Show Your TRUE Colors...

Today I feel yellow.  Yes, I feel in color.  What?  You don't.  Oh, see, the way my spirit is set up... (Kevin Hart reference).  I feel vibrant, sunny, full of energy, warm and bright.  So, I feel YELLOW.

Recently, I wished one of my sorority sisters (I used to be her advisor...yikes)/Facebook Friends a happy birthday.  She replied and said "I'm just loving how you've come into your own btw. Gives me something to look fwd to as I grow older."  I graciously replied to her but, my initial reaction wasn't one of appreciation.  I thought to myself, what was I before I came into my own?  What did she mean?  Then, I realized, I felt embarrassed because I wasn't being authentic and true to myself before.  That's why she could say that I've come into my own...because I have.  It's not about superficial things like my hair and my clothes, which have dramatically evolved since I met this young lady; it's about my willingness to be all the way me.

Anytime you try to be honest with yourself and the world, it comes at a cost.  People may think you're weird or off.  People may judge and make assumptions but, if you're comfortable with you...it rolls off your back and you move along. And you know what else?  You're FREE.

I'm grateful to that young lady for recognizing my growth and my true colors.  She paid me the best compliment!

What about you?  Are you being true to yourself?

Whore is in the Eye of the Beholder...

I am an advocate of women owning their sexuality.  Of course, not everyone feels the same.  Since people could call each other names, we've assigned labels to each other.  Those labels are used to control and manipulate people into doing or believing what others want them to.  Once such label is WHORE.  Here in America, where there is this enormous culture of shaming and hypocrisy, we help perpetuate this "Whore" shame cycle.

When a woman chooses to be intimate with multiple partners, she is considered a whore or promiscuous and the implications of being labeled as such, can tarnish her emotionally and socially.  If a man is intimate with multiple partners, he is lauded as a stud, a chick magnet, a Casanova.  We want women to be sexy but, not too sexy.  We want them to be flirtatious but, not too flirty.  It's lunacy really.  Why can't women enjoy sex and pleasure just as much as a man?  It's an outdated method of suppression and control that hearkens back to a time where women were simply viewed as property (unfortunately, in many parts of the world, this is still the case).

Knowing what you want and then going after it is not a shameful thing!  There is nothing shameful about your body and the fact that you want to pleasure it.  There is nothing dirty about enjoying sex with partners of your choosing.  Before I married my husband I slept with several different partners.  I don't feel bad about that.  If I had it to do over again, I do it the exact same way.

As long as you're being safe and monitoring your health, I say GO FOR IT!  Live your truth, and own your sexuality.  You're not a WHORE!  You're a WOMAN and that means you're a powerful, sexy beast!

#IFuckWhoWant #EndSexShaming #MyVaginaMyRules #NotYourWhore #WhoreWho #IAmWhatISAYIAm

Lunch Tables...

Cool table.  Nerd table. Goth kids' table. Weirdo table.  Remember those from high school?  I certainly do.  I remember the first time I shuffled through the lunch line in high school.  I also remember watching my fellow students clamor to their "assigned tables" while I stood there, styrofoam lunch tray in hand trying to figure out where I belonged.  It seemed like kids were saying "Ya can't sit here" like that kid on the bus in Forrest Gump.  Eventually, I think some of my friends and I claimed some lunch room territory thus, easing my anxiety about where I fit in.  However, I never felt "in".  Why am I rehashing my lack of lunch room esteem from freshman year of high school?  Very simple answer.  The "assigned" tables never really go away.

No matter what realm you're in - work, school, online, church, etc.  Those divisions always exist.  Those cliques and groups still have the power to make you feel left out and lonely.  But, the one thing that you have now, that you may not have had back in your freshman year of high school is experience.  You know that the cool kids are one bad hair cut, one failed relationship, one embarrassing body function away from not being cool anymore.  You know that the nerds are passionate about learning and that, that isn't a bad thing.  You also know that you can float between groups and never have to fit into a particular lunch group again!  You DO know all those things right?

When I read posts about the cliques in blog land or the elitist party goers and givers, I think folks are only upset because they don't feel "in".  I've been there...that's really envy talking.  Folks are envious of the lifestyle/experience that the people are having at their lunch table.  My response to those feelings is really simple:  join the table.  Join the table!  Don't wait for an invitation.  You don't have to be OF the group to ENJOY the group.  

It's much easier to complain about being left out, than to break the ice and join in.  Hell, you may even realize, that you want to start your own table...imagine the possibilities!

