Vietnamese Culture and Tradition
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We are at the end of a long weekend here in BC, today being Family Day. So I took the weekend off Flickr, and of course, as a result, am way behind on commenting! I will do my best to catch up to your latest images by tomorrow.
And I'm happy to report that we're on our third day of sunshine after weeks of pouring rain :)
I took this shot last June at our Flickrcation....we only have crocuses and snowdrops blooming yet, but it's a great start to spring!
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUV6DHH0jxY
Every time I come back home
I always seem to fill up my fire
There's no place I'd rather go
That could take me any higher
The sun is arriving
The palm trees, are smiling with me
I love this, island
So come on girl
Let's go beach
'Cause I feel the sunshine heat in the air
I feel the sunshine heat in the air
I'm on a high tide
And the waves are bringing me closer
I'm from the beast side
I knew the wind wouldn't keep me away
The sun-kissed horizon
Bursting with sweet melodies
I love this, (oh I love this) island (Hawaii)
I'm pulling up
Come ride with me
'Cause I feel the sunshine heat in the air
I feel the sunshine heat in the air
Do you remember how we started
Salty air and openhearted
Underneath the moon
Alone with you
I'll always need your love under the stars
I'm soul searching for you
Deep in my heart
When I step outdoors for an organized photo - shooting session, I feel as if I travel into another world !!!! A world so different than the unbelievably monotonous and "ugly" one I come face to face everyday while practicing my profession, a world that makes me forget, for a couple of hours at least, the insuperable problems that my country faces and consequently me and my family along with it ...
I visit plain, common places, where I'm treated with the invaluable opportunity to come face to face with pure, unadulterated people and "scenes" of life ... I try to return back to the simple virtues of life, virtues that are produced and can only be diffused by poor, openhearted, smiling people who practice simple, hard, honest professions ... People that do not steal and do not cheat ...
The scene was captured at the port of Amphipolis, located at the borders between Serres and Kavala Prefectures ...
NIKON D90 DSLR with Nikon Nikkor 18 - 55 lens, Manual Mode, shutter speed 1/200 s, ISO 125, f 9, focal length 18 mm, use of HOYA ND X 2 filter, cloudy weather white balance, center weighted average metering mode, HDR made by only one original RAW shot, flash didn't go off, use of tripod ...
i love these words from pema chodron: "when somebody works with hardship in an openhearted humorous way like a warrior, when somebody cultivates his or her bravery, everyone responds, because we know we can do that too."
i wish for us all to be bold, brave, and openhearted; to work with hardship in honest and gentle ways; to be inspiring warriors.
[30:52, on the ground]
from pema chödrön: “when somebody works with hardship in an openhearted humorous way like a warrior, when somebody cultivates his or her bravery, everyone responds, because we know we can do that too.”
i'm trying to live with an open heart in this complicated, heartbreaking, beautiful world. i'm trying to be–compassionately–brave.
Deep in your Soul
You are like the Earth
An openhearted child
Whose principle is Love
Words by Claudia Ohiogboan
Antelope Canyon #50
Still dreaming of the open road ...
I miss the way it feels to roam
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUHW1NLe9mU
I learned that there is a type of pain in life that I want to feel.
It's the inevitable, excruciating, necessary pain of losing beautiful things...
This kind of pain is the price of love, the cost of living a brave, openhearted life — and I'll pay it.
Glennon Doyle, Untamed
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
within a moment
the evening stretches it's wings
openhearted flight
a double exposure..
with an icm image of my local ridge line
plus something extra in another layer
(yes I'm predictable ;-)
Here's to dreaming happily free
from fences friday ;-)
313/366: 2016
Thanks to Denise (auntneecey) for the suggestion of open hearted to add to this series. I need to do this again at some point as the background is showing lines, no time today though.
After a couple of years in retirement, I have been asked to go back to work and have agreed to do a few days this month. Today is one of those days. So, I set this up last night, ready for this morning, to avoid the panic of not getting my POTD. I am out tonight as well so may not get back to comment until tomorrow.
The rest of this series can be found here: www.flickr.com/photos/28992287@N03/albums/72157676020796086
Keep your heart wide open and you’ll be received with open hearts — not by everyone, but to be received by one open heart is more than worth the journey.
― Marnie Grundman
Shot indoors in my lightbox.
#4 in series
…..Yes!! Spring - LIGHT from without, AND…..within !!!!….It sounds a bit …crazy ? Nop !!!
