It is a damp, cold, rainy, yucky day out. We are prepped for several more days of this. Spring? It's on hiatus.

Being kind will make the sun metaphorically shine. We need that after the. longest. winter. ever.

Do something kind today. 

For yourself or someone else.

xo

The perfect jazz piece for a day like today.
Nine minutes to take you away.

http://youtu.be/YuLlC0HVyh8

It is back to real life after a truly marvelous weekend in Bolton Landing, Lake George, surrounded by the company of special women. To have the opportunity to share in a space that is glorious is a gift in itself. To break bread, drink wine, salute the sun, hike, and play Apples to Apples was exactly what the doctor ordered after something like seven weeks without a real day off.

A little irony. I ordered the game Cards Against Humanity including the four additional decks, to take for the weekend. The tracking email said it would be here Thursday. Friday morning I was wondering where on earth it was. I clicked on the link; it was delivered on Monday. Hmmm. I called the post office and yes, they show it delivered. It wasn't here. The post master told me it was the third package that wasn't where it was supposed to be after it was delivered on Monday. It was too late to do anything about it, but I did have a little giggle at the fact that THAT GAME was quite obviously stolen off my stoop. I filed a police report on Sunday evening, Amazon refunded my money, and I will reorder and have it shipped to the salon.

So, Apples to Apples it was, and a grand time was had by all.

"Country air" allows your dreams to rise to the surface and peek out a little to nudge you into what's next.

While at the salon yesterday I went whole hog into what Kathy and I should do next. It is a big dream and one my mother told me to just settle down with for a little while. OKAY. Fine. Be that way.

Does anyone have a couple of hundred thousand of dollars they want to invest? Just wondering...

Keep dreaming people. Just. Keep. Dreaming.

It'll do you good.

xo

I'm livin' in a dream world...

http://youtu.be/DOqvoa67XB8

Do you see that? ^^

I will see it tomorrow and Sunday morning when I wake up.

I am out of here for a weekend of wine, food, song, relaxing, and joy in the company of terrific women.

It's Friday. I am actually not at the salon. I just finished payroll and am off to run a couple of more errands.

At 4:30, imagine my friend Melissa and I as a Thelma and Louise (who live) hightailing it up the NYS Thruway.

Oh, trust me, there WILL be dancing.

I can't believe I never played this on a Friday. You lucky ducks, today's the day!

xo

PS - I never saw the video for this until this minute. It is quite hilarious!

Party rock is in the house tonight
Everybody just have a good time
And we gonna make you lose your mind
Everybody just have a good good good time

http://youtu.be/KQ6zr6kCPj8

Last night I started to write a "How To" manual for the front desk of the salon.

I will never be able to cut hair, color hair or even blow dry hair, but I can write easy to understand cheat sheets like nobody's business.

I need music when I am doing this kind of work. I am sick to death of my own iTunes library, so it was obviously time to use Pandora.

I clicked on "Maggie's Favorites" and had a musical party at my desk.

This particular station is very eclectic. It runs the gamut of musical genres like The Grateful Dead, Mary Chapin Carpenter, show tunes, instrumentals, classical, hip hop, jazz, Ray LaMontagne, Joshua Radin, Beyonce, whatever I thumbs up or add.

So, it is always a surprise when I turn it on because I never know what will show up. 

You may recall last years "Ode to Dave Matthews." It began on June 30 and ended on July 7. My friend Candace felt I needed to expand my Dave repertoire to more than three songs.

It was a fun challenge; I loved it. 

Last night, THIS song came on. What? A new Dave song? And of course, I truly enjoyed this song.

Unbeknownst to Pandora, I am spending my weekend with Candace. Coincidence? HA! Cheers, Can!

xo

Together share this smile 
Each other's tears to cry

http://youtu.be/bUajikwzzmY

I didn't use to believe in angels. It was woo-woo talk. Then, a few decided to make themselves known to me and I knew it was rather pointless to deny their existence. And then, another woo-wooer was born. Me.

