A Review Vineyard #1
The Vineyard – Haight-Brown vineyard, Chestnut Hill Rd., Litchfield, CT
The rating –
The Review – So why did I give Haight-Brown Vineyard one Stiletto? Let me start at the beginning.
Today we are celebrating our one year anniversary.
And decided to make a day of it by going wine tasting something that both Robert and I have wanted to do but have both never experienced. So I came across Haight-Brown Vineyard on the Internet. It looked like a lovely little place very rustic and it’s also part of the Connecticut Wine Trail. So we decided to take the 1 1/2 hour trip to Litchfield. The drive was beautiful I’ll admit driving up route 8 is very scenic there are mountains covered in a light layer of snow and beautiful bodies of water very peaceful.
So we finally arrive at the Vineyard.
And I practically run into the place cause I had to use the potty (that word is courtesy of my years as a preschool teacher). Did I mention that Route 8 is so scenic there are no rest stops?
Now there were cars outside but we walk into what seemed to be a completely empty building we wander to the second floor where the Tasting Room was. Not a soul to be found at this point I’m pacing and making quiet a racket in my boots as I thump around the hardwood floors but yet no one seems to be coming. After what felt like an eternity to me but was probably actually more like 5 minutes Rob wanders around the side of the counter and is seen by a woman sitting in her office she ask if she can help him and he points in my direction. OK she shouts give me a minute at this point I’m about to die and I spot the bathroom at the same time she decides to wander out of her office. So I tell her we want to do the wine tasting but I have to use the restroom first.
I get out of the restroom and she’s already served the first taste and Rob has wandered into the bathroom himself. So I sit at the bar and say, oh it’s our anniversary and we decided to do a wine tasting we’ve never done this… She replies with “that’s nice” asked where we are from and quickly tells me what wine I’m drinking and Rob at this point isn’t even sitting with us. So I ask is there a specific way to drink the wine since its our first time and we don’t know what we are doing. Her reply “just swirl it to get the oxygen in it” hmmmmm ok so I’m thinking ok is she going to explain the different wines? Or offer us the wine and cheese deal or wine and chocolate deal? Is she going to tell us what wines they make at the Vineyard? But I realize shortly that this is as she put it her catchup day so she rushes us through the tasting. Aside from giving us the basic this wine is that this one is this she offers no other information unless we ask.
I can tell that Rob is getting irritated and holding his tongue because he doesn’t want to sour our day. So I figure let me see if I can get this woman to engage so I start talking about the taste and smells of the wine she periodically responds to anything that’s directed to her but little else. She focuses on relabeling wine bottles and only stops to refill our glasses and give us info on the next tasting.
Finally we are done with our tasting which I think took all of 20 minutes and I say do you have a cork I can buy to re-cork the bottle to which she replies you can just reuse the cork that it comes with. Mind you we are sitting in the shop with chocolates, corkscrews, gifts but she doesn’t offer us maybe you want to get this one. Hey it would be more money for them and sometimes the corks especially if I open it end up to wrecked to reuse.
So why the one stiletto? Honestly I would have given them 0 stilettos but we did buy 2 bottles of wine which I have to admit we’re delicious and…..
They also have really cool massive wine barrels outside and the building was really pretty. Now had she been engaging, giving us information on the history of the vineyard, the wines, how we should drink it, what we should look for in a good wine i.e. Color, smell, ect. Had she cued into the “it’s our first time” comments when we first walked in or offered us the different tasting options they would have gotten a higher rating. The only thing I learned about wine today was that I do not like Reds.
As many of you know I hold workshops and groups and besides it being our first trip to a wine tasting as a celebration of our first year as husband and wife the visit was also to see which wineries I would put on our list for our group outing this spring and what better then visiting a beautiful location to enjoy a glass of wine and learn new information.
Maybe I’m wrong maybe I’m expecting way to much for wine tasting but I had a vision in my head of learning something new while celebrating a happy day, creating a memory and eventually sharing it with my friends.
Needless to say Haight-Brown vineyard are sadly off the list on to our next winery for hopefully a better experience.
Reflections, Visions and a New Year
So this is my first post of 2012 and as I sit here I have to say that 2011 has left me with bitter sweet memories and events. We started 2011 coming together as husband and wife when we were married in New Orleans on January 19th.
We had a fantastic wedding and honeymoon and were excited to begin this new chapter of our lives together. 2011 started off with many opportunities I started to focus more on doing what I loved to do which is the Spiritual Life Coaching and Intuitive Sessions and we sold Stilettoteez.com but have been able to maintain rights to our images and continue to design new shirts. Rob began to focus more on www.robertvelasco.com and more photography work started to flow in. The year began for us in a positive note and we were looking forward to expanding our visions and horizons.
Then on April 21st my father passed away.
He died peacefully in my arms after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Losing my father was the hardest experience of my life but even that event was bitter sweet. He was suffering during his final days and watching him deteriorate was extremely difficult so when he passed on I was left with a feeling of peace and sadness and was content in that he died knowing he was loved.
A two months later I was let go from my job of 13 years it was the only secure income we had but I left the office that day feeling a sense of joy and freedom. I wasn’t sure how we were going to manage I just knew we would and losing my job didn’t ruffle my feathers in the least bit. I saw it as an opportunity to really focus on doing what I loved to do.
2011 also allowed us to meet new people and make new friends and towards the end of the year I was able to have office space at a local salon where I am available for readings 2 days a week. My readings and coaching expanded and I gained new Clients from places as far off as Panama, Mexico, Chile, and France. And because we’ve had time to travel we’ve gotten opportunities to take photos of places like Eastern State Penn, Cape Cod, Plymouth Mass, Sleepy Hallow and the botanical gardens.