Well, I’ll tell you a true, really heartfelt story, about …Spring-Light from…within : my husband, has recently undergone a very successful surgery for a brain-tumor! We have been separated for some time now, but he is a man whom I still love and respect so much ( almost 36 years together, and 3 adorable children)!!!…
The moment his terrible stroke was announced , almost simultaneously, all my bitterness , dreadful memories, negative thinking about a very sad recent past , seemed to have vanished! All that was left for me to think was, that my husband of 36 years , who has been a very special father for my 3 children, and a very generous companion, was probably going to leave us soon !!!…
After the success of his difficult operation, me and my 3 children have re-united around my ex-companion as a happy family again, with true joy , tenderness, and affection !! We have enjoyed together some wonderful, warm, and joyful family moments at our home and elsewhere !! Because, during the weekends he may leave the hospital, and return to his beloved ones, to his own home (his apartment), and to ours ! After his successful operation, he has been transformed into a serene, affectionate, smiling, joking, compassionate, openhearted, and tender human being -- my TRUE companion/husband ! –- whom I have NOT seen or felt as such for years!!… And, still intelligent and strong, as he has always been…
Therefore, I dedicate my latest Spring-Light photos to my beloved husband of 36 years, who won his first very difficult battle against a bad tumor in his brain, wishing him Love , Peace , and Harmony inside-out, non-stop ! Wishing him, to also win the following difficult battles during his post-operation, difficult treatment-stage!
My Spring-Light photos are also dedicated to ALL those human beings, who have experienced an inward RE-Birth or Spring-Light , after DEATH has knocked at their door! Because, the Divine Wisdom so often uses the Death-experience, in order to teach us TRUE , UN-conditional Love !! And then, Death becomes….. SPRING - LIGHT , and CEASES TO EXIST !! Inwardly, AND outwardly! !!!!!
*** In LARGE!!!
(Unless there is the iPhone icon, all photos were taken with a Nikon or more recently, with a Sony Mirrorless. I ioften import the images to a 12.9 inch iPad for editing.)
Mission Statement: “Our unified mission at the Black Pearl on the Columbia is to offer our community an openhearted and inspiring space with an unparalleled back drop for people to gather. Where innovation is born, ideas are created, events are celebrated and memories are treasured.”
ie, they rent out space for public gatherings.
Yetta Zimmerman's house may have been the most openheartedly monochromatic structure in Brooklyn, if not in all of New York. A large rambling wood and stucco house of the nondescript variety erected, I should imagine, sometime before or just after the First World War, it would have faded into the homely homogeneity of other large nondescript dwellings that bordered on Prospect Park had it not been for its striking -- its overwhelming -- pinkness.
-- Sophie's Choice
William Styron
totally inspired by the lyrics to this amazing song by U2
an oldie but a mega goody.. specifically this part-
"You say love is a temple, love a higher law
Love is a temple, love the higher law
You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl
And I can't be holdin' on to what you got
When all you got is hurt
One love, one blood
One life, you got to do what you should
One life, with each other
Sisters, brothers
One life but we're not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One
One"
With My Beloved
With my Beloved I alone have been,
When secrets tender than evening airs
Passed, and the Vision blest
Was granted to my prayers,
That crowned me, else obscure, with endless fame;
The while amazed between
His Beauty and His Majesty
I stood in silent ecstasy
Revealing that which o'er my spirit went and came.
Lo, in His face commingled
Is every charm and grace;
The whole of Beauty singled
Into a perfect face
Beholding Him would cry,
'There is no God but He, and He is the most High. *
*Rābiʻa al-ʻAdawiyya al-Quaysiyya , Sufi saint and poet 717-801
For more information on her see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabia_Basri
Grazie Madagascar :)
Grazie di tutto cuore per i mille sorrisi, per una cordialitá e gentilezza che mi sono rimasti dentro, nel profondo :)... Gente MERAVIGLIOSA che vive valori che da noi stanno scomparendo.
Grazie per i paesaggi indimenticabili colorati e potenti, perché mi hai dato la possibilitá di emozionarmi fino alle lacrime.
The beauty of the land I had expected, but the gentle openheartedness and hospitality of the people took me by storm...
My advice is to see Madagascar before the Malagasy finish with it.
(Hilary Bradt)
E grazie a tutti voi che mi avete accompagnato col pensiero e mi avete aspettato. Vi abbraccio uno ad uno.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved
When my pen pal's late mother's china was destroyed in a 2107 earthquake, she made lemonade from lemons and had some of the pieces made into jewelry. She was kind enough to give up a piece to me. <3
Just a post......the reason of sending warm greetings to you, my sweet friends and wish a peacful new day, where ever you are! ;-)
I can't say that I'm satisfied with it, but that's all about my lack of planning coupled with impatience/laziness. And, so. It will have to do.
Art pen(s) on Arches hot press watercolor paper (bad choice)
The Himba people are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Namibia. Since the Himba people breed cattle and goats, they where able to preserve their traditional way of living, and hence are nowadays the only remaining people in Namibia with a semi-nomadic pastoral way of living.
Meeting these open-hearted and friendly people opens up the eyes for the essential things of life.
In dedication to JANOID www.flickr.com/photos/janoid
For your deeply touching and heartfelt testimonial...
