Pleasure Notes

I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but I have no idea where September went. I’m completely freaked out by seeing all the Halloween decorations coming out, not to mention the number of conversations I’m suddenly having about December holiday plans… SLOW DOWN, PEOPLE! Let’s all just take a deep breath and enjoy the moment we are in, shall we? And I’ll try to remember the most pleasurable moments of my past 30 days…

1. Visiting my niece. I adore seeing my brother and sister-in-law as well, but who is kidding who? When there’s an absolutely scrumptious almost 2-year-old running around, everyone else plays second fiddle. It’s just the way of the world. We all accept that resistance is futile. She’s talking up a storm, in a delightful mix of English and Spanish. And she slays me. With a smile, a look, a shy pose. I am a slave for her attention and affection. Thank goodness she doesn’t quite know the extent of her power over me.
   

   Sofia on a September Day

2. Seeing proof of love. Two very dear friends of mine got married this month, in a gorgeous ceremony. She looked stunning. He looked gallant. The setting was glamourous. The flowers were magnificent. The dinner was delicious. What was most remarkable about this very In Style-worthy wedding, however, was the almost tangible aura of love that hovered over the entire evening. Not just between the bride and groom. Every single couple at the event exuded happy romance – and it was mostly couples, which precludes me from having the next memorable moment of the month be of me shagging some hot friend of the family in an inappropriate location while the happy couple cut the cake. Oddly striking. All the love, that is. Not the missed sex. That seems to be par for the course at the moment, thanks for asking. But the love. So many seemingly healthy relationships in one room. Completely disconcerting. And delightful.
   

   Golden Kisses Love Heart by lynda_luv/Flickr

3. Nathan Fillion. The Fall TV Season is upon us, and I will hold off commenting about everything else on the airwaves until a later date, but I must take this opportunity to celebrate the return of Castle and, more importantly, the smokin’, charmin’ and amusin’ package that is Nathan Fillion. I must admit I was skeptical about him when he first entered my (at the time) college dorm lounge during the late lunch hour, however many years ago. But he won me over when he turned all SciFi cowboy for Joss Whedon, and I now have carved out a permanent little place in my cold, cold heart and reserved it for all things NF. After all, there is nothing sexier than a man who makes me laugh, and who can laugh at himself. Who cares if it’s scripted.
   

   Copyright of Unidentified Funding Network/Studio

   Yum, right?

What excitement did September hold for you? I certainly hope it was pleasurable as well. Do tell!

Imperfectly Perfect

Why is it that we humans are so quick to appreciate in nature what we would never accept in ourselves? We see the beauty in an imperfectly patterned blossom, a uniquely gnarled tree limb, an oddly shaped rock. But we judge the hell out of our own imperfections. It is aggravatingly nonsensical. Would the world cease to spin if we all simply stopped seeking perfection and accepted ourselves exactly as we are? Perhaps. But there would be slew of much happier little girls and boys out there. Imagine… no shame, no self-hatred, no comparing and despairing. In fact, I’m a little convinced that we would all be a lot happier. Well, everyone except those who make money off stoking our discontent. Then again, I wonder how easy it really is to point out and capitalize on others’ imperfections if one is truly accepting of one’s own. Hmmm. I may have just discovered the key to world peace. And it’s only Sunday!

From Delight.com

I’m a sucker for candles, all kinds of candles. Except the super smelly ones. And the ones shaped like cowboy boots or the Statue of Liberty… So, basically, I just like really classy, straightforward, nicely scented candles. But then I found this chalkboard candle, and I think it is fabulous. There are just so many possibilities. I can leave it untouched, in its sleek, matte black state. Or I can decorate it to suit my every whim, using the three sticks of colored chalk that come with it – though the chalk doesn’t come in that nice little box as shown in the photo. Fun, affordable and utilitarian. Kinda hot.

Price: $19.75. Available at Delight.com and other online venues.

Feeling Prickly

Do you ever just have one of those days when you find yourself feeling prickly for no apparent reason? The symptoms are pretty obvious. The line to get coffee seems intolerably long. The road is full of idiot drivers who wouldn’t know what a gas pedal was if it hit them in the ass. The office internet hook-up has mysteriously reverted to dial-up speed. The cute guy’s choice to wait for another elevator is proof you will be the reason “spinster” never gets removed from Miriam-Webster’s English Dictionary, even if the dictionary itself stops being published as a book. The world is full of sharp edges, and you seem to accidentally ram into one with every step you take. Here’s just a little reminder that the easiest way to smooth things out again, without resorting to addictive substances, is to STOP, breathe, and take a big ole pleasurable whiff of the proverbial roses. Oh, and getting more than two hours of sleep can’t hurt… Here’s to your week having lots of rounded corners and very few prickly moments.

By Design Glut

I’ve been traveling a lot lately, and following a bunch of international news stories. I am invested in creating and maintaining a global view. I don’t know who I would be if not for the experiences I’ve had visiting and living in other countries. I do know that I wouldn’t be me. So it should come as no surprise that I simply adore this necklace, by Design Glut. Sorry, guys, no matching cuff links for you, but think of this around the delicate neck of your lovely lady… See, pleasure for all!

And there are so MANY reasons to love this little accessory. Here are just a few:

1. It comes in gold, silver and a smokey gunmetal color. Damn, but I love choice. Don’t you?
2. The ladies who created Design Glut seem like they’d be a totally rad pair with whom to share a beer… yes, I said “rad.” I’m bringing it back.
3. The continents are LINKED, a nice reminder that we are all connected in this world, and that what happens in one place has an effect everywhere else, so maybe people should PUT THE FUCKING GUNS DOWN already. Just sayin’.
4. It’s really pur-tay! Equally fashionable with your favorite jeans or that little black dress.

Price: $60.00. Available at Design Glut and a whole bunch of other places.