- Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Quote of the Day
Life after death-why don't we know what we've got till it's gone?
Death is a reality of life. Whether by natural causes or sudden tragic loss, it has touched all of us at one time or another. Over the past couple of months, the news has been filled with celebrity deaths and their aftermaths. Who didn't read about Heath Ledger winning the Oscar for one of his final performances as the Joker in "The Dark Knight"? Twitter went "Dirty Dancing" crazy after Patrick Swayze lost his battle to cancer. Farrah Fawcett, DJ AM, Billy Mays, my grandmother...The list goes on and on. However, the one that really got me thinking, was Michael Jackson.
In short, I grew up with Michael's music and videos. "Thriller" was one of my earliest albums. Over the years I shared the public's curiousity, as his behaivor became more and more eccentric. The ever lightening skin, kids in Halloween masks year round, dangling a baby called Blanket(?) over a balcony. People were less inclined to talk about his talent or latest album, as they were his crazy behaivor and that isn't even including the circus surrounding allegations of child molestation. In the recent months, I had heard mention of a comeback tour but other than that, Michael Jackson felt irrelevant in today's culture, unless it was the punchline to a joke. Then, he died.
Suddenly, everyone was a huge Michael Jackson fan. They rushed to buy his music and do the moonwalk for reporters. They signed giant memorial posters outside Staples Center and used their mortgage payments to buy tickets to his memorial. They professed their support of his innocence, "He was like Peter Pan!" Friends and family touched on the same theme, if only Michael could see how loved he was or how many lives he touched. Who didn't cry when his daughter talked not about the King of Pop but simply, Daddy? Is it true to say, we don't know what we've got until it is gone?
Vincent Van Gogh's talent as an artist was never realized in his lifetime. Mozart died a pauper despite the fact that even today his music can be heard everywhere from lavish weddings to expensive restaurants. And what about those everyday people in our lives? Grandparents who bake amazing cakes, co-workers with natural talent, friends who struggle day to day? How many live their entire lives feeling unappreciated or have talents that we never took the time to recognize? Only after death, do we create living memorials, admire talent and sometimes say all those things we should have told that person. Death and grief is fast becoming a popular fan club to join and for some a lucrative business opportunity. Rewriting personal history to suit our own needs.
I am in full support of making sure that we don't forget those who pass on before us, whether they are a pop culture icon or that nice guy who lived next door. But, perhaps the lesson we are missing is this; Instead of idolizing the dead, why don't we celebrate the living? Regret and "what if's" are probably the worst part of grief, next to the "I wish they could see all of this love and admiration." My mum always use to tell me "Make sure to always say "I love you" before going out and never go to sleep angry with a loved one." Compliment someone, even if it is on something small or pick up the phone and call that relative just to say hi. Many families found some measure of comfort after 9/11 because they were able to have that last phone call or message of love on an answering machine.
In the end, all we have are the memories we make in life. Michael Jackson never moved out of the dark shadows of scrutiny, even after being aquitted, but his children will see theaters pack when his last concert is released and a new generation hum his songs. Patrick Swayze spent his final months working on his memoirs with his beloved wife, who I am sure loved the tribute to him on "Dancing with the Stars." And I know of a few "secret" family recipes that will continue to be passed down in my own family. Treasure those around you today because it shouldn't take death to realize the worth of someones life.
In short, I grew up with Michael's music and videos. "Thriller" was one of my earliest albums. Over the years I shared the public's curiousity, as his behaivor became more and more eccentric. The ever lightening skin, kids in Halloween masks year round, dangling a baby called Blanket(?) over a balcony. People were less inclined to talk about his talent or latest album, as they were his crazy behaivor and that isn't even including the circus surrounding allegations of child molestation. In the recent months, I had heard mention of a comeback tour but other than that, Michael Jackson felt irrelevant in today's culture, unless it was the punchline to a joke. Then, he died.
