Audrey Hepburn

One of my favorites of all time - idol, actress, activist, celebrity - just a favorite. I can't put a label on what kind of favorite she is. I wouldn't say favorite actress or favorite movie star. Those statements wouldn't do my respect for Ms. Hepburn justice. She was one of a kind. Classy, kind, smart, goofy, compassionate and giving.

"To have beautiful lips, say beautiful things; to have beautiful eyes, look at people and see the good in them; to stay thin, share meals with someone who is hungry."

I mean, honestly, can you be any more perfect, Audrey?! She was probably one of the most beautiful (and I mean simply to look at in this case) movie stars in history, and yet her beauty tip to others wasn't to drink more water or stay out of the sun, but the above quote.

Beauty is only skin deep and some are born with it, as Ms Hepburn was, but she was also born with beauty on the inside. I'd like to think that with her as one of my idols, maybe I have the right idea in life!

Though I do enjoy a good "stay out of the sun" beauty tip too!

Erma Bombeck

Here's one I found in a random quote book while staying at the lovely Country Inn and Suites in Hershey, PA. It's by the witty Erma Bombeck, an American humorist popular from the 1960's-1990's. I can only assume she was an animal lover. . . .

"Cats invented self-esteem."

HOW TRUE IS THAT STATEMENT? I mean, really?! I don't understand people who say that they "hate" cats or dogs. Or any animal for that matter. I understand people who are allergic or prefer a certain pet to another, but to actually hate an animal. . . well, that's just something I will never understand. Personally, I love animals. Truly, I am the girl who stops strangers on the street to talk to their dogs, who pets any stray cat that crosses my path, who has been known to talk to the random ducks or deer meandering in my parents' yard in Michigan. I just love animals. They fascinate me in a "survival of the fittest" complicated way, but at the same time, make me smile in the simplest/purest-form-of-joy way.

I grew up having cats as pets and have one of my own now, and this statement strikes me as the perfect tag line for cats. So I just wanted to share it. It really is that simple. No analysis necessary!

Benj Pasek & Justin Paul

I currently have the honor of being a member of the cast of the new musical version of, A Christmas Story, with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Now I'm a bit biased on their talents as I've long been a fan, BUT, I think it's a credit to their writing skills that I do NOT enjoy the movie version of A Christmas Story, but I adore this musical.

Benj and Justin are a team of musical theatre composers/lyricists. My understanding is that Benj writes most of the lyrics while Justin writes most of the music, but they are truly a team and work closely together to create a final product. They went to the University of Michigan and graduated with BFAs in Musical Theatre, as did I. (Enter my bias, except I no longer think I'm biased, just proud!) Keep an eye out for their projects. They are super talented, and kind, smart and wonderful too!

"You don't need a steed to be a cowboy. No, you are not a hero just be galloping off in the sun."

This song is brilliant and beautiful, and one of my co-stars cries every single time that line passes in the rehearsals. (A. I'm not kidding. And, B. We aren't even in performances yet!) While I don't tear up like my friend, I do recognize the simple, pure beauty in this statement.

Whether or not you know the story behind A Christmas Story, you can probably still appreciate the idea of a "cowboy" being a hero. But, as we all know, there are SO many different kinds of heroes. Sans steeds and "galloping off in the sun." Most of my personal heroes carry kleenex, survival jobs and/or wine.

So here's a thanks to my personal heroes - my family and friends, who continue to see me through rough days, doubts, highs and lows, new jobs, breakups, bills to pay and more. You are NOT the unsung heroes you may seem.

In fact, you have an entire song about you in A Christmas Story! I didn't write it, but I certainly agree with it!

Joseph Barth

Here's a first - this quote comes from an ophthalmologist! I should know something about THAT since I'm virtually blind, have been told I'm too blind for lasik surgery and had my first eye surgery when I was 3 years old!

"Marriage is our last, best chance to grow up." 

This one goes out to one of my oldest friend's, Tom, who married his love, Ben this weekend in NYC! Thank you, New York State for making marriage legal to ALL those who want it!

Tom will always be a goofy 14 year old to me, and yet we are somehow now in our 30's. So this particular quote struck me as funny, but also touching. He has grown up a lot. He is smart, driven, kind and dedicated to those around him. And, bonus, he's found himself a lovely man to spend his life with. A man worthy of him and an absolutely positive addition to his life.

Now if only I could grow up. . . .

Zen Saying

Here's what the web has to say about "zen" - A Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition.

That being said, the following quote is listed as a "Zen Saying" in my quote book AND in the quotable magnet I have on my refrigerator:

"Leap, and the net will appear."

I love the simplicity of this statement.

I love the fear AND courage in this statement.

I love the faith in this statement. Faith is a tough one for me. A subject that will, I'm sure, continue to come up in this blog. But if I didn't have at least some faith in myself, I probably would have given up as an actor long ago. I had a successful few years and lately, it's been a bleaker forecast as an actor. In the last month, however, I've had not one, but two job offers. Crazy! I'm so grateful, but so confused by the shift in my life. I have been really happy with my "survival" jobs, for lack of a better term. And giving them up to once again jump into artist land seems risky at best, stupid at worst. And yet, even as I take those first steps, I am reminded constantly of new opportunities. New connections. New people that encourage me.

The change is the leap. Those reminders are the large, if unexpected, net. And I am so grateful for it. Here goes . . . . . . .

Russell Baker

Russell Baker is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer known for his satirical commentary and self-critical prose. I only wish he were a Canadian because I write this while I'm in Canada, and playing a tourist myself!


"The worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist."

This is SO true. I love doing touristy stuff when I'm on the road. I always try to see the things that are "not to be missed" or "once in a lifetime" opportunities. But I am very aware of wanting to blend in. In some circumstances, it's for safety reasons - it's the unaware tourists who often find themselves dealing with pick pockets and scams. But most of the time, it's just so that I don't stand out like a sore thumb. Though I have to say, even in my most casual garb here in Banff, Canada, there is NOTHING about me that looks like a local. Canadians look so natural - comfortable and a little bit hippie. I, on the other hand, even hiked in my lululemon yoga gear (which is happily a Canadian brand!), my big wrap sweater, my floppy hat and had a camera around my wrist. And that was just for a hike. Now imagine me walking around in my black trench coat and big brown hat, with my purse AND my bag of other stuff. I just look a New Yorker.