2011 gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about myself, about how resilient I am about how my marriage is and how well we work as a team. It taught me to open myself up to new possibilities, it gave me a quick and harsh lesson on becoming an adult with my fathers death and it allowed me to flow with each situation and enable myself to manage the ups and downs with little to no stress or anxiety.
In all as I say goodbye to 2011 I am filled with sadness for my losses and joys for my accomplishments and life steps. People often ask me how I keep myself so positive the reality is its a mind set you have to flow with each situation and learn to accept everything that comes and in the wise words of Walt Disney you have to dream it for it to come through. So I dream my life into new manifestations, I accept the things I cannot change and am secure in knowing that right at this moment I am where I am supposed to be.
To all of you who have effected and touched our lives this year I wish you all the best for this coming year and beyond.
Happy New Year!
Twilight – Breaking Dawn a review
So, I was dragged.. I mean invited to go see the New Twilight Moving Breaking Dawn – Part 1 with my 16-year-old today. Now let me start with I am not a fan of the books or the movies but when mommy duties call I have to go into action that being said if you are a fan and get offended easily if anyone so much as says a negative peep about the Twilight Series I suggest you don’t read this…
Was it bad? No was it good? No
So lets start at the beginning as Bella Swan is dreaming of her wedding day and dreams that she and Edward are the cake topper on a cake that is created by the dead bodies of their loved one.. my first thought cool cake but Bella takes this to heart and then recreates a death march as she walks down the aisle to get married to her “Soul Mate” Edward Cullen. The scene is dragged out and she ever so slooooooooooooooooooooooooooowly makes her way down the aisle. Was it her extremely high shoes? which she was unable to walk in during the opening scene or perhaps the fact that she knew she’d be dead within a few weeks? I’m going to say it was the shoes.
So during the wedding party there are tons of “family” members from the Cullen side very creepy looking and one of them hates the wolves and well not to bore you at least no one gets eaten during the bridal party after which Edward whisk Bella away to a private retreat island off brazil where they frolic and play in the open sunlight with no vampire going up in flames or glittering like a group of pre schoolers in art class. Two weeks into their honeymoon Bella is pregnant and is being eaten alive by this demon child now at this point I’ve lost track of how long she was actually pregnant because they didn’t give us the sad pathetic scene of her sitting at a window as the months count down.
Now I won’t give away to much of the story the movie wasn’t that bad but I myself prefer the traditional vampire story, Boy meets girl Boy kills girl. But I guess I get the appeal of the whole Twilight Series for the young girls however while at the theater I was rather surprised at the number of adult men who were watching the movie alone not to throw stones but well why?
So here are the CONS
Then the use of the word Forever runs rampant throughout the movie, “I won’t measure our love in time but let’s start forever” yes he measured and Dad I love you Forever, I love you forever Edward your my friend forever Jacob.. forever forever forever was used quite a lot.
In one scene the wolves seem to be normal size yet when they fight the vampires they are inexplicably larger.
stamping? Stapling? oh yes Imprinting in the beginning it’s discussed between Jacob and other wolf while the other wolves who are imprinted to each other making out on the beach. Um Jacob imprints on the baby but they talk about it as if he will become a Big Bother, Protector, and Father CREEPY!
There was NO glittering! None I’m highly upset about that part.
and Finally the PROS
The Baby was Adorable
Diary of the Unemployed
I haven’t written my diary of the unemployed post in quite a while now so I figured I’d give everyone an update. So here we are 5 months since I was set free from my job and I am still unemployed. Yes I’m working on making my dreams of becoming a full time life coach and reader come true but in the meantime I’m still searching for work as required by unemployment. The crazy thing is that everyday I search the job engine websites and there is nothing in my field. Seems like everything I over saturated.
So I get ask a lot how I have managed to keep myself so positive considering the year I had. For those of you who don’t know how my 2011 has gone so far I’ll tell you. The end of 2010 my dad’s pulmonary fibrosis kicked in full force. He was placed on oxygen full time and he deteriorated rather quickly. In April during Easter weekend my father passed away. On June 3rd my husbands unemployment ran out on that same day I lost my job, medical insurance and was told that I had to have a breast biopsy.
Now anyone could spiral into a depression as a result of these things happening but the way I reacted to all these losses and life events was the saving grace in my emotional health. As sad as I was on the loss of my father I am grateful that my one hope that he would not die alone came true. On April 21 at 8am my father died in my arms as I talked him through his last moments. I’m at peace with the fact that he knew how much I loved him that he died with me holding him and that he was not alone which was my biggest fear.
The job I had had become very toxic they had released a number of staff targeting those that made the most money. When they told me I was done I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders and was actually grateful that I was let go. Yes we’ve had financial difficulties but the peace of mind and the fact that now I can focus some energy at doing what I do best has made it a great trade off. With the biopsy I was giving a free one by the women’s center in my town because I had built a relationship with the staff and was given a clean bill of health. And being home allowed me to help my husband push his photography business.
I didn’t look at the losses as a horrible event but focused on the grateful aspects of each one. If this had happened years ago I honestly don’t think I would have been able to climb out of the negative thoughts about what was happening but having worked on my emotional and spiritual health has made a big difference.
Now don’t get me wrong in have my moments of fear, sadness, ect but those are few and far between. One of the important things we must remember is that what is important is not what happens in your life but how you react to what happens.