Suddenly, everyone was a huge Michael Jackson fan. They rushed to buy his music and do the moonwalk for reporters. They signed giant memorial posters outside Staples Center and used their mortgage payments to buy tickets to his memorial. They professed their support of his innocence, "He was like Peter Pan!" Friends and family touched on the same theme, if only Michael could see how loved he was or how many lives he touched. Who didn't cry when his daughter talked not about the King of Pop but simply, Daddy? Is it true to say, we don't know what we've got until it is gone?
Vincent Van Gogh's talent as an artist was never realized in his lifetime. Mozart died a pauper despite the fact that even today his music can be heard everywhere from lavish weddings to expensive restaurants. And what about those everyday people in our lives? Grandparents who bake amazing cakes, co-workers with natural talent, friends who struggle day to day? How many live their entire lives feeling unappreciated or have talents that we never took the time to recognize? Only after death, do we create living memorials, admire talent and sometimes say all those things we should have told that person. Death and grief is fast becoming a popular fan club to join and for some a lucrative business opportunity. Rewriting personal history to suit our own needs.
I am in full support of making sure that we don't forget those who pass on before us, whether they are a pop culture icon or that nice guy who lived next door. But, perhaps the lesson we are missing is this; Instead of idolizing the dead, why don't we celebrate the living? Regret and "what if's" are probably the worst part of grief, next to the "I wish they could see all of this love and admiration." My mum always use to tell me "Make sure to always say "I love you" before going out and never go to sleep angry with a loved one." Compliment someone, even if it is on something small or pick up the phone and call that relative just to say hi. Many families found some measure of comfort after 9/11 because they were able to have that last phone call or message of love on an answering machine.
In the end, all we have are the memories we make in life. Michael Jackson never moved out of the dark shadows of scrutiny, even after being aquitted, but his children will see theaters pack when his last concert is released and a new generation hum his songs. Patrick Swayze spent his final months working on his memoirs with his beloved wife, who I am sure loved the tribute to him on "Dancing with the Stars." And I know of a few "secret" family recipes that will continue to be passed down in my own family. Treasure those around you today because it shouldn't take death to realize the worth of someones life.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Shop
As a fan of all things "Breakfast at Tiffany's", I can't believe I didn't find or hear about this sooner. The China Glaze shade is called "For Audrey" I have 2 bottles on the way from ebay! Reminds me of a shade I wore many years ago on a trip to the UK.
Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Just a thought...
Literature is strewn with the wreckage of those who have minded beyond reason the opinion of others.
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Quote for Today
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
Helen Keller
Shop, Live, Love - Kindle application for iPhone
I love to read books. I think since I learned how to read, I have devoured more than I could even count. Many nights of my childhood were spent under the covers with a flashlight, till all hours, as I rushed to find out what happened next in a story. The more books I read, the faster my ability to consume them. My dad would laugh at me and say, "Finished all ready?" as I begged to go back to the store and blow my allowance on more. Laura Ingalls, Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Sweet Valley High.
As I got older, my selections moved from paperbacks to the exciting new release, hardback book. Stephen King, Jean Auel, Anne Rice, Jackie Collins. I watched the "Coming Soon" list in the mall bookstores like a hawk. My favorite Christmas present when I was 14 was the new Jean Auel book, "Plains of Passage", in hardback. I think I finished it well before New Years Eve. Of course, it was around this time I learned the disappointment of spending so much money on a brand new book, only to finish it in a matter of hours. Don't even get me started on the price of college text books and required reading lists. I began signing up for bookstore membership and rewards programs to help offset some of the cost. I organized my must read list, begrudgingly putting some of the books off until they were released in paperback. I found friends with common reading interests and we swapped books, saving more money in our little reading community. In the end, there was nothing quite like curling up with a new book. Sometimes for sheer pleasure on a rainy day with a cup of tea and sometimes late at night, as a welcome distraction from stress and grief. (Harry Potter and friends kept me company in the weeks following my husband death.) Books were more than just words and stories in binding. They were friends, companions and guides to far off places. Of course there was the other downside besides price point. Books take up a lot of space and when you move as many times as I do, well, lets just say, they are not easy to cart around the world.
