January 2013

Happy 2013!  Yep, I've been a little slack in my posting of late, but I am aiming to remedy that as well as I can while still schooling and working and living.  As a means to help with that motivation, my good friend/genius of a human being, Erin, invited me to participate in a blog project called Resolution Revamp.  It's an attempt to keep us (and you, by proxy) actively pursuing ways to better our lives ... not just in January.  I posted my first blog entry over there, and I think it makes for a dandy experiment in bliss, as well.  Click here or on the link below if you'd like to read it.  And you can go ahead and follow Resolution Revamp while you're at it. I'm sure you'll find something helpful/entertaining/brilliant over there!  Thanks for reading!  And, as always, feel free to let me know if there are any experiments, in particular, that you'd like to see performed and documented here.  Inspiration is less easy to find when my schedule's so busy!

Thank you so much for continuing to follow me on this journey ... even, and especially, when the adventures lag.  Have a most wonderful, healthy, prosperous, joyful and spectacular 2013!

http://resolutionrevamp.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/a-resolution-for-january/

xoxo,

Melanie

Experiments in … Henna!

Last night I [finally!] got around to dying my hair.  Yes, that’s right, I did it myself.  But I didn’t use any of those stinky-chemicals-in-a-box deals.  I went old school with henna.  For those who may not know, henna,also called Egyptian privet or Mignonette Tree, is a tropical shrub whose leaves, when powdered, create a safe and natural dye for human hair and skin.  It has been used by humans for ages and ages.  According to Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal, “records dating back more than 5,000 years specify its use as a medicine, talisman, ceremonial substance, and cosmetic used to color hair and paint the body.”  It is often associated with the ancient Egyptians.  It is even purported that Cleopatra regularly used henna in her beauty rituals.  And, well, if it’s good enough for Cleopatra, then it’s good enough for me!

Rosemary Gladstar goes on to write the following in her amazing Family Herbal (which is an excellent book, and should absolutely be on your bookshelf):

“The basic shade of henna is red, and all henna has a whisper of red in it.  But by carefully blending different parts of the plant that are harvested at different times, a whole range of colors is created.  Colors range from neutral to blond to the reddest of reds to black.  I further like to blend the shades together to get more specific colors. … Not an instant dye nor a neat and easy process, hena requires time and patience.”

rainbow henna

I’d bought a jar of Rainbow henna about six months ago with the express intent of dying my hair.  I finally got around to doing it last night.  (I am highly skilled in the art of procrastination.)  I went for a simple dark brown.  I just wanted to add a little richness to my own color, cover up my annoying, persistent grays, and give my hair a good conditioning. 

Let me just warn you, if you’ve not tried it before, that henna is a messy business!  In fact, it’s much more fun if you henna with a friend (or several).  Check out Meghan Currie and her best friend using henna here to see what I mean.  Unfortunately, I was solo on my henna hair project, so you won’t get to see all the behind the scenes shenanigans and green-goo-splattered bathroom snapshots from my experience.  I can, however, tell you that there was lots to clean up afterwards. 

before mixing ...

... after mixing

I whipped up my henna cocktail with black coffee (to help with covering the grays), apple cider vinegar (again, to help with covering the grays), and an egg.  The egg was for extra protein and conditioning since my hair’s a little dry and neglected right now.  Then I oiled the skin around my hairline with a little kukui nut oil, wrapped a towel around my neck, donned my vinyl gloves, and started slapping henna all over my head.  In case you’ve not experienced my hair before, it is super thick.  I mean, I have thick individual hair strands, and I have A LOT of it.  So, this took a long time to do.  It was crazy messy.  And, let’s be real, my arms were getting stupid tired.  So, I may have gotten a little lazy distributing henna to every single hair strand.  Still, I think I did a pretty darn good job considering I was all by my lonesome.  When most all of the henna goop was on my hair, I smooshed it up into a weird mud-covered-looking kind of beehive and wrapped it in a plastic shopping bag.  I know you are so envious of my mad style right now.  

oooh

aaah

Before I cleaned up, I used the leftover henna mixture to make a little viney design on my arm and hand and a little heart on my neck.  Unfortunately, the heart got rubbed off almost immediately by the towel.  Oh well.  Ninety minutes of watching Once Upon A Time and Glee, and I was ready to rinse.  Now I have soft, shiny, bouncy luxurious chestnut colored hair (with a few dull spots where my arms got tired).  Yay! 

post-henna luxuriousness

admit it ... you want to run your fingers through it!

