Merry Christmas!

‎"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly."

 

5'9''of blondie funness!~*~ I like sunrises better than sunsets, flippyflops at day and stilletos at night, dark chocolate, the excitement of mayyybe getting caught, poppin my collar once in a while, french pedicures, chicken fights in the "swamp", silver linings, hearts dotting my "i's", fast cars, getting spicy, crusin' on my boat, sunglasses, fishing, cuddlefests, long jeans, the Cape and the Caribbean, coffee, PINK, true friends and lasting memories~*~

Bailey!!!!

This is the reason why I haven't posted in a very long time!  So worth it!  His name is Bailey and he is a 1 year old Westie.  We adopted him from a woman who had to make the toughest decision - to decide which pet would move with her to her new apartment. :(   But I feel blessed to have this little guy in our life and the woman we got him from is comforted that he is with loving people and is happy in his new home.  
He has such a big personality - the odd things he does, his mannerisms, even his facial expressions all make me laugh so much.  Welcome home Bailey! I love you!!!

dream on

Some elements from my dream last night - I can see the crossovers into my life ;)~

To see or eat ice cream in your dream, denotes pleasure and satisfaction with your life. You need to savor the moment and enjoy it. It is also indicative of good luck and success in love.

To dream of someone else giving birth, suggests that you are giving birth to a new idea or project. It also represents new beginnings or some upcoming event.

To see evergreen trees in your dream, signifies wealth, happiness, immortality, high aspirations, and knowledge. The dream represents the cycle of life and may be trying to offer you hope in the midst of despair. Alternatively, the dream may be a metaphor to be "ever green" as in to be more environmentally conscious.

To see your own family in your dream, represents security, warmth and love.

To see a cat in your dream, symbolizes an independent spirit, feminine sexuality, creativity, and power. It also represents misfortune and bad luck. The cat could indicate that someone is being deceitful or treacherous toward you. If the cat is aggressive, then it suggests that you are having problems with the feminine aspect of yourself. The dream may be a metaphor for "cattiness" or someone who is "catty" and malicious.

donts say you wern't warnedd

cuz every lil; thing is gonna be all riteee

I can't wait for summer/ live somewhere warm and sexyy!
worked all weeekned long- but i loved it - i like working - rain today - but it's not too bad - jamming out - bobby m, shwayze, peter tosh, etc.

blessed

i am so blessed 
with strength to stay true 
in love
to have found what others spend a lifetime searching for
a love
like this


a family to care & cherish
health to miss when i get sick
talents to ensue
unwaivering manners and taste instilled from family 
endless possibilities 
passion to do good
paint a prettier world
friends to love and to long for
to confide in and dream with 
a life
unexpected
unchartered
and most of all
encompassing all blessings

walk on

yum yum

the beautiful, sunny, warm weather whets my appetite for a lazy afternoon with a romantic picnic agenda - lounge, kiss, laugh, slowly sip chilled white wine, nosh on gooey Brie warmed by the sun, sweet fruit, read, and soak in the sun, the breeze...just slow down and enjoy...

attract all things

good girl.
she grins. looking at me. 
kind eyes.
surprise. good girl.knowing.
hope. 
future of bliss.
trust.
visions. dreams. possibilities.
love. 

seeking the good boy.
self. 
the good girl. 
trust. 

hey there cupcake!

s

barefoot.katemillerheidke.reddress.diorsunnies.dancelater.sunshine.

thinkingaboutcupcakesandlove.needhug.curiousaboutfuture.

wonder.gelatogloss.stroll.icecream.partylater.cupcakes...

mcqueeen

love love this scarf!

that's pretty happy

"When you get to know someone, all their physical characteristics start to disappear. You begin to dwell in their energy, recognize the scent of their skin. You see only the essence of the person, not the shell. That’s why you can’t fall in love with beauty or looks. You can lust after it, be infatuated by it, want to own it. You can love it with your eyes and your body, but not your heart. That’s why when you really connect with a person, any physical imperfections disappear, become irrelevant." - ohmierda

so i creamed my pants

This morning when I woke up and saw how sunny, gorgeous and deliciously it is out today...Gush!

beeee fressshhhh

Oh yes- 4pm on Friday - mmmmmm

cinderella

My mother jokes that she always knows if I am upset or burdened because I rearrange and clean my entire bedroom, from the farthest corner of the walk-in to the ceiling fan. I know it may sound silly...but cleaning always makes me feel better. In a way it's a catharsis-like act for my heart as well as my surroundings. I refocus on a simple and tangible task, allowing my heart to take a vacation from whatever the burden may be. It's uplifting to refocus my energy and witness the improvement... Cinderella was definitely onto something... ;)

j'aime ma fille

This is so my daughter! Vous êtes adorables!!!

Beantown bound!

