Happy New Year!

There was a time when I'd blog about my year in review. And make plans for the next year. And all kinds of shit. 

Let me just wish you all a safe, happy and healthy New Year. I hope 2014 brings you everything you ever wanted and more. 

This Morning's Song...

New Song...

Blasting this one while I clean. 

I could lift you up

I could show you what you wanna see

And take you where you wanna be

You could be my luck

Even if the sky is falling down

I know that we'll be safe and sound

We're safe and sound

I could fill your cup

You know my river won't evaporate

This world we still appreciate

You could be my luck

Even in a hurricane of frowns

I know that we'll be safe and sound

Safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Hold your ground

We're safe and sound

Safe and sound

I could show you love

In a tidal wave of mystery

You'll still be standing next to me

You could be my luck

Even if we're six feet underground

I know that we'll be safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Safe and sound

Safe and sound

Hold your ground

Safe and sound

I could lift you up

I could show you what you wanna see

And take you where you wanna be

You could be my luck

Even if the sky is falling down

I know that we'll be safe and sound

I could lift you up

I could show you what you wanna see

And take you where you wanna be

You could be my luck

Even if the sky is falling down

I know that we'll be safe and sound

We're safe and sound

We're safe and sound

We're safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Hold your ground

We're safe and sound

Safe and sound

We're safe and sound

Here is one more before I go lay down...

Whistling Dixie

Best scrub ever. Buy. Love. Enjoy. 

Thank me later. 

1:35 AM and here I am....

Here's something from my dresser. 

:) It's kinda cute.  It's 1:35 AM and I'm about to lay in bed and watch some Warehouse 13. Haven't seen it?  You should. Kinda cool show with nice little historical stories built it. 

Beyonce

So seriously. She released this ridiculous new album that I'm completely in love with. 

If you haven't heard it - what rock are you living under? 

Aaaaand. If you have, what's your favorite track?  I have two. Grown Woman and Partition. 

Here's a peak of Partition for your enjoyment. 

http://youtu.be/PC39a2VDjEs

B

Real Advice.... 12:57 AM

Now this is true good advice. :)

I've decided to be productive with my insomnia. So I'll keep this blog kind of up to date. Or something. 

Xoxo

B

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Wrapping presents for Christmass. 

Lots of love and good wishes to you and yours. 

It's 3:20 AM. Do you know where your drinks are?

3:41 AM

Post run. Admiring my new Sephora bag.  This is my night.  

37 Things You'll Regret When You're Older

I am guilty of almost every single thing on this list. Almost. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/37-things-youll-regret-when-youre-old?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=buzzfeed&s=mobile

Andrew Belle - All Those Pretty Lights

The wind blows through your hair

As you're walking people stare

Up the block and down the street to North King's highway

And there's a beating in my chest

And it's seeming to suggest

That before this day is through it might go my way

And so I sit back in my seat

I scribble down something that's sweet about a boy

A girl

An endless stretch of scenery

'Cause it's like falling to your knees before a stranger on the street

I did it just the other day

You should have seen me

Oh

And I wanna remember this night

And how my words never came out right

It's just my patience that keeps me alive

Just like all those pretty lights

Just like all the pretty lights in the sky

There's something to be said about the colors in your head

And how they mix to form the perfect shade of sadness

Not because of things I've done or any of the songs I've sung

It's just the story of our lives

We wish we had this

Oh

And I wanna remember this night

And how my words never came out right

It's just my patience that keeps me alive

Just like all those pretty lights

Just like all the pretty lights in the sky

And I remember we stayed up way past your bedtime

Up on the second floor

Down by my sliding door

Just innocent kids in a victimless crime

Trapped in a metaphor

Hoping for something more

And I wanna remember this night

And how my words never came out right

It's just my patience that keeps me alive

Oh

Just like all those pretty lights

Just like all the pretty lights in the sky

Oh

And I wanna remember this night

And how my words never came out right

It's just my patience that keeps me alive

Oh

Just like all those pretty lights

Just like all the pretty lights in the sky

In the sky

Just like all those pretty lights

Just like all the pretty lights in the sky

In the sky

Just like all those pretty lights

Just like all the pretty lights in the sky

It's 3:30 AM

On repeat tonight...

