Well, life is a bit quiet here in Atlanta. I have been spending lots of time alone or with my best girlfriends. I have been trying to workout more (ugh) and get ready for a trip to the beach in a couple of weeks.
When I am not gabbing on the phone or playing with Maggie, I have found myself catching up on t.v. - yes, something that I used to never have on is now a constant companion and my show of choice lately is TLC's "What NOT To Wear"....Maggie is wondering what the constant noise is in the house!!
During said t.v. watching last night, I saw a commercial for Oscar Mayer - they were announcing a new product, one I might add that really baffled me! It was for pre-packaged hotdogs - in the bun...in packs of three. Have we really become so complacent that it is too much effort to buy the hotdogs and the buns and build them ourselves? I was curious about that one, so naturally I went to the Oscar Mayer website (note to how my nutty mind works) to check up on this new product so I could write a rant about it.
What would surprise you is that I found a section on the front of the Oscar Mayer website that says "Learn to Play the Weinerwhistle"....complete with a picture of a weiner-shaped thingy and a blurb that says it is a "full-blown" whistle....I will leave it at that and suffice it to say that someone at that company had a little inside joke going. I laughed to myself the rest of the night.
Man, is my life ever boring right now!!!
xoxo,
Honeybee
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Bastille Day
I awoke this morning to a view I will never forget. Marseilles – what an amazing place – what a stunning coastline. We arrived last night well after midnight after taking the TGV from Paris into Marseilles. We have come for the wedding of Olivier and Frederique in Cassis, France. I am thrilled to be here with Steve, who has turned out to be a perfect gentleman and a wonderful friend for the rest of my life. I adore him – the little things that make him unique, and the fact that he takes longer in the bath than I do…so a little patience is needed as I really have to pee!!!!
We will have an easy morning before heading over to pick up our car and drive along the coastline to the neighboring town of Cassi. I can only imagine the beauty this day will hold. I cannot imagine it topping the view from our hotel room this morning. It literally took my breath when I pulled the curtain back.
Travel Journal
Marseilles – July 14, 2006
We will have an easy morning before heading over to pick up our car and drive along the coastline to the neighboring town of Cassi. I can only imagine the beauty this day will hold. I cannot imagine it topping the view from our hotel room this morning. It literally took my breath when I pulled the curtain back.
Travel Journal
Marseilles – July 14, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Diary about a Madman
Today I saw the best-looking man I have ever seen in my life. He looked like Charlton Heston in the Ten Commandments. He had beautiful hair and the bluest eyes. They were cobalt.
He was sitting on the corner of the Porte Maillot with some bags at his feet. He was looking at me intently and speaking words I did not understand…words in French.
He was a homeless man, and the corner he sat on was home. As he kept speaking and looking at me, I recognized the look of schizophrenia. He was the most handsome madman in the world.
It made me wonder what his life had been like before the onset….
Travel Journal
Paris – July 13, 2006
He was sitting on the corner of the Porte Maillot with some bags at his feet. He was looking at me intently and speaking words I did not understand…words in French.
He was a homeless man, and the corner he sat on was home. As he kept speaking and looking at me, I recognized the look of schizophrenia. He was the most handsome madman in the world.
It made me wonder what his life had been like before the onset….
Travel Journal
Paris – July 13, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
That Old Black Magic....
It is really harder to determine which I will remember long after leaving Paris this time – will it be the moon that flirted with me each night, or the lesson in patience and letting people have their time to become comfortable with you.
I am missing writing my thoughts on my blog. More and more each day I think about how much I would like to express something to myself, or think again in a metaphor, but I think it is better this way, to live the life rather than just writing about it all the time or dreaming about it in my head.
We had an amazing dinner on Monday L’Atlier Du Joel Robichon – have to work on the spelling later on, but it was the first time I felt close to Steve tonight and so happy in his company. We had Basil ice cream which was amazing and he well took care of me.
After dinner we rode his bike to the top of Montmartre and looked at the city in the moonlight. That big ol’ full moon casting a glow over my favorite city. I held on tightly as we tore off down the hill for home, laughing over the bumpy cobblestone streets on the way to the Seine. Steve stopped his bike at the Eiffel Tower – 2:00 a.m. and it was sparkling in lights – he said it was France’s way of welcoming be back. Perfect.
Travel Journal
Paris - July 11, 2006
I am missing writing my thoughts on my blog. More and more each day I think about how much I would like to express something to myself, or think again in a metaphor, but I think it is better this way, to live the life rather than just writing about it all the time or dreaming about it in my head.
We had an amazing dinner on Monday L’Atlier Du Joel Robichon – have to work on the spelling later on, but it was the first time I felt close to Steve tonight and so happy in his company. We had Basil ice cream which was amazing and he well took care of me.
After dinner we rode his bike to the top of Montmartre and looked at the city in the moonlight. That big ol’ full moon casting a glow over my favorite city. I held on tightly as we tore off down the hill for home, laughing over the bumpy cobblestone streets on the way to the Seine. Steve stopped his bike at the Eiffel Tower – 2:00 a.m. and it was sparkling in lights – he said it was France’s way of welcoming be back. Perfect.
Travel Journal
Paris - July 11, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
J'Arrive
I arrived in Paris this morning, a bit ahead of schedule. My partner for the flight over was a quiet man who looked a bit like a 18th Century writer. It turns out, that he is an architect, quite renowned for his work – and fresh from consulting on a project in Chile. He teaches in the states as well at such notable universities as Georgia Tech, Harvard and Princeton to name a few. He lives in Paris and is widowed now for 25 years. He has a daughter that attends Vanderbilt in the States and he misses her terribly. As we left the plane, he wished me a wonderful stay in his city and a safe journey back home.
The weather was overcast and it was early, as we arrived around 6:00 a.m. – much too early for the standing in the long line at immigration. I was so pleased to see my friend and collected a hug from him as we made our way along to the parking area and the short ride to have a coffee in the 16th, my favorite of all the Arrondissements. Café crème and a croissant were on order as we caught up with what we had done since we saw each other last in Barcelona. The rain began to fall in a soft pattern along the street as we sat in an open doorway and took in the fragrance. “I am in Paris again”, I thought to myself as I looked into the eyes of my wonderful company.
A five minute drive later brought us to Steve’s apartment in Neuilly Sur Seine and I look up as we passed my friend Frederique’s apartment on the corner of the Port Maillot and I wondered if he was home or traveling again. I thought of his cousin and the last time I was in Paris as a part of this band of family…so funny how a year changes things.
The apartment is beautiful, awash in white with a fireplace in the dining room and a wonderful kitchen, so large for Paris standards. I love it here, especially the large windows that cover the front, affording views of rooftops and trees.
I am off to take a nap and then scoot off for lunch before preparing for the World Cup Final match tonight……I am hoping for a win for France.
Travel Journal - Paris
July 10th
The weather was overcast and it was early, as we arrived around 6:00 a.m. – much too early for the standing in the long line at immigration. I was so pleased to see my friend and collected a hug from him as we made our way along to the parking area and the short ride to have a coffee in the 16th, my favorite of all the Arrondissements. Café crème and a croissant were on order as we caught up with what we had done since we saw each other last in Barcelona. The rain began to fall in a soft pattern along the street as we sat in an open doorway and took in the fragrance. “I am in Paris again”, I thought to myself as I looked into the eyes of my wonderful company.
A five minute drive later brought us to Steve’s apartment in Neuilly Sur Seine and I look up as we passed my friend Frederique’s apartment on the corner of the Port Maillot and I wondered if he was home or traveling again. I thought of his cousin and the last time I was in Paris as a part of this band of family…so funny how a year changes things.
The apartment is beautiful, awash in white with a fireplace in the dining room and a wonderful kitchen, so large for Paris standards. I love it here, especially the large windows that cover the front, affording views of rooftops and trees.
I am off to take a nap and then scoot off for lunch before preparing for the World Cup Final match tonight……I am hoping for a win for France.
Travel Journal - Paris
July 10th
Monday, July 03, 2006
Prickly Pear
I was speaking with my mom on the phone last night, and she told me I was a bit of a "Prickly Pear" sometimes.
Mind you, this is not the first time I have heard her say this to me...but it has been the first time in quite a while. I told her it was just because of XY&Z that I was a stinger right now, and she laughed and told me that I was born with this temperament..... Recounting stories from when I was small - and we both laughed when I told her that either she or my daddy then needed to step up and take some responsibility for this as it must have come from one, the other - or a little in both of them!!
Well, sure enough - I was a prickly pear this morning with SvdB when he called to discuss our trip. I will leave out the details, but suffice it to say - he got a bit of me without my coffee and hung up to remove some of those prickles from his skin.....
So I am now sipping my coffee and feeling bad about snapping at him - I guess I could blame my mom and dad and that recessed Prickly gene that made its way to me!! Ha ha ha...((just kidding - do feel bad about being grouchy))..
You all can tell him that it is the exception - and not the NORM that I am grouchy and a butt o.k.!!
xoxo,
Bug
Friday, June 30, 2006
Isn't It Ironic
I spy in my eye
A wrinkle
A twinkle
A handsome guy
Tick tock
Start stop
Ready not
Writes a lot
I love you
I love you too
No I don't
I said I won't
Click clack
Door crack
Wrote it down
Left from town
Live it out
Live it over
Pen it in
You can't win
I spy in my eye
Likes to hurt
Sometimes curt
Standing in a pig stye
A wrinkle
A twinkle
A handsome guy
Tick tock
Start stop
Ready not
Writes a lot
I love you
I love you too
No I don't
I said I won't
Click clack
Door crack
Wrote it down
Left from town
Live it out
Live it over
Pen it in
You can't win
I spy in my eye
Likes to hurt
Sometimes curt
Standing in a pig stye
Monday, June 19, 2006
Portrait of A Lady
In quiet reflection she sat that evening and wondered to herself about the events of the past. Funny how past and present still sit as partners in your soul, each one bringing out the sensibility and emotion of the other.
