The Most Beautiful Sound I ever Heard. Maria.

I previously mentioned that you may be seeing some different faces around here. I know some incredible women...well, every woman I know is incredible, and I want to introduce you to some of them. In a world where we tend to focus on celebrity and fortune, I really want to see women who can be role models for my two girls (and me). So, let me introduce you to Maria.

Maria shielded from scorching TX sun. Dorman Pacific Co. hat from TJ Maxx.

For Cheryl
First off, I want to thank Cheryl for inviting me as a guest on her Just Fab
fashion blog. I see by her entries that this site is not only about looking
fabulous, but feeling fabulous too, sometimes despite feelings of inadequacy or
shortcomings.

I was asked to tell about who I am and what I believe. Wow! I had no idea how
difficult those questions would be to answer. What happened to easy questions
like, "What's your favorite color?" "Indigo, like the midnight sky, or  green,
like the canopy of a tropical forest," I would have answered.

As you may have guessed from my would-be response, I love nature and am, in
fact, often wrapped in it's arms as I go about an active contemplative lifestyle
in response to local and personal needs. Now, on to Cheryl's questions.

Ring a little girl gave me off her birthday cake at a garden birthday party

Who am I?

Life is a journey in identifying who we are. Even at my age, I still often
struggle with the question of who I am. My mind too easily answers with recorded
responses originated by other people, which are no good because only we can ever
truly know ourselves, or worse yet, it sometimes auto-generates putdowns. The
question of who I am can be answered adequately only by first tapping my roots.

I was brought up by two women with a strong work ethic and an unwavering faith
in a higher power - both knew poverty, hope, hard labor, and ingenuity. With
their resources, those two women practiced charity and neighborliness, and thus
made very good role models.

My second set of role models were the Jesuits, the Sisters of Charity, the
Marianists, and the School Sisters of Notre Dame. These, along with a small
group of dedicated laity, were the parents that formally educated me and laid
the foundation for my global outlook.

In youth, my imagination was taken by nature and adventure. I fancied being like
St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Indiana Jones, and McGyver,
but the first two were too saintly and fatalistic (what will be will be), and
the other two were too aggressive and ambitious. Instead, I chose the middle
road and dreamed about becoming a Peace Corps volunteer, which I did after my
first college degree.

In my life, I have been an aide and activist for different social causes, a
community educator, and a global advocate for the environment and the poor. Some
have described me as a Peace Worker - a title I believe accurately describes me,
no matter what my job title might be.

Maria @ Time Dollar Garden. Merona dress from Goodwill.Tiger's-Eye stone earrings & necklace from Avon.
Hello Kitty ring from HER birthday cake. Rafters sandals from Nordstrom Rack.
Artisan Women's Group recycled silk purse from Africa.
Foster Grant sunglasses from Walgreens.

What do I believe?

Life is also a journey in discovering what we stand for. Along with the question
of who I am, I have also struggled with the question of what I believe. The
world is filled both with marketers that vie for fertile mental ground to seed
for self-serving purposes, and false prophets that pave the road to catastrophe
through good intentions.

The journey in identifying my beliefs has  recently led me to understand myself
as a mission oriented naturalist (or pantheist). This means that nothing in life
makes me happier than knowing my efforts and resources are benefitting not only
humanity, but the entire global system. I analyze my daily decisions to
determine global impact, and when I take on a job, I take it for it's ethical
uprightness, not for the money.

As you may have guessed by now, the majority of my life is spent living in
voluntary poverty because to live otherwise, in my opinion, would be unethical -
personal and social greed, in my experience, has a way of throwing the world off
balance. Experience has also taught me that interdependent (symbiotic)
relationships - in humanity, in nature, and across both - are the way to
restoring balance. Both people and nature (biotic or not) deserve respect
because we share kinship as global citizens.


I realize I may sound a little strange to most folks out there, but if you dig
my counter-cultural lifestyle and think it worthy of respect (or maybe even of
following), let me add this:
The road to self determining an identity can be laborious because one has to
sift through input and different schools of thought from multiple sources, and
lonesome because one defies going along with crowd mentality, which can leave
one feeling at the edge. This road less taken takes courage to follow, but it
builds strength of character, which is necessary to make a real difference in
the world. With that stated, I will conclude by saying this: Life just isn't
worth living unless your living on the edge. Discover who you are, discover what
you stand for ... and then go out and make a fabulous difference, whether in the
world at large, or in the life of an individual that really needs you.

