Miss Dessa

Ahhhh...

2011-06-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

As I was waiting for the last hour of work to roll on by, I decided to read up on some of my past posts. It's been more than a while since I've given any attention to this blog and it was long overdue. Interesting enough, I found a couple of posts where I was truly at a crossroads in my life. Reading the thoughts that I once felt took me back to that time when I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Its wonderful to use writing as a way to document your journeys in life, and in return it allows you to go back and see the real growth of ones existence.

Almost a year later, I can say I am in such a great place. All of those trials I went thru last year did in fact happen for a reason. At that point, all I could see was the pain and agony of what I was going thru but in reality it set me up for where I am at today. Had I not experienced all those things, I probably would be stuck in that 8 year relationship still holding on by a thread. As much as I will always love my ex, he and I were not meant to be together, forever. We were kids, who grew up together, and in turn, held on to the memories along the way. We were scared to venture off to others, and when we did, we always ran back to each other. After a few infidelities, I finally smartened up and realized that this would be my life if I didn't make a permanent change. It took a lot of courage and tears to finally leave, but I did. I took the time to figure out what I wanted, let alone needed. I found myself, and am still very much on that journey.

I am now embarking on a new relationship with a man who is equal to me. If anything, he motivates me to be a better woman and I can honestly say he completes me. I am trying my hardest not to allow my past relationship effect my new relationship as there are in fact two different men. Am I tainted? Yes. I was lied to and cheated on more than once and I now have a hard time trusting anyone. Will I let that get in the way? Absolutely not. It would be the biggest mistake of my life if I were to allow the fear of getting hurt keep me from falling in love. This man is wonderful in so many ways and has truly showed me what a partnership is really about. The funny thing is that it is still the beginning, so there is still so much more to come...if I allow it.

Actually this past week was a big one for me. I made some significant changes in my life that will allow more love and opportunities to flow thru and I couldn't be happier. After a long time, I am finally excited about my future. I now think about marriage, kids, the whole nine...where as before...It just was not even a thought. There is still so much to be revealed as I grow into the woman that I am destined to be and I am doing it all with no regrets, or hesitance!

xoxo,

T

Love is a bitch I prefer not to fuck with...

2011-04-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

It's been at least fifteen days since I've heard anything from you. I've tried to be patient and give you the benefit of the doubt. I guess not hearing back from you after this long should have given me a clue long ago. Even still, I refuse to think I am naive and instead believe in what you told me. You told me a lot, and I believed it. I still do in some way. I would like to think that a good part of who I am still believes in people, hoping to see the best of ones self. I saw that in you. I guess I wanted to believe you were different because I could see thru that harsh exterior you portray, except I'm not sure which one is the real you...
I was hoping that you would appear, eventually. I wanted to believe what we had was real and it could blossom into something amazing. That one day, in the future, you and I could have a future together. You told me you wanted more than just a friendship with me and I did too. Who really knows if that was ever a possibility, but the moments I shared with you allowed me to believe so. I know that we have both changed from what we once were, and life is much more complicated than we can imagine, but no matter how much I try to deny what I feel, It's real. It's realer than anything else I've ever known. Instead of denying it, I have accepted it for what it is. It was comforting and amazing. It was beautiful and I would much rather remember you like that then this...

I've finally came to the conclusion after much thought that everything happens for a reason. I mean I've always known that but the stubborn side of me wanted you and I didn't want to let you go. I can't wish something into existence if it's simply not meant to be and I certainly can't convince you to feel something you clearly do not. Just like you told me you can't convince me to be with you, or to let go of my past to move on to you, my possible future, I had to realize that on my own... and I did. You were the one that I wanted to build something with and thrive off of each others success. I'm not sure if it was too late by the time I figured it all out or not good timing but it's all pointless now. I may not know exactly what the reason of you coming back into my life was but I did learn what I want, and what I don't want. Thank you for coming back into my life once again to show me this. To open me up to something that I yearn for one day. I had a connection with you that I hope I will have with my future partner. I'm not sure if you have read any of the letters that I have sent you, but they are the rawest form of my emotions. I have never been so open with my thoughts to another but it allowed me to express how I really felt. I don't regret not one word that I have wrote, spoke or felt. It's real and I felt them for a reason. Maybe all these emotions pushed you farther away. Maybe I should have pretended not to care and maybe you would be here. Either way, that wasn't how I really felt and I can't be fake. It's just not me. As much as I am affected from this short chapter in my life, I will never forget it or you. In the end, I know I tried. I know that after everything, no matter how hurt I felt, I reached out and put all my ego aside and laid my true feelings on the table. It was hard, but I did it. If nothing else, I tried to hold you down and love you.

No matter what, we have been friends for years, and I will never let that go. You will always hold something special in my heart. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.

No clue what the lesson was here, but I suppose I will figure it out sooner than later.

Easy Peasy...

2010-12-04T15:46:00.001-08:00

http://missdessa.tumblr.com/

International Style!

2010-11-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Via - Stockholm Streetstyle

Monthly Obsessions: Product-Mania!

2010-09-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Just a few items I find myself in love with this month :)

Nivea Lip Care A Kiss Of Rejuvenation Q10 Plus

Anti Aging Lipstick Care SPF 4

O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss With Goji Berry-C Complex™

O-GLOW Intuitive Cheek Color With Goji Berry-C Complex™

One N Only Argan Oil 3.4 oz.