 . . . Though that might just be because I'm so frigging excited to see open space. Canadians look at me like "uh. . yeah. . . "

Satchel Paige

Satchel Paige was an American baseball player whose pitching, particularly of fastballs, in the Negro Leagues and the Major League Baseball made him a legend.

This seems appropriate because of Hurricane Irene, but it's also something I firmly believe.

"Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."

I am not a religious person. I highly respect faith, but religion is tricky. Regardless though, my problem is with people who only seem to turn to faith and religion when times are tough. Call it religion. Call it faith. But call it not only when you NEED something from the universe, but all the time.

I have often been guilty of this over the years, so I realize I am a hypocrite here, but I think most of us probably are at some point. Since I started practicing yoga years ago though, I do try to at least repeat what I'm grateful for on a daily basis. So that's my prayer when the sun shines, I guess. 

That being said, let's all pray that Hurricane Irene isn't too horrible. 

P.S. I Love You Quote

I love the movie P.S. I Love You. It makes me laugh. It makes me cry. It makes me happy. I watched it the other night with one of my best friends and a particular line stood out to me. The movie is based on a book by Cecilia Ahern and the screenplay of the movie was written by Richard LaGravenese and Steven Rogers. I'm not sure whom to give credit to, so I'll just discuss both a bit.

Cecilia Ahern is an Irish novelist. She was also behind the recent TV series Samantha Who? that starred Christina Applegate. In addition to publishing several novels, she has also contributed a number of short stories to various anthologies, for which all her royalties go to charity. Pretty cool, huh?

Richard LaGravenese is a screen writer and an occasional film director. He directed P.S. I Love You and contributed to the screen play. I can't find anything about Steven Rogers. Sorry, Steven!

"If we're all alone, then we're all together in that too."

I make it no secret that I don't enjoy being single. It's boring to me. I have never been somebody who loses my identity as an individual when I'm in a couple. I always manage to do what I want to do, when I want to do it, and include my other half in my life, as well as eagerly enter theirs when I'm allowed to. I enjoy being with somebody. Obviously, the physical attention is always nice, but what I love is the emotional attention. The partnership. The teamwork aspect. The knowing that you have a cheerleader and challenger in your corner all at the same time. And being alone can be downright depressing. And it often feels like I am the only one who's alone. Though I know that's not true, it feels like that sometimes.

Well, these days that is no exception. I remain single after my devastating heartbreak this spring. But plenty of my friends, both old and new, are alone as well. Or at least not in a couple. We all have that in common.

So maybe alone isn't the right word. Maybe we should change the phrase to being "alone together." Let's make that happen, people!

Sarah Ban Breathnach

I can find very little information about this lady, but I know I love the quote of hers that I stumbled upon online, and that's enough for me. For more info on HER specifically, try googling her. Somebody who says something like this can't be all bad!

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do."

I'd like to think I am a dreamer and a doer. By definition of my chosen career, I think I am a dreamer. By the fact that I am still struggling to survive in NYC and trying to continue to pursue that career in spite of lack of work, hard economic times, and overall stress of emotion and finances, I think I am a doer.

I work my butt off. Running from one job to another. Staying up late to finish computer jobs for any of my various survival jobs. Picking up shifts from fellow waiters when I can at my restaurant jobs. Singing in non-paying concerts whenever I can. Auditioning whenever I can. It's an endless cycle of responsibilities, goals and dreams. Not necessarily in that order.

In short, I am a dreamer. I am a doer. Which often means I am a NON-sleeper! Sarah, did you mean that we should sleep too?

Jonathan Safran Foer

I'm currently reading a book by the Jonathan Safran Foer and came across a quote that I found to be so beautifully, and often sadly, true. Mr. Foer is an American author best known for his Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, the latter of which I'm reading right now.


" . . . . She wants to know if I love her, that's all anyone wants from anyone else, not love itself but the knowledge that love is there."

I have read and reread that statement so many times since I first came across it this week in my nightly reading. How often do we all just want to hear the phrase "I love you" from whomever we are with? While actions do truly speak louder than words, we still crave the latter.

I know I like to hear it. Though I prefer the actions. The little things. . .

Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill was an American author of the personal-growth literature (ie, that now HUGE self help section at the book store!). He was once advisor to FDR during the Depression Years. And he has many famous quotes that pertain to empowerment, will power, success, positive thinking. All those good things!

I feel this particular quote pertains to SO many people in my life lately, including myself.

"Don't wait. The time will never be just right."

I know I am guilty of this, so it's not meant to be aimed at any one person. However, if you're reading this and think I might be talking about you, you are probably right! I can't tell you how many conversations I have had in the last month or so that involve a need and desire to change something, but conclude with some sort of "someday" scenario. Admittedly, I am completely guilty of this on many fronts. Mostly my reason for pushing things back lately is money. I'm either too poor or can't take off the time from my survival jobs to do whatever it is. And those are real reasons to postpone, oh, say, going on a yoga retreat to Costa Rica. I am taking baby steps as much as I can within the financial and time constraints I find myself living in. Not for the yoga retreat at this moment, but at least at ways of saving more money, spending less and such. I'm starting a new job in the hopes I can earn more and it will take less time to do so. That kind of thing.

And I think we can all make little changes like that. Because it will never be the perfect time to do something, to go somewhere, to talk to somebody, etc. The list goes on and on. But you have to make a choice to take baby steps too. It won't happen unless you make it happen.

Nike may have put it more simply with their "Just Do It" campaign, but I prefer to quote Mr. Hill!

Anatole France

Anatole France was a poet, journalist, and novelist. He once won the Nobel Prize for Literature. . . and get ready for this. . . he was French. Original last name, huh? Ha! This man has some amazing quotes from his various publications. Thank you, Wikipedia and the Google for teaching me that!

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy, for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter into another."

This quote's pure, simple beauty truly brings me to tears. Maybe that's because of some of the changes in my life lately, maybe it's still simply effects of my breakup, or maybe it's the honesty in the statement itself. That quote is art to me. THAT is why I love quotes.