"Can miles truly separate us from friends?
If we want to be with someone we love, aren't we already there?"
- Richard Bach
At this point, it is impossible to write something without crying, so instead I would just like you to imagine the nicest person you know; then imagine that they are being abused. This is how I feel about the openhearted and gentle people that I had the opportunity to get to know during my 3-month stay in Burma.
If you are interested here is some background information on Burma:
www.burmawatch.org/aboutburma.html
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1300003...
Also an interesting article: Oil companies fuelling Burma's junta
Yeah Right! I'll get a tight slap for being cheap and frivolous if i ever pull a stunt like that and i would deserve it.Diamonds are a girl's best friend and will remain so till the end of time.She wont settle for anything less than a solitaire.
Jokes aside,it is believed by some/many that these stones have healing properties.According to some it has been scientifically proven that these stones could transmit energy and because of their properties,they have different healing effects too.These stones emit special invisible rays that affect mind and body in different ways.
No matter what stone you choose to use for healing, you can wear them in earrings, necklaces, rings and any kind of jewelry to always have them close.
Here is a list of some stones and their benefits
Ruby is an expensive brightly colored gemstone. It is a symbol of love and creates a feeling of love in your heart while making others openhearted. Ruby aids in releasing the fear in your heart. The red color rays emit from this stone
Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone that holds the power of kindness and love. Wearing this gemstone allows those confused in their love relationships work through their anguish and pain. Its color ray is blue.
Amethyst helps people build their religious or divine faith. It serves two purposes. It cures stomach problems as well. The color ray it releases is purple
Rose Quartz aids those who have very little control over their emotions. It balances feelings
Typical openhearted hospitable inhabitant of the Greek mountains.
When I raised the camera, he asked me why would I want his photo.
He burst into laughter when I answered him that I will publish it on the Internet.
Please read this. It is important.
Charles Spurgeon:
This chapter speaks to many people who know nothing of peace, for “there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” (Isa. 57:21). “The wicked is like the troubled sea, which cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.” I do not address this to you with any desire of making a false peace with your souls. Woe to the prophets who say, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace!” (Jer. 6:14). Rather let me, first of all, expose the warring state of your soul that is without peace.
O soul! You are at war with your conscience. You have tried to quiet it, but it will prick you. You have shut up the recorder of the town of Mansoul in a dark place, and you have built a wall before His door. Still, when he has His fits, your conscience will thunder at you and say, “This is not right; this is the path that leads to hell; this is the road to destruction.” Oh! there are some of you to whom conscience is like a ghost, haunting you by day and night. You know the good, though you choose the evil. You prick your fingers with the thorns of conscience when you try to pluck the rose of sin. To you the downward path is not an easy one; it is hedged up and ditched up. There are many bars and gates and chains on this road but you climb over them, determined to ruin your own souls.
Oh, there is war between you and conscience. Conscience says, “Turn,” but you say, “I will not.” Conscience says, “Alter this system of trade, it is cheating.” Conscience says, “Lie not one to another, for the Judge is at the door.” Conscience says, “Away with that drinking cup, it makes the man into something worse than a brute.” Conscience says, “Rip yourself from that unchaste connection, be done with that evil, bolt your door against lust;” but you say, “I will drink the sweet though it damns me. I will go still to my haunts, though I perish in my sins.”
There is war between you and your conscience. Still your conscience is God’s vicegerent in your soul. Let conscience speak a moment or two this morning. Fear him not, he is a good friend to you, and though he speak roughly, the day will come when you will know that there is more music in the very roarings of conscience than in all the sweet and enticing tones that lust adopts to cheat you to your ruin. Let your conscience speak.
But more, there is war between you and God’s law. The Ten Commandments are against you this morning. The first one comes forward and says, “Let him be cursed, for he denies me. He has another God besides me. His God is His belly; he yields homage to His lust.” All the Ten Commandments, like ten great cannons, are pointed at you today, for you have broken all God’s statutes, and lived in the daily neglect of all His commands.
Soul! You will find it a hard thing to go to war with the law. When the law came in peace, Sinai was completely in smoke, and even Moses said, “I do exceedingly fear and quake” (Heb 12:21). What will you do when the law comes in terror, when the trumpet of the archangel shall tear you from your grave, when the eyes of God will burn their way into your guilty soul, when the great books shall be opened, and all your sin and shame shall be published? Can you stand against an angry law in that day? When the officers of the law will come forth to deliver you up to the tormentors, and cast you away forever from peace and happiness, sinner, what will you do? Can you dwell with everlasting fires? Can you abide the eternal burning? Oh,
“agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him: lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. Verily I say unto you, you shalt by no means come out thence, till you have paid the uttermost farehing.” (Matt. 5:25-26)
But, sinner, do you know that you are this morning at war with God? He that made you and was your best friend you have forgotten and neglected. He has fed you, and you have used your strength against him. He has clothed you, — the clothes you have upon your back today are the garb of His goodness — yet, instead of being the servant of Him whose garments you wear, you are the slave of His greatest enemy. The very breath in your nostrils is the loan of His charity, and yet you use that breath perhaps to curse Him, or at the best, in lewdness or loose conversation, to do dishonor to His laws. He who made you has become your enemy through your sin, and you are still today hating him and despising His Word.