I am uber-excited to visit Boston this Saturday! Months and months ago ventures to Boston were the norm for a Friday night/Saturday morning. Sunny days in the Garden, shop the Pru & Copley, see the performers at Fanuiel and explore Newbury until dusk... and then some. Hopefully this weekend the weather will comply so our adventures aren't anchored by lugging heavy coats, hats and gloves.
Whatever the weather I know it will be fantastic! Reunions are only in order and I am so blessed to have an amazing sister who is sharing her Muse tickets with me. After...donating some more to the Muse fund I was able to find 2 more tickets so the group is growing... Oh I don't know how I am getting there, where, and when...but I do know that my excitement is growing as the plans unfold.
xxoo

and carry on

More and more amazing changes keep coming and coming...aside from one biggie, which I am not at liberty to divulge just yet, is that work is improving and they need me more. This makes me really excited because I really am hoping to become a permanent fixture where I am. Now, work at the office has been inconsistently chaotic; There is a slight calm before the storm...and then the multifaceted and all important storm hits, all aspects demanding need your undivided attention: random meetings, mia e-mails, last minute documents, updates on websites, party planning, meeting agendas... The only consistency is that the calms are smaller and fewer between and the storms are ever more and more powerful. The key is to be a duck. Yup, a duck. Remain poised and calm on the exterior, but underneath the surface viciously treading and do whatever it takes to get ahead. Even in the most tear-jerking scenarios I force a smile and center myself. Never let anyone see how hard you are treading below the surface. It's important to keep centered; it helps to slow down and enjoy little things that really bring joy to my day, such as sipping hot tea, turning up the volume on the Bridgette Bardot station, reading a poem or a short story, doodling or sketching, watching Sophia Coppola's Miss Dior Cherie advertisement (always brings a smile to my face and great memories), looking outside, venture out for a walk...
moje szczęście

My little, BIG crush

Mmm...I have been lusting this 2.55 CHANEL forever so I had to add its little piccy to the other images I enjoy. Oh Mademoiselle Chanel 2.55 one day you shall be mine... <3

awakened

::the adventures of Skippy & Prudence::

dream weaver

When I was a little girl my mother and I could interpret my dreams. Early morning I would wake up and jump into her bed, nestling under the covers. No matter the hour of morning, she would promptly retrieve the worn green hard-cover dream dictionary that she stored away in her nightstand. Sitting there anxiously I would divulge what I envisioned as she peeled through the yellowed and brittle pages, looking up the symbols and reading aloud their meaning. As a child I was so intrigued to hear what my dreams meant... as Masters in Psychology it was a far more than a bonding method for my mother, she could actually discover what was running through her little girl's mind.
Lately I have been waking up recalling more and more dreams. It's been more than 15 years since the times when I could jump into bed and ponder over the dream dictionary with my mother...So now I must settle for Googling Dream Meanings... Nonetheless it is still surprising and exciting to read what dreams mean and locate a common thread between the conscious and the subconscious.

The other day I had adream that I was at a pet store lovingly watching over a box housing small bunnies of all colors. As I was standing there I felt a nudge on my leg and I looked down to find a small and energetic puppy looking up at me. Oh yea- it was a great ream! :)
When I looked up those two elements I found this:
Rabbit: To see a rabbit in your dream, signifies luck, magical power, and success. You have a positive outlook on life. Alternatively, rabbits symbolize abundance, warmth, fertility and sexual activity. The dream can also be associated with Easter time and your own personal memories of Easter. To see a white rabbit in your dream, symbolizes faithfulness in love.
Puppy: To see a puppy in your dream, symbolizes your playfulness and carefree nature. It also represents a blossoming friendship or that your friendships will grow stronger.

Last night I had a dream was a little freakier. All I can remember is standing before a mirror and smiling back at my pearly whites. Then slowly, I began to bleed - I remember being alarmed but not scared... odd.
Teeth: To dream that you have rotten or decaying teeth, forewarns that your health and/or business is in jeopardy. You may have uttered some false or foul words and those words are coming back to haunt you.
To dream that your teeth is gleaming, signifies happiness and fulfilled wishes.

Blood:To see blood in your dream, represents life, love, and passion as well as disappointments.
To dream that you are bleeding or losing blood, signifies that you are suffering from exhaustion or that you are feeling emotionally drained. It may also denote bitter confrontations between you and your friends.
Mirror: To see your own reflection in the mirror, suggests that you are pondering thoughts about your inner self. The reflection in the mirror is how you perceive yourself or how you want others to see you. You may be contemplating on strengthening and changing aspects of your character.


Of course I don't take these dream meanings literally and whole-heartedly. However but I do find them interesting, especially when they link aspects of my thoughts and life as a common thread. Lately, I have really appreciating and celebrating the value of slowing down and not taking life, and myself, too seriously. I admire those who have perfected the "art of doing nothing"- savoring each moment and enjoying the beauty of imperfection and spontaneity...just letting everything fall as it may. The more I read about love, life, culture, happiness - the more enlightened I feel; realizing my own individuality, balance and happiness..
carpe diem xxoo

Tale as old as time...