Jessica - Midnight Affair

Take Me Away....

2010-08-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

to a place that looks like this, please & thank you ;)

so I can sip on something nice and forget about all the bad memories...

L.O.V.E

2010-08-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

Real Talk: Excess Baggage!

2010-08-07T00:52:00.000-07:00

When you find yourself so comfortable, you tend to let go and relax. That is exactly what happened in my past relationship. I got so comfortable that I had put on some weight and stopped taking care of myself. If there is anything good that came out of my break up, it is that I am finding myself again. I got so lost in the relationship wanting to please my partner that I forgot about myself. Relationships are time consuming, but if there is one thing that I have learned from my past, don't ever forget about yourself & always make time for YOU!

I am eating healthier, working out everyday and on my way to getting my sexy back!

Stay tuned for my progress, nutrition, & fitness tips!

xoxo,

Longest Break Yet...

2010-08-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

As I sit here listening to some music, I realize that this is the longest break I have taken from the blog yet. Why might you curiously ask? Well life is exactly why! It has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. You tend to naturally plan your life out when 9 out of 10 times, it doesn't happen the way you plan. Life is much bigger than both you and I. It has a plan for us, and no matter what we try to do, it's sticking to it's plan...and we are just a long for the ride.

2010 thus far has been far more of an emotional roller-coaster then 2009. I thought 2009 was bad. Ha! Jokes on me I guess. So much has happened that I don't even know where to begin. I guess to make a long story short...my better half and I decided to part ways after 7 years, I went to school to become a nurse just to find out that I love fashion too much to just give up, and last but not least I am on a personal journey trying to find myself from the inside out.

No matter how many tears I've cried in these past few months, I can't be sad for what has happened or where I am at in my life. I am here for a reason, as this is the path that will take me to where I truly belong. It has been hard and emotional to say the very least, but gives me hope for a better future. The crazy thing about life is, you never see it coming. I mean you honestly are blindsided by the events that creep up on you, and we manage to push through it. It's truly amazing to think of what is still to come. I'm sure there's going to bad and good events, but I'm mainly hoping for the good ;)

xoxo,

New Music: Drake - Thank Me Later

2010-06-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

So as I'm sure you're aware Drake's highly anticipated freshman album, Thank Me Later, which leaked weeks before his official release date of June 15th has arrived. There has been a lot of skepticism on whether he will in fact be able to top his phenomenal mixtape, So Far Gone, which could very much be mistaken has as his freshman album. It was by far one of the best mixtape & albums I've heard in a long time.

Thank Me Later features some hard hitters in the music industry like Jay Z, T.I., Swiss Beatz, & The Dream, which is bound to produce some great collabs...

As I am listening to the album as I type this, I find myself unsure whether it's a banger or not. Both of Drake's singles, Over & Find Your Love grew on me the more I heard it. I did not fall in love with it instantly, but now find myself hitting replay more than not. I have a strong feeling that I will feel the same exact way about this album the more I dissect the lyrics, beats, and bars. He did however get bonus points for using Aaliyah's - Let Me Know song remastered for his track Unforgettable ft. Young Jeezy. That beat goes hardddd!

The one thing I can say for sure is that his sound is unique and innovating, which takes an eccentric ear to truly appreciate. Each song takes you down a new pathway. This is not your typical Soldier Boy shit, it's a progression of music not of its typical kind.

P.S. After hearing it a couple times, I LOVVVVE IT! LOL Click the link above to download now & cop the album June 15th. It's worth having it in the archives, at least to me it is ;)

xoxo,

Online Sale: Going, Going, Gone!

2010-05-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

I started the online store garmentvault.com, as an experiment and also to house my own personal designs when they were ready. Since that venture started some new opportunities came a knocken and designing took far more of my time then anything else. In result, I've had to put the online store and it's growth on hold until I have some more time. Some major things are in the works so be on the look out!

I need to make room and get rid of all my stock! The thing about buying wholesale is you have to buy a lot of a style to purchase it wholesale... so fortunately for you, I have some cute spring/summer dresses in stock that I am letting go for almost the cost of goods....Plus, I need the dinero! Fabric, patterns, notions, etc are NOT cheap. Designing a collection is quite expensive...

Sizes Small/Medium/Large Avail...

Email: tiffanydessa@msn.com to place order!

Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Trend: Florals

The spring catwalks were bursting with pretty petals!

Girlie - Blue $15 + shipping

Electric Lady-Land - Pink $15 + shipping

Girlie - Pink $15 + shipping

Girlie - Blue Peacock $15 + shipping

Summer Diva - Floral Bloom $15 + shipping

Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Trend: Draping

Softly draped dresses, jumpsuits, and skirts floated down the runway...

All Grown Up - Black $15 + shipping

Freakum - Purple Haze $15 + shipping

All Tied Up - Violet $15 + shipping

Strike A Pose - Cobalt Blue $15 + shipping

Deja Vu - Rasberry $15 + shipping

Deja Vu - Black $15 + shipping

Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Trend: Cut - Outs

Sporting cut-outs in your ensemble adds a subtle sexiness to your look,

emitting taste and class, and leaving something to the imagination...

Sassy - Aqua $15 + shipping

Sassy - Cobalt $15 + shipping

Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Trend: Animal Instict

Designers are taking a walk on the wild side this season with exotic jungle

prints in numerous of colors...