Thanks for hosting me, Cheryl!

Cheers,
Maria

I mean wow...amazing woman right? I think she may be channeling one of her idols, Indiana Jones with her hat!
Look around you, you may be really inspired by the women you know.

This Dress

This dress is the one by which all my other dresses should be compared. I want to introduce it to all my other dresses and tell them this is what they should aspire to be...but I won't, because I'd still like to wear my other dresses some time and I don't want my closet to revolt!

Dress with Belt:MNG By Mango Via J.C. Penney/Shoes:Kohl's/Earrings:1928 (gift)

Acceptance

We all have "things" about ourselves we would prefer were different or don't like. For example, after three children and an amazingly expandable stomach (who knew they could get that big!), my abs are no more and shall never return. In their place I have this soft mass, covered in what looks like a road map...also known as stretch marks! For this reason, you will never see me in a bikini, I mean NEVER! Perhaps I could get laser surgery to fix the road map, and I understand they can even give ab implants (no way!), however, rather than worrying about what I would prefer were different, I accept it as it is and move on.

I don't look at other women's stomach's with envy either. Jealousy makes no sense...that only makes ME feel bad, and why would I want that? 

I also have that incredible gummy smile you see there. Huge teeth and massive gums right?! I used to only half smile when I was much younger as I felt embarrassed by my smile.Now I smile almost constantly...really, people have called me "smiley," and do you know I get tons of compliments on my smile? Do you know why? Not because my gums are sexy, but because my smile is genuine, when it's offered it is from a place of sincerity and that's what people see! I learned a while ago to accept me as I am...even when there were things I needed to change. For example before I lost a little weight, I accepted myself at the weight I was and was happier that way, but my low cholesterol diet resulted in some weight loss and I'm OK with that too.

Whatever you do. start it by accepting your own appearance. Love the skin you are in, love your body in all it's flawed perfection, it's your temple, carrying you through this world...no one elses body can do that for you and wishing it were different hurts one person...you! See that flawed smile of mine up there, as flawed as it is, my lips are my favorite feature, you will rarely see me without lipstick because I like to accentuate the positive! So accept you as YOU are RIGHT NOW! and feel free to play with parts of you that you love, rock that cinched belt to highlight your hourglass figure, wear those rockin heels to show off your hot legs, but most of all wear the confidence of knowing you are so beautiful! You are fabulous! You are so uniquely and amazingly and perfectly YOU! I love that about you!

Dress, Scarf and Belt/H&M/Cardigan:Kohl's/Shoes:Kohl's/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Ring:Ruche

P.S. you'll note that I'm wearing H&M, and I had mentioned them in my post the other day. Well, I've continued my research and found this: Worthy of praise H&M demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and commitment to improving their ethical credentials for all their clothes. They're up-front about what they've done and how much more there is to do and have more than the odd tokenistic project or case study to prove they're serious. They have a great Corporate Social Responsibility section on their website - something markedly lacking amongst less pro-active stores. So, for now, I'm thinking H&M is working really hard and I'm grateful!

Not To Be a Debbie Downer...

I know, we fashionista's love our clothes, we love shopping and shiny things and bargains! Have you ever wondered where those clothes and bargains come from though? Me, being me, I'm always checking with my conscience...I frequently object to things other people are okay with. I once boycotted China for years...honestly, do you know how hard it is to boycott China? Seriously, like everything is made there nowadays! I have refused to buy anything Nike for as long as I can remember because they have been known to contract with "sweatshops" abroad. I can deal with knockoffs, I mean for me, it's not really an ethical violation to copy something great and make it available for the masses (i.e. Forever 21), but I'm not OK with human rights violations!

I can gladly say this dress is free from any human rights violations, as it is thrifted and vintage, I can't say the same for the other contents of my closet. I am sad to report that I have quite a few pieces from The Gap (and Banana Republic and Old Navy). I don't plan to toss them, but I won't be gifting them with my business in the future. The Gap and it's other stores, have been charged with having contracts with sweatshops, some of which force children as young as 8 to work and have forced women to have abortions so they can continue to work. While the Gap isn't directly doing this, they are employing those who are, so with good conscience, I can't shop there. But in this day of Fast-Fashion, where can I shop? Apparently very few places...similar charges have been made against Zara, H&M, Forever 21 and Target! Doing some research, it's been hard to tell if the charges are accurate, or if the companies have cleaned up their acts, but it is certainly worth some more investigation!