What interesting thoughts swirl inside her mind on these occassions. Each one like a color, memories and life that make a watercolor painting that is abstract and is seen as different things on different days.
Sometimes in the stillness of the evening, she sits alone, but not lonely. You see, she is looking at her painting, the one the memories made and the present frames so beautifully.Life imitates art she has heard - but to her, life is the art in and of itself.
What interesting thoughts swirl inside her mind on these occassions. Each one like a color, memories and life that make a watercolor painting that is abstract and is seen as different things on different days.
Sometimes in the stillness of the evening, she sits alone, but not lonely. You see, she is looking at her painting, the one the memories made and the present frames so beautifully.Life imitates art she has heard - but to her, life is the art in and of itself.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Oh REALLY Now.....
It is 7 a.m. and I am having my morning coffee and surf....I pinged Pascale (for those of you who don't know her.....scroll down some posts) on Yahoo Messenger to have our morning catch up.
This is the excerpt of our conversation:
Bug: Hello
Bug: I loaded Skype again on my computer
Bug: I am thinking of ditching Yahoo
Pascale: I saw it.
Pascale: Don't disturb me reading your blog
Bug: oh REALLY now -
Bug: well there is a first.
So now it is official. My friends don't want to chat with me because they are busy "reading" about me. I wish I were closer so we could just have a coffee - with the computer turned OFF.
xoxo and love you P!!
M
This is the excerpt of our conversation:
Bug: Hello
Bug: I loaded Skype again on my computer
Bug: I am thinking of ditching Yahoo
Pascale: I saw it.
Pascale: Don't disturb me reading your blog
Bug: oh REALLY now -
Bug: well there is a first.
So now it is official. My friends don't want to chat with me because they are busy "reading" about me. I wish I were closer so we could just have a coffee - with the computer turned OFF.
xoxo and love you P!!
M
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Magnets
I was thinking this afternoon about magnets - or magnetic force. Do you remember when you were a kid and you had two magnets and you would hold them against each other to feel the force of them pushing away - only then to make a minor adjustment, flipping one of the magnets, and viola - they snap together in a tight fit?
I wonder about this in relationships - not just dating relationships, but friendships and family dynamics as well. I used to always feel like the magnet that had to flip over - to remove the force dynamic and make things snap. I realized though, that I am tired of flipping over while the other force stays static.
In dating it is the same way. I was speaking my mind to a friend over dinner the other night, stating a basic principle and I was told that pressure does not work, and that instead, investing in my dating "sales pipeline" was the way to go. The conversation was funny and lighthearted, but got me thinking.
Why should one person have to stifle needs, instincts and desire for closeness to flip into another's field. Is that fair - to be unfulfilled, but silently waiting, playing your cards right and hoping for the other party to flip....
Women go through this all the time and I give you examples:
1. Don't be too eager - check
2. Don't call the man - check
3. Pretend you are busy sometimes - check
4. Don't pull the DTR (define the relationship) card too early - check
5. Don't put pressure or state needs, the man will run - check (oh poor baby)
6. Wait until the man says he only wants to see you exclusively - check.
Well that is a lot of check boxes ladies - and although most are easy if you have any self respect, some are being executed at the expense of your expression, your personality, your wings.
So here is my edict. Six months is long enough. I am not flipping any more. Time to make a choice.
Not hatin' just sayin'
xoxo,
Bug
I wonder about this in relationships - not just dating relationships, but friendships and family dynamics as well. I used to always feel like the magnet that had to flip over - to remove the force dynamic and make things snap. I realized though, that I am tired of flipping over while the other force stays static.
In dating it is the same way. I was speaking my mind to a friend over dinner the other night, stating a basic principle and I was told that pressure does not work, and that instead, investing in my dating "sales pipeline" was the way to go. The conversation was funny and lighthearted, but got me thinking.
Why should one person have to stifle needs, instincts and desire for closeness to flip into another's field. Is that fair - to be unfulfilled, but silently waiting, playing your cards right and hoping for the other party to flip....
Women go through this all the time and I give you examples:
1. Don't be too eager - check
2. Don't call the man - check
3. Pretend you are busy sometimes - check
4. Don't pull the DTR (define the relationship) card too early - check
5. Don't put pressure or state needs, the man will run - check (oh poor baby)
6. Wait until the man says he only wants to see you exclusively - check.
Well that is a lot of check boxes ladies - and although most are easy if you have any self respect, some are being executed at the expense of your expression, your personality, your wings.
So here is my edict. Six months is long enough. I am not flipping any more. Time to make a choice.
Not hatin' just sayin'
xoxo,
Bug
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Reflections of....
Good morning everyone,
I am back home again, feeling great after having slept a full 9 hours in my own bed, with Mag's curled up at my feet and my sheets and my bathroom available for a night trip without running into anything - my mind still remembers the way to the sink in the dark and it is comforting to wake to the sounds of my morning birds!
All I wanted was a Starbucks and and Egg McMuffin for Maggie (yes, I know.....) so we headed out in the car, still half-asleep for our Sunday morning ritual. All was going well until I just nipped that curve oh so slightly - I guess my rhythm was off from not driving for 11 days.....There was a strange sound and I let out a sigh - resigning myself to a lack of coffee and a lesson in trying to figure out the jack on my car......which I was un-successful in attempting.
I was really wanting a man at home at this point - not that I remembered to bring my cell phone along for the "short" trip out I was taking for body fuel.... So I am home again, having driving 1 mile per hour on a flat tire. I still haven't figured out how to change it and as you can tell, I am too tired to deal with it......so I will make a phone call to Roadside Assistance and order myself a man who can get the lug nuts off my wheel and teach me how it is done.
Maggie and I are sitting outside together and I am thinking how much she needs a bath and a haircut as she is beginning to look a bit like George Washington in a powdered wig and smelling a little like a dog, which we both don't care for too much.
My flight yesterday was a long one, just over 9 hours sitting next to a man who drank red wine the entire flight and ended up smelling like a casque. I did my best to ignore him although we were four inches apart. "Don't even think about chatting with me" was my vibe, and for those of you who read me and those of you who know me - know that is a near impossibility for me...as I talk to everyone. But he was not an option.
When I arrived home there was a friendly face to greet me and flowers and a bag of fresh cherries - one of my favorites. I was so happily on my way home after dealing with the location of my bag and the change in temperature outside. I wanted the jeans off and shorts on. I wanted a shower and a big glass of water and my bed. All of which were accomplished in short order.
So more later on the trip and my recollections....right now I have a call to make and a dog to wash.....and I have to go to work today.
xoxo,
Bug
I am back home again, feeling great after having slept a full 9 hours in my own bed, with Mag's curled up at my feet and my sheets and my bathroom available for a night trip without running into anything - my mind still remembers the way to the sink in the dark and it is comforting to wake to the sounds of my morning birds!
All I wanted was a Starbucks and and Egg McMuffin for Maggie (yes, I know.....) so we headed out in the car, still half-asleep for our Sunday morning ritual. All was going well until I just nipped that curve oh so slightly - I guess my rhythm was off from not driving for 11 days.....There was a strange sound and I let out a sigh - resigning myself to a lack of coffee and a lesson in trying to figure out the jack on my car......which I was un-successful in attempting.
I was really wanting a man at home at this point - not that I remembered to bring my cell phone along for the "short" trip out I was taking for body fuel.... So I am home again, having driving 1 mile per hour on a flat tire. I still haven't figured out how to change it and as you can tell, I am too tired to deal with it......so I will make a phone call to Roadside Assistance and order myself a man who can get the lug nuts off my wheel and teach me how it is done.
Maggie and I are sitting outside together and I am thinking how much she needs a bath and a haircut as she is beginning to look a bit like George Washington in a powdered wig and smelling a little like a dog, which we both don't care for too much.
My flight yesterday was a long one, just over 9 hours sitting next to a man who drank red wine the entire flight and ended up smelling like a casque. I did my best to ignore him although we were four inches apart. "Don't even think about chatting with me" was my vibe, and for those of you who read me and those of you who know me - know that is a near impossibility for me...as I talk to everyone. But he was not an option.
When I arrived home there was a friendly face to greet me and flowers and a bag of fresh cherries - one of my favorites. I was so happily on my way home after dealing with the location of my bag and the change in temperature outside. I wanted the jeans off and shorts on. I wanted a shower and a big glass of water and my bed. All of which were accomplished in short order.
So more later on the trip and my recollections....right now I have a call to make and a dog to wash.....and I have to go to work today.
xoxo,
Bug
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Home
I am getting ready to come home. I am excited to be back in my house, with my things and my routine. I am looking forward to again writing from this spot, with Maggie at my side.
Travel is great - but coming home is always a treat for the soul....."see" you soon.
xoxo,
Bug
Friday, June 09, 2006
Thinking
I keep thinking about you....I find myself fading out a little bit and spending time in reflection of what you were and how you came to be.
I keep praying for you....Even though you no longer need it from me, I am not sure what else to do to remember you.
I am missing you......Even though we never met, you were a part of me and now that is gone.