Chic & Sleek - Red/Gold $15 + shipping

Chic & Sleek - Blue/Gold $15 + shipping

Fierce & Fabulous - Black $15 + shipping

Short & Seductive - Black $14 + shipping

Crush - White/Black & White/Charcoal $12 + shipping

Prim & Proper - Gray Sky $15 + shipping

Everything must go,

Style: Looks of the Day!

2010-04-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Color Me Blush by tdessa featuring Chan Luu jewelry

Items in this set:

Hart linen and silk-blend jacket, $660

High-waisted silk shorts, $585

Heidi klein swimwear TAUPE, 180 GBP

L.A.M.B. Vogul - Natural Leather, $345

Rose gold-plated chronograph watch, $250

City Girl by tdessa featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set:
Silk and modal tank, $85
Strong-shouldered blistered leather jacket, $2,215
The Boyfriend denim shorts, $195
Bianca 140 suede pump, $555
All | Designer Bags | NET-A-PORTER.COM, $150

French Chic by tdessa featuring Burberry bags

Items in this set:
Double-layered jersey dress, $165
Ruched-sleeve blazer, $395
Python-effect leather sandals, $930
Perforated leather hobo bag, $1,195
Gold-plated Swarovski flower earrings, $225

xoxo,

Real Talk: Are Women the New Men in Relationships?

2010-04-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a shift in the universe lately which has made me notice a couple of things. I find that in todays society, Women seem to be taking on a different role in relationships then they did in the past. With women becoming more and more independent, I see a trend forming where they don't want nor feel the need to settle down or commit to one man. Getting married & having children are now not the epitome of a woman. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are many of women who are out there that are very much looking to settle down, but overall I see a shift in how women view relationships, commitment, & monogamy. It has definitely moved down the list of priorities to say the least...

It has been known to man that most men have some form of commitment phobia. But interesting enough, it seems as though the tables have turned in some fashion. I see more & more men wanting to settle down & commit while the women are saying NO THANK YOU. When a man wants to settle down, & commit, they are now being viewed as clingy, sensitive, and become less appeasing. These independent women don't want to be bothered with men who are clingy & sensitive so they pass it up and move on to the next.

When did this happen? When did a man who simply likes you and chooses not to be with other women, & wants to commit to a relationship become clingy & sensitive?

When you ask? I think when women realized that you don't need a man to be fulfilled. When women realized that most men cheat & lie, so why put yourself out there to get hurt. Why limit yourself to just one man when you can date several and not be so emotionally attached to just one who can potentially hurt you. I also think being that women are so independent now, that their careers, friends, & life are being put ahead of men & relationships in general. Something that was once on the front line has now been placed on the back burner. Women are accepting that they may not ever get married, or have children, and they're okay with that.

Is there a down side to this possible trend? Perhaps. It could go either way really... These women who pass up on these great guys may not get that opportunity again when and if they are ready. Or, if you look at it from the other spectrum, the men who finally want to commit and when they open themselves up to and get shut down might revert to their old ways indefinitely...which makes it difficult for the next woman who comes along, who then leaves a bad taste in her mouth, thus creating a vicious cycle.

Personally, I am a very independent woman who has a very demanding career. I am also involved in a serious relationship & have been for the past 7 years. There have been many times that I've struggled with balancing out the two, but in the end when you care about something enough, you put forth everything you have to keep it.

My advice: Not all guys are the same, as the same with women. If a person comes a long that is a great catch who wants to seriously pursue you, & your honestly ready, take a leap of faith & give it a chance. There are no guarantees in life, it can always go either way... but you will never know if you always have your guard up. Don't let past relationships determine future relationships. You can still be independent and be in a relationship, you just have to communicate your needs & wants & learn to balance out the two.

What's your thoughts on this?

xoxo,

Sex & The City 2 Trailer: Abu Dhabi Style!

2010-04-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

I've been catching up on old episodes of season 1 - 5 of SATC this past week which made me fall in love with the girls all over again. I forgot how much I loved this show. I remember waiting all week for sunday to come and once it was 6pm (9pm eastern) I ran upstairs, turned the TV on and would KILL anyone who disturbed me while watching the show. I wouldn't even take any phone calls while SATC was on. It was that serious. I was beyond excited to see the first movie and the second one looks even better now that Aidan's back! It would be quite ironic if she in fact cheats on Big with Aidan, when all she ever really wanted was Big in the first place. You still gotta love Carrie, with all her flaws and all!

P.S. Did I mention the costume wardrobe looks AMAZINGGGGGGGG!

Are you as excited as I am to see this movie?

xoxo,

Style: Electric Lady Land!

2010-03-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

My eyes tend to naturally gravitate to Alexander McQueen - oh how I will miss thee!

xoxo,

Real Talk: Does Time Define Us or Do We Define Time!?

2010-03-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Time: a moment, point, point in time, occasion, hour, minute, second, instant, juncture, stage.

Time has a great impact on ones life. Whether that be an hour, day, week or even a year. I will be turning 25 this year and I find myself thinking about time, life, happiness, and family more than ever. Its been an ongoing search/discovery for the past 5 years. When I was younger I thought my life would be very different. I thought I had all the time in the world to do whatever, whenever I wanted. As I started to get older I started to realize this was not true. See, even though time is documented, time is still invisible. You don't find yourself staring at the clock every second of every day for the entire year. You glance at it one moment, and by the next moment you look back, that time has passed and will not return and all while not even noticing. What you did in that time may or may have not be important but it doesn't matter because that time has already passed.

