logo [loh-goh]

Also called logotype. a graphic representation or symbol of a company name, trademark, abbreviation, etc., often uniquely designed for ready recognition.

Synonyms include: brand, trademark, emblem, imprint, symbol

A couple of months ago, I asked our very talented friend, Andrew, to design a logo for me. I'm not g0ing into business or anything (at least not anytime in the near future), but I just wanted kind of a "stamp" to put on my photos, letterhead...maybe a business card someday. I figured, I didn't have an idea of where to even begin making one up, so I asked someone who I knew knew a thing or two about design.

Andrew was gracious enough to use his time to do this and when he showed me the finished product, I was seriously, not only impressed, but really touched. He even created this "concept sheet" that talks about why he chose the font he chose and what, based on what he knew of me, would be an appropriate symbol. I really couldn't believe how much time he put into it and I'm so grateful. Thank you so much, Andrew!

To see how I paid Andrew back for his work, check this out.

Alrighty, I have another article to write and it's 10:55 pm. I just needed to warm up =)

Thoughts for the weekend...

"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning."
~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Too Cute!

What My Kids Are Going to be Subjected to...

HAPPY 6th ANNIVERSARY BLOG!!!

nightmare [nahyt-mair]
a terrifying dream in which the dreamer experiences feelings of helplessness, extreme anxiety, sorrow, etc.
Synonyms include: bad dream, hallucination

A few years ago, I used to have a recurring dream: I’d be driving (on the 110 through downtown, on the 101 through the hills of Ventura to go to work, through the windy roads of Tuscany even) and there would come a point when I’d close my eyes and suddenly become completely unable to open them. I didn’t want to pull over because I couldn’t see where I was going, so I just kept driving in utter fear until I woke up. I looked it up and found the following:

“To dream that you are driving a vehicle, signifies your life's journey and your path in life. The dream is telling of how you are moving and navigating through life. If you are driving and cannot see the road ahead of you, then it indicates that you do not know where you are headed in life and what you really want to do with yourself. You are lacking direction and goals. If you are driving on a curvy road, then it indicates that you are have difficulties in achieving your goals and the changes associated with it.”

I haven’t had that dream in a long time. Actually, I stopped having that dream when I got to this job in 2006. 2006, as far as I can remember, was a great year for me. At the time, I felt like I was finally starting to truly figure out what I wanted to do with this life of mine. Write…take pictures - basically I learned what it took to feel and be happy. Since then – as all lives tend to become and I am certainly no exception – happiness seemed to require more work than before and I simply lost track of the whos, whats, whys and hows of my "effortless" lifestyle.

A few weeks ago I had a terrible dream. I was driving home from work and a pick-up truck filled with gun-weilding men were speeding about 2 cars and 2 lanes before me. When I realized (in the dream) that a bullet was headed my way, I slammed on the gas but before I knew it, a darkness had pulled me and I was standing on the balcony of my church, watching my friends and family below mourning over a casket that I knew was mine. I have NEVER dreamt of my own death. When I woke, I couldn't believe how relieved I was.

I looked it up all the facets of my nightmare and found the following:

"To dream of your own death, indicates a transitional phase in your life. You are becoming more enlightened or spiritual. Alternatively, you are trying desperately to escape the demands of your daily life."

"To see a gun in your dream, symbolizes aggression, anger, and potential danger. You may be dealing with issues of passiveness/aggressiveness and authority/dependence."

"To dream that someone is shooting you with a gun, suggests that you are experiencing some confrontation in your waking life. You may feel victimized in some situation."

"To dream of your own funeral, symbolizes an ending to a situation or aspect of yourself. You may be repressing some of your feelings or parts of yourself and the dream may be a signal for you to recognize and acknowledge those feelings. Instead of confronting a situation, you are dealing with it by burying it and trying to forget about it.”

"To dream that you are in a church, suggests that you are seeking for some spiritual enlightenment and guidance. You are looking to be uplifted in some way. Perhaps you have made some mistakes in the past which have set you back on your path toward your goals. With proper support, you will get on the right track again. Alternatively, it may also mean that you are questioning and debating your life path and where it is leading. You are reevaluating what you want to do.”

(All from Dream Moods http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary/)

Geez...intense…

hypocrisy [hi-pok-ruh-see]

a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess

Synonyms include: deceipt, deception, duplicity

I just finished watching the second episode of the new season of America’s Best Dance Crew and…I’m a little ticked off. The “challenge” this week was to do a “signature move” from one of Beyonce’s videos. First of all, two of the crews had to work with props and the other crews just had to incorporate a dance move. How fair is that? Second of all, the post-performance commentary and deliberation (or lack thereof) from the judges after the bottom two crews danced was just laughable.

The bottom two crews were the all-girl Artistry in Motion from L.A. (with Donyelle from So You Think You Can Dance – Season 2!) and Afroborique, the 3-couple crew representing the Latin flavors of Cuba and Puerto Rico. Artistry in Motion had to dance with freakin’ chains from Beyonce’s “Diva” video and Afroborique had to incorporate bellydancing moves from the “Beautiful Liar” video. Ummm, ok.

After they both performed, Li’l Mama – who rarely has anything constructive to say – said that Artistry in Motion had the most challenging task of the night but did a good job because it was high energy and well-performed. Personally, I think that, based on 2 episodes, they have some of the best and intricate choreography. Shane Sparks’ comments about Afroborique were all about how the 3 girls were probably the hottest women to ever be on the show, how they were all so sexy, and this one move was the sexiest move he’s ever seen, etc. And then it went to commercial so the judges could decide who to eliminate. Surprise, surprise – Artistry in Motion got booted.

I have no problem with Afroborique. I think they’re freakin’ awesome. But based on what Shane Sparks said last week about Artistry in Motion, followed by his comments about Afroborique this week, I just couldn’t help but feel duped. Last week, everyone was on Artistry in Motion’s jock because of what they said they stand for; which is to be proud of what they look like – their different faces, their different body shapes. And then to be eliminated against a group who got more comments about how hot they looked than how well they danced, it’s no wonder they all looked shocked and couldn’t help but cry.

I cringe when people (especially women) are bombarded with tv shows, movies, commercials, and articles about how proud we should be with how we look, no matter how overweight, wafe-thin, short, tall, dark, or light we are. It’s then only followed by the same media telling us the exact opposite. A…ma…zing…

Anyhoo...yay, I'm blogging again! =)

This clip art thing from Word CRACKS ME UP!

For some reason, it's brightened my day...