RED LIPS

Wow! Now, that is R-E-D!

This summer 2013, I am all about finding that perfect RED LIP. Summer 2013 has just been like anything that is pertinent to me, atypical. So what better way to make that bold statement than by rockin' some really RED lips. I am loving it. 

Oh and by the way, this particular lipstick has a matte finish -love, love, love it!!

Nude and beige and tan colors are fine and dandy but sometimes a nice red lip gets all the attention. And who doesn't love the attention. Ladies? Right! We all do. Nothing says come and try and get me like some pouty red, luscious and hot lips. Gotta like that!

Oh please do not think that this is so entirely out of my league. Not at all! As a matter of fact, when I was in college (at an exclusive school for girls, run by nuns nonetheless) I was notoriously known for sporting some very RED lips. I would get my stash of RED lipstick from a friend who used to travel to the USA alot. I would get one or two here and there, by the time I graduated college I have numerous empty tube of these lipsmackers. 

The rules and regulations of the college did not specify nor imply that I am headed to the hot gates of Hades by wearing some fire engine red lipstick. No siree!! The nuns tried to get me to stop using them, but that just got me determined to try even 50 shades of red. Women would come up to me and ask for not just the color but if what has the nuns have to say about my tempting bordering on sinful red lips - I say - Nothing! For I have never heard of anyone being expelled from a catholic school for adult girls who chose to wear red lipstick, so there I was. It reminds me of my better than glorious rebellious years, I guess. And the feeling and thought, invigorates me. 

Tell me NO when it comes to cosmetics and I show you how and I can do with that NO. 

I remember those lipstick as long lasting and no amount of drinking liquid, eating or kissing can erase those lipstick off. The more I tried taking them off, the more they stayed longer. At times, I thought even when I was asleep I had red lips on. Funny, but true.

When I was in college and wearing the RED LIP, my best friends in college thought, it looked good on me. Nothing was farther from the truth when it came to my two brothers. They want their girlfriends wearing them but NO, NOT me! Whoa! I said, I like it, I use it. Nuff said!!

A professor of mine once said, "Does it make you feel good that you get all that attention for mere lip color?" If he was expecting me to feel bad about such a question, I didn't. My response was I believe "Why, yes it does. It really does, thank you very much".

So there I was a freshman, first year of college and of course, everyone in school knew about me and my RED lips before the end of the first semester. Memorable. Priceless. By the rest of college, I have established myself and my RED lips in its history books. Funny how people would ask about me, not by name but by the bloody color of my lips. It would crack me up to think that lips and color, especially when it is RED can be a signature to a persona. 

I am loving the RED lipsticks and my ultimate quest for the perfect one as a way to reminisce about happy times of my life, college years. I had more fun in college than I did in high school. High school was child's play in college was when the real fun began for me. And the red lips have a big part of that.

Towards my junior years, I have seen others try to copy (imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, they say) my RED lips but some came pretty close but NAH, did I also tell you that it was not just the RED lips and the catholic school uniform that made it for me, I was also one of the first to wear the highest black high heels in that college. Talking about pushing the envelope...hahaha..

Rebellious and good times, now that is what the red lips remind me of..it did not define me, not then and obviously not now. I go through these phases like, one would like a purse. Big and tote one day, then cluth and handy the next. I love switching it up a bit here and there.

So for those looking for something "small" but BOLD to do this summer, start with the lips. I know RED lips are hot for fall and winter and more coral and pinkish for summer, but who cares, try it now. You wear the RED lips, never let it wear you, is what I say.

Well, good luck to one and all looking for just that perfect RED. The best part about looking for that one that is just right for you is you have to try loads of shades of red before you find the right one. And one tip, when you find that perfect shade make sure you buy back ups. Coz if you are anything like me, as soon as I have declared something my favorite, they discontinue it!!

So gals, keep the torch of the RED lip alive. And what better to accessorize that red lip with is with a smile and a happy thought behind that smile. Best makeup one can have in your kit!

Until next time, see you all..tomorrow is another day. We'll dig up some more goodies in my bag and see what to post tomorrow.

A year after..

It still hurts...but

A year after the most horrible year of my life, I continue to put one foot infront of the other, stride, smile, breathe.... one day at a time.

 

I have found out this last year that one goes through life trying to give meaning to living. This makes each one of us unique in the process. Somethings may mean more to one person and yet it would mean less or nothing to another. One person may value a virtue much more than another person would. And yet others, have no context to that said virtue at all.

 

We want to think that everyone that is human would act with compassion and consideration to another, but in reality, we know some people are selfish and they think only of themselves without consideration to moral consequences of their action and how it could hurt another, especially ones they love.