Moving forward is so hard. Whether it's switching careers, ending a relationship, moving, graduating, getting married, having a kid, whatever. . . ALL of those things have hope in them. But they also all have loss. Because those epic events signify the end of something that probably wasn't just a fleeting moment. It's a celebration and a mourning both at once.

I mourn the celebration. I celebrate the loss.

I'm confused even as I write that! And yet I know it's the simple truth.

US Post Office inscription in Washington, D.C.

I like mail. I've always liked mail. I like getting it. I like sending it. There is something romantic and exciting about getting mail.  The anticipation of opening up the mailbox to see what treasures and surprises await is one of life's simple pleasures for me.

"Messenger of sympathy and love, servant of parted friends, consoler of the lonely, bond of the scattered family, enlarger of the common life." 

That's what is inscribed on the US Post Office in D.C. How beautiful is that?!

Do I send sympathy cards? Yup. Do I send cards to friends? Yup. Do I send cards saying that I just miss you and love you? Yes, depending on who you are. Do I send mail to my family? All the time. Is my life made better every time I get my InStyle, Time Out NY or Family Circle Magazines? Yes, it is! Talk about enlarging the common life!

If only bills didn't come in the mail. I scold my postman when he leaves me bills. I say "no bills, please. Try another mailbox!" And yet he still gives them to me, the jerk.

Notice the lovely inscription says nothing about bill delivery.

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Lucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author best known for writing the series, Anne of Green Gables. One of my personal faves - I mean, Anne was a stubborn, driven redhead!

"Worrying helps you some. It seems as if you are doing something when you're worrying."

Lately, I've been doing a lot of worrying. Mostly about money, which goes hand in hand with career. Particularly when I've chosen a career that no longer seems to make me any money. And I'm not sure how much of that is a sign of the times, my age range, dumb luck, and how much is fate trying to tell me something. So I worry. I don't just worry. I am doing my best to forge ahead. The problem with forging ahead, though, is that it takes some money to do that. And, so, then I'm back to worrying. It's a fun cycle, let me tell you.

I guess for me, though, if I didn't worry a little bit, I probably wouldn't do anything to change my circumstances. I'm an actor, so a lot of what I do used to be driven by insecurities. Wanting people to like me, wanting to entertain and get that oh-so-coveted applause. Now I work to pay my bills. So my drive to be successful, whether as an actor, or in any survival job I have comes from my anxiety about paying for my life. It's not that I don't enjoy working in any job, but I've found my reasons for working change a bit as I've aged and have other responsibilities.

I wish I just felt a little more secure so my "worrying" wouldn't be quite so often, or so much.

But. . . . if worrying could burn some calories, then I'd be ok with the status quo!

Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav

Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav has many names on the internet. Here's what I know for sure: he lived in the late 18th and early 19th century; he was Jewish; his religious philosophy revolved around closeness to God and speaking to God in normal conversation "as you would with a best friend." The second, I realize is a "duh" but it had to be said.

"If you won't be better tomorrow than you were today, then what do you need tomorrow for?"

Wise words. I'm always trying (key word being trying) to be better than I was before. Aren't we all? I hope we all are. We all want to learn, grow, not make the same mistakes twice, etc. There is a similar Gandhi quote (or I'm pretty sure it's Gandhi) that says something to the effect of "if you aren't growing, you're dying."

Any life, any relationship, any career. . . the second you think you know it all, that there is nothing else to learn or improve upon, you might as well stop.  Give up. Quit. Cuz you are useless if you truly believe you, or your relationship, or your career is perfect. There is NO SUCH THING. Perfect is fictional.

I think the Rabbi was onto that concept. Or maybe ahead of his time. Status quo can be so boring. "Maintaining" alone. . . what's the point? Constantly at least try to improve. Try to learn. Try to grow.

There is always room for improvement in this world.

Ernest Gaines

Ernest Gaines is an American author who grew up on an old slave quarters on a Louisiana plantation. His most famous work is probably A Lesson Before Daying. He has split most of his time between San Francisco and Louisiana since the mid-1980's. Two places that couldn't be more different in many ways.

"Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?"

I promise I will stop posting only gay-themed comments after this. I just found so many good ones after the exciting news of lay weekend here in NYC. 

This quote is SO scarily true. Even when it comes to the news and movies. R rated movies = nudity of any kind over violence. Violence can be PG-13. And violence on the news is completely ok, but sexual comments or nudity are completely forbidden. It just makes no sense! Sexuality and nudity are beautiful. And hopefully, something we all love and enjoy throughout our lives. Violence, well, let's hope that is NOT something we all experience in our lives.

A gun is something we make toy versions of for kids, for crying out loud . . . but I don't see us making a Barbie and Barbie or Ken and Ken. At least not yet.

I admit, I do still notice two men holding hands walking by me. But it doesn't bother me. I just notice it. To my credit, I absolutely notice guns as well - on soldiers, police, or security checkpoints. And I truly feel uncomfortable around them. So I guess it says something about me that two men walking down the street holding hands only causes me to glance, while the other makes me grimace. 

Then again, these days, anybody holding hands and being in love has my envy and admiration! 

I do think society is changing. Too slowly perhaps, but changing. And someday, hopefully we can at least be comfortable with people and things that might be "different" from us. Or at least appreciate that, guns should be listed on that "different" list too, no? Let's shift at least to that! 

I'm for hand holding over gun holding. Any day of the week!

John Stewart

John Stewart is one of the famous people in this world that I truly admire, respect and adore. And one of the few I think if I met (or when I do) I will be somewhat speechless around. He's SO damn smart. He's my dream man really. Funny, smart, handsome, open-minded (read - Democrat!) and employed! (Bonus on the last one!) He is a comedian, writer, and actor who has turned The Daily Show on Comedy Central into one of the most watched talk shows on TV. But what makes him even cooler in my book is that he KNOWS what he is talking about. He reads. He pays attention. He has opinions, but he says that they are just that. Not that his opinions are facts. But he can back his opinions up with facts! Unlike certain commentators out there these days. Glenn Beck, anybody? 

