“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson (via D. R. Fortune)

Christmas Rustic Chic

Everything about this picture appeals to me. I love the unconventional color of the wreath, the wreath made of bulbs, and the distressed shutter or door that it is hanging on. Maybe I'll be doing a wreath like that one next year.

My Favorite Things For Christmas

Lucky for me some of my favorite things for Christmas are free. I love the atmosphere, and putting up the decorations that I already own, and seeing decorations around town. I have noticed that this is another year of skimpy decorations in town. You can thank the economy for that. I've limited my decorating somewhat to be cost effective but I still do it. For the first time ever we don't have the green spiral Christmas trees on the light posts all through the city. This is probably due to budget cuts but it doesn't seem the same without them. This is a lesson we all have to learn in these times. We have to make do with less even at Christmas.

I Hope This Gets To You

I Hope This Gets To You! This is a video from a man that is made for his girlfriend because he missed her. It is creative and lovely. They are in a long distance relationship because she went away to graduate school.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”  -Steve Jobs (via D. R. Fortune)

“The wishbone will never replace the backbone.” -Will Henry (via french-knot) (via mybricole)

It's Just One of Those Days

It's just one of those days when my mood can be lifted by funny photos of children in custom. These are a few of the left over Halloween posts that were hanging around on Tumblr. They are just too funny to not post. Yes, Thanksgiving is tomorrow but I am going to enjoy them anyway.

"I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else."  -Dolly Parton

"I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde."  -Dolly Parton 

"You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather." -Pema Chodron (via Soulseedzforall) (via Steve Ramirez)

"Yes and no are very powerful words. Mean them when you say them. Respect them when you hear them." -Josephson0 (via Steve Ramirez)

Contemporary Style That's City Chic

I love the contemporary style in of the young couple in this picture. It's city chic. There is a mixture of textures and patterns, fine accessories, and smart styling.

This is a scene from an upcoming movie. Something about it appealed to me. Maybe it is the emotion on the woman's face or the man's dark, attractive looks. He reminds me of a young Wesley Snipes.

Prayer and Meditation

This is such a lovely picture of silent reflection that I actually took a moment to turn off the noise in my room to do this post. No iTunes will disturb me now.

I believe that quiet meditation is good for the soul. That is one of the things that I miss about yoga. I've been trying to fit yoga back into my life. I will fit it in soon because I was a happier person when I incorporated yoga in my daily life.

Prayer is certainly good for the soul for those who believe in a higher power. Prayer helps you weather good and difficult times.

I remember working in educational printing and having to make sure that the books had no trace of religion, Christianity, or even Christmas. I then heard someone say that prayer is still in the public schools. There are silent prayers to get through the day and silent prayers before tests.

Jon Hamm and My Mad Men Fascination

Mad Men is on hiatus so I have made it my business to catch up on the previous seasons of the show. I need to know all of Don Draper's secrets. Christmas is coming, so maybe the previous seasons of Mad Men will be on my Christmas list.

The Power of Positive Thinking

First of all typography rocks and it always will with me. I love when it is elevated an art form.

This message is clear and something that so many of us need in difficult times. When we doubt ourselves, and think negative thoughts about ourselves it only hurts us in the end. It is hard to make progress and succeed when we run a negative tape of self doubt in our own heads.

If we start to think of ourselves as bright, competent, and successful people who are waiting for the right opportunity to come along, then when the opportunity presents itself we will be better able to accept it.

Halloween Was A Blast

Halloween was a riot and it was made even more joyous because of the creative costumes of children that were shared online. Here are a few of the best this year.

Janelle Monáe costume

Janelle Monáe costume

Mary Poppins costume

Alex from The Clockwork Orange costume

The Princess Frog costume

Jon Hamm of Mad Men is Addictive

Jon Hamm has charisma 
and charm that is addictive.

I blog about Mad Men and the retro look quite a bit but I must admit that I just started watching the show this season. I became an instant fan of Mad Men and the fashions. I miss the show already, now that the season is on hiatus. Jon Hamm as Don Draper really does it for me, the way that George Clooney used to on ER. Jon Hamm has that "it" factor and a certain intensity that is so attractive and addictive.