 

There is indeed truth to the saying, "We hurt the most the ones we love".

 

 Ironic thing about life is that it is not a science, no equations, no formulas to follow and nothing is ever constant. Life, not being a science is to me then an art. Different to each and every single one and we try to give the best personal touch as much as we can and make it as meaningful and joyful as we could as we hope to "touch" another person in our simple ways of doing things and just by being ourselves.

 

 And one's life is a process of accumulation of a special "dictionary"; a gathering of significant and meaningful words to live by, words that are particular and specific to one person's life and love.

 

We learn words so we can act on them to build good character, to ourselves and others. And until we learn what that particular word really means, we keep making the same mistake and thus in the process continue to hurt others. Our lives are interwoven. What we do, not do, what we say, not say, how we react or not react affect others, believe it or not.

 

So, here I am, a year after, though better managing the pain, the pain remains. It is not easy to undo something the likes of a broken-heart. The void is there, the pain aches on worst days and as much as I try to fill the void, the mere fact is, THERE IS, a void. It takes a long time to build trust, it only takes a second or two to put a big question mark to it. Rebuilding trust is a gargantuan task. Possible or impossible, only in time will tell.

 

Absolute trust will take a long time to comeback, I reckon. Now, I question the motive of every single person I meet. I have been very good this last year about being skeptical when people I meet say something or worse when they do something for me. This last year has brought me to a place I wished I never would've come to know...being jaded in life is never a good thing. I am having a difficult time giving it to anyone now. On bad days, I think there is no way I can get out of this rut. I am stuck and as hard as I try there is no reassuring me that there are indeed happier times to be had. I try nevertheless.

 

I get by.

 

I believe I have another year to try to get over this or else there might be the remote possibility that there is no getting over it. Misery is not a good word nor is it a good thing.

 

Past experiences shape the person I am today. Good experiences better and improve me and bad experiences change me.

 

Trying to not think about the past 350 some odd days is not an easy feat. Thinking is one thing, dealing with feelings is quite another. I could get through weeks without feeling the pain but when it comes, it comes in a crash. And I am weak, I collapse and pulverize inside.

 

I go through each day trying to make it full of positivity as I can and I do succeed most days. I relish those days. I strive for those days. I have had more good days but I have to acknowledge that there are bad days and worse days as well. Reality check can do that for you. Keeping things in perspective has helped me hold on what I know is precious and worth treasuring.

 

My present state is a testament to my resolve, though challenged to the hilt, I remain strong and positive. Let's give it another year and with R's help, maybe there will come a time when I will be reassured once again that some good times are still up ahead.

 

To those who have been through the same thing, I want to say, it is not about anybody else. It never was and will never be. It is about you. This is about me, for me! Healing is for thyself. Forgiveness is easy. People talk about it all the time. One person cannot change the balance of things in a relationship and continue to believe that things will eventually be back to normal. Whatever that word normal means. The process is hell and a bitch! To say that it is never easy, is putting it mildly. There is no set timetable when things will get better. Go at your own pace. Remember to pace yourself. I would like to give you hope that in the end, victory is attainable. To think of the alternative is depressing. If anything, we improve in the process and become the best version of ourself. And that is always a very good thing.

 

This may not be easy to comprehend at this time, but it helps me on most days to think that what gloomy times I go through, just makes me appreciate the little sunshine I get after the rainy days.

 

Smile, take a deep breathe...tomorrow, things will be better. Believe in that and wait for tomorrow to come. And if needed, do the same thing all over again, for tomorrow is another day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What women want in a man...

...wait a minute, this title can be misleading..but let us see where this takes us..

   As I was going over my list of topics to blog for the month of March, I saw an on-going list of attributes women I know say about the qualities they want in a man..or what attracted them to their husbands. Ok, let's look at this list.

 

   1) the all time favorite for single women - I want a tall, dark and handsome
        man. Honestly, these are not qualities! Adjectives, yes. Qualities, No!

   2) With a good sense of humor. Ok, I can go along with that.

   3) Understanding. Sounds like a nice quality requirement for a man to have.

   4) Intelligence. This is actually at the top of MY list.

   5) Dedicated. This response is always qualified by saying, to work and family. We know of guys

       who are dedicated to the "wrong things bordering on addiction".

   6) Passion. Again, this was at the top of MY list. Nothing says he thinks beyond himself than

       having a passion for his music (if a musician).