"Why can't they have gay people in the army?  Personally, I think they are just afraid of a thousand guys with M16s going, "Who'd you call a faggot?""

HA! With the announcement of gay marriage becoming legal in NY state this week, I think it's brought gay issues to the forefront of the news again in the best possible way. I mean, hell, even Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck had an on-air conversation this week where they both admitted that gay marriage is not a threat to America. They were certainly saying otherwise in all too recent times! 

As we recently saw Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed in the US military and it's slowly becoming a reality, I'm hopeful that we are all finally on the right track. Realizing that gay Americans are NOT a threat. They are just people who happen to be attracted to people of the same sex. Who cares?! I mean, really? Why is this news? Why is this a concern?

Unless you give them M16s . . . . and call them names . . . maybe John is onto something there. 

I'd suggest NOT calling anybody with an M16 anything but Mr, Sir, Ma'am. You get my drift. Just to be on the safe side.

Boethius

I sense that my posts this week will be about love, straight or gay. So happy about the news in NY for Gay Marriage!

Boethius was a Roman philosopher in the early 6th century. He wrote Consolation of Philosophy, a philosophical treatise on fortune, death, and other issues. It became one of the most popular and influential works of the Middle Ages.

"Who would give a law to lovers?  Love is unto itself a higher law."

Let me first say that I'm so thrilled that New York State has finally legalized gay marriage.  It's about f'ing time! It's still so sad to me that the rest of the country hasn't caught on, or the rest of the world for that matter. To me, denying rights to people based on sexual orientation is NO worse than denying rights based on sex, color or religion. And we can all agree that to deny rights for any of those reasons is unheard of. It's amazing to me that gay rights are somehow not included in that list to some people. 


However, the fact that marriage, which SHOULD be about love, has anything to do with law is so ridiculous to me. To legalize somebody's right to love . . .seems, well, stupid. To put it lightly. Granted, many marriages go without much love. And many great loves never become a marriage. But the one ideally goes with the other. 


Problem is, it's too late now to separate them. When getting married became something that was noted in town logs, tax books or even bibles, and paying for a marriage license became part of the routine, it became a law. Not just a partnership about love and support.


But what Boethius says is still true. Some states may still be able to deny marriage, but they can't deny love, gay or straight or anything else. And hopefully, if this recent development is any indication, love will triumph over close-minded, bigoted laws that deny it - in any of its many forms.

In the meantime, I HEART NEW YORK!

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller

I was thinking this morning about who coined the phrase "drink and dial" and this quote seems appropriate given where my head is at.

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was a German poet, philosopher, historian and playwright. Beethoven and Goethe were a few of his famous friends and admirers of his work. Beethoven's setting of "An die Freude" (Ode to Joy) was based on one of Schiller's poems.

"When the wine goes in, strange things come out." 
 
Seriously. . . this is SO true. Whether it's the drink and dial, being more carefree, saying too much, whatever - we have all been there. Often we say things we regret, I think. But sometimes there are moments of brilliance. Of clarity. Things you'd never say without a little liquid courage. (There's another phrase I wish I knew where it came from!)

I'd like to thank wine for the latter and curse it for the former this week. Well, not just this week. .

French Proverb

In honor of Father's Day this year. Albeit a few days late.

This one doesn't have a specific owner. Somehow it seems appropriate to have originated on the Upper East Side. . . or just for Generation Y (ala, my generation. . . am I a Y? I don't actually know). But according to my trusty "Harper Book of Quotations" it's a French Proverb.

"A father is a banker provided by nature."

Dad, if you ever read my blog, you will know this one is all too true. Even when I'm not actually asking for financial help, you are generally buying me lunch, giving me cab fare, offering to help with money for headshots, or, oh, paying for college . . . it's a long, long list. Let's not pretend that my mother doesn't also help me out with money. .  but Dad always signs the checks.

It's that joint account thing. Sneaky how Dad gets to take credit.

Love you, Dad!!!

James Patterson

James Patterson is an American bestselling author who writes primarily mysteries and thrillers for adults. I came across this quote in one of my magazines today and I just enjoy it. Plain a simple.

"Knowledge is valuable, but imagination is invaluable."

I often wish I were smarter. Some of my best friends (you know who you are) are positively in the genius category. They have a mathematically, factual understanding of things that I can only dream of. I'm hardly stupid, and I somehow was always near the top of my class, but nowadays, I'm shocked at how little I remember of the silliest things. I was babysitting recently and helping a 10 year old with her math homework. . . and, well, let's just it wasn't pretty.

What I do have though, is a pretty active imagination. Whether it's planning a show, making gifts for friends, singing a song and creating a character in my head, cooking, or just fantasizing about what I want my life to me, my imagination has never been absent. Sometimes more silent and less hopeful, ie lately, but not absent.

You know those people who are book smart, but not street smart? People who can tell you how to solve a math equation, but are socially challenged . . .  I think that's the kind of person this quote is about. Happily, none of my genius friends fall into this category. No matter how often I may tease them otherwise! To be truly happy, you need both knowledge and imagination. But having one without the other is so sad. With only the former, you're boring. With only the latter, you're likely a hot mess and probably unemployed.

Clearly, it's key to have both. And I guess I do have both, but with the former, I can always pay somebody for the knowledge I don't have.

Or use a calculator, in my case!

Comte de Buffon

Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon was a French naturalist, mathematician, cosmologist, and encyclopedic author. He is thought to have been the father of natural history in the 18th Century, before Charles Darwin came onto the scene.

"Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius."

I joke that patience has never been my finest virtue. So this kind of message is something I constantly need to hear in my life.

I have a dear friend who has a religious faith that I have never had myself. In some ways, our friendship is odd in that we have very different values and morals, but what we share is an honesty, a love and a truth in how we live our lives. I adore her and would do anything for her, and I know the same is true for her. She has told me throughout the years, as I face professional and personal setbacks that it must all be part of God's plan. I just have to be patient. I know she's right, but I wish I could just accept it without so many questions. Sometimes I envy her sense of certainty and comfort that comes from her faith. For better or worse, my constant need to question things doesn't leave me much rest.

