalking aboooouuut!!!"

RAY: "The waaaaaaay yooooou're taaaaaaaaaaalking... It's caaaaaalled whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiining!"

He was great at getting me to stop being hysterical when I was little too, by instructing me on the finer points of taking a deep breath. (I used to be somewhat of a dramatic and convulsive crier.) He also MADE me eat the cecis in my ceci and pasta... I hated him for that! I used to roll them to one side of my bowl in a nice, neat pile, and eat the pasta. Because let's face it, to a kid, ceci beans (garbanzos) are just plain gross! Well, they were to me anyway. I remember holding quite the grudge about that one!

Then there was his old Mercury... "The Merc". We would race down the road with the windows down singing to the radio. It was grand! He usually had the dial (back when there actually were dials) set to an oldies station, Sunny 106. Sweet City Woman was a particularly fun one. Other favorites: anything by Abba, Buddy Holly or Elvis, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, OOga Chuga Ooga Ooga!... those kinds of songs. The songs that make you feel the whole world is still shiny and new.

As we got older we became more and more like friends. I was the baby of the family, so Ray was quite a bit older than I. And although I spent many years of my youth lost and confused, he never talked down to me or made me feel badly about it. He taught me how to drink a real drink... proper and lady-like. (Which is about the time I really began to drop my grudge about the Ceci beans). He taught me to order VO whiskey and soda. I could not understand this, because Kahlua and Cream tasted SOOOOOoooooooo much better! I said something like: "Ack! I can only drink this in little sips it's so bad!" And he said something like: "Yea! That's the whole point." You've just gotta love that. I didn't always take his advice, but when I was out with a guy I really liked, instead of "the gang," that was how, and what I drank...

We also watched a whole lot of football. I used to be a huge fan, as did most everyone in our family. The day the Fins won the Superbowl and had their historic undefeated season, our whole family was there. My mom and my aunt Esther were the scariest of the whole bunch... Seriously! That was a great time. We were all together and everyone was ecstatically happy! Years and years after that when I would visit Ray's family at his own house, there always seemed to be a football game on. If I wasn't in the mood to watch, I'd do something else in another room, but I could still hear it going on in the background. I always found that comforting.... and I still do.

Monday, November 23, 2009

This one is for you White Rabbit.

I got this in the form of email, and thought you'd get a big chuckle from it!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Responses from the row

Hey All,

I have been unintentionally sitting on the replies from BD's last post from "Life in Xanadu". He sent them to me last month and I was unable to get in the mind space to transcribe them. BD is a trifle long winded, like me.. heheh!

Anyway, they are up now and it would be great if you could pop on over and check them out. He does take his time and answers each one as thoroughly as possible. And he does so appreciate everyone's patience with this archaic time frame that we are forced to work with.

That's all.
Thanks for taking time.
pf & bd

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mini-Buddha's birthday, this weekend

I love this picture! It was back when Harley was a chubby bunny.

We all have colds over here at Chez Levi. Of course this is just in time for a visit from my in laws, who are flying in from California to be here for Harley's birthday this weekend. Did I mention it's Harley's birthday this weekend? (Yepper, it is! He is going to be four!) Did I mention my house is somewhat of a disaster? (Ah... My house is somewhat of a disaster.)

To my credit, I got a bunch of preparatory work done yesterday, like food and party favors and drinks and etc... This year we are having his party at one of his favorite places on the planet: The Tallahassee Museum, aka The Junior Museum. Then after those festivities, we are going to have some neighbors over for cake and ice cream and beer... my favorite part of kid parties! If you can get it, and we CAN. I love that Harley loves our neighbors so much that he wants them to celebrate with him. I love our neighbors too, they are part of our chosen family.

So, we will be sniffling our way through the festivities, but rest assured, there is no swine flu here. Happy hump day... PF

Friday, November 13, 2009

Paso Doble, Ole!

I wasn't going to post this... my favorite dance of the movie because I didn't want to ruin anything for anyone. But I'm getting the feeling nobody is going to watch it anyway, and it would be a shame to miss this. (The crazy looking old man who is the first to clap and later begins convulsing is the boy's father. The crazy looking old lady with the bad blond wig and the pink sequence dress is the boy's mother. The cool looking hispanic couple is the girl's father and grandmother.. I think.) The reason the boy's father and mother are going goofy is because the boy and the father had the same dream, only dad never could follow through.

