.jpg)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Decisions, too many careers and no direction
Muse, typically a person considered to inspire great things in other people so why can't I be one. I hear from my family constantly that I have an overwhelming amount of ideas but with no direction. Wondering the earth with thoughts and ideas but no where to put them to use, I should be a muse. Over the past three years of my life I've thought and prepared to start over six businesses, I mean detailed them out to the point where if I had the collateral I could completely get them up and running. Same goes for my writing, I've started four different books and each are now respectfully sitting in their own binders waiting to be finished. At first I thought maybe I'm just not seeing these projects out, I don't have the motivation to finish them. Further thought lead me to believe or maybe talk myself into that something just always came up or a better idea popped into my head to jump on. Needless to say, this course of action has not gotten me very far. So, with that staggering realization dawning on me I know I need to make up my mind and get on track. Ultimately the point is to take a path that can gain considerable income or at least a livable amount with the bonus of contentment in a daily basis at work. Economically any self started business is an uncomfortable risk, today's idea might seem substantial, tomorrow not so much. At some point though if you want something you have to just take the leap and hope your shut opens. So, here goes to jumping and finding my place.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cherish Everyday
I was forwarded this email which I typically never read forward emails but this one caught my eye and touched my heart so I just wanted to share it.
'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.
'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked. 'Puppy size!' replied the mother
'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.' 'I know..... we have seen most of them, ' the mom said in frustration...
Just then Danielle came walking into the office
'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom.
'No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?'
The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed
'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said.
Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.
Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.
'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.
Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning . By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.
Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.
Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'
It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.
'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'
'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said.
'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said. 'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'
The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.
'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'
Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that
makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day.
They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'
I hope your life is filled with Sighs!!!
'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.
'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked. 'Puppy size!' replied the mother
'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.' 'I know..... we have seen most of them, ' the mom said in frustration...
Just then Danielle came walking into the office
'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom.
'No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?'
The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed
'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said.
Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.
Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.
'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.
Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning . By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.
Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.
Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'
It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.
'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'
'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said.
'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said. 'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'
The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.
'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'
Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that
makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day.
They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'
I hope your life is filled with Sighs!!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Things that come to past.
Several months ago I made several drastic decisions in my life. I decided that I needed my life to take a more positive turn and in order to do that I needed to make some changes. My whole life I was on the outside of the popular crowd just on the edges between being just liked to being totally in. Not that I cared much but occasionally I wondered what people in the inner circles of these "in crowds" really felt about their lives. I was well liked and everyone knew me because I was genuinely nice to everyone not because I was rich, stylish, or popular by any means. So when I graduated high school I was fine with that feeling of not ever wanting to know what those "in crowd" people thought.
Many years later I had been through certain trails and tribulations and landed myself smack dab in the middle of a truly horrific relationship with all my former friends gone. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of regret. I had made such decisions that had cost me what had really mattered to me, getting my college degree and more importantly one of the most important pieces of life, the true friendships I had made not from the fakeness of popularity or money. I was quite alone and miserable as things were coming to a disastrous end. I went back to wondering what those "in crowd" people had done with their lives if they were still the same people only popular with those same friends and their lives never added to much or if they brilliantly glided through life with the same ease as they had in high school. So I did some leg work and find out that it was a split of both worlds.
So I decided to go back to what I had known to be the right path, got back in touch with some old friends and started to rebuild my life. Needless to say some of the decisions I continued to make didn't make my growth easy. I struggled between what I wanted and whether what I was doing was really getting me there. I went on a binge of hanging with friends who drank way too much, friends who are to this day some of the most selfish people I know, and people who truly weren't my friends. I spent over two years with these people who tried to be the "in crowd". Two years with being held back, out of control, and lost. All of which was my own fault. If I had been willing to work a little harder instead of taking the easy route I wouldn't have been in half the bad spots I had gotten myself into. I was in a rut and was still just as depressed, lost, and confused as I had been two years before.
After a misfortunate New Year's eve that ended with hurt feelings and abandonment, I knew I couldn't continue done the path I was walking. Real change had to be made within myself and my life in order for me to ever be the person I wanted to be, the person I was capable of. I walked away from my main group of friends, the people that we all called our entourage. Every moment I stayed wrapped up in the lies, drinking, and destructive behavior was doing nothing but harming my future and hurting those around me that really cared about me. Everything was cut cold turkey. I walked away from those people, stopped drinking, and started just working on everything from my career to my writing to my relationships with the people still in my life.
Life in that miraculous way seemed to prevail. My mood lightened and things got easier. Though I still struggle at times I realized after all that time that all those things that I had thought were important, truly meant nothing. The real things in life were up to me to find and no person or bottle would do that for me. For the couple of great friends I have, I'm lucky they toughed it out with me. For me the road I traveled was like all other roads, something I needed to learn all on my own. I'm just glad I'm on the other side.
Many years later I had been through certain trails and tribulations and landed myself smack dab in the middle of a truly horrific relationship with all my former friends gone. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of regret. I had made such decisions that had cost me what had really mattered to me, getting my college degree and more importantly one of the most important pieces of life, the true friendships I had made not from the fakeness of popularity or money. I was quite alone and miserable as things were coming to a disastrous end. I went back to wondering what those "in crowd" people had done with their lives if they were still the same people only popular with those same friends and their lives never added to much or if they brilliantly glided through life with the same ease as they had in high school. So I did some leg work and find out that it was a split of both worlds.
So I decided to go back to what I had known to be the right path, got back in touch with some old friends and started to rebuild my life. Needless to say some of the decisions I continued to make didn't make my growth easy. I struggled between what I wanted and whether what I was doing was really getting me there. I went on a binge of hanging with friends who drank way too much, friends who are to this day some of the most selfish people I know, and people who truly weren't my friends. I spent over two years with these people who tried to be the "in crowd". Two years with being held back, out of control, and lost. All of which was my own fault. If I had been willing to work a little harder instead of taking the easy route I wouldn't have been in half the bad spots I had gotten myself into. I was in a rut and was still just as depressed, lost, and confused as I had been two years before.
After a misfortunate New Year's eve that ended with hurt feelings and abandonment, I knew I couldn't continue done the path I was walking. Real change had to be made within myself and my life in order for me to ever be the person I wanted to be, the person I was capable of. I walked away from my main group of friends, the people that we all called our entourage. Every moment I stayed wrapped up in the lies, drinking, and destructive behavior was doing nothing but harming my future and hurting those around me that really cared about me. Everything was cut cold turkey. I walked away from those people, stopped drinking, and started just working on everything from my career to my writing to my relationships with the people still in my life.
Life in that miraculous way seemed to prevail. My mood lightened and things got easier. Though I still struggle at times I realized after all that time that all those things that I had thought were important, truly meant nothing. The real things in life were up to me to find and no person or bottle would do that for me. For the couple of great friends I have, I'm lucky they toughed it out with me. For me the road I traveled was like all other roads, something I needed to learn all on my own. I'm just glad I'm on the other side.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Saturday Night in NODA with the Brandon McSwain Band!
Saturday night I headed out to NODA with my best friend Anna, a NODA virgin, to hit some hot spots for a little chill time and some fun. Our first stop was Amelie's Bakery for a little desert to start our evening off right. (http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com/). Amelie's is located right on North Davidson and has a wide range of delectables for all types of taste buds from tarts to puffy pastries and yummy french infused deserts. We stood for almost twenty minutes trying to make our choices. All of the baking is done on site which means top notch freshness. With two iced coffees, a pistachio tart, and chocolate layered cake we paid less than $13. You can't beat that when an iced coffee from Starbucks cost you at least $3 by itself (not knocking Starbucks, I love their coffee). The pistachio tart had a rich smooth taste and the lush warm chocolate from the cake filled our tummy's pleasantly for the beginning to a relaxed evening. Not only does Amelie's offer such tongue pleasing delights but there cozy atmosphere allows a comfy spot to enjoy some friendly banter, study time, or simply a writers haven away from home. We sat savoring our selections and chatting on the unique furnished features of the place including a truly incredible chandelier made of silver cooking utensils.