Have any of you every used henna on your hair?  How was it?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Hope you’re having a swell Tuesday today!

xoxo,

Melanie

Experiments in ... Makeup: Smoke + Sparkles for a Holiday Party

The first holiday party of the season is tonight.  It's a somewhat casual affair, so I kept the clothes simple - gray skinny jeans, black turtleneck sweater, red heels.  To add a little festive flair to the mix, I gave myself a classic smoky eye with pale pink lips, and lined the eyes with silver glitter.  (You can't really tell in the photos, but, trust me, I'm sparkly.)  I'm off to celebrate the season now.  Hope you're holiday season is full of celebration, as well!

xoxo,

Melanie

Experiments in ... Makeup!

Look of the Day:  Modern Geisha

Korres Wild Rose liquid foundation in WRF2
Korres Quercetin & Oak concealer in 02 Light
Sephora Nano lip pencil in real red
Wet & Wild lipstick in 514 A
Sephora gel eye liner in black (from palette)
Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in blackest black


NOTE:  My lighting situation is so much less than ideal, but I hope you get the picture.  Would love to hear your thoughts as I try out new looks during my esthetics training.  Thanks, and happy Wednesday!

PS:  Congrats to everyone who voted.  Even if your candidate didn't win, you showed up, and that's something to be proud of!

What's the story, morning glory? What's the word, hummingbird?

I continue on with my struggle against the busyness of work/school/life.  Sadly, my current schedule keeps me from doing many of the things that bring me simple joy, such as taking walks with friends, taking myself to the movies, and writing blog entries.  When I find myself getting melancholy at this acknowledgement I just remember the medicine of Hawk:  Fly up higher to see the bigger picture.  When I remind myself why I decided to go back to school, and, more to the point, that it’s only a ten month gig, I can breathe a little more easily in the confines of my claustrophobic schedule.  I play this game with my Self pretty much every day, but at least it’s still working … sort of. 

I have been hearing the whisper of Change on the air, though, so I know it’s coming soon.  I’m getting so restless.

I’ve had a pretty eventful past few weeks.  I’ve been wanting to post about these happenings individually and in depth for some time, but, well, the aforementioned time bind means that these little blurbs will have to do.  I at least have to get the gist of what’s happening recorded for posterity’s sake.  One day, I imagine, it will be amusing for me to read back over the events of my life. 

I’m still having struggles with my health – physical, yes, but also emotional and spiritual.  In case you are wondering, there is no cause for alarm.  From a public perspective, I still appear quite healthy.  And, to be fair, I am in many ways.  Mostly I’m dealing with extreme mold and mildew in my home, and the physical, mental and emotional repercussions that such a toxic state entails.  It’s been even worse with all the rain we’ve been having lately.  I’m doing my best to maintain.  But this disease lurking deep within me makes things a bit of a challenge sometimes.  I find that I have little energy for anything.  I push through school and work .. and do alright there since I’m out of the house.  But once I’m home I’m just so tired that I can do little but curl up on the couch or go to bed.  It’s exhausting and frustrating.  But, since I haven’t the time nor the energy to try to break my lease and find a new place to live, I am just trying to manage it until May.

During this down time, I have been trying to remain open to hearing the stories of my Self and of the world around me.  I am in a place of unknowing at present, and despite my appreciation of the infinite possibility and adventure that lives in this space, it is a very uncomfortable space for me.  I suppose part of that discomfort lies in the very base awareness that I am uncomfortable here.  (Chicken?  Egg?)   I feel a sense of weakness, I suppose, at my cowering in the face of what could be (and likely is) a most exciting new beginning.  It’s hard to get excited about anything when my health is in such a lousy state.   But the idea of change on its way is what keeps me pushing through this current discomfort.

