Holding My Breath....

Until November 1 when the much anticipated Lou Reed & Metallica team up album releases...

Lust...

Sam Edelman Renzo Ankle Bootie $250

You will be mine....after you go on sale....

Music Video Break Day

Music Video Break

Wha't On The Menu....

I am so grateful that autumn is finally here. I see the cooler weather and pending holidays as opportunities to plan, cook and share meals with family and friends. And now with over a 1,000 plus vintage restaurant menus available via the New York Public Library site at my fingertips I know there will be no lack of inspiration.

http://menus.nypl.org/

Library staff and volunteers are still busy scanning and transcribing the over 40,000 menus that were tucked away in the rare-book room...and the season has only begun....

P.S. - They are asking for volunteers to help as well!!

Movie of the Moment

LOL!!

Remembering 9/11

Not your typical remembrance post but this one goes out to

Manuell Del Valle Jr

You will always be remembered

May you and all those who lost their lives that day rest in peace

Music Video Break Day

Today's Though...

I will call into the past far back to the beginning of time and beg them, my ancestors, to come. I will reach back and draw them into me and they must come. For at this moment I am the whole reason they have existed at all.

~ Amistad
 

Ramadan Mubarak to friends and family that celebrate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

It's A Family Affair...

Well readers this weekend is the Rickert Family Reunion. The first of its kind. My cousins and I, the Reunion Committee, have spent months sorting and finalizing details.

This Friday we will head over to the WEEKSVILLE HERITAGE SITE (http://www.weeksvillesociety.org/ ) where my great grandparents lived.The staff has helped us plan the visit and for many it will be a home coming and for some a lesson in our family history.

On Saturday close to 200 family members (about 1/6 of the total count of that tree at this time) will come together at Hechscher State Park ( http://www.longislandexchange.com/parks/heckscher-statepark.html ) to enjoy a day of food (AND OOOOOH there will be food!), games and family. We will share and record family stories, collect data to add to the family tree and take photos so to leave a trail for family to come.

My family has been here, in the US, in New York, in Brooklyn since the late 1700s. We have stories, records, proof of who we are and where we came from. Many of our family members are just learning of our rich heritage and the reunion is a chance to share it. Planning this event was a promise made to my great grandmother long ago. So Nana Rickert, we did it!

Video Music Break

LEGO to the Bronx Zoo

this summer to oooh and aaaaaaaah at the LEGO creations after we ooooooh and aaaaaaaaaah at the real wild life exhibits.....

http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/zoofari.aspx

Recent Lesson #1

I have learned to say I am sorry and I have learned to say those words when I truly mean them instead of using them to pacify the person or situation at hand. I have also learned to say that I don't understand what I have said or done wrong instead of apologizing for something I truly don't feel sorry for in hope that a lesson can be learned. Sometimes those apologies are for refusing to accept anything less than what I want in my life. My refusal to take less than what I want isn't about having material goods, it is about being treated with respect and honesty and taking action to define the perimeters which will bring those two things and better into my life. This may sound arrogant but it is not meant to be presented that way. Instead consider it a truth presented in a direct and as-it-is manner.

Recently I met someone who I was truly attracted to. Unfortunately he and I approached each other in ways that clashed. The sexual energy and familiarity was intense but our cultures, experiences and personalities definitely played a heavy hand in our interaction. Despite the attraction like water and oil we did not mix well. We communicated differently, had different understandings of what we were gifted with was and because of the easy familiarity we felt toward each other fell into comfortable behavior that reflected our past relationships and issues.

It was brief and intense encounter and a situation in which I had to say no to pretty early on or chance trying to conform both myself and his will to what I want rather than who and what we are. I can admit this and accept that it was over before it truly began. It doesn't mean I am not affected by what happened. It doesn't mean that I don't feel a series of emotions tied to the loss of possibility and a person that I shared such an intense connection with. I know some of you reading this may be thinking "she didn't give it a chance, relationships are about compromise" but in the end those in that relationship should hold the same definitions of a relationship and of the roles we each play in it as a guide to where they are going together. We did not.

Trust me, this admission doesn't make me happy but to be honest it doesn't make me sad either, but it does feel right. There is no need for apologies from either of us.

Still Breathing....

All Images © Simone Rene 2011

Sorry readers (those of you still out there), I find myself less inclined to consider trends and bargains these days. Instead I am trying to be in the moment with those who choose to share their moments with me. I am still knee deep in sorting the continued journey of my life. I continue to cull and let go of things and people with intent and purpose. And because of this continued effort life has taken on a bit of the simplicity that I have been yearning for; I am grateful. 