Time is linked with everything. All of your decisions are based off of timing if you really think about it. When you wake up, sleep, shower, work , eat, go out...money, love, marriage, kids, vacations, etc. Everything revolves around time.

Which brings me to my question that has had me thinking lately. Is there really such a thing called good timing? There were some events that took place a few years ago in which I had to make some important decisions. I based those decisions off of timing. I felt as though it was not good timing to proceed down a certain path. Years went by and I find myself at another place where I might have to make a difficult decision. Now there is no doubt my life has changed substantially in the past few years, but I still don't find myself at the ideal timing to make that decision. When I compare the time then to the time now, it makes me wonder if there ever will be a right timing for something or is it you making it the right timing for something by just doing so because that's what was destined to be??

Time seems to be flying by in comparison to when I was younger. One being that I have much more responsibilities, the other being that life seems a lot more complicated in general. Who ever said it gets easier as you get older obviously was either on drugs or delusional because they LIED! lol

Time is complex and quite difficult to figure out when pertaining to your life decisions. I'm sure as time goes by, it will have a way of working itself out in conjunction with my decisions...

Do you believe in good or bad timing? Does time define us or do we define time?

Anyway, I may have made absolute no sense but i believe it writing how I feel whether it makes sense or not ;)

it's all a matter of time,

Imagery: Nature!

2010-03-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

For all I can remember I was never the outdoor type of girl. I really didn't gain anthing per se from mother nature other then LOVING the rain.

As I'm getting older, I have noticed a lot of things are changing about myself. Things I didn't like when I was younger I seem to LOVE now a days. One of the things I find surprising is my new found love for nature and all its simplistic beauty it has to offer.

The other day I was in the worst mood ever driving home from work. My thoughts were racing as they usually do on my drive home, when I realized it was still light out side, and the route I take is beautiful. I usually race home because who really wants to stay on the road? but for some reason I was driving slower than usual and took in all the beauty nature had to offer. Before I knew it, my bad mood had disappeared. I was so taken back by the scenery, that my mood completely changed and I started to smile.

How could I not smile. The mountains were fully covered with mossy green grass lighted by a bright blue sky. I felt as though I wasn't even in southern cali, it was so beautiful. I wanted to stop and take some pictures but I didn't have my camera on me so I plan to next weekend on my way home. It's crazy because I find myself taking more interest into my mothers amazing garden, asking her all kinds of questions regarding her plants, etc. Who knows I might even take us some gardening in the near future. My mother always says that gardening is the best medicine for a happy mind. Maybe I am just getting old, but I am definitely not entertained by the same things I was 5 years ago...

I found some pics of the back road I take home so you can get a glimpse of what I am talking about...

Maybe i've been distracted all these years from nonsense that I am now finding the true meaning of beauty and it is all natural - as it was destined to be.

xoxo,

Real Talk: L.O.V.E.

2010-03-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

There is only one happiness in life -- to love and to be loved.

We, unaccustomed to courage

exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness

until love leaves its high holy temple

and comes into our sight

to liberate us into life.

Love arrives

and in its train come ecstasies

old memories of pleasure

ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold,

love strikes away the chains of fear

from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity

In the flush of love's light

we dare be brave

And suddenly we see

that love costs all we are

and will ever be.

Yet it is only love

which sets us free.

Maya Angelou

love is a beautiful thing indeed,

Men Vs. Women: Language Barrier!

2010-03-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

The other night I was having quite the interesting conversation with

my guy friend and boyfriend about men and women. A rather popular

topic indeed, but almost always ends in confusion.

What I realized from this conversation, which I have known for quite

some time, is that women speak a language men can't seem to

comprehend.

For instance, my friend was telling me about a text he received from a

girl he was dating. Apparently, he took the message out of context

which I believe is one of the biggest problems when it comes to

men & women.

The messages go a little something like this....

Her: Hi, how are you?

Him: Hi, I'm good just have so much to do still before work. I still need to run some errands before I leave to vegas this weekend.

Her: do you work today?

Him: yes

Her: what time?

Him: 3

Her: you still have time take your shirt in the car

Him: Huh???

Here is where the language barrier kicks in. Most women including myself seem to speak in code, and that code being incomplete sentences. As incomplete as it sounds, we still expect most to understand us. Funny thing is, when we speak incomplete sentences with other women they understand just fine. Thus creating the ongoing problem. Maybe it's because most men DO NOT pay attention to the whole conversation as they tend to tune us in and out as they please...then wonder why they are confused in the end. The combination of both leads us to a language barrier!

My friend and his girl already have some communication issues as she tends to be hot and cold and doesn't like to express her emotions...

His interpretation of that text: Obviously she was texting with someone else and she sent it to me on accident because that just made no damn sense. Maybe it was some other dude she's talking too...

I then preceded to ask him what time she sent that text at, and he replied 9am. I then said "ummm, I don't think she was texting someone else, she was texting you retard!" LOL

My interpretation of that text: basically she was saying that you still have time to run some errands being that its 9am then and you don't go to work until 3pm. Take your uniform in the car with you and just change on your way to work so you can get your shit done in time.

He was like "ohhhhh", with a very confused/smile on his face. "that might very well be what she meant, but how the fuck am I supposed understand all that with that text message."