It's cheesy as all get out, but if you can watch this and feel nothing, you had better check your pulse!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

By The People

I'm sure everyone already knows about this, but I'm always a little late to the party.

So there I was studying and I like to have something in the background, so I flicked on the tube. Charlie Rose was talking to Ed Norton... I love Ed Norton, so of course, I kept it on. Before too long I wasn't studying anymore. I was watching 3 really smart young people talking about a documentary they started shooting on Obama back before the election. And, as it turns out, they managed to get continued access DURING the campaign as well, behind the scenes.... I'm so pissed I don't have HBO!

I don't know about ya'll, but I could sure use a little inspiration right about now. If you have time, check out the promo vid:


I can't resist either!

Through the strange twists and turns of the internet, I found myself at Scott Adams' Dilbert Blog... This is one funny mo fo. Here is just three example of the fun I found there.

Check it out ya'll, he's almost as funny as SB!

Oh, the humanity...
Can't Resist

This one's for you Ms Moon!
Fear of Fish

Saving the best for last...
My Best Story

That's all for now. Please, have a humorous day.
xo pf

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Dance like no one is watching



Behind the scenes, there is something real...

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I said I would keep an eye on those muppets...

And BEHOLD! MORE INSANITY!!! Only this time,
I approve!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Marmot Carrion Anyone? Marmot tar tar perhaps?

This is not my beautiful house or my not so beautiful dead marmot. And that is not my beautiful husband, but I think I'm crushing just a bit on those eyes, and that right forearm...

Ms Moon has informed me that we do not have marmots in North FL, and as usual, she is correct; however, I'm going to use the word marmot anyway. Ever since I heard it in The Big Lebowski, I've been waiting patiently for a chance to use it. (I love The Dude... he abides.) So for the purposes of this blog, anything furry and dead will heretofore be referred to as a marmot.

It's been an interesting month around here. We have been battling asthma, the elements, our house, each other, and yes, even dead marmot. We are tired and trying hard to stay grateful. It's just hard to say thank you when you keep getting shit storm after shit storm! "Ah, thank you, can we have some more please?" That's just plain wrong.

Harley had been coughing sporadically since early August when school started. His GP's listened to his lungs numerous times and declared them "clear". We asked if he should see an allergist. "No, you don't want to go down that road." Hmmm.... I'm thinking. This has been going on for 2 years. As soon as he gets any sniffle, it turns into MONTHS of coughing. I think maybe I DO want him to see an allergist! Ok, so they send us home without so much as cough syrup but we seemed to manage to get the coughing under some sort of control despite that fact. Or so we thought. Then just as it seemed to be going away, he got the worst jag to date. Poor guy. This time, I was totally PISSED, and it's now late September. The doctor Harley sees is part of a GROUP of Docs who work in the same place. On this Sept. visit we got the NEW doctor of the group (All the old ones try to avoid us. He must have got the short straw) and he promptly diagnosed Harley with cough variant asthma. The meds he prescribed are helping immensely. Although, we did have 2 more visits to urgent care (ER) over the weekend following this visit due to an ear infection and a severe jag lasting more than 8hours. (Mr. new doc neglected to give us anything fast acting for jags. (And yes, I did ask.) BUT....... without EVEN asking, Dr. Mike at UC prescribed another round of Prednisone AND cough syrup with CODEINE! Thank you Doctor Mike, Jesus, Buddha and Ronald McDonald! FINALLY! For the first time in months we will get through a friggin night without steam, coughing, puking, frustration, and sadness. One of the saddest parts to all of this, is that our son is becoming cynical. When I tell him we are going to see the doctor, he says, "Why are we going there, they can't fix me". OUCH. We will be getting a brand new doctor and a brand new doctor's office. There is more to this story, but we'll end here. Harley is doing great in comparison to what he was, and his chest is getting a well deserved rest, as are we all.

Next we get to the mold problem in our house. We have been battling that since we moved in. It wasn't apparent before buying the house and it's something that the building inspector just didn't catch... again I say, hmmmmmm.... in any event, we have been making sweeps of the house every so often, but had not done one for a few months. I found mold in in all sorts of places. I cleaned fire places, unpacked boxes and got rid of a lot stuff. Now I have all manner of "stuff" from the boxes (that did not get tossed) in various piles around the dining room because I do cannot yet integrate it... This battle will be ongoing.