When you can see the good in all life events it makes things a lot easier which is why I promote the gratitude journals and vision boards, meditation and more.
To read more about my service visit www.readings2011.webs.com.
Best of the best a day in reviews.
Well many of you have seen my postings today about the different companies and people whose products or services I’ve tried out and love. I’m calling today my pay it forward day and spent the day reviewing other businesses however there are a few business that I wanted to devote a special post to.
First on my list is Style With Glee. Style with Glee is owned and operated by Gabriela Lee she is a stylist and business advisor and we’ve had the pleasure to work with her on both sides of her business. First she is our business advisor and has really helped us push our businesses forward in a way that has been comfortable for both myself and my husband. Considering the different personalities she’s actually helped us develop a plan that we are both comfortable with and as a result we are seeing our own business starting to gain momentum. Gabriela has also produced and styled a photo shoot for us it was great to watch her work with the models to make them look fantastic in their clothing and considering that the models where using clothing from there own closets one of Gabriela’s specialties she was at easy with taking pieces and putting together outfits that not only looked great but where stylish. One of Gabriela’s specialties is creating a Look Book using clients existing wardrobe so that they can come up with an outfit with the flip of a page.
Another business we’ve had the pleasure working with is Beauty By Francisca Fran Claros is an accomplished makeup artist and we had the opportunity to work with her during a photo shoot recently and on a personal note I also experience Fran’s makeup magic when she did my makeup for a headshot.
Fran’s work is amazing she has a knack for making the models photo ready all the models looked amazing when they where done and she was fantastic at staying on schedule which is important when you’re working with a lot of models and a little time.
I also had an opportunity to speak to and meet the mastermind behind My Bridal Budget Fouzia Elidrissi. She an event planner whose on the ball and knows her stuff. After having spoken to her I wish I had met her before Rob and I got married it would have made our day much easier and it would have kept us within budget.
So these are my spotlight business’s for today. Oh and let’s not forget my hubby who has taken some amazing photographs of all the beautiful models, brides and cute kids we’ve had the pleasure to meet. One of his specialities is not only great rates but his desire to work with our clients to give them the best possible photos that make them feel fantastic not only because they look great but where able to keep cost down. And we’ve debuted our website this month Robert Velasco Photography.
So for all the amazing photos in today’s post I want to give shout outs to
Gabriela Lee of Style with Glee for producing and styling the models
Fran Claros of Beauty by Francisca for the beautiful makeup
And of course Robert Velasco of Robert Velasco Photography for the beautiful photos.
Bringing a Smile to my Heart
So the end of last week on behalf of the Funny Little Voodoo Dolls we put together a “Princess Package”
Princess Voodoo
And we sent it on the way to a special little girl called Nayelis.
Photo from Team Mona Rabiosa on Facebook
Nayelis is an adorable 3 yr old who although I haven’t met in person she has totally sucked me in with her adorable smile.
Sadly Nayelis was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (M7) on June 17, 2009, at the tender age of 8 1/2 months old. Nayelis is now 3 yrs old and continues to fight a battle that requires tremendous strength for such a little soul.
The Funny Little Voodoos have officially decided to adopt Nayelis as an honorary member of our Voodoo Family! And there was a clamour in our office when we heard that she had received our special gift.
Beautiful Princess
So we are asking everyone to keep her smile going! Visit Nayelis’ Facebook Fan Page and learn more about her and her disease. There’s also information on how to send Nayelis a gift and there is even a BLOG for Nayelis.
So take the time to say hello and support her and her family and most importantly keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.
We were happy that our gift could bring such an amazing smile. Pass it on!
Visit the Funny Little Voodoo Dolls
Jack of all trades master of…wait strike that!
Well aside from my Spiritual Coach and Intuitive Reader / Minister hats I also have the photographers assistant hat that I wear on occasions more so lately then usual but I wear it and I wear it well I might add.
So what’s my job? Well because I’m a geek at heart I am the researcher, often reaseaching locations for shoots such as the botanical gardens in NY where my husband shot these amazing photos.
Sometime I have to keep the models under control.
And often I even get to pretend to be a model myself.
Although some models are much better at it then I am.
We have fun with it like when testing out Halloween makeup.
Or even non human Halloween costume.
And of course the beautiful brides and grooms.
There so much more but needless to say I enjoy all the hats I wear and all the people and places I get to meet and visit while wearing them.
So if you want to see more photos of some really cool stuff check out http://www.facebook.com/RVphotography2011.
Intuitive Digest – The Devil and Death Card
Howling at the Moon … The Werewolf
So my last post was about Zombies and keeping with our 31 days of Halloween theme here I wanted to talk about Werewolves. Why Werewolves well, being creative I made another Funny Little Voodoo Doll this one is “Werewolf Voodoo”.
Werewolf Voodoo
Zombies… AHHHHH
In celebration of one of my favorite months of the year I decided to create a “Horror Series” for the Funny Little Voodoo Dolls. My first in the series is the Zombie Voodoo.
Zombie Voodoo
Along with the “Horror Series” I decided to create my own version of the 31 days of Halloween by blogging about Halloween related stuff. So I figured I’d start with Zombies.
So circa 2009 archeologist discovered two 8th century skeletons that had stones shoved into their mouths suggesting that during the medieval times humans held a belief in Zombies or in the fact that the dead could return to roam the earth. It was believed that the dead spirits could return by escaping through the mouth. Evidence suggests that the fear of the dead walking upon the earth began a lot early then our modern-day brain eating zombies on tv.