I know you've heard of the Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo. John Edward? James Van Praagh? There are a lot of Psychic Mediums doing great work all over the country and often it is very hard to get to one of their events - especially the very famous mediums. 

But you want to. I know it.

On SUNDAY you can! Plus, you will be helping to raise money for Relay for Life Yorktown at the same time. It's more than you can stand, isn't it?

Please RSVP as soon as you can - details below.

Today, my dear friend Rosie's mom, Carmen Salas begins her first round of chemo for breast cancer in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Send out all the love you can to Carmen today, would you please?

Rosie herself has MS and could probably use a little boost of energy as well, so, while you're thinking of Carmen, add a little extra love for Rosie Salas too!

For an Amy & Jake Update, check out Amy's blog HERE.

Emma Update - Emma has been transferred to Blythedale Children's Hospital, in Valhalla, NY, a place I know and love, as of last night. She has limited movement on her left side. Yesterday, she was able to move her left arm a little, however, her leg still has no movement. She wants to walk. She wants to move. And she misses her service dog, King, something fierce. Let's do what we can to make magic happen for Emma!

And that wraps up our Wednesday.

xo

Love, it can weather any storm
Bring you back to being born again
oh, it's a helping hand when you need it most
A lighthouse shinning on the coast
That never goes dim

http://youtu.be/aBlKYBZIviA

Last night I got home and there was a message on my phone. It was a voice from my Stampin' Up! past. A woman who had SU! parties in Yorktown Heights a few times a year.

She was going through her scrapbook room and came upon some projects we created in 2004. She started to wonder if I was still stamping. And she said THIS:

TEN years later!

THAT. THAT is the reason I cut seven billion pieces of paper, and ribbon, and threaded buttons and had four of everything. Because I loved doing what I was doing. I loved the interaction with people. I loved hearing peoples stories.

I still do.

Hence, TGHR.

Hence Backstage Salon.

Hence, THIS blog.

Creativity is not limited to paper, stamps, ink, glitter or adhesive. Creativity has no limits at all, and by creating, you are inspiring. We all inspire each other in one way or another. Live it. Own it. Love it.

xo

PS - Thanks Ivonne for the awesome message. As you can tell, it made my night!

THIS will get your creative juices flowing!

http://youtu.be/sf6LD2B_kDQ

It takes work to become who you want to be. The work isn't always easy. God knows it ain't pretty.

It usually requires a fair amount of self reflection and courage to make the changes that will allow you to be your own true self.

I have read a zillion different times to do something every day that scares you.

Sometimes just opening your eyes and starting your day can be scary! Sometimes it can be exhilarating. Sometimes it can be the same old same old - the hamster wheel of last week.

And sometimes, you finally allow the new door to open, you throw away your fear, and you go forth with wild abandon!

Here's to being yourself.

In whatever form it is currently residing in you.

xo

I have loved this song for SO many years.

Since there are absolutely no coincidences in life, after a day of running around, this was the last song that played in my car before I got out.

How appropriate that it's called "All Of Me."

http://youtu.be/9fAZIQ-vpdw

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Me, I celebrate the basket.

When the kids were little the bunny left swim suits, goggles, new towels and an obscene amount of candy. There were eggs filled with change hidden throughout the house. There was one giant egg filled with a $5.00 bill - THAT egg was ALWAYS on the chair of the recipient so there would be fairness all around.

This morning there is a little bit of candy - the requisite bunny and carrot, as well as cash wrapped around jelly beans in one giant egg and cash wrapped around whopper eggs in another giant egg. Money trumps chocolate.

We are heading to Jane's for a day of fun. Annemarie and some part of her gang will be there.

I was quite excited to see a pic on FB last night taken by my wise, eldest niece with her sister - that means she's in town!

Jane's home is quite festive but even on her most festive day I don't think we're going to see a set up like this. 

Seriously, even I, at my most Martha, never attempted something quite so elaborate.

To all who celebrate Passover - THIS is for you courtesy of buzzfeed.

I would like to use this space to send my darling friend, Jen Clark, all the positive energies we can collectively gather.

