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?

A Girl Like Me

http://www.understandingrace.org/lived/video/index.html

Understanding Race and issues such as skin color, natural hair, and self acceptance in the year 2010. In this video, the famous doll study by Kenneth and Mamie Clark is recreated. African American children are shown black and white dolls and they show a preference for white dolls. 

Typography Rocks!

Paris by night on the Behance Network

I have a love for typography based on a previous career in printing and publishing. This poster is great! The colors, font, size, design, and textures all work to create a post that is strong and exciting.

Great Outfit for Day!

 Great outfit! The look consists of a white peasant blouse with a drop waist and relaxed fit blue slacks. White shoes and an attractive necklace complete the look. This is Stéphanie Zwicky model and  fashion blogger.  


Click the link to  Stéphanie Zwicky to view her wonderful photostream. Stéphanie's blog is called Le Blog de Big Beauty.

Janelle Monáe Style

Janelle Monáe: This talented little woman is quite the fashion trendsetter. She makes me want to go shopping for saddle shoes and a fitted suit. I love her petite, crisp, fashion style. Her hair style is very unique for today's society. Janelle is a true original.

The Beauty of Chili

Chili has to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. She improves with age. She has an incredible confidence and relaxed sense of style.

Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer. -Ed Cunningham (via kari-shma) (via quote-book)

Love is in the air

Love is in the air
Originally uploaded by Siebe

I love the feelings thing picture evokes. Pure happiness and joy.

"Our patience can achieve more than our force." -Edmund Burke

No More Testing

I originally posted a photo of me from photoshop with a pastel effect. I thought about it and I now feel that I have the courage, pride and self acceptance to post my picture without any manipulation. I like this blog now. This background and layout really works. It has lots of potential.

Life is too short to hold a grudge, also too long. -Robert Brault (via Steve Ramirez)

“Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools." -Napoleon Bonaparte (via quotme)

Still testing

I posted a photo of me from photoshop with a pastel effect. I am still trying to figure out some things on this blog and it has been frustrating. Oh well learning curves are frustrating.

Hobbit Road?

Hobbit Road?
Originally uploaded by algo

Let’s go deep into the beautiful forest, down the winding road.

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”  – Simone de Beauvoir

Big Beauty in Blue Beth Ditto @ Evans Jumpsuit

blue jumpsuit Beth Ditto @ Evans
Originally uploaded by BigBeauty-of-paris

Nice and coordinated casual look that is dressed up for dinner. This is a flattering blue Beth Ditto @ Evans jumpsuit with a black blazer. This is model, fashion blogger, and fashion coach Stéphanie Zwicky.

Is it The Little Black Dress or Is it The Little Black Robe?

robe bustier
Originally uploaded by BigBeauty-of-paris

This is a lovely little black dress or little black robe. In French it is called a robe bustier which means a strapless dress. The robe bustier appears to be such a flattering fit. It is too bad that we only see the top of the dress in this image. The bustier reveals just enough cleavage. The chunky bracelet is a wonderful accessory that complements the look.

If you have wonderful shoulders, the right support garment, and confidence then this is the look for you.

This is model, fashion blogger, and fashion coach Stéphanie Zwicky.