India.Arie - Purify me

India.Arie is a beautiful and talented neo-soul artist. I love her voice, her easy style, and her confidence. She has a quality that is so unique and pure that it makes me want to be a part of it. India.Arie is earnest and she seems to believe in her music. When India writes her songs, sings and plays her guitar, I get the impression that she is doing it for the love of the music and not to capitalize off of it. She is the real deal and it shows in her work, album after album.

India.Arie - Video

Video was India.Arie's first single and right away I knew that she was someone special. The song was catchy and lyrics were meaningful. They left me with a sense of pride and I could relate to what she was saying. Every song that she has released since then has also had a special quality. They have honesty and truth in the lyrics.

I also love India's sense of style. I believe that India's mother designs her wardrobe. They are unique designs with an Afrocentric flair. The clothes flatter her figure and are vibrant in color.  She often wears long flowing maxi dresses that expose a shoulder.

I really appreciate the female neo-soul artists and their fashion sense. I love artists who are earthy like India.Arie, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott.  In this technologically advanced world of the internet, blogs, twitter, and facebook, I can become so easily influenced by international haute couture. I need to remember that there is more to fashion and style than haute couture.

Get Me Bodied (Timbaland Remix)

Jill Scott "Golden"

Jill Scott, an incredible singer, actress, and poet, brightens my day with the inspirational song "Golden." I could play that song everyday to lift my mood.

Jill Scott "A Long Walk"

Jill Scott is one of the best things to ever happen to neo-soul music. I have seen her perform live a few times and she is engaging and phenomenal. I knew she was something special from the release of her first single "Gettin' In The Way" but when this single was released it was confirmed.

Jill Scott "Gettin' In The Way"

Jill Scott burst on the scene with the single "Gettin' In The Way" but she has proven to be a woman of many talents, a woman with great influence in hip hop culture, and a woman with staying power. She can sing, act, write and perform poetry on an open mike. When Jill Scott performs at "Def Poetry Jams" the audience becomes electrified with excitement.

Jill is a versatile singer. She can sing neo-soul or jazz. Jill is a confident woman with her own sense of style. Many people view this curvy lady as a trendsetter. Keep your eyes on Jill Scott because she never disappoints.

"No person is your friend (or kin) who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow and be perceived as fully blossomed as you were intended."- Alice Walker (via onceuponapoet)

“No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us waiting to be born.” - Dale E. Turner (via D. R. Fortune)

“People will accept your idea much more readily if you tell them Benjamin Franklin said it first.”
- David H. Comins (via Steve Ramirez)

Chanel - Spring Summer 2010 Full Fashion Show Part 2 - High Quality

This is an awesome Fashion show. The unexpected combination of the glamor of couture fashion, a rustic barnyard location, and rock music makes this entertaining to watch.

Norma Kamali Plus Size Collection from the CurvyFashionista

Open publication - Free publishing - More plus size

Plus-sizes hoping to jump from high street to catwalk

This is an interesting story about plus size models in England. They seem to be increasing in visibility but the progress is slow. This video is temperamental so you'll have to play it on YouTube.

Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more. – Mother Teresa (via @Inspired Ones) (via Steve Ramirez)

"Buzz me, I'm Fashion !" - Fashion Week Illustrée sept 2010

Stéphanie, the Cape, and Chanel

This is model Stéphanie Zwicky in
a fabulous cape and Chanel shoes. 

This is model Stéphanie Zwicky and she is in a fabulous cape and Chanel shoes.  This look is completed with a lovely scarf and gloves and it is perfect for Autumn.

Oh how I want to see Europe, especially Paris, one day.  I would love to see a fashion show in Paris and experience the culture. The people, language, music, food, architecture, and fashion in Paris are all things that I would embrace.

Stéphanie Zwicky is a French blogger, model, fashion coach, TV personality, and writer.

Her blog is one of the best ones out there and truly inspirational because she shoots in different locations. She also chooses great plus size fashions for women with curves. Check out her blog http://www.leblogdebigbeauty.com

Girls Sporting Ties

Girls wearing ties is nothing new. It became trendy in
the 1970's with Diane Keaton in the movie Annie Hall.

Is the Annie Hall look coming back or is a funkier version of it returning? Did it ever leave?

Girls dressing like boys has probably always been accepted since the Annie Hall craze, if the girls were cute enough and if their outfits had a hint of femininity. 

The girl in the picture is definitely cute enough. She couldn't look bad in any outfit.