I am thinking of you....and feeling the loss.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Barcelona - My Birthday
Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words. We had a wonderful night out for my birthday - celebrating together. They turned out all the lights in the restaurant and brought my cake and everyone sang together. I felt like a princes. It was wonderful!!
Mellissa
For Teri - Rest In Peace
I keep thinking about you....I find myself fading out a little bit and spending time in reflection of what you were and how you came to be.
I keep praying for you....Even though you no longer need it from me, I am not sure what else to do to remember you.
I am missing you......Even though we never met, you were a part of me and now that is gone.
I am thinking of you....
- and feeling the loss.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
For Teri in Texas - In Memorium
Tonight I received an email that has broken my heart and shaken me to the core. I am unsettled, angry and very, very sad. Seven months ago, I met a woman named Teri who had been reading my blog. While it is a long story to tell and it is too painful to write at this moment, I will say that she was lovely. She had escaped an abusive relationship, reunited with her brother, survived a great ordeal and was in the process of re-building her life. I was proud of her, and proud to be her friend. Although we never met, her emails always brought a smile to my face.
About a month ago she wrote me and I returned the email with a great deal of advice tendered with love. I never got a reply and was thinking about this just before my trip away. I was missing her and thought of sending a note her way but decided to hold off as she may have needed some time to digest what we had spoken of.
That email will never be returned - Teri was murdered two weeks ago. This is not supposed to happen - she was trying, she was rebuilding and she was wounded by life - she just wanted to start over and be happy, to have her job and a new love in her life.
Please say a prayer for her family and those she loved. I will never forget her...never. I am re-posting my Blog from February 15th of this year in her honor. Teri, I am sorry this happened to you dearest, sweet woman.
FOR TERI
This is my prayer tonight and what is on my heart. May all those who read these words keep this prayer in motion each day.
Dear God,
Watch over her and bring her peace and healing. Send Angels to walk on either side of her, and Arc Angels to guard her from ahead and behind.
Lift her spirit more each day and bless her efforts of recovery and renewal. Grant wisdom for the future; grace for the past and loving arms to hold her at the end of each day. Fill her soul with the comfort of your voice and place her firmly in the circle of love that you created for each of us.
***********************
We are one my sweet sister, please know that although we have never met, I am walking this journey with you in my heart and on my knees.
May God bless and keep you. May God shine his light upon you and give you peace.
With respect and affection,
Mellissa
About a month ago she wrote me and I returned the email with a great deal of advice tendered with love. I never got a reply and was thinking about this just before my trip away. I was missing her and thought of sending a note her way but decided to hold off as she may have needed some time to digest what we had spoken of.
That email will never be returned - Teri was murdered two weeks ago. This is not supposed to happen - she was trying, she was rebuilding and she was wounded by life - she just wanted to start over and be happy, to have her job and a new love in her life.
Please say a prayer for her family and those she loved. I will never forget her...never. I am re-posting my Blog from February 15th of this year in her honor. Teri, I am sorry this happened to you dearest, sweet woman.
FOR TERI
This is my prayer tonight and what is on my heart. May all those who read these words keep this prayer in motion each day.
Dear God,
Watch over her and bring her peace and healing. Send Angels to walk on either side of her, and Arc Angels to guard her from ahead and behind.
Lift her spirit more each day and bless her efforts of recovery and renewal. Grant wisdom for the future; grace for the past and loving arms to hold her at the end of each day. Fill her soul with the comfort of your voice and place her firmly in the circle of love that you created for each of us.
***********************
We are one my sweet sister, please know that although we have never met, I am walking this journey with you in my heart and on my knees.
May God bless and keep you. May God shine his light upon you and give you peace.
With respect and affection,
Mellissa
Friday, June 02, 2006
Rainy Morning in Zurich
The flight part is over and I was greeted at the Zürich airport by the most beautiful, tall blond Swiss woman holding a balloon that said "Welcome" and had little ladybugs all over it. It was a great start to the trip and brought such a smile to my face to see Pascale again.
We headed out into the rain towards her home and I crashed for a couple of hours before we met up for lunch in a little restaurant across from the lake of Zürich where we munched on a flat bread pizzaish thing (tarte flambée) and salads. It was the beginning of our catch up time, since we have not been together in person since we spent New Year together in Paris in 2003/2004
I have now come to the village of Küsnacht, which is a short distance away from Zürich and houses the offices of my boss. I am kicked back at his computer drinking a coffee and writing to you all before he comes in here and catches me and gives me the boot.....
Pascale is reading over my shoulder and correcting the proper grammar for Swiss words :-0 that is why you see all the funny little characters in the text....those Swissies, always so precise!!!!
I am off now to go look up a tee shirt for Pascale and have another cup of coffee so I can survive dinner and cocktails.
Photo's coming soon....
xoxo,
Bug
We headed out into the rain towards her home and I crashed for a couple of hours before we met up for lunch in a little restaurant across from the lake of Zürich where we munched on a flat bread pizzaish thing (tarte flambée) and salads. It was the beginning of our catch up time, since we have not been together in person since we spent New Year together in Paris in 2003/2004
I have now come to the village of Küsnacht, which is a short distance away from Zürich and houses the offices of my boss. I am kicked back at his computer drinking a coffee and writing to you all before he comes in here and catches me and gives me the boot.....
Pascale is reading over my shoulder and correcting the proper grammar for Swiss words :-0 that is why you see all the funny little characters in the text....those Swissies, always so precise!!!!
I am off now to go look up a tee shirt for Pascale and have another cup of coffee so I can survive dinner and cocktails.
Photo's coming soon....
xoxo,
Bug
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Taking Off
Well, here we are - another travel day has arrived and I am sooo not ready to go. I still have lots of prep to do before my car arrives at 2:00 to take Maggie to the Inn At Barking Hound Village and then me to the airport for my flight to Zürich.
Clothes are still sitting on the bed and I am Blogging - great huh!! Nothing like being prepared. I guess it is because I have been doing so much running around lately that I literally have been unpacking one suitcase in order to pack another.
I have a deadline to get off my hiney by 8:00 a.m. and get it together - so it is a quick "chat" with you all and finishing my coffee and then off to the races.
My mobile phone needed a quick replacement and I upgraded from the Blackberry to the Nokia 9300 with full web browser and international unlimited data so I can keep up with you all from the road and check my emails which I am addicted to I hate to say. I think at times I am a little too connected!!
I am sitting outside with Maggie watching the sun peek out above the tree-line and wash everything in gold - mornings sure are lovely.
Update - 8:36 a.m. Packing done! Now I have to run out and do my last minute errands and get lip plumper for my girlfriend Pascale (((snicker))...the things we do for beauty!!
I will leave you with a saying that is most on my mind right now. It is from Brian Andreas, one of my favorite writers. I have mentioned him in my blog before and have a link to his website on the left.
This is for you...
"I held him close for only a short time, but after he was gone, I'd see his smile on the face of a perfect stranger & I knew he would be there with me all the rest of my days. " - Brian Andreas
So folks - I will write you from Zürich tomorrow with the news. Please say hi as I would love to read little notes from you on the road.
xoxo,
Ladybug
Clothes are still sitting on the bed and I am Blogging - great huh!! Nothing like being prepared. I guess it is because I have been doing so much running around lately that I literally have been unpacking one suitcase in order to pack another.
I have a deadline to get off my hiney by 8:00 a.m. and get it together - so it is a quick "chat" with you all and finishing my coffee and then off to the races.
My mobile phone needed a quick replacement and I upgraded from the Blackberry to the Nokia 9300 with full web browser and international unlimited data so I can keep up with you all from the road and check my emails which I am addicted to I hate to say. I think at times I am a little too connected!!
I am sitting outside with Maggie watching the sun peek out above the tree-line and wash everything in gold - mornings sure are lovely.
Update - 8:36 a.m. Packing done! Now I have to run out and do my last minute errands and get lip plumper for my girlfriend Pascale (((snicker))...the things we do for beauty!!
I will leave you with a saying that is most on my mind right now. It is from Brian Andreas, one of my favorite writers. I have mentioned him in my blog before and have a link to his website on the left.
This is for you...
"I held him close for only a short time, but after he was gone, I'd see his smile on the face of a perfect stranger & I knew he would be there with me all the rest of my days. " - Brian Andreas
So folks - I will write you from Zürich tomorrow with the news. Please say hi as I would love to read little notes from you on the road.
xoxo,
Ladybug
Rosemary & Time....Bliss
Here are a few pics from my weekend at Rosemary. I am now off to unpack one suitcase and prep another - I have two days to get ready to go again....Zürich is rainy and 58 degrees and Barcelona is 80 degrees and sunny plus work stuff - so this is going to be an interesting packing assignment ;-)
I leave Thursday evening for Zurich and will arrive Friday morning - in time for a quick nap and then a train ride to Kuesnacht where I will meet up with some folks for lunch. Saturday is girls day with Pascale and a night out on the town! Sunday is a relaxing day with a trip out to see Pascales' mom and dad and then Monday it is off to Barcelona.Since work does not start until a cocktail reception on Wednesday night it will just be some prep meetings and fun with the gang. They are all taking me out Monday night for my birthday dinner and since Matt Digweed from Manchester, UK will be there - it is sure to be a rowdy night!! I got my assignment for the conference and I will be moderating the panelists and speakers for Track 5 of our conference - Banking and Information Technology - have to brush up on my timing to keep the schedule clean and the long-winded Bankers on target.