This weekend was fantastic! Saturday my family came to visit me and we went out to my favorite place for brunch - Nicks on Broadway. It meant so much for them to drive down here and spend the day with me showing them where I live, work and play. Valentine's Day I felt so sick - but I was still happy! While I was napping Andrew surprised me by not only setting up a chair for my desk, but he also left me a enormous card (I think it was the biggest one ever made) and a stuffed money who makes kissy noises. I was so surprised! I feel so lucky that I have such a thoughtful and caring boyfriend. In the evening we attended Beauty and the Beast - it was so whimsical and so amazing! Even though I felt wretched, I am so happy that I was able to stay for the whole show. The lights, the orchestra, the dancing - it was all so romantic.

I can't seem to stop thinking about the show and the meaning of the story. I think that it is true - that someone can transform to a different person. Some would disagree, coining the term "a leopard doesn't change it's spots..." I strongly disagree. Men and women are not leopards. Throughout the centuries we have evolved - from cavemen to ladies and gentlemen - it's cultural evolution and the beauty of being a human. We have the capacity to mature, to learn and continue to better ourselves to be an individual that we are proud of being.
I have witnessed first hand the transformation man can undergo- how a person can truly change. But, in this instance it was for the worse.
My father was my best friend; We were so close and he knew everything about me. Whether we were running our daily 5 miles, scouting in the woods, fishing, kicking the soccer ball- we were inseparable... Then it all fell apart. He lost his job, distanced himself, and transformed into this stranger... I went off to college but because at-home-chaos I returned the next semester... I felt obligated to live at home and be there for my mother and help my sister cope with her issues. My father and I never regained our friendship. He started drinking more and more. Continued to lie... cheat...steal...etc. He is in the worst place right now and still hasn't reached his rock bottom. I will spare you the details...
It has been 7 years since he changed from my father and best friend to someone I don't even know, someone who I am fearful of... I haven't seen him in years and I don't know if I ever will.
Despite all of the bad that has happened I am not bitter. I reminisce the good times and I am thankful for everything he has taught me. I remember times when I would jokingly ask him why he is teaching me how to change the oil in the truck or cut down trees with a chainsaw, and he would pause and smile, responding, "Because if there comes a day I am not here I need you to be able to take care of the family."
I will never forget his words. At the time I would never think that "being gone" would mean the complete opposite of the thoughtful, compassionate, adventurous and unique father I once loved.
Though I do feel emptiness that I lost my best friend and dad, I gained strength and knowledge - I have learned so much about what is really important and myself & I am a stronger and wiser person because of the experiences I have endured.
So, in a way I have also changed. Goes to show anyone can change, but it is only through his own desire. I would never try to change someone - I know firsthand that it would never work. I had begged, cried, screamed, fought, gave ultimatums, I tried everything to try to urge my father to get help... I didn't even ask for perfection, just progress...one little step at a time in the right direction.
One good decision at a time. Nobody is perfect. But I feel that if you simplify life and focus on doing the right thing life will be more calm..maybe even close to perfect. One can only change if its organic and natural evolution within them self...if they truly want it and desire a simple, loving and overall more fulfilling life. Relish each moment and when crossroads come do what is right in your heart.

hello world!

Last year at this time I was anxiously anticipating my trip to France...and it was absolutely amazing! Nice, Aryles, Paris... One day I will go back. But in the meantime there is a whole, big world out there to explore! My next challenge is to return to Europe - this time my goal is to explore Capri! The azure waters, the bright beautiful flowers, the rolling landscape... Once I get there I may never return ...

little things

so in love. so happy. it's those little things that really show me how much he really cares. even those actions that he thinks may go unnoticed...such as carefully lifting one's head while she is sleeping so it will rest on a pillow...i absolutely love the little things...
so happy.

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”

Relish each moment. Each crossroad you encounter. It is within that moment a decision is made that shapes the type of man or woman you are. The decisions you make, the words you keep, your actions. They all shape your character.
Just like surprises or decision, loss & negativity are crossroads. " Only after disaster can we be resurrected." Chuck- You can decide to let yourself run with an average mentality and waste your emotion being sad, jealous, scared... Or you can open up to enlightenment - set your mind free (and your heart) and see what the loss for what it truly is. An opportunity.




“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” D.Seuss

playtime

I have the worst craving.