I remember when the idea of electronic or E-books started popping up on the Internet. It reminded me of the library or second hand bookstore. Limited selection and rarely new releases. I couldn't possibly imagine staring at a screen for long periods of time, being chained to my computer. Soon, came the portable reading devices and the Kindle. Now I have to admit, I love gadgets! I was always scooping up the latest cell phone (I had to get the first cell phone with a camera!) or iPod (music at my finger tips!) I relished audiobooks stored on my iPod for long road trips, replacing expensive and sizable books on CD. The release of the iPhone was met with huge excitement. Cell phone, camera, iPod, Internet in the palm of my hand! I was giddy with every new update and new application that made my life easier and more organized.
But, back to books. I began to face the price dilemma again. Money was tight and suddenly, buying new release hardbacks that I would read before the charge was even posted to my account seemed like a luxury I would have to put off. Even with my Barnes & Noble membership and coupon of the week, I was having a hard time justifying my addiction to reading. One afternoon, I was "window shopping" on Amazon, checking on the books that were "Coming Soon" and there it was, right under the list price. Kindle edition. I had read about the Kindle but didn't really know the details. A version of the book 1/3 of the price? A $26.00 new release for $9.99? I had to know more. Then, I saw the price of the kindle. Hmmm, could I offset the price by reasoning how much I would save on books? Did I really want another gadget to cart around and remember to charge? I began searching for answers and then I found it. There was a Kindle application for iPhone and better yet, it was a free application. There had to be a catch.
I downloaded the application and purchased my first ebook, "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella, guilty pleasure reading. I wondered, would it eat up my iPhone battery or take up too much memory? Would staring at the screen drive my eyes insane? You can imagine my excitement when it didn't do any of the above mentioned. It was easy, convenient and I could read anywhere! I always have my phone with me, thus I had my new book with me too. I read in the car line to pick my son up from school, in the kitchen while the oven preheated, in bed, in the dark while my fiance slept soundly next to me. It kept track of what page I was on (no more dog ears and bookmarks) and fit in my pocket. Best of all, I had saved enough money on that book to purchase another one, "The Last Symbol" by Dan Brown, released today. I can't stop raving about this. I am a dedicated iPhone fan (I still have my original 1st generation) and this only reaffirmed my affection for my favorite gadget! I almost felt guilty as I watched my best friend loading her carry-on with books and magazines for a long flight, knowing that I could do the same thing and not break my back or the bank. I would have to say that even if I didn't have an iPhone or iTouch, I would most likely have purchased a Kindle. The savings on new and popular titles is better than any rewards or membership program the bookstores have offered me. Now I can buy everything from the latest fictional novel to self help book to chick lit and not feel guilty when I finish it in record time (I read the complete Twilight series in a weekend). I love reading. I love books. I look forward to less dusty, cluttered bookshelves and thumbs black with printer ink. Off to start my new book.
♥♥♥♥♥ Five Hearts to the Kindle Application
As I got older, my selections moved from paperbacks to the exciting new release, hardback book. Stephen King, Jean Auel, Anne Rice, Jackie Collins. I watched the "Coming Soon" list in the mall bookstores like a hawk. My favorite Christmas present when I was 14 was the new Jean Auel book, "Plains of Passage", in hardback. I think I finished it well before New Years Eve. Of course, it was around this time I learned the disappointment of spending so much money on a brand new book, only to finish it in a matter of hours. Don't even get me started on the price of college text books and required reading lists. I began signing up for bookstore membership and rewards programs to help offset some of the cost. I organized my must read list, begrudgingly putting some of the books off until they were released in paperback. I found friends with common reading interests and we swapped books, saving more money in our little reading community. In the end, there was nothing quite like curling up with a new book. Sometimes for sheer pleasure on a rainy day with a cup of tea and sometimes late at night, as a welcome distraction from stress and grief. (Harry Potter and friends kept me company in the weeks following my husband death.) Books were more than just words and stories in binding. They were friends, companions and guides to far off places. Of course there was the other downside besides price point. Books take up a lot of space and when you move as many times as I do, well, lets just say, they are not easy to cart around the world.