Jen is in Montreal at a body building competition that begins in a few hours. She has worked long and hard to get herself to this point in her career. Her body fat is currently less than mine was at birth. She has remained remarkably chipper for someone who is eating bird food.

As far as I am concerned, she IS a pro. Today, she wants to get the card to prove it to the rest of the world.

Let's do what we can, shall we?

Alex Boyé is back again, this time with "Happy."
Since it's a HAPPY kind of Sunday, I thought I'd share!

http://youtu.be/2VfWB3_VzcY

The week is winding down and we are heading into our days of rest. For some, rest never comes easily. For me, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I could teach a class on how to relax.

The content on the blog this week ran the gamut of emotions and feelings. All in all I would still consider it an A+ week.

Turn up your speakers, turn on the disco ball (did you know we have one in the salon?!), and get ready to dance.

May your super powers have boogie fever and may your day be as fabulous as a Friday can be.

xo

My friend Ellen, who is always one of the first to like something on FB from TGHR, to share a picture or post, to write reviews for the classes she's taken, has asked for some healing light for her friend Steve. He is a young dad of three who is now battling lymphoma, a disease that was in remission. He is one of Ellen's triathlon friends and as dear to her as a brother. Please send all you've got to Steve in New City, New York.

JAKE UPDATE
From Amy yesterday:
Just finished at Riley. On the scan Jake has a new spot by his brain stem. They do not think it is a tumor. They think it is from radiation. Praise God the spot we went in to check on has completely disappeared! The new spot appears to be like that one was. We see the radiation doctor in Bloomington on Monday to follow up and discuss scans further. Thank you for the prayers. We could feel them today. We go back in 8 weeks to do it all again
Prayers that this new spot will miraculously disappear as the other did!

It's like thunder, lightning, the way you love me is frightening
You better knock, knock on wood, baby, baby

http://youtu.be/i071rR_W6MM

When I went back to Purchase College in 2012, I was incredibly fortunate to take a class with Melissa Febos. Melissa made me sit up and take notice when writing. She helped me hone research writing skills which in turn helped me with this genre.

When she was discussing writing her memoir she said her first draft was just for her. She advised us we couldn't worry about who it would affect, who it would hurt, what the repercussions of the story might be.

She advised us to put the "mom goggles" away until the second draft.

On THAT draft, you go through it and edit with the goggles on. Will this story horrify my mother? Will this part of the memoir hurt more than it will help? Is it necessary to have this detail in order to tell the story or is it filler that can be eliminated?

By the third draft, you slash and burn whatever isn't relevant.

Writing is a pretty solitary experience. As a result, when I write, I write for ME. However, I always use Melissa's editing guidance even with something as small as a blog.

My name isn't famous. Brené Brown, Glennon Doyle Melton, Cheryl Strayed or Katrina Kenison ~ they are household names. Well, at least to me.

The comments section here remains a cricket field for the most part. The FB comments are pretty quiet although the likes may be higher than usual. My work isn't often shared. 

When a post like yesterday's, about being stuck on the hamster wheel of life, strikes a chord, I am humbled. I am reminded that perhaps in my own small way I am making a difference by sharing my everyday observations and experiences.

I am reminded to breathe.

To take a moment.

We are all living life to the best of our abilities. We all have untold stories. We are all on the freaking wheel sometimes.

Stuck.

Waiting for the "right time" to make a change so we can get off the wheel.

Together we will live life to it's fullest, trip, fall down, run on the wheel, love, and of course, breathe.

xo

Look around and chose your own ground
For long you live and high you fly
And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry
And all you touch and all you see
Is all your life will ever be

http://youtu.be/2d2RLI9Wal0

Have you ever been stuck?

Emotionally? Mentally? Physically? Spiritually? Nutritionally? 

Yes to all of the above?

Moving on is H-A-R-D. Turning the page is sometimes godawful difficult. Closing the book is damn near impossible.

I have a magnet that looks like it is loudly telling me to "Snap Out Of It!"

OH, so much easier said than done.