Justin Timberlake - Mirrors 

Aren't you somethin' to admire?

'Cause your shine is somethin' like a mirror

And I can't help but notice

You reflect in this heart of mine

If you ever feel alone and

The glare makes me hard to find

Just know that I'm always

Parallel on the other side

'Cause with your hand in my hand and a pocket full of soul

I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go

Just put your hand on the glass

I'll be tryin' to pull you through

You just gotta be strong

'Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold

Show me how to fight for now

And I'll tell you, baby, it was easy

Comin' back here to you once I figured it out

You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me

I couldn't get any bigger

With anyone else beside of me

And now it's clear as this promise

That we're making two reflections into one

'Cause it's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

Aren't you somethin', an original

'Cause it doesn't seem merely a sample

And I can't help but stare, 'cause

I see truth somewhere in your eyes

I can't ever change without you

You reflect me, I love that about you

And if I could, I would look at us all the time

'Cause with your hand in my hand and a pocket full of soul

I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go

Just put your hand on the glass

I'll be tryin' to pull you through

You just gotta be strong

'Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold

Show me how to fight for now

And I'll tell you, baby, it was easy

Comin' back here to you once I figured it out

You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me

I couldn't get any bigger

With anyone else beside of me

And now it's clear as this promise

That we're making two reflections into one

'Cause it's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

Yesterday is history

Tomorrow's a mystery

I can see you lookin' back at me

Keep your eyes on me

Baby, keep your eyes on me

'Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold

Show me how to fight for now (please show me, baby)

I'll tell you, baby, it was easy

Comin' back here to you once I figured it out

You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me

I couldn't get any bigger

With anyone else beside of me

And now it's clear as this promise

That we're making two reflections into one

'Cause it's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

You are, you are the love of my life [x10]

Now you're the inspiration for this precious song

And I just wanna see your face light up since you put me on

So now I say goodbye to the old me, it's already gone

And I can't wait wait wait wait wait to get you home

Just to let you know, you are

You are, you are the love of my life [x8]

Girl you're my reflection, all I see is you

My reflection, in everything I do

You're my reflection and all I see is you

My reflection, in everything I do

You are, you are the love of my life [x16]

December 1st

Dear November,

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I have a severe hatred for the month of November. 

Four years ago today, my dad died for the first time. Oddly enough, you can read that story on this blog. 

And every year since, we've celebrated his Live-aversary. I buy a cake and we celebrate. 

Except, there's no dad this year. Or cake. Or miracle to talk about. There's not much of anything. 

I haven't logged into SL in so long that I'm homeless now. Which is weird. My sis, Nina, lets me squat at her place. Which isn't so bad - I must be the best guest ever. I show up once every three months or so. 

Anyway. It's just a rambling post. Mostly because my mood matches the weather here in New York. It's rainy and dreary. And several shades of November sad. 

But. Thanksgiving is in two days. I'm cooking. And lots of people are worse off in life than I am. So I'll stop my bitching. 

Love you guys lots. Miss you all. Happy thanksgiving to everyone. 

X

Passenger: Let Her Go..

Well.  I'm a huge fan of haunting lyrics.

Well, you only need the light when it's burning low,
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow,
Only know you love her when you let her go.

Only know you've been high when your'e feeling low,
Only hate the road when you're missing home.
Only know you love her when you let her go,
And you let her go.