For something raw...complex...uninhibited.. playful...energetic..enigmatic.. The world is so amazing, so beautiful.
Take a moment to people watch, click on the tv, or better yet, think about the relationships you keep..you will be surprised. It's amazing how many fakes exist.
Think of how many people you could call to get dirty, go on a hike with, climb rocks and play in the ocean with... This fake vacuums up the mystery, the romance, the beauty of the individual...it's parasitic..It's unfortunate ... but like Ghandi said "be the change you wish to see in the world.."
Learn where those laugh lines came from, get caught in the rain, run around barefoot, freckle your face in the sun, get dirty, scratch that - get filthy... callous your hands building something..
Enjoy life's surprises and battles each and every day.
Because where is the beauty...or the fun..when the journey without the excitement of the unknown?

I thought I saw you yesterday
But I didn't stop cause you was walking the opposite way
I guess I could have shouted out your name
But even if it was you I don't what I would say
We can sit and reminisce about the old school
Maybe share a cigarette because we both fools
Chop it up and compare perspectives
Life. Love.Stress.and Set backs
Yes'
You could tell me how hard you had it
And you could show me all the scars to back it
And we can analyze each complaint
Break it down and explain these mistakes I make
I like to tangle up the strings of the puppetry
But you knew me back when i was a younger me
You've seen [[me]] in all types of life
And I've been meaning to ask you if I'm doing alright
I'm Shook
I know
I pushed when I should of pulled
Took it all back if I could I put that on my soul
And I would make a top notch good listener
If you could block off a little time out to give it here
Since we went our separate paths
I hit a couple of snags
That remind me of the past
I cant front I'm having a blast
But damned if I ain't afraid of how long its gonna last
Sitting here wishing we could kick it
Gimme your opinions I do miss the criticisms
I didn't mean to be distant
Make a visit
Ill wait up and keep the coffee brewing in the kitchen
But who am I jokin' with
Theres no way that you and I will ever get to re-open it

It doesn't matter this is more then love

And when you left I didn't see it coming
I guess I slept it ain't like you was running
You crept out the front door slow
And I was so self-absorbed I didn't even know
And by the the time I looked up, it was booked up
You put it all behind you, the bad and the good stuff
A whole house full of dreams and steps
I think you'd be impressed with the pieces I kept
You disappeared but the history is still here
Thats why I try not to cry over split beer
I can't eve get mad that your gone
Leaving me probably the best thing you ever taught me
I'm sorry, its official
I was a fistful
I didn't keep it simple
Chip on the shoulder, anger in my veins
Had so much hatred, now it brings me to shame
Never thought about the world with out you
And I promise, I'll never say another bad word about you
I thought I saw you yesterday...
Looked just like you
Strange things my imagination might do
Take a breath reflect on what we've been through
Or am I just going crazy cause I miss you

*atmosphere

promise

"promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best.
forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you."
.christian d. larson.

epiphany

after spending a lot of time editing my closet yesterday i realized that i waste a lot of energy, and never mind hard earned money, on clothes. i boxed the clothes (for my sister and for goodwill)...and i am adding something to it - my focus on material goodies. signora!

thinking about how i got to this point where i waste so much on materials i chuckle... the old erica would have scoffed, pink hi-lights falling into her eyes, as she returned to "the bell jar" or sketchbook, headphones blasting...

Tyler put it best, "The things you own end up owning you."
why bags - nobody wants baggage, i am happiest when i am barefoot - clothes... well.. you get the picture..

the point is to be free. you have your passion and your health - what else is there? On a deeper level you have to ask yourself, are my possessions my selling point? Do i have nothing else to offer... And if so, who are you selling to? Obviously if the friends you keep judge upon the car you drive or the bag you carry then you both really suck.

the most sexy is rolling out of bed, throwing a sun dress or a pair of jeans on, and slipping into flip flops... jumping into a car and just taking off on a trip - no baggage...no ties.

so goodbye excess baggage...hello challenge time! the hunt is more fun - thrift stores, vintage...hell maybe a playful attempt at sewing - who knows!

so my boxes are sealed. challenge set. free is sexyyy

hello again real erica - except this time no pink hair

..yet


[Warning: If you are reading this then this warning is for you. Every word you read of this useless fine print is another second off your life. Don't you have other things to do? Is your life so empty that you honestly can't think of a better way to spend these moments? Or are you so impressed with authority that you give respect and credence to all that claim it? Do you read everything you're supposed to read? Do you think every thing you're supposed to think? Buy what you're told to want? Get out of your apartment. Meet a member of the opposite sex. Stop the excessive shopping and masturbation. Quit your job. Start a fight. Prove you're alive. If you don't claim your humanity you will become a statistic. You have been warned- Tyler.] this is prob my fav part of Chuck

wall chic

lately my browsing has switched from shoes & clothing to decor and cookware - I recently redid the wall - transforming the plain white into arched tree branches & blue birds - I will post picys - I promise!

I thought this was really cool - I really like her use of various languages and the simplicity of the black and white..

LOVE languages by Jennifer Ramos - MadeByGirl on Etsy!