Out of Print

This happens to me frequently. I find a magazine, become loyal, begin to anticipate each new issue like a child waits for the ice cream truck in August and ... then for some reason they cease publication. It's so sad, as they have been -- for the most part -- quality publications!

My first reading love affair was with the stylish artsy parent magazine Violet. It was beautiful -- and really a magazine I enjoyed more for the pictures. The articles were decent and the features from rockers and Hollywood's obscure on the reality of parenting were enjoyable ...

After only a few delicious issues, Violet bid farewell leaving a void in my life.

The next magazine that slowly exited out of my life was one that I had been loyal to much longer. Organic Style. Now, I'm not quite sure from a chronological standpoint if OS left my life before Violet or right after -- 2005 was a bad year for my literary hunger.

OS started out as more of a die-hard green-living guidance rag ... it slowly morphed into a celebrity, fashion-filled "green" piece. Not as much substance as it had to begin with. But I had such a hefty subscription that I had to select another magazine (I could've gotten my money back, but I'm a magazine addict - so that seemed foolish!)

This leads me to the latest departure ... one I am truly devastated about as it allowed me to indulge in my Martha Stewart-ness, but still come across as somewhat hip. Blueprint will no longer be published. Oh, a little tear left my eye when I discovered this horrible fate.

The only comfort I can find right now is that the Blueprint blog Bluelines will carry one where the print pub cannot. Of course, they are going to relaunch in a month or so, but I can't wait... Of course it's one more blog I'll need to monitor, but perhaps it will satisfy my need.

-- of course don't think I'm at a loss for magazines, I still currently read: Fortune, Newsweek, US Weekly, Parents, Women's Health, Cookie and a few others that catch my eye from time to time.

A Month to Thirty

I'll turn thirty in a month -- which means I've had quite a few friends turn thirty already and a few still on their way to the "milestone" birthday. So, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on what advice I'd give to my younger self if I were able to write her a letter:

Kindness is the essence of finding true peace. This doesn't mean turning into a doormat or becoming a pushover of unscaleable reality, it does mean to stop and think before you allow a laser tongue to release things it can never take back. Be careful of the minds and hearts you trample on, play with like clay or even just momentarily ponder exploring.

Don't take yourself too seriously. This, too, shall pass. Remember these words and you will be able to get through anything - tomorrow is a new day, a clean slate, a fresh start. You always have the opportunity to start over, begin again. This, too, shall pass. Enjoy all that life has to offer you -- the good and the bad.

Everything happens for a reason. Each experience will enrich you in some format - each experience will help you grow. Laugh. Laugh a lot -- don't worry, when you find your life partner you will laugh lots. Embrace things you are scared of, you will find that even those things will enrich your every day.

Be present. The minutes go by so fast, and as you watch your son grow, you will truly comprehend the saying that time flies, minutes are like sand in an hour glass, and every other silly cliche about the passage of time.

Give to the world all that you have to give. Don't ask for anything in return and you shall see all the joy present inside of you and others and you will experience bliss.

Laugh. Laugh a lot.

Longing for the Sweet, Simple, Beautiful Things

Raindrops and a soft breeze. Sweet lullabies mixed with a child's laughter. An undisturbed nap with the warmth of the sun. There are just a few simple pleasures in life that when you think about them you can instantly feel your heart warm, if even just a little.

I'm enjoying the challenges life is presenting at the moment, but they do register at quite an energy-draining level. I long for the days of little worries, sleeping in on Sundays and just lavishing yourself with personal joys, like a great movie and a splended dinner.

Last night D and I watched Music & Lyrics. While the movie itself was rather lackluster, I did have to admire that Hugh Grant is really like a fine wine, he's getting better with age. I do hope he comes out with more roles like in Love Actually though, as L&M was a redundancy of past characters (even the dancing).

One movie I've seen recently that was rather divine was Stardust. Fantasy, decent acting, but just an intriguing story. I wish my imagination would come up with a splendid fantasy novel, but alas, I'm having severe writer's block, as of late.

Perhaps when I rediscover some sweet, simple beautiful things the writers block will dissapate.

Delinquency

I apologize up front for my blogging delinquency. Life has been rather veering on the crazy loco hectic side at the moment and I'm just trying to make sure I don't fall off the side of the mountain. (I'm not necessarily one to stay the course, but definitely want to keep my head above water.)

Right now I'm trying to propose a strategic plan at work, get in tip top shape, enjoy movies, and relish my family. I'll get better at the blogging, I swear!

Envy

Envy is a very dangerous thing.
It destroys friendship.
It makes people take each other for granted.
It causes immaturity to sparkle at the top.
It causes stomach aches.
It results in tears.

When one person tries to rise above, but the other defaults -- then when is it the right time to give up?

Well, my dear friend who's stuck in a hard place right now. I wish you all the luck in a happy choice and disposing of the dark energy around you.