Now all my ladies who are reading this might be like "DUHHHHH!!!" but men seriously don't understand our language or incomplete sentences rather. What she should have wrote was "you still have time to run your errands just get ready before, take your work shirt with you in the car, and change on your way to work once your done running your errands." Thats a lot to say in a text message right? YEP! Which is why I believe text messaging could be a gift but also a curse to dating!

When you communicate via text messaging versus a phone conversation, you can't decipher the tone, or emotion behind the words of text message as you would with a phone conversation or better yet, face to face.

This is seriously just one of the billions of examples that occur on a daily base between men & women. The sad thing is a lot of unnecessary problems occur from harmless conversations....

My advice to men: pay attention, and to women: speak in complete sentences, and to all: less text more phone and or face to face ;)

I'm curious to know how others view this situation so all comments are welcome!!

xoxo,

Style: Green With Envy!

2010-03-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Real Talk: Life & Love go Hand in Hand!

2010-03-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

You have the ability to love. And from that ability comes every ability. Love can transform your most painful burden into your richest blessing. Stop fighting against what is and begin to love what you know you can be. Live in love, and you live with power. Live in love, and enable the best within you to know full expression. Love keeps you focused on what truly matters. Love keeps you going against all odds. Let go of worry, anxiety, anger and frustration, and love is there. It shines more brightly than ever. Live in love. And you live in full.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Real Talk: Live Beyond Fear!

2010-03-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

There is real treasure at the center of your being. Yet fear can keep that treasure hidden and inaccessible. Fear of failure can keep you from taking the steps necessary to succeed. Fear of being wrong can prevent you from making the choices that are truly right for you. Fear of loss leaves you unable to win. Fear gives power and influence to whatever it is you fear. Yet fear can exist only when you view life through the narrow window of your ego. Get beyond that ego, and fear no longer has any place to inhabit. When you view the rest of life as being separate and disconnected from you, that provides fertile ground for destructive fear. The more fully you realize and the more deeply you understand your connection to all that is, the more quickly the fears will vanish.Stop listening to your ego and you'll stop being a prisoner of fear. Think and act and feel beyond yourself and you'll live well beyond the fear.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Real Talk: Examine The Weak to Become Strong!

2010-03-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Don't be afraid to examine your weaknesses. In them you'll find some of your greatest potential. Certainly you can always make improvements to what you already do well. Yet at best, those will be incremental improvements. Consider, though, what happens when you work on overcoming your weaknesses. The results in your life can be revolutionary. In fact, transforming a weakness into a strength can make all your other strengths more effective. When the weakness is no longer holding you back, every part of your life will see the benefits. Be thankful for your strengths. And be honest about your weaknesses. For when you are clear about what you cannot yet do well, that's the first step to improvement. Any weakness can be transformed into strength when you simply have the courage to grow.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Link Love!

2010-03-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

I find myself perusing blogs more than blogging myself these days therefor I wanted to share. Here are some sites that I find myself visiting daily ;)

Check them out for yourself...enjoy!

xoxo,

Real Talk: Look Within the Possibility!

2010-03-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

You are not a victim of circumstance. You are a beneficiary of possibility.Difficult conditions do not impose a burden. They deliver opportunity, in great abundance. No matter what happens or what fails to happen, there is always a kernel of goodness and positive possibility to be found. Decide to see it, decide to harness it, decide to make the most of it, and you will. Circumstances, as powerful and disruptive as they may be, do not have any driving purpose or intention. You, on the other hand, do. When you connect with that purpose, and energize that intention, you can bring great triumph out of any situation. With a strong and clearly defined purpose, everything becomes an opportunity.

See what is, and translate it into the best of what can be. Any time is right, when you are ready.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

A New Year, A New Day?

2010-01-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

Ten days into the new year and it doesn't feel any different. For me, I try to take each day as new years day because in reality, each day is a new day...

I do however seem to reflect on the past year as the new year rolls in. In this I try to honestly analyze both the good and the bad in order to progress into the woman I want to be.

This past year was quite eventful for me. I learned a lot about myself and at the same time my once very clear path became blurred and left me feeling lost & unsure. I felt as though I failed, and it was hard for me to look past that. If there's one thing I know about myself, that is, I always think about the future. Even if my plans falls through, I always make long term plans. This year, some of my plans fell through... which lead me to a new path. It's funny how when you're younger, at least for me, I thought I would be somewhere completely different at my age. Here I am, going to be turning 25 this year, and not even close to where I envisioned I would be. At the same time, I am not that very same person who had those envisions years ago. I in-fact am quite different. My likes, dislikes, personality, wants, desires, & maturity has all very much changed which would probably have something to do with where I am at today.

"You are on the road to success when you realize failure is merely a detour." W.G.P.

I could analyze all day long what I should have done, why I didn't, etc. but instead I will focus each new day on what I WILL do to get to where I want to be each day. Instead of thinking long term goals, which I always tend to do, I am going to try something different and plan short term goals. Instead of 5-10 year plans, I will focus more on 1-3 year plans. I'd like to think of myself as an honest person, therefore there are some things I honestly can say I lack that I will work on this year. I will be applying changes to my daily life in hopes of progressing to be the best I can be.

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Albert Einstein

xoxo,

T

Don't Focus on the Lost Hours of Yesterday...