Alas, this isn't a post with a "How To" guide attached to it. I haven't figured it all out either. It's a reminder that we're human and sometimes, oftentimes, we get stuck.

Today, I've decided I am OK with being stuck in whatever mode I am stuck in. Eventually I will get out of my own way and move ahead. I might need a good, swift kick in the ass to do so, but I will move on.

There I go
Turn the page

http://youtu.be/3khH9ih2XJg

Bella has had quite the past few days! 

• The prom on Friday night. 
  
• The sleepover with very little sleep post prom. 
  
• Lacrosse practice at 8:15 on Saturday morning. 
  
• A trip to Six Flags with a group of kids after LAX practice thanks to a fabulous mom, Marla and her sisters as chaperones. 
  
• Home at 10:15. 
  
• In bed by 10:25. 
  
• Lacrosse Car Wash from 12-4 on Sunday. 
  
• Going to see the movie, "Divergent" in the evening. 
  
• Lacrosse game on Monday at 11:00. 
  
• Running down to the salon with me. 
  
• Stopping at the doctors. 
  
• Diagnosed with bronchitis. 
  
• Going with some friends to the Peekskill Coffee House. 
  
• Me, dropping her off the first two pills from the Z-pack.
  
• Bed at a quasi reasonable hour last night.
• On her way to LAX practice as I type.

It's a wonder she is even vertical at all!

Having watched how proms unfold here, it is not a boyfriend-girlfriend event. It is a "let's go with a friend" event - even if you don't know the new friend very well.

Bella's date was Dan. The rest of the pics are of some of her other friends. Ryan, since before they were both born. Jake, since the middle school years when they both kept Skype up all the time and it was the norm to hear me or Jen, Jake's mom, "yelling" to get their attention, and Luca, her friend from HS who she banters back and forth with every day.

EMMA UPDATE
This in from Jeanine last night after I asked how Emma's day went yesterday:
It went well. Doctors are happy. Sleeping now but they want her out of bed tomorrow. I just want to see her smiling face up and walking.

And so, on this dreary Tuesday morning, let's brighten it up with hope and joy and excellent thoughts of smiles and walking for not just Emma, but for all the people in our lives who could use a little lift of love.

xo

And to think this kid came from me...

Pretty woman walkin' down the street
Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet
Pretty woman, I don't believe you
You're not the truth
No one could look as good as you
Mercy

http://youtu.be/_PLq0_7k1jk

Today, while you go about the business of your Sunday, I ask you to take a few minutes and send some blessings out to our Emma.

She developed pulmonary edema (I had to google it: an abnormal buildup of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, which leads to shortness of breath) and was transferred to Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC in order to be in the care of expert pulmonologits.

She is gearing up for further surgery tomorrow. So keep those thoughts front and center, please.

In addition, as Nancy continues her battle with breast cancer, it would be awesome if she too was bathed in some super strong healing light. She is a true inspiration as she manages to get her tiny-hiny to the gym at 5:00am and I can't even fathom it.

PS - Prom pics tomorrow. xo

Every time you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place

http://youtu.be/G_Vzpjv_kR4

Tonight is Bella's Junior Prom.

She left school at 10:30 (as did 150 other kids) to start the great primp.

• Mani-Pedi at 10:45 - and make it a gel french, please.
  
• Pizza at noon.
  
• Hair by Leslie at 12:30.
  
• Make-up by Marlene at 1:45.
  
• Tears from Mom and Mar at 1:35 - I had to leave the room.
  
• Boutonniere and corsage pick up at 3:00.
  
• Packing for the sleepover at our fabulous friends who will host 12 teens; yes, boys and girls, on the dad's birthday.
  
• Going BACK to the salon at 4:00 to show everyone how she looks all put together.
  
• Pictures at 4:30.
  
• Limo at some point.
  
• And then, the night is hers.

Here's a sneak peek.
(You can click on the picture to see it larger - that's for you, Mama.)

I asked my friend Cathi if she could remember our Junior Prom song. (Senior Prom - "Here, There and Everywhere" by the Beatles.) She couldn't. She said to ask our friend MJ. (Oh, MJ?!) She did recall it was a Hawaiian theme (props to her for that, as I didn't) and that it was at the school.

