Ranting like a NINKOPHpoof

Is there such a word?
I sure think so.  Or made into one.  Why not?  If the social media universe allows me to be myself, then I can think myself, alone, in flighty thought, I will, why not give it a try?


Imagine the power
if it were to be embraced.  Others think it is a much kinder, gentler way from calling someone an asshole, or bitch, or one I’m fond of WWW for wicked witch of the west.  I live in the West.  In western Canada.  In a world caught within the western culture.  Of cowboys, of proud Indians (probably the last community to withdraw from that historical reference to the indigenous roots),  of manners, of two-stepping, of rodeos, of oil, personal pride, upstanding behavior, neighborly, dance stomping, square dancing, pancake griddle-in, beer and coffee guzzling, good-nature and optimism in ample supply kind of people live here.   

My hometown Calgary
whom I love with the same passion I had at 18 to come to the city of my own choosing to start my road on the path of education to continual knowledge improvement.  There are mostly the good things about it and the good people within it that envelopes me with a sense of contentment and a sigh.  


I love where I live but I want to vacation more
As only a Canadian could possibly know, Danish never admit, while the Swedish show aglow:  that there is a really special, peaceful, calm time when the first light of snow falls in the evening, against the backdrop of a very dark sky.  Or even sometimes more beautiful with the Northern Lights.  

I’m pretty proud of being a Canadian too.  I’m more qualified than most and I’m not boasting.  I was a miniature Canadian Ambassador starting at 8 years old.  There were no rules or any guidebooks to follow except having the proper etiquette and manners befitting royalty or a very young lady, who grew up wearing gloves and a hat every Sunday for years before that.   We moved to Germany when my father was tasked to go there to be among the airplanes for the military.  In the eyes and ears of an 8 year-old, it wasn’t any more complicated than that.


As a Canadian living overseas in those days, shortly after the man walked on the moon, for the glorious first time, holding the world captive.  Its no wonder I think that optimism can simply be a byproduct of having the right life and the right people around me.


I was very fortunate to be a tag-along-little sister to go to Holland to stay with the Dutch head of amateur hockey’s daughter.  Neither one of us speaking the other’s language, but communicating somehow.


If I was a snotty little entitled gum popping, belly flopping, outrageously rude lil gal that is suited more easily for this day, I would not have been invited, not been able to create such a memorable experience.

So I’m happy to be Canadian.  The wonder of the first sprinkle of snow softly falling, reminding us that the Holidays are around the corner:  when we see friends and relatives we have seen in ages, give gifts and be so full of wonder at a gift of any kind.  Who would trade that experience of the smell of baking floating around your house that foretells the event of Christmas, where people are sharing and caring, where families put aside their differences and any anger to be drawn together to be together to celebrate.  Of what they celebrate has certainly lost its way in recent years.  Myself not immune.  


I was asked on Quora to answer a question, or maybe I was drawn to it somehow.  All I know is I got that twitch and clicked on those keys and expressed myself, not suppressed myself.  Here is what you got to the question:

Why do Canadians say sorry so much?

Because there is one thing most, if not all, Canadians will admit: that they’re much politer to other countries than they are to each other. In fact, a new friend or a new employee may be cherished and considered more valuable than old or older ones. We are sorry we lost Carney to the U.K. but the timing was right for them with BriEX around the corner. Yes, we are known more as a giving Nation, than selfish. That isn’t what it means to say you’re sorry. We are sorry that a lot of our talent gets moved to the United States, except for a few of them like Michael Buble and Bryan Adams who remain. I’ve never heard William Shatner say “I’m sorry” about anything, least of all that he IS Canadian. As far as Justin Bieber goes, well, he should be sorry for the normal antics that your typical 22 year-old lad mischief he is going to get into, and we Canadian just wish he could be ignored, because we know its a phase that he will get through. Although, I’m not sure we’re sorry when most of those shenanigans are done offshore and away from home. Yes, we hope he’ll meet and marry a sweet Canadian girl, even French Canadian gal if it means he’ll settle down, a bit … OR a lot more!

via Blogger http://ift.tt/2gXwwmU

Ranting like a NINKOPHpoof

Is there such a word?
I sure think so.  Or made into one.  Why not?  If the social media universe allows me to be myself, then I can think myself, alone, in flighty thought, I will, why not give it a try?


