You Choose Your Reaction

I got the below in my inbox today. And it couldn't have come on a better day.
I needed it....and there are a few people that I know that might need it too.
It's so true and when you get it, sets you free.

**What Reaction Are You Going To Choose?**

Every moment we are awake we have a choice as to how we think and react. Let's look at an experience we all have had or may be having right now.

All of us have received news or had a conversation that we don't prefer about a family member, relative,spouse or a friend....people we care about. Most of us take on the emotional burden of what we learn and sometimes carry that burden for a long time.

When we become emotionally attached to another's situation, two things happen: one we harm our physical self and two we really are not much good to another if we are out of balance.

This is another area where it is important to decide how you are going to focus your thoughts. Again, Choosing different thoughts requires focus and practice. Just choose love and peace, remaining focused and reinforcing that which is important to practice for you to manifest your dreams and live in peace.

SOTD-Whipping Post- AllmanBrothers

I got a ticket- a freaking solo ticket- to see the Allman Brothers at Jones Beach at the end of next month thanks to jeanine, one of my readers on long Island who works there. See the connections a blog can make. I'm going alone, because most of my current circle of contemporaries just don't get just how great they are...so fuck 'em.

Whipping Post is BY FAR my favorite Allman Bros song. It is rock/blues personified at it's best. Just check it out. It really sings the blues, you can hear it in Gregg's voice and even in the guitar. The way the guitar overlaps and drags on, like it's dragging like his heart. You hear it? I love singing along in my best 'girl with the blues' impression every time I hear it.

Sing the blues people....sing those blues.

Vanilla Sleepytime Tea

I usually drink Chamomile tea every night before bed (hot in the cold season and iced is nice in summer)- because I have always been a terrible sleeper. At one point in college I labeled myself a true 'insomniac'. It wasn't for bad reasons, it was really because my mind is always going, thinking of things I want to do. In addition, I find that my sleep also usually wanes even more when I'm very happy, because I can't wait to wake up and live some more. I know that sound corny, but true.
But when I'm sad, I sleep/wake up-sleep/wake up. Like now- so I have to really find some peace at night so I can sleep. I bought this yesterday in addition to my chamomile as it looked like an appealing possibility.
And it was good and totally chilled me out and had a little sweet flavor because of the vanilla.
If you are looking for a yummy, mellow out tea, I recommend trying this.

SOTD Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces

Come on- you know them. Gnarls Barkley, the great band that sang "Crazy"(FYI-- yes, I meant 'band'. The lead singer's name is not "Gnarls", it is the name of the band. Just like Jethro Tull was the band and not the lead singer's name. His name was Ian Anderson)

Well, anyway, forget Crazy, as good of a song as it is--- this song, "Smiley" is sooooo much better.
I love it! Enjoy!

Carlos Santana Shoes Are Hot

Carlos Santana plays a sexy guitar, he's Latino, he's got a hot Latino wife, and they design sexy ass shoes, with thier Carlos Santana footwear collection. Who knew? From guitar visionary to shoe designer, and he's really talented at footwear, oddly enough. Though I have worked in fashion for many years, you would be surprised at how minimal my wardrobe is. I like classic pieces ( a good pair of Levi's, a nice black stiletto pump, a universal wrap dress), and I am unlike most fashion girls whereas I hate spending a whole day shopping. I go out, know what I want and, like a guy running to the Gap to pick up a pair of Khakis, I go in, get it and I'm out. I've never spent too much money on clothes.
Yet, with that said,when I do see something that is good, I just know it. I have a really good eye, and I get it without a second thought.

Sunday, I had gone out with a gift certificate that a client had given me, to this offprice store in NYC. I had intended on using it to buy a nice yoga mat from a line I knew they carried there. Well, I had to pass the shoe section to get to the athletic section and in doing so, I see these shoes. Like a beacon in the night. How cool are these shoes? Open on one side and wrapped around your foot to the other, like an S&M boot. Luckily, I had enough to get the yoga mat AND the shoes. Here's where to find his whole, sexy collection online if you like them as well:

http://www.carlosshoes.com/


I feel in love with them, and.........
by the time I was on the train home....they were all mine!!! :)

Great Neck Surprise

So, on my way home from work last night, I get off the train to a happy surprise. They had closed off the village and had live music and all the cafes had their tables pulled out onto the street for dining under the stars.
So, lucky me, had a good friend text and invite me to dinner, thus ensued a lovely dinner under the stars, with live music to boot.
And...my favorite little hostess at La Giaconda looked so cute last night in her aqua themed outfit (eyeshadow too!) that I had to post a shot.
Here's where Margaret got her cute little summer aqua look, in a nutshell.