    

That REAL Body Con...

Ever look at someone and say that they should or shouldn't be wearing something based on how comfortable or uncomfortable they made you feel?  I have done that way more times than I'd care to admit.  She is too big for that dress!  Those shorts make her legs look chunky!  I can see her panties through her tights!  SHE IS TOO BIG FOR A CROP TOP!!!

Yeah, I'm the thick/curvy/plus-size chick that wore a crop top with NO Shame and NO Regrets.  It took me finding out that my mom has breast cancer and respecting her decision to treat it holistically to realize that life is not for waiting.  Life is for doing. The fact that my mother is standing firm in her beliefs is frightening to me but, she is so confidently and gracefully living. It's beautiful and scary all at the same time.

So, I've started the process of living just the way I want to and shedding those shame and fear layers.  I like the girl that I'm discovering!  She's brave and bold and apologetically HERSELF!

Okay, so, this is my favorite pose.  I feel sexy and womanly and golden here.  Thanks to my hubby for the photos.

Here is a little tidbit for you.  I don't actually wear glasses but, I love the way I look in them.  So, I always have some faux glasses on hand!

That black and white necklace says "Give Life".  This necklace means so much to me now.  Give life in smiles, Give life through self-confidence, Give life through being you!

There are few sights that stir my soul like the wisteria covered trees in the Spring time.

I've been Wonder Woman for like...EVER! LOL!  Didn't you know?

Dogwood trees are some of the most beautiful to me.  There is a quiet beauty about them....

Now that I've worn my stomach out, I don't know what my next foray into forbidden fashion choices will be, but, I'm know I'm not afraid.

Hiatus and Catharsis...

Dear You,

During my hiatus from this space several life altering events have occurred.  I'm sure in the weeks and months ahead, I'll share those and many more experiences with you.  After all, being a blogger and sharing your life experiences with the world is nothing less than cathartic. My goal is that my catharsis becomes a source of comfort and confidence for you.

You know what is important to me?  You.  No, I'm serious.  There are so many nouns (people, places, things) in the world that take from, hurt, abuse, enslave and scare us.  Especially those of us with vaginas.  We typically don't take good care of each other as we should.  That's unfortunate.

So, with deliberate and focused energy, I am saying that I am endeavoring to pour into you all that the world has purposely or passively taken from you.  Well, all that I have to give that is.

This space is still going to be a miscellaneous, hodge podge of all that I feel good about sharing.  However, the overall goal is to uplift and inspire...me and you.

You're fucking amazing,
Rochelle

Gotta Press PAUSE...

I am in the THICK of finishing my degree.  I have tried many times to maintain this blog while going to school, being a mom and doing everything else and I CANNOT.  Instead of being inconsistent and not creating the content that I want to, I'm just going to but this blog on hiatus until I'm done.  So, I'll see you all again in MARCH!  I don't know why it took all this time to realize that this is what I needed to do.  Let me not lie...I was ignoring my intuition and my inner voice!

What makes us feel like we need to do everything?  You could say it's drive, ambition, determination or any one of those things I suppose.  For me, it has been a combination of keeping up with this person that I thought I should be AND chasing my dreams.

HOWEVER, what I have come to realize is, I cannot chase my dreams and strive towards my goals if I don't first get myself in order and accomplish the goal I set long ago which was to FINISH MY DEGREE!  Even though teaching in the traditional sense is no longer one of my dreams, it used to be.  I owe it to Rochelle of the past...and of the future to FOLLOW-THROUGH!

So, even though I'm not fully present in this virtual space, know that I am working my way back here.  I will be whole because I am investing in myself and I will have my cart leisurely strolling behind my horse.

Thank you for showing me love when I have posted here.  Thank you for engaging.  Please stop by my FB Fan Page and hit like.  I do love to share on there everyday as it is waaaay easier than planning and executing a blog post.

Is there something in YOUR life that you need to press pause on so that you can prepare for your next steps?  Tell me about it!

Mothering: Inside Voice

My son is four.  That means many things.  It means he and I struggle with his quest for autonomy.  It means that he is more verbally expressive.  It means that he is doing more independent thinking.  It means that he is becoming more manipulative.  It means that he is becoming an expert boundary pusher.  I find myself grappling with my parenting choices and refining my parenting style as we go.  That's the norm, I know.  However, when your child is having a melt-down because chicken, peas and rice wasn't his ideal meal...logic tends to be replaced with emotion.  For me, that emotion creates more harm in the situation than good.  I am also, with the aid of my husband of course, creating a parenting style that is completely different than what he or I experienced growing up.  So, we're sailing this ship with no compass...except our inner compass (that has to always be re-calibrated).

