Yeah, I'm that girl

Yeah, I'm that girl...

who loves a good belly laugh
who's still scared of the dark
and loves to take random photographs

who's quite the late bloomer
who learned how to wear mascara in her thirties
and ride a bike at 43 no sooner

who can't go a day without appreciating
someone, something, that deserves complimenting

who is as absent-minded as it gets
can get lost in a city known or unknown
and doesn't mind losing to my kiddos - a good bet

who'd rather just go for it
who doesn't want to dance not to be seen
or shy away from singing out loud in a car or supermarket

who'll wrap her arms around just the right kinda love
who can give more than gets returned
and never forget to thank all those happy stars above

who will do in life whatever it takes
who can at once be energetic yet downright tired
and drive as far as a car can go without any brakes

who might forget a birthday but will make a mean brownie
clean house, pay the bills and fall asleep soundly

yeah, I'm that girl who is known to be quite goofy
gets dressed up to feel inside out pretty
and knows square feet aren't needed to feel fabulous or funny...

Musings and Discoveries

I was checking on the status of my upcoming fashion show on none other than Facebook, when I came across the Jacksonville Symphony's cover photo. Absolutely loved it! Although I'm not much of a purple girl, I loved the theme behind this. It made me stop and think...what would a season of me be like? I assure you plenty of music would be playing. There would be dance clubs open during the day so I could dance while the kids are in school (we had "socials" in India). My season would have an abundance of fruit and I would eat every sauteed, boiled and cooked vegetable possible...mmmmmm. I'd bike safely through parks. Take major road trips with no set destination. Fill the house with friends and family and food. Settle into the evening with a leisurely walk and end it with a movie that wasn't a blockbuster. I'd call and meet vs. text and message. I'd garden and get plenty of mosquito bites. Wave at bus drivers, construction workers and truck drivers - you know all the people that keep our world moving, yet get forgotten. I'd dip my toes in more waters and take plane flights to random places. Enjoy a cocktail at 3:00pm and a fried egg at 2:00am. And oh, I would most certainly write...poetry, on this blog, cards, letters, you name it. Yes, my season would be fun and fierce and fabulous.That's okay, right?

Then I came across this adorable quote. And it got me thinking about my birthstone, turqoiuse - I know that isn't spelled right. It's not my favorite color. I'm a green girl. But coffee has been my best friend since college. I'd drink it around 4/5pm so I could stay up just past midnight to study for school. Always the instant kind - Folgers, Maxwell House or Nescafe. Adulthood came and everyone was about cashing in their pension at Starbucks. I was a girl paying bills and saving up, so I bought one coffee, kept the cup and filled it with water subsequently...just to fit in. Oh c'mon, we've all done stuff like that! Coffee still is my best friend. I drink decaf in the morning and caffeine in the evening...it's why I can write at this hour. I love making an Indian iced version - strong and sweet. I love the sheer joy of making a hot cup when friends stop by. The simple act of adding cream and sugar is beautiful to me. And I love that coffee shops all over the world bring people together, which brings me back to my birthstone. As a Sagittarian - probably isn't spelled right either - we are all about people. So yeah, maybe the coffee bean is really my birthstone, Want to come over for a cup?

Hello life!

The fog has lifted and it's beautiful here

I'm not rushing to learn how to steer,

Someone wise said it isn't always bulletproof

This life we live, the things that happen under the roof,

And my eyes see only an open sky

That's my roof, that's no lie,

I've been watching the birds and seagulls too

Navigating the starry skies is my new hobby, who knew?

I love it here, my favorite song is playing

Every lyric reminds me of what my parents would be saying,

The breeze is balmy and I just keep on smiling

No one around, no one complaining or whining,

Rose colored glasses is what I've always worn

Mixing in my jewels and thoughts is what adorns,

My soul is not empty for so much love fills it

Even 3,000 miles away, someone writes and just gets it,

I have had those moments that bring me to my knees

I know more might be coming, but I'm holding off, yes please!

It's easy for the mind to play those tricks

Luring me to places where things are hard to fix,

I'm not letting the junk that others throw my way

Deter my path, I'm on a journey each step of each day,

And when the sun rises tomorrow, I'll hear my melody again

Surround myself with everything that this life will so beautifully lend...

Song playing in my head: Hold on when you get love. Let go when you give it, Stars

"..............."

Every now and then I love to surround myself with things said vs. things done. I heard on the radio that it's important to be a "human doing" not a "human being" but I disagree. I love being. Simply being in the moment, the stillness of time. And in that, remembering words of wisdom from those I love, look up to or simply am darn lucky to be in the presence of...

This is only a sampling of quotes through the years mind you...a book would be needed to cover it all! You just might find your initials here, so yeah, thank you...for saying what you did, for meaning it and for being part of my life.

- I have yet to see you fear anything. E.P.

- You've only one run at this life and it's too short for regrets and what ifs. D.P.B

-  I always appreciated your energy and zest for life, and glad to see you are still going strong. E.B.

- There is nothing that time can't end. M.C.

- Blood is not thicker than water. A.K.

- Being vertical is a great way to start each day. M.C.

- I don't care if you haven't done it before. Show me how you'd do it. D.S.

- Maybe it's their challenge right now, but could be their gift later in life. R.S.

- Being vulnerable is great thing. It makes you open to what's out there. P.L.

- You create your own obstacles. Don't. C.L.R

- You make life HD. E.P.

- It would be nice if you could just compartmentalize it (negativity) and not let it affect your good stuff. L.H.

- Next stop Oprah. J.C.

- Always ask. If you ask, then only can you gain knowledge. Pappa

- It's okay. Pappa (you just had to hear it the way I did)

- Just do it today, who knows what tomorrow will be like. Mummy

- If you're worried what they'll say, don't share what's important to you. Why bother having what's so special ruined with someone's frivolous opinion? Mummy

- You've got to take advantage if it, of them. Be ruthless and take advantage. My sis


And here's a few of mine...

- There's nothing wrong with thinking the grass is greener on the other side. Isn't that what makes us dare to cross the street?

- There'll be those that turn down your music. But they can't turn it down between your ears, let it play loud. 

- Speed bumps are meant to slow you down and take caution. Then push that pedal like you never have.

- Yeah, I don't know how to swim and maybe that's why I tend to drown before I surface. But at least I do surface.

- I may live my life quite often in the past and quite often in the future. But the past was an awesomely beautiful set of years and my future is my own picture window of dreams, I quite like it.

- If anyone takes the wind out of your hair, it's time to get out of the car or roll down the window.

- Let love fill your every inch of your life be it through relationships, connections, kids, friends, work...flowers, clouds, travel...because that my friend, is really passion. Passion for life. Passion for yourself. It leads you, guides you and every now and then kisses you with more than you ever imagined.