Bring It On 2016!

I'm ready.

I’m proud to call myself a woman who’s far more than the sum of her parts, or the trials, tribulations, or successes I've faced.  I rarely fit the  mold other's or even that which society often places before or upon me.  The stressful nature of the life I’ve been blessed with allows me to understand, empathize and help others in a variety of ways, though most notably and often times by simply stating those things which they tend to overlook within themselves. My my liquidesque nature allows me, to understand them even when I'm nothing like them.

Judgement from other's while accepted is vastly ignored. It won’t be the first time I’ve heard- “you’re foolish!”, or “that’s insane”. That’s life. I’m a woman, with flaws and passions I choose not to label or run away from. Who am I? That's a good question. Not sure I have the complete answer to that yet.  Though I am a mother to two amazing adult biological children, a slew of other kids whom have chosen to call me "momma", 2 crazy dogs, a slew of fosters, 2 cats, and 1 spoiled fish. I’ve been a business owner, a cheerleader, an advocate, a rescuer, a wife once upon a time, a daughter, a sister, a joker, a lover, a cheater, a mistress, a random blogger, a friend, a bitch, and so many other labels that din't actually fit on a box or in some snappy headline.

As a wife I withered to a nonexistence that left me longing to run wild and free.  As a sister, daughter, granddaughter, and auntie, I've learn I do best at loving them from afar. As a best friend, I am always there in heart if not in person, and those who've suck with me through thick and thin know beyond any shadow of doubt that my loyalty knows no bounds. I’m a decent cook, baker, and pastry chef. I’m a housekeeper, with a hose that always needs cleaning. I’m an accountant. I’m a secretary. I’m a social planner. I’m an avid walker, and solitary witch. The list goes on and on much like my hips and ass…
The best and worst part about wearing so many different titles, is that I don’t always need or get a break. I just need to shift titles and adjust the hat to the adventure. I realize now, the reason why I was given this multi-rolled life. Being the fiery Sagittarius that I am, I’m a firefly. A light in the darkness for some, a siren song to others. I smirk in the face of adversity. I’m unable to do anything in extreme because I’m always being pulled in 2 opposing directions. My house is what you might call a frat-house, meets dog kennel. I have organized stacks throughout- whether it be laundry, movies, purses, leashes, or paperwork I’m attempting to clear up.

I live my life with passion. There is no in-between with me. It drives many crazy and thus they need to take me in small doses. I'm very okay with that. I accept and judge everyone on the bases of their own merits. I've lusted after one man for 20+ years and know it will never be anything more than that, it makes me smile. I remember my first passionate kiss 28 years ago and have always measured each kiss there after by that standard. I don’t have the luxury of a vacations, or day spas. I don’t have the luxury of time off. It isn't other's idea of freedom, but it forces me learn, stretch, and grow each day.

Even more beautiful is the clarity this gives me in seeing that I have so much to be thankful for. Even though I am alone, and while I can be lonely from time to time; I can just as easily feel completely alone when surrounded by a room full of people. Yet there are those moments. Those moments of perfect togetherness. Clarity that encase me like a soothing balm reminding me that I don’t need to be in control of everything, but self control is always something I strive for. Living a life of passion does require a reality check from time to time after all. To just breath.

Each challenge that I face, and each fire that I put out, be it of my own creation or created by others, I have this army of self empowered advocating women whom a simply a text away. Plus I have porn. Life will continue to set me up with many more challenges and growth opportunities. Some I will face alone and other's I will have no choice but to reach out to my amazing social Amazons. I am so privilege to have such a vast and unique network of fantastic humans I'm able to share my journey with.

I hope you’re all still with me!  Because I say, bring it on.

The disturbing reality of dog fighting

I have a few passions in life.  Animal rescue is one of them.  The greatest of them.  I believe in speaking for those who do not have a voice of their own and fighting for them so they are no longer forced to fight.  I have cared for and loved a great many breeds in my many years.  Some as family members, some as fosters, and some as ones whom simply needed an advocate.  To me it's time well spent with so many rich rewards and an endless amount of love.  There are also quite a few tears.  Today I share one such soul whom needs all of our help and love:

Repost from @bully_ink  @newyorkbullycrew -
 This is the disturbing reality of dog fighting. Our sweet Romeo has been picked up from a 24hr vet in Yonkers, NY and he is currently on his way to Grady Animal Hospital. They are waiting patiently for him to arrive so they can analyze his injuries and give him the medical attention that he needs. 🐾

 To donate to the care of Romeo or any of our rescue dogs, please go to the direct YouCaring link in our bio or by going to our website at nybullycrew.org and clicking on the Donate option. You can also go to PayPal and choose a one-time or recurring monthly donation option (not from a mobile device) and make the payment to newyorkbullycrew@gmail.com.