All I can do with my fate or God's plan for me (or whatever you want to call it) for now is make plans within reason. I can't just sit and do nothing. Patience is one thing; but I have to be proactive to pay my bills and get out of my apartment! I continue to push myself in my career, find performing opportunities of my own, try to keep an open mind about dating. . . but there are some days that are better than others!

God? Fate? Angels? Whoever has a plan for me, can you please speed things up? Seriously. This slow pace is getting ridiculous.

Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles is an amazing singer/songwriter. I was first introduced to her back in 2008 and she has been on repeat in my iTunes ever since. Her voice is gorgeous, but it's her words that really touch me. She's smart, witty, candid and open. She wears her heart on her sleeve. In many ways, my closest friends would probably say I'm a lot like her. She has managed to take those qualities and make them into gorgeous music, a career, an identity. For me, it still feels like a curse to be all those things. It leaves me with a broken heart all too often, either through career or love life.

"All I have, all I need. He's the air I would kill to breathe. Holds my love in his hands, still I'm searching for something. Out of breath, I am left hoping someday I'll breathe again."

I broke down crying today. Again, damn it. I wish it didn't happen. I feel like I failure every time it does. Like I should be able to get past this. I should be able to stop crying. I should be able to move on faster or something. Everybody tells me it will take time, to cut myself some slack, to be nice to myself. But I also know that those same people want me to get past this - for my sanity as well as their own. I think they are as surprised as I am that I am still so sad. As I sat crying tonight, waiting until it passed, I literally found myself saying out loud "When will I be happy again? When will I stop thinking about him?" and this song popped into my head.

I know my ex (I want to stop calling him "my love" like I generally do, since that seems to give him more power) is not ALL I have or all I need. But right now, as I'm stumbling around like a newborn, it sure feels like he was. I would do just about anything for one more moment, one more word, one more smile. But I know it's over. He's gone. There's no use continuing to wish for something that isn't happening.

The way I feel when I break down and cry is like I am actually out of breath. It feels like somebody took away my oxygen. This has shaken me to the core. I'm questioning everything about my life. Every little thing that I ever question or doubt, it's all magnified right now. Maybe because I don't see myself the way he saw me. That reflection of love and adoration that we all seek . . . there's so much support in that. And he came along and gave it to me when I least expected it. And then, just as suddenly, he took it away. There is nothing that can describe that feeling of shock and loss when it ends so quickly and without warning.

If he was my only oxygen, I'd have died long ago. Somehow, I got through the last 31 years without him. So I know I will get through this. Rationally, I know it. Throughout the song (called Breathe Again), Sara keeps saying "Out of breath, I am left hoping someday I'll breathe again." Obviously trying to convince herself. Just like I am doing now. One day it will be true. Right?

I'll breathe again. . . . someday. I hope it's sooner rather than later.

Graham Sutherland

I actually read this quote as I was looking to say something poignant to a dear friend going through a tough time. But after I read it, I realized how much it applies to me and my ex.

"I don't think anyone is free - one creates one's own prison."

Graham Sutherland was an English painter, one of his famous paintings being of the Coventry Cathedral. He actually died the day I was born - Feb, 17th, 1980.

This friend I'm sending loving vibes to had a patient kill herself recently. You can imagine her devastation, feelings of guilt, responsibility and failure. The first thing I said to her is that no matter what she said or did for this person, if the woman really wanted to kill herself, nobody was gonna stop her. If you are seriously considering suicide, you will find a way to do it. It's just a question of when.
But that kind of depression is like a prison. You cannot escape.
Just like some people are happy being unhappy. They are not "free." They are trapped in a situation of their own making - comfortable with what they know, which is unhappiness, guilt, and fear. If that's all you know, then the alternatives must seem scary. And fear seems to be the oppressor of freedom in so many ways.

Check out these definitions of freedom:

1) the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint;

2) exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc;

3) the power to determine action without restraint.

 

It's the third one that really strikes me as something nobody has. Not really. We all have laws governing us, of course, but then there are taxes, bills, spouses, children, jobs, health issues, pets, family obligations. . . are any of us really completely free?

 

I'd think I'm free to be happy, but it's not always easy to do. It's a choice I have to make sometimes. An actual choice to smile, as cheesy as it is. I choose to work at happiness rather than just sit and mope, probably 90% of the time. I'd say that's a good percentage! I'd get an A-!

 

And to my friend who is struggling I still say. .  .that patient of yours was never free. And you did your best. It's not your fault.  

Albert Einstein

I'm still feeling caught in broken-heart-land, but I didn't want to go down too sad a road with my post tonight. Particularly after a week without posting.

Albert Einstein is known as the father of modern physics and one of the most respected and influential intellects of our time. In my experience in quote-land, he also has some GREAT quotes.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

Ha! How true! Does anybody really want to argue with this one? I mean, really? The man was a genius. I dare you to argue with him.

Even when I feel like I've got it all figured out, some unforeseen situation arises and makes me realize otherwise! This has been coming up for me a lot as I deal with my broken heart, both on my part and his. Though I have to say, since most of this mess is his to be had, was made by him, and mine to feel the results of, it's his stupidity in this case that has been on my mind.

But we are all guilty of it. For as many smart decisions as I make in a day, I swear I make the same number of stupid choices. My favorite thing about this quote though, is that it was said by a genius! It doesn't seem possible that somebody like Albert Einstein could have ever done anything stupid. But I don't think he is leaving himself out of his above quote, which means he must have felt himself capable of doing stupid things.

Moral of my story today is that if Albert Einstein could do anything stupid, I shouldn't beat myself up for "bad" choices I've made too much either. We all make mistakes. If Einstein said this was a certainty, I believe him!

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American lecturer, essayist and poet who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. It should be noted that I have never been a huge Emerson fan. I think this is largely because I first read parts of his essays in high school, and I wasn't mature enough to really appreciate them. I think perhaps I should revisit some of his material though, particularly since I love this quote so much.

"Success; To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded." 

Lately I have been feeling like a failure in so many ways. Another failed relationship. My finances are a mess. Starting another new job, though that's almost completely because of the break up. Auditions are slow, and those I've managed to have, I still don't book the actual gigs. Just, well. . . struggling. Maybe not failing, but not succeeding either.

