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Karen Kelly

Thoughts on December 21…

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mayan-calendarI took a little side tour on my Christmas shopping to share these thoughts:

Everything I had in mind to write this week went out the window starting last Friday afternoon.  Just like the rest of the nation – the rest of the world – my feelings have gone from shock to sadness to frustration and back to sadness.

Those of you that are getting to know me have by now realized that I am quite private on my political beliefs and my social beliefs.  I’ve gotten a little stronger in being able to talk about my spiritual beliefs – since in the past I have been rather shy talking or writing about them. Quite honestly, Newtown, Connecticut has changed my shyness forever.

All the hype about 12/21/12 has left many people wondering what that date really means.  Is it the end of the world? Did the Mayan’s truly predict that our civilization will die?  In a nutshell, I believe that the answer to that is yes.  But I am adding a few words to that phrase and change it to: “Our civilization, as we know it right now, will die.  A new one is emerging right before our very eyes.”

As we all know, sometimes it takes a tragedy in order for people to feel comfortable in their bonding.  It takes something horrific like children getting killed to give people the guts to speak how they really feel – to be able to show public emotion and sadness.  To cry with others they don’t even know.  To pray for others they have never met.  To send out loving thoughts to the parents and families that are enduring a pain that we can’t even fathom.

Is the world ending? Yes, I do believe it is.  The current world of meanness and death and destruction and pain is dying out.  I think it had to reach a crescendo before it settles down into the new way of life.  Just like many things in life, the bad energy built up and up and up and is now exploding its’ volcanic “badness” into oblivion.

It’s a scientific fact that we are all connected.   We share the energy on this place called Earth. It is now our choice for this energy to be “bad” energy or “good” energy.  I believe positive mojo is much easier to create than negative.  I believe that it is much easier to love than to hate.

It is none of my business how you live your life.  Not that I don’t care about your feelings – trust me, I do.  What I mean is whatever your view happens to be on the subject of politics, gun control, locking down schools, etc., is fine. Your view is your view whatever side you are on – and no doubt we will never all agree on everything…it’s the way of the world.

But there IS one thing we can agree on.  It’s quite simple, really.  No doubt this will make some of you feel uncomfortable – but I’m putting myself out there on this one because I totally believe from the bottom of my heart it is true: Just Love.  Teach love.  Live love.  Respect love.  Learn to love again.  Once you feel the love, the rest just falls in place: kindness, respect, thoughtfulness, mercy, compassion.  You don’t even have to be demonstrative about your love.  Your thoughts and loving energy will be enough to help fuel the world for the rebirth that it is going through.

Those of us that are parents know that the last few hours of labor are the hardest.  So is it for a world that is going through a rebirth.  It is painful.  It is agonizing.  It is also exhilarating and emotional.  Through the pain we feel the expectations of great things to come; of the life that will soon be coming, and how ours will never be the same.

No matter what our views are, I’m sure we all agree we want to love this earth.  We want to nurture it, take care of it and help it through the rebirthing process.  Just imagine this: when we all send out positive energy and love at the same time, a wonderful healing will start taking place. Just envision a life where we are all prayerful of each other; where we all show respect and kindness and love no matter what. Best of all, imagine all of us doing this not because the catalyst is a horrible tragedy, but that the catalyst is just simply and purely love.

Gifts Outside The Box – Lindy and Co.

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This is a series of “Gifts Outside the Box”.  Different ideas for presents for everyone that you love in your life.  The following is article two:

“Mom.  Mommmy.  Moooom.  Mother.  Karen.  Mom!”

“What?”

“Hi.”