I talked about "purposeful parenting" in this post.  We really try to parent him with consideration and empathy, patience and creativity.  I am on a journey with my son and my husband that is beautiful and daunting at the same time.

There is a new tool in my parenting arsenal..."Inside Voice".  I know you've heard teachers tell students to use their inside voice - you may have uttered the phrase to your kids.  Well, I'm not using it in it's traditional sense.  I am using MY inside voice.  I find myself yelling at him and becoming extremely animated when correcting his behavior.  It's lunacy really.  It's as though I expect him to have the couth and maturity of an adult.  When he doesn't display the desired behavior, I buck my eyes, clinch my jaw and raise my voice.  I am displaying the very behavior that I am asking him not to.  I remember HATING that as a child.  There were always two standards - one for my mother, and one for me.  So, we spoke and made the decision to not yell at the boy.  Instead, we use our inside voice, look him in the eye and say what we need to say.  It is amazing how quickly these situations are diffused now.  I'm so grateful.  Now, I can THINK before I react to him.  It gives me time to understand his actions.

You know what else I do?  I apologize to him.  Sometimes I'm wrong.  I think that he isn't doing something I ask of him and I send him to the "Quiet Corner" when really he did do what I asked.  When that happens, I hug him and tell him that I apologize.  I want him to know that mommies make mistakes just like you.  I want him to know that he is worthy of my respect and I am worthy of his too.

I will continue to share my parenting revelations with you.  I would really appreciate if you would share yours with me as well.

I would like to leave you with this thought...
Women are powerful.  We are the mothers and the care takers of the Earth.  However, we are often unaware of our power and thus, many of us are rendered impotent.  Let's make an effort to share what we know with one another so that we may help our sisters shine, grow and glow. I will continue to share my knowledge and experiences with you.  Please share with someone else so that we may be strong and powerful together.

What I learned this year...

As I sit in front of my computer pouring over countless End of the Year reviews, round ups, reflections and recollections, I couldn't help but think about my own experiences this year.  There were absolutely no small moments for me and yet, I've been completely negligent in celebrating them and reveling in them when they were occurring.  I guess that is the nature of man, to want and wish today away....  That's not necessarily the best way to be and I'm going to endeavor to change that.

I digress.

What I learned in 2013:

1. You're never too old to make new friends.

2. A goal with no plan is just an empty wish.

3. I'd rather have experiences than "stuff".

4. Falling in love with yourself is more amazing than falling in love with anyone else.

5. Sex is better when you're in love with yourself.

6. Passion is a gift.

7. The world is full of boundless beauty and it does the heart well to stop and admire it.

8. I am not my hair.

9. It's okay to be wrong and make mistakes.

10. Nothing makes you more than anyone else.

11. Moderation is the key to a happy life.

12. Peace is earned, not promised.

What have you learned?

Impediments to Success

Hey y'all!  Happy Holidays!  I hope you're all well, happy and full of cheer!  I haven't been blogging because of THIS issue...it came back! Sigh... Moving on...

I started thinking about my life and why I'm not in the place I'd like to be financially, physically, creatively or professionally.  Initially, I started making excuses for myself.  Well, I made some credit mistakes when I was younger!  I got married young.  I had a baby!  I have PCOS and Fibroids.  I don't have time to work out. I'm earning a degree I don't plan to use.  Blah to the blah and the blah...

After I finished making all those excuses, I realized that they were indeed a bunch of excuses!  People leap over seemingly insurmountable road blocks in life ALL THE TIME!  Why should I be the exception?  I started to look at myself and speak some truths.

1. I PROCRASTINATE!: I don't know if you're the kind of a person that completes tasks and projects well in advance with enough cushion time left to bake a nice pie but, I'm not like that.  I love to make lists and create calendars only to be derailed by the smallest distraction such as a pretty bird or a "profound" fortune cookie message <---- yeah, I'm serious.  Thus, forcing me to complete my project/assignment/goal/task by the skin of my teeth or if it's not life or death - not at all.

2.  I'M LAZY!:  I like being comfortable and if something that I already don't want to do requires me to relinquish some of my comforts, then I don't do it.  Organize my craft studio? Nope...I'm lazy.  Exercise? Fuck No...I'm lazy!  Wash my hair?  Nah...lazy.  You get the point.

3.  I'M ENVIOUS!:  I spend a lot of time coveting things that other folks have.  I spend so much time staring into their lane, that I'm swerving out of my own!  You never know what someone else had to do to earn their income, home, car, blog, maid, chef, personal concierge...etc.  So, ditch the envy in favor of "Becoming Inspired".  Envy is ugly.  Inspiration is unicorn tears mixed with rainbow skittles.

4.  I DON'T RECOGNIZE MY PROGRESS:  Ever meet someone that's hard to compliment?  If you say they're really creative, they say "Thanks girl but, I'm not quite an artist yet" or your compliment someone on their home and they say "Oh thanks but, it's not all that".  Well, that's me.  I feel uncomfortable accepting praise.  I also have a hard time improving upon the positive things I've done because I'm always comparing myself, and looking for personal flaws.

5.  I DON'T LIKE SACRIFICE:  Guess what?  You've got to sacrifice time, money, energy and whatever else to reach your goals some times.  I don't like to do that.  I like instant gratification. Gimmie money, gimmie clothes, gimmie acclaim and notoriety NOW!  Well guess what?  That's not good for managing money and living a financially sound life.  My husband pays the bills - and I'm glad.

So, in the event that you skimmed down to this point, I'm unsuccessful in life because I'm a lazy, envious, procrastinator that can't take a compliment.  This may seem harsh but, I truly think that these are my chief impediments in life.  So, since I know what my vices are, I'm going to start working on them.

Success is in the eye of the beholder.  HOWEVER, I think it's important to know your limitations so that you have a realistic idea of how to reach your goals.

What about you?  Do you know what's holding you back?  Or did you over come your own issues to become successful?  Tell me all about it!

Unplugging is MORE THAN Necessary...

When I arrive  at work, I immediately check my e-mail, log into Facebook, browse through Pinterest or Instagram, read about 10 blog posts, see what my fave retailers are up to, head over to CNN to catch the world news, head over to the AJC.com to catch local Atlanta news and before I know it, it's 10:30am.

I don't know about you but...that is an ineffective use of my time.  I have become addicted to social media.  When I'm not using my desktop at work, I'm on my phone or tablet, or laptop.  Honestly, most of the time, I am looking at what someone else is doing, revamping what I think I should be doing and creating a whole new list of "wants" in the process.  In order to expand my view, I'm going to have to direct my gaze away from the computer screen!

I am loosing the essence of myself while basking in the essence of others.

I really enjoy being inspired and making connections and learning.  Were it not for social media, I would have missed out on some things (and people) that have added great value to my life.  However, balance is essential - critical even.

I need time for...
*Organic Thoughts
*Unprompted Daydreaming
*Imagining
*Writing in my own hand - not Times New Roman
*Sketching
*Reading real books/magazines with dog-eared pages
*Learning things without tutorials - the old fashioned way through trial and error

I'm no fool!  I'm not going to leave social media all together but, I am going to schedule my social media time!  You don't have to be on social media all day to be informed, engaged or connected to the virtual universe.

(The graphic used in this post is not my own.  I found it on Pinterest but, did not find the artist's name).

RoseRedd's: Holiday Swoon List Kitchen Edition

Every year I create a list of wants for the holidays.  This practice goes all the way back to my childhood.  I include every little materialistic request and indulgence that I feel I was denied during the regular course of the year.  I realize that I am well beyond the allowed age limit to be soliciting things from the old mythological gift giver guy but eh...I'm probably never gonna stop.

Sooooo....this is the first year of the Annual RoseRedd Holiday Swoon List!  I will post a list of my "swoon worthy" holiday wish list items every week from now, until a week before Christmas.  I will also be giving away a prize pack full of SOME of the items from my lists (I did say some...don't get *too* excited!). There will be a laundry list of "to dos" to win the prize pack but, for now...let's just enjoy swoon...shall we?

1.  Ever roll out some dough and it sticks to the rolling pin?  Yeah, I know...ME TOO!  That's why I want this FAB thing from FAB.com!  It's reasonable and dough won't stick!  Check it out HERE.

2.  Whisks are hard to store and some of them are totally ineffective.  Well, no more!  This whisk folds for storage and helps you make meringues like nobody's business!  Read about it HERE.

3.  The Collapsible Colander is another space saver!  Dear kitchen innovators, thank you for this product!  It's all kinds of genius! See it up close HERE.