I spoke with my boss yesterday and asked if he could refer me to a position in London with some contacts he has there. I am ready for a change.
Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day - and that you remember to take a moment to thank those who put their lives on the line for our freedom both past and present.
xoxo,
Mellissa
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Give Me A Break
O.K. I have really had it with women's fashion magazines. I won't even go into the same ol' same ol' articles that each one has each month - I glance at them in the supermarket and just smile to myself thinking that they are like a big ol' bunch of recipe swappers - each magazine writing about the same things, just changing one ingredient...
What frosts my rear is the "fashion" spreads.... I am just gonna rant for a second here and then be done with it. I AM TIRED OF SEEING 15 YEAR OLD GIRLS MODELING WOMEN'S CLOTHES. Whew, thanks for listening, I almost feel better now....but not quite.
I want to see WOMEN modeling women's clothes. I want to see a $3000 dress on a woman that can afford it, that has the patina of experience, that has smoldering, sexy eyes that let you know she has seen and done some things. I want breasts that are mature filling out the dress and curves that fill out a womans body. I don't want to see little girls playing dress up in Nina Ricci or Chloe or Oscar de la Renta!!! I look at these little girls and want them to be over in the Gap Kids ads or Abercrombie & Fitch where they belong!!! Lovely little things that they are and I can fully appreciate them, but GIVE ME A BREAK already.
I want to see my girls on there - women I would go out with and have cocktails and gossip with, women who know about a great Barolo or who have been to the opera or have had a baby or lived life and its ups and downs.
So, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle, Glamour, W and all the rest of you. Get off your butts and hire some women to do the work. That is what we want and we are the ones who are buying those clothes for the types of events I listed above.
Thank you.
Mellissa
What frosts my rear is the "fashion" spreads.... I am just gonna rant for a second here and then be done with it. I AM TIRED OF SEEING 15 YEAR OLD GIRLS MODELING WOMEN'S CLOTHES. Whew, thanks for listening, I almost feel better now....but not quite.
I want to see WOMEN modeling women's clothes. I want to see a $3000 dress on a woman that can afford it, that has the patina of experience, that has smoldering, sexy eyes that let you know she has seen and done some things. I want breasts that are mature filling out the dress and curves that fill out a womans body. I don't want to see little girls playing dress up in Nina Ricci or Chloe or Oscar de la Renta!!! I look at these little girls and want them to be over in the Gap Kids ads or Abercrombie & Fitch where they belong!!! Lovely little things that they are and I can fully appreciate them, but GIVE ME A BREAK already.
I want to see my girls on there - women I would go out with and have cocktails and gossip with, women who know about a great Barolo or who have been to the opera or have had a baby or lived life and its ups and downs.
So, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle, Glamour, W and all the rest of you. Get off your butts and hire some women to do the work. That is what we want and we are the ones who are buying those clothes for the types of events I listed above.
Thank you.
Mellissa
Monday, May 29, 2006
Rosemary Beach Break
Here are a few pics from my weekend at Rosemary. I am now off to unpack one suitcase and prep another - I have two days to get ready to go again....Zurich is rainy and 58 degrees and Barcelona is 80 degrees and sunny plus work stuff - so this is going to be an interesting packing assignment ;-)
I leave Thursday evening for Zurich and will arrive Friday morning - in time for a quick nap and then a train ride to Kuesnacht where I will meet up with some folks for lunch. Saturday is girls day with Pascale and a night out on the town! Sunday is a relaxing day with a trip out to see Pascales' mom and dad and then Monday it is off to Barcelona.
Since work does not start until a cocktail reception on Wednesday night it will just be some prep meetings and fun with the gang. They are all taking me out Monday night for my birthday dinner and since Matt Digweed from Manchester, UK will be there - it is sure to be a rowdy night!! I got my assignment for the conference and I will be moderating the panelists and speakers for Track 5 of our conference - Banking and Information Technology - have to brush up on my timing to keep the schedule clean and the long-winded Bankers on target.
I spoke with my boss yesterday and asked if he could refer me to a position in London with some contacts he has there. I am ready for a change. If this does not work out, I am thinking of soliciting a position with IBM there. There might be an opportunity for me in Tampa, Florida or another here in Atlanta. Wish me luck. The changes are in motion now and I am quite determined to live them out.
Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day - and that you remember to take a moment to thank those who put their lives on the line for our freedom both past and present.
xoxo,
Mellissa
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sometimes
Sometimes we can capture a moment so brilliantly. Sometimes that moment is digitally preserved for our memory bank, and sometimes it is etched in our heart, or in our mind's eye.
This was one of those moments for me - a simple kiss that lasted well after the photograph snapped. A wonderful sunset, a beautiful beach, and two people who were just enjoying the simplicity of being together.
HJR, thank you for the wonderful weekend away.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
One of My Favorites - Rosemary Beach
Well, we are here - and it is magical. Rosemary Beach is one of my favorite places to go, and somehow I always end up here around my birthday!
Jim and I drove down yesterday, and in true man fashion he did not use the directions I printed out, saying he knew the way down to Destin, Florida - and he did....that is a first ;-)
We spent the afternoon out at the pool and riding our bikes and relaxing a little. When I got to the pool, I was thinking about Mexico again.....
So things here are going well and I am happily relaxing in my nightgown while Jim is out on a 15 mile cycle. I would have been game, but when you put on your bike shorts and training jersey - count me out. I am a little more about flip flops, bike baskets and sundresses right now. He can go be manly while I sit here and sip coffee...
I will write another post this afternoon or sooner as I have some other thoughts bunking around...thoughts about a monster ;-)
xoxo,
Bug
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler—Let The Good Times Roll. ...
Well, I have decided to start rolling again. I want to go back to the way I used to be - and travel is my passion!
With that said, I am off this weekend to Rosemary Beach Florida with Jim where we will spend the weekend in a beautiful carriage house at the beach.
The following Thursday I will leave for Zurich to spend time with one of my dearest friends, Pascale and we will finally have that catch up time we have needed. A long weekend in Switzerland for my 38th birthday!
That Monday (my birthday) I will head to Barcelona for a week of part work and part play with my co-workers at IBM.
So, Mexico, two trips to Florida, Zurich and Barcelona in under 30 days. I think that should do it! I'm BACK!!! ;-)
xoxo.
Bug
With that said, I am off this weekend to Rosemary Beach Florida with Jim where we will spend the weekend in a beautiful carriage house at the beach.
The following Thursday I will leave for Zurich to spend time with one of my dearest friends, Pascale and we will finally have that catch up time we have needed. A long weekend in Switzerland for my 38th birthday!
That Monday (my birthday) I will head to Barcelona for a week of part work and part play with my co-workers at IBM.
So, Mexico, two trips to Florida, Zurich and Barcelona in under 30 days. I think that should do it! I'm BACK!!! ;-)
xoxo.
Bug
Sunday, May 21, 2006
I Thought About It
I saw it there, paragraphs of a backwards apology, finger pointing with the words written to make us equal by saying "I may have done this, but you do too", as though apples and oranges were the same because they are fruit.
It is funny how people use the word "We" to deflect what should solely be taken on as "I" - in an effort to make it easier on themselves.
You see, I don't agree with this philosophy in life, if you act alone, or something is one-sided, be an "I" and make it stick. Don't dilute your responsibility in something by saying "We did", or "We are not" or "We keep on.." 'cause no, "We" don't, but you do.
So this morning as I sit here with my coffee - I thought about it, for a moment before writing this and allowing it to be set free out of my mind. I am reminded once again that some doors are to be left closed, and that you cannot offer friendship to everyone.
It is funny how people use the word "We" to deflect what should solely be taken on as "I" - in an effort to make it easier on themselves.
You see, I don't agree with this philosophy in life, if you act alone, or something is one-sided, be an "I" and make it stick. Don't dilute your responsibility in something by saying "We did", or "We are not" or "We keep on.." 'cause no, "We" don't, but you do.
So this morning as I sit here with my coffee - I thought about it, for a moment before writing this and allowing it to be set free out of my mind. I am reminded once again that some doors are to be left closed, and that you cannot offer friendship to everyone.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
What Does Today Bring
What will she write today.....what will we click and find? Will it be the happy-go-lucky girl, or the one that life kicks a little from time to time. These two things make me un-unique, I am just like everyone else I know, except for the small fact that I Blog and it is accessible to all.
My thoughts for today are pretty random, so I will just jot them down and let you see what is for you and I will know what is just for me ;-)
• Unexpected presents rock - THANK YOU.
• I have a reader daily from the UK - Who are you?
• Maggie won't eat her breakfast - spoiled dog!!
• am_pm - what a wonderful email - I will write you soon!
• I am sorry about the loss of your friend L.
• My fingers still smell of spearmint & eculaptyus - hmmm.
• James Blunt rocks and I will never listen to "High" the same way again.
• Simplify your projects and accomplish one thing at a time.
• Smile more often - it makes people think you have a secret - and maybe you do...
• My toes are brown and it reminds me that being outside is a gift.
• I wish we could be a "we" - because "we" are awesome and simple.
• Good tomatoes are the stuff of legends. When was the last time you bit into a really good one?
• Bryce has the most beautiful child I have ever seen. The world needs to watch out for her!!!
• I am at a crossroad in my life.
• I dream of running away and living abroad. I could totally do it. I might.
• My 38th birthday is weeks away....I love who I am at this age.
• I am unsettled - in a good way.
• I keep thinking about the lie you told. Shame on you, I hope you reconcile it with yourself.
• That tattoo of Vera still makes me laugh.
• I miss the beach. I am ready to go again.
So that is it in a nutshell. I was told recently that I am a "hard nut" and I think about that a little. I am not, I just show that side to people I don't know. I think it throws them off a little.
Hope you all are well - and happy.
xoxo,
Bug
My thoughts for today are pretty random, so I will just jot them down and let you see what is for you and I will know what is just for me ;-)
• Unexpected presents rock - THANK YOU.
• I have a reader daily from the UK - Who are you?
• Maggie won't eat her breakfast - spoiled dog!!
• am_pm - what a wonderful email - I will write you soon!
• I am sorry about the loss of your friend L.
• My fingers still smell of spearmint & eculaptyus - hmmm.
• James Blunt rocks and I will never listen to "High" the same way again.
• Simplify your projects and accomplish one thing at a time.
• Smile more often - it makes people think you have a secret - and maybe you do...
• My toes are brown and it reminds me that being outside is a gift.
• I wish we could be a "we" - because "we" are awesome and simple.
• Good tomatoes are the stuff of legends. When was the last time you bit into a really good one?
• Bryce has the most beautiful child I have ever seen. The world needs to watch out for her!!!
• I am at a crossroad in my life.
• I dream of running away and living abroad. I could totally do it. I might.
• My 38th birthday is weeks away....I love who I am at this age.
• I am unsettled - in a good way.
• I keep thinking about the lie you told. Shame on you, I hope you reconcile it with yourself.
• That tattoo of Vera still makes me laugh.
• I miss the beach. I am ready to go again.
So that is it in a nutshell. I was told recently that I am a "hard nut" and I think about that a little. I am not, I just show that side to people I don't know. I think it throws them off a little.
Hope you all are well - and happy.
xoxo,
Bug
Monday, May 15, 2006
Recovered
Well I think I am going to make it! I just got my second wind and am watching Maggie run back and forth in the yard looking for a chipmunk. She just rocks!!
I can't believe the change in the weather from Mexico to Atlanta. I left sunny and 94 degrees and am now in breezy 72 degrees!! Life is in full-swing again and the phone is ringing and emails are coming and chats with friends are making me feel restored again.
I love looking down at my feet and seeing the mark of vacation sun on them - I keep playing back through the week, thinking of the friends made and the memories that will linger with me long into old age. The night we arrived at our hotel, 200 members of the British Army descended on the hotel - fresh from a jungle training course in Belize for six weeks. We were adopted by the boys and protected each and every night. It was nice to sleep out on the beach, knowing we were flanked by some pretty strong men who would let nothing happen to us. We in return laughed at British humor, learned a lot of Army slang and danced the nights away. We handed out Advil and Benadryl and shared our music and our sun block. We shared dinners of wine and steak and were serenaded by musicians.
So, in short, we went to Mexico - we got some sun, we laughed a lot, we made some friends for life and we healed. No detail about us went un-noticed from our toes to our eyes and we were complimented in genuine appreciation. It was lovely. I am glad I went! Thanks Lads!
Cheers~
I can't believe the change in the weather from Mexico to Atlanta. I left sunny and 94 degrees and am now in breezy 72 degrees!! Life is in full-swing again and the phone is ringing and emails are coming and chats with friends are making me feel restored again.
I love looking down at my feet and seeing the mark of vacation sun on them - I keep playing back through the week, thinking of the friends made and the memories that will linger with me long into old age. The night we arrived at our hotel, 200 members of the British Army descended on the hotel - fresh from a jungle training course in Belize for six weeks. We were adopted by the boys and protected each and every night. It was nice to sleep out on the beach, knowing we were flanked by some pretty strong men who would let nothing happen to us. We in return laughed at British humor, learned a lot of Army slang and danced the nights away. We handed out Advil and Benadryl and shared our music and our sun block. We shared dinners of wine and steak and were serenaded by musicians.
So, in short, we went to Mexico - we got some sun, we laughed a lot, we made some friends for life and we healed. No detail about us went un-noticed from our toes to our eyes and we were complimented in genuine appreciation. It was lovely. I am glad I went! Thanks Lads!
Cheers~
A New Day
I could feel it as soon as I woke up this morning. It is a new day - I am un-tethered and standing fully alone. I don't feel much of anything at all actually, perhaps just a little bit of resignation and a little peace.
I am ready for a big change in my life. I can feel it, something different is coming. I have an idea of what that is, but I will keep it to myself for now. I can say that I miss my family and I am tired of living so far away from a support structure. No one can be an island - I am beginning to realize that.
HJR - I hope you understand why I said we could not speak again. It is just for my health right now. I woke up this morning and wanted to tell you one more thing......but I won't. Please know that I will miss you very, very much.
Well, I am off to shower and take this day by the thumb and make it kneel before me. It will be a busy one - and I am looking forward to stepping back into my routine.
x0x0,
Bug
I am ready for a big change in my life. I can feel it, something different is coming. I have an idea of what that is, but I will keep it to myself for now. I can say that I miss my family and I am tired of living so far away from a support structure. No one can be an island - I am beginning to realize that.
HJR - I hope you understand why I said we could not speak again. It is just for my health right now. I woke up this morning and wanted to tell you one more thing......but I won't. Please know that I will miss you very, very much.
Well, I am off to shower and take this day by the thumb and make it kneel before me. It will be a busy one - and I am looking forward to stepping back into my routine.
x0x0,
Bug
Sunday, May 14, 2006
"Maz"
You offered your ear buds to me as you stood and made your way into the sea. The song played through and my breath caught in my throat. How fitting I thought to myself as I watched you walk along the shore towards the beckoning turquoise.
The quiet one of the group, always watching, rarely speaking. The gentleman soldier with kind eyes. The song said everything - Thank you and may God bless you during your seven months in Iraq.
- Travel Journal - Cancun
May 2006
The quiet one of the group, always watching, rarely speaking. The gentleman soldier with kind eyes. The song said everything - Thank you and may God bless you during your seven months in Iraq.
- Travel Journal - Cancun
May 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Home Again
I'm back - sitting out on the back porch enjoying the humidity-free evening, drinking some Earl Grey tea and thinking back on a great week.
Two photographs - that's all - because what happens in Cancun stays in Cancun.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Remembering
Swimming in lazy circles with the sun overhead we were. Idle talking and bursts of laughter from the chorus behind. Sombrero wearing lads on floaters, erupting in songs and cheers - so happy to have left the camp behind and the mosquitoes that threatened to carry them away.
Sitting on the shoreline making holes in the sand with our fingers we sat. Relaxed together and comparing notes about what our every day life was like back at home. Sand on toes and hair curled from salt spray - lips that stung from sun and wind, and smiles carried the afternoon into the evening.
"Scotland" hit his head on the bottom of the pool and made revelations that were truth in hindsight, but just a joke in the moment. Blue towels were carefully counted and returned to Jose, while the Peacock's called out to each other and signaled the approaching dinner hour. Retreats were made to rooms for showers and changing, and a red-checked shirt showed off the mark of color from the day.
Sitting on an incline on the grass you were, under a palm tree - enjoying the change of latitude. Wicker chairs and the approaching sunset called us to partake a little longer in the breezeway and the shutter of the camera clicked away, capturing the sweetness of that moment forever.
We danced together before we danced with friends. There was laughter and congo lines, sweat making circles on shirts, smiles that left trails on the corners of our eyes. Fish that swam below the dock illuminated just for you and me as we left the others behind for a while.
As we retreated into the night, I thought to myself - "This is as sweet as it gets in life." As the taxi driver turned up the music and turned the car towards "home", I closed my eyes and fixed it all in my memory. Thank you TC...
- Travel Diary, Cancun 2006
Going Away
I leave in a few hours for Cancun. I am looking forward to some downtime and some simple times with friends.
This has been a difficult week for me so I hope I can truly escape what is in my mind and heavy on my heart.
See you all next Sunday.
God bless you!!
Mellissa
This has been a difficult week for me so I hope I can truly escape what is in my mind and heavy on my heart.
See you all next Sunday.
God bless you!!
Mellissa
Friday, May 05, 2006
Knowing
It is really hard to know something you are not supposed to know. It is difficult to stand still, to keep quiet to process and to stay on your course.
Your mind races with thoughts. The fact that you knew in your mind already the event does not make it easier in confirmation. You tell yourself not to process the image, not to deal in the emotional impact of it as you don't know the meaning or the intent. It is not yours to handle, to deal with. Yet there it is, pushing forward on you while you are pushing it back.
Besides, you already knew in your heart that it happened, the rest doesn't matter anyway. It is simply choosing where you go from here that matters.
So, Mellissa - where do you go from here? Take a deep breath and push that image back one more time. You can do it.
Your mind races with thoughts. The fact that you knew in your mind already the event does not make it easier in confirmation. You tell yourself not to process the image, not to deal in the emotional impact of it as you don't know the meaning or the intent. It is not yours to handle, to deal with. Yet there it is, pushing forward on you while you are pushing it back.
Besides, you already knew in your heart that it happened, the rest doesn't matter anyway. It is simply choosing where you go from here that matters.
So, Mellissa - where do you go from here? Take a deep breath and push that image back one more time. You can do it.
The Giving and Receiving of The Ring
We have long heard and recognized these words as part of the marriage ceremony as the priest or reverend blesses the bands that will be the mark of a covenant between two people. Like God's love, it is a circle, never ending.
