Paradigm Shift

From time to time, I let myself dwell on a woman who lives across the world.  She has no clue who I am.  I don't even know if she is still alive.  Her story is very close to my heart, a gift from God.  The nameless, faceless woman haunts me.  It is not because she scares me, but because I don't know if I could do what she does. 

Her daily task is walking miles to find something we all take for granted ... dirt.  Clean dirt as opposed to the toxic, waste-ridden kind she resides on.  She carries this clean dirt back home and sells it.  You see, there's a high demand for clean dirt in Kibera. Why?  Well, it's not to grow vegetables or to plant flowers. 

She sell the dirt to mothers ... who bring the dirt home and feed it to their children so tummies won't feel so hungry.  What else can a mother do to keep her child comfortable as she knows he/she will soon die of starvation? 

Self-entitlement is such an ugly thing.

Rainy Day

I love the rain ... especially if I'm lying in bed.  It has been gray and raining outside.  The house is quiet.  Almost too quiet.  Hmm ... what to do this summer?   I'd love to visit Montreal and go to the US Open (Flushing Meadows).  I am also drawing, and once it really warms up, I'll start painting again.  

One new thing I am so excited to dabble in is photography.  It's instantly gratifying, since I'm accustomed to things taking days or weeks to finish.    

Got a new app. on the iPhone, it's take pics that resemble Polaroids ... love technology.  Instantly capturing a mood, expression, moment in time and space is pretty cool.  

Latest Obsession

OMG ... why are these so hard to find?  The odds are against me tonight.

Hunter boots.  

The Monster

I was running errands today and spotted this Ducati Monster!  I love love love this bike!  The shape, sound, feel ... WOW ... a flood of memories of the best first date ever.

He just pulled up and told me to hop on.  I was scared, just a little, but mostly excited.  And let me tell you, there's nothing like riding down Lake Shore Drive in the summer on this bike.  Smart move....

Oh, and the reason why Ducati is better than BMW ... they don't sound like sewing machines.  

   

There Are Dancers And There Are Workers

A few weeks back, a friend told me, "There are two kinds of people in this world ... dancers and workers ... you are a dancer." I don't think she was referring to my affinity towards booty-shaking, but rather, an approach to life.  One thing I do know, I don't have it all figured out and it okay! 

Sometimes, I take a trip down memory lane and cringe.  Wow, was I really that desperate, dumb, naive?  Yes, yes, and yes! But isn't that why life is interesting?  The ability to make a fool out of yourself and later realize, you actually DIDN'T die, is a great thing!  There was also this fear of looking stupid or awkward, but why?  Did anyone else really care? All that energy put forth towards appearing "mature," versus living to the fullest ... what did Shaw say, "youth is wasted on the young."  I might have to agree.  

So a while back, I decided to do three things.  I was going to love boldly, not let fear be the decision maker, and give people the benefit of the doubt.  As a result, I have been hurt, disappointed, and let down; but, I also have a richer life filled with wonderful people.  I'm still not sure what being a "dancer" means, but hopefully, I get to tango with the best of them.  

Believe What They Do

When people show you who they are, believe them.

Maya Angelou

Actions speak louder than words.  People say what they want others to think or perceive of them; but the truth is, we are what we do.  We poke fun at those living in the limelight, but if a camera followed us around for a mere week, we'd be shocked ... maybe horrified ... by the footage.  

I have a friend who happens to also be a writer.  People are often intimidated by his brilliance, but he is one of the kindest people I know.  Driving one morning, a woman flagged him down.  He pulled over and asked if she needed help.  She hurriedly got into his car and gave him an address (this was early morning, before much traffic).  As he drove to her destination, it occurred to him ... she's a prostitute.  She looked disheveled, but mostly tired.  He asked to buy her breakfast, she accepted.  At the restaurant, my friend preceded to pull out her chair and help with her coat.  She flinched, and sat down.  Tears welled up in her eyes, "I've never had a man treat me like a lady before," proof of a true gentleman.

I can't count the times I've witnessed rude treatment of waitstaff.  That's why I love going to dinners or having drinks with people.  I want to see how they interact with waiters/staff.  It speaks volumes and helps me choose who I want in or out of my life.  So, this is my advice to girls (or guys) who are dating; watch, see, and believe how he treats your waiter ... if he's a jerk to him, chances are, he's only a step away from being one to you.  Why wait around for that to happen?

Be Still My Heart

Wow! I want this ... wish the weather would warm up soon. So tired of the cold.

Dress by Giambattista Valli

I love Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas has been a huge crush for years.  I have to confess my single reason for joining twitter was to see if he would respond to me, AND he did!  I know ... he's married ... but I really can't help liking the guy.  I love his writing and watching him perform is pretty sublime.  The way he sings (facial expressions, hand movements, voice) is so him.  

So he has a new album coming out (just caught a clip of "Her Diamonds") which hopefully means I get to see him live soon.  

Oh, and did I tell you he's smart-funny?  Smart-funny AND nice.  Glad to see fame hasn't gone to his head.