Leaving Amelie's we decided to walk the streets looking for our next stop. There is nothing like walking the streets watching street artists and viewing their work. We were lucky that David French was out creating a new masterpiece. All of his Charlotte paintings have a quirky little story attached including two about our friendly neighborhood penguin.
You can view David's art at http://davidfrenchoriginals.com/
From the heroic penguin our ears perked to the commotion across the street, playing at Salvador Deli was the Brandon McSwain Band. So we headed across the street to the outdoor patio to watch the band play. During an intermission we popped inside the deli wishing that our desert had waited. The smell of homemade bread, fresh meats, and fixin's fill your senses as soon as you come near the door. Next time I know I'm going to make sure I'm hungry enough to get something. They make their entire menu right their and not only were the smells so enticing but you'd think they'd have ritzy prices, think again. Salvador's offers a very relaxed environment show casing local artists, businesses, and of course live outdoor music for all ages since you don't have to be 21 to get in. We picked up a bottle of the chardonnay (Salvador's also has an eclectic selection of beers as well as the usuals for those of you who aren't much into wine drinking) and sat at a picnic table and kicked back listening to the tunes and enjoying the night air. Different varieties of people were there to engage with each other from local NODA residents, to upper class, to us casual gals, which gave me a welcoming feel and a since of diversity that I find lacking in several spots in Charlotte. And the band, yes the band has become another local fav band of mine offering a great combination of jazz and contemporary style music that had an energetic mix and kept the audiences focus, but don't just take my word for it check'em out online at http://www.brandonmcswainband.com/ .
NODA is one of my favorite spots to hang out in Charlotte and every time I'm in that area I meet new people, try new places and always have a great time. I suggest checking out any and everything I've mentioned and hope to all your Charlotte natives or new comers that you'll head on over and enjoy what this community has to offer.
Leaving Amelie's we decided to walk the streets looking for our next stop. There is nothing like walking the streets watching street artists and viewing their work. We were lucky that David French was out creating a new masterpiece. All of his Charlotte paintings have a quirky little story attached including two about our friendly neighborhood penguin.
You can view David's art at http://davidfrenchoriginals.com/
From the heroic penguin our ears perked to the commotion across the street, playing at Salvador Deli was the Brandon McSwain Band. So we headed across the street to the outdoor patio to watch the band play. During an intermission we popped inside the deli wishing that our desert had waited. The smell of homemade bread, fresh meats, and fixin's fill your senses as soon as you come near the door. Next time I know I'm going to make sure I'm hungry enough to get something. They make their entire menu right their and not only were the smells so enticing but you'd think they'd have ritzy prices, think again. Salvador's offers a very relaxed environment show casing local artists, businesses, and of course live outdoor music for all ages since you don't have to be 21 to get in. We picked up a bottle of the chardonnay (Salvador's also has an eclectic selection of beers as well as the usuals for those of you who aren't much into wine drinking) and sat at a picnic table and kicked back listening to the tunes and enjoying the night air. Different varieties of people were there to engage with each other from local NODA residents, to upper class, to us casual gals, which gave me a welcoming feel and a since of diversity that I find lacking in several spots in Charlotte. And the band, yes the band has become another local fav band of mine offering a great combination of jazz and contemporary style music that had an energetic mix and kept the audiences focus, but don't just take my word for it check'em out online at http://www.brandonmcswainband.com/ .