"The best way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement." – Charles Schwab (via D. R. Fortune)

India.Arie - Brown Skin

India.Arie - The Truth

 "If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it's because they take better care of it." – Cecil Selig (via Ruth Polanco)

Ain't no sunshine - Tracy Chapman & Buddy Guy

I first heard this recording of "Ain't No Sunshine" by Tracy Chapman and Buddy Guy last week on Tumbr and I was truly impressed. It is a classic song that they put a new spin on and I truly enjoyed it. I really want to hear more from Tracy Chapman which means that I need to invest more time in listening to her music. I just checked Amazon and she has 21 albums. That does not seem possible. I'll look further into that matter later, but for now I'll just enjoy the Tracy Chapman CDs I already own. I also own a Buddy Guy CD or two. Happy listening!

Janelle Monáe - Tightrope [feat. Big Boi] (Video)

Talented and fashionable singer Janelle Monáe has amazing moves in this video of Tightrope. She is an artist to watch because she is an original.

Naomi Campbell With A Killer Afro

Naomi Campbell is shown with an afro and a
fur collared suede coat in a  militant posed.

Naomi Campbell, the fabulous supermodel, is sporting an afro, a suede coat with a fur collar, and sitting in a militant pose.

This is 60's retro fabulous and I love it. Here are a few of the protests from the 60's: Make love and not war. Flower power. Power to the people. Black is beautiful. 

This photo of Naomi in an afro and in a militant pose makes me feel empowered and believe that we can change the world.

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

Sesame Street has become the coolest street and the most multiculturally inclusive place to be. I love how they go out of their way to keep up with what's going on in this ever evolving world.

Dixie Chicks - Cowboy Take Me Away

Retro Flair Is The Cat's Meow

Retro Flair is very now as demonstrated
by the singer Janelle Monáe.

Project Runway is one of my favorite shows. Each week Heidi Klum delivers one of the best lines on the show and it goes like this, "In fashion you're either in or out and you're out."

Retro Flair is in thanks to the success of Mad Men. We see the influence in dresses, tops, swimsuits, and styling. The unique and talented singer Janelle Monáe has took the retro flair and made it her own.

Gaultier Paris Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Collection

Chanel - Haute Couture Spring Summer 2010 - Preview

Five minutes with Beth Ditto on her new collection from Evans

Absolutamente Posh!: beth ditto + evans: segunda parte

Beth Ditto + Evans: Part Two from the blog Absolutamente Posh!  Beth Ditto introduces her much anticipated second collection and there are mixed reviews. Many of the shoppers like the retro look and fit but there have been some criticism about the quality. Like always you can't please everybody.

Please check out the link below. Unfortunately the whole page is in Spanish but I have a translator on my blog  and the page can also be translated in Goggle Reader. There are interesting fashions in this article and an interview with Beth Ditto in English.

Absolutamente Posh!: beth ditto + evans: segunda parte: "Cómo ya os comenté la semana pasada, la grandísima Beth Ditto presentó la segunda colección que ha diseñado para Evans, y yo prometí que h..."

Smell Like A Monster Sesame Street Spoofs The Old Spice Guy

Over 40 and Fabulous: Three Women Prove Life Gets Prettier With Age

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/10/05/more-magazine-2010-beauty-search/?a_dgi=aolshare_twitter

Raven-Symoné - The Wendy Williams Show (FULL) - 9/14/2010

Vintage Swimsuits Fit the Retro Craze

The Vintage Swimsuits that would be perfectly suitable and fashionable today.

This is a picture of ladies in one piece Vintage Swimsuits but their suits would be perfectly suitable today because of the retro craze.

This marks the end of my swimsuit postings and the end of summer. Autumn has come to Florida and the weather is changing.

Black Fringe Swim Suit and Stéphanie Zwicky

Black Fringe swim suit by Monif C.

Confidence, style, and a fabulous black swimsuit really works for this woman. This is Stéphanie Zwicky from Le Big Beauty, a French blog for plus size fashion, fashion coaching, and modeling.

I must admit that over that last few months Stéphanie has become my favorite model, blogger, and fashion TV personality, which is saying a lot, because I can't understand a word that she is saying.


Check out her blog Le Blog de Big Beauty

Swimsuit Glamor

Two very different but glamorous swimsuit looks. 

These are two very different swimsuit looks that are somewhat glamorous. Both swimsuits have flattering cuts for a curvy figure.  I can't help but wonder how the beige and green will look wet.

