Making Moves: "Electric Lady" by Janelle Monae

2017 has been a year of 'making moves' for me. Seriously, there has been major changes on just about every front for me: mental, physical, financial, career, family.... truly change seems to be the only constant. Well....change and creativity. I swear it has been my writing and art that has gotten me through many a dark day.

My friends have also been absolute pillars of support. I want to give special shout outs to Gerry Walker, Gina Fluharty, Delilah Marvelle, Jessica Smith, Jessa Slade, Mary Buckham, EJ Russell, and the folks at The Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium  for helping me remain sane by listening to my crazy ideas / stories and for occasionally sharing tiny cakes (Clockwork Rose, Jessa, Jessie, & Delilah), words of wisdom (Gerry, Mary, & EJ), and bottles of gin (Gina, of course).

I am most thankful for my mentor, Pat Adamosky. Pat is the reason I now live in Oregon. He brought me back into the electrical industry after being gone for about a year. He has had faith in my abilities from day one and seen more talent in me than I often see in myself. Pat is the sanity check in my chaotic career and the biggest cheerleader a budding entrepreneur could ever hope for. We just had a lovely dinner at Bethany's Table and I have a ton to think about, but in Pat's words:

"It won't be easy, but we're going to have fun."

So true, my friend...so TRUE! 

Now to dust off my MBA business plan and get busy. More to come as things develop.

Peace & Love!

"Electric Lady" by Janelle Monae

I relate to Ms. Monae's music on so many levels.....from her love of dance and thick rhythms to her musical sci-fi styled storytelling.... she is the embodiment of Afrofuturism. LOVE. HER.

"Wearing tennis shoes or in flats or in stilettos, Illuminating all that she touches, eye on the sparrow, A modern day Joan of her Arc..."

Me in my old office....so glad to be outta there....

Happy: "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

Yes, it's that time of year where most of us pause to focus on friends, family, and our unique place in the world. If you are like me, you are very thankful and (dare I say it)....happy.

It seems like complaining has replaced giving thanks. Rude behavior has all but ousted civility and gentility. Sadness, loneliness, covetousness, and marveling at crisis after crisis (some tragic and unavoidable - some completely fabricated and absolutely avoidable) has taken over like a plague.

I believe with every fiber of my being that happiness is a choice. And, quite honestly, it can be the tougher road to follow - especially when you are surrounded by negativity. I choose to be happy. Instead of seeking out crisis, I choose to bask in the warm hug from a friend, sip fine wine, eat chocolate, and laugh til my sides hurts. Call me crazy all you want, but I refuse to be swept away by a tide of negative energy.

So, as we head into 2014, I challenge you (dear reader) to choose happiness, focus on your personal goals, and embrace life with an open heart and a dash of whimsy!

"Happy" by Pharrell Williams

I dare you to listen to this song and NOT smile! Even if you don't have rhythm, you can't help trying to keep time in some way while listening to this song. This song is featured on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, so 'The Minions' make a grand appearance in the video link above.

I hope that you enjoy this little bit of happiness and I hope that you and your families have a wonderful and safe holiday season. See you in the New Year!

"Clap along if you feel like HAPPINESS is the TRUTH..."

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Christmas Tag Albums for Friends: I made some of my gifts this year!