Beautiful…

The balmy dense air touched my skin through my clothes. Clouds moved in thick light puffs across the dark starred sky, blocking. The night lanterns placed here and there dripped with moisture, heat and dimmed the large glass encasings, which brought a kind of romantic hue to the solitary night.

My gaze… appreciating the pink in the martini glass that rested on the low wide wicker arm, watching the tiny bug circle and circle the clear glass, avoiding the condensation.

Mirroring the hushed light of the late night, my mind deep in thought. The days before… behind.

Under the glimmer of dark, I listened to a group of young men, the table over. It was interesting and not. Almost, I piped in to add to the conversation, and …no. Let me, be.

Earlier,

Hello boys!

“We followed you out here where it’s cooler.”

Yes, it was simply unbearable in there!

“Hahaaa.”

As I sat long reclining on the cushion-less chair, my seat sore from the long drive of the day, I listened and relaxed and enjoyed.

The deep male voices and my pink raspberry martini. Soaking in the night, with me.

A date with me. For a blissful first moment of time, I wasn’t missing something. For a blissful moment, my alone became… beautiful.

 

Discovery in Reality

The little square of paper tore as the Girl held it between her fingers.  She purposefully walked to the center garbage can to be closer, pulled out the tiny swipe of alcohol and began rubbing her fingers with it.

I love your skirt, the Lady had said.

Something had pulled at the Girl. She had seen it in the stranger’s demeanor, her expression. Somehow she knew.

The opening was made. Chitchat. The Girl smiled and the kindness in the Lady’s eyes held hers and she shared her heart.

She shared why she was there. At the gas station. The emotion, the sadness, the overwhelming longing and mystery of discovering Why and When and How and WHY. The Girl, was alone.

The Lady was alone. There was kindness. Content. No, peace.

Do you want to have dinner with me? The Girl asked.

Okay. I’ll follow you. The Lady weighted.

The Girl, not knowing the area, drove here and there searching for a place. All the while, the Lady stayed just behind her.

Thoughts came and went, doubts, scenarios, questions until finally, the Girl found a place in an old hotel that was perfect.

They entered together and kind music carried them to the corner table. The Singer was gentle and sweet and his acoustic guitar soothed the empty bar.

After the Girl unloaded her emotional tirade of self discovery and frustration, the Lady shared her life.

70’s. Alone. 4 sons, 9 grandchildren, top Special Ed teacher in the state. The Lady told stories of her experience as a teacher. Her job was one of the highest drop out jobs, and yet here she was in her 70’s still teaching.

Compassion, tenderness, love. These, she said, were what she gave her students success. The Lady worked with severely emotionally traumatized children and rehabilitated them to be able to attend schools and grow up to have a relatively normal life. How she got through to them was compassion and being able to see to the heart of the child.

She spoke of a tall and very large Boy who had Autism, and wouldn’t do anything. Everyone was afraid of the Boy who, she described as resembling the Pillsbury Dough boy, would scream and throw tantrums and not do anything but stand off to the side, alone.

One day she went over and poked him.

He said, Why did you poke me?

Because I wanted to. She replied.

This went on for days and weeks. It became a game and before long, the Lady and the Boy were dodging each other so much, they were jumping.

Look! We are Dancing! The Lady said.

The Boy with size 16 shoes laughed and began dancing with her.

I’m Dancing! I’m Dancing! I can Dance!! The Boy exclaimed.

After that, the Boy was happy to be at school, be part of the class. That love and compassion shown him, made all the difference.

The Lady impressed on the Girl, No matter what you do in life, make time for compassion and love, for it is the language we all understand.

The Girl and the Lady walked away as friends with a shared understanding of love for others and at the same time, love for themselves.

The Singer, watched the two ladies who knew each other a long time. His voice followed them out as he sang his closing song, California Dreamin’.

 

 

4:00-4:15 think

My life-coach told me this today, “Schedule your time to do everything, because you have to make time for yourself and your kids, otherwise something suffers.” Yeah, Me.

Okay, I’m not really a scheduler, however I’m more than willing to give it a shot. I schedule appointments no problem, or conference calls, or gym, I don’t schedule time to play piano, or read a book, I usually wing it! At least that’s how I roll.

My complaint is that I just don’t have time to read or do anything I really want. Hahahaaa! Liar! 

My real issue is I don’t know how to be efficient with my time. If I was, then I’d have plenty of time to do EVERYTHING I want and then some!