My story is a little different. There is a Starbucks on the corner, it is a busy one in little affluent Brookhaven as there is lots of disposable income to spend $4.50 daily on a Venti Non-Fat One Splenda Latte and the parking lot and inside are always full.
On my way to my Small Group Bible study on Wednesday's, I usually drive through and order a tall coffee of the day and say hello to Ruth, the cashier that seems always to be standing in the window greeting me with the biggest smile I have ever seen. She always asks about Maggie and if I am on my way to Bible study. I like our little connection. I love her genuine smile, I love her simplistic warmth and good nature.
Friday night I stopped in to have a little something and to write emails to friends before heading home to bed and sure enough, she was there and we met standing, instead of me in the car. She immediately grabbed my hand and squeezed it before feeling my ring and pulling back to remark on it. "oooh, is that from Tiffany?" "I have wanted that ring for a while and I am trying to save up enough money to buy it." I let her try mine on and she remarked how soft the mesh was on the ring.
My order was ready and I proceeded to take my seat and type and reflect on really how lucky and blessed I am in my life. The ring that was one of my favorites was not such a big deal to me. I did not have to save up to buy it, I did not dream of owning it a year before I bought it. But she did...
In that moment it was impressed upon my heart that I was to share my gift with Ruth. That she was to have my ring, my favorite - that she was to experience the joy of receiving from the heart. I have never felt more peace than the moment I removed that ring and walked up to her with a smile and told her it was her turn to enjoy it.
She looked stunned and then started to cry and she hugged me and thanked me over and over again. I told her to pay it forward to someone in her life and how much seeing her has meant to me over the past year and what pleasure I took in sharing this symbol with her.
As I left to go home I realized that God had worked through me in the giving and receiving of the ring. It was God's way of making a covenant with Ruth. I was so happy to be the deliverer of the message!
Happy Monday everyone.
Mellissa
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
There Are Times
There are so many days I think about you and hope for you and ask for you before even myself. Sometimes when you have no idea, I am thinking of you and wanting your circle to be complete.
There are so many moments since I met you that your love for me penetrates the exterior frivolities of my day and I am thankful, silently that you are with me. Sometimes you have no idea that you are such a big part of me.
There are so many times that your words guide and give comfort and healing to me, love steeped in logic and care. Sometimes you don't know that I repeat those words to myself when I am unsure.
There are so many things that I want to thank you for that you don't know you have given to me. Sometimes I try to show you my thanks with a hug or a squeeze of your hand.
Kerri, thank you for all that you are and all that you give. This is my sometime to let you know that I love you - dearest friend.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Keep It Behind Your Teeth
I can't stand it when women act sullen, snappy, guarded and withdrawn and expect it to just be o.k. because when asked if they are o.k. they say "I have PMS" and expect that to be a Get Out Of Jail Free card to continue on with negative behavior.
Ladies, let me tell you something. I perfectly understand the PMS thing and I get in a bad mood from time to time myself. However, if I am a big pill, I stay at home if possible, I eat chocolate, wear my comfy clothes and wait for the storm to pass as it always does. I don't go around with my 'tude on my shoulder and just expect folks to play along because my estrogen is wobbly.
If you are in a wicked mood and can't concentrate on what someone is saying, put your caveat out there early and say - "my concentration is for crap", "what did you say?" instead of being hateful and snapping at someone because you weren't really paying attention to the conversation. Your lack of interest is what is going on around you, being said around you is not everyone else's' fault, or because they can't speak your language or have suddenly become stupid and a bad communicator. It is because you have estrogen stuck in your ears.
My advice, and I can TOTALLY say this because I am a girl. Go home and take some Midol, drink a glass of wine and watch a chick flick - and hibernate till your winter passes and then come on back out to play....
Don't just don your PMS shield and go out to assault the rest of the unsuspecting. Being rude is being rude plain and simple. Life is complicated enough for all of us, and no one needs to add your minefield to walk in.
Ladies, sometimes you just have to put your big girl panties on and DEAL with it.
Bug
Ladies, let me tell you something. I perfectly understand the PMS thing and I get in a bad mood from time to time myself. However, if I am a big pill, I stay at home if possible, I eat chocolate, wear my comfy clothes and wait for the storm to pass as it always does. I don't go around with my 'tude on my shoulder and just expect folks to play along because my estrogen is wobbly.
If you are in a wicked mood and can't concentrate on what someone is saying, put your caveat out there early and say - "my concentration is for crap", "what did you say?" instead of being hateful and snapping at someone because you weren't really paying attention to the conversation. Your lack of interest is what is going on around you, being said around you is not everyone else's' fault, or because they can't speak your language or have suddenly become stupid and a bad communicator. It is because you have estrogen stuck in your ears.
My advice, and I can TOTALLY say this because I am a girl. Go home and take some Midol, drink a glass of wine and watch a chick flick - and hibernate till your winter passes and then come on back out to play....
Don't just don your PMS shield and go out to assault the rest of the unsuspecting. Being rude is being rude plain and simple. Life is complicated enough for all of us, and no one needs to add your minefield to walk in.
Ladies, sometimes you just have to put your big girl panties on and DEAL with it.
Bug
Monday, April 24, 2006
Happy Easter Vladimir
This is my buddy Vlad - he is just the nicest person you would ever want to meet. He is the ultimate gentleman, the classic old-school elegant man in both action and words.
Yesterday was Orthodox Easter and to celebrate this, Vlad and I had dinner together and spent some time catching up. It could not have been a more perfect evening with great weather, wonderful company and good food.
Oh yeah, since Vlad is an architect, he was showing me his new Le Courbusier chaise lounge.....made of PONY HAIR ;-) He is SO European. Gotta love that!!
Happy Easter Vladimir - and thank you for our wonderful friendship these past three years!!
xoxo,
Bug
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Not Ready
You see, I logged on and clicked that button that said “Re-activate” and off I went. 503 viewings, endless “winks” and mindless emails. Everyone the same – I am amazing, I sound “terrific” “what does a guy have to do…” blah, blah, BLAH!!!
As I typed in a name, that I would recognize, I recoiled for the first time in my life, I literally pulled back and a gasp escaped my throat as I saw the photograph there. It hurt a lot but I swallowed hard and said “Lord, I trust YOU above all for what is best for me.” I kept repeating that for the rest of the day when I felt down, and honestly, a few times today as well.
I went back to that site today and canceled my membership. I don’t want to be there. I don’t want to be looked at like a book on Amazon.com I don’t want silly emails to read or even want to respond for that matter.
You see, I met someone that I really cared for. I was falling in love with this person – albeit it was in the Limerance phase of it – it was pretty special to me. So that being said, I am going to stay solo. I am not moving to NEXT as would be so easy to do to mask everything.
I prayed a lot over Easter and I have to accept and to live that I trust God above ALL else for what I need in my life. I don’t need praise from men, I don’t need attention, I just need to be and I need to wait and to listen.
I, like all of the rest of us, just want to be loved and to love in return. I want to matter to someone at the end of a long day. I want to share my life laughing and caring and nesting and sharing and cooking and hugging and listening to old songs that make you crack up and remember “when”.
I have been through two breakups in five months and that is enough for anyone to pull in and pull back. I will just wait at the shoreline and watch the tide roll in (thanks for that one Mom) and hope that one day, I will receive the message in that little bottle. The message just for me – I hope it will say – “Thank you for waiting for me…I am here now.”
I still can’t help but dream a little that the signature on that note will be from….you. I wish I could have said we could be friends, I wish I could believe that that would work. But I don’t want to be just your friend, although that was very special, and something I am missing very much.
As I typed in a name, that I would recognize, I recoiled for the first time in my life, I literally pulled back and a gasp escaped my throat as I saw the photograph there. It hurt a lot but I swallowed hard and said “Lord, I trust YOU above all for what is best for me.” I kept repeating that for the rest of the day when I felt down, and honestly, a few times today as well.
I went back to that site today and canceled my membership. I don’t want to be there. I don’t want to be looked at like a book on Amazon.com I don’t want silly emails to read or even want to respond for that matter.
You see, I met someone that I really cared for. I was falling in love with this person – albeit it was in the Limerance phase of it – it was pretty special to me. So that being said, I am going to stay solo. I am not moving to NEXT as would be so easy to do to mask everything.
I prayed a lot over Easter and I have to accept and to live that I trust God above ALL else for what I need in my life. I don’t need praise from men, I don’t need attention, I just need to be and I need to wait and to listen.
I, like all of the rest of us, just want to be loved and to love in return. I want to matter to someone at the end of a long day. I want to share my life laughing and caring and nesting and sharing and cooking and hugging and listening to old songs that make you crack up and remember “when”.
I have been through two breakups in five months and that is enough for anyone to pull in and pull back. I will just wait at the shoreline and watch the tide roll in (thanks for that one Mom) and hope that one day, I will receive the message in that little bottle. The message just for me – I hope it will say – “Thank you for waiting for me…I am here now.”
I still can’t help but dream a little that the signature on that note will be from….you. I wish I could have said we could be friends, I wish I could believe that that would work. But I don’t want to be just your friend, although that was very special, and something I am missing very much.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
So Many Things
There is a warm towel, fresh from the dryer underneath me, it is my warmth on this drizzly day, a hug of cotton.
There is classical music playing on my stereo – Water Music by Handel, it is soothing and appropriate to the weather.
There is a little cocker spaniel exploring the small garden space I have next to my patio, she loves the smell of geraniums – and sage.
There is a load of laundry spinning in the dryer, the vent to the outside is creating a wonderful, clean fragrance out to my patio, where I sit.
