i HATED seeing you leave!
especially without a GOOD-BYE...
but to OUR memories i will cleave,
and our PICTURES i will eye.

your jokes were never THAT funny,
but YET i found it hard to stop laughing.
i guess it could be considered FLIRTING by many,
but to us it was a way of COMMUNICATING...

we could leave each other SPEECHLESS
with just a GLANCE across the room.
play usually came first like NONE-the-LESS,
like the night we danced with the BROOM!

your SMILE could make my knees buckle
and your touch my stomach to FLUTTER...
that crazy little CHUCKLE,
and your SARCASTIC sense of humor.

EVERYONE says we will end up together,
married in a FEW years.
but NEITHER of us can imagine forever.
i just take it all in TEARS!

when my friends say your NAME
i find MYSELF blushing.
they usually notice i get kinda' TAME
and then the tears start RUSHING!

i hate YOU for making me like you,
making me realize what i was MISSING.
but all along i guess it was ME too,
i just needed to start LISTENING!

I spent some time with her up at the new place last weekend. But somehow it's just as exciting to have her coming home to our home, to our bed, to our stuff and the town we used to call home together.

A new film idea came to me recently.  It's called "Amelia".  That's all I'll give you about it for now.  :)

God is good.

May you be guided along the path,
May you find the early blossom,
And may you, in the hard times of life
Find comfort in all that is around you.

May the soft kiss of the silver dawn
Grace your wearied face.
And, as you tread the morning dew,
May God seek and find you.

Let's travel this journey together.

-b

Encho_451

ВИЕНА-битака, м.авгуот-2008

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art, beautiful, beauty, black, blue, celebration, celebrity, clubbing, cocktail, cute, dancer, dancing, disco, dress, earring, elegance, erotic, eye, fame, fashion, female, femininity, girl, glamour, glitter, glowing, hair, human, illustration, lips, looking, luxury, makeup, music, nightclub, nightlife, party, posing, sensuality, sequin, sexy, showgirl, silver, slim, smiling, sparking, stage, symbol, vector, woman

When one is bothered by something - and they stay silent about that "it" - especially to the ones that care the most about them - it can "kill" a person.  Which one?  Both is the answer to that. 

As you all know - especially if you have read both blogs - an adventurous undertaking has taken place.  It reduced the household income, but it is for the purpose of providing something more valuable than money.  The value is a better understanding of spirit.  Everyones taboo topic. 

I lead the "charge" so to speak and evaluated the situation my Wonderful was in.  I said leave your job.  Period.  Work on the business.  (They would have killed Wonderful.  Considering the shenanigans that have taken place since, it's a correct statement.)

The "ebonics of economics" are taking its toll and adding stress.   Guess what!? You know the neat thing.  It is only stress and that does go away.  A new stress will pop up and one will deal with that new stress. 

Never. Not once.  Ever.  Did I think this undertaking was going to be easy.  Did I try to cover the bases? Of course, but things don't work out the way you want, so you KEEP TRYING.  Does it suck that there is no money? Yes.  Duh.  Money is not what drives me.  I cannot and will not be bought.  Money does not drive you either.  (Wonderful!)  Keep working - just keep trying. 

WE did this.  WE are together.  And I love you! This is not just for us - but for everyone else!  That is not failure.  MMMMMMMWAH!!!

Add on:

Benjamin Franklin

August 27, 2008: Here is another add on:

Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game. - Voltaire -

I here this crap out here that "life is a game" - "relationships are a gamble" - "you win some you lose some" - it didn't use to be a game you know.  Hard and honest work use to be everyday life and not a game.  Doesn't anyone realize that?  Goes back to the the "So different that we are alike" - Now, apply it here to my message for my love.  We aren't playing.  We are living.  We took that step and it was done together.  With all of my heart - and a fine year of marriage - I love me some you!  My World!

The church grounds were beautiful! Plenty of opportunity there!

