~Imagination~

I spend a great deal of time imagining. Being a designer for so many years, it has become almost instinctual to conceptualize combinations, consider possibilities and envision outcomes. That same instinct also bled into my filmmaking forays, constantly imagining and re-imagining how the story should play out. I feel as though my imagination is my best asset. It can take me anywhere I want to go! 

California Girl

When I was a little girl growing up in Western New York, I would spend my days playing in the woods. Staring up into the canopy of trees and dreaming about fairies ~ and thinking I wanted to be a forest fairy when I grew up!

But when I got a little older, and began watching movies, I learned there were places where it was summer all year long. So I decided that when I grew up I wanted to move to California and live in the sunshine year-round!

So after college, I set my sights on the golden state, with visions of movie stars, palms trees and sandy beaches swirling in my head! And it wasn't long before I found myself in Hollywood ~ dreaming about writing a screenplay!

Well, I finally did write a screenplay ~ but for me California life is all about the endless summer. As soon as I arrived here I felt it was home and I will always consider myself a California girl! 

Fight the good fight

Nothing of value comes easy. Confidence, self respect, friendship, love ~ all come with a price ~ and that price is hard work and struggle. Ups and downs, highs and lows, whatever it takes, struggle as hard as you can for the things you believe in.



Go out fighting!  Because those things really do matter.  In the end, when all is said and done, you are who and what you have stood for in your life.

Go get it!

The greatest lesson my dad taught me was that if you want something ~ go get it. Learn about it, ask questions, dream about it, think creatively and then find a way!
I have used this advise throughout my life. From early purchases as a teenager - saving money from babysitting, creatively finding ways to travel during college when I was broke, to eventually starting my own company. It requires focus, discipline, and determination ~ because it's never easy, but with persistence ~ comes the pay off!  So think about what you want, and then GO GET IT!

dreams . . . like wine through water

I believe that our dreams, are our true selves speaking to us through our minds, reminding us who we truly are and what is really important to our hearts.

Let your soul shine!!

Happy Monday my special blogger friends! Wishing you all a splendid week and encouraging you to let your SOUL SHINE through in everything you do!!!

Inspire your work with life's experiences

I feel like society today, imposes this belief that we should be working all the time. Always accomplishing something. Well, I feel that a well rounded life has a variety of experiences to draw upon.  Experience good food, travel, adventures with friends and quality time spent alone - reflecting or just doing your favorite things. Take time out to smell the roses ~ because work will always be there!!

birthday girl!!

June 11th is my favorite day of the year!!! (of course Christmas is a close 2nd!)

tell your story . . .

I think we all waste so much time when we are growing up ~ just trying to be someone. Attempting to emulate others to fit in or be accepted in school or a career. I think its much more important and rewarding to just celebrate who you are, your individuality and try to spend as much time doing the things you love. I think we are really here to tell our story . . . because we are the only one who can! 

blurring the lines

One of my favorite pastimes is reading. And an epic fantasy novel with memorable characters tops my list. I can get so engrossed in the story line to the point that I actually find myself thinking or dreaming about the characters long after I have put the book down. And I have to admit, in life in general ~ I find myself happiest when I am just teetering on the line between fantasy and reality!
Lately I have been lost in the lands of Westerloos, the realm of The Song of Fire and Ice, created by George R.R. Martin. Book three in the series ~ A Storm of Swords has me running with wolves and dodging treachery at every turn. 

. . . things

Some things are harder than others . . . 

A thing I didn't want to happen, was having to put my dog Hannah down four years ago. It broke my heart, but I had to accept that. 
A thing I didn't want to know, was the insidious reality of cancer, but I have had to learn about it first hand through my father's and my fiancee's experiences with it. 
And now my best friend Ashlee, who has been like a sister to me for the past six years is moving away and its really hard to let her go. 

Priorities

There are some experiences in our lifetimes ~ that cut through the BS of ordinary life like a hot knife through butter and allow you to redefine your priorities. You find that there are just a few things that are truly important to you. For me, its loving and enjoying the people in my life, my artistic endeavors and the search for truth and beauty. Basically, I like nice things and people who make me happy!

Solitude

A creation of importance can only be produced when its author isolates himself, it is a child of solitude ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Gemini's are typically social creatures. But lately I have been finding myself spending more and more time alone. It is a cycle I go through every few years when an idea I am passionate about is percolating in my head and I need quiet time to allow it to develop.

{ in the pink }

Lately I have been noticing the colors around me with a more heightened awareness. The color pink represents compassion, nurturing and love. Pink is intuitive and insightful, showing tenderness and kindness with its empathy and sensitivity. In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope. It is a positive color inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay.