Good morning!

I am getting the itch to travel; it has been awhile. Growing up in a very creative environment, I am also a lover of art in many mediums. While perusing the net, I came across this article on the FIAC art fair in Paris. Ah..the perfect combination: a beautiful city…fantastic art (not to mention fashion) …and no doubt love is a part of it too. :)

PARIS RISING: FIAC is more than an art fair – It’s An X-Ray Of Paris’ Vibrant Art Scene.

The Euro is spiking again, and so is Paris’ reputation as a crucial destination for both casual art pilgrims and serious collectors. Its pedigree as the cradle of Modern art is forever assured, but in recent years the buzz of contemporary art has been elsewhere–Berlin, London, Shanghai. However, there was evidence at last month’s 2010 FIAC (Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain) that galleries world-wide should ink the 5-day fête in their schedules. Sales were reported to be brisk at both of its venues, the pavilion in the Cour Carrée (a marvel of ad hoc architecture in the bosom of the Louvre) and the Grand Palais, an exquisite Beaux-Arts superdome built in 1900. While the Grand Palais housed the more established galleries, the young and the brave were found at the Cour Carrée. In addition, there were outdoor pieces installed along the main path of the Jardin des Tuileries. 85,000 visitors swarmed through the fair–21,000 of them art-world professionals–an 8% increase over 2009. Taking advantage of all this traffic were nearby fringe fairs like Show Off, Art Elysees, Cutlog, Slick and, at the newly designed docks adjacent to the Quai d’Austerlitz, the Chic art fair. Anybody who says there’s not much new to see in Paris hasn’t been there lately.

The consensus was that the works on display at FIAC had risen in quality and that this was the best Paris art fair in years. Collectors took the cue. David Zwirner Gallery sold all of the Adel Abdessemed pieces it brought from New York, to French, Belgian, Swiss and American buyers. Daniel Templon Gallery, based in the resurgent Marais art district, said it had their best sales at the fair in 20 years. Such was the chorus of cash registers that word soon spread of FIAC’s perfect counterpoint to London’s giant Frieze Art Fair, the week before, and October Channel-hopping will likely be de rigueur next year.

I can personally vouch for the frenzy. Trying to get into the Grand Palais one day, armed with a press pass that allowed me to squeeze past a long unruly line of jostling attendees held back by guards, some guy swatted my back in protest. Once inside, the aisles and stands were packed with art-lovers, but the vast glass-and-steel canopy of the Palais, bathing everything in Parisian light, muted the usual claustrophobia of such events. One became a contented flâneur, in the best Paris-strolling tradition.

As for trends to be seen, the conclusion of many was that art was returning to the more classical (and sellable) mediums of painting and sculpture and away from more tenuous forms. But let some of the gallerists tell you themselves about this year’s FIAC. Below are videos of eight who spoke to us on the last day of the fair–about FIAC itself, some impressions of what was being shown, Paris as a revived locus of new art, and the artists they brought with them.

I guess reading about this is as close as I’m going to get this year.

Ruth: Lucky you to be living in Paris, surrounded by all the things that I love. – Did you attend?

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

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Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

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" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

I wrote about Ayesha (Aisha)  about a month ago when her mutilated face graced the cover of Time Magazine. Now one month later Ayesha is on her way to recovery, at least physically.

‘Bibi’ Ayesha, Mutilated Afghan Woman, Receives ‘Enduring Heart Award’

After having her nose and ears cut off by her husband as a punishment handed down by Taliban elders, “Bibi” Ayesha was left for dead. The courageous young woman found her way to an American military hospital where she was treated for her wounds.

In August, Ayesha traveled to California to begin an intensive eight-month facial reconstruction.

Readers: This is definitely heading toward a happy ending, or should I say beginning (?) for Ayesha, and I am so happy for her. How could you not be? – her story was devastating. And as I’ve said before, devastating doesn’t even come close to describing this atrocity. Devastation to women happens daily; I’ve written about them here, and readers from all over the world have chimed in with their personal stories. Ayesha is only one of many.

So yes, Ayesha was a lucky one, if you can call having your ears and nose chopped off by your Husband and in-laws, and left for dead, lucky. I still can’t help but think of the many other women who suffer daily from abuse, mutilation, and slavery, not just in Afghanistan, but in Iran, Sudan, Congo, India…What about them?

What I would like to come out of this horrific story is more than just a nose job and an “Enduring Heart Award”. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for the California doctor who is graciously providing Ayesha’s reconstructive surgeries. And no doubt Ayesha deserves a reward for “enduring” such an experience, not to mention “enduring” the life she lead, before her husband pulled out a knife, first slicing off her ears, then her nose.

I don’t mean to keep driving the mutilation point home, but something has to happen to prevent this from ever happening again. As the article in my past blog write stated: This didn’t happen 10 years ago, when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan. It happened last year.

Last year. Are things getting worse for women or are we just able to access the atrocities easier because of the internet?

I try to remain HOPEful that things are getting better for women. But then I look at the huge numbers of girls who have contacted me wanting to be a girlz. It seems many are saying “Get me the fuck off of this planet. Anything is better than the life I have now. I am willing to risk dying in space for a cause, than dying at the hands of evil men.”

Do you blame them?

Comments? Thoughts? Blog this BABE. Speaking of girls…

Chin: You should be back? How about telling my readers what it was like for you out there?

Oh…and on a totally different subject….Hooray for the miners in Chile who are finally out and on their way home to their families!

Zen Lill: I don’t buy the alien bit. Aliens are such a small part of my blog. Unless one reads every day, you could miss them even being here. Wish they had a bigger presence here like they use to. Of course many peeps do read every day, but my blog is so much more than a hangout for the aliens. (Nothing against my friends the TAO – they know how I feel about them.:) Although I shouldn’t say my friends “never” talk about my blog…I do have conversations, but it is mostly me who broaches the subject. It is what it is, and I accept it. (most of the time) :P

On another note…what is going on in the zen life of Zen Lill? The universe is speaking that’s for sure. Now you just need to figure out what she’s saying. Sounds like you are in your own little random world looking for order. Good luck!  Such a bummer. I HOPE Your wallet is returned. The postal person will deliver it if the person who found it drops your wallet into a mailbox. Of course then you have to HOPE that the postal person is a decent person and delivers it to you.

Larry: That would be a kind person, and an easy thing to do, but there are many people who aren’t kind. And with identity theft raging, a wallet falling into the hands of the wrong person, would be seen as a gift from the Gods.

When I was living in LA, I mistakenly left my wallet on the hood of my car and drove away. It went flying into the street. I noticed it, so I pulled over. So did someone else. They pulled their car over at the same time as I did. I thought, “How nice; they’re going to rescue my wallet from the middle of the road and give it back to me.” Nope. They got out of their car as I was stepping out of mine, ran over to my wallet, and ran back to their car and drove away! I was shocked.

H: Cute.  :)

Anon: My pleasure. Well…give it up – what did you say to your wife in response?

Hi Helena: How are you? I just wanted to point out that you have been a loyal reader for a pretty long time now – how long has it been? I just wanted to say thanks.

And I liked the article you posted. Good observation about white women but I would like to think (and HOPE) it is changing. We are no longer in an era where women are predominantly stay-at-home housewives and mothers. And it seems that more and more younger women are either getting married later or opting out of marriage altogether.

Emily: Cute :) Nice to see you here again.

Peace out…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

“Just Noticing”…

• …that this is not the first time I have heard of someone referring to the “genius” inside of us as having one, instead of simply being one – a genius that is.

Confused at what I am saying? Let me ask a question and perhaps it will be clearer. In regards to a person that we consider a “genius”…do we consider him or her being a genius, meaning they are just naturally brilliant, or having a genius, meaning a divine magical being that would come and assist the artist with their work? Still confused?

Let me back track to something that someone once told me.  I used to work in the film industry and I had an opportunity to work with Robin Williams on a film with a very limited crew. Contrary to belief, he was a very quite man, and during our lunch break I, and a few others, had the opportunity to hang with him.

He didn’t say much and then all of a sudden an inspiration would come out of no where. Williams would say a simple sentence that made us smile and then he was off…talking slowly first…and next thing you know he was doing a full monologue at record speed and we were all falling out of our chairs. And just as quickly as he began, he would end, and it was over. Silence.  This happened quite often.

A friend of mine who was a channeler was involved with a group of mediums who studied Williams and his art. They used to joke that Williams was “channeling” when he was engaged in his comedy act. They could actually “see or feel” the spirit beings come and go. Now I think Williams is genius, so I was not sure that I believed that all he was doing was channeling, but the idea certainly was intriguing.

So this brings me back to my question:  In regards to a person that we consider a “genius”…do we consider him or her being a genius, meaning they are just naturally brilliant, or having a genius, meaning a divine magical being that would come and assist the artist with their work? Still confused?

A few days ago I was turned on to a TED Talk that Elizabeth Gilbert gave last year in regards to creativity. She speaks of the peculiar rise of her “Eat, Prey, Love” book to bestseller status and how it has affected her life. Although she doesn’t speak of channeling a genius, she believes that we aren’t being genius, but that we have one. And why she believes it’s better to have one instead of being one.

I found it interesting and wanted to share her TED Talk with you:

Readers: What do you think? Are we genius? Or do we have one? And if we do have one, and our genius isn’t producing “brilliance”,  is he/she just “lazy”, or are we the lazy ones not performing or tending to and cultivating our own natural brilliance, the genius that we are?

Thoughts? Ideas? Blog me.

Lydia: I want more. I played that quite a few times. Yummy.

Robert: How are you? As usual you are spot on.

Good observation Wayne.

Peter: My pleasure. Happy I could assist. Hafa Adai.

Anna: What’s up? haven’t heard from you in awhile. I HOPE all is well. Hafa Adai.

A Friend: Nice to hear from you again. I understand your point, but it is hard for me to see it. And I don’t mean to be insensitive to your comment. I am familiar with that feeling of intimidation myself.  And because I myself have and still do experience that feeling in certain crowds, I am pretty keen on intuitively knowing when someone doesn’t feel as confident in their surroundings, and I make it a point to create a level of comfort.

I feel that I am the same person as I have always been; just a bit more read than I used to be. I would just HOPE that you know me well enough to know that I am not a judgmental person.  I look forward to being in your company, and having a conversation with you, as light or as heavy as you chose. :)

Jock: Good observation and nicely said.

Florence: That question in regards to Obama goes through my mind ever so often. What I question even more so is “Does he even want to?” He is a man with incredible stamina, but how much can one endure and still want to go for round two?  He is for sure a man who will fight for our country, for what is best for all, because he certainly isn’t reaping many benefits himself. But it’s never been about him has it? I don’t think Obama will drop out after the first round; I think he’ll go for it and if he does, he’ll have my support. And I think if he runs again, he’ll win it.

Yeah Irene! Thank you.

Zen Lill: No mother daughter relationship is perfect. It does take patience and work, but I do feel blessed with the relationship I have. There is still time for improvement in yours. Perhaps, if you have the desire, you will find a way. :)

Suzanne: No worries. It was obviously a good one.

Wayne: lol…

Lorrie: I am moved by your words. Thank you. I am also surprised by them..by the fact that my blog has brought together so many women who were once strangers and are now deep committed friends. I love that. My blog is wonderful in that way. I take credit for starting my blog, I  am the impetus…but this thing, this blog, this genius :),  has a pulse of its own, and everyone is part of that pulse. So cool.

And your sentiments, “It can truthfully be said that your blog is the reason we are who we are. Women who have come together to help other women improve their lives’. Wow. What a proclamation. I am so proud. Not of myself but of all of you. It proves how powerful women can be (and are!), and what they can, and do do, when taking the opportunity, when in support of each other. Beautiful.

Your words are also an inspiration for me. I can visualize that my blog is the pebble in this huge ocean that continues to ripple out, indefinitely, touching people, moving people, motivating people, enlightening people….thank you. I wish the best for all you GIRLZ.

Lot of LOVE – Have a beautiful Sunday! Peace out…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

I don’t know about you, but I never put anything valuable in my luggage even if I am checking it in at the airport. I never trusted those silly little luggage locks and I never invested in better stronger locks, which I didn’t think would ever prevent anyone from stealing from me if they really wanted to.  To me any lock would be too easy to break in to and I didn’t want to chance it. I always felt that my valuables were best with me, in my possession, on the plane.

However many people think that if they have invested in sturdy luggage and a set of good locks, their valuables in their luggage are safe. Sorry, those things will not prevent someone from getting in and stealing your goods. In fact, many people have had things missing from their baggage, even when they received them at the arrival port UNOPENED and UNTOUCHED. How could that happen?

This video shows how locked luggage is opened at the airport without your knowledge. This is why you should never put anything of value in your checked baggage!

Readers: Now think of this in your hotel room! How many of us lock things in our suitcases when we leave the room? Don’t do it.

**********

Beau: My pleasure. It has certainly inspired insightful comments. And thanks for the compliment. Authenticity you will certainly get here. I HOPE you’ll stick around. :)

Robert: I pride myself on being a pretty logical person. I so enjoy learning and seeing from a different viewpoint. As always you bring something different to the table, and you inspire one to think, so thank you.

As I read your comments, you articulate yourself so clearly that it makes what you say seem very obvious as you spell it out with your fine and logical examples. And actually when one thinks about it, it is pretty obvious. And your assessment of the word “Integrity” is right on.

The definition is too broad and  vague when it speaks of morals, where morals are not defined in the definition of the word. The meaning is subjective, because morals are subjective.  Am I being clear here?

Perhaps the word integrity needs to be defined according to the culture it is used in. Not sure if I agree with my previous statement…just talking out loud.  But what I do agree with is that the word is really not definable as it is presently defined. Does that make sense?

On another note, I have been guilty of deciding whether a person has integrity based on my own principles and morals of what I feel is “right” and “good” for all. And I base my morals on the behaviors of people (including myself)  that allow all people to “live and let live”.

So I don’t care whether in some cultures a person who beats a woman in public for violation of his religious dress code could be considered as having integrity. In my opinion, his so-called integrity is interfering in the well-being and livelihood of a woman. So yes, the word, in how it is defined today, the man beating the woman could have integrity, in his country, according to his rules. But does that make his actions “right” and “good”? Perhaps in his country, yes. But in my eyes, no, never. But I totally get your point as it is valid one, and one that Gereshk have pointed out, men use to justify their actions.

As I write this morning my mind is whirling…I believe I lacked the true understanding of the word integrity when I have used it in the past. And I now understand that it is difficult to use the word integrity because it is so subjective. I feel as if I am going around and around with a meaningless word. How enlightening!

Perhaps, it is not the lack of integrity that is being revealed in our society but the influx of “hypocrisy” revealed: The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.

Whew…that subject was challenging to articulate so I HOPE I  am understood, and it was more than just ramble. I am just trying to say it in my own words, inspired by yours, by writing it out, as I think it out. I am a visual person, so seeing the words as I write them here and as I say them to myself, helps me understand. I feel I am doing it for my benefit more than anyone else’s. :) I think I’ll end it there.

Peter: I Know you have a busy life but how about going just to check it out, so you can report your findings to us. Hafa Adai.

Gloria: It’s all about the varying definitions of morals because an individual’s morals are defined based on what an individual feels is “right” or “wrong”, “good” or “bad”, etc. Morals are subjective. Therefore the meaning of “integrity” is not defined. Oh…dont get me going again. Please Robert, you say it best.

Anonymous: I am a different person on my blog than I am in my daily life. Who can keep this up 24/7? But I have had friends say that my writing is very different than my chat.  I also used to be a person who couldn’t articulate very well what I was feeling and thinking. That has changed. You would know that if you decided to have a chat with me. And if you feel that you can’t bring whatever up in a mixed crowd, pull me aside or give me a call. I’d be happy to chat with you about anything.

As far as me going through a mid-life crisis – that’s funny. No, no mid-life crisis here. I won’t say that these past few years haven’t been the most challenging in my life, but they have also been the most eye opening. PS: I have no idea who you are, but I wish I did. Call me.

Peace & Love: “Live it, Give it”

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

We went to the movies last night with Elliot and Tracey.  We saw “Eat, Poop, Sleep”…I mean, “Eat, Lay, Poop, Pray”. No, no that wasn’t it…It was called “Eat, Pray, Love”. Yeah, that’s it. :) ( T & E: That joke was a nod to you both:)

What can I say, I loved it. The reviews haven’t been so good, but I still loved it. I read the book years ago when it first came out, and I devoured every page as fast as I could, only stopping to savor the sensual sensory scenes, of which there are quite a few. I happily ate it for days, and felt bittersweet and full when I finished.

It is based on a true life story of Elizabeth Gilbert, a writer, who has a cathartic moment crying on her bathroom floor, realizing that she doesn’t want to have children or be married anymore. It is a moment that so many who have read her book can connect with, relate to, in some aspect of their lives. When we are wanting to drop everything and leave our familiarities and comfort zone behind, risking everything in search for self-discovery, our meaning, our joy, our passion.

Many people just dream about it….Liz Gilbert did it. Gilbert left for a year long trip to Italy, India and Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery. During her trip to Bali she pursued two healers, a medicine man Ketut Liyar, and Wayan, a traditional Balinese healer, to talk of her “relationship”.

I want to honor her today as a “Wonderful Woman Of The World”, because her story, her book has had a huge impact on the people that have read it. Enough to have her as a guest on Oprah’s show three times because her story has resonated with so many. Pretty amazing. Women, and possibly men, who have read her write, have been so inspired, that they too decided that they too had the courage to risk everything, to find their appetite for life again. How cool is that?

The interesting thing about Gilbert’s story is that not only has she inspired others to risk everything for change, but even more interesting is the fact that quite a few not only left their comfort zone but followed Gilbert’s path. Literally. Women too have left on their own journey to Bali in pursuit of these two healers Ketut and Wayan, hoping that they too could be told hints of their life’s purpose…their destiny.

In fact, one of my most fave clients Lise, who after reading “Eat, Pray, Love”, left with her husband on a journey to Bali for a month, and part of her purpose was to find these two healers that she had read about. Two years later after her visit with Ketut who spoke two words to Lise, “Make pretty”, and experiencing Wayan’s “treatment”, and much hard work and research, her beauty company Mubeauty was launched. I have not bought Lise’s daily moisturizing complex (yet!), Muface, but when I was working with her during a style session she put the oil mixture on my face, and I really loved how it made my face feel! Yummy smell and my face felt as smooth as silk. And of course I loved that it was all natural. (Disclamier: No I am not getting any kickbacks from Mubeauty.)

Anyway, rarely when I read a book does the movie hold its own. I thought this movie did. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it. Here’s the trailer to whet your appetite…for love, for food, for peace of mind, for travel…for HOPE…

Readers: Well… what do you think? Blog me.

*********

Robert: Who are you? And I ask the question with respect and admiration. You seem to be a man in the know…one who is privy to info…one who has lots of time..Nope no…I take that back.  One who dedicates time and is persistent in finding the truth. Thank you for sharing so much good info on my blog. You push me to want to know more. Have you ever thought of starting your own blog? You would certainly have a following. But hey, I don’t want to encourage you too much – I’d hate to lose your input here. :)

I am running late this morning…Big day, big plans. Got to run…but first I must say…

…to all of my Burning Man friends, and new friends that I will miss meeting this time around, and especially Neal, Forrest, Ellen, Justyna, and John: “Sandman” and I couldn’t make it this year…but we’re thinking of you and wishing you a beautiful burn tonight! Neal, I will especially miss riding on the back of your turtle, and dancing to the Space Cowboys. John, love the photos you took of me awhile back, but really miss how much fun we had. I saw some of your photos from this year’s BM set up – awesome! Looking forward to next year in the desert, so I can be your subject again when I am in my most fave and free element! Wish we were there with all of you….be safe and burn on… xoxo~ “Cactus Flower”

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

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