Staring at the bottom of your glass
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
But dreams come slow and they go so fast

You see her when you close your eyes
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Everything you touch surely dies

But you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go

Staring at the ceiling in the dark
Same old empty feeling in your heart
'Cause love comes slow and it goes so fast

Well you see her when you fall asleep
But never to touch and never to keep
'Cause you loved her too much and you dived too deep

Well you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go
And you let her go
Ooooh ooooh ooooh

And you let her go
Ooooh ooooh ooooh

Well you let her go

'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go

'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missing home
Only know you love her when you let her go

And you let her go

Goodnight My Sweet Love

It's with the heaviest of hearts that I let you all know that my dad passed away on Thursday.  He has been very sick for the last two months and in and out of the hospital. His liver was compromised by the cancer, and failed him. 

I don't even have words to convey how heartbroken I am. I miss him so very much every minute of every day.  He was the most amazing father I could have ever asked for. He was kind, generous, sweet, funny and loving. 

I wish him nothing but peace and love and light.  And if he can, I hope he watches over me from above as he always did in life. 

A lot of you have been on this long journey with myself and my dad - and you all know it was a hard one. But we were blessed with three more years than we expected.  I can't thank you all enough for your love and support over these last few years - you'll never know how much it truly meant to me. 

Thank you. 

This was the last sunrise we watched together from his hospital bed.  It seemed so beautiful at the time - and now, it is even more beautiful to me because I'll never be able to do this again with him. 

Cheryl

I Am An Ally

An Old Porch...

Sometimes, it's best to sit on an old porch and be reminded of who you are and where you're going. 

Good friends always do that. 

Funny how some porches never change. 

This Week's Lipstick Obsession

NARS - Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Damned

Makes me feel like A character in True Blood. :)

Happy Sunday!

Summer Body? Try Every Day Body...

Since I pulled the tendons in my feet, running won't be an option for a little while. So I joined the gym to hit the ski machine, bike and weights.

I have to say, I did kinda miss the gym. Now I go at about 9 every night...so it's not terribly crowded. Maybe it's the change in routine I like too.

So, my friends..I encourage you to live healthy. Eat right and work out. If you smoke, maybe you should consider quitting...cut back on the booze. Add some years back onto your life.

Hope all is well with you all. Lots of love and light to you and yours.

A Little Inspiration for the Ladies....

Truth

Some Saturday truth for you.

Well...

Some good advice.

Another day of deliciousness... :)

Enjoy!

A Little Morning Love...

Enjoy!!!

Boston

At some point, I'll be able to collect my thoughts appropriately.

Right now is not that time.

I'll leave you with this.

It's reflected on the wall of BAM in NY tonight for those struggling with today's events.

Even through the hatred and evil, you will always see light. Watch the videos and you'll see people running towards the devastation trying to help. Even when humanity shows it's worst, there is always good - and that good is always more than the bad.

Sunday Love

I'm kind of MIA.

But! I'm always sending lots of love and light to my friends in SL.

Have a great week. :) here's something yum for you.

Vulnerability

Someone very close to me sent this to me....

I think it's a good thing to share.

http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

You Know You Love Fashion...

I love fashion blog browsing - especially for my fave shows and celebrities.

I fell into this blog recently and...I'm so in love.  Just the right amount of fashionista mixed with fangirl mixed with snark.

http://www.youknowyoulovefashion.com/

Hope you enjoy! 



Bliss

Truth from Kids...

Ha!

Happy Rez Day to Me!!

Five years? Six? I have no idea.

Got this email and it reminded me. :)

So....happy Rez day to me. Cheers to all the great jokes, parties, music, loves and fun I've had over the years. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Love...

Sometimes you can get so overwhelmed by the negative things in life that you forget love is everywhere. It doesn't have to be romantic - love comes in all forms. I've always loved this quote from Love, Actually. It sums it all up perfectly. Don't believe me? Search the hashtag LOVE on Instagram. Love is universal - the pictures will come from all over the world. :) Love is everywhere. From families to friends to lovers. Soak it in and enjoy it.

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.



XOXO,

Bliss

Picture from http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/093/1/5/Love_is_Everywhere_by_Chanti_mei.jpg

Happy Hump Day

Life is short. Say and do what's right and important now...not later.

Advice that's easier to give than take some days. :)

World Cancer Day!

