Climbing Mountains

Last week, the weather here in GA was absolutely perfect, so I finally convinced my aunt to climb Stone Mountain.  She's been living in GA for 4 years and she shamefully lives 10 minutes from the park.   Stone Mountain is one of the world's largest piece of exposed quartz monzonite. (Many people say that it's granite, but it's actually quartz monzonite... just a useful factoid.)  The walk up trail to the top of the mountain is mile long; but add 786 feet in elevation and exposed boulders and rocks to climb, and it will be a work out for your ass... literally!

Last year, I climbed it at least twice a week and discovered a new found hobby... Geocaching.  Basically, treasure hunting for sport.  I found an official monarch butterfly coin, for which you can track online.  The owner of the coin wants it to travel far, so I'm planning to take it to Kuwait and find a geocache there to send it on it's way.  If you you're a person who like to hike, walk, or bike outdoors, I definitely recommend this sport to break up the monotony.  There are over a million geocaches hidden all over the world!

So, as my aunt and I were walking (and taking breaks) and walking.  I found myself giving her words of encouragement.  Partly because I didn't feel like walking back to my car half way up the bitch  (I don't like quitting.) and mostly because I think people should cheer on and encourage people who are doing things for the first time and feeling intimidated or unsure of themselves.  I mean, have you ever had someone invite you to do something that they were clearly great at, but you had never tried before?  And then they embarrassed you or belittled you as they actually competed with you to make themselves feel better!  Or what about those haters that never get off their own asses, but criticize you for trying something new?  I can't be alone in this observation...  talk about the things that tick me off ... Anyway, on to my story.  My aunt is a pretty spiritual person, so when I noticed that she was settling her tushy a little too long on a boulder, I shared with her something that gets me to the top when I'm feeling tired or lazy on my hike.  I leave something on the mountain.  Something that I need to lose and don't want to bring back with me.  Sometimes it's a pound or two, but pretty much every time I climb Stone Mountain, I give it my anger, my confusion, my resentment, my fear of something, etc.  That day, I told her that I was leaving my procrastination because lately I had been starting projects all over the house and making lists that I never crossed off.  Pretty much not getting a damn thing done.  After the pep talk, my aunt got a spark underfoot and was hitting the steeper peaks like a veteran hiker.  Around the last 50 yards or so, it gets pretty steep and to keep my pace (and my peace)  I start giving the mountain what ever I intend to leave behind, so I left her to make it on her own.  I quietly told her that this is the point where everybody has to climb their own mountain and that she could make it to the top on her own.  I waited, I watched and I cheered as she made it to the top.  I never asked her what she had left behind.  I was just proud that she did.

Spring Cleaning

For some reason on another spring is the beginning of my new year.  Perhaps it's because it's my birthday month or because it's precisely the time of year that the purple redbud trees in Georgia are the first colorful trees to wake up from their winter slumber.   Arguably, the massive white dogwood trees also let you know that spring has arrived, but color overall makes me feel alive.  


This is the month that I'm busy clearing the cobwebs from my garage and the cobwebs from my head.  I live by essential oils and aromatherapy.  Last week, while doing a few eyelash extension services, I concocted a cobweb clearing solution for the mind by adding 7 drops of Lavender oil, 3 drops of Clary Sage and 1 drop of Peppermint oil to my table top waterfall.   It's also a great recipe to add to an oil burner.  What a mood lifter!  Try it and let me know what you think.  I love new essential oil recipes and welcome any other creations.


Spring is also the time that I prune my trees and shrubs, dig in the dirt and am forced to tackle the weeds.   I'm an avid gardener.  Recently, I discovered that life is much like gardening.  In order for your life to flourish, you have to treat the weeds.  Sometimes pulling them up and out helps, but when the repeat offenders invade your space, hit them with a more permanent solution... and be done with them.  Digging up weeds is a great way to relieve stress and metaphorically get rid of the energy that you may have absorbed from an aggravating person or people in your life.   Be vigilant and don't be fooled.  There are all types of weeds out there.  Some have roots that run very deep and wide and will suck the life out of anything in the vicinity.  Then there's the chummy kind, that look pretty; masquerading as a delicate flower. And  need I remind you of the crabby kind that need no introduction because they always pop up smack dab in your face with their openly, rude intrusions?  Arm yourselves, and get ready this season.  Be ready and recognize the type of pesky weed you have in your zone.  I don't do weeds and neither should you.


My last and most fun spring ritual to do is to take my ivy, sedum or houseplant cuttings and honor them in a quirky resolutions pot.  Write down everything you want to change, or anything you want in the year to come.  Get a thin, permanent marker or paint and write every last word around the pot until there's no space left.  Get creative!   I paint clay pots over the winter and decorate them with crystals and bling and write things like:  Laughing really, really hard * Healthy Friends * Divine Presence* Room Service* Having My Prayers Answered* Perfect Timing* Watching Sunsets* A Trip to Venice* Letting Go Gracefully Without Regrets* Smiling Inside... These are a few actual things on my pots.  The nice thing is, as you water your new plant or cutting, you are metaphorically caring for your hopes and dreams.  I trust that if you do this, everything you write will come to fruition.  As my plants perk up, I will post some pictures for more ideas.  Until then, happy spring cleaning!