You say, “I do not hate him.” Soul, I charge you then, “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” “No,” you say, “I cannot, I will not do that! “Then you hate Him. If you loved him, you would keep His great command. “His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3), they are sweet and easy. You would believe in His Son if you did love the Father, for “everyone that loveth the Father loveth him also that is begotten of him” (1 John 5:1).
Are you at war with God in this way? Surely this is a sorry plight for you to be in. Can you meet Him who comes against you with ten thousand? Can you stand against Him who is Almightly, who makes heaven shake at His reproof, and breaks the crooked serpent with a word? Do you hope to hide from Him? “Can any hide in secret places, that I shall not see him? saith the Lord” (Jer. 23:24). Though you dive into the caverns of the sea, He will there command the crooked serpent, and it will bite you. If you make your bed in hell, He will find you out. If you climb to heaven, He is there. (Ps. 130:8). Creation is your prison house, and He can find you when He will. Or do you think you can endure His fury? Are your ribs of iron? Are your bones brass? If they are so, they will melt like wax before the coming of the Lord God of hosts, for He is mighty, and as a lion will He tear in pieces His prey, and as a fire will He devour His adversary, “for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29).
This, then, is the state of every unconverted man and woman. You are at war with conscience, at war with God’s law, and at war with God himself. And, now, then, as God’s ambassadors, we come to talk of peace. I urge you to give heed. “As though God did beseech you by me, I pray you, in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20).
Look and listen. It is Christ speaking to you now. I think I hear Him speak to some of you. This is the way He speaks, “Soul, I love you; I love you from my heart, I would not have you at enmity with my Father.” The tear proves the truth of what He states, while He cries, “How often would I have gathered you, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing, but you would not” (Matt. 23:37). “Yet,” He says, “I come to treat with you of peace. Come, now, and let us reason together. (Isa. 1:18). I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isa. 55:3). Sinner,” He says, “you are bidden now to hear God’s note of peace to your soul, for thus it runs — ‘You are guilty and condemned; will you confess this? Are you willing to throw down your weapons now, and say, Almighty God, I yield, I yield, I would no longer be Your foe?’ If so, peace is proclaimed to you. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him turn unto the Lord, for he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (V. 7) Pardon is freely presented to every soul who sincerely repents of his sin; but that pardon must come to you through faith.
So Jesus stands here, points to the wounds upon His breast, and spreads His bleeding hands. He says, “Sinner, trust in me and live!” God no longer proclaims to you His fiery law, but His sweet, His simple gospel, which is “believe and live.” “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life” (vv. 14-15).
O soul! does the spirit of God move in you this morning? Do you say, “Lord, I would be at peace with you?” Are you willing to take Christ on His own terms in the matter, and give yourself up, body, soul, and spirit, to be saved by Him? Now, if my Master were here visibly, I think He would plead with you in such a way that you would say, “Lord, I believe; I would be at peace with you.” But even Christ Himself never converted a soul apart from the Holy Spirit, and even he as a preacher won not many to him, for they were hard of heart. If the Holy Ghost is present as you are reading this, He may as much bless you when I plead in Christ’s stead as though he pleaded Himself.
Soul! Will you have Christ or not? Young men, young women, you may never hear about this Word again. Will you die at enmity against God? You who are sitting there, still unconverted, you may never see tomorrow. Would you go into eternity “enemies to God by wicked works (Col. 1:21)?” Soul! will you have Christ or not? Say “No,” if you mean it. Say “No, Christ, I never will be saved by You.” Say it. Look the matter in the face. But I pray you do not say, “I will give no answer.” Come, give some answer this very moment — yes, this very moment. Thank God you can give an answer. Thank God that you are not in hell. Thank God that your sentence has not been pronounced — that you have not received what you have deserved. God help you to give the right answer!
Will you have Christ or not? “I am not fit.” There is no question of fitness; it is, will you have Him? “My heart is black.” He will come into your black heart and clean it. “Oh, but I am hard-hearted.” He will come into your hard heart and soften it. Will you have Him? You can have Him if you will. When God makes a soul willing, it is a clear proof that He means to give Christ to that soul, and if you are willing He is not unwilling. If He has made you willing, you may have Him. “Oh,” says one, “I cannot think that I might have Christ.” Soul, you may have Him now. Mary, he calls you! John, he calls you! Sinner, whoever you may be reading this, if there is a holy willingness towards Christ in your soul, or if there is even a faint desire towards Him, He calls you, He calls you! Oh, do not tarry, but come and trust in Him.