Haitian Folklore speaks of zombies or Zombi which means “spirit of the dead” in voodoo culture voodoo priest can possess the ability to resurrect the dead. In South Africa it is believed the dead can be turned into zombies by small children and only the help of a powerful priest can break the spell. During ancient times when there where outbreaks of disease it was sometimes blamed on the return of the dead.
So when did zombies go from being undead that infected people with diseases to the brain and flesh-eating monsters we know today? Well according to history this progression began during the time of slavery when white plantation owners came back from Haiti with sensationalized tales of voodoo practices and Zombies. Around 1932 Bela Lugosi stared in a movie called “White Zombies ” early zombie movies were based on slavery and race relations the idea of controlling someone and the movies maintained their roots in the afro Caribbean practices and lore. In 1960 George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead came onto the big screen and that was the start of the eat your brains zombies we know of today.
What fascinates me most about Zombies is how fascinated we all seem to be with the whole zombies gonna eat my brains mentality. We have new zombies shows such as “walking dead” and I’ve even witnessed a ‘zombie crawl”.
Zombie Crawl
People fear and are fascinated with the idea of rotten flesh-eating corpse wandering the earth. Scientists have even debated the possibilities of a zombie apocalypse actually happening and even the Center for Disease Control got involved in the fun when they posted an article on how to survive a zombie apocalypse that received so much attention their website crashed. There are also ants that exhibit zombie like activity when they are contaminated with a mold that effects their brain.
So is a zombie apocalypse a possibility? is it something eminent in our future or will it remain a legend and lore that will continue to morph and change with the times? I’m not sure but according to my sister she’s always on the look out for the possible zombies that might be making their way up her driveway when she is walking her dog on dark nights. And my hubby has a plan in place on how to spare me from a zombie attack by whacking me over the head before I even get bit. In the end it remains a legend and lore that will continue to scare us and creep into our dreams and let’s hope that’s all it ever is.
To purchase Voodoo Zombie visit my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabulouslyfelt.
Sleep Tight Kiddies
Diary of the Unemployed
So, here I am going on close to 4 months of unemployment and well it’s pretty scary out there in terms of the job market and seeing so many companies and corporations letting people go from their jobs. I read the other day that Sikorsky located in CT is letting go of 700 employees most of which are CT residents and all I could think was “Great 700 more people I’ll have to contend with for a job”.
It’s actually pretty frightening to see how our economy is pretty much tanking and so many people are finding themselves unemployed. Being resilient we’ve managed to find ways to bring in money with my husband’s photography and we are lucky enough to have a home studio which we work out of but it’s no less disconcerting to see how bad things are out there.
The outlook isn’t all that great everyday we see and hear stories of families losing homes, incomes, ineligible for social services and state assistance or in need of medical assistance and it takes years for them to receive SSI or worse the talks of taking SS from the elderly. We read about stocks sinking and other countries going bankrupt I can go on a tangent about what’s going on but it really won’t change a thing and we are all being forced to ride out the wave that is this financial crisis.
As I’ve been looking for work here and there I have to laugh. When it comes to appling for a job some of these applications are ridiculous. Every time I come across an application for employment I can guarantee it will take me anywhere from 1-2 hours to fill out the page upon page of information even a job as a stock person at toys r us requires about a 50 minute time frame to fill out the application. It’s rather insane but I guess it will weed out those who want the job and those who really really really want the job.
So even though we have been met with all these obstacles during our unemployment phase we are still staying positive and hopefully that eventually things will turn around. And ironically I’m still waiting to feel bad or upset about having lost my job in the first place but I still feel great about it and honestly I can’t figure that one out but I guess it was the right time. So I continue to search and look and keep my eyes and ears open for any possible work that might come by in the meantime we are still working on creating our own possibilities which I think is important.
But these past months that I’ve been searching for work my husband and I have had a discussion about whether or not internet job finding websites work. So I figured I’d throw it out to the masses and find out have you used job search websites such as Indeed.com, Monster.com or Careerbuilders.com and what do you think? Have you had any calls or interviews as a result, have you been able to obtain a job using these sites alone without having to go through another job agency? what has your experience been? please leave us a comment.
The Veil wears thin October in a nutshell
So, I know I have discussed in my newsletter about the “veil” that shrouds the world of the living from the world of the dead. Being that we are just about in October I wanted to give everyone a little “Lesson” of sorts on the veil and October in a nutshell.
So back in ancient time during the time of the Celts October specifically October 31 what we know today as Halloween was the beginning of the new year. This was a period of time that signified the end of the summer, the harvesting of the fields and of course the coming of cold, darkness and winter. Winter was viewed as a time of death since nothing grew out of the ground and well it was dark, cold and dreary.
The Celts also believed that during this time of year the veil that shrouded the world of the living and the dead began to thin and so in essences the living and dead could communicate. For the most part this is a belief that is still held by many cultures and people of today except that the Celts believe that the dead arose kind of like Zombies and basically wreaked havoc on your crops, homes, health etc.
For the Celts they held celebrations and festivals to honor the New Year and to pacify the dead.
Other cultures also hold the belief that the veil is at its thinnest during this time of year for instance in Mexico they celebrate “Dia de los Muertos” day of the dead where families head out to the cemetaries not only to clean and repair the head stones and plots but they literally hold a celebration in the cemetary decorating the tombs and bringing food and gifts for offering and enjoying meals and prayers with the deceased.