Happy Birthday Mom

Rushed; hurried; engaged; the day unnoticed

I marked it with an X without even seeing

I think I feel something familiar

In the middle of my being.

Wrapping thoughts around myself,

I forgot about that other pain...

The frustration of not hearing your laughter,

Or to hear you call my name.

March 23rd:  The day you called out to the world.

October 8th:  The day you reached out to God.

March 23rd:  The day you called out to me.

I think I feel something familiar.

Buckets of love flooding,

Flowing; thoughts of your embrace

Remembering the last kiss upon your face.

I think I feel something familiar...

Love

Never

Dies

Happy Me

I'm in a bit of denial when it comes to aging so when I turned 37 on the 12th, I honestly forgot how old I was. About ten years ago I vowed to be 25 years old for the next 5 years. Oh well, I might as well keep the lie consistent and be 30 for the next decade. I think I look good for my age and I feel like I'm still in my 20's anyway. My hubby bought me some new Coach sandals and a purse. When they came in the mail I wanted to tear those red bows off and revel in my new treasures but I emailed him instead. About four hours later he Skyped me and I was able to let him see me open my gifts in utter glee. Later, my aunt took me to lunch and then off to the jewelry store for two Chamilia beads. (I'm such a Chamilia whore.) I have almost every color. My gift to myself was a trip to the lady doc for blood work to test if I have plenty of eggs. I want to be a mama soon. I hope to get good news in a week.

Highs and Lows

So it's been a minute since I checked in...  I've been working nonstop (BIG problem to have... I should have reasons to complain about this more and more)  I worked on an indie film and a beauty makeover show.  High and low points?  Highs:  Being paid early and meeting and working with very talented and fun people.  Lows: An annoying crew member on the film set that CONSTANTLY had plumbers butt.  I mean, seriously, did he not feel the air up his crack every time he bent down?  And he bent down a lot...Jeez. Other than the mother of all ass cracks I've had a very busy and fun few weeks.

Lately, Kuwait has been on my mind.  I should know within two weeks when my hubby and I will be together in Kuwait.  Corporate bureaucracy... blah blah blah.  I've been shopping for less sexy American gear for my desert adventures.  Booooooooooo!  I wish I could just be me to the 100% when it comes to my wardrobe, but alas, I get enough attention as it is.  I could just see me with my hands on my hips shaking my finger at some ogling Kuwaiti man.  I hear the men stare a lot at pretty Western women.  I mean, I'm not trying to sound conceited or anything but men from my side of town don't hide the fact that they're checking you out... Gets on my nerves a lot.  I think it's just the way that they look at me... sometimes dudes grunt like they're actually having an orgasm. I mean damn, man, my pants aren't that tight.  Some men should get a clue and learn to check out women sneakily and secretly like most women do.  It would sure make me feel less violated.  Catch me on a bad day and look at my ass too long and you might get the cuss out.  On a good day, I'd smile and coyly make you feel like a piece of shit with a quick witted comment.  I'm just saying.

 I've been in a weird mood lately.  Too many people have been trying to give me their opinion about what I should do with my life... And I didn't ask for the opinion.  Can't stand people like that.  I'm getting negative.  It's time to focus on the good. I feel like I'm standing at a fork in the road.  One path leads to "What Other People Say", another is stamped with a sign leading to the town of  "A Painful Past" and the other Says "Do You".

 Just gonna live life and do me.   I seek peace and a happy family.  I will create one with my husband. I am grateful that I have a supportive, loving and generous husband that would give me the last beat of his heart if he could.  I am blessed with friends that will hold my hand and walk over fire with me if they had to.  I have every single thing that I need to live a comfortable life and opportunities that arise to bring me the things that I want.  Overall, I would say that I'm pretty fucking happy.

Consulting With Your Stylist

As I've said before I'm a hair and makeup artist.  A professional working in film and television for over 10 years.  I've styled celebrities, presidents, news anchors and everyday women.

Business women, stay at home moms, divas with nothing to do except to look fabulous... The average women are my favorite types of clients because I truly enjoy the transformation process.  I take pleasure in bringing out the very best look buried beneath the surface.  And feel a sense of purpose when that woman learns to keep it up.  With that being said, lately I've been bothered by those kitchen beauticians and salon horror stories that sound much like this:  "I told her/him to take an inch, but look how short she/he cut my hair!"  "This is not the color I asked for!"  "I can't believe he/she charged me for this sh@!"  "My hair fell out after she/he gave me extensions!"  "I look terrible!".