Then there is the water jug that leaked ever so slowly in the kitchen cabinet. This is our hurricane supply water. (We try to be responsible~ hmph!) Anyway, a damn 2 gallon jug of spring water sprung a leak and soaked up the particle board so badly in our cabinet, hub had to rip the whole bottom part of the cabinet out and replace it... in doing so, he found a dead marmot way back behind the cabinet in a sort of crawl space area in between the cabinet and a wall or something. He tried to poke at if for some reason, and realized that "Oh my, it's so far gone, it's falling apart!" YIKES! So now what? Well, I suggested calling someone to come get it. Hub insisted that there was no way to do it without tearing up that entire end of the kitchen... so he walled it up. (Have we learned nothing from Mr. Poe?) Walled up bodies always get the last laugh, and this one is no different. The day after the sealing off of said marmot, our whole kitchen smelled like decomposing marmot! So to top it all off, in addition to choking back waves of nausea, I now have that DAMN song in my head! You know the one, "OOOOh that smell, can't you smell that smell"?) Who needs this?

I won't go into ALL the wackiness caused by 2 ADHD adults doing the FALL back thing... but let's just say that appointments were missed and mayhem ensued. And today, the husband absconded with the wife's cell phone. The wife missed a phone consult with a client, because, well, she did NOT have her phone! Truth be told, I also sort of forgot, BUT.. said client did try to reach me via my cell, but hub did not answer... So I have some groveling to do....And those Coaching classes I'm taking. Yes, the time for Skyping got messed up there too.

Well, I think that about covers it. Here's to a mellow November.

Monday, October 26, 2009

The Pink Martini

How can you miss with a name like that? Well, you can't.

This is the band that is transforming Schubert and Chopin. What they have come up with will really blow you away! (I warned ya'll this video uploading thing would get ugly...)

I could drone on and on about the bios of the members being like a who's who of ass-kickers, or the crazy story of how the band came to be, but instead I'll just leave you to listen (or not), as you wish. But if you don't, you'll wish you had.

This one is called Lilly


Ok, the embedding was taken off of this one, so I only have the link... but PLEASE watch this wack a doo video. These guys are tight, and it's pretty funny stuff!
OFFICIAL VIDEO, PINK MARTINIS

Amado Mio


HEY, EUGENE!


Check out their website for more info: PINK MARTINI

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Hedwig and the Angry Inch...

Cher has Nuttin' on Hedwig baby!



How the HELL did this movie slip under the radar?? It's one of the best musicals ever, and while it's not totally serious, it's not total fluff either, like most musicals. And, have I said, the music is unbelievably great.




Wicked Little Town...This may be one of the most simple and beautiful songs ever written. No matter how many times I hear it, it still makes me weep. I believe among other things, it tells the story of the origin of art.


If this song isn't pure fun, then I DON'T KNOW what IS...


Music that takes you for a ride to the far reaches of the soul.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

I love this girl... she makes me laugh out loud!

Now that I know how to do this video upload thing.... watch out! It's important, if you watch, to watch the whole thing, you'll see why.

Enjoy.




Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Blasphemy on the Playground

Today my son and I went to the park and we met a sweet little girl about Harley's age, named Victoria. Victoria and Harley hit it off like gangbusters. While the two of them were off picking beetle carapaces from the barks of pines, Victoria's lovely mother, Rebecca and I had a nice little chat about all things kid. It was during this little chat that I heard the most vile of profanities... The lovely Rebecca informed me in complete gossip style (which I love!) that the cookie monster was having an identity crisis of sorts. She said, that she heard that the cookie monster was going to be renamed the "Carrot Monster"!!!? WHAT? NO WAY!! Well, that's what she heard... she hasn't actually SEEN the Carrot Monster, but she knows people who have... hmmmmmmmmm... Really?

She went on to say that apparently PBS had been getting complaints that the cookie monster was not setting a good example for the children and was another chink in the chain of childhood obesity. ( In the words of the notorious Dennis Leary... "Why do I gotta get mad about this shit?!") At least I think it was Dennis... Anyway, we were both naturally appalled at the notion that this would even be considered rationally by anyone!! Least of all the PBS/Sesame Street gang! (I told you weird things were happening on Sesame Street back in August... Remember?)