Brown Spicy Perfection

This Brown Swimsuit is
figure flattering and perfection.

This Brown Swimsuit is smart, figure flattering and just about perfection. The key-whole neck line reveals just enough cleavage and the suit appears to suck you in.

Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z - Upgrade U ft. Jay-Z

Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder

Rachel Maddow's Advice To Democrats Is Run On Their Accomplishments

Watching a video on Rachel Maddow advising Democrats to run on their accomplishments:http://bit.ly/d75R6c

Technology Free Active Days

Lazy days are active days.

I remember playing outside on a bike,  on a swing, and under a large shade tree. This is how we spent our free time before we became so engrossed in technology and in our busy lives. Remember the fun of recreation. It was also good for our health because we were very active outside. We now need to balance our technologically enhanced lives with more active lives that include outdoor activities.

Nina Garcia on Tim Gunn's 'Crack-Smoking Judges' Commentstylelist.com/2010/09/26/nin…via @AOL

Ella Fitzgerald - Bewitched

Bewitched Ladies

Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead from the 1960s–1970s era television sitcom Bewitched. That was back in the day when the wife, Samantha, could control the universe with a twitch of her nose.

Ray Charles Mural

Ray Charles Mural

Yesterday Was Ray Charles' Birthday! His likeness was captured beautifully in a graffiti mural. I love art in all forms and the artist,  MTO, is truly talented. He did an incredible job capturing Ray Charles, his joy and his energy.

Spider Web, with lyrics (by Joan Osborne)

     "If Obama walked on water, Republicans would accuse him of not being able to swim." -[sic] Hillary Clinton

Ray Charles - What'd I Say LIVE

Ray Charles - I Got a Woman

Hit the road Jack!

Talented Soul Singer and Musician Laura Izibor

 Talented Soul Singer and Musician Laura Izibor 

The talented Laura Izibor showed up in my dreams about three weeks ago and I finally did a search for her and I was surprised to find out that this was her. I had already reblogged this picture, on Tumblr, because it was a beautiful composition and artful. She is as beautiful as she is talented. 

Laura Izibor - "If Tonight Is My Last" [Live in Tokyo]

Laura Izibor - "Shine"

Laura Izibor - From My Heart To Yours (Video)

Black Retro Swimsuit

Marvelous Retro Swimsuit

This black, halter swimsuit is retro and fabulous. The fit is extremely flattering and it appears to have built-in support. The swimsuit is cut low on the thigh like a short. Everything about it is right for the fuller figure.

Live, Work, Create.

I love this sign and I wish that I had this on
my wall to remind me to do this everyday!

Sweets, Sweets, and more Sweets!

These Clever Black Tie Treats are strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate and then smartly decorated to complete the look.

Clever Black Tie Treats

The World Is Yours!

I need this message this coming week to conquer the world!

Zooey Deschanel's Retro Style

Zooey Deschanel's Retro Style

This picture of Zooey Deschanel in a
black belted mini is so fabulous! This
sleeveless dress is sleek, attractive,
and timeless. The white strapped,
mid-calf heels are to die for.
A flattering, retro hairstyle
completes the look.

The Big Bang Theory's Version of Paper, Rock, Scissors

Sheldon: Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors.

I wrote my first novel because I wanted to read it.  -Toni Morrison 

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or talent. But you can help with comfort.  -Toni Morrison

“What’s life without whimsy?” -Sheldon Cooper (via mybricole)

Reaching Hands

Reaching Hands

This picture of reaching hands is a powerful piece of art that reminds me of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty about huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

Alphabet Wall

Alphabet Wall

I love the fun decor and whimsy of this Alphabet Wall. Creativity can start with a simple idea like this. Just take it to the next level.

Work A Simple Black Tube Dress!

If the question is, "How do you work a simple black 
tube dress?" Look at the picture and you will have 
your answer. Simple accessories is all you need 
and reveal a little shoulder.

Work A Simple Black Tube Dress!

Beth Ditto in Gold

Beth Ditto in Gold

Beth Ditto is in a formal, gold dress with a deep V neckline that reveals a lot of cleavage.  It is a flattering fit that is close to the body and appears have ruching on the sides.

Perfect for spring and summer!

Empire waist polka dot blouse and capri pants
make the perfect outfit for spring or summer.

