Saturday, October 31, 2009

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Words to live by...

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the importance of family. Like all families, mine have their share of eccentricities and we definitely put the fun in dysfunctional, but thats all part of our charm. I am blessed to have such an awesome family. I am thankful for their patience and wisdom, their support and encouragement, but most of all for their unconditional love.

I'd like to share some of their words with you. Some are inspirational, some are poignant and some are just wierd and still make me smile.


Follow your heart, if you can find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.

People who say nothing is impossible should try gargling with their mouths closed.

Think before you speak. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

You don't know how easy you have it! I used to have to walk 5 miles in the snow - uphill both ways!

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Be there for your friends when they least deserve it, because thats when they need you most.

What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.

Know yourself. Don't accept your dogs admiration as evidence that you are wonderful.

Noah didn't wait for his ship to come in - he built one!

You won't be a failure if you dont make it, you'll be a success because you tried.

If you can laugh at it, you can live with it.

Being different isn't the same as making a difference.



I am grateful for these words, and many others that are given with love and generosity of spirit, for as a wise woman once said, 'I'm rich in people.'

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...

Wishing each and every one of you love, laughter, health and happiness.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas and a peaceful, safe New Year.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

For Ergoproxy...

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool,
To weep is to risk being called sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self.
To place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naïve.
To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To live is to risk dying,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love.
Chained by his certitude, he is a slave; he has forfeited his freedom.
Only the person who risks is truly free.


- Janet Rand.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Inspired by Albert...

In a world that can be ugly and cruel, its easy to feel insignificant and helpless, to become cynical, jaded and apathetic. All the bigotry, the hatred, the destruction, the atrocities and suffering in the world makes me sick to my stomach.

Then in the most unexpected place, I saw the splendor of a butterfly, and it touched my heart and nourished my soul.

To my dear friends who are lost, sick, weary, hurt or troubled - this is for you.

Never give up fighting the good fight. I will be right there fighting alongside you, I promise.

Dum vita est spes est.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

For Lucy Lu...

Perspective

It's a small world....look within yourself.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

It's not easy being green...

Once upon a time a group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their froggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. The other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions. When they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and told the two unfortunate frogs in the pit that they should prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead.

Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs tried with all of their might to jump out of the pit. The other frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that they wouldn't be in this situation if they had been more careful, more responsible and more obedient to the froggy rules. They continued shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead.

But the two frogs continued jumping as hard as they could, their survival instinct was strong, they did not want to die at the bottom of the pit so they paid no attention to the pessimistic words of the other frogs. However, several hours later, the frogs at the top of the pit were still shouting down to them. "If only you had looked where you were going!" they yelled. "Nobody can help you now! You should have been more careful!" they cried. They implored the two frogs to give up because escape was impossible. Eventually, one of the frogs began to listen to the calls of his companions. "Perhaps they are right after all" he thought to himself "I am so tired I don't think I can go on, there is no point trying, there is no hope of escaping this pit..." Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief.

The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, even though his body was wracked with pain and he was completely exhausted. Once again, the crowd of frogs started yelling for him to stop jumping, to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder until, finally, he leapt so high that he sprang from the pit. Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom and then, gathering around him asked, "How did you do it?" "Where did you find the strength to continue jumping?" "Why didn't you just give up?"

Reading their lips, he thanked them profusely and explained that although he could not read their lips from the bottom of the pit, he could see their animated gestures cheering him on. He explained that it was their encouragement and belief that he could escape to freedom that inspired him and gave him the strength and determination to ignore the pain and persevere.

"Thank you, my friends" he beamed. "You are true friends, without your continuous, unwavering support I would have given up. You believed in me and never gave up on me, even when I didn't believe in myself. It was your words of encouragement that made me fight when I wanted to give up and die. You saved my life."

Monday, January 21, 2008

Why I like geese....

The reason geese fly in "V" formation, is because when each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. The geese at the back will honk to encourage the geese at the front of the formation. The geese take turns at being the 'head goose' leading the formation. When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. Their success and survival is dependent on realizing that there will be times they need to take care of each other. Relying on each other in times of adversity gives them the strength they need to carry on their journey.

When a goose gets sick or is wounded, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to help and protect it. They loyally stay with the fallen goose until it regains strength and is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

In conclusion, geese are pretty awesome.



Grade 'A' awarded by Mustard.
(My mom will be so proud!)

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

It's all about the love...

After days of patiently sitting under the tree, squeezing, shaking and sniffing my presents, it was finally time to open them. As I began to open the first gift, I held my breath in anticipation.

For once, I resisted the urge to dive in and found myself carefully unwrapping each one, admiring the creativity, marvelling at the ingenuity and reflecting on the sentiment behind each gesture as they filled me with awe, appreciation and gratitude.

It's gifts like these that always mean the most to me. I am truly overwhelmed and honored to receive such precious gifts and I will treasure them always.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friends!