NODA is one of my favorite spots to hang out in Charlotte and every time I'm in that area I meet new people, try new places and always have a great time. I suggest checking out any and everything I've mentioned and hope to all your Charlotte natives or new comers that you'll head on over and enjoy what this community has to offer.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Trying to find a daily grind.
So you hear people say regularly that they are just dealing with the daily grind. Daily grind meaning the routines of their every day lives including mostly their occupation. Well to this lowly blogger I'm searching for my daily grind and am finding it utterly daunting. I was laid off my corporate banking job a couple months ago thinking 'hey I've got skills, I'll find a job in no time.' EHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, WRONG! I haven't had a glimpse of a real job opportunity in months and needless to say going back to being a nanny part time isn't exactly paying the bills. I've found ways of course to get by, cutting back on certain things and cutting certain things completely out. But now as of late the daily grind of constantly looking for a new job is wearing on me and makes me wonder about those who are in a far worse situation than I am. To those people who are facing real hardship on the job front I applaud the ones still fighting and holding on to try to find something. Our economy is going no where fast and I hope all of you keep holding on as am I. Everyday I might wake up discouraged but I hope that all of you try as I am to just think positive and keep looking for your place in the workforce world we are now all suffering through. A word to some of you looking that I've learned recently is to try everything possible that's related to the job industry. Don't just sign up on one job search website, sign up to all of them and apply to as many as you can. Instead of that 8 hour work day you used to have, spend that 8 hours looking for work, trying different avenues of work, and doing whatever you can to possibly learn programs that could lead you to a different career (library resources really work and hey they're free!!!) And to the corporate bastards of America, yea you greedy low lifes who would rather continue to line your deep pockets then cut back to save your companies, just wait, your time is coming. Good luck to all you looking and for those of you who have jobs remember to appreciate them no matter how sucky they could possibly be.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Makes you wonder
Sometimes there are these moments crystal clear in my mind when I know where I'm suppose to be and what I am suppose to be doing. But, then there are these moments when all the eye can see is darkness with no sign of light to guide the way....
"It's true that fresh air is good for the body but what about the soul that grows in the darkness, embossed by silvery images..." ~ Frank O'hara
This makes me wonder what truly strengthens a soul and what can truly break a soul. Makes you wonder.
"It's true that fresh air is good for the body but what about the soul that grows in the darkness, embossed by silvery images..." ~ Frank O'hara
This makes me wonder what truly strengthens a soul and what can truly break a soul. Makes you wonder.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
charlotte charity events 1
Miss Kitty checking in to promote some local charity stuff going on this month. It seems like there's always something going on that I want to get involved with or in. Sometimes the only way I can do it is spread the word but with these two events I'm not only spreading the word but going to both!! So check this out :)
This Sunday June 14th is World Blood Donor Day. I came across this event in my favorite local free mag (Skirt!) and jumped all over it. The small little quote on it explains that summer vacations often make for blood shortages at local blood banks. So I went to check out the site and found out that if only 1% more of Americans donated blood more regularly there would never be a blood shortage. This made me think of all the stories I've heard about people dying because they couldn't get a blood transfusion because there was a shortage. So I'll be making my way down to my local blood center this Sunday and challenge as many of you as possible to do the same if not this Sunday sometime within the next few weeks. Every little bit counts and I think this is a great opportunity to give to a great cause! check out the site for more information
http://www.nexcaregive.com/ and also on the site you can send for a free sample of GIVE bandages, who doesn't like free stuff!