I thought this one was fun:

Aren't they the sweetest couple? :)

This one totally screamed black and white:

Annie has the most beautiful skin - I'm so jealous! :)

Then I had fun with a collage of their captured moments - some how I think Annie wasn't too keen on the PDA! :) :) :) But I'm sure Brad had no problem with it! LOL!

Their day is fast approaching and I can't wait! Thanks guys for choosing me to be a part of it!

If you are sharing your life journey with a significant other, your business represents an additional opportunity to grow together.

A true relationship does not require effort to sustain, it just simply ‘is’.
 
It does require attention and input from both sides though, or you may find yourselves in different spaces one day, feeling like you are living with a stranger.

There is a huge difference between being in business together and being together in business.

When you enter into business together, it is a clear understanding of the venture, what the vision is and what your respective responsibilities are. A joint business can be a wonderful experience and a fulfilling part of your journey together.

Know that it may not be optimal to be equal partners in a joint business. Someone will have to be the decision-maker, and it will serve you best to agree on who ahead of time. Deferring this until you are at a major decision point can add undue stress to the situation.

You must have balance in your life also. Ie: Just like if you had jobs, there would be set hours and clear separation between your jobs and your personal lives.

A home business can easily become the dominant part of your existence and consume all your awake time. Although there may be some periods where you need to put into some extra time, it is not an optimal strategy for your relationship and life together.

Prior to entering into business together, it is highly advisable that you be crystal clear on your abilities to work closely together and communicate. This may not feel like an issue in your relationship albeit it could be a huge problem if you have different styles and cannot agree on things.

Some couples just cannot be in business together. They have a wonderful relationship in all other regards and that is what they focus on together.

Together in business is a slightly different twist. Many businesses are started by one partner initially. Ie: She wanted to get involved with a Direct Sales franchise with products she loves and the opportunity to get out & about doing something new.

There are as many reasons for you to start your business as there are businesses to choose from.

In this instance, you are in business, not your significant other. Some partners are supportive and stand ready to assist you in any way that you need. Others are indifferent and don’t really care about the details of what it is that you are doing. And, unfortunately, there are those who are blatantly negative toward her business. Thankfully, they are the minority.

Having a supportive partner is a blessing in that you have assistance to grow your business and achieve that which you desire.

If the other half doesn’t get it, things can start to get interesting when you start to get busier. Especially if it starts to impact them more.

It may seem a little bit of a paradox that a partner would have an issue with a venture the most important person in his life his pursuing. Especially when it can take them all to a an incredible life.

In the Direct Selling profession, one of the top reasons women give up on their businesses and their dreams is to pacify their partner and keep ‘peace’ at home.

This is not conducive to a long-term, mutually-fulfilling relationship.

When you know that you are going to be successful at whatever you set your mind to, and that you alone are responsible for your success, nobody can deter you from it.

Growing in your power is an incredible thing – and can be traumatic for the person you share your life with, if they are not on the journey with you.

It is imperative that you maintain balance in your life and relationship for this business scenario also. It is so easy for what you love doing to dominate your free time – and time that you may need to be fully present with your family.

A wise partner recognizes the opportunity to be supportive of you.
 
Essentially, this mean simply believing in you and being available for what you need. And, being comfortable at times when you don’t actually need anything.

A cornerstone concept of being a supportive partner is that it is HER business. You are free to run your business however you choose. You may ask for his input or opinion, and you are totally free as to whether you act on it. And, you alone are responsible for the results.

As you grow in your success, there will be opportunities for your partner to join you, if they so desire. Always keep the door open and speak in terms of ‘us’.

Regardless of which mode of business you are in, the prize is your life together. Keep that prize at the forefront of all that you do and you will not just succeed – you will do it together.

