Do people come to you for advice?

I love to read. It's part of my daily routine. Sometimes I read in the morning, this usually happens only on the weekends. Through the week I read before I go to sleep. I've been reading more today because I woke up to pouring rain splattering against the windows. I so love these kinds of days. I stay quiet, and don't necessarily reach for a book right away. What better time to gather your thoughts than in the morning when it's silent, except for nature having a party outside your bedroom window?

But this morning I was reading a quote someone sent me, along with the question, "what do you think about this?"

"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.” Erica Jong (American writer and feminist, 1942)

The first thing I did before I pondered the quote was research who said it. From info I found online, I loved that the person who asked me what I thought about the quote was a guy. (A few of the male friends I have aren't into feminism, just sayin)

"Erica Jong-novelist, poet, and essayist-has consistently used her craft to help provide women with a powerful and rational voice in forging a feminist consciousness. She has published twenty books, including eight novels, six volumes of poetry,six books of non-fiction and numerous articles in magazines and newspapers such as the New York Times, the Sunday Times of London, Vogue, and the New York Times Book Review" (review taken from http://www.ericajong.com/abouterica.htm)




"Impressive" I mused to myself. At least I'm impressed. I like poetry, love reading books and short essays, articles...... and have to admit I don't mind a feminist opinion expressed with gumption. I'm not a soap box type of person, but I admire those that speak their minds, and aren't afraid to do so.

What do I think about the quote.....I pondered while laying there listening to the rain. There is probably some truth to it. I am sure that I've formed an idea of what I want to do, before I've asked someone for advice. Even if the idea was small, and undecided. I think we reach out to others for advice to see if they provide a perspective we haven't thought of.
I do agree that there are those that ask for advice because they're looking for one person to tell them an alternate version of reality, regarding the situation.

I have to say though, that sometimes we really don't know the answer. We seek others opinions because we don't know which way to turn. I've often wondered if I offer the wrong advice to someone, and it doesn't turn out well for them when they follow it, how will that make me feel in the end? With that thought in mind, instead of saying, "Do this", I say, "Let's look at all sides of the issue first".

Do people come to you for advice? I think it's a compliment in a way. Your opinion is valuable to them, and they trust your instincts. I'm grateful for anyone that comes to me with, "hey, what do YOU think?"

Here is my advice for this weekend:
Embrace everything great, let go of everything negative. Then hug those you love, and tell them that you do. That they're important in your life.

I think Monday will come with a smile.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

P.S. I had brunch with friends this morning, I found that their company is what made the food so tasty. But the homemade bread? to.die.for. =)

Who really inspires me is the friend that pushes me to be better....

You know what inspires me?

Art. Looking at beautiful paintings, portraits, photographs, chalk drawings, sand art (while walking a beach).

Music. It can totally change the mood of my day. I rely on it much like an old friend, because that's how I perceive it.

Random Acts of Kindness. Even if they're not random. Just acts of kindness period. Especially when done with no expectation of a return.

The weather. Autumn breezes....Winter snow. Icicles melting from awnings as Winter fades and Spring peeks around the corner, bringing rain that flows a clean scent through my open windows. A Summer sun making the surface of a pool glitter like diamonds.

Nature. If you ask me if I'm a bird watcher my first inclination is to reply with "no". Because who has time? But I do have time. And I do watch them when I can. Butterflies mesmerize me. Sometimes this nature watching is on t.v. but that's is SO not a replacement for being out in it. But to see an Elephant pounding through the jungle, trumpeting loudly, I either have to go on African Safari or turn the t.v. on. I guess I could go to the zoo. Hmmm.

A tide rolling in from the shore. I think this is nature and weather combined.

Quotes. Ah the written word. I love it.

"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was" Muhammad Ali

Books. The Noticer.....The Last Lecture....Tuesdays With Morrie.....do you have a few hours while I compile my list?

Movies. Quotes falls within this one. Movies like Nightmare on Elm Street? Not so much. I love scary movies, but they don't inspire me. But those like The Kite Runner, or Ray....The Soloist....Into the Wild, do. I'm leaving about four hundred out......


You know who inspires me?

The person who fights cancer, HARD, and wins.
Someone brave enough to take leaps of faith to make positive changes in their lives, for a brighter future.
The student putting themselves through school with no help.
The parent who lost a spouse that has to continue with life, raising kids and making sure love is always present.
The parent of a handicapped child.
A person who is comfortable in their own skin, and it shows with ease.
The person who puts their hand up and says NO.MORE. to the abusive relationship they're in.

Audrey Hepburn was an actress, but also a UN Goodwill Ambassador. I've always liked her. That is inspiration on a large scale, but it doesn't always have to be. It can come from family and friends who do small things as well. If a neighbor has surgery and needs their lawn cared for while they're recuperating, the person who steps up to help without being asked .....yeah, that person inspires me too.

Who really inspires me is the friend that pushes me to be better.

