What's your passion?

Last evening, I had the privilege of attending a spoken word open mic and slam in my city. It had been such a long time since I had been able to attend. I got to see old friends and new ones. When I am there, among poets, I feel so sane. It's the only way to explain it. Being around those who have no pretensions  , only a passion for the art, is so peaceful. I always get so inspired when I go. My desire to write is always stirred and I return home with a renewed sense of purpose. Everyone needs something like that in their life I think. Sometimes we don't get to do what we absolutely love as a career so we must seek that sense of purpose elsewhere. What's your passion? What keeps you sane? I write and dream of being able to see myself as a writer one day. Baby steps.

Smooches and Deuces

New poem!

I've never met expectations
Or been what others wanted me to be
My words have always been my outlet
My voice when I could not speak
When you think of a poet
I know you may not picture me
Don't judge me by my hair
Or my girlish ways
My sparkly top
And high-heeled shoes
Self-proclaimed Barbie
Ask anyone and they'd say that's just me
But I'm no shallow puddle
I am unique
The beauty is that I can be anything
Make you laugh
Make you cry
Make you listen to me
The thing is it took awhile to find this space
So watch out for me
I won't be silenced
Or be put in a corner
I'm here to leave my mark
Your subconscious will feel me
So don't count me out
I'm here to stay
And if you give me a chance
You just might
Be
Blown away

Poem #3

Welllll I didn't write yesterday. I felt really disappointed in myself, so I have resolved to write 2 poems today. I wrote 1 this morning and hopefully will write again this evening. Without further ado, here it is:

Madness swirls around me
There is chaos at every turn
I'm searching for the exit
Some way to get out
Desperate for the light
Amidst all this darkness
I only need to focus
I close my eyes
And summon the peace withing
I pray it's where I left it
Hope it's not dwindling
Everything slows down
A tornado in turtle speed
I resurrect my calm
It settles on me like a haze
I exhale
And face the world

Poetry

It's National Poetry Writing month. I had the pleasure of attending an open mic event that featured Spoken Word extraordinaire Marc Marcel. To say the least, I left inspired so I decided to take on the challenge of a poem a day for the month of April. Can I do it? We'll see. So without further ado, here's today's poem.

Words flow through my bloodstream
Creativity seeps through my pores
Inspiration strikes like a lightning bolt
And moves my pen across the page
This need
Engulfs me
Surrounds me
Feeds me
This need to inject my verse in this world
Occupies my every thought
Takes over everything
Until there's nothing left
I have to get it all out
Leave it all on the page
Until there is nothing left to be said
I must keep going
My mind working faster than my hand
And then
Just as quickly as it appeared
The muse leaves me
Breathless
Wanting
Shell of a poet
Waiting to be struck again

Notes on a Page...

Why are people automatically drawn to the unattainable? Especially women. I say women because that is the gender that I know.  Maybe it started with Eve, wanting what she knew was not good for her. Was there a less desirable fruit nearby that could've sustained her just as well? Probably. But the fruit that was forbidden was the most attractive. We do the same with people. We try to tell ourselves we are above judging someone based on purely physical appearance, but it's natural for us to gravitate towards what is pleasing to our eyes. I've always prided myself on being equal-opportunity but even I have fallen victim to the Eve syndrome. What about you? In 2012, let's work on seeing with our minds and hearts, not our eyes. You never know; you might be surprised.

Smooches and Deuces!

Notes on a Page...

Why do we as women refuse to see and hear the truth? Men tell us who they are either by actions or words and we still refuse to believe. Why is that? Is there something hardwired into our DNA that causes us to miss the obvious? Take me for instance. I declared 2012 "My Year" and exclaimed that "No Bullshit" was the motto. Skip ahead barely 2 months and what am I caught all in the middle of? Some bullshit. Behind a man at that. It's time to stop rewriting history. It's time to do something different. I can learn from my mistakes. Really, I can. Besides, it doesn't have to be January or a Monday for a fresh start :).