2010-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share an inspirational story that I recently read that provides you with a new perspective! Enjoy ;)

The Daffodil Principle

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over. "I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren.

"Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother." "Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.

"But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this."

"Carolyn," I said sternly, "Please turn around." "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience."

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, "Daffodil Garden." We got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I follow wed Carolyn down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight.

It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"Who did this?" I asked Carolyn. "Just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time--often just one baby-step at time--and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world .

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow", she said.

She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting.....

>> Until your car or home is paid off...

>> Until you get a new car or home...

>> Until your kids leave the house...

>> Until you go back to school...

>> Until you finish school...

>> Until you clean the house...

>> Until you organize the garage...

>> Until you clean off your desk...

>> Until you lose 10 lbs...

>> Until you gain 10 lbs...

>> Until you get married...

>> Until you have kids...

>> Until the kids go to school...

>> Until you retire...

>> Until summer...

>> Until spring...

>> Until winter...

>> Until fall...

>> Until you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money. Love like you've never been hurt, and, Dance like no one's watching.

Wishing you a beautiful, daffodil day!

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

xoxo,

Real Talk: Stay Focused!

2009-11-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

Thousands of possibilities stream past you every day. You cannot possibly connect with, or even take notice of, most of those possibilities. So which ones do you see, and which ones are you able to fulfill? The possibilities you'll connect with are the ones that most closely align with your thoughts and your actions. Your thoughts have an incredibly powerful influence on your life, but not because those thoughts cause anything to happen on their own. Rather, certain specific thoughts enable you to tap into, and to successfully follow, certain specific possibilities. The life of your dreams is manifested not by calling upon some dark and mysterious secret power. Your dreams will be fulfilled when you tune in to and align the substance of your life with those dreams. Somewhere, in some form, every thing, every experience, every circumstance you can imagine already exists in some form or other. By focusing the energy of your life on your dream, you'll be able to successfully assemble all the pieces together. The very best possibilities for your life are already coming your way. Focus on them with sincerity and commitment, and you'll soon be moving forward right along with them.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Environmentally Friendly: Colorless Packaging!

2009-11-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

A convex logo substitutes colorfully sprayed can. The naked can help to reduce air & water pollution occurred in its coloring process. It also reduces energy and effort to separate toxic color paint from aluminum in recycling process. Huge amount of energy and paint required to manufacture colored cans will be saved. Instead of toxic paint, manufacturers process aluminum with a pressing machine that indicated brand identity on surface.

It's really that simple...

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Limelight: All That Glitters is Not Gold! Pt. 2

2009-11-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you have watched Rihanna's 20/20 interview by now, and for those who haven't - google it. I decided not to post it being that it would simply disappear due to copyright infringement. In any case, throughout the entire interview, I felt as though she wasn't being one hundred percent honest. I am in no way excusing ones behavior, nor do I a think it is right to ever hit a woman, however I do believe it takes two to tango. After viewing this video below, it made me think even more so. If you view the behind the scenes video, you view a young woman who is anything but timid really. It's hard for me to believe someone with such self confidence & feminine power, would sit back and allow someone to brutally hurt them without throwing some punches back...

Do I think she deserved it? Absolutely not! Do I think there is more to the story then what she stated? Quite possibly, however truth be told it's really none of our
business to ever really know ;)
This is simply my observation to another... What do you think?

xoxo,

Garment Vault

How You Doin?!

2009-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

If you haven't checked out Wendy Williams show out as of yet, you need to. Also peep her interview with YRB Magazine here ...

xoxo,

Garment Vault

The Up & Coming: Adrienne Bailon

2009-11-17T15:44:00.000-08:00

You might recognize her from her 3LW & Cheetah Girl days but she is now moving on up. She signed with Island Def Jam earlier this year to venture off with a solo album which is in the works. She recently did a spread for YRB Magazine and the shoot looks simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I looked forward to seeing what's to come from Ms. Bailon...

xoxo,

Garment Vault

New Music Videos of the Week!

2009-11-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

Enjoy,

Garment Vault

Life: Growing Up Too Fast!

2009-11-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

It was my nieces 6th birthday this past weekend, and like myself, she was really sick. Unfortunately too sick to go to disneyland like we planned. She started her day off crying because she was sad that she was not going to be able to do anything. I quickly decided to bring the festivities home. Obviously I couldn't bring disneyland home, but I managed to make the best of it...

We painted faces, watched movies, baked her cake, played with her gifts, did some arts & crafts and ordered in from her favorite bbq eatery, Lucille's! All in all, she said it was one of the best birthdays she had so I am happy she was happy!

I still remember the day we rushed to the hospital waiting anxiously for her arrival. She and I have been inseparable since birth, and at times I feel like she is my own. She is indeed growing up too fast, and at times I wish she can still be that itty bitty baby once in my arms again. However, that's life. Each year comes around celebrating one more year of progression and memories. I am so grateful to be an aunt and to have the opportunity to watch this beautiful, intelligent, & charismatic young girl flourish into such a wonderful being.

Happy Birthday Alexis, I love you more than words could ever describe!!!