Back in the day (and I’m talking way back) the Roman Church adopted “All Saints Day” which was celebrated on November 1st to honor the churches Saints and Martyrs. Along with the honoring of Saints the church allowed people to go “Souling” this was basically an approved form of begging. beggars went around asking for food and in exchange they would pray for the soul of your deceased this event was the predecessor of what we know today to be Trick or Treating.
Many other countries also hold specific rituals and beliefs that take place during Halloween the most popular being that of leaving offerings of food for the souls of the deceased or lighting a candle in memory or even going so far as hiding the kitchen knife to prevent a spirit from harming anyone in the home.
So basically the common thread is the belief that the soul of our departed loved or maybe not so loved ones come back during this time. As a result of the thinning veil between the worlds it’s also a time when people prefer to have tarot and psychic readings since the communication line is open and so readings will be more accurate, deeper and more detailed. It’s also a wonderful time for people to sit with mediums because again that line of communication is open and easier for the connection to take place.
Now although you can get an accurate reading at any time October really gives you a whole new experience.
We are a society that is enthralled with what happens when we die you see it in horror movies, shows such as Ghost Busters and paranormal State. Most to some point believe in the existence of spirits, ghost or places such as heaven and hell. And as is clear when looking into the beliefs of other cultures and countries there is a time when we can experience life beyond what we know if only for a moment. So keep your eyes open especially on October 31st when that costumed ghost might just not be a ghost at all.
Sleep Tight Kiddies.
www.readings2011.webs.com to schedule your intuitive reading contact me at readings2011@gmail.com all readings from Sept to Nov 1st are only $25.
Don’t be Afraid of the Dark a Review -sort of…
Last night we had our “Date” night we headed out to see the movie “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” Now the movie was good, it was scary, I could have done without Katie Homes honestly my first thought when I realized she was in it was “I hope she’s the first victim” no offence Katie but you took too long of a break from acting and you really haven’t grown from where you left off.
The Little girl who played the main character Sally was fantastic she had the perfect mix of cute adorable kid you want to hug, unruly snot you want to throw against a wall and creepy kid you’re not sure if she’ll murder you in your sleep personality hey my kind of kid she was really the star of the movie.
Spoiler Alert*****
So this family get attacked by these strange tiny being who turn out to be “Fairies” alright so we all think of this
When fairies are mentioned.
Now if you like Tink and Disney style fairies I suggest you stop reading now…
Ok warning said, the truth is Historically the Fairy Lore wasn’t that cute Tink throwing Fairy Dust all over the place (ok so this is where its no longer a movie review) Fairies had a more sinister background. They were known to kidnap humans and would often take human babies and replace them with their own. These were known as Changelings there is actually a documented case about some children who were believed to be changelings ”The Green Children of Woolpit”. Oh might I add that the kidnapped human child would become food for the Momma Fairy.
Now another name for “Fairies” as we know them today was Fey, Fay, Faie or they were known as wee folk, goblins, gnomes, etc. Now the original meaning of Fey was “fated to die” or “having a foreboding of death” so in essence the Fairies where harbingers of death.
Another well-known fairy was called the Mermaid again the origins did not depict Arielle from The Little Mermaid. Mermaids or selkies where water spirits known to entice sailors to their deaths. Half human half fish or using the skin of a seal to protect their identity these fairies where pretty darn vicious and were blamed for the death of thousands of seamen.
Now let’s think of Gnomes not as travel agents but as mischievous little characters who messed with your garden, animals etc unless of course you had a cat since Gnomes hate cats.
So how is it that this movie has put me in a rant over fairy lore? Ok back to the movie review. The creatures in the movie are refered to as “Fairies” however being that many people don’t know the origins of the fairy its makes you think WTF where is Tink? Also, they ***Spoiler Alert*** have a scene where Sally runs through the woods and steps on a fairy ring and well we all know what fairy rings do right? Exactly we don’t and as a result 1/2 the people don’t realize the importance of that scene. Lore has it if you stand in a fairy ring or walk/run through it you will be taken by the fairies. So there are a few unexplained situations in the story and some that just make you roll your eyes.
***Spoiler Alert***
One of the scenes that most make me want to call Guillermo and ask him WTF he was thinking was when Sally is being attacked by these “fairies” in the mist of a dinner part the guest including her father and Step mom burst into the room where there is a smushed fairy whose arm is laying on the floor and she has photos to prove she’s telling the truth. Now we all know in real life if I was a guest at that dinner party my ass would be out the door so fast they would see a smoke trail behind me. Oh hell no there is no way I would as shown in the scene calmly walk out of the dinner party as if nothing had happened. Heck I wouldn’t even collect my coat or belonging least I wander off with one of these creatures attached to me. But in the movie everyone looks around like “Well then parties over good night” there is no mass chaos or pandemonium.
Over all the movie was great the cinematics where amazing and the story line was good. I do recommend going to see it just remember when it’s done you might not want to turn off your lights.
Diary of the Unemployed
So I was reading the new this morning, yes I read, that the US economy created no job growth in August. Supposedly it’s the first time since 1945 that the government has reported a net monthly job change of zero (taken from MSN’s article).
Now I’ve been unemployed since June and my husband has been unemployed for two years. Ironically the day I become unemployed his employment benefits ran out so now we are trying to run a household, pay bills, and a mortgage on $475 a week the amount that Unemployment gives me.