According to the dictionary the definition of success is as follows: the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; OR the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like. It's that last part "the like" that strikes me as up for interpretation. Sure, wealth is lovely - from what I remember of it. Honors are great, but often fleeting. But "the like" can be SO much more fulfilling, particularly when the first two are not coming in as often or quickly as one would like.

So let's examine by success in the category of "the like," according to Emerson.  
1) To laugh often and much - Yes. And yes. Even if I'm not laughing myself, I can honestly say that I make somebody close to me laugh every day. Which, in turn, makes me laugh a little bit at least.
2) To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children - Yes and yes. I have super smart friends in my life. People who I consider to be on the genius level. And they love me. I consider that an honor. And (while I'm often not sure why) kids love me. Apparently, I'm very funny to children too, which will get you everywhere! And I think children generally trust me pretty quickly, which must mean I'm doing something right.
3) To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends -yes, and ouch, yes. I have certainly had my share of bad reviews, but I've also gotten praise from some super talented, smart, and skilled people in my life. Both personally and professionally. And, for better or for worse, I've survived losing false friends. Which is not fun, but part of life.
4) To appreciate beauty - Yes. Of all kinds - natural, man made, whatever. (Take my wine, art, music and shoe collections as examples of this one.)
5) To find the best in others - Absolutely. Sometimes too much to their credit. I can be too trusting, but I'd prefer that to the opposite. I don't ever want to become so cynical that I can't see the good in a person.
6) To leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition - Not sure on any of those yet. Guess my obituary will have to determine this one. Unless it counts that I donate to charities of some kind at least once a month if not more.
7) To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - Well, I'd certainly like to think so. For moments here and there at least, if not more.
This is to have succeeded.

According to Emerson, I'm a huge success. Thanks, Emerson! Now if you can you help me get some health insurance and maybe a 401K plan . . . .

Anonymous

Again, an anonymous one that I read in one of my magazines recently.

"Keep in mind that when accepting an apology, you're essentially saying, "Thank you, I'm going to get over it." Then do."

I find forgiveness to be tough. Not because I want to remain angry, but because I can't seem to forget. If you want to learn from mistakes, don't you have to remember them? Not just your own mistakes, but if someone else hurts you? That whole "shame on you if you fool me once, shame on me if you fool me twice" thing. But then there's the opposite end of that philosophy that you have to forget to forgive. You have to really let it go. Whatever it is.

I think women tend to be worse at this than men. We may forgive, but never seem to forget. Men, god bless 'em, seem to forget, so the forgiveness seems easier. Though this is clearly not always true, it does seem to me that women remember more, and therefore are perceived as holding grudges more than men. Maybe it's also because we tend to not be as confrontational? Men have it out right away and then get a beer. Women hold the frustration to the boiling point all too often and then blow up at each other. I know I am completely generalizing here, but overall, I do find this to be true. And honestly, men, I think this can be one of your best qualities! So take it as a compliment!

I was thinking about this last night, and I have had pretty major fights will all of my absolute closest friends at some point in my life. (Men and women) If I've had a good fight with you, there's a decent chance you will be in my wedding someday. (You know, when I'm 80 and find somebody.) In all of those cases, I have absolutely forgiven, but it's not always as instantaneous as I'd like it to be. And it's taken a lot of growing up to realize that holding on to any of that stuff really gets me nowhere. Whether it's blaming myself or them. I have to let it go. Sometimes when I practice yoga, I do something one of my amazing teachers suggested - for every inhalation say the word "let" in your head (or out loud) and for every exhalation say "go." And keep saying it until you believe it. So cheesy, but so helpful.

Anyway, to those I've had fights with, I accept your apologies whole-heartedly and I sincerely hope you've accepted mine. To those I haven't fought with yet, remind me of this quote when we make up over cocktails, ok?!

Breathe in: Let. . .
Breathe out: Go. . . .

Anonymous

So. . . I don't know who said this. Nor does my reliable, much loved quote book. Even the internet is striking out. I do, however, know I ADORE this quote.

"All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough; they will say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. They will tell you no, a thousand times no, until all the no's become meaningless. All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly.
And you will tell them YES."

The last few years have been challenging for me in many ways; financially and professionally to be sure. I was somebody who was fortunate enough to achieve financial and professional success as an actress in my early 20's. My late 20's and early 30's have not been so kind. Of course, times are tough for everybody. But worrying how one will pay the bills, about not having health insurance, where the next job is and when, etc - I think those are universal concerns, no matter what the economic climate is.

Of course, since I'm now dealing with the added "failure" of another break up, I'm quick to jump on the negative spiral. It surrounds me. In my life, in my friend's, in my family's, in the news. It just feels sometimes that there is no hope. 

Though today's quote is largely about determination, I find it to also be about hope. Without determination there is no hope. When things are tough, you have to be determined to get through it. You have to have courage to stand up and say "YES, things will get better." I am learning from this. This break up. This job loss. This financial struggle. This economy. Whatever it is. There is always a way to have hope.

I'm determined to have the courage to have hope. I know as I heal I eventually won't have to force that anymore. But for now, I refuse to let it take over. I am going to be brave (or as brave as I know how to be!) and say yes to all these changes in my life and take risks, albeit with some caution, to secure a better life for myself and those around me. 

Damn it, world. YES. 

Edna St Vincent Millay

Edna St Vincent Millay was an American poet, playwright and feminist. She once won the Pulitzer Prize, and was known not only for her activism but also her many love affairs. Even within her longest, and arguably most successful marriage, she had open affairs with other people. That being said, I'm not sure who or what this quote is about. In fact, it might even be from her writing. Since I don't know her material at all, I have no idea. All I know is that it sums up how I feel these days.

"Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling into at night.  I miss you like hell."

The particular break up I'm dealing with right now wasn't about falling out of love. It wasn't about cheating. It wasn't about an argument. In a nutshell, it's a horrible situation that doesn't involve me, but affects me. And it has made the man I loved turn into a shell of who he has the potential to be, who he was with me. That being said, it feels like a death. It feels like that man that I loved has left the planet. I feel a "hole in the world". Definitely a hole in my world.