Of course I am not totally free from the complexity and drama but for some reason I am more willing to remove myself from the craziness that can overshadow and distract me from the act of doing and being. Instead of being part of the play I am learning to say my truth, stand or leave and let what will come of it come. And it isn't easy. I am constantly "talking" to myself, reminding myself that it is OK not to buy that item just yet; it's OK not to allow someone in my life for more than the moment shared; it's OK to  just lean into the moment in solitude and silence; It's OK to just be.

Enjoy Your Day!

hmmmmm

Still Sorting...

All Images © Simone Rene 2011

Since moving to the Bayridge area I find myself taking 3 mile walks along the water way off of Shore Road at least 5 days out of the week- see photo from tonight's walk. Exercise aside moving along the stretch of space aside the ocean is helping me to keep my mind clear. And that clarity is allowing me to focus on my intent - to create and live a simple and fulfilling life.

Just Resurfacing...

All Images © Simone Rene 2011

Hello Readers, it looks like I have under estimated the time and attention it takes to be in a new space. There's still a lot to do so for now I am sharing the view along Shore Road...

1st Saturday...

I hope this post finds all of you well. I am finally in my new apartment. This is the first Saturday since knowing I have had to move that I am relaxing at this page with a cup of coffee while still in my PJs. There are still boxes and lots of organizing to do but I am home.

After dealing with the stress of finding a new place, packing and physically transferring it all actually arriving at this new point in my life is like having a new opportunity to begin again. Being in a new smaller, better planned space has forced me to ask questions like "Do I really need 4 different styles of coffee makers regardless of how good they look lined up on the kitchen shelf? " "What colors am I truly drawn to over and over again and why am I not accepting this natural attraction?" "Why do I have 6 different types of cleaners that all promise to disinfect and leave my home fresh and sparkling?" "Why do I constantly consider small storage options that splitter my organizing system rather than just buy or work with a carpenter to make a unit that can incompass at least one creative direction of my life?" "Despite constantly downsizing my wardrobe and accessories do I truly need 4 black cardigen sweaters, 10 pairs of sandals, 15 black bags?"

Let's face it. I love to shop. Coming across a creative solution at a bargain is a beautiful thing but I have come to realize I also need to accept there are certain things I need to do in order to free up both space and time in my life. I need to focus in on what things I am constantly drawn to and using. I need to use the things that I have and find security and strength in my style regardless of what's going on in the Fashion, Accessories and Home Good World.

Here are a few simple things I have held onto -

Farberware Classic Yosemite 8 Cup Stainless Steel Percolator

(Sorry most electric coffee makers don't get the water hot enough to release the true flavor of the coffee and as wonderful as a French Press Coffee Maker is the coffee is meant to be consumed at the sitting. A percolator makes a piping hot cup of coffee that stays hot in the heat conducting metal, besides I put my coffee in a thermos that can keep  it hot for up to 10 hours without turning it bitter)

Windex Multi-Surface Antibacterial Cleaner

(I purchased this product out of need - I had packed all my other cleaning crap away - and I can tell you for a quick daily wipe up it's great.)

Simple Green "All Natural" Concentrated All Purpose Cleaner

(I dilute it into 2 separate spray bottles for the tougher jobs)

Reveal Spray Mop & Dust System

( The refillable bottle allows me to use the cleaning solutions I have and the replaceable pads can be thrown in the washing machine.)

More to come...stay tuned...

Tuesday's Mental Musings

on a Thursday...
It's be a changing few weeks. The movers arrive tomorrow morning at 8AM. I am packed and ready knowing there are more changes on the way. Knowing this both excites and frightens me but I am ready....

Music Video Break Day

Tuesday's Mental Musings

on a Friday....

I hope everyone is well.

After weeks of searching I have finally found a one bedroom apartment that I can call home. Along the way I accumlated horror and adventure stories that will one day make me laugh. More importantly I learned how supported I am by those I love.

I hope to be back to these pages soon...I am almost home!

Music Video Break Day

Tuesday's Mental Musings

I have been away from these pages for a few days, but it doesn't mean that I am not thinking of them. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, searching for an apartment, packing and trying to sort lifes other learning lessons are my current priorities and the only reason I have been able to find a few minutes to share is because I took today off in order to pack, stroll neighborhoods in Brooklyn and run errands.

I will take these few moments to admit that I find myself uneasy with the current change. I know that this discomfort is natural and  that as I continue to plot forward it will ease and things will sort themselves out as they are meant to be.....