I have my very own Stewie, in the form of a white, four-legged furry creature.  He’s a tad bit demanding.  Those of you that have Terrorists – I mean Terriers – will understand.  Charlie is a Westie wanna be.  I say that only because his gene pool is quite shallow and he doesn’t quite make the mark  – a typical puppy mill puppy.  Charlie Brown (his middle name is Clearance – the people we adopted him from bought him on sale) is the most joyous and loving dog ever.  If his exuberance could be cloned, I’d be rich.  Charlie Brown (aka Charlie Daniels, Charles in Charge, Chuck, Chuckmeister, Charles Manson, Charlie Chaplin, Charlie Sheen – that’s when he’s a bad boy), has a little sister named Lucy.  Yes, the connection is obvious.  Lucy also has some aliases: Lulu Belle, “Ol Lucy Brown” (those of you old enough to know the song “Mack the Knife”), Lucy Lou and yes, the obvious one – Lucy van Pelt.  She’s the good one.  Smart as a whip (part mini Golden Doodle and part mini Australian Sheppard) and can run faster than any dog I’ve ever met.

So when Charlie asked me the other day when I was going to take them out for a special Christmas shopping spree, I realized I’d better get my act and gear and figure out where to take them.  It ended up being a great day, and probably best if I just let Charlie and Lucy tell you about it.

Charlie: Mom, are we there yet?

Lucy: No, stupid.  We just left.  And leave mom alone, she’s trying to drive.  And stop touching me or I’m going to tell on you.

Charlie: Mom, where are we going first?  I’m hungry.

Lucy: You just don’t stop, do you?  We just ate breakfast.

Charlie: Well at least I don’t barf up breakfast when we ride in the car.

Lucy: Shut up and stick your head out the window, loser.  We are almost there.

Charlie:  Almost where?

Lucy: You never do listen do you?  Mom said we could stop at Lindy and Co. to get some homemade doggie treats.

Charlie: Oh, boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!

Lucy: I just read their website yesterday.  What’s cool about them is that they are run by Daybreak Shelter and the kids from the shelter are the ones that actually make the treats.  I can’t wait to meet Lindy.  Oh goodie, here we are! And there’s Lindy!  Hi Lindy!  Oh, I think I have a dog crush.  I always wanted golden hair.  But look Lindy, I’m part Golden Retriever too.

Charlie: Lucy, quit babbling. You are making a fool of yourself.  Hi Lindy, will you tell us about your place here – and your yummy biscuits?

Lindy: Well, I teamed up with the people from Daybreak, a non profit agency in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio, who helps homeless youth.

I created “Lindy and Company” to open a pet treat bakery where pet parents can buy healthy, delicious homemade treats baked by homeless youth who are working to develop skills they need to get a good job. Lindy & Company was created specifically to help homeless youth gain work experience so that they are able to secure and maintain livable wage jobs, for without a job, they will never become self-sufficient.

As part of the programming, Daybreak requires residents to be employed as they work towards self-sufficiency. But many of the kids were having a hard time finding and keeping jobs because they lacked the “soft skills” most employers are looking as well as the work experience.

Dog AntlersSo, now they make these yummy doggie treats.  And look at all these flavors!
Lucy: I will shake, dance with joy, play dead or sit for a very long time for a treat.  Which trick do you want?

Charlie: And I can, um.  Well, I can…I can dance too!  Yes, I’ll dance. Please, please…can I have a Cheddar Chomper, oh please?

Lindy: Yes, you can try them all if you want…we have a sampler pack.

Lucy: Oh happy, happy, joy, joy!

Me: Ok, kids, we are here to buy presents, remember?  So go ahead and pick a few things out.  And let’s remind everyone again to go to the website to find out more about the amazing mission of Daybreak and more information about Lindy and Company.  www.lindyandcompany.org.

See you next time!  Woof!

Well, this is where part one of the day out with the doggies ends.  The next segment will involve other local dog-friendly businesses…and the new dog park as well. So stay tuned for the next adventure of Christmas Shopping with Charlie Brown and Lucy!

View all of our “Gifts Outside The Box” articles here:

Gifts Outside the Box – Blush Boudoir

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December 1st is a perfect time to start a list of unique gift ideas.  What’s different about these gifts, however, is that it will help your mind think out of the box – mainly because these presents can’t fit into a box.  I’ll be updating this list quite frequently, and actually would love some ideas to add to it if you so desire. Just email me at the address listed below.