   7) Confidence. Shouldn't this be at the top of every woman's list? A man who is sure of himself 

      has the best accessory he can ever hope to have.
  This list as I was going down it, I thought is pure BS. Let us be honest, most single women want
   a good looking guy (arm candy, as we call them) and with money. Items one to seven are answers
   women tell me to make them seem cerebral and of quality, but I have been around a block or two
   and women when shallow never give straight answers when asked these questions.

   And the list goes on...
 

   But for me no tall, dark and handsome (or has some!) guy can ever be that desirable if he is not with good moral character. I choose good character over personality and good-looks, anyday. Hands-down.

   Now let us talk character, shall we...

 Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. - Abe Lincoln said that.  He also said, that character is like a tree and reputation is like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing.
  Remember the legendary Bruce Lee? He said knowledge gives you power, but character respect.
 I like Mark Twain's definition of character. A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.
Let's see what Albert Einstein said about the subject. Most people think that it is the intellect that makes a great scientist. They are wrong. It is character.
Mahatma Gandhi said, The real ornament of a woman is her character, her purity. (Truth!)
 The all time beautiful woman, Jacqueline Bisset said, Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful. (Gotta love a beautifu woman both inside and out!)
  Now from the class act of all class acts, Katherine Hepburn. To keep your character intact you cannot stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time.
  Thomas A. Edison, What a man's mind can create, man's character can control.
  Eleanor Roosevelt said, Only a man's character is the real criterion of worth.
  Action is character. - F.Scott Fitzgerald said that.

  As a football fan, it is always instilled in team members that team work is necessary to build character. Character in football is not how you handle failure but how you deal with success.

  You might not have heard of James Buchanan (google him!) but he stated that...Trials, temptations and disappointments all these help instead of hindrances, if we use them rightly. They not only test the fiber of character but strengthens it. Every conquering temptation represents a new find of moral energy.

  And an easy one to remember quote about character but so right on in definition is by JC Watts, Character is doing the right thing when nobody is watching.

  How about R.W. Emerson? Heard of him? He said, People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is a confession of character.

  So for me good moral character is first and foremost on what I want in a man. Enough said.

  This was fun. Have a great weekend everyone!



  

Female Pisces, I am...

   George Washington, Gloria Vandebilt, George Harrison, Sidney Poitier, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Cash, Levi Strauss, Jackie Gleason, Fats Domino and Victor Hugo, my brother.

 

   These are the people who share the same Zodiac sign as I do, Pisces.

 

   I was thinking about what can I post today and the thought of giving you glimpse of my trait and personality came to mine - so VIOLA!

 

   Let's start with Pisces, people born between the inclusive dates of Feb19 - March 20 are Pisces. The personal character I guess I can only talk about is me, a female Pisces.

 

   Let's get rockin'. So, born under the Chinese Zodiac Pisces, my ruling planet is Neptune, I myself do not really know what that means but I have read and heard about this iota of trivia and decided to include it here. Pisces is represented by two fishes swimming in opposite direction of each other. To me this means duality. My ever constant struggle of spiritual soul and wordly, physical body.

  

   I adapt easily with my environment. I can easily get tuned-in with my surroundings and that includes feelings and emotions of the people around me. I am empathetic and creative. What is not typical is that I am idealistic and can be impractical at times to everyday run of things.

 

   I am sensitive and intuitive and am never strictly by the book kinda person. When I choose a path or make a decision, most of the times I can focus on that and have been known to exclude everything else. My nature is to learn things by absorption.

    I am into style, luxury and pleasure, my worldy attributes. I am always "GO" when it comes to a new adventure. When I travel, I am open to everything.

   I have been told that I am sacrificing and compassionate, oftentimes to a fault.

   The negative things, I am never into structure or regimental on going about things. I abhor conventional wisdom. I am easily lied to because I so want to believe in people, that they good and would not hurt me. I keep the faith. I am a melancholy sort of person. I tend to be ritualistic about my exercise.

   As a Pisces ( a water sign) I am fluid, meaning ever changing.

   I love because it comes natural to me. Love is never a halfway matter to me.

   I am loyal and devoted. Over-sensitive and idealistic .I seek fulfilling and long, lasting friendship. I seek what I give in return. Mostly mysterious and elusive describes me exactly. I do not do this intentionally, it is just in my nature. I trust my gut and instincts, all the time; for it has never failed me.

    In a few words, let me say Pisces is called the most sensitive of all zodiac sign for a reason. Exactly.

    I love being a Pisces because I would not want to be anything else.

  

  

  

 

 

 

 







Ooh, la la Paris!

 

This is where R and I went. The City of Lights! Wow, there was nothing in there that I did not love..but the sights are indeed, glorious. This is my first post after looking over most of the pictures I took. There several food posts in the works. Some museum reviews and just "goofing off" posts. Silly ones...