There are thoughts of you. Not that I meant to wake with them – but I saw your name, written on a plastic cup – the kind of mark you leave on something that is yours and you want everyone to know.
There is an espresso on the table with caramel creme on the top and a little sugar in the bottom.
There are raindrops, little tiny ones wetting my hair and my eyelashes. They seem to be the tears that I cannot shed anymore.
There are red cushions that need to be brought inside the house to dry and candles floating in their holders.
There are thoughts what next in my life that need to be tended. Time to move away perhaps, time for a new start somewhere else. Those thoughts are followed by how much I love this garden city that I live in, how much I love my town. I will stay here….it is my home.
There are Thoughts of Laurel – a wonderful friend in Kansas who I am connected with in some way and will send a surprise to on Monday.
There are sounds of cars passing by on wet roads on their way to errands or visits with friends and family. The hum of the air conditioner drowns them out somewhat.
There are photographs to be put in albums and cards to write to friends.
There is a thought of some visitors to my blog – Yellow Knife, Canada and Suwanee, Georgia……I think I know who you are. Welcome and I hope you know that I am a good person, I am a lot like you.
There is a life to be tended to – I will move inside out of the rain and get started.
Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
UGH
Well, it is official - I have re-claimed my title as "Queen of the three month relationship." I am humming that song by the Rolling Stones..
You can't always get what you want - but if you try sometime, you just might find...that you get what you neeeeeed.... I didn't and just had to pull the plug. Either a man wants to shout about you or stand in a comfy spot. I am all about shoutin' these days.
But hey, I got laughter restored to my life and a chin up attitude from a really great guy. No tears this time around. No regrets. I just don't have it in me anymore. I have become comfortably numb.
No damage done this time. I just have to remind myself to stop dreaming so much ;)
You can't always get what you want - but if you try sometime, you just might find...that you get what you neeeeeed.... I didn't and just had to pull the plug. Either a man wants to shout about you or stand in a comfy spot. I am all about shoutin' these days.
But hey, I got laughter restored to my life and a chin up attitude from a really great guy. No tears this time around. No regrets. I just don't have it in me anymore. I have become comfortably numb.
No damage done this time. I just have to remind myself to stop dreaming so much ;)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Take Me Out....To the Ballgame
Well, I pulled it off without a hitch! It was a great evening starting with dinner at Windows, great Infield Dugout seats for the BlueJays v. Yankee's game and a follow-on at an oh-so-Canadian joint called the Loose Moose....eh??!!
I have to tell you that my boss (upper left corner) is the coolest - I have known him since 1999 and think the world of him. His boss is pretty cool too - upper right corner blue shirt.
I will tell you one thing....those Canadians are awesome people. I might just move myself up to Toronto to work.....
My day yesterday ran from 5 a.m. till 1 a.m. and I was up again today at 5 a.m to get ready to meet my driver at 6:30 for the airport and flight home. Working in the office till 6:30 p.m. just about killed me, so I am off to bed to catch up on some sleep.
Based on the emails I got today from the 120 employees, everyone had a great time - and arrived to work today quite hungover (oops...) and let me tell you if you can get a Canadian hung over, you have well done your job!
Night!
Bug
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Sleepless In Toronto
Hey all, I am in Canada for work and it is waay to early to be up, but I just can't get back to sleep.
I have come up to run a meeting and to take our employees to Roger's Centre to have dinner and to see the Toronto BlueJays v. New York Yankees. Should be a lot of fun. Last time I was up here was to go bowling with them ;-) FUN!
They have Black Squirrels that look like baby cats. I stopped into Starbucks for my coffee and muffin and sat on a bench sharing with big fat pigeons and that squirrel - you know, he was almost animated. It was like he had a personality from a cartoon when you were little - but come to life. It was hard to not reach down to pet him (I KNOW I didn't).
Well, it is 6:13 a.m. and I am sitting at my desk chair with my feet on the window looking out
ahead. I loved this view with the moon peeking around the corner at me - such a flirt.Well, I am headed off to shower and get ready for an incredibly long day. I hope you all will have a wonderful day.
Friday, April 14, 2006
When you FEEL
What is it when you feel?
What makes it so powerful that your emotion becomes a physical presence inside of your soul? Do you know this feeling? The one that makes you feel your spirit?
I am sitting outside at my patio table and I am listening to music and I am feeling - so many things for so many people. I am soft today, I am reflective, I am tentative and emotional.
Pascale - I miss you so much. Our talk brought me back to the place where our friendship was meant to be. If I could get on a plane tonight, I would be in Zurich with you tomorrow having a coffee and a chat in a chic little resto. We would keep smiling at each other and squeezing each other's hand and saying all the things that we have missed by being away from each other for so long.
Kerri - There are so many things I want to share with you. You are my comfy sweatshirt, my friend that is so accepting of me just as I am. I am so glad we are close by. I know we will love each other for the rest of our lives. You are such a special woman to me.
Angie - Hearing the joy returned to your voice and feeling your energy again has been the Hallmark of my week. I have thought of you and prayed for you so many times over the last month. I can't wait for Mexico together in 29 days. You have the most giving heart of anyone I have ever met.
Life - I want to embrace you and have the joys and adventures that are awaiting. I want to continue to dream big dreams and wake with a smile to greet you each day. You give me 24 hours to fulfill my dreams each day. I am lucky - I love my life.
Mom - For just loving me the way I am. For raising me with the belief in my own goodness and strength, for teaching me how to love and care for others and how to be selfless. You are the woman of my life. You are the benchmark and my measuring stick. I appreciate you so very much. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all the gifts you gave to me. Thank you for being the essence of who I am now.
I wish you all a wonderful day ahead.
What makes it so powerful that your emotion becomes a physical presence inside of your soul? Do you know this feeling? The one that makes you feel your spirit?
I am sitting outside at my patio table and I am listening to music and I am feeling - so many things for so many people. I am soft today, I am reflective, I am tentative and emotional.
Pascale - I miss you so much. Our talk brought me back to the place where our friendship was meant to be. If I could get on a plane tonight, I would be in Zurich with you tomorrow having a coffee and a chat in a chic little resto. We would keep smiling at each other and squeezing each other's hand and saying all the things that we have missed by being away from each other for so long.
Kerri - There are so many things I want to share with you. You are my comfy sweatshirt, my friend that is so accepting of me just as I am. I am so glad we are close by. I know we will love each other for the rest of our lives. You are such a special woman to me.
Angie - Hearing the joy returned to your voice and feeling your energy again has been the Hallmark of my week. I have thought of you and prayed for you so many times over the last month. I can't wait for Mexico together in 29 days. You have the most giving heart of anyone I have ever met.
Life - I want to embrace you and have the joys and adventures that are awaiting. I want to continue to dream big dreams and wake with a smile to greet you each day. You give me 24 hours to fulfill my dreams each day. I am lucky - I love my life.
Mom - For just loving me the way I am. For raising me with the belief in my own goodness and strength, for teaching me how to love and care for others and how to be selfless. You are the woman of my life. You are the benchmark and my measuring stick. I appreciate you so very much. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all the gifts you gave to me. Thank you for being the essence of who I am now.
I wish you all a wonderful day ahead.
Good Friday
It is Good Friday - it is the beginning of a sacred, holy weekend and I wanted to wish you all the very best.
I wish that I had a family of my own to share this with, I wish I had the joy of shopping for Easter dresses and white patent shoes for a daughter. I wish I could have made a basket and hidden eggs and had a big dinner of Ham and all the trimmings.
I wish so much that I had a family of my own to share my love of Christ with. I long to sit alongside them in a pew, to teach them the love that was taught to me. Holiday's of all types are hard for me these days because it reminds me a little of what I don't have. It reminds me of what I wanted so much.
I am meeting my girlfriends for Good Friday services, and I am going to pray about it, and be thankful for the many things that I have, for the many blessings around me. Christ's love for me and the understanding that I am a part of his family is the thing I cling to.
But I sure do wish I had a chocolate bunny to nibble on and some hard boiled eggs to share with babies that looked like me - and him....
xoxo,
Bug
I wish that I had a family of my own to share this with, I wish I had the joy of shopping for Easter dresses and white patent shoes for a daughter. I wish I could have made a basket and hidden eggs and had a big dinner of Ham and all the trimmings.
I wish so much that I had a family of my own to share my love of Christ with. I long to sit alongside them in a pew, to teach them the love that was taught to me. Holiday's of all types are hard for me these days because it reminds me a little of what I don't have. It reminds me of what I wanted so much.
I am meeting my girlfriends for Good Friday services, and I am going to pray about it, and be thankful for the many things that I have, for the many blessings around me. Christ's love for me and the understanding that I am a part of his family is the thing I cling to.
But I sure do wish I had a chocolate bunny to nibble on and some hard boiled eggs to share with babies that looked like me - and him....
xoxo,
Bug
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
There is a fair haired Swiss girl whom I think the world of! Her name is Pascale and she lives in Switzerland. I wanted to introduce you to her and tell you a little about us.
We met three and a half years ago via video conference and hated each other instantly! I thought she was arrogant and she thought the same thing about me. Somehow as we got to know each other better we began a friendship that time and miles cannot break. We are so much alike even though we could not be more different.
She is the blond-haired, blue-eyed European and I am the dark-haired, brown-eyed American girl - Rose Red and Snow White! Yet this person has become a mile marker and beacon in my life and spending time with her, whether celebrating the New Year together in Paris or just catching up on the telephone in our weekly chats is one of the bright spots in my world.
