"It's an awful truth that suffering can deepen us, give a greater luster to our colors, a richer resonance to our words. That is, if it doesn't destroy us, if it doesn't burn away the optimism and the spirit, the capacity for visions, and the respect for simple yet indispensable things." - Anne Rice
Here is a very talented up-and-coming star I'm very impressed by: Jaime Campbell Bower. I especially love him on the former HBO show Camelot but some of you may recognize him in the Twilight Series and even Harry Potter.
I am new to The Birthday Massacre's music having just recently discovered them on itunes. From the moment I first heard their songs from their album "Pins and Needles" I was hooked. Their sound is so addictive and every song on the album excellent. I would highly recommend them.
This blog entry is dedicated to my beloved husband renowned meteorite hunter Michael Farmer
Meteorite Hunter Michael Farmer
Michael Farmer, Lesotho, Africa
Notice the children holding up pencils. My husband brought with him all kinds of goodies to give to the children because they were in need. Including lots and lots of toys!
Michael Farmer on a Meteorite Expedition in Sweden
I wanted to do something different today. Today I wanted to focus my attention on good people and the inspiring things they do. Two people immediately came to mind. My teacher Thich Nhat Hanh and actor Gary Sinise. For this one blog entry though I will be focusing on Gary Sinise. A man who devotes himself to good causes. And not for the celebrity attention. Because he truly believes in what he devotes himself to. One of the many causes he supports is for the US military. I am a veteran myself of the armed forces having served honorably in the US Army in the early 90's. So, I admire how he cares for the well being of our US Military and for enriching the lives of children throughout the world. I also admire the creative way he goes about it. Below are inspiring photographs and videos of Gary Sinise that move me deeply and I hope they do for you as well.
Gary Sinise visiting with wounded soldiers.
"Wherever I go for the military, they always call me Lt. Dan. What I really want to be remembered as is a good father, a man who does what he needs to take care of his family and someone who supports the troops that protect the country I live in.
It's a dangerous world out there and anytime anything happens, the U.S. military is there to help." - Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Performing for our troops.
Gary Sinise helping children in Afghanistan
Gary Sinise giving school supplies to children in need
My teacher: Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh. I love his teachings and I recommend him to anyone seeking to better themselves. Particularly for those like me who don't want to join or participate in any religion but still want to evolve to be their very best self. His teachings are a great beginning.
One of my favorite quotes from Master Thich Nhat Hanh:
"The most precious gift you can give to one you love is your true presence."
True Love
Written By Thich Nhat Hanh
"According to Buddhism, there four elements of true love. The first is maitri, which can be translated as loving-kindness or benevolence. Loving-kindness is not only the desire to make someone happy, to bring joy to a beloved person; it is the ability to bring joy and happiness to the person you love, because even if your intention is to love this person, your love might make him or her suffer...."
"The second element of true love is compassion, karuna. This is not only the desire to ease the pain of another person, but the ability to do so. You must practice deep looking in order to gain a good understanding of the nature of the suffering of this person, in order to be able to help him or her to change..."
"The third element of true love is joy, mudita. If there is no joy in love, it is not true love. If you are suffering all the time, if you cry all the time, and if you make the person you love cry, this is not really love - it is even the opposite..."
"The fourth element us upeksha, equanimity or freedom. In true love, you attain freedom. When yoy love, you bring freedom to the one you love..."
*Taken from Thich Nhat Hanh's book "True Love - A Practice for Awakening the Heart"
Other books I would recommend greatly:
"Anger - Wisdom for Cooling the Flames"
and
"No Death, No Fear"
A message from me to Master Thich Nhat Hanh: Thank you so much for your beautiful teachings. They have helped me so much!
Bibian Blue is one of my favorite sites for fashion. What I love about Bibian Blue is the uniqueness of the style. Nothing is more interesting to me as a themed look. Especially one with a couture touch.
Introducing my newest necklace available for sale on Etsy: "Dark and Twisted." A luxurious new Dark Ethereal Couture Necklace that will mesmerize and captivate.
