Chances Are...

Here's my grandpa's old Gibson
And a girl of no importance
A shot of whiskey sitting on the bar
Yeah I used to give a damn, I used to try real hard
But I'll give in tonight, chances are

Chorus
One foot on the narrow way
And one foot on the ledge
Sifting through the devil's lies
From what the good book says
If I'm goin' any where
I'll probably go too far
Probably away from you
Chances are, chances are

There's a lonely corner waiting
To seats left for playing
I'll tell her everything she wants to hear

I'm not worse love this making
I'm better at the breakin'
A guy like me knows how to disappear

Chorus
One foot on the narrow way , and one foot on the ledge
Sifting through the devil's lies, from what the good book says
If I'm goin' any where
I'll probably go too far
Probably away from you
Chances are, chances are

Hold me like I mean it
Say 'til you believe it
And we'll see if we can fill an empty heart
But I won't tell you what the chances are

Chorus
One foot on the narrow way , and one foot on the ledge
Sifting through the devil's lies, from what the good book says
If I'm goin' any where
I'll probably go too far
Probably away from you
Chances are, chances are

I grew great inspiration from this song. Chances are is going to be my theme for the new year. Going with the flow and flowing heart is what I am going to lean towards.

Happy New Year to all and wishes to the best.

Kisses

My Leading Man

Garrett Hedlund

I first discovered my love and semi obsession with Garrett Hedlund when Buddha and saw Troy in theaters years ago (2004)! I was so convinced it was Brad Pitt's brother in real life. He is creating a household name for himself. 

Then with Friday Night Lights, Four Brothers (4th fav movie on my list), Eragon (omg loved), Georgia Rule (hated! but loved him with those long locks), Death Sentence, and now with Tron Legacy and On the Road (2011) (new fav book) he has created quit a name for himself. 

 With those eyes, that smile, his hair. I melt every time. I can't not wait till Tron Legacy!!! Below is a lil sexiness.

NEW YORK NEW YORK

January 16-22

Look out New York City, you won't know what hit you.

Booked my ticket to go visit my 3 best friends ever in New York City!! So excited!

10 things that make me happy

Live Creating Yourself by Alaina Kaczmarksi, a fellow Chicagoan, gave me a little inspiration to format my blog and kick off my "Top..." blog entries. 

Put a smile to your face no matter what you do but always remember to be happy on the inside. 

1. Photography

From the light, to the still movement, to concept of a photo the beauty pops in that one second that is captured forever. Photography makes me happy because it does last a lifetime.

2. Old Cathedrals

When I was a little girl my grandfather was a big influence on my religious up bringing. One of his favorite things was to take us to old Cathedrals all over the Midwest. I have been to churches from northern Wisconsin all the way down south on the tip of Louisiana. He thought the history and the stories behind the beautifully crafted arches were inspiration worth seeing. It was what made him happy so that made me happy. And till this day one thing I love to look at when traveling to a new place is their churches, cathedrals or any time of religious sanctuary. Not only are they a place of peace and love they also are history and art. 

3. Cooking

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cooking. Food makes me happy and cooking makes me even happier. Cooking for others probably makes me the happiest. Watching people I love enjoying food that I have taken the time to perfect makes my heart all warm and fuzzy

.

4. My Bed

That picture is NOT my bed, but that would inspire some whimsical dreams. My bed makes me beyond happy. After a long day of work or play the best thing to look forward to is a comfortable bed and that’s what I do.

5. Scarves

Blue, black, patterned, or textured any scarf makes me smile!

6. Old movies

One thing I love and will always brighten my day is old movies. Black and white or vintage color. The music, the drama, the love makes anyone happy.

7. Acoustic music

I grew up around music. Hearing acoustic music makes me remember the good times growing up around the smooth sounds of my 12 string blonde gibson guitar. 

8. Invitations

I have this new obsession with paper. Crafting and folding sheets into finished products of imagination is worth making anyone happy. (MaeMae Paperie is one of my new fav paper sites to explore)

9. Kettle Corn popcorn in a metal bowl

Simple yet specific.