Imagine the power
if it were to be embraced.  Others think it is a much kinder, gentler way from calling someone an asshole, or bitch, or one I’m fond of WWW for wicked witch of the west.  I live in the West.  In western Canada.  In a world caught within the western culture.  Of cowboys, of proud Indians (probably the last community to withdraw from that historical reference to the indigenous roots),  of manners, of two-stepping, of rodeos, of oil, personal pride, upstanding behavior, neighborly, dance stomping, square dancing, pancake griddle-in, beer and coffee guzzling, good-nature and optimism in ample supply kind of people live here.   

My hometown Calgary
whom I love with the same passion I had at 18 to come to the city of my own choosing to start my road on the path of education to continual knowledge improvement.  There are mostly the good things about it and the good people within it that envelopes me with a sense of contentment and a sigh.  


I love where I live but I want to vacation more
As only a Canadian could possibly know, Danish never admit, while the Swedish show aglow:  that there is a really special, peaceful, calm time when the first light of snow falls in the evening, against the backdrop of a very dark sky.  Or even sometimes more beautiful with the Northern Lights.  

I’m pretty proud of being a Canadian too.  I’m more qualified than most and I’m not boasting.  I was a miniature Canadian Ambassador starting at 8 years old.  There were no rules or any guidebooks to follow except having the proper etiquette and manners befitting royalty or a very young lady, who grew up wearing gloves and a hat every Sunday for years before that.   We moved to Germany when my father was tasked to go there to be among the airplanes for the military.  In the eyes and ears of an 8 year-old, it wasn’t any more complicated than that.


As a Canadian living overseas in those days, shortly after the man walked on the moon, for the glorious first time, holding the world captive.  Its no wonder I think that optimism can simply be a byproduct of having the right life and the right people around me.


I was very fortunate to be a tag-along-little sister to go to Holland to stay with the Dutch head of amateur hockey’s daughter.  Neither one of us speaking the other’s language, but communicating somehow.


If I was a snotty little entitled gum popping, belly flopping, outrageously rude lil gal that is suited more easily for this day, I would not have been invited, not been able to create such a memorable experience.

So I’m happy to be Canadian.  The wonder of the first sprinkle of snow softly falling, reminding us that the Holidays are around the corner:  when we see friends and relatives we have seen in ages, give gifts and be so full of wonder at a gift of any kind.  Who would trade that experience of the smell of baking floating around your house that foretells the event of Christmas, where people are sharing and caring, where families put aside their differences and any anger to be drawn together to be together to celebrate.  Of what they celebrate has certainly lost its way in recent years.  Myself not immune.  


I was asked on Quora to answer a question, or maybe I was drawn to it somehow.  All I know is I got that twitch and clicked on those keys and expressed myself, not suppressed myself.  Here is what you got to the question:

Why do Canadians say sorry so much?

Because there is one thing most, if not all, Canadians will admit: that they’re much politer to other countries than they are to each other. In fact, a new friend or a new employee may be cherished and considered more valuable than old or older ones. We are sorry we lost Carney to the U.K. but the timing was right for them with BriEX around the corner. Yes, we are known more as a giving Nation, than selfish. That isn’t what it means to say you’re sorry. We are sorry that a lot of our talent gets moved to the United States, except for a few of them like Michael Buble and Bryan Adams who remain. I’ve never heard William Shatner say “I’m sorry” about anything, least of all that he IS Canadian. As far as Justin Bieber goes, well, he should be sorry for the normal antics that your typical 22 year-old lad mischief he is going to get into, and we Canadian just wish he could be ignored, because we know its a phase that he will get through. Although, I’m not sure we’re sorry when most of those shenanigans are done offshore and away from home. Yes, we hope he’ll meet and marry a sweet Canadian girl, even French Canadian gal if it means he’ll settle down, a bit … OR a lot more!

via Blogger http://ift.tt/2gXwwmU

Ranting like a NINKOPHpoof

Is there such a word?
I sure think so.  Or made into one.  Why not?  If the social media universe allows me to be myself, then I can think myself, alone, in flighty thought, I will, why not give it a try?