I could go on and on about the rantings of unsatisfied customers but the one thing that rings true to every good style gone bad is that "they didn't listen."  Granted, there are terrible stylists out there masquerading as professionals, but most good styles gone wrong are due to poor communication... on both the stylist and the clients part!  So before trying out a new stylist or salon let me give you a few tips on how to consult with a stylist.

Your stylist should ask you questions pertaining to your service.  I will use hair extensions as an example.
Let's say you have shoulder length hair and you want long flowing locks instead.

1.  Before moving on any further, Why do you want them?  Is your hair thinning?  Do you want fullness all over, or only in the back?  It is important for you to explain to your stylist why you want them.  Do you want to secretly be a temptress with sexy flowing hair? Do you have a professional career and want just a little extra length?  Be sure to tell your stylist if you want layers, or volume or a sleek funky hair cut afterwards.  Don't be afraid to tell your stylist a little (or a lot) about your personality.  Bringing a picture is always a good idea as well.

2.  What type of hair are you adding?  Straight hair?  Curly hair?  Straight hair that waves when wet?  The texture of the hair greatly matters when deciding on which hair installation service you want.  Be sure that you choose a texture that greatly matches your own, especially take notice of how it reacts when wet.  Does it match your texture when wet?  When it dries?  If not, you will have to give it extra care and groom and maintain it daily.  Which brings us to...

3.  How well can you manage the hair once installed?  Can you use a curling iron, flat iron or blow dryer well?  The quality of the hair you purchase is the most important thing.  I prefer to use the highest quality hair.  Virgin hair, which means that it's hair that has never been chemically processed.  Or Remy hair, which is virgin hair that has been altered chemically with color or permanents.  If you buy cheap hair, know that its flowing shiny luster will not last long and you will be required to use heat and/or styling products every day to keep your hair looking nice.  If you know that you don't like to use products and curling irons or rollers everyday, then buy hair more suited to your own styling experience.  You like bone straight hair?  Then don't but wavy, you will have to flat iron it after it's washed.  You like long curly hair?  Then buy mousse and conditioner or it will look like a dry mess after a while.  You get what you pay for.

4. Do you want a more permanent lengthening or do you plan to take them out everyday? There are several ways to add length to your hair.  A quick and convenient way is to use clip-in hair extensions.  You may purchase prepackaged clip-ins. They usually come in 5-8 pieces with wefts varying from 2-8 inches in width.  Or your stylist can customize clip-ins for you incorportating highlights and show you how to install them yourself.

5.  Bonded/Glue-  This is a quick and  temporary extension method to add streaks of color or volume and length lasting up to 2 weeks. A special adhesive is used sparingly on the wefts of extension hair and bonded close to the scalp.  To prevent damage to your hair always use the special adhesive remover when taking them out.  I also highly recommend using a hot oil hair treatment after removing this type of extension.

6.  Weaving or Sew-ins-  A hair weave is sewn in a clients own hair that is braided down into cornrows on her scalp.  A large curved or straight needle and thread is used to sew wefts of hair for the desired look.  It takes from 2-4 hours.

7. Hot Fusion -  This method of extensions is achieved with a tool similar to a hot glue gun using colored adhesive sticks depending on the color of the clients hair.  Hair is separated into tiny sections and the extension is installed strand by strand like tiny micro braids. This process is the most expensive as it gives the client the most versatility in shampooing and styling and it's very time consuming.  It takes from 5-15 hours.  The adhesive  should be removed by your stylist to prevent any hair damage.

8. Cold Fusion/ Micro-Links -  This is my favorite type of extension to perform on any client. The method contains no heat and no adhesive.  Using a copper tube and hook, the client's hair and extension strand are pulled through and clamped together flat.  The results are long lasting.  (8-12 weeks)  Depending on fullness desired it can take from 3-8 hours.  Your stylist can remove them with a plier type tool that reverses the flatness of each copper tube.

All extensions do not cause hair damage.  Styling has risk, as long as you hire a stylist that is experienced and trained and you follow the home care instructions; you should have no hair damage.   Although I used hair extensions as an example, most of this example can be used for getting other services as well.  Remember, the more detailed the information you give and the questions YOU ask your stylist, the better your overall experience will be.

Butterfly Philosophy 102

  Life  is like a train ride.  

Some people come on board and then get off at the next stop to connect with other trains.  Newcomers emerge and go further along for the ride, but later may decide to get off.  You might let some of these passengers get back on your train later along the line.  Others, you may never see again.

    

Some people ride on your train and their baggage is so heavy that you have to pull up at the next stop and let them off.   

 

   

 And then there are those rare crazies that you have to seal the doors shut and tell em, "Not on my watch!"

 But once in a while you have to squish those crazy bitches on the tracks and keep it moving.     
  

I prefer to have passengers that will ride with me all the way to the end of the line.