Love,

Tiffy

Real Talk: Priceless Fortune

2009-11-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Remind yourself often of how fortunate you are. The more you realize and recall your good fortune, the more good and valuable things you can do with it. Your true fortune has little to do with the size of your bank account or your material assets. The greatest fortune you have is life itself, and the opportunity to live each moment with awareness and effectiveness. There is endless fortune in your ability to choose what to do with each moment. There is limitless fortune in your capacity to feel love, awe, compassion, gratitude and pure joy. Spend some time each day thinking about how truly fortunate you are. Let the warm feeling of that magnificent fortune permeate your awareness. Your very existence has such great and irreplaceable value that it's impossible to even imagine the full extent of it. Resolve today to make good use of all that value. The great fortune of your life is here and now. Live it with joy and meaning.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Garment Vault

FREE99: Contest Edition!

2009-11-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to do a Garment Vault contest for quite some time now!

2 Lovely Winners will Get A Item off the website & a special gift free!! All you have to do is the following;

When: Thursday November 5th until Friday November 6th, 9pm EST/10pm EST

How to Enter to Win: Tweet "RT @garmentvault Spread the word & Retweet! Tweet GV10 for a extra 10% off ALL items on http://www.garmentvault.com"

*Tweet & retweet for more entries.

*2 extra entries for following us.

*Enter as many times as you like!!

Winners will be announced at 10amPST/1pmEST Saturday, November 7th

Good Luck,

Garment Vault

Limelight: All That Glitters is Not Gold!

2009-11-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

No matter what she does, she will continue to get criticized as she is in the limelight, and thats the nature of the beast. However, I commend Rihanna for coming forth and sharing her side of the story not for the sake of making one look good, and the other bad, but more because she does indeed have an enormous fan base who are generally young women that may be, or have been in the same situation. After viewing the interview, those women might think twice about staying in an abusive relationship. Domestic Violence is not only serious, but so personal and for her to share her intimate story to even change one girl's perspective speaks volumes.

Here are some facts via NCADV.ORG

- One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

- An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.

- 85% of domestic violence victims are women.

- Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.

- Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.

- Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police

- Almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police records are killed by an intimate partner.

- In 70-80% of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the man physically abused the woman before the murder.

- Less than one-fifth of victims reporting an injury from intimate partner violence sought medical treatment following the injury.

- Intimate partner violence results in more than 18.5 million mental health care visits each year

- Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.

- Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

- 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Imagery: Inspiration Part 1

2009-11-05T00:49:00.000-08:00

Fall 2009: Dior Homme

2009-11-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Capturing former Japanese football player Hidetoshi Nakata in seres of black & white shots, photographer Quentin Shih breathes new life into Kris Van Asshe's Fall 2009 collection for Dior Homme. Officially making Prada's studs, Gucci's legging-pant hybrid, and Dior Homme's high contrast take on an architect's view of bondage, among the most photographed of the season. Highlighting the current mood of a modern hardcore street edge seen on runways abroad.

Showing Nakata interacting animals and at one point plane, the essence of power and movement are added in the form of computer generated objects. Creating a certain interest factor that is slightly hard to find in the label's current campaign.

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Real Talk: Words To Live By!

2009-11-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Lifestyle : When Money Aint A Thing!?

2009-11-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

Amosu $240,000 BlackBerry Curve

Via Upscale Swagger

Amosu is known for stepping it up another notch when it comes to tricking out everyday items. Now Amosu is claiming to have The worlds first & most expensive diamond blackberry. The handset is a BlackBerry Curve 8900 encrusted with 4,459 brilliant cut diamonds & coated in 18 carat yellow gold. Amosu will give you the option of customizing the blackberry with your name or company logo. It’s also the first Blackberry to come with a 24-hour global concierge service. Only three of these diamond encrusted Blackberry 8900 will be made and will run you $240,000. If money wasn't a thing, would you be one out of the three who would make your daily calls on a 28.42 Carat phone!?

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Lifestyle : Living The Lights!

2009-11-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

BMW M3 film called, “Living The Lights.” The short film was created by the Bandito Brothers.

Via - Dub Daily

Wishfully thinking,

Garment Vault

New Music!

2009-11-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

DOWNLOAD: Lloyd ft. J. Holiday & Nicki Minaj – Take It Off

DOWNLOAD: Rihanna - Hard (Feat. Young Jeezy)

DOWNLOAD: Timbaland ft. Drake & Lupe Fiasco – Say Something (DJ Hyphen Mix)

DOWNLOAD: Wale ft. Melanie Fiona & J. Cole – Beautiful Bliss (prod. DJ Green Lantern Mark Ronson)

DOWNLOAD: Wiz Khalifa – When U Find

DOWNLOAD: Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart (CDQ)

DOWNLOAD: Saukrates ft. Andreena Mill – Hot Like Summer (prod. Tone Mason)

DOWNLOAD: Usher - Daddy’s Home (Prod. The Runners)

DOWNLOAD: J. Cole – Unabomber

DOWNLOAD: Ludacris ft. Shawnna – How Low Can You Go

DOWNLOAD: Game ft. Gucci Mane & Timbaland – Krazy [CDQ]

DOWNLOAD: Jay-Z - Reminder (Just Blaze Version) [Snippet]

Via 1Vibe

Enjoy,

Garment Vault

Real Talk: To Say or To Do?