Oh, if I had such a gospel as this to preach to lost souls in hell, what an effect it would have upon them! Surely, surely, if they could once more have the Gospel preached in their ears, I think the tears would wet their poor cheeks, and they would say, “Almighty God, if we may but escape from Your wrath, we will lay hold on Christ.” But here it is preached among you, preached every day, until I fear you listen to it as an old, old story. Perhaps it is my poor way of telling it; but God knows, if we knew how to tell it better, we would do so. O my Master, send better ambassadors to people, if that will woo them. Send more earnest pleaders, and more tender hearts, if that will bring them to Yourself! But oh! bring them, bring them! Our hearts long to see them brought.
Sinner, will you have Christ or not? This morning is the time of God’s power to some of your souls, I know. The Holy Spirit is striving with some of you. Lord, win them, conquer them, overcome them! Do you say, “Yes, happy day! I want to be led in triumph, captive to my Lord’s great love?” Soul, it is done, if you believe. Trust Christ, and your many sins are all forgiven you. Cast yourself before His dear cross, and say —
“A guilty, weak, and helpless worm, Into your arms I fall;
Be you my strength and righteousness, My Jesus and my all.”
And if He rejects you, tell of it. If He refuses you, let us hear it. There was never such a case yet. He always has received those who come. He always will. He is an openhanded and an openhearted Savior.
O sinner, may God bring you to put your trust in Him once for all! Spirits above! Tune your harps anew. There is a sinner born to God this morning. Lead the song, O Saul of Tarsus! And follow the sinner with sweetest music, O Mary! Let music roll up before the throne today; for it is there that heirs of glory are born, and prodigals have returned! To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Blenderでのモデリングに疲れてログインし、Katさんのお店にふらっと立ち寄りました。
行きたくなったのです。
疲れを癒してくれるかわいいものを探しに。
そしたらKatさんが登場！！！
気さくにお話してくれて、Blenderの操作に関するアドバイスまでしてもらいました！！
そしてBlenderでがんばる気が出たのでした。
Katさん、ありがとうございます！！
I was tired of modeling in Blender. And I was logged in to the SL.
And I was stopped by Kat0's shop.
I was felt like to go to her store.
I went to look for cute things that heals my tired.
And then Kat0san appeared! ! !
I was very surprised. No way I did not think she appears in front of me.
She did a openhearted talk. She gave me to advice on Blender of operations
And I got to hold on in Blender.! !
Kat0-san Thank you soooo much!
During my visit to an isolated mountain village in the island of Crete, I was welcomed by this hearty smiling face.
The hospitality of these highlanders is renowned.
It is impossible to leave their villages without accepting at least to drink with them a TSIKOUDIA.
TSIKOUDIA is a strong alcoholic drink made of distilling their excellent varieties of grapes from their mountain vineyards.
I loved her red hair and the flowers in it, I had to approach and get to know her. Sari is a curator working at the Helsinki City Museum. We met at the Book Fair.
"I was born in Helsinki 46 years ago, but I think age is just a row of numbers. It is your attitude that counts and how curious you are about people and great adventures that life offers every single day if you're just willing and openhearted to see.
"I used to have a long career in retail sales and in the cinema industry, however, eight years ago I had decided it was the right time for a change.
I had always been very interested in culture in all its forms and wanted to know more about it.
I decided to apply to Helsinki University to study cultural and art research and was so happy when I got in.
When I started my studies in the university, I didn't have any specific career in my mind, I just wanted to know more about things that interested me. After my freshman year I got a part-time job in Helsinki City Museum and then I knew right away that it was what I would want to do.
"I want to be part of an organization which makes personal stories and everyday life experiences of people living in Helsinki.
To begin with I worked at the customer service.
After I graduated, four years ago, M.A. in ethnology, I got a fulltime job and an opportunity to work with exhibitions. This is what I have been doing ever since.
"Although my work can be challenging and busy at times, it is exciting and surprising as well. I still love it.
"When I am not working I like to hang out with my friends and see rock concerts or movies, just simple things.
"My personal message would be: Live life to the fullest, it's better to burn than to fade away.
"Everyone has an opportunity to fall in love with Helsinki."
This is my 381st submission to The Human Family group.
Visit the group here to see more portraits and stories: www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily.
Magpie: *laughs softly, as she throws her arms around Kumi, whispers* “Thank you. I don’t want to go by myself, and I’m glad it’s you coming with me.”
Kumi: *returns the hug, resting her forehead against Mags’* “Flight attendants love me and always give me the good booze. You’re lucky to have me.”
Magpie (sincerely): “I am.”
Kumi: *bounces off the sofa* “Gotta go pack! Am I gonna be able to find anything in my closet?”
