attract the universe

Identity Crisis
Is what you begget when you try to divide and siphon off ideas or mere thoughts.  If you are creative in mind and in thinking, you have a hard time letting go of an idea once it is uncorked.

growing a personality
that is recognizable whether from a voice (on YouTube), a face (everywhere), a name synonymous with a pseudonym as I did  create called optioneerJM.  Admittedly back then, as now, I did not want to be presently known on social media that could be tracked to my personal name so I created optioneerJM.  My mind was more caught up with the best way to sell, in a consistent, smooth manner is by understanding your client or prospects needs, defined intricately with what would take them over the top if you understood their wants.  Really great ones can capitalize and categorize them so that they stand out.  

Motorcycle mind
Can be an escape from taking any responsibility for where your creativity takes you.  Once you toss it out to the universe and bother to examine if anything sticks, means that you may be avoiding critical feedback to learn from.

Scarcity of comments
belies the number of visitors that do heavenly click.  A self-critiquing perfectionist can emerge.  Not like the slow evolution of time or the long revolution around the sun.  

Empathy
is something that I was generously given as a natural skill, honed so well, like a finely carved statue or sculpture, considered a gift.

Outgoing
is what immediately would be what I would want to be identified with.  

Brave
enough to try new things.  Laughing at oneself far quicker than anyone else.

Ridicule
is a feared for sure.  Which goes in the opposite direction of the instinct of being outgoing.  Where, what may be lurking is an assault with being the subject of ridicule?

Confidence
with the belief and strong conviction that you are beyond reach of falling self esteem caused by events, outside your control like natural aging and progression in life, to things you intake as happening to you.

Recovery
speed is like the mental olympics of creative types.  Because as they become more prolific in ideas, the more muddled it can become.

Distinction
deciphered with lightening speed.  Fast computing between right and wrong, strength to avoid all that is wrong and focus on what is or can be right.

READ MORE HERE .......

from ground zero

By Anonymous
By September 2001 I was in a daze.  I had just removed myself as an identity synonymous with wife or mother.  When you're in doubting mode, the world slows down.  Too wrapped up in memeME for a change.

Mount Everest
Solitude was forced on me, not willingly sought.  Caught in any 30 somethings years old.  If you've ever read or watched anything on the topic of Mount Everest you'd know that it is very formidable and cloaked in disaster and death.  Yet any story ever told that we would unanimously agree, from all nations, from all religions, on this fact then and now we would agree that the most bravest of accomplishment from climbing and surviving crown the peak of Mount Everest and sinking a flag at its peak. 

Yet in each and every story there has always been one common denominator ::.... Can you guess what it is?  I'm being charitable by making a clue front and centre: 

Teamwork
Yeah, I know eh?  Odd, weird, even interesting.  In order for any singular one of us need others to survive.  We are not a species meant to do anything but work as part of a major team.

Watching halfway between writing and @CNN 9/11 15 years later.  We're you even aware?  At what point did you become aware is uncanny when you think about it.

Live coverage 
Forged a brave new world.  It gave new meaning to live and unedited.  I think I was presently OFF on 9/11.  It defined solitude in an extremely captivating way.

United cause
Of those who want peace over violence outnumbered by a few percentage.

We watched it live, each to their own bittersweet or horrible spectacle 9/11 became.  A flash forward by 40 years when one of the greatest Presidents the United States have ever known ::.... John F. Kennedy.  Assassinated by his own people to 40 years later it being an attack of the people.

Majority rule
Would lean in favorite of I being horrific demonic act of the violation of peace.  Because there is no world order that is policed more by the people instead of uniform.  They'd agree, no excuses or explanation nor narrative allowed.

The act of 9/11 was an act of violence against unsuspecting innocent people.  They weren't leaders, rule makers, of one particular race but separated by religion.  The VERY thing that should empower the believers of anything, not one thing.  Not divisible by anything other than right and wrong.

Anyone who is dedicated to their religion would not be told to kill or maim others is never permissible  under any laws.

One day with incredible loss have united a nation once again.  No other country in the world has had so many kicks at them (Pearl Habour, 9/11, New Orleans).