10. Going out to eat

Going out to eat is a hobby of mine. An expensive hobby but never the less one that makes me happy, also my stomach doesn’t complain.

10.a Silverware

Silverware is one thing that makes me happy more then anything. I get getty and down right smiley when I see a new piece of silver that I think is out of this world. One goal of mine (long term) is to own my own silver courture company. I am determined to make it possible.

Poke

I couldn't be more proud of my close friend Salva. He co-wrote, directed, produced and edited this music video. Featured in the video are out friends Mehdi and Cristi who are actually dating in real life. I was so impressed by everyone who had a hand in making this video. I know how much Salva put into this and it shows.

I found this music video to be moving in so many different ways. I smiled, cried, laughed, awwed and even showed a little anger. It shows that love can come and go and should we shouldn't take it for granted. 

I am so thankful to have friends like these who are so bright in so many different areas. I wanted to share this video in light that it touches someone else like it has done for me. 

"Love can be distant, but I will never stop loving you"- Waka Waka

"Poke" by Salva Stamatti

4 Simple Goals

There is a trend floating around on blogspot called “4 simple goals” by Elsie Flannigan.

I think it is a brilliant plan for someone who is undicided on what to do with her life. Baby steps.

1. Christmas Cards
(no pic bc I want to post my christmas cards!)

My new obsession (besides reading and writing on blogspot) is making cards. Thank you cards. Birthday Cards. I Love You cards. Anything I can make into a card I love to do. So I am making Christmas Cards this year of Budha, Shamous, and I. I am so excited to post the final product!

2. Rearrange my bedroom

I redid my bedroom when I moved back home. Striped wall, frame art, new shelfs, but I am not sure how the arrangement of furnishing should go. Going to try out some new looks.

3. Read a book a week

Since I commute to work 5 out of the 7 days of a week I read back and forth on the train. I want to read one book a week. Easy enough……

4. Walk my dog 4 times a week

Shaemous and I "working"

Since moving home and trying to figure out my life I love with a 110 pound golden lab keeping me company (who is actually laying ontop of me sleeping). Trying to work on keeping healthy I want to make a goal to walk/jog/run with Shamous at least 4 times a week. 

Gone too young

In my second post I talked about suicide in today's world. I am sad to say but my brother's close friend took his life this past weekend. My brother (I will call Budha) who was trying to help him and comfort him about his problems did all he could do to help his friend but it was too late. Watching Budha and all of his friend's last night come together showed that there is still love when it is lost, that there is still laughs when tears run down, and that their is still faith when there wasn't from the beginning.

I love Budha and after this I feel like we are going to become much closer. In the past it is sad to say Budha and I have no relationship. He is day and I am night. But we have come to realize that we are all we have.

If you know anyone who shows signs of depression or suicidal motions please don't sit still and watch the hole become deeper. Do something, make a change, help someone who is in pain.

We are remebering this young man with smiles, laughs, and love. It is sad to say he could still be with us today partaking in the memories, but for now we realize thats all we can do to still cont to have him in our lifes.

This poem was posted on a Remeber page on facebook. I think it is apporiate to post again.

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys-
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee-
God wanted me now, he set me free.

Right Around the Corner...

Is my birthday!

I am so excited. Hosting a small girls dinner at one of my favorite restaurant/bars: Gilt Bar. With its moodie and smooth ambiance and all my girlies dressed to impress its going to be a night to remember.

I am all set. The last task is the cherry on the cake. My birthday outfit. The birthday girl needs to sparkle, to shine, to stand out among the rest and I am still trying to find that perfect piece to make the front cover. Wish me luck and I am so excited.

Blow are some ideas. Thoughts?




Boot, Blouse, Blazer + Booze= Perfect Night



Model to the Right- Grey Pants
Want them. Need them. Oh baby oh baby.





Ralph Lauren Turquoise Mocassin Scarf- Love
Rock some heals and this is a prime outfit for a beautiful fall night

With all these ideas plus more i need to focus on a point and stay there.
Wish me luck.