Magpie: “Erm, of course…as long as you don’t expect ‘anything’ to be where you left it last.”
Kumi: “Uck, faaaaantastic. I should take you before Judy Judy and demand satisfaction.” *bounds off towards the bedroom*
Magpie: *turns to look at Yuri, noticing her crestfallen expression* “You’re going to miss her terribly, and you feel left out because you cannot come, too.”
Yuri: *shrugs* “Kumi and I have spent time apart before, after college and before she and Simon married, but I have become accustomed to having her close. And I detest not being there for you, while you wait for Satoru. I feel as if I am not being a very good cousin.”
Magpie: *takes Yuri’s hand* “You’re not being a very good cousin. You are being the best cousin. Thank you for defending Satoru, even though you had every right not to like him, on principle, as Kumi said. You’re the most openhearted person I know, even if you do usually hide it under a mountain of arrogance.”
Yuri (haughtily): “Arrogance? I believe that word refers to unwarranted presumptions about a person’s superiority. My presumptions are not unwarranted, thus, I am not arrogant. I am merely superior. In all things. It is quite a burden, really.”
Magpie (gravely): “I can only imagine.”
Yuri & Magpie: *attempt to keep straight faces, but burst into laughter, hugging each other tightly*
Magpie: “Then Ru and I have your blessing?”
Yuri: *pulls back, eyes bright* “Yes. Now bring him home, so we can initiate him into the family properly.”
Magpie: “By teasing him unmercifully? I warn you that he is unflappable. Insults slide right off him, like eggs on Teflon.”
Yuri (blasé): “Oh, no matter. Kumi will find something.”
Magpie: *laughs, as hope blooms in her chest for the first time since Kumi’s bombshell* “Yes…yes, she usually does…”
Continued Tuesday after Next! I’m outta town next week…
Fashion Credits
**Any doll enhancements (i.e. freckles, piercings, eye color changes) were done by me unless otherwise stated.**
Yuri
Dress: Randall Craig RTW
Belt: IT – Nu.Face – Great Pretender Lilith
Shoes: IT – Nu.Face – You Look so Fine Erin
Ring: IT – Nu.Face – Mai Ouis Giselle
Industrial Orchid Choker: Knife’s Edge Designs (me)
Doll is Nu.Fantasy Little Red Riding Hood Yuri transplanted to a NuFace body.
Magpie
Jeans: Clear-lan
Top: JiaJiaDoll (etsy.com)
Vest: MGA – Bratz Boyz
Shoes: IT – Fashion Royalty – Going Public Eugenia
Sugar ‘n’ Spice Bracelets: Knife’s Edge Designs (me)
Doll is a Wild at Heart Lilith re-rooted by the outstanding valmaxi(!!!)
16.
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind become still.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging.
Knowing constancy is insight.
Not knowing constancy leads to disaster.
Knowing constancy, the mind is open.
With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
Being openhearted, you will act royally.
Being royal, you will attain the divine.
Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.
— Lao Tzu
This woman with the openhearted smile belongs to the First Nations Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Within Canada, "First Nations" (most often used in the plural) has come into general use, replacing the deprecated term "Indians", for the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
This very polite and helpful lady, is working in the maintenance of the 2.288 km, of the full of impressive landscapes and pristine wilderness legendary Alaska Highway, from Alberta-Canada to Alaska-USA, through British Columbia and Yukon.
TAO TE CHING - chapter 16
Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind rest at peace.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The way of nature is unchanging.
Knowing constancy is insight.
Not knowing constancy leads to disaster.
Knowing constancy, the mind is open.
With an open mind, you will be openhearted.
Being openhearted, you will act royally.
Being royal, you will attain the divine.
Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.
~ by Lao Tzu - 5th Century BCE
Questions and Answers about Sabrina A. Parisi' New book Hollywood Favorite Pets
You know Hollywood closely – is it of any interest to you? Is it a fancy place like we, the common people imagine it, or is it a common place where people live like everybody else?
Yes you are right; I definitely live the Hollywood lifestyle. It’s an interesting circle of very creative and sometimes odd individuals with common interests. There is much competition but at the same time we are close to each other and try hard to create less stress or drama by protecting our self from outside sources. Meaning that we all know each other and soon or later any news is known and shared by everybody. Most of us, try to concentrate and focus in our projects and of course we have lots of events and lots of paparazzi and lots of everything that, sometimes it gets overwhelmed and I dream of a week in some peaceful island. One thing you may find remarkable is the fact that for our birthdays we usually have red carpets, press and paparazzi; then of course we still have the average cakes and candles to blow.
Why did you decide to uncover the secrets of the stars? Usually the world elite desires to be left alone, to be out of the lights? How did you convince them to participate?