For more insights on life and business together, sign up for my e-zine:
http://successfultogethercoaching.net/index.html

Be successful – together

Mark Semple CCC
2007 International Coach of the Year

So there's this guy. Ethan. He's, well, he's not my type at all. But I've become strangely attracted to him starting last night. Ethan, my friend Carla's only flatmate, is a hot, borderline-preppy Manchesterian individual. He has a huge...smile, bright green eyes and big sensuous lips, among other things. 

The thing is, I never really considered him to even be in my league before to be honest. I lived with him for a good almost 2 weeks, since when he moved in while I was still mooching off Carla when I first got to London. He was an incredibly cool guy with a fantastic personality and we became quite friendly. He even saw me in my skivvies once or twice as I was rummaging through my suitcase in the living room. 

Though Ethan has a great personality, is into films, (he has a HUGE...DVD collection) and politics, and just so happens to like Americans thank you very much, I sometimes get a bit nervous around him, due to his unapologetic good looks. I never even really considered him as an option. Though, it was painstakingly obvious on occasion he was single and lonely. He'd go to fancy parties (one involving Ken, Barbie and a BBQ) but all on his own, and he'd never bring anyone back with him. Which actually shows a bit of class, for once. Which is nice. (And no he isn't gay, definitely not, though a bit metro-sexual by nature) 

My opinions changed about him however last night when I went to visit the two of them at their flat. 

Now before I get on to this next bit, I must explain the Karma scenario. 

So the other night, I was on Facebook and while glancing at the news updates, I noticed my first boyfriend ever, otherwise known as my childhood sweetheart, had updated his work info. Curious, and still harboring some sort of subconscious connection to Nicholas Brudy, I went to explore his site when his new picture took me by surprise. 

Yeah, the cute scrawny little theatre nerd had grown up to be a hot commodity. He sported ab and arm muscles to die for. I couldn't resist. I had to write on his wall. So in a moment of girlish impulse ( with a little encouragement from Tilia mind you) I wrote, and I quote, "Lookin good Nicholas Brudy!" 

Also to my surprise, he replied on my wall with a comment about how he's been doing 10 push ups a day, and how it had finally begun to pay off. And just after he did so, he changed his profile picture, yet again, showing even more skin. Oh the validation involved in that moment was astounding. 

But getting back to the Ethan story, the Karma kicked in when I walked into the door, said hi, and he said, "Looking good Jane!" And I believe this was not just a matter of chance, as Tilia pointed out to me later over dinner at Wagamama, it was instant Karma. 

Ethan had also mentioned to me if I'd done something to my hair, which I hadn't. But he was clearly viewing me differently than before, when I was a mental and emotional homeless wreck living out of a carpet bag. I finally had myself together, and he was definitely taking notice. 

The three of us chatted a bit, and it was only when Carla was walking me to the tube station that I realized my crush. Carla wasn't surprised, as Ethan is a very good catch to be had. She even said she would have gone for him earlier if 1) she was single and 2) he wasn't her one and only flatmate. Too bad for her. 

Now keep in mind here, as I stated earlier, I rarely go for the pretty boys. That's Tilia territory. Which is why I found myself questioning this sudden burst of strong attraction. 

And yes, Kip and I are still, sort of, together, but I did break up with him for the time being, and he isn't coming back until early December...me thinks I may act on this...because there definitely could be something there. We even share an unhealthy obsession with Scotland and The West Wing. 

Will keep you updated. 

The skills required to be masterly to create this solidarity and unified come nigh approach from a opportunities and experiences that the team leaderr has been exposed to over many years.

These skills are learnt as much from observing, skilfulness and communicating with the teams they suffer with lead. The skills also come from a dedicated and properly structured self education program that explores all aspects of effective teamwork.

This self directed edification program and the experiences and opportunitiees gained from the hands on experience all recede into the inception of the team leaders cool-headedness of leadership.

It is one task to be superior to bring a pile of people together and order them a team, but it great skill and a highly talented person that can bring a group of individuals together and have then think, act, initiate and perform as at one. There are many obstacles and neegatives that the team chairman will encounter in the quest bring the team together father them dinner as a team.