Both of us have been applying for jobs but the truth is there just isn’t anything out there right now so we have to batten down the hatches and weather the storm. Now sure we are trying to get by my Husband has a photography business www.facebook.com/RVphotography2011 that has also taken a hit due to the economy let’s face it people aren’t having lavished weddings or parties anymore and we’ve accommodate ourselves for that creating hourly rates and low-cost packages for our clients for one main reason although we need the money and could have our rates be high like many others out there we know how difficult it is and having recently been married ourselves it would have royally sucked not to be able to afford a photographer to capture our happy moments.
And of course we have www.stilettoteez.com and I do readings which personally is what I most enjoy about being out of work right now is that I get to do these more often since I’m available to do them now and it’s an amazing experience to be a part of someone’s life journey and to meet these amazing souls that cross my path.
However, we are barely keeping ourselves afloat as many in the US are now. Now don’t get me wrong I love the USA it’s my country I was born here I am a proud American Citizen but it’s disheartening to see what is happening and especially disheartening when the Citizens see the US running to help other countries financially while we ourselves our floundering.
I know I have quiet some time on unemployment but God forbid I don’t find work before I run out then what happens? I’ve been working since I was 14 yrs old and although I wasn’t the least bit devastated when I lost my job the financial aspects and prospects and stressful.
So as a country what happens? What happens when we run out of money? what happens when there aren’t anymore benefits, jobs, etc. What happens to all the people out there who are done with there unemployment and can’t get any other assistance?
I think the Government needs to start focusing on their own children and start fixing the issues here again I’m not anti government but something is seriously wrong here and a lot of people are going to be in deep if jobs aren’t created and funds aren’t extended.
I’m just a little speck in the full spectrum of our country and the situation world-wide. I am all for helping others it one of the reasons I have chosen to do the work I do but if I don’t take care of myself how do I care for others? if I am spread to thin how can I be support to others the US needs to see that they can’t spread themselves to thin they need to fix themselves before they can continue to help others and not vice versa.
I’m proud to be a US Born Citizen I am proud that I have the luxury of Freedom of Speach and Freedom of Expression that being said I love my country I just wish they would manage it in a better way.
So we will continue to forge on and continue to offer our photography, dolls and the intuitive readings and life coaching because that is what we do. We will continue to pray and hope that the economy pics up before to many other people especially children are caught in the cross fire that taking place. We wish everyone luck who is in our situation and again open to helping always feel free to contact us.
Operation Crystal Ball
The other day I read a rather disturbing article online. It was about a group of gypsies that had managed to extort millions of dollars from clients who had gone in for fortune/future telling services. The authorities are calling this sting Operation Crystal Ball. Among the victims of this crime was a best-selling novelist. Unfortunately stories like these and people like these make those of us who are bona-fide caring readers look bad. It’s a shame because when a client comes to my door it’s because they are in need of help they are going through a stage or moment in life where they are requiring some assistance and are seeking out my help and my job is to help them not take advantage of their need.
I felt the need to write this blog to warn people against these kind of crimes. When you seek the help of a psychic or reader there are things you should look out for to ensure you are never a victim of something like this. A true reader will not charge thousand to read you for 20 minutes. A true reader will not instill fear of death, disease, or curses on you and if they do warn you of such events they will not tell you they can fix the problem for another $$$$ amount. A true reader will not force you to come back or make you feel obligated or pressured into returning for a reading. A true reader will be compassionate, caring and understanding. Yes readers charge for their services but let’s be frank the fee has to be fair and comparable to the services they are providing.
Now those are some basic points for you to keep in mind as you are searching for a reader or professional psychic or medium. Some other things to look out for is do you feel comfortable with the person? can you open up to them? Are they empathic and listening to what you are saying during the reading?
Listen what it boils down to is you are paying for a service granted it’s not mainstream however, it’s a service no less and you should leave feeling confident and looking forward to another reading as opposed to leaving the read feeling dread or fear. My job as a reader is not to instill fear in you my job is to help you through the journey you are taking. My job is also to keep what you say confidential and although I do keep notes for clients they are confidential I do not discuss your issues with your family, friends or anyone who might have refered you. I don’t dish out your name or information to the public when you come through my door you enter a secure and caring environment.
Another important point is that often time clients will disclose issues that I am not equipped to handle and part of my job is to “help” you find the help you need. After years of working in the mental health field I am equipped to help you if you are in need of assistances it’s not a burden or chore nor is it a viewed as trouble it’s part of my job.
I view each and every one of you that comes to me as a friend and as such I am here to assist in any way that I can.
Getting your cards read is fun. When you visit places like Salem or New Orleans it’s a fun exciting experience. Heck even I’ve had my cards read in places like that but when it goes beyond the fun experience to something darker and scary then there is a problem and you need to be able to recognize that.
Many of you come to me on a regular basis or you are enrolled in Spiritual Life Coaching with me. Please rest assure that I am not looking to take from you but to give you tools to better manage your life I believe in the law of karma and if I give you positive energies then I will get back positive energies.
The group involved in this sting is paying the price for their actions. If you don’t come to me or if you choose to find another reader that’s great I believe you have to do what is best for you and I might not be the perfect fit but please keep in mind the above when searching for someone to do a reading or serve as a guide.
So please be safe, secure listen to your gut and remember you should feel a sense of well being when you leave a reading not dread or fear.
Diary of the Unemployed
This morning I woke up early to prepare to assist my husband on a shoot for a wedding and it got me to thinking about being unemployed and what that means in today’s age. Truth is finding a job is virtually impossible. After working for the same place for 13 yrs and being either to old yes and I’m only 41 or being to over qualified it turns out that even getting a job in a grocery store is proving difficult.