Ok, so, time to get started.  The first outside the box gift idea is très magnifique!  Just like the Jelly of the Month club from “Christmas Vacation”, this is the gift that will keep on giving.  (PLUS there is a special Dayton Most Metro discount for our reader – see details at the end of the article)

Blush Boudoir truly is just the coolest place around.  Set in the oldest home/building in Dayton, Blush is the place that women go to get pictures taken so their men drool over the final results. I know, sounds risqué and intimidating, doesn’t it?  The risqué part is wonderful.  The intimidating part not so much.  Trust me, I was a little leery myself, so I went to talk to owner Tracy Malott in person.

First of all, Tracy is a model worthy photographer who has an eye for – and a gift with – the camera.  Not only does the camera love her from the picture end, but it also loves her from the lens end as well.  Let me just tell you that the minute you walk into Blush, you will feel à l’aise (translation: at ease.  I loved it there so much I can’t stop speaking French.  And I don’t even know French.)

Tracy greeted me at the door with a hug and a chocolate covered candy cane.  Ok, really?  What’s not to love?  She is so dang sweet (and has the most luscious eye-lashes) that I fell into immediate girly admiration.

Tracy started out as a wedding photographer, and changed over to boudoir when she realized that she really had a gift for it.   Let me share our conversation…

KK: So, Tracy – why did you switch from shooting weddings to taking pics of women in scantily clad clothing?

TM: Honestly?  I realized I could truly change lives.  This entire experience has the ability to make every woman that comes here feel confident and sexy.

KK: Well, just walking in here and seeing all the beds, the claw shaped bathtub with the crystal chandelier above it and all the romantic surroundings, I was ready to just jump in and get started!  But that’s not how it works, is it?  Because truly, I’d be a little hesitant.  I mean, these women are baring more than just skin, aren’t they?

TM: Yes! In the end, this isn’t about pictures.  It is about making all the women feel beautiful.  It’s about helping them see themselves the way their partners and spouses see them – sexy and pretty.

KK:  I love it.  How wonderful.  I’ll bet you get a lot of thank you notes from the guys.  So, what is a typical session like?

TM: Well, first off, I kind of hang out with them and make them comfortable.  I offer them a glass of wine…

KK: Or three?  I think I’d need three…

TM: You’d be surprised.  Because once we start talking, going over ideas and outfits, the women start getting relaxed.  And then we do the make-up and hair.  That alone is enough to make anyone feel special.  My make-up artist, Michelle Richardson, is amazing.  The women are always delighted when they look in the mirror.  And while all of this is going on, we just engage in girl talk.  It’s a fun time!  By the time the hair and makeup girls leave, and it’s just the two of us, they aren’t so nervous.  I coach them through it every step of the way. We laugh, drink wine, and the time just flies.

KK: This isn’t just about photos, is it?  There’s something magical going on.  I mean some of these pictures rival the calendars in a mechanics garage (and I say that with awe).  But not all of these women – in fact most of them – are not the typical “model type” women, are they?

TM: No, in fact far from it.  This isn’t about that.  I’ve had so many women struggling with weight issues, breast cancer, age, and more – and these pictures truly changed the way they thought about themselves.  Not to mention it enriched their relationships.

KK: So they come in nervous and a little wary – and leave as…

TM: Leave as friends.  And self-confident women.

KK: If you weren’t doing this (which I know it’s your passion and calling), what would you be doing?

TM: I’d love to mentor other photographers, and teach them to do what I do.

Ok, so here is my opinion.  You can’t teach someone compassion, zest for life, patience and love – and that is what Tracy at Blush Boudoir exudes. My booking will be after the first of the year.  I tried to tell her that I’d like to wait until I lost 20 pounds and she laughed.  “All the more reason to do it now”, she said.  “You’d be surprised at the final outcome – you will love the pictures and how you look in them – I promise!”