Kisses- Chic Nomad



A Sign

Everyone has a security blanket. It may be the arms that hold you at night, a teddy bear you have had since you were born or maybe a book that calms your thoughts. Everyone has one.

Yesterday I realized how much I am blessed with my security blanket. At times I might hate it and might want a change, but at the end of the day I realize how luckey I am to have my security blanket filled with love, care, and support.

My sign isn't to just escape and find something new, my sign is to take time and realize what I want to make me happy and "secure".

That might take time, but I am willing to wait for the right sign.

Delicioso Martes

Every Tuesday I want to share a favorite dish or a meal that stuck out in my head. Something that will wet your pallett or intrigue your senses by sight.
Mackey Mountain

For weeks now I have been craving meatloaf. Mom’s traditional meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, Asian inspired meatloaf, anytime of ground meat baked in the oven at a slow temperature of the moist goodness of seduction.

Two years ago I went to Uncommon Ground in Wrigleyville and ordered their Meatloaf Entree. I can hands down say it was the best meatloaf dish I have ever had in my entire life. The sweet tang of ground beef floating on top of the buttery mashed potatoes dressed in a god like demi glaze. To crown off this masterpiece the meatloaf was topped with sweet caramelized onions, balsamic spinach, and melt-in-your mouth bacon cubes. It was a craftily orchestrated food art having the pleasure of igniting in my mouth.  

So this meatloaf dish being my muse to carefully craft a duplicate in my own home for a Monday night dinner was my mission form the time I rose from my bed. Was it hard? Yes. Was it fun? Maybe. Did it turn out the way I wanted it? No. But in the end it was a great dish and I was pleased with the outcome.

Plus my mom loved it. But what mother isn’t going to rave about something she didn’t have to cook J

love me. NEVER love me not.

I have an eye for me. I love myself. I love my curves, my laugh, my annoyance towards others, my quirks, my smile, my eyes, my hair, my style, my obsession with the art of food, my life. I wouldn’t change anything in the world. I am what I am and I love me.

I wish more people in this world would love themselves more. You are your biggest fan why not show some spirit. We are given the tools to succeed in this world. We are given the necessities to prove we got what it takes to conquer our goals, and there is only one person you need to prove that too. Guess who?

I only speak so “selfishly” because my life is a little complicated in means of self worth. I have experienced self-doubt in my own personal life. Not with myself but with my parents. I think it is important to talk about it because without expressing how you feel the truth will eat you up inside and maybe, just maybe speaking about my difficult pain it will help someone else out there to comfort their own situation. With my parents cruel actions it has shown me that no matter what it could be worse. That no matter how hard the obstacle that you must face in life you will make it cross the finish line.

I wish more people in this world loved themselves. I wish my parents loved themselves more. I always think because of what they did it means they don’t love my brother and I enough. I know my mother loves us and cares for us, but I wish she loved herself more. By loving herself more she could love us more.  On terms of my father, he was lost years ago and can not be rescued. For that I am sad that I do not have my “father” in my life, but I have always had a father figure that has shown me what love really is.

It is sad in the past weeks the suicide rate has increased because of bullying and depression. The first person I think of when hearing of a death because of suicide is not the person who took their life but the person that loved them. May it be a mother, a sister, a brother, a daughter, a son, a teacher, a friend, a wife, a husband, even a co-worker. They are the ones that are in reality of the deceased, that are left behind to continue loving them because that’s all they know what to do.

Killing yourself does not solve the problem. Taking your own life does not help. Talking about your pain and your suffering solves the equation. Letting someone in can open the door to your future.

Listen to me or not, but this is coming from a person who watched both people she loves more in this entire world try to run away from life. Look for help, look for life, look for love.

Below are some links to prevent and educate on suicide:

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/world_suicide_prevention_day/en/index.html

Ticket to no where

I have currently purchased a one way ticket to......

For the past eight years I have had my life written on a piece of paper down to the last crossing of the t's and dotting of the i's. I have never lived outside of my element, done anything out of the ordinary, or worked on something I actually enjoyed.

That is all going to change now.

Destination: Unknown