Smooches and Deuces

Poetry Corner-untitled

Love is always sweet
When it's forbidden
Stolen moments
Turning into seconds, minutes, hours
Time flying faster than a locomotive
Kisses hotter than a coal-hot oven
Temperatures rising faster than Mercury
Hearts fluttering like a million butterflies
Silence
When there isn't a word that needs to be said
Sadness
When time runs out
Memories
To hold on to
'Til the next time
When it begins again...

Disclaimer: All poetry featured here is my own work, product of my mind. Do not copy or steal my words! Thanks! :)

Poetry Corner: a haiku for you

Occupational Hazard

This place is the pits
And I worked so hard for this
I need a re-do

Urban Decay

I am so excited! I finally broke down and bought the 15 year anniversary eyeshadow collection from Urban Decay. It's a little pricey ($55). However, it's limited edition and I couldn't be left out. The packaging is amazing (you get what you pay for). I have not swatched it at all. I hate to ruin it. Hehe. I can't wait to see what it looks like on me. I've seen lots of swatches on YouTube but everyone's skintone is unique and I think the colors will look great on me. Urban Decay's shadows have excellent pigmentation. Their Naked palette is my favorite. I will post an update once I use the anniversary palette.
In other Urban Decay news, I visited their website and they were having a sale. I just bought the anniversary palette (see above), so I wasn't planning on buying anything. However, they had pigments for $1 each!! Now, I am new to makeup so I've never used pigments. However, for $1, I can experiment :). I bought every color they had (1 was out of stock). I also read the reviews. Most ladies said that the packaging makes it difficult to use the pigments. One reviewer said she was going to pot them. Now, I've never put pigments in a pot but 1. that's what YouTube is for and 2. they were only $1!
A review will be coming soon!

Smooches and Deuces!

Inspiration

I returned to work yesterday and the stress quickly overtook me.  However, as I was putting my classroom together, an idea popped into my head for a novel. I have so many ideas that come into my head all the time. It's hard to know which writing project to begin first. I have to start somewhere though. I'm going to put this new idea on my list of upcoming projects. For now, I'm still working on the Glamour entry. Good night all!

Smooches and Deuces!

The blossoming writer...Maybe

My current writing project is an essay contest for Glamour magazine. It's a 2500 word essay about a life experience. I am not a fan of nonfiction. I much prefer fiction. True stories are so personal and therefore more difficult to write. My poetry is personal but that's different. I decided to write about something very personal and it's very difficult. I'm only at 800 words. I don't know if I'm going to make it...Ugh.  Keep grinding.

Smooches and Deuces!

Lip Chronicles

I've spoken of my obsession with lip products. My latest obsession: Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy glossy balm crystal color. It comes in 6 different colors. The packaging is beautiful. I have it in #2 (dewy papaya). It smells amazing. It is not a lipgloss but a lip balm so you won't get much color payout. So if that's what you're looking for, this may not be the product for you. It is also a bit pricey ($30) but it's well worth it. Your lips will feel wonderfully soft.
This product is available at http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P287104&categoryId=C15812

Until next time
Smooches and Deuces!

Updates and New Ventures

Hello there! It has been such a long time since I posted. I had to work this summer so I've been very busy. I'm finally off for a whole week before I go back to work. Usually, after the summer, I'm feeling refreshed, ready to greet my new students and start a new school year. This year, however, I am burnt out already. It pretty much sucks. Oh well. C'est la vie! Anyway, I had an epiphany the other day and I thought I would share it. I used to love my job. In fact, I still love my students and it is an enriching experience. However, dealing with adults is no picnic and it leaves me feeling hollow. Recently, a colleague of mine told me about a writing contest open to high school teachers. I was very excited about it and I submitted an original fiction piece. I've always wanted to be a writer but never thought it was feasible because I already have a job that I have to keep. However, what dawned on me is that I can still write and work. So my friends, I am going to start writing. I would love to do some freelance work but I realize I will have to work up to that. My next venture will be a nonfiction essay contest being given by Glamour magazine. Baby steps...So from time to time, I may share some of my writing here. We'll see.
On the fashion note, I am ready for the school year thanks to Ann Taylor factory store. I love that place! If you have one in your area, check it out! What I love is the range of sizes that you can't get in a regular Ann Taylor store. 2-18! The clothes are really nice.
Beauty news: There are a few products I'd like to share with you all. Be on the lookout for them.
Well, busy bee that I am, I have to go. I promise I'll be back soon.