I’m convinced, and I hope you are too. There are several packages and pictures on her website.  This is an amazing gift that will benefit all. So, guys if you are reading this, I highly suggest buying a package for your woman.  It will make her feel like the sexy and loving woman you know her to be.  And girls – make your man go gaga by surprising him with loving, sexy and incredible photographs of the woman he loves best.

It’s out of the box – and outta the ballpark – a true homerun gift.  Check out www.BlushBoudoir.com or  the Blush Boudoir Facebook Page for portfolio pictures and package information.  And while you are there, read the testimonials.  They tell the trust story. Trust me on this one. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

If you  have special and unique gift ideas you’d like to see focused here, please email Karen at karenkellybrown@aol.com or leave a comment below.

Dayton Most Metro / Blush Boudoir Discount

Blush Boudoir is offering a $50 Discount off of any Simply Blush, Ooh La La or Premiere Package booked by December 31, 2012 to our readers – just email Tracy at tracy@blushboudoir.com and mention this article!

Karen Kelly & Tracy Malott

 

View all of our “Gifts Outside The Box” articles here:

Much To Feel Thankful For

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Almost a year has passed since our big move to the city. It feels like so much has happened since then. At this time last year, our old house was completely torn apart. The last thing I was thinking of was cooking a turkey or putting up a Christmas tree. There were boxes everywhere. We had an offer on our home, but we still had no idea where we were going to hang our hat.
Being empty nesters, our opportunities were a little bit wider. We didn’t have to worry about schools or kids in the neighborhood. We could look for something totally different and out of the box. We could live anywhere we wanted to. Except a year ago at this time, I didn’t know where that place would be.
I was getting discouraged! We both already decided we wanted to downsize. We both agreed that moving would give us the opportunity to get rid of a lot of our stuff. We were ready for a clean slate. Less stuff, new area – we had an open mind and we were ready! My husband (Mr. Level Head) convinced me that the right house would find us and we would be fine. It was out there, we just hadn’t connected with it yet. So we packed, and purged our stuff and kept our minds open and our hearts open even wider.
Except still no new home. Thanksgiving was approaching. We prayed, searched the paper, went online and spread the word. We had to be out soon (thank God we had actually sold our large home in such an icky market), because the new owners wanted to take possession at closing.
Well, fast forward almost a year. I am writing this in my new home office. It has a view of downtown. Just like my wise husband said, the house was waiting for us. It has 125 year old charm and stories and tons of warmth. It has good juju. It has (very friendly) ghosts of Christmas’s past. It has wonderful, friendly and fun neighbors. It has character and happiness and it exudes love. It was waiting for us.
I have never looked back. Even though we only moved 15 minutes away, I have not even driven by my old home. Don’t get me wrong – we absolutely loved it. It was perfect for us and our family. It was a season of life that served us well. But that chapter is closed. Thank goodness it had a happy ending.
I absolutely love, love, LOVE our new home. My husband loves our home. Our dogs love our home. Our kids love visiting our home. Our grandkids love our home. Our friends love our home. And our home feels the love. It is happy to have its halls filled once again. It stands tall with pride. Our home takes its job quite seriously. It gladly gives us shelter, warmth and love. It gives us comfort and coziness and strength. It had been looking for us for a while. Thank God it found us.
It may be going a little over-board, but this year I am making up for not decorating our old house last year. I can’t wait to cook a turkey, and I already have all my goodies to make Christmas cookies. My husband has the outside lights up and we’ve gotten down the boxes (and boxes) of decorations.
I have much to feel thankful for this season. I have an incredible spouse and partner, the best kids and daughter-in-laws on the planet, some pretty incredible grandkids (with two more on the way), a wonderful family and in-laws, the best friends and neighbors in the world and some loving and sweet furry four-legged kids. This house is the perfect way to end a year of thanks –and the perfect jump start to a new and exciting future.
I learned quite a lesson this past year. I learned to just breathe – that the answer is always out there. I learned that we are all blessed in so many ways, and that we are always taken care of no matter what. I learned that the best way to live is to give up the (seeming) control and let the Universe and God do their thing. I learned that sometimes less is more. And I have learned that it’s not stuff that makes me happy – it is love and people and relationships that make me happy.
I have so much to be thankful for, but mostly I am thankful for all that I have learned. I am thankful for the patience that I have finally acquired and the faith that I have gained strength from. No matter what type of dwelling you reside in, I pray that you are feeling the blessings and gifts that are meant to be yours. I am sending all of you a ton of Thanksgiving blessings and love – from our home to yours.

