Dream Thought #13

"Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind" - Leonardo da Vinci

After party

Wow! I had a blast at the Mad Tea party. The creativity out there in the blogland is inspiring and amazing. I already have ideas of what I will do next year rolling around in my head. I'm sure others do to. I want to thank everyone who left love here for the party and say hello to all the new fellow dreamers. Welcome.

The Bears and I are still cleaning up from the party. Mickey and Minnie graciously came in to help out. Now during the party, I had regular tea wishing it was chocolate tea. There are companies which make chocolate tea. I have actually drank it at tea rooms here in NYC. You can go here to check it out at this famous tea company.

Did anyone see the BET awards last night? Well there were great performances through out the show. When Janet Jackson came out to speak on behalf of her family, it made me cry. All the pain and grief so clear on her face. Death is never easy.

The Sunshine is calling me to go out and get fresh air. I must answer the call. I'll be back tomorrow. Please do spend time working on your dreams today. Because if you don't, who will? Your Dreams are depending on you to help them grow and flourish.

Welcome to The Mad Tea Party

Two days ago, I had a knock on my door. I opened the door to see this most curious woman. She said the pleasure of my company was requested by the First Teddy Bears of The Bronx: Lady and Sir Bearington. She commanded me to come noon on Saturday.

I am running quite late. I couldn't even enjoy the sights of Daisy way as I hurried to their mansion nestled in Pelham Bay Park.


Before I am admitted to the party, I had to be checked out by Joe The Bunny. The word on the street is he used to run with wolves before the Bearingtons civilized him to be their Bunny Butler and Bodyguard.



The party is quite in progress you can see.


Let me introduce you. Here is Lady and Sir Bearington. They are the oldest familiy of Teddy Bears in The Bronx.


Here is the most proper Soldier Lawrence. I think he is quite charming.

Ah, my old friend Pirate Johnny and his wise cracking parrot, Depp. Johnny is the one who wrangled the invitation for me. We go way back.


Look who crashed. It's Mabel! The Bearingtons are quite fond of cats, I guess it will be fine.


Yes, this is me. Enjoying yummy chocolate tea.


Johnny, your not supposed to eat a brownie with your mouth open! He can quite naughty at times.


Now, Lady and Sir Bearington are telling the story of how they first at a Full Moon grand ball many years ago.


Soldier Lawrence is sharing an exciting tale of his travels abroad.


It has been a lovely tea Party. I'm full from all the tea, cookies and brownies. I am going to take my leave. On behalf of Lady and Sir Bearington, thank you for coming and sharing this special day with me



Please go and visit all the other Tea Parties going on hosted by the fab Vanessa.

Dear Michael

Today was my niece's graduation from High School. Me, Jazz and my Twin were out celebrating when a guy with his two kids came up to us. Told us Michael Jackson is dead. We were like what? We couldn't believe it. He showed us a text from his friend telling him about Michael and Farrah. Two talented souls gone on the same day.

Now, I'm home. About to go to bed. I'm sitting here still stunned. Michael Jackson is gone.

When I was little girl, I wanted to marry Michael Jackson. I loved him with his beautiful brown skin, full black nose and beautiful voice. Though he changed the way he looked over the years and his life at times got crazy, there was always the music. All that lovely, funky, soulful and heartfelt music.

You may be gone, Michael. I'm thankful for all the music and memories you have given to all of us. You will live in on in your so many songs: Got To Be There, ABC, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Beat it, Lady of my life, She's out of My Life, Human Nature, Wanna be Startin' Something, Bad, Liberian Girl, Man in The Mirror, Dirty Diana, Do you Remember The Time, Butterflies, Break of Dawn.

I wish I could express more on how I feel. All I can say is I will miss you.

Living in Jane's World

I finished my spending Spring with Jane goal on Friday with the completion of Mansfield Park. I've read S&S, P&P, Persuasion, Emma and now MP. (I had previously read Northanger Abbey last year.) I enjoyed Mansfield Park because it seemed to have more of the rhythm of Jane Austen that I felt Emma lacked. Fanny is a sweet girl but I wished she had some get up and go. Edmund, her cousin, who is her champion in the book is the first of Austen's leading men I didn't really swoon for. As for the loathsome Mrs. Norris, I shared Sir Thomas' happiness when she finally left Mansfield Park too! My favorite out of all the books is Persuasion. There are the short novels: Lady Susan, The Watsons and Sandition to read. They can wait for Autumn.