I loved my dress - my Aunt Rosie took me shopping for it. It was pale yellow, a halter, very flowy and I remember feeling like quite the princess.

My date drank entirely too much and spent the night in the bathroom puking his guts up. Good times for him. I don't even remember how I got home. , I am pretty certain we had a pre-prom gathering at Ellen's house. (Or maybe that was senior prom? God, this getting old stuff is a bitch.)

So tonight, my girl can be a Dancing Queen.

It's Friday. It's Prom. Let's all dance!

xo

You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the dancing queen

http://youtu.be/xFrGuyw1V8s

I loathe standardized testing. They are, apparently, a necessary evil and here to stay; a never ending attempt to put square pegs into round holes.

None of us learn the same. Some people need to touch. Some need to see. Some need to hear. Some need a little from all of the above.

Learning should be an adventure. I give giant props and kudos to those who home-school their kids. I presume every day is a little adventure; learning on the go while also gaining valuable life skills. Obviously, we didn't go that route with our kids, but I have met enough home-schooled kids (who have let me ask them tons of questions) to see how magnificently it can work.

This is in no way taking away from the marvelous educators my kids have encountered along the way. My barometer of "the favorite teacher" is the one who is talked about at the dinner table. We've had quite a few.

I can name teachers from my own youth who impacted my world. I have had more than a few as an adult who have helped me learn life lessons.

We are ALL teachers. We are ALL learners. We are ALL gifted at something. We ALL suck at something. It's what makes us unique. It's what makes us extraordinary.

I really don't know what normal is.

Find me the most put together appearing person on the planet and I would bet you they have felt "less than" at some point in their lives.

I have a gorgeous, amazing, magnificent niece (I actually have seven of them) who recently shared she is worthy. She is not going to let the words and actions of others impact her negatively, because she is well aware she is worth it.

I clapped when I read that. (I gave her family a mental high five because so much of it starts from birth.)

Yes, sometimes, people can get into your head and somehow you declare them "right." My darling girl stayed true to herself by basically saying, "Nonsense," to anyone who chooses to think otherwise.

Bravo, my love. Bravo.

Chose to be you. Decide what your own normal is and then own it. Be extraordinary, be brave, be worthy, be love and live, live, live!

xo

I'd rather be anything but ordinary please

Let down your defenses
Use no common sense
If you look you will see 
That this world is this beautiful 
Accident turbulent succulent 
Opulent permanent
No way I wanna taste it 
Don't wanna waste it away

http://youtu.be/CQN9OSj9MKM

As Carolyn and I were walking in the rain the other night to the restaurant, I confided in her. I have truly, ALWAYS been able to confide in Carolyn.  

Her reaction to my statement was pure Carolyn. A combination look of surprise and "of course you did," along with her laugh. It was exactly what I expected of her.

I believe walking in the rain with her, in the intimacy of a shared umbrella, on the streets of NYC, allowed a part of me to open again.

I find this so fascinating as I am surrounded by many amazing, dear, true friends, and yet, it was the girl who knew me when who allowed a closed part of my heart to break open, in a good way, again.

When I saw Cathy, my therapist, yesterday (can I have an amen!) I literally began by talking at 3,000 mph. It's a good thing she does Reiki at the same time, as I felt like I was levitating off the table. By the time she reached my head, the crown chakra for those of you on the woo-woo side of the table, I was yawning and able to shut the hell up.

This morning I woke up at 5:15 and was compelled, almost ordered, to go downstairs to the Magic Basement and write, write, write. I haven't journaled since August; it was a multi-page purge.

Yes, I write this blog, but you guys get a sanitized, spell checked version of what goes on in my head. (That should probably get another amen...)

Every so often it does THIS soul good to just get it all down on paper. I can talk about it. I can share it. And whatever it is that is eating at me stays with me. Until I write about it. THEN, I can sort of let it go.