It was easy. Pets are part of our life it is not different for the stars. We all are proud to own a pet and treat them as kids. Celebrities are not different! It’s not uncommon to meet with each other and start talking about something bizarre that happened because of them. And let me tell you, the celebrity pet life is something fascinating to be shared especially with the outside world. Thus since I love animals and I had this passion all my life I decided to collect all these stories and put them together. The result was amazing and humorous.
With whom out of the elite are you friends? What do you do together? Are there things that you’ve omitted for the readers? Why?
There is not really one particular person which I am closer friend than another one. We all know each other but most of us travel a lot, we participate to various media Hollywood events and so we really do not have time to get that “so called” close friendship. If I did omit something? Most likely I did but not entirely, after all this may be a first edition to be continued with another one so why unrevealed all the secrets… however, the reader needs to be prepared to some of the funniest and bizarre stories. I promise I collected the most peculiar confidences from the stars about their celebrity pets and it will be uncovered in this book “Hollywood Confidential”.
What’s your most exotic adventure with the stars?
I have a few. Last year Producer/Director Quentin Tarrantino and I got lost in the elevator of the Kodak Theater after an academy awards party going from the venue to the car garage (several levels of garage!). No, we were not together but happened to dance all night and left almost at the same time which it looked suspicious. Considering that it was almost 1:00 in the morning and we were the only two people lost in the garage, well, to me that was pretty exotic! Little to say, my painful high shoes were less exotic! It took us hours to find the right level garage going back and forth in the huge building and the funny thing we had the cars parked one close to the other one. We kept hitting each other from one level to another of the big building … “Hi” and we said that “Hi” at least 100 times with a laughing and crying result.
But as far as wilder and more exotic adventures I have a lot and some of them have been filming and they are going to be release in my next TV venture.
Your house, your clothes, your car, your favorites – are these of those who you write for, or is it your individual style?
I confess, I love fast exotic, expensive cars. I am also addicted to shoes I may have thousands by Galliano, Dior, Cavalli, Chanel etc…. My shoes-walking closets are huge. I grow up by attending some of the most amazing fashion shows both in Italy and France. My mom was an addicted of it and of course I proudly inherit the same addiction. I have been told that there is not vaccination for this addiction! Being exposed to all of this I started developing my own style. Last year I began my own fashion line called Froganizer. This is a unique, young and very colorful line for everybody people. My models are average girls and women, not top model. I recently was attacked and criticized by some European media who complained about the “average” look of my models not my fashion line! Well, I’m asking to you, how many top models do you see walking into a bar or going to work or to school? Not too many. So my line is for everybody woman and girl… I consider myself one of them.
How did the Froganizer line started?
That’s was funny. I started this venture by chance. Last summer I went to Italy and I had this romantic date dinner in this amazing area called the Cilento, it is in South Italy. I was very excited as I really cared about this person and wanted to impress him. But I was not aware that that morning my youngest daughter had put a frog inside my purse. So in the middle of this dinner the frog jumped out my LV, hitting the center of the table and shocking my date. It was awful and hilarious at the same time. You’ll say “Kiss the Frog.. it will turn into a Prince” right? Well, my Prince run away as fast as he could leave me instead with a stupid frog. So, with so much disappointment I went back to the States and started writing a short weekly story about a panther and a frog “The Panther and the Stupid Frog”. The short tail was an internet hit and I started receiving so many emails about it. Later I created my first Frog mascots Dr Frog, a toy frog I introduced to the red carpets starting my new TV reality venture and having the shocking expression of the starlets and paparazzi when I asked them to kiss it. Dr Frog became very popular puppet among the Hollywood scene. When I finally decided to introduce my fashion line to the world, I called it Froganizer (a frog womanizer). My Froganizer line has been successful shown in several catwalks and famous Hollywood venues. I am now ready to launch it internationally.
You are part of the world highlife. Why did you abandon acting for TV shows and reporting?
I never considering myself an actress neither a reporter; I am a personality. I love to create thru my writings and art and produce TV series. I like to interact with people and since I live here moth of these people are celebrities and popular personalities this is why I became a celebrity reporter. I have been writing for several magazines and newspaper and of course I love it. I definitely choose TV rather than theater; I mean, the majority of people have TV at home, you don’t go to the theater every single day, right? But most of all I like the real life with the real dramas and adventures… reality and lifestyle, let’s say. I like to picture r snap the real expression and mood of each individual in weird situations and candid scene. I enjoyed my work for Nova Television and I wish I had more control of the final product, my choice would have been the adventurous, unpredictable, and odd and craziness of the Hollywood you never seen before. The behind the smog and the statuettes… the real Hollywood life!
About acting, I must admit that I recently received 2 very interesting movies offers and I am quite considering accepting the roles.
If you had to imagine yourself as a picture, what elements would be present?
My pink Cartier Pasha. I love my watches and I have a huge collection of Cartier.