But without doubt the greatest glance at a team leader must have is ability continually provide for the needs of each discrete within the team. Of surely the band leaders responsibility is not to annswer every inadequate want and necessity of each special, but in a conceptual sense the superior must be able to provide a certain amount for each iindividual wwithin the party.

In some cases team members dig the strength, the comeradary, the unified captaincy and the success of being in a unite. Even with the most loyal of team members the team and its leader must provide for the individual as decidedly.

The leaders deciding quest is to find ways to meet the wants and needs of the and its members simultaneously. This pursuit although hard and in some cases depending upon the individuals affected very challenging is not crazy. The fiirst and in the first place information the team bandmaster requires is conversance about the members the line-up.

What things do they like?

Who or what motivates them?

What do they do away from the team environment?

What do they interview as challenges and or as obstacles?

Who are the influences in their life?

are the things they are passionate about?

Are they a bodily enjoys working appropriate for a upshot?

These questions and numerous more purpose provide valuabble information the team leader use to understand the singular team member. This information also victual insight into how wealthiest during the team pursuing achieving their goal the individual team members can also attain there living soul wants and needs.

The great team leaders prepare ability to get the proper team members, reflective, acting, creating and performing as one. skill of the team leader is to around b be socially active the together leader is to contrive the party to make light of or work for something greater than themselves, the team.

But equal in doing this, and having the individuals forget about themselves for a while and muse over lone about the team. It would a foolish misstep for team leader not to continue to provide the individual both just and indirectly.

Maintaining the individuals sense of purpose, providing them with goals and ddirection to learn and grow. To allow them to get the things in life they feel they require, to allow them the opportunity to a certain size to maintain their independence but the same time the individual team members working as a tight cohesive, highly motivated, well directed single unity that embellishes the couch team this is the work a master band leader.

All collaborate leaders and probably without exception have come into contact with or have had people that have been part of the team that at best think, nursebe concerned and operate inasmuch as the benefit of themselves. The only time they talk about band is when they refer to their chiild' local under the control of 10 sporting tandem join up.

Of course teamwork is not for the whole world, but if you as a leader can continue to show to the sole get members that what is in this teamwork concept for them then you have a channce, no a skilful chance of getting them involved and committed the team, its restraint and its direction.

Ultimately the commitment lies with them but at the same stretch the finesse lies with the team commandant. People will follow competence, people will supersede someone they keeping, people thinks fitting be draawn to a motivational and heady environment, but most of all people will follow someone who knows where they are going and why.

� 2008 Total Performance Concepts Pty Ltd

For More Information Visit http://www.totalperformance.com.au

Or Email totalperformance@totalperformance.com.au

Bill NNelson an elite global sporting cooach has turneed his knowing of developing peak team and solitary performance into a world-group corporate consultancy, Total Performance Concepts Pty Ltd.

Bill's wisdom on the science of motivation, performance coaching and combine building has been utilised nearby responsibility organisations, excuse forces, the estate and telecommunications industries, edifying institutions, townsperson government, numerous businesses and elite sporting programs throughout the exultant.

Since my velvet soul can flower now in peace,

To paint each hour with floral moods and grand designs,

And uplift the stormy angst of personal suffering.

If this be love, then let me sigh with magic finery,

No more shall I grieve the haunting that was my life,

For by the rose of love the private garden is transformed,

This is the season of our high delight, and shared,

It is an honour to attempt this highest goodness with you,

My devotion shall relinquish effort to the shrine,

Of our everyday happiness together, ever making signs,

And imparting the services of small equalities,

Sharing beauty and virtue interchangeable, in our bed.

Tilia forgot to mention yesterday afternoon when she proceeded to give me a fashion show in her bedroom. (Sounds kinky, but actually it was just girly advice for a job interview) Most things involving the two of us do seem to have potential for misconstruing the situation. 