I’ve stopped complaining. I have a lot to learn.

Schedule out just 1 day. Simple.

7 alarm, 7:20 alarm, 8:17 kids to school, 9:15 Starbucks, 9:30 dentist, 10:15 mt bike diablo (warm clothing this time and gloves), 12 pick up son, 12:30 lunch, 12:45 play a game, 1:20 school, 1:40 hang out and chat with moms, hmmm… I missed a birthday party in there somewhere… do over. lol!

If I actually schedule my time wisely and stick to it, I’d have time to do the things I want like learn a new song, or finish my book.

Its interesting thinking about how many actual waking hours I have in the day, and how many are productively being used and how many are actually ticking by with me sitting thinking about them ticking by. I think I’ll schedule some time to think about time ticking by. hahaahhaha! I do it enough!!!!

Mr. Wrong is Not a pussy!

It was Mr. Right, in Mr. Wrong’s body.

He was 50, not my normal date range, but ok. Actually I didn’t know it was a date to begin with. I understood we were meeting to talk business. Nope! Well, that too I guess.

I had a great time, and I think he did as well, but on some level we did not click.

Okay, he wasn’t Mr. R but he had a lot of the characteristics that fit my profile and in my history, that’s a huge step of improvement!

Granted, I’ve only been learning how to date for less than 18 months, and I’d consider I’m still new at this. I’m sure I said odd things and may have turned people off, but you know what, that is who I am, and fortunately for me, they’ve all been clearly Mr. Wrongs.

This guy however was different. I won’t go into details, but really I came away with,  “finally I’ve dated someone who is NOT a pussy!”

The great thing is that I have come far in my healing process to be able to date someone who fits my profile of manly-man gentleman warrior instead of guys who I’d consider my bro or less pussies, knowing there could never be anything further.

Its the recovery time I needed. Go out with non-threatening guys, because they won’t break your heart. It worked. Except my heart was not free to be broken, it was being mended. I needed to take that time before being able to really open up the possibility of a new relationship with someone. 

Huge steps! I spoke with my life coach who had encouraged me, “If you want a new man in your life, clear some space in your heart. Make space in the closet! And be open for when it happens. ”

I did. The space is cleared and I was able to attract the right kind of MAN. Its a good thing.

Now I know, only forward from here!

Strategy of Unreasonable

I assigned myself a very big project…  Have You Been Hugged Day, a national holiday in America to bring awareness of depression and prevention of suicide.

Though I generally don’t look at the process in daily life, building leaders, being unreasonable, challenging people to be greater than themselves, this is what I do. And I can be very passionate about it, lol!

Ticket in hand, I looked up to see a mass of people hurrying down the stairs, in a form of stampede to the window of the Station Security, and the curb.

Confused, I walked to the window, and found out for myself.

Bart was down. There was a fire on one of the trains stuck in the Oakland tunnel. Poor people! It sucked for the rest of us. Okay, Plan B…

Swap cars with the Nanny, and drive to the City.

I’m a spontaneous person in general and ideas come to mind quickly. Random, sometimes crazy ideas, but nonetheless they do pan out.

With my big project in mind, I decided I would see if any unfortunate Bart Hop-ers would carpool with me to the City. I was in a hurry as well.

Little did they know, I had a plan…

A sign that read, “City Carpool I can take 6 peeps!” thrust through the passenger window waving, as I yelled out my invite. I was determined to fill up my seats and bring 6 stranded City workers to their job on time.

They came. “Thank you everyone for being spontaneous with me and riding with me to the City. My name is Karen and I’m an actor on my way to an audition…”

Small talk, then launch into my agenda. I told them all about the Project and what I had intended on creating with it. It was amazing! They were all enrolled in it and giving me more ideas.

I am the possibility of abundant love in my life and this was a perfect opportunity to bring goodness through a spontaneous adventure to some strangers just like me.

My carpoolers liked Have You Been Hugged Day, and they generously donated to the Cause. “You will have an amazing day today!” I called out with a smile and a wave.

It was fabulous seeing their happy, excited faces as they walked down Market St. on their way to work.

In a cray-cray way, I was able to touch some lives, and even fulfill on being unreasonable to get Have You Been Hugged Day, out there.

 

blue fall

Fall is in full color, with vibrant shades to deeper grays. Its the ever glorious shades of the beautiful Scorpio. Mmmmagic!