Now I can go on a rant right at this point about how our country runs to the rescue of other countries sending billions of our dollars to help them out of a financial or natural disaster yet they somehow forgot about the people who are here but I won’t.
But with thousand of people without employment and many reaching the end if their unemployment benefits what is there to do?
It’s become very clear that we have to create our own opportunities. As a result I find myself busier then when I was employed full time. Between job searching, taking classes/seminars and doing a lot of foot work to get our business out there we have been on the go since June.
I have to say though that in the process we have had an opportunity to meet a lot of new, kind and interesting people and a few not so nice ones but those have been few and far in between.
I can’t help however to be worried about the future. Deep down inside I know I’m good at what I do in terms of my professions I’m good at administrative work and excellent with my computer skills and as an intuitive reader and spiritual life coach, I feel I’m doing what I do best and it’s a fulfilling role for me because I not only get to do what I love but I also get to help others. And even as a photographers assistant I do the best I can and have fun meeting all these new exciting people. So we are working hard to make this a success story.
In the past I have experience what it is to go without being a single mother I was determined to make it without the help of state assistance and so I worked my behind off to ensure that I could provide for my child. I remember times where there was nothing, no fund for food, diapers or the much needed necessities of life and being proud asking for help was not my thing so I learned to wing it and thankfully had family who helped me when was in a pinch.
But here I am a few years, well many years older and my mentality has changed honestly I’m no longer to proud to ask for help. I believe in pay it forward and even now in these tough times I still try to extend myself and be as helpful to others as possible.
And tonight I sit at my computer to ask you for help.
Im not asking for millions or thousands for that matter what I am asking for is positive energies to be sent our way. I’m asking if you can take a look a or website www.stilettoteez.com and give us feed back. Maybe you know someone who would enjoy our products or needs an affordable photographer or perhaps you’ve had a reading and would like to refer me on to someone else. Maybe you want to work with us on a project or know of a possible job opening?
In other words any hand you can lend would be greatly appreciated and in return there are ways I’m sure that we can help you. Maybe your a makeup artist or model and need photos for a portfolio or you want to cross promote your business with ours our your having a party and you need an affordable photographer or would like to barter and exchange or network?
We are open to any and all feedback and ideas and to those of you who have helped us in many ways as we have traveled this road I say thank you.
Please visit www.stilettoteez.com
Dear Psychic Reader…. Am I going to die?
The answer to that question is YES.
I was asked the other day if during a reading I have ever told anyone they are going to die. The reality is that the answer to the question am I going to die is Yes. We are in truth all going to die at some point or another. Now have I ever told anyone they are going to die during a reading? The answer to that is no I haven’t.
You see when I am doing a reading for you my focus is not on telling you that you are going to die frankly you already know that this event will eventually at somepoint down the line happen. However, my goal is to direct you on how to live. Yes there are time when the cards will give clear warnings that the person is heading down a dangerous path or that they should go get a check by a doctor but my job is to advise you of those warning signs.
I have a lot of people tell me they are afraid to get a reading because they fear the future. What people don’t realize is you have to travel to that future doesn’t matter if your afraid or not we all heading toward it and it’s inevitable. You can’t change the fact that we are propelled forward through life. We can go kicking and screaming, we can go utterly blind or we can go somewhat prepared but the fact is your going so you choose on how smooth that ride is going to be.
An intuitive reading will open up an avenue for you to glimpse into what might be, good or bad, this way you will be prepared to better handle situations that arise as you travel down this road called life. I am in essence your advisor and that being said I will advise you based on what I see in the cards the good and the bad but you don’t have to worry that I will tell you you’ll die tomorrow that isn’t how it works.
Life is to be lived. We should be worried and preoccupied with living the best most productive life we can manifest for ourselves. We should not be preoccupied with death or worried about when it will come because if you have lived a life that has been true to your inner spirit then you have done your job here on earth.
Remeber each tomorrow starts with today.
Product Review – Isagenix Cleanse for Life
Alright so, I have been using Isagenix Cleanse for Life now for about a month on and off. Actually it would be best to use it without stopping but due to having to go in for a biopsy I had to stop using it twice as I waiting for the Women’s Center to get their “$&#^” together and finally get me in for my appointment.
So, my friend Janet Cook aka NY Healthy Chick (you can find her via my Facebook page) is a strong supporter of the Isagenix Life style. A former Party Girl Janet has slimmed down and turned her health around using the Isagenix Products. So she suggested I give them a try and so I decided to try one of the products to see how it works.
Now the first thing that I notice is that it has a strong taste of Molasses or “Mole – Asses” as my daughter likes to say. Now for me it’s not bad I actually don’t mind the taste of molasses so I find that product to be rather tasty. You can mix it in water but I prefered to down it like a shot and follow it with some water.
Ok so here is where it gets graphic “Sorry” but if you’ve had weight loss surgery or know of anyone who has you know that a few of the complications are lack of nutrients and lack of bathroom functions ..er.. if you know what I mean.. basically the pooping mechanism is on the fritz because you barely eat. So I’m one of those lucky ones that has this problem. Now I’ve done the whole fiber stuff and frankly if you’ve been keeping up with my post you’ll have read about my battle with a cup of fiber and Fish oil.. long story.. anyhow, So I started the Isa Cleanse and didn’t really think much of it.. but noticed that after about 2 days I started to make regular trips to the bathroom.
I though maybe I was eating something different however when I had to stop the Isa cleanse for the biopsy I also stopped my regular trips. Not only that but I notice in the short time I have been using it that my hair looks better and my RLS is also getting better. I feel like I’m digesting everything I eat better also.