Of course I came right home and Googled the hell out of it, and found that it just an ugly rumor. (What the hell's wrong with me??) That's another story... While it's true that now the cookie monster does eat other foods BESIDES cookies, AND cookies are now touted as a "sometimes" food on the show, the cookie monster does still indeed eat cookies. AND he will not be renamed "The Carrot Monster". Whew! That was a close one! I can live with this, for now. BUT, again I say... what happened to Miss Piggy and Kermit?? What about the "yep yep yep yep yep yep and nope nope nope nope nope Monsters"? If I hear any rattlings about how vampires who love to count are not appropriate for kids to watch, you can bet I'll have something to say about it.

I've got my eye on you Sesame Street... and don't you think I don't!

Great Stuff!

I had my first coaching tutorial yesterday over the Skype. It was FANTASTIC! My tutor is very knowledgeable and has a great SA accent! It's soothing just listening to the music of her talking. And...more importantly, I love this stuff and I can see why it works. There is no doubt left in my mind that I want to do this. The only doubts remaining are the doubts anyone has when they go into business for themselves. Will I market myself well? Will I get burned out doing the marketing/networking thing? How long till I can quit my day job?? (just an expression, I don't actually have one, but you know...) The usual myriad of insecure voices one hears in one's head at the most pivotal and inconvenient times.

Regardless of my recurring insecurities, we finished the first teaching module and I am certain that even in the worst possible case scenario, that this has been money well spent. I am learning invaluable skills that will help me navigate life easier, and help make my relationships healthier and stronger. How can you put a price tag on that??

I've also decided to return to the hated chore of looking into getting an office job or sales job. I think I love this coaching business so much, that I will have the energy to do both. I'm not making any promises though, not even to myself. I do have some leads from few weeks ago that I'm going to follow up on, that much I can promise. We have a group called Workforce Plus and another group called ECHO here that are non profits and help people to find jobs they are qualified for. AND IT'S FREE!!! If you live in the Tallahassee area and are interested, just leave a message in the comments section and I'll send you the contact info! Maybe we can go together?? :-)

Ok, everybody, that's all from here. Well, that and the dropping temperature~ waaahooooo!
Have a great week y'all, and whatever it is...go for it!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Magnificent, Mysterious BRAIN

I've been a busy little bee the past couple of days. I've been exposed to so much intriguing information that I feel my brain will pop right out of it's little cranial cocoon! I picked up a copy of the Utne Reader today at borders. Well, I picked it up to read it, not to take it home. I'd forgotten what a great magazine that is... So much thought provoking information, from the uplifting to the hideously heinous.

I learned about various visionaries who are changing the world for the better in their many unique ways. I learned about US doctors who condone and participate in torture, as long as the person is a detainee of the US government. I learned about how the military suppressed information that would have exposed this, as well as other details concerning government torture and the effects suffered by the victims... often death. And the destruction of files and records. It always amazes me when people really believe the government acts in their best interest. The government acts in its OWN best interest, period. And if a side benefit is that it is also in the people's best interest... Bonus for us!

I finished the Elegance of the Hedgehog. I laughed out loud, making the people around me in Borders very uncomfortable... and I also wept. (A little more silently) It was the most remarkable novel I've read in a long long time.

I also heard an interview with this brain expert on the radio. His name is John Medina. My God, this man is brilliant. He is showing how we are basically torturing ourselves and our children living in the style with which we've all become accustomed. I learned amazing new things from this interview and had many of my own theories confirmed.. on a biophysical... molecular level! I feel more strongly than ever about home schooling, but not sure how I'd work those logistics. I highly recommend at least taking a peek at his blog. If you're at all interested in how the brain functions and how to get the best from it... he's your man. Or at least one of them! Check him out...


His website is: http://www.johnmedina.com/ His blog site is: http://brainrules.blogspot.com/
His new book is, Brain RULES

So, now my own brain is reeling. All the thoughts and possibilities, and learning and expansive potential yet to be discovered. It's all so hopeful and exciting!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A New Path

So, Petit Fleur is starting some training next week to move her career in a new direction. Or really just in ANY direction. There is a long, boring and likely typical story attached to why I chose to major in marketing rather than something like anthropology, religion or psychology, but it's hardly worth sharing.