Dress:Thrifted/Necklace:Kohl's/Bracelet:Lia Sophia/Shoes:Journeys

So, sadly, as much as I love clothes and expressing myself and encouraging everyone to embrace their "fab," I also have to ensure that I am not promoting or purchasing items that have in any way hurt my fellow human beings. I'll be a lot more cautious in the future, especially when I see a bargain, the true price of which is usually human life and dignity. Not to be a Debbie downer, but how about you? Ya wanna boycott China with me?

If I Were a Rich Man....

....1. I would still work, but perhaps at least one less job

2. I would take care of my family

3. I would adopt a child from a Romanian orphanage

4. I would start a business to be operated by, and employ people with disabilities, so they could earn a living wage and spread awareness that people with disabilities are equal, contributing members of society. Profits would go toward establishing similar businesses for women, children and people with disabilities in impoverished countries.

5. I would take in foster kids, mostly siblings and kids with disabilities

6. I would buy a slightly larger house to accommodate all those kids!

7. I would visit family in England twice a year and pay for their visits to the U.S.

8. I would build James a studio

9. I would donate buckets of money to Noah's Arc Childcare where my kids used to go

10. I'd squeeze in the occasional shopping trip!

Bangles:H&M/Ring:Silpada/Earrings:Vintage/Pearls:Lane Bryant/Shine Necklace:The Shine Project

Shoes: Payless/Jeans:Gap/Blouse:Shop Kempt(remix)/Blazer:Ruche/Clutch:Trendz The Salon Spa/Belt:NY&Co.

See Ashton playing Peek a boo behind me? haha!

Well, I'm not rich, so I'll fantasize for now, until I win the lottery or otherwise become independently wealthy. I'd better go work on a budget for my non-rich reality!

Be You!

This process of blogging has taught me many things about myself already. It's amazing how taking pictures every day can help to clarify your style. 

Ive never been sure what to call "my style." I'm not even sure that I have one. I'm inspired by many of the blogs I read and sometimes they prompt me to try a new trend...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. What I'm learning for myself is that the latest trends don't always feel comfortable to me, and then my clothes wear me instead of the other way around. 

When I wear what speaks to me...even if it's not trendy, I am more confident, I feel better and I look better! So, here's a little nugget for you...Be you! Know your style, embrace your style, don't be afraid to try new things but know that you are a classic...you will never go out of style as long as you're true to you!

Skirt:B.Moss/Shoes:Journey's/Top:Express/Cardigan and Belt:Target/Necklace:Lia Sophia/Earrings:gift

"Don't Stop Me Now..."

"...Im havin such a good time, Im havin a ball!" Yes, I am quoting Queen again! Life is just so sweet! I awoke early this morning, to this rainy, peaceful, quiet Saturday. No one else was up in the house and I sipped my coffee while listening to the rain hit the windows and the birds quietly chirping. It was such a peaceful morning! Then, at an extremely early hour for a Saturday, the mailman delivered two, yes two packages! One was my necklace from The Shine Project, the other a new dress from Rouche! It was wonderful! I knew immediately that today would be a great day!

See, here's my necklace! The other piece says FAB! Isn't that great. Tucked inside the package was Ashley's card and on the back it reads "Go ahead, let the world see you SHINE"! Truly, can you think of anything better? So, if you haven't, go visit the blog, and you can also stop by The Daybook, where there is a Shine Project Giveaway!

...And here's my dress! Isn't it fabulous?!!!! I have multiple ideas in mind for styling it through the winter! I can't wait to try it numerous ways!

Dress:"Thulian Pleated Dress" Ruche/Flower Pin (borrowed from another top):Ruche/Cardigan, Belt and Shoes:Target/Necklace:The Shine Project

So...really, I could not have been in a better mood today! That was just my morning! After I got ready, I took Savannah to get her hair done. She has been begging for years, and I've always said no, thinking she's too young, it's too costly, she'll ruin her hair etc...Savannah was starting to soften me to the idea when I saw this post from Keiko Lynn and I caved!

So,Savannah and I rode to the salon, singing to all my Queen favorites as she giddily anticipated finally expressing herself the way she wants to! Take a look at this!