So, on to other news …

The biggest bit of news is that I got a car.  I know, I know, I wasn’t going to do that.  I wrote about how wonderful it is to be able to walk around town and really see the nooks and crannies of the place in which I live.  I touted the benefits that walking everywhere has on my health.  I recounted how nice it is to not have to worry about traffic jams, or the price of gas, or finding a parking space in a college town in September.  And all those things still ring true, I promise.  However … yes, there’s a “however”.  However … once school began, new layers of experience around the not-having-a-car situation developed.  First of all, Durham’s bus system, though adequate, is not great.  They are continually making improvements, but it is still not absolutely reliable.  And while there are some really wonderful, interesting and diverse folks who ride the bus, there are also some really … well, let’s say less than pleasant folks who ride it, too.  Some are very rude, some (though few) potentially dangerous, and some with some really poor hygiene habits.  Buses are small, enclosed spaces containing tightly packed groups of people with recycled heat or A/C and little or no fresh air ventilation.  This makes for some potentially very unpleasant transport experiences.  Finally, the bus route that goes to my campus is being canceled come January, so I will no longer have a way to get to school in the new year.  All of these factors played a role in my decision to finally get another car.  And I feel really good about it. 

It’s fascinating to me how I always oscillate between extremes in my life.  Just a couple years ago I was beginning to shed all my belongings, setting out to live a much more sparse existence.  More and more these days I find myself longing for more stuff.  I am craving a better living environment, super excited about having a car again, wanting to go shopping (sometimes just for the sake of going shopping).  I’ve even caught myself daydreaming over owning a mobile phone again.  Crazy!  Whether my rediscovered appreciation for the convenience of a mobile phone will win out over my intense distrust and abhorrence of the mobile phone service provider industry is yet to be determined.  Still, I cannot overlook the fact that I have a life pattern of swinging from one extreme to the other.  I suppose it is this very pattern that drives my desperate search for balance.  Hmmm … I digress …

In other news, I attended my 20-year high school reunion earlier this month.  I must own that I was feeling pretty trepidatious about it.  It’s been a long time (20 years!) since I’ve seen most of these people, and I have changed so dramatically in that time span.  I am sure that everyone else has undergone their own changes, as well.  I still have a very wounded relationship with my past self, and was just feeling really unsure about how I was going to feel revisiting those old relationships.  I almost didn’t go. I didn’t go to my 10-year reunion.  But I felt like I just needed to do it and deal with it.  So with my Sister and a bottle of bourbon in tow, for support and courage, respectively, I went. 

It wasn’t so bad.  In fact, it was kinda fun.  Unfortunately, (or fortunately, I’m not sure which) there was a very low turnout.  But it was nice seeing the people who did attend.  My only complaint was that I didn’t really get to talk much with anyone beyond the quick “what are you doing now?” updates.  That was partially my fault, as we had a heck of a time finding the place in the dark, so were late arriving.  And we had to leave a little early.  (More on that in a bit.)  But, too, this event, on the whole, wasn’t very conducive to in-depth conversing.  (Or at least not for someone like me, who is not a natural conversationalist.)  Mostly we ate and danced.  Now I kind of feel like I am left with the unfinished business of visiting my past without making any reparations while there.  I take full responsibility for not being better at really talking with my old classmates.  As I mentioned already, I’m a very uncomfortable conversationalist, in general.  So, if anyone from the reunion happens to be reading this, I hope you’ll forgive me for not talking with you more.  It was fun to see you.  I’m glad I went.  I’m glad you went, too.

The reason Sister and I left the reunion a little early was to drive up to Asheville for the night.  We thought it’d be a good opportunity to visit Sister’s friend and to become more acquainted with the town.  We visited several spas, including the famed Grove Park Inn Spa, and picked up the local rag (comparable to The Independent here in Durham) to get an idea of town happenings, job openings and housing possibilities.  It was a good trip, when all was said and done, despite its brevity.  Thanks to Sister for being my brave and accommodating companion!

This brings us to my final bit of news:  A couple of weeks ago I found myself running late for school.  In my groggy, early morning fog I managed to misread my clock.  When I realized what time it actually was, I threw on my clothes, scooped up my bags, and bolted out the door.  I really didn’t want to miss the bus.  If I miss any of the three buses that take me to campus, I have to wait a whole hour to catch the next round.  No good.  So, I’m running to the first bus stop, which is about 10 minutes from my house on foot.  A couple blocks from the stop, it happened.  I tripped on I don’t know what.  Next thing I know I’m airborne.  I began to experience the inevitable slowing of time as I realized I was falling.  After a split-second infinity my left hip hit asphalt, followed shortly thereafter by my left shoulder.  Luckily my head did not hit the ground as it ricocheted with the force of the fall.  Lucky, too, was the fact that it was so early in the morning that there were no cars on the road (I fell smack in the middle of it), and it was too dark for anyone to witness my spill.  I managed to get myself up and hobble to the bus stop with even a few minutes to spare, so it all worked out that morning.  Unfortunately my body has been jacked up ever since.  I have managed to schedule one bodywork session, but this is apparently going to take a few more to get me back to normal … whatever that is.  The really funny part of it was that during that slow-motion descent all I could think was:  I don’t fall!  I’m a yoga teacher!  I’m a massage therapist!  What is happening here?  I DO NOT fall!!  Oh well … I guess we all fall sometimes. 