   We approached the Tour Eiffel or Eiffel Tower from the opposite direction from the Tocadero Metro stop. We came in through the back. We saw the park benches, that is not too common coming from the Tocadero plaza. We saw it from this street. I took a quick shot of it and thought, this will be make a nice picture for the blog :-)

   R and I had a picture of the both of us under the Tour Eiffel taken by a group of three young men. It came out great, but sorry no personal pictures allowed here.

   It was freezin' cold when we visited the Tower since it was late in the afternoon and we decided not to go all the way to the top. We saw the names of what we presumed were people who helped make the tower come to be..we saw the said names on the basepoint of the tower.

   I enjoyed the visit to this romantic mecca and having R with me gave it a sweeter meaning.

   Thank you R for standing there with me.

   We even walked towards the buses and away from the actual tower to get a better picture shot of each one of us with the tower in the background. R took some pictures of me and I took some pictures of him with the tower in the back. Pretty!

   I hope one day I get to return and if weather permits, get to the very top of such a grandiose and large piece of art. I loved it! Just like anything in Paris, it will be etched in my mind and heart for the rest of my life.

   I am happy I went and experienced Paris Eiffel Tower.

   It is difficult to put the tower in to words. But just standing underneath such world recognized monument is a life experience I am not likely to forget soon or ever, at all.

 

   I dedicate this post to R. for sharing the moment with me.

   More Paris related posts to follow.

   Have a nice weekend everyone.

  

What being part of "two-gether" means to me..

   My R and I were on a trip together, or as I would spell it, "two-gether".

   I am not referring to our life-trip with each other but suitcase and airplane tickets kinda trip.

   The photo above was taken with my cellphone. I am not sure he remembers this particular shot but I decided to post it here anyway, as a gesture and testament that we are still together; and trying to travel that life-trip hand in hand or in this case, side by side, shoes by shoes.

   It is difficult to be apart from him. Recovery stands still and stagnant at times. Even worse at times, as well. Distance may make the heart grow fonder but it oftentimes the separation can leave you cold. I try my best to hold on to what really matters but to be apart from him, makes the struggle hard, lonesome and difficult to bear.
 

   I write this post hopeful as ever that in a short period of time, he and I will be next to each other again. It is difficult to forget, you see. Maybe, I just have to think forward and remind myself of that each time my heart aches and my mind plays tricks on me. It is quite a task to make sense of something that doesn't make sense.

   Oh God, I would hate to think that we are at our relationship's best when we are miles apart.
  

   The trip we took, opened my eyes to several things and what remained constant is that, I might like to think and make myself believe that I am healing, I am not. I still have my bad days and am not sure how to get past that rut!

  

   I sit here and I look at this photo as I ponder..I am grateful for the opportunity to travel with him and the chance to learn about "where I am" now - with myself and my healing process. It gets tough each passing day. I try to be cheerful and not dwell so much on negative thoughts but it will have to be the both of us two-gether that will help me get through all this "garbage".

 

   For me, as long as my heart says, I love him, I will be with him..being a part of someone means I have to face my demons and hold strong onto the years that got us to where we are now. Never giving up on what makes us both the happiest. Patience was never one of my virtues, and it is about time I start working harder on that.

 

   To me, togetherness is being there for each other during tough times and lending a hand. Good times are better times, but bad times when survived together can only makes us stronger.

 

   I am miles and miles away from him..and the miles between us compounded by time can take it's toll in any relationship. But when I hear and see his " I love you", I believe them. I do. And those words simple, gets me through most of my tougher days.

 

   I hope one day soon, a day would pass by and not a tinge of ache crosses my heart. It is never easy to heal from a broken heart..nobody had died from it, I am told, it just feels like death comes and engulfs you each time you remember and a tear trickles down your cheek. It still hurts. But as I smile and wipe that tear away, I think I am a little tougher and a little better.

 

   The trip we took, showed me how far I have gone from the horrendous point of despair and how much further I still have to go. I am ready and willing to go through the whole process not just for our relationship but also for what we have worked so hard for and fought for all these years.

 

    Two-gether means being one. The smiles, laughter and tears we experience as one. We lift each others spirit when one is down and if we must, we carry each other when one is unable to go on.

 

    Growing up is never easy. But I cannot see myself growing old without my R. It is not what happened to me that will define me, it is what I do, after I dust myself off, that will define me. Not easy but again, growing up is never easy.

    I see myself with no one else but R. He is worth the fight.
   Two-gether means, R and I. Shoes, side by side.