Now, I wouldn't be in therapy still and stuffing my feelings with carbs if I was truly able to let it go completely. But it's another new start. It's the ability to say to the universe, "Next."

It is a surrendering of that which was holding me in a place that just isn't healthy.

Searching my soul, feeling the joy, experiencing the world sitting just right, THAT'S what's going on with me today.

What about you?

xo

I've been searchin' my soul tonight
I know there's so much more to life
Now I know I can shine a light
Everything gonna be alright

http://youtu.be/5qxaK8gD8JI

Carolyn and I have been friends for almost forty years. There isn't a lot we didn't share when we were teens and as we have grown up and had our families, we have remained friends. (As an aside, Ellen and I were in the same second grade class so we have known each other a long time too!)

Today Carolyn and Eric are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Last night, some of us gathered at Crispo Restaurant in NYC to share a meal, toast the couple and catch up on what we've all been through in that time. Nancy, Ellen, Nadine and I were all bridesmaids in the wedding, so the fact that four of the six of us were there is a testament to the staying power of those friendships.

We have a history. It is long. And we are fortunate to know what it is like to know someone for more than half your life. For the judgments to be non-existent.

For god's sake, we went through puberty, first loves, second loves, third...you get the picture. Carolyn and Ellen went to camp and college together. THERE is some serious history.

Although we all live in different places and although our lives have had trials and tribulations, we still gather, laugh and love.

Here's to old and good friends. We're lucky to have each other.

xo

Emma Update
I took this from Jeanine's FB status:
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. Everything went well with Emma's surgery. She was so brave and such a trooper. She has a long road ahead as they now need to do further monitoring as we wait for her to seize. Her next surgery is scheduled for next Monday so please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

A good friend and a glass of wine
Someone to say it's going to be alright
A good friend and a glass of wine
A little pick me up to get me through the night
We talk trash and we laugh and cry
That kind of therapy, money can't buy
Every now and then, every now and then
Every girl needs
A good friend and a glass of wine

http://youtu.be/Z-wQgQT3pA8

It has been a very busy few weeks. This weekend I was able to take some time and relax into the activities Bella has been involved in. The beauty of having a partner in a business is that I was able to leave in order to be with my family while the salon was in Kathy's more than capable hands.

Friday, I was able to enjoy a marvelous evening watching the Senior showcase for Bella's dance studio. It was truly an amazing evening exemplified by beautiful dancers, outstanding singers and a group of five boys from Westfield Academy (upstate NY) staying overnight at our house.

As usual, for any show that Bella has been in, I cried, I laughed and I was thrilled to watch her. She flies. It always takes my breath away. It was incredibly special to have the Westfield kids as part of the show along with our own chorus. Their teacher is Kent Knappenberger, who just so happens to be the first educator, ever, to win a Grammy. He has been friends with Bella's teacher since college, and they were all able to collaborate on this special evening.

After the show I think about 70 kids descended on the diner. It was bedlam with lots and lots of laughter and milkshakes. I hung arounf until I was satisfied they were all safe and sound.

The kids all needed a place to stay for a night, so we volunteered to be a host family. It was a great deal of fun and it appeared that all the men had a terrific time hanging out here. Perhaps it was because they were introduced to Cards Against Humanity? (Thank you to the Massachusetts Pinque's who introduced that game to Bella and I a few years ago...)

Saturday, I worked and then headed to Peekskill for this:

The Daisy Joplin Band, along with 240 students from our area, put on quite the show. The place was packed, they double and triple sold tickets (oops!). We decided the last row in the place was the perfect place to watch. The kids had a long and interesting day rehearsing and the end result was quite extraordinary.

Sunday, it was time to dust off my sneakers...

It was time. 'Nuff said.

I headed to the salon for about an hour - the place is being painted and it looks fabulous. We put shelves back up and put the inventory back. Do you remember Eldon from "Murphy Brown?" We have Jimmy. He's pretty much going to be living in the salon on weekends until his projects are done.

I spent some time watching mindless TV. I did laundry. I actually felt like I had a weekend.