So that’s the nutshell version of this life of late.  It’s been a roller coaster ride of ups, downs, twirls and whirls.  I’m still hanging on, though, and, most of the time, having fun.

What have you been up to?

While you prepare your answers, I’ll leave you with this little pearl from Rumi.  Hope you enjoy it!

I am smiling at myself today

There's no wish left in this heart

Or perhaps there is no heart left

Free from all desire

I sit quietly like Earth

My silent cry echoes like thunder

Throughout the universe

I am not worried about it

I know it will be heard by no one

Except me.

~ Rumi

sprouting

Growth is happening – within and around me.  I can feel it stirring and whirring and burrowing under my skin, into my sinews and sucking my marrow.  I’m transforming.  It’s happening now.  Yes, right now.  Do you feel it, too?  My inky early mornings still find me dragging this bag of bones to the mat. Some days begrudgingly, some days joyously, most days both, as I practice the art of opening my Self, my soul, my joints, my hamstrings.  I am practicing being me.  I am practicing shifts in perspective.  I am practicing love.  And truth.  And beauty.  And freedom. 

bakasana - crow pose

It feels good.

holiday weekend and an update

I realize it’s been an inexcusably long time since I’ve written.  But I’m going to excuse myself nonetheless.  I do apologize for my tardiness, and only offer up some seriously lacking time management on my part as explanation.  I hope you’ll forgive me.

In the time since I last wrote, so much has happened! 

The most notable is that I started school.  You may recall that earlier this summer I made the decision to go back to school for esthetics training.  I am now one month into the program, and I’m happy to report that I absolutely love it.  I love what I’m learning.  I have a lovely instructor and a fantastic group of classmates.  I am so happy that our class is not only small, but also very diverse.  We each bring something completely unique to the learning experience and it seems to be working beautifully so far.  If I had any reservations about this decision, they have all been quelled.  So far, we’ve learned hand treatments, mini facials, and facial waxing.  We’ve also begun practicing makeup application and applying facial masks.  We spent a little time on life skills and time management (yes, I’m working on it), and a lot of time on sanitation practices in the esthetics workplace.  Fun, fun, fun!  Our clinic opens to actual customers in a couple weeks.  I’ll keep you posted, or if you want to experience it for yourself, let me know and I’ll get you hooked up. 

Since school began, I have had time for very little else other than class and work.  I get up at 4:45a most mornings.  Yoga practice every day and calisthenics/cardio work about four days a week.  I have had some health issues the past week and a half that have been keeping me from the workout, but I am trying to figure that out so I can jump right back into the groove.  Otherwise, just trying to get adjusted to this very new schedule and to get as much sleep as possible. 

I did manage to get out of town this [Labor Day] weekend for a friend’s wedding in the mountains.  Sister went with me, and we had a grand time touring through NC and Tennessee.  The wedding was in Erwin, TN, which is just across the NC border. The ceremony was followed by a back yard reception and cabaret in historic downtown Erwin.  A buffet spread of good Southern barbecue and tasty Venezuelan dishes kept everyone fed and happy.  Then, with full bellies and bevvies in hand, we sat back in our chairs to enjoy the show as various friends and family performed for the bride and groom.  With so much talent under that tent, we couldn’t help but enjoy ourselves out there under the trees.  Thanks to Robert and Camalge for inviting us to celebrate their nuptials.  Buena suerte a ustedes! 

So, now the weekend fun is over, and I’ll be spending tomorrow recovering and studying for my upcoming test.  I hope you had a fun and festive holiday weekend, as well.  Happy Labor Day!

xoxo,

Melanie

PS:  I don't know how to layout my photos, so apologies for the boring 'one after another' situation below.

the happy couple 

check out the spread!  so delicious!

performers take to the stage ...

and party-goers take to the dance floor!