Is the Italian origin of help or is it a setback – the Italians are warm, openhearted people. What about the Americans? The zodiac sign Aries – helping or pronging?
Seems like most of the people that I ever met loves Italians so it really helped me. I am the typical Italian bold woman, sometimes people have this misconception of my innocent look with sweet face, no, don’t mess up with me and don’t offend my intelligence. I’m a hard worker and have goals in life; I expect others to respect me for that!
My zodiac signs Aries talks about being impulsive,impatient, adventurous, energetic, pioneering, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, dynamic and quick-witted, … I am all of it and more. But most of all I am a very happy and positive person. I trust people and believe in friendship. I give my life to a friend but again, the friend needs to be honest and ethical otherwise I cut it out totally. I don’t judge people for money or power but for their insider and knowledge and I get very intrigued by people’s intelligence. I’m very upfront to everybody and very direct. In a simple note, I am more a leader than a follower.
Do you open the piano when you are sad? What do you play to yourself?
I play the piano but mostly I start drawing and writing. I also listen to some melodic, sentimental Italian music like Claudio Baglioni or Eros Ramazotti and I unleash my sadness. However, as I previously said I am a happy individual so sadness does not last that long. It seriously takes very little to make me laugh again.
With what did Bulgaria get to you?
With its amazing welcoming! With its people, its art, music, culture and food of course. I spent a beautiful time in your Country and I am looking to visit it again. And let me add, in my first visit in Bulgaria I received a beautiful hand decorated mummer’s (Kouker’s) mask. This mask is displayed in my kitchen’s wall close to my favorite coco clock from Germany and so as you can see I have Bulgaria in my heart and in my house.
Your grandmother has roots from Bulgaria – the motherland of the white brined cheese. Who taught you to eat cheese?
My grandmother is from Eastern Europe but her family moved to Italy so long time ago that we are not sure if they really had Bulgarian roots. I can tell you, that people always told me that I look quite one, and to me it has been a compliment as Bulgarian women are very beautiful. Yes, I love feta cheese but not only that, last time I came to Bulgaria I gained so much weight, and the food was amazing.
Dogs are your companion, partner or? How do you manage to part with some of them so they become pets of your clients like Brad Pit, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Hom Penks, George Lucas. Do you visit them? Are they taking good care of them?
I grow up with animals so they are a complete part of my life. My dogs gave me so much satisfaction as pets but also as champion dogs and in the entertainment industry. I do not have too many litters per year and I am very picky when choosing my clients. I said NO and refused to sell dogs to many well known celebrities simple because I thought they could not proper taking care of them. To me it is important that my animals will be very well taking care and spoiled. And yes, I definitely keep in contact with them.
Life is awfully hard yet you live so colorfully. How do you make it such? With what do you paint the everyday life of the crisis?
As I mentioned before I am a hard worker. Sometime people buy just the Hollywood smog, meaning they think that just because I live in this part of the world everything is easier, shinier and better, like living a constant fairytale. I guess my positivity helps me a lot. I believe in good energy and that the good energy will only bring good things.
Are you vain? Which of your vices will you admit?
Ok, seriously find me a woman that is not vain or at least a little vain! I am vain but not in the obsessed way, I like to receive attention. I don’t ask every single morning to my mirror: “Mirror, mirror of the wall/ Who in the HollywLand is fairest of all?". To me beauty is not the solely and most important factor key of success and life; and I don’t get offended if someone would say: “You are not pretty to me!”. But I would definitely get offended if someone would tell me: “You are stupid and unknowledgeable!”. Why, well beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yes it helps but in my opinion who succeed in life are those individuals that have the right personality and knowledge. My vanity is more intellectual than anything else; I like to challenge people with my facts, talking and traits and I like to receive other’s people input. I ask for attention and focus. I am a huge talkative so if you ever meet me in person be prepared to my non-stop chatting. So, would you call that a vain?
I had an amazing time yesterday while shooting performances of "Clowns without borders" for UNiCEF in Kyiv. These guys have been to 15 different cities of eastern Ukraine, where currently are many homeless and temporarily displaced people because of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
It was such an honor to spend time with such passionate and openhearted people even just for a little.
Today is the last day of my crowdfunding campaign! I have bought a new lens today, finally, and it was possible because of your donations. I've been shooting with the same 50mm lens for more than 4 years.
You contribute to my photography education by following the link down below.
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Dit candid portret is gemaakt op de jaarlijkse Harley-dag in Breda op 15 augustus 2010.
This candid portrait is made at the annual Harley day Breda (Netherlands) on August 15, 2010.
© All of my photos are unconditional copyrighted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Therefore it is legally forbidden to use my pictures on websites, in commercial and/or editorial prints or in other media without my explicit permission.
Some of my photos are sold at reasonable prices through various stock photo agencies.
For example look here for my images on Nationale Beeldbank (Dutch language):