Also Tuesday June 16th is Dine Out For Kids. This is a local Charlotte event (also heard about in Skirt!) but for those of you not in Charlotte I'd check your local communities and school systems to see if they might do something similar. This event is for communities in schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg inc. in which a portion of meals purchased at participating restaurants is donating to benefit this group. This one I also checked out the website for and found out that last year they raised 55,000!!!! Think of how many computers and books that bought for kids in need and hey if you are going out anyway why not at least pick one of the restaurants who is giving back. So check out the website! It'll give you more background info as well as the list of participating restaurants. http://www.cischarlotte.org/dineoutforkids2006_before.html
Well happy weekend all, I hope everyone has a good one and enjoys a weekend out in their communities and thinks about these great causes! Later cats ;)
This Sunday June 14th is World Blood Donor Day. I came across this event in my favorite local free mag (Skirt!) and jumped all over it. The small little quote on it explains that summer vacations often make for blood shortages at local blood banks. So I went to check out the site and found out that if only 1% more of Americans donated blood more regularly there would never be a blood shortage. This made me think of all the stories I've heard about people dying because they couldn't get a blood transfusion because there was a shortage. So I'll be making my way down to my local blood center this Sunday and challenge as many of you as possible to do the same if not this Sunday sometime within the next few weeks. Every little bit counts and I think this is a great opportunity to give to a great cause! check out the site for more information
http://www.nexcaregive.com/ and also on the site you can send for a free sample of GIVE bandages, who doesn't like free stuff!
Also Tuesday June 16th is Dine Out For Kids. This is a local Charlotte event (also heard about in Skirt!) but for those of you not in Charlotte I'd check your local communities and school systems to see if they might do something similar. This event is for communities in schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg inc. in which a portion of meals purchased at participating restaurants is donating to benefit this group. This one I also checked out the website for and found out that last year they raised 55,000!!!! Think of how many computers and books that bought for kids in need and hey if you are going out anyway why not at least pick one of the restaurants who is giving back. So check out the website! It'll give you more background info as well as the list of participating restaurants. http://www.cischarlotte.org/dineoutforkids2006_before.html
Well happy weekend all, I hope everyone has a good one and enjoys a weekend out in their communities and thinks about these great causes! Later cats ;)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
when do great minds sleep
The curious Ms. Kitty here wandering where the great minds of the world sleep, better yet when do they sleep? I mean the true great minds, the ones that take the world in, make note on it, and push for progress. The people who live driven lives by choice rather than persuasion or obligation. The people that live their lives with utter and true fulfillment just because. For example those great minds that read four newspapers or more a day, find time to work their day jobs, come home and still read for pleasure alone, and at the end of the day still write the most amazing things. Or the single mothers who work two full time jobs so their child can go to college to be better than they were and stand at the graduation smiling from ear to ear. From one end of the spectrum to the other these powerfully brilliant people seem to defy all limits in their worlds. I, a mere single childless young thing, with less to worry in the world find more often then none time without sleep. So, where do these people find it? Where do they come up with this greatness the world sometimes never sees? I tend to watch closely, to take in the amazing gifts people have for the sheer beauty of it and to learn something from it, perhaps embark on my own new idea. These beautiful gifts, the baker who owns a small shop that makes masterpieces out of simple cakes and frosting, the broke ass artist who still paints beauty over whats trendy, or the politician who's actually a straight one (not referencing to sexuality but morals) is the captain of a little league team not for votes but just because, these people are what make the world so much more amazing than plain site. At the end of the day when I contemplate the ways I want to change the world i think of these people I see and with sleep or not how even in little ways they make the world a better place. So here's to where the great minds sleep or find time to sleep. I'll be watching with interest.
The Adventures of the Curious Kitten
I wander and ponder
I watch and play
I travel with adventure and a curious eye
And wisdom ready to pounce
and as many of shades my species contain
I speak as a wise old cat on all realms I please
on politics and philsophy,
events and change,
of life and death,
of travel and mere fun
of chances and adventure is were I'll be
follow my curious wanderings as the play begins....
I watch and play
I travel with adventure and a curious eye
And wisdom ready to pounce
and as many of shades my species contain
I speak as a wise old cat on all realms I please
on politics and philsophy,
events and change,
of life and death,
of travel and mere fun
of chances and adventure is were I'll be
follow my curious wanderings as the play begins....
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)