2009-11-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

Do more than merely getting through this day. Jump into it fully with vigor and enthusiasm. Do more than merely getting through your work. Find real joy in making a difference. When the purpose behind each day is just to get it over with, that dismal purpose can begin to take over your whole life. By contrast, when you put a little bit of joy and positive purpose into each moment, you get a whole lot of great and wonderful things filling your world. It only takes a fraction of a second to change your whole life and your whole world for the better. Are you ready to go beyond merely surviving and to fill each thought, each word, each action with the most magnificent possibilities of life? Life is exactly the way you choose to see it. Wherever you may be, whatever you may be doing, you have the opportunity to immediately and completely make life truly great. Open your eyes, look around, and awaken to all the best possibilities. Now is when you can live with all the richness you're able to imagine.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Garment Vault

New Music Videos of the Week!

2009-11-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

Enjoy,

Garment Vault

H1N1: A Healthy Way!

2009-11-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this post & thought that it is a very good almost "common sense" way to try to avoid catching the Influenza A virus subtype H1N1. As I am not a doctor, a disclaimer does apply. Read it but also consult with your doctor just in case:

With the constant fear of H1N1 symptoms, the following measures can be practiced by one and or all. Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc/bioflavonoids to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.

I do hope, this information could be passed on to one and all, for a healthy and H1N1 free environment.

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Fresh Out The Oven: Gourmet

2009-11-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Via Freshness

Saks Fifth Avenue hosted a Gourmet Trunk Show back in October to celebrate the launch of Gourmet in their stores which debuted new styles that were getting ready to be released from Gourmet in the upcoming months. Here are some of a few hot items that Gourmet will be releasing this Holiday 2009 Season. The use of premium materials such as Pony Hair and buttery leathers showcases Gourmet’s ability to grow as a footwear line. Look for these new colorways and styles to hit Gourmet retailers soon.

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Lusting After: October Edition!

2009-10-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just a few of the items I'm lusting over this month...

Via - Net-a-Porter

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Real Talk: Do You!

2009-10-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you are resisting life's goodness, then working harder at it will push that goodness farther away. Instead, learn to let go and to allow. Simply generating more activity and energy will not help you if that energy is pointed in a negative direction. Choose to re-direct all the energy and awareness in your life toward those things you value most. If the results you are getting fail to bring fulfillment, do not seek to merely create more results. Instead, find the path that truly fulfills your purpose. There is nothing to be gained from making life needlessly difficult. See the truth that life is beautiful, and align your energy and your actions with your very own expression of that truth. When you let yourself be yourself, richness flows easily and effortlessly and naturally through every moment. Your greatest accomplishments come from who you are. Let yourself be yourself. And you'll be as rich as anyone can ever be.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Up & Coming: Melanie Fiona

2009-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Via - Concrete Loop

Meet Melanie Fiona, the latest protege of Steve Rifkind, the industry veteran who brought you the Wu-Tang Clan and Akon. She most recently gained a good fan base by opening up the European leg of Kanye West’s famed Glow In the Dark tour. Her first single “Give It To Me Right” samples The Zombies’ “Time of the Season,” and Melanie counts Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Gladys Knight as inspirations for her debut album, The Bridge, which recently dropped via SRC Records/Universal Motown.

xoxo,

Garment Vault

In Print: Vogue - Paris

2009-10-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Vogue Paris November 2009 Issue

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Top Ten: Movies to Watch From the 90's!

2009-10-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Not in any particular order, but none the less all equally great movies!

One man lives in the neighborhood, another man owns it. A devoted father battles the local crime boss for the life of his son.

A love that will last forever.

They're a new breed of gangster. The new public enemy. The new family of crime.

There have been many courtroom dramas that have glorified The Great American Legal System. This is not one of them.

To achieve the incredible you have to attempt the impossible

A Player Who's About To Be Played.

No rules. No curfews. No nagging. No pulse.

In a world that's powered by violence, on the streets where the violent have power, a new generation carries on an old tradition.

If they get caught it's all over. If they don't, it's just the beginning!

She walked off the street, into his life and stole his heart.

If you didn't know, now you do!

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Real Talk: Quiet Power!

2009-10-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

The strongest power has no need to show itself or to prove itself. It is quiet, calm, determined and unshakable. Boastfulness is the surest sign of weakness and insecurity. True confidence has no need to speak of itself. Authentic richness is endlessly generous. Anyone who has the need to appear rich suffers from a terribly painful poverty of the spirit. How do you fill your life with richness and power? Honestly be yourself, and give freely of yourself. Give up the fantasy of gaining benefit over others, for even if you could get it you would receive no real value from it. Instead, make it your business to promote, encourage, raise up, love and appreciate others at every opportunity. Pretending to be rich and powerful is agonizing work that incessantly erodes your spirit. Being truly rich and powerful fulfills your deepest longings and brings you fully to life.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Garment Vault

Street Style: Out & About

2009-10-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Via - Stockholm Streetstyle

xoxo,

Garment Vault

New Music Videos of the Week!

2009-10-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoy,

Garment Vault

Real Talk: Keep Giving!

2009-10-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

The world will often discourage you from giving love. Give love anyway. Many times, despite your best efforts, you will not be understood. Keep giving it your best anyway. The treasures in life are not what you get back. Those things are only shadows of life's true value. The real treasures are what you're able to give of yourself. And as long as you give authentically, from the heart, with the best you have, it doesn't really matter what comes of it. It's nice to be acknowledged and respected and understood. Yet even when you're not acknowledged or understood, there is still great value in doing what you know is right, what you know is best. Smile a peaceful smile to the depth of your being. Be real, and know that all is well.

-- Ralph Marston

xoxo,

Garment Vault