 

Love, Marriage and Technology

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“What are you reading?” asked my husband.

“I’m alternating between “50 Shades”, “Hunger Games” and “Gone Girl”. With a little bit of Wayne Dyer thrown in.  Oh, and “A Tale of Two Cities”.”
“You are reading “A Tale of Two Cities”?”

“Well, no, actually, it was a free download.  So I’m not actually reading it per se – but it’s here should I ever want to read it.  Dean Koontz has a new one out so Dickens may have to wait a bit.”
My husband has had iPad envy for awhile.  I have to admit, I struggled with the whole Kindle, iBooks, Nook thing myself.  Not all readers like to write, but I do believe all writers love to read – so books are an obsession – I mean passion – of mine.  I have boxes of them, shelves of them and stacks of them.  I have self-help, spiritual, religious, biographies, fantasies, murder mysteries, scientific and yes, even 50 Shades type. 
So when my husband surprised me with an iPad awhile back I was thrilled yet skeptical.  That is until I downloaded the Kindle app. 
I guess I’ve always been a little envious of those that always had the newest technological toys.  When my husband got the new iPhone last year, he teased me relentlessly by asking Siri questions he’d normally ask me. (For those that aren’t familiar or that frankly don’t care – and you know who you are – Siri is a nice little woman that lives in the iPhone and will answer questions, tell you how to get to the cheapest gas and let you know where the best sushi is.)  So I guess I may have gotten him back a little bit by teasing him with the iPad.  There he’d be, juggling the newest (400 page hardback) Stephen King book on his knees in bed, while holding a flashlight over it in order to read, since I don’t like a glaring light – after all, the iPad is backlit.
Having mercy, I recently surprised him with an iPad.  We were meeting for dinner, and I brought it into the bar and put it next to him.  He looked at the bag.  “Why did you bring me something from Cracker Barrel?  I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but we are eating here, so I don’t need a side of biscuits and gravy.”
“Just open it.”
And he did.  And he yelped like a 5 year old girl opening her first real Barbie.  I’d like to say he hugged me first, but alas, he hugged the iPad.  “Hello, beautiful”, he said.  I started blushing until I realized he was talking to his newfound love. Then he hugged me – quite hard.  Choking, I said “relax; I was just getting tired of you staring at me while I read in bed.  It was starting to creep me out. Now you have your own.  And you can also stop teasing me with Siri.”
Our iPad’s now co-exist peacefully, side by side.  We charge them together, and we let them sleep next to each other.  Thank goodness both of them are safe,(his protective cover is gray, mine is pink) or we’d have a ton of little iPad mini’s running around.  All is well in the technology race.  Well, at least it was until yesterday.  My new iPhone 5 came in the mail.  When I got home, my husband was holding the box with the new phone and talking to his, via Siri.  “Why can’t you be more like your younger sibling?  So much more advanced and taller.”
As long as there are new techie toys, I suppose the envy may always be there.  I pretend that I’m not envious, but I guess I’m more competitive than I thought.  For now, however, we will live in peace and harmony, and our Siri’s will become like sisters.  That is until the next big “have to” toy comes out. 
By the way, Apple, if you are reading this – I am still a PC user.  But I certainly can be swayed to a Mac.