So, I wanted to tell you about her and share my thoughts about her publicly. I love you Pascale.
Mellissa
Sunday, April 09, 2006
No Limit On Time
There is no time limit on this. There is not an expiration date on happiness. Five months is my wound speaking out loud.
There is no definition that can create the proper image for what is happening here - for me. There are no words, there are no sentences - there is just an unmistakable feeling of peace and joy and fellowship.
There is no marker for peace I tell myself. There is no equator for emotion - it will mark the life or it will not. It cannot be made more definite than that.
Sixty days more will not be enough of you, two months will not magic make. For you see, it is in the every day, the every moment, the every smile, the every touch I share with you. There is no isthmus for that. It just simply is for me.
And that is simply everything. I love what we have together. I love where we are. I love the moments and my greatest wish is that those moments weave into seasons - still laughing, still talking, and still loving the feeling of being the hand inside of yours.
No one makes me feel the way you do. There is no time limit on that. No more discussions, no more leading the way. I am here, I am happy, and you are the reason for that. No time limits - no limits at all. Freedom in love and freedom of choice are the best parts of life.
There is no definition that can create the proper image for what is happening here - for me. There are no words, there are no sentences - there is just an unmistakable feeling of peace and joy and fellowship.
There is no marker for peace I tell myself. There is no equator for emotion - it will mark the life or it will not. It cannot be made more definite than that.
Sixty days more will not be enough of you, two months will not magic make. For you see, it is in the every day, the every moment, the every smile, the every touch I share with you. There is no isthmus for that. It just simply is for me.
And that is simply everything. I love what we have together. I love where we are. I love the moments and my greatest wish is that those moments weave into seasons - still laughing, still talking, and still loving the feeling of being the hand inside of yours.
No one makes me feel the way you do. There is no time limit on that. No more discussions, no more leading the way. I am here, I am happy, and you are the reason for that. No time limits - no limits at all. Freedom in love and freedom of choice are the best parts of life.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Spending Time
Life really is in the little things isn't it? It is the people you love, the places you travel and the memories that sustain.
It is a dinner out with the new man in your life, it is rubbing noses with your Sunday School girl, it is watching Maggie look for her Chipmonk, it is art that makes you smile, it is walking the shoreline with with your family, it is watching your mother be a grandmother, it is girlfriends laughing and scheming, it is traveling to see my mom with Maggie sleeping on my lap....
This post is for nothing really, other than for me to look back at the photographs that comprise a part of my life.
It is a reminder that I can trust in something. I can believe in the goodness of people, I am loved - and love in return. That is a nice reminder.
Bug
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Nesting
I am home again and content about being near all of my things. I still miss that man in the country, but it is so decadent to go into my bathroom and open a drawer of "girlie goods".
I went to the grocery store to re-stock the shelves in my house and could not help the urge to prepare a menu in my head and shop accordingly.
This week, in between working and working out, I will have:
Potato Leek Soup with a Baby Field Green Salad
Pepper Bacon and Stilton Bleu Cheese Quiche
Spinach Salad with fresh Strawberry vinaigrette, asparagus and grilled fillet mignon
I would have prepped for more good, fresh home cooking - but there is a wedding this weekend that I am so happy to be attending - as a date....so looks like Saturday will have a sweet dessert in the mix....and a world of hope being promised.
Well, it is off to spinning class now - and then home to bake Banana bread just for the great smell it brings to the house.
xoxo,
Ladybug
I went to the grocery store to re-stock the shelves in my house and could not help the urge to prepare a menu in my head and shop accordingly.
This week, in between working and working out, I will have:
Potato Leek Soup with a Baby Field Green Salad
Pepper Bacon and Stilton Bleu Cheese Quiche
Spinach Salad with fresh Strawberry vinaigrette, asparagus and grilled fillet mignon
I would have prepped for more good, fresh home cooking - but there is a wedding this weekend that I am so happy to be attending - as a date....so looks like Saturday will have a sweet dessert in the mix....and a world of hope being promised.
Well, it is off to spinning class now - and then home to bake Banana bread just for the great smell it brings to the house.
xoxo,
Ladybug
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Special
That is what my Sunday school children are. They are special. I am a lucky lady indeed to spend that little bit of time with them.
Emma, Sebastian, Wilson, Jordan, & Dante. We talked today about the Last Supper and Emma said she thought it must have been like Thanksgiving. I loved that - so simple was the correlation in her mind.
When we went into our theater production message for the week, Emma looked up at me and asked "Miss Mellissa, what is sin" - After I gave her the simple answer she needed to connect the dots about why Jesus died for our "sins", I just held her for a moment. She is so tiny and her hair is like silk. As we said our little prayer together, I could not help but inhale her sweetness.
Wilson lost his front tooth and Sebastian lost his two lower teeth - they were proud of this first step towards becoming "grown-ups" and we had a talk about teeth and how they are important in making smiles (in their case, little toothy/toothless grins).
Jordan was shy and I loved singing and dancing with him, watching him grow comfortable in our group and asking if he came back to see me next week if I would help him make another paper airplane. He is beautiful and a little timid.....we'll fix that.
Dante's shoes came untied and as I re-tied one, Wilson offered to help tie the other. We learned about supporting each other as friends through discussing that small action of helpfulness. Wilson beamed because he was being a true friend.
These children amaze me each and every week. It makes me dream of having my own one day. I cannot imagine the joy of holding your own child and feeling that wonderment. Those of you with children, take a little extra time today to tell them they are special. Tell them they are beautiful and smart and how lucky you are to be with them each day.
Happy Sunday to you all!
Ladybug
Emma, Sebastian, Wilson, Jordan, & Dante. We talked today about the Last Supper and Emma said she thought it must have been like Thanksgiving. I loved that - so simple was the correlation in her mind.
When we went into our theater production message for the week, Emma looked up at me and asked "Miss Mellissa, what is sin" - After I gave her the simple answer she needed to connect the dots about why Jesus died for our "sins", I just held her for a moment. She is so tiny and her hair is like silk. As we said our little prayer together, I could not help but inhale her sweetness.
Wilson lost his front tooth and Sebastian lost his two lower teeth - they were proud of this first step towards becoming "grown-ups" and we had a talk about teeth and how they are important in making smiles (in their case, little toothy/toothless grins).
Jordan was shy and I loved singing and dancing with him, watching him grow comfortable in our group and asking if he came back to see me next week if I would help him make another paper airplane. He is beautiful and a little timid.....we'll fix that.
Dante's shoes came untied and as I re-tied one, Wilson offered to help tie the other. We learned about supporting each other as friends through discussing that small action of helpfulness. Wilson beamed because he was being a true friend.
These children amaze me each and every week. It makes me dream of having my own one day. I cannot imagine the joy of holding your own child and feeling that wonderment. Those of you with children, take a little extra time today to tell them they are special. Tell them they are beautiful and smart and how lucky you are to be with them each day.
Happy Sunday to you all!
Ladybug
What We Don't See
I just finished writing an email to a friend and fellow Blogger whom I think quite a lot of. Reading their words really caused me to stop for a moment and think about what we don't see in people.
We rush through our days, so busy...on to the next item on our list. When we meet people, we are so busy and just take them at face presentation. Rarely do we take the time to look deeper, to pause for a moment and take in the fullness of the person.
So many Bloggers and friends have reached out to me with stories from their personal lives that have changed me forever - you have changed me and left an imprint on my heart.
Last year when I started Blogging, I had no idea of the valuable relationships I would form with a group of wonderful people.
Even though we have never met, I want each of you that I correspond with to know how much your words of encouragement have meant to me, and how much showing me what most people don't get to see has changed my life.
It has made me more aware, more tender in my heart to my friends, and more available to look past the persona of someone into the person.
For those of you who read this and know what I mean....thank you for entrusting a part of yourselves with me. Thank you for the friendship, and thank you for shaping my heart. Thank you for trusting your personal stories with me and for reminding me of "What we don't see" in others.
For those of you who read here, I hope that you too will take a moment this week and be there for someone else. We cannot imagine what is going on with the person next to us, their smile might just be hiding a world of pain.
Let's all be still for a moment and really begin to absorb what is all around us. Be emotionally safe for someone, be a pillar of strength, be a calm and safe spot in a crazy world.
Love,
Mellissa
We rush through our days, so busy...on to the next item on our list. When we meet people, we are so busy and just take them at face presentation. Rarely do we take the time to look deeper, to pause for a moment and take in the fullness of the person.
So many Bloggers and friends have reached out to me with stories from their personal lives that have changed me forever - you have changed me and left an imprint on my heart.
Last year when I started Blogging, I had no idea of the valuable relationships I would form with a group of wonderful people.
Even though we have never met, I want each of you that I correspond with to know how much your words of encouragement have meant to me, and how much showing me what most people don't get to see has changed my life.
It has made me more aware, more tender in my heart to my friends, and more available to look past the persona of someone into the person.
For those of you who read this and know what I mean....thank you for entrusting a part of yourselves with me. Thank you for the friendship, and thank you for shaping my heart. Thank you for trusting your personal stories with me and for reminding me of "What we don't see" in others.
For those of you who read here, I hope that you too will take a moment this week and be there for someone else. We cannot imagine what is going on with the person next to us, their smile might just be hiding a world of pain.
Let's all be still for a moment and really begin to absorb what is all around us. Be emotionally safe for someone, be a pillar of strength, be a calm and safe spot in a crazy world.
Love,
Mellissa
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