My pictures don't do her justice! It looks amazing, and she even has a feather in it! I have to admit I'm jealous! I would love to at least have a feather put in my hair, but I think I'd quickly be unemployed and since I have to pay for Savannah's hair, that's probably not a good idea! Savannah was smiling from ear to ear in the chair, and everyone was watching in amazement as her hair was transformed! What a great afternoon! Thanks to Stefanie at Cristo Bello who helped Savannah decide what to do and then spent hours today creating this look! Incredible! 

So, I'm still singing Queen in my head "I'm floating around in ecstasy, so don't stop me now!" And Savannah is at the mall to debut her new hair to all her friends. I am either the coolest mom ever or a horrible parent for letting her do this. But I think Savannah and I are both voting for coolest mom ever!

A Changing Relationship

This is my first time participating in The Shine Project challenge.

This week it is to write about a relationship that has changed our lives. I struggled with this because there have been so many impact filled relationships in my life, from my kids to family, to friends to my partner James. The more I reflected the more I realized that the one relationship which impacted all of those and me in a significant was my relationship with myself! I know, you just threw up in your mouth a little. "Is the woman really saying that she is the most important relationships she has?!" Well don't stop reading...it will soon make sense, hopefully!

Shoes:Thrifted/Shirt and Scarf:Target/Pants:Kols/Necklace:Ruche/Earrings c/o:Lia Sophia (Natasha)

Once upon a time I was my worst enemy. For most of my life, I was my harshest critic, I beat myself up, I judged myself harshly and believed I would never be smart enough, pretty enough or good enough. Judging myself meant I also judged and compared myself to others. If you're busy competing with others to prove to yourself you're the best, it is very difficult to have really deep connection to others!

Eventually, thanks to a mentor and friends, I was introduced to some new ideas including non-violent communication, and my relationship with me began to change. I learned how to forgive myself and accept myself. When I could see the beauty in me, I was open to the beauty in others and it changed my world! I no longer needed to judge others, because I wasn't judging me (well, I sometimes still do, but then I forgive myself for it and accept my mistakes). This means that I can accept everyone else as they are and be completely open to everything they have to offer as the unique individuals they are!

So maybe it sounds cheesy, or even conceited, but it's one of the reasons I started this blog! we are all so beautiful, full of skill and passion and love and when we can see it in ourselves we let go of hate, competition and fear, and embrace the fabulosity that is in everyone! So, yes, the most important relationship that has changed my life is my relationship with me. I have become a better mother, daughter, partner, friend, sister... human being!

Three Legged Friend

Today I was working from home, so I dressed for comfort, and what could be easier or more comfortable than a maxi dress?

 

I still love the great color combination of this dress!

Dress:Pink Apple (remix)/Shoes:Target/Necklace:Made for me by oldest daughter, Savannah/Purple Beaded Bracelets:B.Moss/Blue Respect Bracelet: Special Olympics-Spread The Word To End The Word/Watch:Eddie Bauer

Meanwhile...Our Husky, Boomer was outside while we did pictures today, not to be outdone he said he loved me and asked if he could be in some pics. No, I'm not in need of medication, my dog speaks...kinda. He does this great "talking" like thing, and when we are lucky it sounds like he says "I love you!" It's the cutest! He is so fabulous and one of a kind. You can't see it in this picture but he has one blue eye and one brown...and oh yeah, he only has three legs. No, he didn't lose one in an industrial accident, he was born with a "stump" instead of a leg in back. Don't worry, he gets around just fine. When we go for a walk he drags me as if he's "mushing" through our neighborhood! He was born exactly as he was meant to be, with three legs. Just like the rest of us were born exactly as we were meant to be...fabulous!

Label Jars

It doesn't matter if you are non-disabled, disabled, straight, gay, bi, transgender, short, tall, slender or curvy. it doesn't matter from where you are descended or what your religious beliefs.

You are human and you are beautiful! The only label that matters is the one you give yourself and when you accept you free from judgement, you stop judging others and can embrace everyone as the incredible, beautiful, powerful people they are!

 

You, yes you are beautiful! Own it, wear it proudly along with your individuality and everything that makes you the unique and beautiful creature you are! So worry not about how others may label you or even try to oppress you, you have the power within yourself to define you!

I am woman, I am mother, I am survivor, I am "warrior princess" (OK, I didn't give myself that label, someone else called me that-thanks Doug-and I rather like it so I'm keeping it!), I am fabulous! Who are you?

Top:Izod/Skirt, necklace and belt: thrifted/Shoes: Target

Finding Fab

 Today I'm working from home...so I'm dressed for simplicity. Meanwhile, I'm pulling out an old post from my poor, long abandoned blog "Search For Meaning." Why? Because I can!