Imagine the power
if it were to be embraced.  Others think it is a much kinder, gentler way from calling someone an asshole, or bitch, or one I'm fond of WWW for wicked witch of the west.  I live in the West.  In western Canada.  In a world caught within the western culture.  Of cowboys, of proud Indians (probably the last community to withdraw from that historical reference to the indigenous roots),  of manners, of two-stepping, of rodeos, of oil, personal pride, upstanding behavior, neighborly, dance stomping, square dancing, pancake griddle-in, beer and coffee guzzling, good-nature and optimism in ample supply kind of people live here.   

My hometown Calgary
whom I love with the same passion I had at 18 to come to the city of my own choosing to start my road on the path of education to continual knowledge improvement.  There are mostly the good things about it and the good people within it that envelopes me with a sense of contentment and a sigh.  

I love where I live but I want to vacation more
As only a Canadian could possibly know, Danish never admit, while the Swedish show aglow:  that there is a really special, peaceful, calm time when the first light of snow falls in the evening, against the backdrop of a very dark sky.  Or even sometimes more beautiful with the Northern Lights.  

I'm pretty proud of being a Canadian too.  I'm more qualified than most and I'm not boasting.  I was a miniature Canadian Ambassador starting at 8 years old.  There were no rules or any guidebooks to follow except having the proper etiquette and manners befitting royalty or a very young lady, who grew up wearing gloves and a hat every Sunday for years before that.   We moved to Germany when my father was tasked to go there to be among the airplanes for the military.  In the eyes and ears of an 8 year-old, it wasn't any more complicated than that.

As a Canadian living overseas in those days, shortly after the man walked on the moon, for the glorious first time, holding the world captive.  Its no wonder I think that optimism can simply be a byproduct of having the right life and the right people around me.

I was very fortunate to be a tag-along-little sister to go to Holland to stay with the Dutch head of amateur hockey's daughter.  Neither one of us speaking the other's language, but communicating somehow.

If I was a snotty little entitled gum popping, belly flopping, outrageously rude lil gal that is suited more easily for this day, I would not have been invited, not been able to create such a memorable experience.

So I'm happy to be Canadian.  The wonder of the first sprinkle of snow softly falling, reminding us that the Holidays are around the corner:  when we see friends and relatives we have seen in ages, give gifts and be so full of wonder at a gift of any kind.  Who would trade that experience of the smell of baking floating around your house that foretells the event of Christmas, where people are sharing and caring, where families put aside their differences and any anger to be drawn together to be together to celebrate.  Of what they celebrate has certainly lost its way in recent years.  Myself not immune.  

I was asked on Quora to answer a question, or maybe I was drawn to it somehow.  All I know is I got that twitch and clicked on those keys and expressed myself, not suppressed myself.  Here is what you got to the question:

Why do Canadians say sorry so much?

Because there is one thing most, if not all, Canadians will admit: that they’re much politer to other countries than they are to each other. In fact, a new friend or a new employee may be cherished and considered more valuable than old or older ones. We are sorry we lost Carney to the U.K. but the timing was right for them with BriEX around the corner. Yes, we are known more as a giving Nation, than selfish. That isn’t what it means to say you’re sorry. We are sorry that a lot of our talent gets moved to the United States, except for a few of them like Michael Buble and Bryan Adams who remain. I’ve never heard William Shatner say “I’m sorry” about anything, least of all that he IS Canadian. As far as Justin Bieber goes, well, he should be sorry for the normal antics that your typical 22 year-old lad mischief he is going to get into, and we Canadian just wish he could be ignored, because we know its a phase that he will get through. Although, I’m not sure we’re sorry when most of those shenanigans are done offshore and away from home. Yes, we hope he’ll meet and marry a sweet Canadian girl, even French Canadian gal if it means he’ll settle down, a bit … OR a lot more!

Creativity changes everything

There is no better way to chillax, chill out, escape than being creative.  For me, it is a way to forget about life's challenges and do something creative:  writing, painting, drawing.  Rarely is it intended for anyone else, yet I do write on a blog and share some of my own creations.

Sometimes I will write in a journal about things that are really bothering me or rehash events that didn't go according to plan.  

There is a difference to me between writing here and in my journal.  I blog to help others.  I think that perhaps if someone can relate to what I am sharing, I am helping them in some small way.  I don't think of writing online as a means of letting the world get on a bandwagon or cause.  