*Dress: Express: $60.00
*Eyeshadow: 'Iced Sea Blue' shimmer shadow- Maybeline
*Necklace: Forever 21- $12.99
*Shoes: BCBG $125.00

(sorry you can't see the shoes-oops. But they are this season BCBG, 'camel floral strap wedge" and are available now on their website!)

SOTD: Sade - Every Word

My hard drive crashed on me last month. I lost all my music. Big Bummer! Yes-I now have a flash drive that will constantly be updated, so I don't have to go through what I am now going through, which is--re-loading ALL my music. Real Pain, as you can imagine.

Last night, I did Sade. From first album to the last, not one song or note I do not love.
This song, from her last studio album, Lover's Rock, "Every Word" has got to be one of my favorites of hers. I heard it last night and it made me so happy.
Download this Sade record if it is not in your library. The whole thing is beautiful.

I've Definatley Got Mermaid In My Blood

After the ocean........dinner with a couple of friends. I love the ocean so much. As a side note, we were in a town called "Bayville" on Long Island. The beaches there, rival my favorites in Sagaponack, and they have many lovely restaurants and cafes along the shore.
Check it out next time you are nearby.
(sorry, I forget the actual name of the restaurant that we had dinner! :( )

My Sweet Michael Jackson

Oh boy.
It's been nearly three weeks since Michael died. I have been haunted by making a blog, as he was one of my number one musical idols. So, after taking much too long to do so, considering the 'music fanatic' I claim to be, I am going to make it simple, and hopefully poignant enough to really convey his genius and how much he inspired and moved me throughout my life

This video was on American Bandstand when I was four years old. I danced in front of the TV when it came on, and turned and told my grandma-"Grammy, I want to do that when I grow up".
My first LP was "Off The Wall"by Michael Jackson when I was 9 years old and roller disco-ing. I learned to sing and dance to it for hours in my bedroom. Another album - you might know it-Thriller, came out when I was 14, and of the MTV generation.
In short, I do not know my life, especially the musical history of my life, without Michael Jackson. I was/am so saddened that he is gone too soon.
He was a genius and I can confidently say that his music and voice are one of the top three of my musical loves and influences.
I realize too, that none of his musical genius makes him exempt from the faults of his personal issues and psychological problems. He should have taken responsibility for those. He was a little boy mentally, who never grew up emotionally. He didn't know how. That's no excuse, he should have sought help. He made his own bed of demise, unfortunately. And I believe it was so subconscious, he didn't see the slippery slide he really was on.
I don't believe he was a pedophile, rather someone who wished he could always be a little boy, and it somehow soothed him to be around that kind of simple, carefree mentality. Remember, he had alot of money and he was surrounded by ALOT of vultures who could give a shit less about him and who wanted some of that money. That's when things get really fucked up. And remember, when you think like a little boy with lots of money, you do what Michael did--push away those that really love and understand you, who want you to WORK on your issues and be careful with your money. But to Michael I think, that was no fun, and he would rather not take a look at himself and keep playing. Well....that's an easy way to lose sight of the shore of your life. He was scared and unschooled in the ways of adulthood. Not to mention an accidental and manipulative drug addict. The ultimate factor that led to his death. Kids are tricky little buggers, and when you have enough money and influence, you can get whatever you want, even if that "whatever you want", is ultimatley the thing that kills you.

In the end, I personally believe his personal life is separate from his music. His talent was his gift, and sharing it with us, was ours.
I love him and am honored and blessed that I got to live to experience his music. It has and will continue to bring me so much joy. And let this be another lesson to all of us, that no matter your fame, adulation, money, success, etc..we all die. This is not said to be morbid, but to inspire you to live everyday with gratitude and joy, because it can just go. Do not glamorize looks, money, material and hopes of adulation, instead take a good look at what's really important.

*And hey, on a musical note--- just look at these boys. Movin', groovin' and singin' their shit. Now THIS is performing! And Michael's hat and Tito's rocking out scarf---super cool 70's man!!!
Rest In Peace, my little singing boy
xoxo

Modcloth.com

Hey!! Look at these adorable dresses! Only around $55.00.
It's from an adorable site that my sister Shannon turned me onto today!
It's called Modcloth

www.modcloth.com

It has dresses, tops, vintage Marilyn Monroe bathing suits, skirts. Just so girly and cute.
Check it out!

My TaTa's.......

My girly parts are changin' and growin' latley. I couldn't quite zip them into my dress this morning.
whoa......