I admit that I've never really studied their civil war to gain freedom and democracy.  Perhaps sharing enough their air from osmosis dusting me with understanding a little itsy tiny bit by following the news at home and abroad.

Contrary to misperceptions, Canadians consider abroad the same for the U.S.  as anywhere else, Paris, Syria, Greece, India or you name it.

Blessings to all
I write about this to bow to the days leading up to then afterwards the tragic destruction in the form of two towers, symbolizing a very real threat to our safety and security.

If everyone could agree between right and wrong, what an amazing and remarkable place the world would be.

The Most Powerful Quotes Remembering 9/11 on the 15th Anniversary 

SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 – 2:05 PM – 0 COMMENTS

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By COMPILED AND EDITED BY SARA LUKINSON 

Firemen pay there respects at the 9/11 memorial during ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City.(John Moore/Getty Images)

Last updated September 9, 2016

On the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy, remember and reflect with these powerful quotes.

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
—President Obama in a 2011 radio address

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, in Shanksville, Pa., in 2002

“My older brother John lived [his life] in Technicolor. … When he walked in the door, the whole house lit up. And I’m sure heaven lit up when he got there too.”
—Anthoula Katsimatides at the World Trade Center site in 2005

“Five years from the date of the attack that changed our world, we’ve come back to remember the valor of those we lost—those who innocently went to work that day and the brave souls who went in after them. We have also come to be ever mindful of the courage of those who grieve for them, and the light that still lives in their hearts.”
—New York City mayor ­Rudolph Giuliani at the World Trade Center site in 2006

Photos: See Inside the Construction of One World Trade Center

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.”
—President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2008

“My father, Norberto, was a pastry chef at ­Windows on the World in Tower One. For 10 years, he made many fancy and famous ­desserts, but the sweetest dessert he made was the marble cake he made for us at home. … Whenever we parted, Poppi would say, ‘Te amo. Vaya con Dios.’ And this morning, I want to say the same thing to you, Poppi. I love you. Go with God.”
—Catherine Hernandez at the World Trade Center site in 2008

If you would like to have your own story published, anonymously, or to try your hand at blogging -- see how you like it and see if you want to spin off on your own, you can reach out and find me on LINKED IN to see what we can come up with together.  All posts are posted anonymously.  No blogs will represent violence, harm to another.  But do consider it a safe haven to express yourself.  Anonymously.  Unknown.  Unnamed.

Changing colors of autumn leaves

Listening to Adele on iTunes singing "Hello" takes me back.  The words singing in my ears with such passion.  I wonder who she was talking about when she wrote her songs.  She writes her own songs doesn't she?

I can tell it is getting close to that time when the leaves here start turning colors :: from green, to yellow with soon orange, brown  hanging on until they finally give up a drop.  I guess I'm one of those to drop.  Like a leaf, if you're an optimist.  You don't think about being the last leaf to drop.  You focus on at that moment you are hanging on.  

Some of us fight that sensation.  Of completely letting go.  Fearful, hesitant.  So afraid of what will happen, so attuned to what is going on with those around it, completely ignoring its own decline and decay.

Alas, the wise leaves before us know that the worst that can happen is you don't have a soft landing from those leading the drop before us.  You're not even thinking that far back to make yourself consumed with the hanging on.

What happens when you fall?  Well, you first discover that the fall is not as far as before and those before us have actually softened our fall.  So much that we are in a state of peace of and centered self.  

Do we listen to the sway of the falls falling before us.  Less likely because we're more engrossed in our own survival, shriveling selves that we forget the wisdom before us from others and other life experiences.  

Paranoi is another word for it.  I've developed this sense of paranoi that alarms me.  At what time do you forget things that you know and tackle new fears every day compounding.

TWEET: >>VIDEO and SONG by PITBALL (with Enrique Iglisis) "Messin Around"<<  really catchy song, my favorite right now.  #Long weekend 2016 

Here's a fun song for today.  I double dare you to NOT get up and start dancing to this song, regardless if anyone is looking at you.  Feel what YOU want to do ... NOT what others expect you to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w9dXWU5nMI

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.