I'm not selling anything either.  For someone who has spent the better part of my career in sales, that is quite the step from the norm.  

Of course, there is a dream that someone will like what I write and ask to pay for a spot on my blog.  It is more likely going to happen on my optioneerJM where the advice peddled could be valued by businesses.

I've been fiddling and farting around with a website.  I've purchased a couple of domains for a year and set out to create something.  Then the anxiety and frustration sets in when the creating is a lot more work and doesn't flow the way I want to see it.  So I resort back to my friend, my blog.

A blog is a great way to experiment with messaging:  what do you want to write about.  Yet it goes a bit beyond that.  If you want it to have a high readership and eventually generate income, you have to pay attention to what people are reading.  It can be pleasantly surprising when you step outside your comfort zone and gravitate to a passion or interest.  It is rewarding when you discover that others share a similar interest.

When I started meanderingsABOUT it was because fashion, beauty and creating the right looks that are in sync with being someone older than the normal fashionista bloggers seemed to be more unusual.  While most fashion designers and boutiques are geared towards 20-somethings in size 2 they are not for 50-somethings in a size 12.

I've toyed with becoming an image creator for others wanting to go beyond the mundane, frumpy creations that department stores seem to think that anyone over 30 would like.  They get it wrong for the young-at-heart who not only take care of their bodies, but have an edge that can be explored with creating fashion looks that are not trying to disguise one's age or embarrassingly trying to look 25 years younger.

I believe that it is possible to blend the two:  embrace age with a savvy fashion sense.

I will continue to explore this avenue.  For the time being, I will continue to write with hopes that there are folks that can relate to what I am:  a fashionista fighting her 50s.

a nice reflection REFLECTION

IMAGE SOURCE << CLICK here <<
FAVIM.com is a great site to check out if you have a creative eye

The following blog was originally written and posted on my "A Commentary" blog (without the lead in image above, I added that now).  

I was reviewing what I had written and realized it is something that I usually cover in MEANDERINGSabout blog.  

Here you go loyal followers and subscribers .....

I tend to go on about stats and such on my optioneerJM blog since that is where the conversation about social media or soME seems to have some traction.  I really started out there writing about sales primarily, then shifted to include leadership and business with social media dialogue emerging frequently.

That's a tough position to be in because your golden followers, the ones who began the journey with you deserve and have earned your return loyalty and acknowledgement.  

The strange part of me is I constantly seek feedback online from trusted advisors, and I can take it.  However, if it is someone looking at me, with eye contact and giving me feedback, if it isn't filtered with empathy and professionalism, I can feel attacked.

Writing to the loyal followers is paramount to a business or a blog.  That's a mutual reward for sticking around together.  And as the object of that feedback, you take it more positively because they've grown to know you over a few years at least.  They aren't adding their own ingredients of bias into the equation.  People feel threatened if they recognize an element of your personality that they internally, personally feel that you lack.  That can make things get rubbed the wrong way.

To be told by a senior manager, that "people feel threatened by you" is something a person has to grapple with and grasp.  I don't think any one individual person consciously thinks they're a bad person.  The bad aren't even in your sphere because they know they're bad and proud of it.

Let's take how a woman dresses.  It shouldn't be a key factor in this day and age but it is.  You can be both the victim and the judge at the same time.  I am a clothes horse, even call myself a "fashionista" with the more humbling affiliation that I'm "fighting my 50s" so as to remove ego when is not there.

RELAXED to the MAX
No dress code does not mean you look like you will
 jump into bed when you get home

How a person dresses, in my opinion, reflects to the world a statement:  "this is how I feel about myself".  You can relate even better when you think about when you are sick with a cold, a nose so raw and red from blowing it.  You feel lousy and look it.  You underscore how you are feeling with a ballgown?  Hardly, more likely the biggest, loosest flannel PJ bottoms, fluffiest slippers or lumberjack grey socks and a rebel Tshirt you wouldn't be caught grocery shopping in!  That's my point.  I agree that Hollywood and movies often portray the really efficient, bitchy boss dressed in a suit with not a hair out of place, so polished and poised.

I don't intimidate people by how I act, it is their preconceived notions before I've even opened my mouth.  Which can be annoyingly long-winded.  You won't walk away without replaying it or thinking about it again.

