[Weekly Dose of Wisdom] Bring the Rain

December 1, 2014December 2, 2014Leave a comment

Thanks to the rain – gloomy, grey mornings have never felt so welcomed and wonderful. This drought that we’ve been wilting away under has been unbearably hot and dry, not to mention inexorably long lasting. On the positive side, it’s made me research desert landscaping and ways that we as Californians can translate permaculture into our everyday lives – but rain, I can love on that wet, slippery stuff all day long. So much so, in fact, that I wanted to share my favorite quotes about the rain. Enjoy!

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom] Three Cheers for Good Health

November 12, 2014Leave a comment

It’s the time of the season – it’s time for pumpkin spice everything and holiday decorations, high school reunions and winter colds. Being sick for the last few weeks has put me in such a funk, so getting some perspective is absolutely clutch. Time and time again, we – yes, that’s right – you and me – take our everyday good health for granted. Deep breaths of fresh air, long walks on dimly lit evenings, early mornings running errands to catch the first streaks of sunlight; each and every one of those seems so distant when your health is in jeopardy. While I was busy coughing up my lungs last week, this week I’m valuing each sip of air like it’s champagne and drinking up life like it can get me drunk. Not that we all need to get sick to form an appreciation for not just the simple, everyday things (like health and time) that we take for granted – but it definitely gives you ample time to reflect, even if it does form a stagnant writers block on your creativity.

Here are a few of those mantras that kept me pushing through to the other side.

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom] Dedicated to Oscar de la Renta

October 21, 2014October 21, 2014Leave a comment

Though I’m not the biggest into fashion, I can almost guarantee that every woman in this country – if not the world – has had at least fleeting dreams of walking down a red carpet donning an Oscar de la Renta gown. How do I know this? Because I most definitely have and I’m far from what I’d consider “girly”. When I found out last night that he’d passed away it got me thinking of the photo shoots I’d done in the past, and his exquisite, elegant and feminine sense of beauty, style and grace. I wanted to pay homage with a few quotes of his that really resonate with me – as well as some of my favorite dresses of his. We’re missing a fashion icon on Earth, but I promise that Heaven has never looked so stunning.

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom] Get Your Zen On

September 22, 2014Leave a comment

Even though the month is only halfway through – to say that it’s been a long, or emotionally charged last few weeks would be an enormous understatement. The good news, is that every situation provides a catalyst for change provided we’re honest with ourselves about our intentions, both past, present and future. Over the last few years, I’ve found myself more and more enthralled and in touch with my spirituality – and since I was never raised within the construct of organized religion, I’ve been coveting the small moments that I feel truly connected and at one with the universe surrounding me, as well as within me.

A lot of thanks is due to Depak Chopra; it’s not that I know the man personally (though, I’d love to sit down with him and pick his brain), but through his website he offers a free, 21-day guided meditation course – often topical, with focuses on personal intentions, love, etc. Though it’s only for a few minutes a day, it provides a wonderful jumping off point for anyone unfamiliar with meditation. The first time I completed a course was two years ago when I ventured off to Arkansas for a work trip, and ever since – I’ve noticed a wonderful, peaceful shift in the way I approach the world in times of chaos, as well as times of calmness. Sometimes, when I meditate on my own – I use a little literary inspiration; here’s a collection of my favorite quotes on seeking peace, finding tranquility and establishing your internal equilibrium.

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom]

August 24, 2014August 24, 2014Leave a comment

Life’s been so hectic lately that fortunately, or unfortunately – depending on your frame of reference, I’ve had way too many other preoccupations or priorities that I’ve placed before this. Between my “real” job at Walt Disney Studios that allows me to pursue my passion for music at The DJ List, my cats and now my fiancé – I’ve barely had time for any of my hobbies lately, from reading to beading, making pickles and infusing olive oils – everything’s been a little put on hold but I’m slowly getting back into the grove of things. Starting with some sprinklings of knowledge fresh for the new week; xo!

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom] Tarantino Style

May 8, 2014May 9, 2014Leave a comment

When the weekend rolls around after an exceptionally long week – one of my favorite downtime activities is NetFlix bingeing. Truth be told, it’s one of the only types of bingeing I actually suggest – but cuddle binges, kitty binges, nature binges and festival binges are pretty excellent as well. Whenever we roll over to a new month, I always take to the site to check out the latest and greatest in movie releases and updates – and low and behold, the first thing I see when I login is Kill Bill v1 -then Kill Bill v2 – and Pulp Fiction…and I had to start giggling. I’m such a Tarantino fangirl and they have everything he’s ever put his awesomely creative brain towards as director, producer, writer, cinematographer, actor and more. All Tarantino have a few commonalities: an epic cast – and quite often the use of recurring actors, a uniquely beautiful way of blending the score into the movie, and last but definitely not least mindblowing script. For the last week, I’ve been getting a daily dose of incredible dialogue and witty banter that I’ve been itching to share. Without further ado, my favorite words of wisdom from Tarantino – enjoy!

“If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions.”

“Fuck pride. Pride only hurts, it never helps.”

―Pulp Fiction

“They say the number one killer of old people is retirement. People got a job to do, they tend to live a little bit longer so they can do it. I’ve always figured that warriors and their enemies share the same relationship. So, now that you’re not gonna have to face your enemy no more on the battlefield, which “R” you filled with? Relief … or regret?”

–Kill Bill Vol2

“Are you going to bark all day, little doggy? Or are you gonna bite?”

“Eddie, if you keep talkin’ like a bitch, I’m gonna slap you like a bitch.”

–Reservoir Dogs

“You can’t trust Melanie but you can trust Melanie to be Melanie.”

“What the fuck happened to you, man? Shit, your ass used to be beautiful!”

– Jackie Brown

“Gentlemen, you had my curiosity – but now you have my attention.”

–Django Unchained

Do you have a favorite Tarantino movie? How about a favorite quote? Share yours in the comments below!

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom]

April 28, 2014May 2, 2014Leave a comment

Usually for my doses of wisdom, I try to craft visual quotes out of my miniature weekly epiphanies and ah-ha! moments. However, for the past week I’ve been collecting more than I’ve been creating, and I’ve found some great tidbits to share. (plus one or two of my own, just because I love it 😉 )