That's the friend I'm going to have breakfast with this week. Is it you?
See you soon,
Tiffany

We remember......9/11

"We saw the worst of our enemies and the best of our nation. America was attacked, but the deepest belief of our democracy was vindicated, that our greatness and strength is found in the character of our citizens." -Laura Bush

"We will not hunker down behind walls of mistrust and suspicion, instead, the nation will resist those who sought to divide and demoralize us. We will stay true to our traditions at home, as a diverse and tolerant nation. We will not give in to their hatred" -President Barack Obama

From New York

NEW YORK — A day of mourning for nearly 3,000 Sept. 11 victims began with moments of silence and tears near ground zero, as observers braced for protests over a mosque planned blocks away on what is usually an anniversary free of politics.

From Ground Zero:
"Let today never, ever be a national holiday. Let it not be a celebration," said Karen Carroll, who lost her brother, firefighter Thomas Kuveikis. "It's a day to be somber; it's a day to reflect on all those thousands of people that died for us in the United States."

Twitter feed:

@heykolls "I'm not a crier and am rarely serious. But 9/11 changes that every year"
@savageink "Peace."
@maybarakat "9 years ago our entire world changed.Still no words to describe the loss.Gone but never forgotten.We think of you everyday.#neverforget 9-11"
@ItsThingsInLife "#neverforget any of us could have been them 9 years ago.R.I.P.#neverforget to get up every 9/11 thanking god you're alive and have a family"
@TheGaGa "2,993 confirmed victims. The youngest was 2 years old - The oldest 85. 3,251 children lost a Parent. September 11th 2001 - #NeverForget"
@wittyclevername "Remembering all of those we lost 9 yrs ago, and the brave men who have fougt to keep us safe. Thank you #neverforget"
@MarnieNichole "Where we once were divided, now we stand united. We stand as one, Undivided. #neverforget"
@chriscturner "Enjoy your football today, but never forget the importance of this day. #neverforget"

Facebook:

"Michelle Obama and Laura Bush together.........very nice"
"Much love for those who put their lives on the line for us every day. I could only be so lucky to join them, in any capacity. Remember 9/11"
"Today is 9/11. I am reminded of the ones we lost and the people that fought for our freedom. Thank you to all those that serve and protect"
"Heading to scott AFB to the air show. I cant think of a better way to honor the heroes and the fallen than spending the day with the military"
"Reflective. Sorrowful. Grateful. Forgiving. God bless us all...ALL of humanity"
"No matter what's going on in our Saturday I think everyone is remembering.....9/11/01"
"Life is precious. 9/11 taught us that. Live every day with love, faith, gratitude, passion, and purpose. Never, EVER, stop telling the ones you love how much they mean to you!"
"Thinking of the families that lost loved ones on September 11, 2001 and how they don't have to be reminded of this day...I am sure it never leaves their minds. For that, I pray for sweet peace to envelope them today..."
"Flag at ground zero"

My thoughts are these:
When tragedy strikes, whether it be our nation as a whole, or on a personal level, we, as Americans, and as human beings, band together to form the most protective shield we can, out of love.

Reliving Paris....one narrow street at a time

Oh Paris. Do you remember me? The American girl that stood with her mouth gaping open at the base of the Eiffel Tower, so overwhelmed that her mouth got dry because she forgot to shut it?

The one riding through the unfamiliar, french countryside in a van with seven other passengers, headed to Chateau Chambord.....without a map? and a driver on the edge, but still doing very well? and a (friends) mom who never says anything negative in all of her waking hours?

Bonjour. That girl was me. One year ago today I was on European soil. I trespassed your beautiful gardens, and narrow streets, and quaint corner cafe's.

And when I say narrow. I really mean it.

I fell in amour with your pink skies, and your oh-so-fresh air, and your ESPRESSO. See what I did there? You can't write about ESPRESSO that you drink in Paris without giving it a proper introduction, capital letters. I became a capital letter when I drank that awesome.

This is Tiffany on Coffee. =)

This is Tiffany on Paris ESPRESSO.

I've tried to recreate that ESPRESSO taste, and feeling. I fall just slightly short, but Starbucks does do its best. I texted a friend the first time I tasted it, with "I'm pretty sure this could start a car if we ever run out of gas".
Notre Dame Cathedral, (Notre Dame de Paris) is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and in Europe.But you don't even have to consider yourself religious to feel a deep connection to this place. I lit a few candles and placed them on an altar there. And stood, once again, gaping, in awe of those stained glass windows. The camera's were complaining to each other, "I can't live up to these expectations!" but the person clicking the button tried very hard to capture the essence anyway.

Between that and Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, I don't know where I felt more humbled or at peace. But I just felt.it. Sacré-Cœur is located in Montmartre, the highest point of the city they say. You have to WANT this one, because you're going to climb a few steps to get there. (Two hundred and thirty-four) but who's counting?

Montmarte,  I adore your architecture. It's nothing short of amazing. I was always thinking, "how DID they build that? Making that structure come to a point on the end"......then deciding, "I want to live there". And have a flower box outside my bedroom window.