DRESS YOUR AGE:
  This works well on the sprite that she is
 yet it would look dreadful on me:  5 ft and 55

My talkative, gregarious nature doesn't tee up with a suit.  It should be more Bohemian in style and mannerism shouldn't I?

My point today being that we should not evaluate and file anyone away or into a category based on a 5 second visual.  You are short changing yourself from what could be a great adventure, exchange of wits, a few laughs.  That is one of the main attractions of social media:  your voice is translated via keys communicating in such a way and in an acceptable manner that you listen to the person, you observe the message.  In its nakedness, you make your judgement, evaluation, and determination to join that person's ranks.  A photo or visual is after the fact.  What is appealing is that communications style that others gravitate towards while others with bias refuse to get to know them because of that first 5 seconds.  With social media, it may only be 1 or 2 seconds, but the benefits are far reaching, the risk obsolete, the ability to control (block, unfollow, ignore) your environment online is much more peaceful than anywhere else.

MY KIND OF FASHION Fall 2016

My kinda fashion for "Business Casual" or "Casual Friday" Looks.  Really comfortable with the jacket off, yet the jacket is there to ward off the chills OR attend that last minute meeting scheduled.

Although this was sourced as a PLUS fashion, the lines and curves packaged professionally is bang on with this look!  It compliments a figure with or without curves.  In either case, it is not bashful or hides the fact that you are a woman.  In fact, where it to the next All Boys meeting you attend to visually communicate that yes, you are a woman, and your ideas will add value.

Polished+Professional+Poised
Classic look, nice cut lines, tailored look.
A great look for a job interview or a performance review

If you want to add volume where others have curves
this would be a great look for someone slim or tall
I wouldn't recommend this if you're curvy
 or plus size as it will add weight where you don't want it.

BUSTED:
 The shoes say "I'm going clubbing at lunchtime"
 while the suit conveys professionalism
 They are in conflict with each other.

RESOURCES:

What to Wear to Work 2016 - Best Office Fashions, Outfits, and Clothes ...

www.harpersbazaar.com/what-to-wear-to-work/

Fashion Shoot: Fall's Best Workwear. Chic, paycheck-savvy work clothesequal smart business By Photographs by Terry Richardson; FashionEditor: Joanna ...

‎5 Chic Suit + Loafer Pairings · ‎10 Blazers to Keep Forever · ‎Office Elegant

Work Wear | InStyle.com

www.instyle.com/fashion/work-wear

You can stop wondering what to wear to work to look as stylish as you do ... Sep 22, 2016 @ 7:30 AM ... Amal Clooney Means Business in an Office-Ready Two-Piece in Germany ... This Perfect Transitional Look Will Help You Ease into Fall.

Best Work Clothes for Women 2016 - Fashionable Work Outfits - Elle

www.elle.com/fashion/g8134/work-clothes-for-women/

Jul 5, 2016 - We've covered the 30 items every woman should own by the time they're 30 years old, but this tight edit is all you need to look polished at the ...

1000+ ideas about Women Business Fashion on Pinterest | Business ...

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/women-business-fashion/

See more about Business Fashion, Business Outfits Women and Work Dresses. ... Fall Fashion 2016 Office, Fall 2016 Fashion Outfits Work,Fall 2016 Office ...

1000+ ideas about Stylish Work Outfits on Pinterest | Work Outfits ...

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/stylish-work-outfits/

Business Casual Womens Fashion Fall Work Outfits, Fall Buisness Casual, Outfits Sexy Casual, 2016 Office Fashion, Business Casual SkirtOutfits, Winter Chic .

BOHEMIAN

Boho Chic – Bohemian Style For Summer 2016 | FashionGum.com

fashiongum.com/womens-fashion/boho-chic-bohemian-style-for-summer-2015/

... time to speak about the overall boho chic bohemian style for this Summer 2016 season. ... Those of you who dislike maxi dresses will for sure like maxi skirts.

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 Trend: Bohemian Dresses ...

en.vogue.fr/fashion/fashion-inspiration/...fashion...2016...bohemian-dresses/22801

Sep 28, 2015 - Discover the bohemian, earth-mother, celestial silhouettes as seen on the ... FWPE16 Tendance mode de la Fashion Week printemps-ete 2016 ...