I've enjoyed living in Jane's world. Going to balls, having a coze, taking a turn in the room, being breathless as a certain someone walks into the room and hoping the post will bring a long awaited letter. I am glad to be back as a 21sth Century sistah. Now, my Summer is free to read other books. I have Jane Eyre to reread which I'm looking forward to. Besides that, I'm going to dive into whatever book catches my fancy. What are all of you reading this summer? Any book recommendations?

Have you spent time on your dream today?

Faith

Last week I had project that was a great opportunity for me;It seemed like I had won the golden ticket. As the days got closer to my third interview, my stomach felt like a bowling ball inside me. I spent the whole day before my interview losing myself in watching Byron and Wire in The Blood which were both so good. My feelings were screaming at me this is not the right project for me.

Doing my best to honor the Jedi within me, I finally had to acknowledge my intuition. I made the choice to cancel the interview and pass on the project. As soon as I did this, my body and mind felt clearer and lighter.

I woke up today still with regret. Not so much that I turned it down, I wish it had been a better fit for me. This weekend reminded me how important it is to stay true to myself. When we are walking on the road to manifest our dreams, we will get opportunities which appear great. You have to be strong enough to discern whether this is where you want to go. If isn't, then you have to say no thanks. Keep moving and like George says, you have to have Faith. I do have faith. I hope you do too. I know there with be other golden tickets which will be right for me.

I also hope, you will make time to work on your dream today.

Following The Sun

Happy Summer Solstice and Father's Day. It is the First Day of Summer! Here are ways you can celebrate the Summer Solstice. They are so simple:

1)Wear colors that echo the sun.
2)Burn yellow and orange candles at sunset
3)Wear daisies, sunflowers, dandelions on you in a dress, skirt, t-shirt, scarf, etc
4)Play songs all about the Sun, Sunshine and Summer today. Here is one of my favorites: Soak up the Sun.
5)Write a poem dedicated to the sun or watch a favorite summer themed movie.
6)Go out and get some sunshine.

Enjoy spending time with dad. Also spend time with or send love to all the father figures and male mentors in your life too. A person can be a father to you without being related by blood. I dedicate this sunny and fatherly post to my two fathers who have passed on: my real father and my father of my heart, Uncle Charlie.

Summer of Dreams

Whew. It has been a deep week for me. I'm glad you all enjoyed Antonio's "guest spot" on Wednesday. I've been a big fan of his since Desperado.

It is Friday!! One of my good blogging friends shared with me that she is going to start working on her dream career. I was so happy to hear that. It made my day.

What about all of you? Are your working on your dream? I know there is a recession. I know life can be challenging. Seriously, I do! As mom told me the other week: This is your life, Shell. You know what? This is your life, too! Yes, you reading this. The Summer Soltice ushers in Summer on June 21st. Remember as kids how we have an endless Summer of fun. Make this the Summer of your Dreams. Every day play on your dream.

In the past months, I've stepped up my daily acting practice. I practice my monologues and sonnets. I do my warm ups for my voice and stretches for my body. Write more on my one woman show. I started this to feel connected to my acting and my creativity; also, to help me deal with my grief over my friend's passing.

This Summer play and do with your dream. Take time daily to do one small thing on your dream. It could be 5-10 minutes a day. I like starting small because what happens, you start building an inner rhythm for yourself. When you miss a day, you feel it instantly. Sure enough the next day you are back to your dream play.

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step says the philosopher Lao-Tzu. This summer take one small step. If you are already playing on your dream, keep going. Increase the time you spend on it. Look for someone else doing their dreams as your support system. When I feel down, I turn to my friends who give me great energy and love. Don't forget to keep yourself self-motivated with books, podcasts, seminars, music, films, etc.

If you get stuck, send me an e-mail. I'll get your fired up again. Make this a Summer to Dream and Do!!

Antonio

Hello, Shell is immersed in projects and her mind is being stretched to the limit. So when she called me to do a small guess spot, I said yes. Who could turn down the most beautiful and talented Shell.



I thought about what to talk about here. I want to share with all of you my thoughts about my art and life.

"I don't believe in careers, I just picture myself always as one of those old actors from the 19th century who go from village to village in their repertoire."

"Really, I don't like actors who are always planning what they're going to do next or always worrying about doing something that will go against the image they've created. To me, that's almost like an attack of narcissism."

"I like going everywhere. And I love starting new things."



Before I go, I have a video of my new fragrance. Shell says she likes it because the video is sleek. Well, goodbye my friends. Always remember, keep working on your dreams daily. Shell will be back tomorrow or Friday with a another post.