Oh and your fromage crepes. I will attempt to make one someday. But how can I totally capture the initial experience when I'm standing in my kitchen in North Texas? I suppose I could go out on the patio during a slight fall breeze, when the air is fresh, on a September morning. Maybe it will come close?

I had The Da Vinci Code on my mind when we walked all around the Louvre that day. I half expected to see Tom Hanks running as fast as he could across the commons with men chasing him. He wasn't there. Or if he was, he's very slick. Because I didn't see him. But I thought of him.

I've had Paris on my mind since September 1, and we had that one cooler day where everyone was updating social media with status's like "it feels amazing outside".

I wrote this to my family about the shift in perspective that I brought home with me from Europe:

For the change in perspective. I learned that the people that live in Paris are so easily satisfied with just doing simple things. Walking.....sitting at cafe's and sipping espresso with their friends....reading a book on bench at Luxembourg gardens while their kids play in the grass. Buying their dinner at the food shop around the corner that has rotisseries set up outside, roasting chickens, and taking it home. Taking naps, outside, at those same gardens, and not giving their backpack or "stuff" a second thought. I'm not saying Americans don't do these things, don't misunderstand. But I do feel like we're spoiled a little. Or it takes more for some of us to be entertained. (not all, just some) And I'm sure there are people over there that are spoiled too, just saying.

I want that feeling again. Going to Europe is the one trip that I've noticed I can remember almost every minute detail, twelve months later. Because I have pictures, and the words that I wrote, I can get back there in mere seconds, if only in my mind. I can even still smell it.

So I think long walks are in my near future. Simplistic activities. Satisfaction and contentment coming from very little. I don't have a River Seine to walk along, but I do have a duck pond here and there, with spraying fountains in the middle!

And after we walk, let's have breakfast the Paris way.

"Each morning in the hotel, we had free breakfast. They boil eggs and put them in a huge wicker basket and you just grab as many as you want. They're still in the shell, and always warm, never figured out how they keep them warm. Coffee, croissants, jellies, cheeses, cereal, juices, and baguettes"

Au bientot,
Tiffany

PS If you take me with you, when you travel to the city of love, I could be your photographer. I won't even CHARGE you for the pictures. Oui?

Absolutely nothing days.....

We work and run and drive and leap and dance and play and work and.......rest. We rest. It's the most important word in that first sentence. I mentioned a "collective sigh" in my previous post. I can hear that sigh today. I'm not sure why but most of the time I ignore the signs of feeling tired. What is that about? Like it's taboo to take a nap at two o'clock in the afternoon. As if I'm cheating on the day. I think I've decided that when my body is saying, enough already you need sleep, I'm going to listen. I love naps!

So Labor Day, that awesome Monday where we get to do absolutely nothing if we so choose, and if we're lucky enough to have a job that allows it, arrived this morning at 7am for me. I like absolutely nothing days. Mine are usually quiet, but not always. Sometimes music fills the day, maybe a movie playing in the background. I don't mind silence though, I really crave it at times. Especially when I'm reading a I-can't-put-you-down book.

"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow" ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

Time to walk away from any worries you have, any guilt you're feeling, any unhealthy habits you've formed, and.....rest. Not just physical rest. Mental rest. Let yourself regenerate. Restore. Relax.

That's what today is for, use it wisely. Then your Tuesday will feel like New Years Day.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS Cafe Brazil is open today!! Brunch it is......

When is your time for renewal?

I think I hear a collective sigh. The extreme heat of a Dallas summer seems to be behind us, (and I hate to jinx it by saying that out loud), and August said goodbye a few days ago. A lot of people see Spring as the time of renewal but it's always been Fall for me. My favorite season, my favorite four months of the year, with October being number one, have begun. Actually to get technical Fall hasn't arrived yet. But the feeling of it, is here. College football (MIZZOU-RAH!), NFL season next week, lower temps, letters received from favorite nieces that have a red leaf in them....Missouri Fall is the reason I want to see the tapestry of color in September, it starts now. Dallas doesn't show me that palette until November. It's okay, I'm patient.

I woke up early enough to see the sun come up, splashing slivers of yellow rays over the pool water, making it shimmer. I was chuckling to myself about the fact that this morning is the first time I've used the pool in a month because it's been too hot to swim. Now that September is here it seems like swimming should be put to rest if you live somewhere that allows you the privilege of feeling a chilly morning already. But thats one good thing about living in North Texas, you can use the pool until Halloween (sometimes). I've been able to swim in February before as well. Ah well.....trade offs.
I still think I want to live where the summer heat isn't so extreme. Antarctica?

I'm going to use these last four months of the year to the best of my ability. Embrace them. Hold them tightly and squeeze.

When is your time for renewal? Is it now? Or ongoing throughout the year maybe?

Since I don't have an ocean to walk along, I'm going for a walk down my pretty street and into the park where there are a few nature trails. May have a friend join me. You can too, and we'll have breakfast after okay?

See you soon,
Tiffany