This is a lovely and fun outfit. It has an empire waist polka dot blouse and capri pants in dark blue.  The style and color of the blouse is attractive and the shoes complement the outfit. This is the perfect outfit for spring or summer.

Philip Treacy Hat

Model in a stunning Philip Treacy hat and a
smart little outfit to complete the look.

Love the hat and outfit! The designer, Philip Treacy, and his designer hats were featured on the television show Project Runway around three weeks ago.

Naomi Rocks Big Hair!

I love this picture of Naomi Campbell with a curly natural! It conveys so much joy and happiness. That's why she's a supermodel.

The Men of Grey's Anatomy

The men of Grey's Anatomy are so fine. The show is very entertaining
and so is Private Practice. It has been a really difficult and long
hiatus and I've been missing those shows very much. Thank
goodness they will be back on soon.

The Men of Grey's Anatomy

An Ample Wonder Woman

I love this drawing of a curvy Wonder Woman. This woman has

a little more meat on her bones than many would imagine for a

heroine.

An Ample Wonder Woman

Jill Scott "Whatever"

An evening with The Dixie Chicks - Cowboy Take me Away

I found this performance on the Absolutamente Posh blog and it made me realize how much love the Dixie Chicks.

Jill Scott "Hate On Me"

"Good Morning Heartache" feat. Jill Scott

There is nothing like Jill Scott in all her glory. Jill Scott sounds amazing singing the classic "Good Morning Heartache" with Chris Botti. This is why she has become one of my favorite artists in recent years.

Boney James - Sara Smile (Video)

Joe Sample & Lalah Hathaway - When Your Life Was Low

This is a splendid recording by Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway and I don't believe that it is well known. I found it on the jazz channel, on cable TV, late one night. I wrote the title of the song and album down because I knew that I had to have it. It was a good investment because this song got me through many tough times and helped me complete college a second time.

23.08.2010 Stéphanie Zwicky chronique beauté 100%MAG

Chronique beauté Stéphanie Zwicky 100% Mag

We exaggerate misfortune & happiness alike. We are never as bad off or as happy as we say we are. -Honoré de Balzac  (via Steve Ramirez)

  "If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen." -Ronald Reagan (via quotme)

Soft Sunbeams Through the Trees

Gentle sunbeams from on high.

  Uploaded by algo. 
Taken in Buckinghamshire, England.

This is an amazingly beautiful countryside shot of tall trees with soft sunbeams piercing through them. I love all of the rich colors and also the curve of the road.

Worse Than Being Blind

Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing.  -Bill Cosby

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.  -Helen Keller

Knowledge is love and light and vision.  -Helen Keller

Oh Happy Day!

Iconic: Oh Happy Days
Originally uploaded by Kathy~

This exuberant shot made me smile and brought back the joy that I experienced over my recent graduation two weeks ago. I received my second degree from college after many years but the joy was overwhelming.

Little Box Boy in the Rain

It's a wet and rainy day and this image seems appropriate. But we learn a couple of things from this little box boy.
Innovation and creativity works! The little box boy walking in the rain seems sad. We can interpret a lot from his stance and downward glance. 

Let go of the idea that the path will lead you to your goal. The truth is that with each step we take, we arrive. -Paulo Coelho (via metaconscious)

Fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life.” -Donald Miller (via quote-book) (via rhythmicimpulsivity)

Voluptuous Beauty

Jamie E. Bruce is an excellent example of voluptuous beauty. She is a plus size model and the epitome of glamour in this black and white shot.

Puerto Puerta

Puerto Puerta
Originally uploaded by philputnam

This is the door of a historic building in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
That door has such strength, beauty, and architectural detail. I love the
aged and weathered look.

Solitary

Solitary
Originally uploaded by philputnam

Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap National Park, and a friend standing in the perfect spot.

It appears to be an ethereal Sand Cave. There is something airy and magical in the light and mist.

Be Yourself… I tend to think that people will like you for being true to yourself. You must learn tact and interpersonal skills. Ultimately self acceptance is most important.  

Tedious Work

I am wrapping up some tedious work that makes my eyes cross. It also makes me want to rethink some past decisions.  I know that I can't change the past but I can certainly learn from past behavior and past career choices. I've learned to not be afraid of change. To take control of my own destiny.

Fierce!

 Fierce! This is the mood today and this young woman exudes it. The woman has an Afro, sunglasses, great accessories and a Mick Jagger T-shirt. Is this best picture ever?