Miss Tottenham,

Dua Netjer en etj!
Assif, Sahbiti - Ma batkalemsh Arabi!

Dei Gratia,

Someone I love very much once told me that a smile is the closest distance between two people. Your gift made me smile - thank you, my friend.

Kapunua,

A hula dance and a painting! Is there no end to your talent? You clearly have a vivid imagination and let it run wild with this painting. Even if it was unintentional, I was particularly impressed with the skill involved in creating the Escher-esque window! Please allow me to tip my Santa hat to you in recognition of such a notable achievement.

Mustard,

A picture paints a thousand words and the picture you chose for me conveyed your message beautifully. I was delighted to unwrap such thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Thank you, Mustard, my astute friend.

Star,

What can I say? Great minds think alike (or fools seldom differ) and I was amused and touched by your choice of gift. Thank you so much - you have excellent taste!

Kass,

It seems the creativity and talent in Blogbelieve knows no bounds. I will find the perfect place to display this, Kass. The monster is awesome and he looks pretty friendly, I think I'll call him Marvin.

S&V20,

Thank you for sharing such a poignant story with me, I am flattered that it would remind you of me. I would like to share a childhood favorite of mine that has helped me through some difficult times in my life. It serves as a reminder to never give up, even if people around us lose their faith and it seems as if all is lost. As long as you keep going, and as long as you never stop trying and never stop believing, anything is possible.

There were once two frogs that were stuck in a bowl of cream. They struggled frantically, kicking their legs, trying desperately to get out. But despite their best efforts, they could not manage to jump out of the bowl. Finally, one frog turned to the other and said, “I give up. This is just too difficult. There is no point struggling on, we’re never going to get out of here. We should both just give up.” He stopped kicking and within moments he had drowned. His companion, however, refused to give up. Despite being exhausted, scared and alone, he continued to kick defiantly until dawn, when suddenly he hopped right out of the bowl. It was only then that he realized he had kicked so hard all through the night that he had churned the cream into butter.

Bellatrix,

Gratias Ago Tibi, Amicus (because I can totally rock last season Latin)

Sdock,

My friend. Hope is simply faith holding out its hand to you in the dark. Reach out for it and never let go. Faith makes all things possible - but remember it is love that makes them easy. Sending you faith, hope and love in abundance.

Toujours,

You have no idea how much I love your picture! It's amazing, you did a really great job and you captured the image I had in my head of Leonard and Fred perfectly. Thank you so much.

Amyranth,

Thank you for your thoughtful gift, I shall reserve it for special occasions and tip it to the discerning.

Anima,

You have excellent taste in music, my friend.

P.S. Enjoy the show!

Cupcake,

The Sex Pistols on vinyl - awesome! Thank you Cupcake!

Farawaysoclose,

Thank you. It really is all about the love.

Jennicula,

I thoroughly enjoyed your hairy fishnuts - thank you!

Paperheart,

You said "Family has become an essential word used everyday on these blogs."
You know you are blessed when your friends become your family and your family become your friends. Keep on hugging, sometimes a hug can give more comfort and mean more to someone than words could ever say.

Pickled Possum,

I am thrilled with my ensemble, it fits perfectly and I will be wearing it proudly on New Years Eve!

Magic Pie,

Thank you, I truly appreciate the sentiment behind your kind words. Rest assured, I am surrounded by loved ones who mean more to me than anything in the world. I would not want to be anywhere else.

Elena,

I always hear your whisper, Elena, you are the gentle voice of experience that imparts knowledge and wisdom. Thank you for your beautiful gift.

P.S. They say it's always the quiet ones...

OP's,

Thank you so much for your warm wishes, my friends. What is a friend? A friend is someone who knows all your faults, weaknesses and bad habits and still loves you anyway...because it really is all about the love.

Capture This Void,

Your kind words made me pause and reflect for a moment. I never will, and it is love.

P.S. Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi.
Don't wait, make that change today. I believe in you.

Entropy,

Thank you so much, they are all perfect! I loved the last picture, I can see why it is one of your favorites.

Katherine Dreier,

How did you guess? I am a huge fan of British comedy and really enjoyed the video. Laughter is a precious gift to give and always so wonderful to receive. Thank you.




The love you have for one another is phenomenal - it blows my mind. It is evident, not only by the generosity of spirit displayed as you exchanged such thoughtful and creative gifts, but by the selfless acts of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, respect, empathy, encouragement and support that you offer unconditionally to each other when it is needed most.


Blogbelieve is a magical place, but it is you that makes it magical.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

For J...

So its your birthday tomorrow. I hope (1/9)!

What do you get for your birthday?

(2/11/19-21) (1/5/42). But can you (1/5/35-37)?



(1/7/87-88),

(3/9/13-20), (3/8/90-96).