4.  Ever want to just scream while you're attempting to press garlic with the side of a butcher knife?  Oh...is that just me?  Well, I hate that!  That's why I must own this beautiful and easy to clean Epicurean Garlic Press!  Get all the deets HERE.

5.  You can NEVER go wrong with Pyrex.  It's a kitchen staple!  I love a good clear mixing bowl...especially if said bowl has a lid!  Sometimes you need to refrigerate what you're mixing and a lid is right on time!  See HERE.

6.  Do you own non-stick cookware?  Me too.  I can't use my lovely stainless steel utensils on it because it scratches it.  THEREFORE, she, me and her all need these amazing Beech Wood Utensils.  Look at them in all their glory HERE.

I love this Etsy shop, Monkey Mind Design!  They have THEEE Best graphic prints and kitsch things!  They also make my FAVE tea towels!  If you would like to win some tea towels do all the stuff on the list below!  

P.S. Tea towels make me feel amazing.  They're pretty much the garnish on the plate of the kitchen!  Get into tea towels...right now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Fall Flavor...

You know what I enjoy?  Fashion.  The only thing that stops me from being sickening fly (extremely well dressed for the lay people), is money.  I do LOVE to thrift and I purchase retail items when they're affordable.  I consider my style eclectic.  I don't like regular rules and I damn sure don't like fashion rules!  So...I wear what I like.  I wear what feels good.  That gets me a lot of sideways looks at my son's daycare.  Don't get me started on the "you're not following the rules" stares I get while traipsing down the halls of corporate America!

I see my style as an ever evolving extension of me an as artist.  I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shit! (Shout out to E. Badu for that quote)

Here are some of my ensembles from the month of October. You'll notice a common thread through out all these photos - combat boots and my zebra purse that I use for major family outings.  That purse can carry two foot longs, 3 waters, a make-up bag, hand sanitizer, a change of clothes and a DSLR camera!  The combat boots are so comfortable and I love them!

You'll also notice that one item in each photo is thrifted.  I'm telling you, thrifting is real!  It saves my fashion life!

My trip to Zoo Atlanta with my guys in early October.

Rose is Wearing:

Black and gold studded top - Forever21+

Tribal shorts - Thrifted/Gifted

Combat Boots - Steve Madden

Long Beach Marina during my LOVELY trip to California!

Rose is Wearing:

Stripped BodyCon Dress - Walmart.com

Green Military Jacket - Thrifted

Scarf - Dillards

Combat Boots - Steve Madden

Chillin' during a work day!  Busy on my Samsung Galaxy Note 3...I LOVE that phone!

Rose is Wearing:

Color Blocked/Mock Turtleneck BodyCon Dress - styleissheonline.com

Houndstooth Blzer - Thrifted

Boots - Gianni Bini

 

Rose Knows: Purposeful Parenting

Yep, 'cause no other form of discipline has EVER worked right?  WTF!

The way in which we're raising Picard is completely different from the way my mama raised me.  That's okay because she and I are two different people that have had two very different sets of life experiences.  When I realized I was to become a mother, I began recalling my upbringing and deciding which strategies and tactics I would take with me into my own parenting journey.  I was surprised to realize, that I didn't want to use much of what I experienced. I didn't want to continue the tradition (especially in the African American community) of spankings/beatings and I didn't want to let my frustration guide my parenting and yell and react harshly when kids do...well...kid shit.

I guess if I had to put a title on our style of parenting it would be conscious parenting.  I really like to call it "purposeful parenting".

 Disclaimer:  My mother was/is a good mom.  She did what she thought was best and I am forever grateful for the mother that she is. As much as I'm trying to be a good mother, I know that inevitably, my little guy will grow into a man and critique and question the parenting choices that his father and are making.  Though it may sting a little...I'll encourage him to be a purposeful parent and invest time in actually learning how to be the best parent possible.  Part of that is looking at your own experiences.  

I do not allow anyone else's opinion on how children should be raised to impact my decisions for my son.  I don't spank him because I don't believe that hitting my son and acquiring his respect and obedience through fear is the best I can do as a parent.  My thinking is that - since I have been on earth 27 years longer than him, I can most certainly use my intellect and creativity to EARN his respect and obedience.  The notion that your child must respect and obey you simply because they're your child to me...is inaccurate.  Spankings for me as a child, only served to stop me from exhibiting whatever the offending behavior was in front of my mother.  It did not curtail my desire to do whatever it was.  It did not teach me WHY whatever the behavior was - was wrong. You know what DID teach me?  My mother's words.  After I got spankings, I received lengthy talks about the offending behavior.  Spanking = no lesson/Talking and Discussing = lesson  Another thing is, I only got spankings when my mom was angry.  I don't think your frustrations should be physically taken out on a child.