Like when I told her my hips were annoying me and she said, "You have nice hips." Or when I caught a glance at her while she was undressing and admitted I was a bit envious of some of her bodily qualities. This is all platonic I assure you! Though it may not sound that way to some...

Tilia even mentioned the conclusion people are coming to and I lashed out with a "I'm not attracted to you!" which followed a 'no offense' comment. Because though I do find Tilia good looking, she's not really my type. And I don't think I'm hers either...if she had  a girlie type...

And yes, I was a little defensive with Tilia's Hasidic Jewish landlord, in retrospect I suppose I feel a little bit bad about it. But it is getting a little frustrating that the conclusion one comes to is always 'lesbianism' when two girls who just happen to spend a lot of time together because they're good friends, jobless and in need of a little entertainment. 

Boys have their bro-friends too, and they seem to spend more time together than the average jock spends with his girlfriend. We sort of just act like flatmates I suppose...we just don't have to live in the same flat, share a kitchen or bathroom. 

What's the big friggin deal people???

I ran out of time the other day to expand on the quote above.  So here goes.....hopefully I can fully express what this means to me.

Does anyone else think that there are ideas and goals out there for our beloved nation that are not so good anymore?  The the time of over-developing and selling out should end?  That working together is literally - working together?  The idea of staying out of the political arena for other nations would be a splendid idea? I know my tax dollars would mucho happy and so would my retirement money,  that I will never see.  LOL ~

Expanding on outdated material has not brought us anything but the current situations we are in.  The finger pointing and delusions of billions have gone down the toilet.  Yet they are still being worked. Why? All in the name of oil?  All in the name of rich?  All in the name of might/pride/greed?

"Grass roots" comes to mind here.  Start simple on an idea you have had.  Understand that you are going to be meeting with total and utter dismay.  That the challenges faced would be of rage, "how could you", and threats - shoot maybe even death if those around do not like the idea of change.  (To that I would have to use the "good 'ol boy" syndrome here.) 

Since a voice is among millions - the idea has to be small - in you.  The amazing thing is - you realize later on - you don't need to have a "following".  That causes backstabbing and a whole big mess.  What you realize is that truth, really is what will back your ass up - and a Wonderful. (LOL!  Yes, Wonderful is my support along with my extremely high strung ideas of "why the hell does no one see/listen/ ask more questions" <- that is a long list.) Digression - sorry. 

What works in your area?  What is the little news paper saying every week, that just makes you mad "it" is happening in your area? How do you see a resolution?  Even if it is not acted on right away, a seed - the idea - just got planted.  If one hears what you are saying, has better morals than most out there, and is honest, they could just be the one to develop the outdated - You gave them a voice. You gave them an idea. Or you expanded on it and took the bull by the horns and said, "Wait a minute! I live here too and I do not agree. I have an idea let's at least try."

Currently, I feel, that exploitations of the outdated have been taken serious advantage of - in all areas of the government. A government that was developed to protect (first and foremost) and ensure freedoms of all, against tyranny at home or aboard.  Seeking the loopholes or even creating them for ones own gain, causes what you and I see today.  The idea/seed was planted, "they did it - so can I".  Trying to re-establish a good balance, will have to come from the World that is still going to be moving and changing, without selling out or walking all over a decent, non-aggressive family, or person.  Putting the seed of change out there has already happened - yet "flip flops" are occurring because - ah - you cannot make everyone happy.  What is the cure?  Equality. Simple idea.  Lost idea. But a regaining idea that everyone is entitled to what this Nation was created.

Currently, I feel, that red tape, bullying, lying, loopholes, buyouts, payoffs, <- again another long list, have destroyed basic fundamentals for equality.  For security.  For a life well lived. I would hate to be the person who has sold out.  When you are old and sitting in a nursing home somewhere - I do not want to hear, "those young kids out there .. blah, blah, blah." - Remember it is you that has caused this - working an outdated program and then not creating an equal program to continue developing a better nation. It is you that just set the example and planted that seed.  Why do you think it won't happen...to you?  (Note: Wills get changed all the time - illegally. That is where my thought was heading too.  Can't cover all your bases and you can't keep honest enough people around when you get old.  Not unless they really do love you.)