40 Adorable Boho Casual Outfits To Look Cool - Stylishwife

www.stylishwife.com/2014/11/adorable-boho-casual-outfits-to-look-cool.html

Apr 27, 2016 - 40 Best Fall Sweater Outfits To Try This Year - September 13, 2016 ... If you look at Bohemian casual outfits, they do fit the bill. Boho chic is ...

1000+ ideas about Bohemian Fashion on Pinterest | Free People ...

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/bohemian-fashion/

Find and save ideas about Bohemian Fashion on Pinterest, the world's ...2016 Hot Summer/^_^ Get one Ray Bans Only $9.9,Take advantage of Ray 

A REWARD
for keeping your attention
and you reading to the end

A double standard ?

The New York Times (credit)

I tend to skim across The New York Times stories that both the publishers and Google place upon my path as a customized choice of reading.  As I've meandered before, the more I click, scroll and share (retweet, share, like, comment, post, pin ...... ) the more juice I give Google and now it appears articles that are more likely to entice me to click, read more.  Very few insight me to want to comment and go even farther by blogging around it.  

Today, I did such a thing and clicked on this article tossed onto my path.  They wouldn't know that I was just hopping on for a quick look at something, and only spend five minutes at most.  

Most likely, family dynamics is top of mind with the wedding of my stepdaughter last weekend.  We talk about blended families, as if it is normal or not unusual, but until you are in the throws of unique coincidence that everything does pan out without less drama than the movie makers, writers or media want to let on.  We can have a huge event with everyone on their best behaviour and manners prevail.  What one would think should give comedic plots can actually be drama free and calm.  People relaxed, wary of the "others" but committed to keep the affair congenial so that the bride and groom are able to have a memorable occasions.

It is kinda nice that the drama is left to the screenwriters and authors to drum up in escaping for a the relief of comedy, spelled by belly jiggling laughter, and enrapture by dramatic tragedies and dysfunction of those on the screen or on the page (or screen).  

This article by The New York Times bid my read merely by its headline:  "Why Men Want to Marry Melanias and raise daughters like Ivanka".  It is an excellent read.  It is thought provoking and at its center distinguishes the traditional values so many are debating these days with all the violence and the public displays because of politics reinforced daily, if not hourly, or more, is bringing to the forefront the difference in values.  What I liked especially is how divorce, second marriages and blended families measure up with long-held marriage, defined in years, still with only one single child to be concerned with are so different.

What is the difference between a philandering man and a woman who lets her man get away with philandering I ask?  It's pretty hard to pick sides isn't it?  One isn't better than the other.

One showcases that despite the shortcomings of the parents, or father's infidelity can the kids, as byproducts, still end up firmly grounded, successful and looked up to by peers, elders alike.  I like to think my own kids demonstrate that they can actually end up as survivors and strong in their convictions and firmly planted and aligned to their own desires and goals.  It's like showing others that even if the parents' vows have been broken, the children were made and raised with love, understanding and support.

The article does have a very  interesting perspective to me personally.  I wonder how many of my followers agree?  Whether female or male, weigh in your thoughts please:  are you pro traditional values in your own home and marriages and pro climb and achievements for your daughter or daughters?  

I could blog on and on about this heavy topic that is being played out dramatically by the differences in the two campaigns:  Clinton versus Trump.  I start to meander as to whether Americans may vote according to values rather than any political rhetoric.  From the sounds of this article, Americans (Republicans or Democrats or Independents) forgive Trump's past digressions because of the great job he's done with having such awe inspiring offspring.  I'd hazard a guess, without any profound research undertaken, that children of a first marriage fair much better than the 2nd or 3rd marriages.  Tiffany Trump was merely okay comparatively speaking.  If she were a character in a book or screenplay she'd be the rebellious one who acts out her own insecurities by being louder, out there, fast lifestyle and notoriety born from being overshadowed by siblings and even parents that are amounting to some pretty hefty reputations.  To avoid pity, they take on a rock star lifestyle (that the media portrays, but not the real true lifestyle that I believe most rockstars lead:  normal, peaceful, loving lives and home that is achieved after a lot of roller coaster rides and growing up).

This article got me thinking and took a life of its own.  I wonder what others' perception of the article's accuracy is.  

No doubt, our world is evolving and our principles and values take a bumpy ride at times, for sure.