Today brings my monthly visit to my psychic. I can't wait to hear what she's got to say to me this month...

Meet Emma MacFadyen.

Emma is my friend Jeanine's daughter. From the first day TGHR launched, Jeanine has been one of my biggest supporters. She texts me when something moves her. She stops me when we meet somewhere. Jeanine is one of the friends I wish I could somehow find more time to spend with.

This thing called life keeps us busy and she has three kids as well as a full time job.

As a daily reader, Jeanine has witnessed first hand what we do here when we lift someone in the light of healing thoughts.

Today, she is asking for our help. Her baby girl, Emma, is undergoing life changing brain surgery at St. Luke's Roosevelt in NYC to make the seizures she has been experiencing from epilepsy dissipate.

Take a moment to send her all you've got. It is the first of two surgeries this month. We'll be at it again at the end of the month and we'll be ready.

This is for Jeanine & Hugh.
Love to your and your Emma.

No words necessary.

http://youtu.be/CHV6BjuQOZQ

OK, so this salon business owner thing is exciting, tiring, busy, and rewarding. There's a lot of behind the scenes things going on, and I am attempting to do as much as I can during my waking hours. It is no picnic.

I'm sure you realized there was no blog yesterday.

I literally did a 6:30am card reading for a friend.

I got dressed and headed to work by 7:50. I went to Shoprite for stuff we needed for the salon. I left my cell phone at the self checkout lane. I went back to Shoprite to get the phone. I unpacked a box of products and then it was time to start the day.

The weather is finally getting marvelous and with that comes the need to have a new spring 'do. New colors, new cuts, new looks with make-up.

I didn't leave the salon until after 8:00pm. 

And so, I wanted you all to know, yes, I was thinking about you, but the Hair Traffic Controlling gig was winning. 

I am hoping to get all of this under control within the next few weeks. I think back on my mom's advice when the kids were babies, "Twelve weeks. In twelve weeks you will have the routine down." Even though I am essentially doing the same job, I still think I need the 12 weeks.

I'll keep you posted.

It's Friday. Let's dance!

xo

Like any other day
I know I'll find a way
And if ever I'm alone, you say
I'll be thinking about you

http://youtu.be/3Hy8x4iVnvU

If you've been here a while, you know I yo-yo up and down when it comes to my weight. I have said, "No more," at least a dozen times in my life.

Lately though, I have been thinking that my heart needs to win the battle this time, not my head. And so, I might just succeed for good. 

Life is settling into an extremely excellent place, so why not take the time out to take care of my outside since my inside seems to be pretty good these days.

Unlike last year, I won't be droning on and on about this. I will perhaps have the periodic check-in or two, but mostly, I am ready to start taking baby steps, one more time, in the direction of excellent health. 

I don't know anyone who hasn't had to take these steps no matter how they look on the outside to the rest of us. The imprints in our brain make us a little crazy when it comes to food, exercise, and general health. I've known people who overcompensate by taking the eating right and exercise mantra to the other extreme.

So, my hope is that with the boatloads of knowledge I have from every blessed thing I have ever done I will be able to get my shit together once and for all.

xo

THIS video is THE best April Fool's play it forward in the history of April Fool's pranks. Thanks to the many who had on their walls for me to see and Jane who tagged me in it! It embodies everything I love and believe in.
http://youtu.be/p2zUf06iy1A

Today's Music:
I went to Pace University for a year. My second semester there I was the early morning DJ. (You're not all that surprised, are you?) THIS was the very first song I played. I blasted it through the halls and dorms at 6:00 in the morning. The dining hall staff was rocking it that morning; I could see them from the DJ booth which overlooked the dining hall. (During midterms and finals weeks I would put on instrumentals, it was exactly right.)

ANYWAY, I thought when I was thinking about this post last night, I am starting up again. Once more. This time I want to never, never, never stop.

Thanks Mick.

PS - the video is priceless. I do suggest watching it as well as listening to it.

Ride like the wind at double speed
I'll take you places that you've never, never seen

http://youtu.be/SGyOaCXr8Lw