So what's with this whole fab thing anyway?  There is this whole tongue-in-cheek thing with people around me that I am fabulous. Now, before you stop reading as you think "this woman is an ego maniacal twit" please read on. For me, finding my "fab" is about acknowledging the things that make me who I am, all the quirks, talents and mistakes that this might embody. To take it a step further I would encourage everyone to find their "fab" and to see it in others. It's not about believing that you are better than anyone else but about recognizing how amazing we all are and celebrating it! This does not mean bidding humility farewell, humility is about accepting that none of us are perfect, we may not always get it right, and we can always grow and learn no matter how fab we may be. Humility is not being the most attractive person in the room but denying it, even though everyone knows it to be true. Humility is not playing down your accomplishments and behaving as if "it's nothing special." Being fab isn't about pride either. Being proud of oneself can be wasted energy as much as false humility.

C.S. Lewis wrote about this most eloquently in his book The Screwtape Letters, so to borrow from a fellow fab..."The great thing is to make him(man) value an opinion for some quality other than truth, thus introducing an element of dishonesty and make-believe into the heart of what otherwise threatens to become a virtue. By this method thousands of humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools. And since what they are trying to believe may in some cases, be manifest nonsense, they cannot succeed in believing it and we (devils) have the chance of keeping their minds endlessly revolving on themselves in an effort to achieve the impossible. (God) wants to bring the man to a state of mind in which he could design the best cathedral in the world, and know it to be the best, and rejoice in the fact, without being any more (or less) or otherwise glad at having done it than he would be if it had been done by another."

Silk top:Talbots (thrifted)/Shorts:Eddie Bauer (thrifted)/Cardigan:NY&Co./ Necklace:Ruche/Shoes:Journeys

You see, the thing is we can and should celebrate ourselves and each other. Whatever your spirituality, religion or faith seeing good in yourself and others just can't ever be a bad thing. If we seek out the fab in others as opposed to the bad we may find ourselves happier and making more connections with our fellow human beings! We are all more alike than different and we are all more amazing and good than we often believe. LOOK FOR THE FAB IN EVERYTHING!

"I love your look! It's all retro...."

The young girl behind the counter at American Eagle kept eyeing me up as she chatted, and then she said to me "I love your look! It's all retro." So, nice little ego boost today as I shopped for my son's birthday presents. Yes, today is his birthday (and yes I JUST picked up his gifts----bad mommy!). My little baby boy is a big grown 15! One of these days I'll have a picture of him on here, but between working out and hanging out he hardly has time for mommy's blog!

  Tee and Coral Bead Bracelets:Target/Skirt and Silver Bangles:H&M/Belt, Necklace and Shoes:Thrifted

So...today's outfit is colorful, a little classic and appeals to a demographic of the younger kind!

...and wishing a most HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my first born, my one and only son and my comedic relief. Love you Tyler!

Independence

For the first time I can remember we have no plans for the 4th of July. No picnic, no fireworks...nothing. This is probably due to the fact that James is working all day...and I'm a-okay with having no plans...we will just see where the day takes us.

I put on this skirt today and was thrilled with how "youthful" it is. I feel like a little co-ed or something in it, so maybe I'm too old to wear it, but do I look like I care? nope! I'm a strong, independent woman and if I want to wear a youthful skirt and feel free then why not? What I wear is about what feels good to me!

 Speaking of feeling good to me...I picked up a nail polish called "minted". Mint chocolate chip is my favorite ice-cream, and as soon as I saw it I had to have it. I put it on last night and I swear I could smell mint chip ice cream...it looks so good I could take a lick! I think the kids and I have some plans for the day now...we're going to the ice-cream parlor! I'll let you know if while we are there I get mistaken for a sister to my kids...ya know, with the fabulous youthful skirt and all!

 Skirt and Blue Bangles:H&M/Shoes, Tank,Button Down and Bangles:Target/Necklace:Ruche/Belt :I've had it so long I honestly can't remember! (oops, tell tale sign that I'm not as youthful as I look)

I felt so free and young, I had to twirl....

...and then I got dizzy and almost fell over. No hips were broken in the making of this blog post.

 P.S. Thanks to Tyler, my oldest for taking the pictures today! He was out of bed and ready for the day and happily volunteered (He also helped me decide how to style it...and now he may kill me for sharing that!)