Dreamthought# 12

Kiki gave me this wonderful quote to me this weekend. Thank you, Kiki. I wanted to share with all of you.



"To be a champ you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will."- Sugar Ray Robinson

This and That..

Did everyone enjoy the Simple Things list post? I loved it and I can't wait to do it again. I may even keep a running list of Simple things on my sidebar to do weekly.

I came on today and found I have 42 dreamers. Wow! A big welcome and hug to all who are new here. I hope you always leave here with a smile and a boost of sunshine. I do my best to be as real here as I am in my life. I celebrate the good and do honor the shadows of life. And if you have been lurking for a while, say hello! (I don't bite unless you have chocolate with you.) Much Love for all who come here regularly to share your thoughts, dreams and ideas with me.

Yesterday, I went to see a dress rehearsal with my friend Lady R. for the show Shafrika, The White Girl at the Vineyard Theatre down in Union Square. It is a joyous and wonderful show about a girl growing up in a multiracial family. It opens tonight and worth to see if your in New York.

I have only Mansfield Park left to read in my Spending Spring with Jane Austen. I finished Emma on Wednesday. I love the 1996 Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow. ( I do want to see the Kate Beckinsale version.) The book dragged to me. Just didn't have the Jane Austen sparkle. All who love Emma, my apologies. Like the saying goes: not everything is for everybody. My favorite character was Mr. Knightley. He was the voice of reason in the novel; I was always happy when he walked into a scene. Jeremy Northam, who I have loved since Emma, is a perfect swoonworthy Mr. Knightley. This is a perfect time for a clip.



Wasn't that sweet. Makes me all mushy inside. Yes, I am big romantic cream puff! So, I'll be starting Mansfield Park tomorrow. Let you all know what I think. If you want to read my thoughts on the other novels, just click on the Jane Austen posts.

Here's to fabulous and creative Friday for all.

Sweet Dreams.

The Simple Things

I am joining in with Christina of the beautiful blog Soul Aperture to celebrate the simple things in life.

Here are a few of mine....



Mabel caressing my face with her paw.

The last bright rays of a sunset.

Hearing a favorite song come on in a store.

Getting lost in a well loved book.

Scent of lilacs and roses perfuming the air.

Sunshine kissing my skin.

My letters from Sean.

Spending time with my inner circle of friends.

Cloud watching from my nook.

My mom and I laughing together.

Chocolate.

Blue Sky weekend

Last night, I danced and remembered my friend, Sean under the Honey Moon. He loved Bananarama, so I played four of their songs in honor of him. I am sure he got a big kick out of it. I hope all of you had enjoyed the Full Moon last night. If you missed her, just know all that good energy hangs around for two more days before Lady Moon begins to wane.

It was truly a blue sky and sunshine weekend. Here in New York it has been rainy since June started and more is coming this week! I went to City Island for their annual fair with Lady A. If you ever come to The Bronx, you must go to City Island. It's like a nautical village in The Bronx. One of the many reasons I love my borough.

I took pictures. In all the fun, I forgot to take pictures of Lady A. and I. Oops. Next time.

Sailboats on the water with a backdrop of the Throggs Neck Bridge going to Long Island.


The water looking lovely with more sailboats...


This beautiful quaint church.


Now, Shell is on a serious budget. There was so much great art, jewelry and clothes at the fair to be had. Finally, I was mesmerized by this painting. So I had to get it. This is called Nature's Dance by the talented Jo-Ann Thompson Claybourne. My new painting hangs proudly in my bedroom. I took a picture of the actual framed painting. The original picture on Jo-Ann's website captures the colors better than my camera can.

Here's a big toast to all of you for a fab week. Hopefully this week I can do another video blog which I haven't done in a while.

Sweet Dreams.

The Honey Moon

It's a Full moon in Sagittarius, baby! This moon has many names but my favorite is name: The Honey Moon. Being named for the time when the honey is ready to be gathered up. Another delightful names is The Strawberry Moon and Rose Moon.

So what are you going to do tonight? I say go get moon struck. Pull out the wine or sparkling apple cider to drink. Wash your hair tonight, play around with makeup, put on your prettiest night gown. Crank up your music and dance. Dance for the dreams to come and for the dreams you have already been gifted. If your involved, well this is a night for l'amour. Have fun. Celebrate being alive..Celebrate the lives of those who have passed on who still live in your heart.

Here is Gerry to serenade you.


Enjoy the Moonlight. Sweet Dreams