Most of my "career moves" have been to take whatever job I could get in the field of marketing, sales or admin. I don't particularly like any of them, but have been known to expand whatever position I find myself in just out of sheer will, and well, trying to break through the glass ceiling.... you know, proving myself to get more money. (It really only worked once, but it wasn't enough to keep me there.) I've spent a lot of time spinning my wheels about what I want/need to be doing career wise. I think I wrote the book on feeling stuck... When I was a youngun', my original plan was to become a brilliant psychologist... but now when I think of returning to that plan, I realize it's no longer what I want. It's what I wanted 20 years ago. However, I am still a "therapy" type person. Meaning that anything to do with personal growth and healing is of interest to me.

Considering that the 'therapy oriented' side of my personality is very strong, I figured on the healing path as the one I would choose... but what? Well, I will tell you. Through a strange series of coincidences, I found out about a growing profession called Coaching. It sounds pretty cheesy and there is sort of a scammy aspect to the industry, BUT... all in all, I believe it is a needed service for many people and it beats the hell out of therapy for those that choose it. It is for people who are stuck and want to make a change, but need extra support to do it. People who need accountability, similar to any support group like weight watchers, or AA, only this is an individualized approach which is goal oriented. I like to call it professional nagging! If you think about it, mostly women are in this field, so it makes perfect sense. Just ask any married man and he will tell you. Since I come from a long line of the most excellent, cunning and persistent of naggers, I feel like I have a pretty good shot at making this work.

I have been coached for my ADHD in the past, and it has worked well for me. I also believe that the habits I develop as a result of professionally nagging others will rub off on me... I mean, it pretty much has to, right? Then I will conquer the world!! mooooaaaah!

Seriously, this seems like the perfect fit for me, and I am totally excited about it... however, I am really nervous about spending the money on training. I believe I found a really reasonable and reputable group to train with, but it is still pretty expensive for our broke asses. This is one of the riskiest endeavors, money wise, that I have engaged in for quite some time. So, when you are sending up your wishes, to whomever you address your wishes too, would you please whisper a small wish that this is what finally WORKS for me/us.

I have one Guinea pig client already. This is our first week of working together, and I think it's gone pretty well so far. He's great and very motivated for the shift, so we have not run into any roadblocks just yet. And if anyone of you would like to sign on to be a Guinea pig for me, I am willing to coach you for free as long as my sanity holds up.

Here's to change!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Catching your Breath

Our son has recently been diagnosed with Cough Variant Asthma, which means that every time he gets the slightest cold, he may have coughing for months with jags lasting as long as 45 minutes. That's an awful long time for a 3 year old to cough.

He has been suffering with this since he was a toddler, only we did not know what it was. We were told that it was normal for kids to cough a lot and given the usual array of medications. Some we tried, and some we thought were too intense for a toddler, so we toughed it out with over the counter meds and steam treatments. Now he is almost 4, and in some ways his condition seems more tenacious than ever... We feel only slightly more comfortable using the prescribed medications, Pulmicort and Prednisone, but thankfully we got a doctor who finally diagnosed it. We are not happy that our son has to deal with this condition, but we are relieved to that we have a firm diagnoses. We are not sure if these meds are going to work or not, we're only on day two.

The good news is that now Griffin has fully developed language skills, so we can also try some alternative methods. In my research, I came across a breathing method that is supposed to promote health in anyone who uses it, but was originally developed for people suffering from breathing disorders, like asthma. It's called the Buteyko Method, after the man who invented it, Dr. Buteyko.

The Buteyko Method of controlled breathing is right in line with ancient breathing practices like yoga and meditation breathing. This holistic technique is based on the idea that in general, we all breath too much, due to physical ailments or stress/anxiety. This is known as Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome. Practicing controlled breathing is a way to slow it down and let the mind and body get the full benefit of our breath. Over breathing (or breathing more than the medical norm) does not increase oxygenation of the arterial blood, but reduces oxygenation of vital organs (leading to tissue hypoxia) due to CO2 induced vasoconstriction.

At the core of the Buteyko method is a series of breathing exercises that focus on nasal breathing, breath-holding and relaxation. At present it is used to treat asthma, sleep apnea, snoring, and anxiety/panic attacks. These conditions are associated with disrupted or irregular breathing patterns and the Buteyko exercises aim to 'retrain' breathing to restore a more natural pattern. *Wikipedia*

Learn more about Buteyko Breathing:

Buteyko: A to Z

Buteyko Breathing

Applying Buteyko

TV Asia