 You can shop any of our #NYBCgear at nybullycrew.org where all proceeds go right back to our rescue dogs.#NewYorkBullyCrew #NybcMafia #Nybc 👉FOLLOW BULLY_INK ON SNAPCHAT & FB 👍

Candles Burning Bright

So we have new neighbours, Dick and Jane we shall call them. They stared at me like I was the crazy neighbour they will one day blog about.  Which we all know may have some truth to, if I am to be honest.  They stood by there back sliding door with looks of bewilderment upon their faces when I took my adorable Monster out for his backyard session.  To be fair he is tiny and it was dark so they, I am certain didn't see anything but some strange woman standing in the backyard with a flashlight seemingly searching for nothing whilst talking to herself.

I was hoping when I took my land shark, Mako out that they wouldn't be standing around staring as Mako can be difficult with new people. (more on that later)  I got my wish, and so much more.  Dick and Jane were certainly not standing and staring at anyone.  All of the lights in the house were off, except those brightly burning candles in the bedroom if all indications are to be held as true.  It was exceptionally dark and I did my best to keep Mako quiet as it was around the midnight hour and most were sleeping.  I do try to be a respectful neighbour.

This evening however, I couldn't help myself.  I yelled hello to Dick and Jane as there bedroom window was open and they were clearly wide awake.  I, being a good neighbour offered them curtains.  Curtains, like fences are good!  Always leave room in your budget for curtains!  However I believe Dick was too busy learning to snorkel while Jane repeated, often, and loudly explicit directions to be ready for our midnight  meet and greet.

Mako didn't growl at them so I see it as a win.

Try Something New

I rather enjoy trying new things.  Of course where those new things are food related, all the better!  I had spotted a bag of cookies that reminded me of ones I used to make as a young girl.  I smiled and put them in my cart without much more though.  They'll be a nice little treat for Esme and I, I mused. Upon making it home and greeting everyone I was spoiled by Esme's comfort food night.  Inside outside grilled cheese!  These grilled sandwiches are a little decadent slice of heaven, and no you do not need more than one and you are stuffed, much like the sandwich.

We both laughed and reminisced about our days.  Touched on what were the New Years plans.  I made tea and grabbed our after dinner treat ready to relax and quite possibly nosh away on the entire bag of cookies while embracing a few hours of sloth.   I give Esme a bite of  cookie as she is prone to being difficult in getting to try new things.  The cookie was soft and chewy with toffee bits...the texture was a little different but overall I liked them!  Within 5 seconds Esme began making this face, that face that tells me shes about to be difficult.  Staring at me out of the corner of her eye, she lifted the package and began to read it.  My immediate response was "what!?!?"

Once again Esme can be difficult in the food department.  So when she began to smile my heart lifted in joy, as she said "I think I found my new favourite food."  I mentally gave myself a high 5, was impressed at her growth thinking to myself "oh cool she's really liking them..."
Her smile grew and her smartassed nature completely took over.  "Gluten. Gluten is my new favourite food."

That's my kid.

Be Cruelty Free

Cruelty-Cutter lets you register your concern and help collect data to bring to companies that test on animals to show them that the public is not interested in supporting companies that continue to use animals when it is not needed.

Use Cruelty-Cutter to help ‘free beagles’ (and other animals) from testing labs!

20 Random Things

1. What is your favorite item of clothing? -That would have to be the over sized mens dress shirt with the massive cuffs.

2. What are your biggest obsessions?  -Dogs, animal rescue, Coffee and Tea, the idea of Love

3. Who inspires you?  -My children, Mike, Eric, Shannon, and those with passion

4. Who is your favorite designer and why?  -I don’t have one favorite per say.  I do like Canadian designer’s Beaufille, and Caitlin Power.  Both have a great collection with staying power.

5. What is your favorite song ever?  -Sitting on the dock of the bay – Ottis Redding

6. What is your favorite song right now? -Lips of an Angel

7. If you were a spice what would you be? -Cinnamon

8. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet – what words would you use to describe your rainbow?  -Funky

9. What are your favorite films? -A River Runs Through It

10. Who is your favorite actor? -Betty White

11. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? -Turtle Island in Fiji

12. What are your 3 favorite smells?  -Strawberry, Sunshine, Gaultier perfume

13. What are your 3 favorite tastes?  -Spicy, Sweet, Fruity

14. What is your most treasured possession?  -My soul

15. What did you always want to be/do when you grew up?  -Police officer, Military

16. If you were an ice-cream what flavor would you be?  -Mango ginger

17. If someone made a short film about your life, who would play you? -Judy Greer

18. What would your perfect afternoon consist of?  -Hiking with my dog, or maybe the guy I love

19. If you were a flower what would you be? –Calotropis
20. Tell me one random thing… be it your favorite line from a song, scene from a movie or quote from a book…..or tell me about something that you love. -“Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don’t know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them – we can love completely without complete understanding.”

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
I am haunted by waters.”
― Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories

Great Expectations

I’d had such great expectations. They drove me, they shaped me, and in some manner forced me to move when fear would have otherwise held me stagnant. On one hand, expectations can inspire you, but then again, they can truly let you down.

The remembrance of all that I had set aside or pushed away in my selfishness of youth, when I was far too foolish to see it’s merits has given me a unique perspective. I cannot say I am no longer selfish, but I can say that I certainly attempt to allow others in and to share what we are meant to share.