Aside from the obvious feelings of just missing somebody, there is that impulse to call, reach out, email, text, whatever. When you get good news, the first person you want to tell. . . and then you remember that person isn't there anymore. When something upsets you, the first person you know will make you see things more clearly, and then the reality hits that that person is gone. Those constant little check ins that we all have, particularly with close relations and lovers. And then there's the really painful one - when you roll over in bed to literally reach out for them, only to feel the cold, empty sheet beside you.

I definitely know I am loved and have an amazing group of friends and family. And thank GOD for them. But I'd made space in my life for a love. And now that space is empty.  I know eventually I will fill that space. Either with other activities, other friends, hopefully even other loves. But for now, it's a wound. That gaping wound can't be cured or healed with a simple band aid. . . all that will work to heal it is time.

Edna, I feel your pain. There is a hole in my world for sure. And I can't wait for that hole to just be a battle scar.

John Wayne

If you don't know who John Wayne is, may I suggest watching Nathan Lane and Robin Williams doing impressions of him in The Birdcage. And if you don't know who John Wayne is, really? I mean, REALLY?!

John Wayne was an American Screen Icon. An actor, producer, and director in the Golden Age of film. I find this quote strangely peaceful and soft, considering what a tough image he had in Hollywood.

"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes in to us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands and hopes we've learnt something from yesterday."

How poetic. How hopeful. How true. Obviously, our past is part of who we are, even today is a part of yesterday. But just because something went wrong yesterday doesn't mean it has to continue to go wrong today. Just because you were hurt yesterday doesn't mean you have to keep being hurt. You can make decisions today that will make this day better, smarter and more promising. I'm trying so hard to do that myself right now.

Unfortunately, not having short term memory loss (or long term for that matter) means we always carry with us what happened yesterday. But you can carry it with you and have it feed who you are today without it weighing you down.

A new day with a blank slate. Make of it what you will. It's your entirely white, empty canvas to work with. What mood to be in today? What tasks to accomplish? What person to reach out to? What goal to set? Endless hope. Endless opportunity.

Oh, but still pay your bills from yesterday. That's kind of important, John, yes? Bummer about that.

Jean-Paul Sartre

I'm attempting to accomplish many things right now - spring cleaning/purging, meeting with friends about upcoming projects, working, going home to visit family, brainstorming to start teaching a class, learning info for a new job, auditions - just LOTS. And there never seems to be enough time. Laziness certainly accounts for the loss of some of that time though. I'm not even gonna pretend otherwise. Turns out that since time is on my brain today, I found a quote about exactly that.

Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, playwright, political activist and literary critic, among many other things. He was one of the leading philosophers in Marxism, lived through France during the German occupation of WWII,  and was once awarded the Nobel Prize, but refused it. While I don't claim to know much about his theories or the man himself, I do enjoy some of his quotes.

"3 o'clock is always too late or too early for anything you want to do."

SO TRUE! Right?! 3 o'clock is too late for brunch. Often too late for lunch. Certainly too early for dinner, even if you qualify for the early bird special. It's too late to start any major event for the day, and too early to start one for the evening.

Today my main time challenge was doing my laundry at the perfect time. Either before or after the massive wave of neighbors all get down to our laundry room - first thing in the morning or late in evening. So it turns out that 3pm is the PERFECT time for laundry! Take that, Jean-Paul! I disprove your theory! But only when it comes to the laundry challenge. Otherwise, I agree with you, sir.

John Mayer

Song lyrics are, of course, a major part of my life. Generally, I'm drawn to lyrics over music. Though the two have to merge perfectly together for me to be completely hooked, I tend to gravitate toward lyrics. 

John Mayer is a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist. Though I don't love his current bluesy stuff as much, I always adore his lyrics. Honestly, he has written songs that could be turned into scenes without ANY re-writes. "My Stupid Mouth," for example. The lyric I've been drawn to lately is from "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" off of the album, Continuum.

"When you're dreaming with a broken heart, the waking up is the hardest part. You roll outta bed, and down on your knees and for a moment you can hardly breathe, wondering was she really there?"

Whenever something horrible happens in my life, I cry it out, I eventually pass out and sleep, often with help of some kind (let your mind wander on that one), but then, oh cruel morning, I have to wake up. And every time it happens, I wake up and think "that was just a nightmare, right? That didn't actually happen." But it always sinks in, slowly and painfully, that yes, it did happen, whatever that tragic "it" is. Then the pain begins all over again.

Sleep is merciful in that I can forget. I can relax. I can stop worrying. I can stop trying to fix it or control it. Even with dreams or nightmares, when I'm going through something tough, those are welcome distractions.

I am finally starting to get out of bed in the morning with a bit of purpose to my day again. But my ex is still the first thing I think about when my eyes open. And I literally wonder, "was he really here? Were we really so happy and now he's gone?" And every single day I have to remind myself that he was there. We were happy.

But then I have to remember it's in the past. It's over. That past tense is killer.

So these days, I especially welcome sleep. It gives me time to relax and be at peace. I've never enjoyed getting out of bed in the morning. But normally, it's just because I want to keep sleeping. These days it's partly that, but largely because I don't like the realities I'm facing.

And no offense, John, but I can't listen to your song right now. Though it's running through my head anyway, I'm choosing more upbeat, kick ass music. Or at least I'm trying to - damn you, iTunes shuffle!

Jack Benny

This one is brought to you by the fabulous Jack Benny, comedian and actor. I personally know him from clips from The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Carol Burnett Show and a cameo in one of my mother's favorite films, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

"I don't deserve this, but I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that either." 

While I'm pretty sure that that comment was something Benny said when he received an award, when I read this comment, my head is not in an "I don't deserve these good things happening to me" kind of place. Quite the contrary. I was recently more happy and comfortable with a man in my life than I have ever been. We had problems, we had differences, but we were honest with each other. It just felt like I had finally gotten it right, after countless bad relationships, bad choices, commitment-phobes, and other heartbreaks. But, so sadly, it ended abruptly and tragically. (For those that don't know, he's not dead - though it feels like that actually - like a death). And through it, I have had many moments (and continue to have) of wondering, "why me?"