I don't really need to say "to each his own" because that is a given.  I already know I'm in the minority.  However, I'm sharing this because I don't think many of us are "Purposeful Parents".  I think a lot of us just do what we can to take good care of our children.  Folks will go to school and conferences to learn how to become an engineer or how to be a successful blogger and will never pick-up a parenting book or even just take a moment to evaluate how well they're doing as a parent.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes Mr. Picard takes me there and I want to pop him one!  It's definitely not EASY to parent him this way.  It would be much easier for me to hit him.   Yell at him.  Shut him down.  BUT I realize that all of those behaviors would be showing him the antithesis of what I want him to exemplify as a person.  If I give in to some of my urges and spank him, I'm not being a good communicator, I'm not exhibiting self control, creative problem solving and non-violent conflict resolution.

I am an advocate of "Purposeful Parenting". Decide that you're going to be invested in being a parent. Evaluate your parenting every once in a while and make a conscious effort to increase your parenting skills.  It benefits your child, you and your family as a whole.

Do you ever think about how you parent?

Dissecting the Details: October

DISSECTING the DETAILS

"I'm not an expert on anything but, I know something about almost everything...or I'd like to think so". - Rochelle

Here are some OCTOBER Details: 

Halloween is on Thursday, October 31st this year.  If you decorate your pumpkins artfully, they can double as both Halloween and general Fall decor.  Head to your LSS (local scrapbook store), Hobby Lobby or even Michael's to find chalk board paint ( I LOVE Krylon.  See HERE) and neat appliques (like this iron-on star. Just apply with hot glue) or stickers to add to your pumpkin!  Don't even get me started on bails of hay!  They're cheap and they scream FALL!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year we see the pink ribbons and we listen to the heart wrenching stories of women and men that have lost their battles with Breast Cancer due to late detection. There is a simple exam that you can do to check your breasts for abnormalities.  The infographic  below is pretty great.  You should have a CANDID conversation with your physician about your family's history with cancer.  Also, you should educate yourself about this disease.  Visit:  www.cancer.gov

October 1st is the first day for open enrollment into the Affordable Care Act.  There is a lot that folks don't understand about this new law.  There is NO REASON to be ignorant about it!  PLEASE go visit: www.healthcare.gov.  If you know someone with no internet and they have questions, have them call: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)

Hope this was helpful and please feel free to dissect more details in the comment section!

The Beauty in Repurposing

The photo above is special to me.  It is a photo of the axle and wheels of an old train car that lives in one of our neighborhood parks.  My husband, son and I visited this park over the Summer and made some great memories.  What is special about this train car is that my son, at this point in his little life is completely enamored with trains.  So, to be able to facilitate any train experience for him is a joy to behold!

Let's take a look at this train car.

It's a beautiful piece of nostalgia.  I actually love this photo.  The colors are vivid yet tempered like a scene out of a technicolor western movie.

Looking back at this photo made me reflect on my life...I'm always reflecting.  I have reinvented myself little by little over the years.  One of the major factors that contributed to me avoiding a major personal overhaul has been fear.  Maybe I'm too old, maybe I can only do what I've been doing...etc.  When I looked at this train car I began to realize that it's not an old relic, no longer useful and incapable of contributing anything of value to the world.  It has been re-purposed.  It is now a catalyst for making little boys dreams come true.  It's a source of inspiration for a 31 year old woman.  It stands as a beautiful reminder of where technology was and where it's going.

We've all heard the countless cliches about growth.  The one that sticks out as the most prominent in my head is: "Things that do not grow - die".  Even though the train car is an inanimate object...it still grew.  Its purpose was redefined.  It was upcycled into something more meaningful than it's intended purpose.

I have dedicated myself to re-purposing.  I wasn't comfortable with what I was and I am working on growing gracefully into what I would like to be.  I'm re-purposing my degree in education - I'll teach folks how to make things.  I'm re-purposing my skills as an Administrative Assistant - I'll use my attention to detail to create the best art I can.

What part of your life do you need to re-purpose.  Who says that you have to be the same way, live the same way, eat the same way, dress the same way?  You can change and grow and thrive and recycle and upcycle - if you want to...

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