I remember when the idea of electronic or E-books started popping up on the Internet. It reminded me of the library or second hand bookstore. Limited selection and rarely new releases. I couldn't possibly imagine staring at a screen for long periods of time, being chained to my computer. Soon, came the portable reading devices and the Kindle. Now I have to admit, I love gadgets! I was always scooping up the latest cell phone (I had to get the first cell phone with a camera!) or iPod (music at my finger tips!) I relished audiobooks stored on my iPod for long road trips, replacing expensive and sizable books on CD. The release of the iPhone was met with huge excitement. Cell phone, camera, iPod, Internet in the palm of my hand! I was giddy with every new update and new application that made my life easier and more organized.
But, back to books. I began to face the price dilemma again. Money was tight and suddenly, buying new release hardbacks that I would read before the charge was even posted to my account seemed like a luxury I would have to put off. Even with my Barnes & Noble membership and coupon of the week, I was having a hard time justifying my addiction to reading. One afternoon, I was "window shopping" on Amazon, checking on the books that were "Coming Soon" and there it was, right under the list price. Kindle edition. I had read about the Kindle but didn't really know the details. A version of the book 1/3 of the price? A $26.00 new release for $9.99? I had to know more. Then, I saw the price of the kindle. Hmmm, could I offset the price by reasoning how much I would save on books? Did I really want another gadget to cart around and remember to charge? I began searching for answers and then I found it. There was a Kindle application for iPhone and better yet, it was a free application. There had to be a catch.
I downloaded the application and purchased my first ebook, "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella, guilty pleasure reading. I wondered, would it eat up my iPhone battery or take up too much memory? Would staring at the screen drive my eyes insane? You can imagine my excitement when it didn't do any of the above mentioned. It was easy, convenient and I could read anywhere! I always have my phone with me, thus I had my new book with me too. I read in the car line to pick my son up from school, in the kitchen while the oven preheated, in bed, in the dark while my fiance slept soundly next to me. It kept track of what page I was on (no more dog ears and bookmarks) and fit in my pocket. Best of all, I had saved enough money on that book to purchase another one, "The Last Symbol" by Dan Brown, released today. I can't stop raving about this. I am a dedicated iPhone fan (I still have my original 1st generation) and this only reaffirmed my affection for my favorite gadget! I almost felt guilty as I watched my best friend loading her carry-on with books and magazines for a long flight, knowing that I could do the same thing and not break my back or the bank. I would have to say that even if I didn't have an iPhone or iTouch, I would most likely have purchased a Kindle. The savings on new and popular titles is better than any rewards or membership program the bookstores have offered me. Now I can buy everything from the latest fictional novel to self help book to chick lit and not feel guilty when I finish it in record time (I read the complete Twilight series in a weekend). I love reading. I love books. I look forward to less dusty, cluttered bookshelves and thumbs black with printer ink. Off to start my new book.
♥♥♥♥♥ Five Hearts to the Kindle Application
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Please excuse the dust and cobwebs
I am dusting off my blogging keyboard and trying to organize my thoughts and such. I have an idea on what I want this blog to be about. I am an old fashioned girl with a modern twist, if that makes any sense. I love making my house a home and all the domestic duties involved. I love to shop and find killer deals on everything from housewares to clothes. Food. Eating, cooking, dining in, taking out. Just a few of the things I will share over time. However, right now is the first Sunday of the NFL regular season and my eyes keep wandering to the television to catch up on the game and scores. I happen to LOVE football! So, I am going to leave it here right now. The Seahawks game starts in an hour. I love this time of year!
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