In pursuit of excellence

Is the bar too high?

Do you often compare yourself to others::  beauty, looks, success, wealth, home, car, job?  Ahem, or career.

First, let me apologize because I was trying to sideswipe you to continue as if there hasn't been a few weeks since the last time I blogged.


Do we strive too far?

There comes a certain point in your life when you are at an event, more likely social, more alarming family ::.... and you just POP in your head!  Just like that with the zippy exclamation point (don't overdue it with multiples::.... that screams desperate for attention ....:: so you tend to ignore it or stop reading right there).

I found myself at my stepdaughter's wedding, as the "evil stepmother" I told everyone I was.  That was to downplay no input and my manners meter on high alert.   It became a time that because of my non role yet close observer of the past 12 years of the bride's life.

Try facing off two mother grizzly bears, it may not be pretty.  But manners prevailed and we treated each other with one acknowledgement and handshake (no hug and definitely no kiss to signify how genuine our gestures were).

Thankfully I'm no "other woman".   I came from picking up the pieces of a divorce and trying to make sure her kids were glued together.   I'm not even going to give it any respect and avoid saying that I'm the victim.  Because I was the woman in the marriage, the career magnifico, mom superior superwoman, and likely lastly wife.

At such a juncture in time and after 12 years, it would be misleading to not say that there was curiosity out there.  I mean, the "other woman" had had the chance to be involved this duo were, instead deciding to leap outta the picture to avoid the scandal that even not that many years ago would have been frowned upon.

So who was this mother and former wife?  I guess I wanted to see for myself and do what we do best we women, compare myself to this woman.  How pathetic when you think about it because I could not believe anyone would give up the chance to be married and committed to Rob for the awesome, thoughtful teddy bear he is.

I then decided to be less traditional::.... compare myself to the ex-wife, mother whom I played Head Coach for daughter ::..... most women wouldn't admit to it, be it they are the wrongee or the wrong doer, that they compare themselves to the other woman.  There are a lot of ridiculous benchmarks that just POP out there again.

• Looks
• Grooming
• Manners
• Poise
• Success
• Beauty
• Clothes
• Accessories
• Jewellery
• Shoes (did they match the purse?)
• Any scarf, nail manicure, pedicure, evidence of formal fix er up
• Body size, body shape, curvy, skinny, plump, thin
• Make up, eyebrow shape and whether it needs plucking
• Hair color, health, fried or gleaming?
• Teeth white, whitener, straightened by braces or hidden behind veneers
• Her kid(s) all of the above times however many kids
• Work, stay-at-home mom, work-at-home mom, job, status, organization

I sorta apologize ::.... I got on a roll.  But the amazing part is that we can compute all of this information and filter it all to arrive at warning: "Threat" or "Possible Aly" ..... all under a minute.  The masters can talk while taking it all in and processing it all under the world's largest microprocessor:  the woman's mind.

I started my inventory differently.  I guess I wanted to be a bit unbiased and objective when I was comparing her now husband to my husband, her ex-husband.  (Yeah, I know, talking and writing like a woman who is processing information and spewing it out faster than any satellite network (aka faster than the largest telecommunications networks data).  Amazing eh?

I have to admit, I didn't think of it until only a couple of days ago:  Sunday.  The day after the wedding.  We women like to take in information, process it, exume it, but of all store information for later use so we can pull it out and extrapolate it, examine it, research it if need be, so that we have dissected it into the smallest of topics.  Then we speak to our mother, sister, brother, aunt, father, sister's best friend, brothers girlfriend, uncle, friend, acquaintances or therapy session.

I came out the lucky one.  My husband is awesome and he loves his family immensely.  That exuded from him in fumes, so light and almost vaporless.  I won't go on the scorn at her or ask her to give her head a shake.  Her new husband is a shell and only one quarter as interesting as my husband.  And that just about covers every area you can imagine, and the one you thought it implied.

I'll have to make up for being MIA the past few weeks by writing a little be more over the coming weeks.

Be healthy, be happy, and be hypercritical ...........:: LOL, checking to see if you're still with me ............::