 

 

 

Michael Kors knit sweater, AMB tie dye top, Marc Fisher boots, Franco Sarto cross-body purse

Model K. Gibson, Photo Shoot by Carmen

 

(ummm… CAMEL TOE!!!)

The Jazz Festival was simply AMAZING! (yeah, that was the wine talkin’ too!)

My girlfriend and I strolled down the streets peering into the tented booths, through our sunglasses. The heat killed the Class!!  Our very cool wine glasses held daintily, half-filled with our beverage of choice we got from The Cute Guy pouring vino, we found a few tents to browse.

The afternoon was boiling and we were thrilled with our second glass, ahhh chilled! as we kept strolling, talking, sipping, looking and sipping.

Some of the most unique designs I’d seen in a while, neatly arranged on shelves and tables. There was great talent here and I appreciated ALL of it! I happen to be a sucker for creativity and the obvious, ART.

There it was! The HAT tent! I’m a HAT GIRL, bags, and shoes! I love them all! And TODAY!!! happened to be a hat day, in this miserable hot California fall weather! So we looked and FOUND!

GOT MADE and looked FAB! It was perfect!

The Jazz Festival was hot, our glasses were empty and we were OUT!

Later on that night, I was showing the pics to a friend of mine who loudly announced to his own hilarity, “CAMEL TOE!!!” (Of course a GUY would have to find something wrong like that!!!!)

I looked, and there it was!! My great outfit, my MADE outfit, was uproariously ruined by my own neglect to wear the correct panty!!!!! NEVAHHH Again!!!

Ahhh, well… it happens! Even to the Fashionista Extraordinaire. (wink)

 

Polka-Dot Power

 

 

 

They keep coming back!

 

I like polka-dots! They have stood the test of time and are back on the racks this Fall!

 

As a young girl, I remember a particular dress I chose for Easter. White ruffled skirt with black polka-dots and a black cap-sleeve button up top. I loved it! Sadly, I have not donned the dots in years.

 

The Dots out there now however, have certainly caught my eye!

 

 

Rachel Zoe Polka-dot Scarf Top

 

 

Kate Spade Maya Dot-print Shift Dress

 

 

Kate Spade Cap-Sleeve Top

 

 

 

 

The power of the Dot is contagious…

So why not brighten up your wardrobe with a few Dots this Fall?!! I certainly will!

 

Related articles

• Spotted, Literally: See How Jessica, Gwen, Diane, and More Perfect Polka Dots (fabsugar.com)
• Day and Nite JCrew PolkaDot Skirt (chanelwears.com)

 

Gorgeous Jackets for Fall

 

Armani is another example of luxury designer clothing label. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

There is one thing I love about gearing up for Fall. Jackets!

 

Living in California, I don’t need to shop for heavy jackets till Winter months. Nights are getting cooler and a light layer is nice…

 

While browsing the Armani Exchange , I found a few styles I simply love! These classy Jackets have an eye-catching appeal that you wouldn’t want to miss.

 

Peplum Jacket

 

This new jacket has a touch of  feminine flare while staying true to the clean lines.

 

 

 

 

Suede Trim Leather Jacket

 

This jacket just says “Sexy” all over it! The suede trim and modern neckline give this leather jacket an enticement all its own.

 

 

 

 

Croc Embossed Faux Leather Jacket

 

My Pick ~ This jacket has the endless style of the moto, in a soft elegant look.

 

 

 

 

Each of these jackets have beautiful, original style that looks HOT in the dark and light!  Great with jeans or skirt, grab your jacket and GO…!

 

He wore WHAT!!?

On a Girl’s Night Out, I discovered that there were a lot of men who do not know how to dress. It’s time to get a little personal Fellas!

When dressing for a Friday night out, plan a little sex-appeal into your wardrobe.  That’s right!!

She’ll take in the whole package instantly, shirt to shoes. If you have great style, you’ll bag more than brownie points!

Most men I’ve seen go with the long sleeve button up. Don’t do that!  Try a different approach.

The V-Neck.

 

This is probably the sexiest style made for MAN. In every shade, the V-Neck takes casual to class!

The great thing I love about the V-Neck is, versatility.

Dress it up with a dark blazer on cooler nights or wear it alone. You can’t go wrong!

V-Neck sweaters are a nice alternative this Fall, but choose Cashmere to show off your muscle.

Date Tip~ Don’t shave it off! Keep a little scruff. We like it and want to touch it!

Why not draw her attention to you?!

Give yourself an upgrade the next time you go out. Put on the V-Neck.