It's World Cancer Day! Go to http://t.co/iL9kISBV to get an #istandupfor placard in your native language and join the movement.


B

Your Valentine's Day Shopping Guide..

Well, Valentine's Day is once again rolling around.  Please, don't get caught with your pants down (gift-wise, not literally).  Here are some great gift suggestions for you:

For Him:

Candy Heart Boxer Shorts from J. Crew

Do I need to tell you why?  SO CUTE.

For Her:

Copper Heart Double Album

Fill it with pictures..and memories..and it's the most perfect gift ever.  :)  Trust me.

There's more to come.  :)  Happy love day.



Bliss

Stuck in My Head..

Love!!


Bliss

Public School and the Arts

In RL I have the distinct pleasure of working with artists, artist foundations and not-for-profits of all types.

An friend of mine told me that he knew he'd be a sculptor after he took an art class in junior high school and his art teacher encouraged him to continue outside of his classroom.  Because of that, every year he rents out space at an old elementary school and allows up and coming young artists to display their work.  The profit for all sold artwork gets donated back to his old junior high school.  

Just as an aside, let me just say that the one thing that I've grown to love about artists is that for the most part, despite the stereotypes, they're extremely well rounded individuals.  I would even take it so far as to say that some of them are brilliant in their own way.  They're not solely focused on the arts - they're often very politically involved and charity and awareness advocates.  Their spirit of giving back is ridiculously amazing.

Being a child of public school myself, I can see his loyalty.  For many kids public school is the main and sometimes only source of the arts brought into their life.  I grew up in an impoverished neighborhood in Brooklyn, and I know first-hand that access to music education and art classes aren't widely available.  Let's be honest.  You're either running with the gangs are hiding at home to avoid the gangs.

I was incredibly lucky to have amazing teachers in public school that encouraged my creative writing and also provided me information for after-school creative writing groups and classes.  I consider myself to be blessed, and I know that having writing in my life has made me a somewhat more rounded person in life.

This month's Concerned Blogger's topic is the arts.  How does one become a well-rounded person, and does the arts play a key role?

According to the Morrison Institute, 95% percent of Americans believe that music is a key-component in a child’s well-rounded education.  And according to American for the Arts, young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours, three days a week for a year are: 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools, and 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair.

DoSomething.Org says that students who participate in arts programs are at least three times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, elected to class office within their schools, participate in a math and science fair, win an award for school attendance and win an award for writing an essay or poem. 

I could sit here and cut and paste more facts, but the reality is that I know how important having the arts is for public schools.  And funding is being cut like crazy.  And where does that leave our future generations?  Imagine a school with no art, no music, no writing, no plays, and no outlet for creative kids.  

What's that old saying?  Idle hands are the Devil's tools.

And believe me, in the impoverished neighborhoods of America, the idle hands are a danger to everyone.  The youth are plagued with drugs dealers, drug users, dropouts, teen pregnancy, gang violence and worse.  

Don't believe me?  DoSomething.Org says that only 33% of students take music classes. Out of 160 middle schools in Brooklyn, 26% of schools don't even offer music education.

Let's make arts in education a priority.  Let's save the future.   We can work with Americans for the Arts and help bring the arts to areas that are needed.

Otherwise we might be left with....

Was this coherent?  Let me say it flat out - get involved in your neighborhood and let's save the arts for public schools.

WOOHOO!  I should have just started with that, no?  :)

XOXO,
Bliss

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association. If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

 

Happy Birthday, Dolly!

Little known secret, but I love Dolly Parton!

:)  Just sharing a little quote from one of my fave ladies.

Happy birthday, Miss Dolly!



Bliss

Life Lessons..

I love this..

XOXO,
B

Greetings from 30,000 Feet...

...or however high up I may be.

I'm presently on a flight from NYC to Miami heading to a four day cruise to the Bahamas.

Just a little sunny break during this cold, cold winter.

Wishing you all a great weekend filled with lots of love and light.

B