I try to be a good person. I am trustworthy, funny, honest, loyal, supportive. I can honestly say I make at least one person laugh every day. I'm polite. I try not to cause deliberate pain or inconvenience to anybody if I can help it. I support charities. I recycle. I compliment people on the subway for crying out loud! In the grand scheme of things, I'm a good person. I have certainly made mistakes. Some that will haunt me forever. Moments I'm not proud of. And when horrible things happen to me (like this break up, for example) I wonder what I did to deserve it. No, I don't wonder actually. . . I go RIGHT to those shames in my past and think "yup, Leslie. This is what you get for that. No matter how many good deeds you do, you must still not be good enough to have made up for that."

I've always believed in karma. But I think that's largely because I want to believe, or I need to believe that the people who have wronged, hurt, or cheated me and my loved ones deserve bad karma. Otherwise, where is the payback? How does it all make sense? But if I believe in bad karma, I have to believe in the good too. And where, oh where, is MY good karma? Why am I in such pain now? How many things does one have to do right in order to right those wrongs?

I had a friend recently say to me that he doesn't believe in karma. He thinks that things don't happen for a reason; they just happen. That we all just need to look for the silver lining in crappy situations. And maybe he's right. Benny's quote just touched on the same point of view, in his funny way. And he seemed to think that way throughout his life. It wasn't just for the sake of a joke. Before he died, when he was asked to explain his successful life, Benny said "Everything good that happened to me happened by accident."

Maybe Benny and my friend are right. Maybe there IS no rhyme or reason. Maybe we drive ourselves more crazy by looking for reasons we will never see or understand. Shit happens. Luck either is or it isn't. Timing is everything.

So I'm trying, through all this, to convince myself that I don't deserve this pain. Trying being the key word. Trying to believe that there are no reasons. Just like Jack Benny didn't deserve his arthritis, perhaps I don't deserve this heartbreak either.

Now let's hope I'm not doomed to have arthritis anytime soon, or I will consider that my bad karma for writing this entry for sure, and I'll be back to square one!

Ashleigh Brilliant

Giving credit where credit is due, I want to make sure I always list the person who said/wrote/sang whatever quote I share on a given day. I will honor them with the blog post titles. It's QUITE an honor, no?

So, Ashleigh Brilliant is an author and syndicated cartoonist. He tends to stick to a self-imposed limit of 17 words per epigram, which I find especially interesting since I consider 17 (and 7) to be my lucky number. And it's my first blog. Coincidence yes, but kinda fun. (He also lives in Santa Barbara, CA, so I can only assume he drinks wine. . . and I've decided that makes us kindred spirits!) Among other achievements, he is well known for his "one line humorous remarks" and the one I am loving today is NO exception.

"I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once."

This SO totally sums up my life since my recent break up especially. That sadness aside, I think I'm generally a happy, hopeful, supportive person with a good head on my shoulders. But when the shit hits the fan, MAN does it hit the fan. Good lord. It's just one stress after another. Love, money, health, family. Why, oh why, do they always seem to come in groups?

Sadness can be a sort of all encompassing feeling. I guess happiness can too, come to think of it. The trouble with the extremes of both is that they make it hard to focus. On schedules, to do lists, bills to be paid, appointments to make, etc. And right now, I'm having trouble staying focused. Just planning a day has been overwhelming, and I'm a planner at heart, so that has been particularly unsettling to me. I'm getting my footing again, but it's just felt like an attack of feelings and responsibilities.  Attack is absolutely the right word. Just coming at me from ALL angles.

I'm told I'm tough. So I guess I can take it. But all the same, I wish I didn't have to.

Me thinks that Ashleigh Brilliant is. . . well. . . brilliant.

New Territory

Here I am, entering the blog world. With hope and fear combined. How does one start blogging? I've decided not to treat it as a journal, because a)I already have a journal, b) who really wants to hear EVERYTHING I have to say, c) that's what facebook is for! (I only wish that last comment were completely sarcastic.) One of my best friends suggested I start a blog and I've had a few people agree with her, but I wanted to come up with a topic for which I have a real passion. Of course, there are the obvious ones in my life - musical theatre, shopping, shoes, cats, men - but I wanted it to be more specific. Something that I can somehow learn from as well as discuss with others in my life perhaps. Otherwise, what's the point?

Let's not bother with my recent sob story, except to say that it has led me to a constant comfort in my life as I've gotten older: quotations.

Sometime in my early 20's, I found myself looking at books of quotations at Barnes and Noble (cue, plug of book store!) and came upon a book that has really been there for me in times of distress, excitement, fear, hope - all the biggies in life. It's not The Bible. It's not The Secret. It's not He's Just Not That Into You. Not that those aren't all valid, lovely inspirations, they just weren't MY inspiration. For me, it was The Harper Book of Quotations that really resonated with me. It's your typical coffee table book that one would leave out for guests to peruse at will and probably never actually read. But for me, I have turned to it for examples, lessons, strength and encouragement. I've been known to buy this book for people and highlight quotes that made me think of them, or their situation, whatever the event was in their life that prompted a gift.

Lately I've been trying to figure out WHY I love quotes so much. I mean, why do we ever like the things we like? But I think I've finally articulated it properly. Aside from the inspiration, the genius, the simplicity in so many quotations - they comfort me. Because they show me I'm not alone in whatever I'm going through. Whether it's good or bad, it's human. And other people have gone through the exact same things - different times, different places, different circumstances, but the same feelings. And I find that so comforting. Safety in numbers, you know? And doesn't comfort just feel so good. . .

I have many favorite quotes. They change and expand largely based on what is going on in my life. We seek out what we need, and I am certainly no exception to that rule. Rather than just post my favorite, I'm going to post thoughts on what pertains to my life on any given day/week/whatever the frequency of this blog becomes.

Tune in if you like quotes. If you like figuring out how they apply to you, or those around you. I don't claim to be an expert, but I'd like to think that my combination of career, sensitivities, yoga, therapy, humor, intelligence, and love offer me some sort of interesting angle on this. And if not, well, don't read, right? My motivation for starting this is largely selfish. Not to preach, but to share. If somebody else happens to enjoy what I share, then everybody wins!

Thanks for reading. . . there will be more.