(1/2/155-165). (3/2/53-57)? (1/7/12-22) - (1/6/70) birthday!

(3/4/49-54), (1/4/212-214) and (2/3/22) hard - (2/3/140-149) - (3/7/121-125).

(3/2/202-206), your (3/6/69) touches (2/1/29-34), (1/2/32-36) (1/8/24-30).

(2/5/67-82), (1/7/1-5) - (1/9/87-89).

(2/2/63-64), (3/8/101-106) (2/5/12-18). (2/4/42-45) means (2/2/136-141).

(3/1/1-5)... (3/9/334-338), (3/10/101-103) J! (2/11/115-117)!!!

P.S. Please save me some (2/3/182). You know my (3/8/35)!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Happy Birthday!

Because I have a lot of free time and I'm kind of lame.....

This is my gift to all of you. Enjoy!



Once upon a time in a land far, far away in the kingdom of Blog, lived a beautiful princess named Smoke & Venom20 (SV20 to her friends) and she was adored throughout the land and admired for her fabulous hair and sparkling tiara's. She had a penchant for fast cars and rock stars.

The night before her 30th birthday she was too excited to sleep. Her sister Sdock10 had arranged a surprise party for her. Of course the princess knew this already, everyone knows you can't keep secrets from a princess. She was looking forward to seeing her friends, especially Jade, Gel, Carrie, Anon 616, Lucy Lu, Kass79, Martha Jones, Bellatrix and Freddy Charles - total party animals.

Just as she was drifting off to sleep, she heard the tinkling of tiny bells. She opened her eyes and saw before her a man with elfin features and a starry halo wearing a brightly colored harlequin costume. He had a golden book in one hand and what looked like a sandwich in the other.

The princess pulled the bed covers tightly over her head, counted to three and then tentatively peeked out. He was still there. 'Who are you?' she asked sounding more confident than she felt. The little man, who could have been no taller than 4ft, looked surprised. 'Forgive my manners, princess! It's always the same with me, after hours and after thoughts! Shame in me! I'm the Ragdolly Riddler. Are you hungry? I have the most delicious sandwich, I'd be happy to share it with you - pickled possum and mayonaise - my favorite! The princess had regained her composure by this time and crossed her arms to express her disapproval. 'Never mind the bollocks about your sandwich!' she snapped, 'What exactly do you think you are doing in the royal bedroom?'

'Well' said the Ragdolly Riddler, taking a bite of his sandwich. 'I heard on the grapevine that you have a special birthday tomorrow and I wanted to wish you a happy birthday!' He was speaking with his mouth full and the princess felt her stomach turn as pieces of soggy bread escaped his mouth and dropped to the floor. 'I have a present for you!' he exclaimed proudly, oblivious to his faux pas. The Ragdolly Riddler pointed to an original Katherine Dreier painting which now occupied the space on the wall above her bed.

The princess frowned. 'It's beautiful, and I am very grateful for such a thoughtful gift but I don't believe that is the real reason you are here.' She had noticed the golden book in his left hand and the Ragdolly Riddler followed her gaze. 'Ah, the book of Entropy' he said as he wiped his mayo covered fingers across his chest before thumbing the book. This book holds all the answers and yet no answers can be found within it's pages. It is faraway so close. A book full of possibilities, there are 1000 ways to live your life. Like my body, it is a casket of life. From a life on the murder scene filled with bitter revenge, to ashes and dreams of better days. It's all in here.' he said as he tapped the book gently.

'You do know me, princess, you have felt my presence, but never seen me' the Riddler explained. 'I have been with you since the day you were born and I will never leave your side. It is my calling - for whom the bell tolls. I have my instructions - blather, rinse, repeat. My role is to protect you and keep you safe from harm, to maintain the balance in your life. I would willingly take your place and slip into the tragedy so you do not have to. In moments of deepest sorrow, when you want to give up, when your love lies bleeding - I will be there to comfort you. I would gladly capture this void and step into the void without hesitation for you, princess. When your spirit soars and your heart rejoices, I will be there cheering you on. When your faith is unbreakable, your hope is eternal and your love spills over - I will be there. Dei Gratia.'

'This can't be true' replied the princess, her voice little more than a whisper.

The Riddler grinned with a twinkle in his eye 'What is the truth? Does anyone ever really know? Just making observations and playing devil's advocate. Are you the princess that searches for no-one but herself? I think not. Silently, I think you have always sensed my presence. Who knows? Maybe I am just a figment of your imagination. He approached the princess, then kneeling before her, he kissed her hand. 'Thanks for the memories, princess. So long and goodnight.' Then he was gone.

The princess sat alone with her thoughts. She was shaking. A solitary tear rolled down her cheek, she thought of all the people that touched her life and she felt blessed. She knew from that moment on she would always have faith, hope and love in her life.

Needless to say, the princess and her viking kittens lived happily ever after.