I’ll soon be trying some more of the isagenix products and would recommend you don’t toss it aside as a fad but look into it you might be pleasantly surprised with the result.
- Getting Healthy
If you want to find out more about Isagenix you can visit the stilettoteez.com site where you will find a link to Janet’s Page NY Healthy Chick or visit my Facebook Page and find her on my friends list. Truth be told she can tell you a lot more than I can and the best I can tell you is I found that its definitely worth a try.
Diary of the Unemployed
Dear Worker at the Job Services,
I know that you have a difficult job. I understand the stress you go through on a daily basis having to deal with irate people that are probably there all the time being rude to you. I get it, people give you attitude and all that crap that has throughout the years made you bitter and angry.
However, you see I’m here visiting your office for the first time. I have been employed since the age of 14 and have only once in my early 20′s been on unemployment for about a month. I am not unemployed by choice but I am like thousands of other people out there a victim of circumstances and the economic downfall of our country. I have put money into unemployment and have paid my taxes and dues. In essence me like many others pay your salary.
I am just a bit frazzled by my situation yet when I walked into your office I smiled and attempted to make eye contact with you not expecting for you to not only not look up from your pile of papers to acknowledge me but I also was not expecting the amount of rudeness that you exhibited to me and while waiting that I witnessed you do with many others. I am not a lesser human that you because you have a state job or any job for that matter. The reality is that like me your job can be snatched away in a matter of moments.
Now I am not visiting you by choice, I received a letter inviting me to a 3 hour seminar that was in the small print “required”. I traveled over an hour in traffic to find your office with the #2 in the address yet the building’s actual number was # 326. I was then sent down winding hallways to stand in the customer service line because nothing was clearly identified. After waiting I decided to walk over to you to ask if I was in the correct line only to have the paperwork snatched from my hands have you scribble a new date on the paperwork and have you push it back into my hands with not so much as a glance, oh wait there was a glare for me in there somewhere. I was not allowed to take the class because I was ten minutes late yet if things had been clearly marked I would have been less then five minutes late.
Now my income has been severely reduced. I am making a third of what I use to make. I have a mortgage, child, bills and responsibilities. Taking trips have become a necessity not a choice with gas prices the trip I took to your office not only cost me a lot of time stuck in traffic but also $30 in gas.
Dearest worker please remember when I return again to your office. I did not choose to be here, I did not quit my job had I done so I wouldn’t be getting unemployment. I have worked since a young age and like many others here am caught in this situation by circumstance not choice. And most importantly keep in mind that at any moment you can be standing here next to me waiting on this line with someone glaring at you from the other side of the kiosk.
That being said be nice, be respectful, acknowledge me. You don’t have to like me heck you don’t know me why would you but I’m here for “help” I was born and raised in this country. In the least crack a smile or hell simply don’t act as if I’m an annoying fly buzzing around you because you see you choose to work in this position you are well aware of what you have to put up with and I’m sure well aware of the fact that not everyone is here by choice. If you don’t like your job or working with people then find something else instead of being angry at the people who come to your office for help. We didn’t choose your job.
Please remember your lucky you’ve got a job be happy about that and be nice the law of karma will follow you if your aren’t.
Respectfully,
An unemployed US born citizen.
Diary of the Unemployed
It’s been a little over a month since I started my life as one of the hundreds of thousands of unemployed people currently in the United States. I’m hitting the pavement looking for work and hoping not to go much longer without a day job because I’m most likely driving everyone at home crazy although I’ve been trying really hard not to.
I’m one of those people that has to keep myself constantly busy as a result I started a new Art Journal so far I’ve got a theme of skulls going many of you who know me know that I love day of the dead skulls and motifs. So I started my journal with these two beauties.
Then I started my newest project of creating a chalk board in my work room and somehow, I managed to get myself so side tracked that today I suddenly remembered that the board is 1/2 finished.
In the meantime, we’ve been preparing for the Bridgeport Art Fest taking place this Saturday from 12 noon to 6pm and we’ve had an assembly line of sorts going on for the voodoo dolls and wish pouches. But it hasn’t been all work we also had time to play and visited NYC.
That trip left me exhausted and with blistered feet. Somehow in my lovely brain when we go into the city I have to walk every where least I miss something so we ended up footing it to SOHO from Grand Central and back again. But it was well worth it we got to meet Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant the masterminds behind Reno 911 and movies like Night at the museum, and they left with some awesome stilettoteez.com gear.
We also took our yearly pilgrimage to Mystic CT. Yes I said Mystic CT where we venture on a yearly basis to pay homage to another year of my life and I am given offering of fish and chips and fudge. And thankfully I have a husband and kid who for the most part humor my insanity. Nothing like eating fish and chips from Mystic now somewhere in my rattling brain Mystic = the freshest fish in town mind you realistically it’s probably frozen but I will continue to live in my fantasy world thank you. Then we headed to RI to check out some shops and some how we still can’t figure it out we ended up in Mass. After finding the store we were looking for closed we headed back to CT and stopped once again in Mystic for some Mystic Pizza. Uh yea the fish was better.
So that was the gist of our exciting few weeks. Oh and before I go there is a little contest going on visit my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Stilettoteez and post a photo of yourself wearing your favorite stilettos both gals and yes even you guys out there post your pic and then get your friends to tag themselves to it the photo with the most tags will win a Free Skype Reading and a tee-shirt and just because we love you anyone who tags themselves to a photo can email us at info@stilettoteez.com to get a discount on their order.