Again - just a voice here - I hope you agree or disagree - but either way - that you are thinking.

During the week I began the process of putting my philosophy of ministry down on paper. This is what it is looking like so far. A work in progress... 

"My philosophy of ministry is strongly flavoured by my experiences overseas. I embrace this and am attempting to translate that experience synergistically into my context here.

Consequently, I am passionate about mission as an organising principle for a community of disciples who gather around Jesus as their living middle. I am committed to discipling practices that ground people in the deep channel of Scripture and a developing Biblical worldview.

I am committed to building spiritual maturity to the point where it is self-sustaining, sensitive to the Spirit of God and actively seeking accountable relationships with other disciples who are further along in the journey. 

I am committed to helping people discover & exercise their spiritual gifts both individually & corporately, to creatively experiment & to tenaciously fail forwards together for the sake of Kingdom of God.

I am committed to modelling an authentic & costly discipleship that moves beyond prestige and comfort for the sake of those who are yet to encounter Jesus anywhere in our Global village".

Reflecting on what I wrote yesterday, I know I don't always do what I say above very well... sometimes I get sidetracked. Sometimes I am scattered & selfish and I get shunted off into a siding for a while. When I am open and focused, I resonate in tune with the Spirit of God & my life as a disciple is about getting habitual about the rhythms of the Kingdom. 

No one wants to be educated on the "going ons" in the world.  As I see one subject, Russia has taken a page out of the USA ~ "Occupy a country and say you are going to leave."  EEK!  There I go being taboo. 

It is unreal how we have the nerve to say "no, no..that's wrong" when we do the same thing.  Shouldn't an example be set by doing the right thing.  It is a fact of life.  If you set the example, others follow.  That is the simple rule - well unwritten anyway.  Happens in offices - sure it does ;-)

Now - as far as the quote goes above - start off small.  Can't "fix" the world - can't "fix" someone else - can't "save" what is going to happen - Wisdom is right out the door.  It is the "gimme, gimme" -- except for in smaller, general areas where people are actually working together, for at least their betterment.  I.E. Texas town where the woman have really turned it around.  Yes, It was actually on CNN news a few months ago.  They have used their ability to inform and maintain communication - even if they didn't like what they were hearing or being said.  Kind of cool, don't ya think? 

Change of how information is present has changed so much, in such a short amount of time.  Heck, Dan Rather got canned.  Scary stuff being misinformed ~ how many times has that happened to you on a small scale.  Sucked didn't it? 

Don't tell me what I want to hear - Tell me what you think and should be heard - is a great motto to have.  Working together = Stability = Mental stability = Peace --->Kind of a reworded formula that is found in the office -- just named differently.  (There we go again with the rewording what is already known.)

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."
Thomas Jefferson

In the ancient world, a disciple who accepted the call to follow a rabbi, entered into the inner circle of that master, sharing life in all of its intimacies – warts and all. The aim of being a disciple was the application, the translation of all the long learning & memorization of the Hebrew Scriptures into real life lived under the watchful eye of the Rabbi.

A disciple would follow his rabbi everywhere. One of the sages of Mishnah, Yose ben Yoezer, used to say, “Cover yourself with the dust of [your rabbi’s] feet, and
 drink in [his] words with gusto.”

The idea of being covered in the dust of your rabbi came from something that was a common sight in 1st century Palestine.

I like how Rob Bell describes this... He says a rabbi would be walking down a dusty local street and right behind him would be his students doing their best to keep up with him, as he went about from place to place teaching his yoke. By the end of the day, the disciples would have the dust from whatever their rabbi had been walking in literally caked all over them.  

Covering yourself in the dust of your rabbi… this is what devotion means when you are a disciple of Jesus.