Smooches and Deuces!

*Sigh*

I know. I have been a horrible blogger. I started this blog so I could have an outlet but real life is so overwhelming. I'm taking an online class that I wish I hadn't signed up for. Between that and working full-time, it's too much. And now I have a sprained foot (ouch). So, I'm still alive peeps, just sadly absent. Until next time...

Smooches and Deuces!

Shopping

Hello Peeps! I'm here to talk about my favorite pasttime: shopping. First of all, I wanna say please do not assume that I have tons of money just because I'm shopping most of the time. In my years, I have learned that you can afford to shop just about anywhere. You just need patience. Think about it. Stores get new clothes all the time. If they didn't sell anything, it'd be one full store. So, they have sales. And if you wait long enough, they will keep marking it down until you're able to afford it. For example, yesterday I made a purchase at Soma Intimates. I've been seriously sleeping on this store. They have very cute lounge wear and travel wear. Anyway, a few weeks ago, I saw a pajama set I wanted. It was $45 for each piece (pants and top). Yesterday, I got both pieces at 70% off and paid $27 for the whole thing. Woo HOO!!!


Well, that's all for now. Until next time....

Smooches and Deuces!

Weightloss Journey

Well Peeps, I am so excited. I have lost about 5-6 lbs. I haven't been very strict on myself. I have just been trying to make some better choices when it comes to what I eat. I've also increased the number of meals I cook at home. This has been a huge help. I have a very hectic schedule so it's difficult to find time to cook. I have a 45-minute commute (1-way) everyday. And dealing with teenagers all day does not put me in the mood to put out a 4-star meal at the end of the day but I am trying. I am trying to get back to weight I was before I gained it all. A little back story: I suffered back-to-back miscarriages. I gained the weight and some of it is still here. I want it gone. Slow and steady wins the race.

Smooches and Deuces...

My absence...

I've been a little absent as of late and I'm sorry 'bout that. I'm sure the 1 reader I have will be devastated. Anyway, I got my Urban Decay Naked pallette and I LOVE it! My next post will be all about my current obsession. Until then Peeps...

Smooches and Deuces!

Lipgloss-Oh My!

I am a ligloss addict. There. I said it. My quest for gloss started when I was in high school. You see, I had one of those mothers who frowned on lipstick so I was always on the hunt for a tinted lip. Chapstick with Vaseline on top, drinking a red icee and aplying clear gloss on top...You name it, I tried it. Finally, when I was able to wear lipstick, I couldn't find anything that I liked. I preferred sheer lip colors. My very first decent lipgloss was a MAC gloss called Oh Baby. I loved it. It was neutral and sheer and fabulous. Then I started wearing lipgloss exclusively. You will rarely ever see me in a lipstick. Up until recently, my very favorite lip gloss was Dazzleglass by MAC in Date Night. OMG it was amazing the first time I put it on. I then proceeded to go through about 4 tubes of it because apparently those sneaky people at that company make it run out quickly. Well played MAC. Well played. Anyway, then I tried Superglass. I have it in Superflash. It was okay. I also have a Bare Minerals lipgloss called Plumtini. I like it but it's a little too sheer for my taste. Here's what I'm loving right now:  Estee Lauder High Gloss in Honey. It was free and reminds me of Oh Baby but not as sticky, which is a good thing. Philosophy bubbly lip shine. I'm not sure of the scent but it kinda smells like champagne (yum!). And last (but definitely not least) is my new Nars lipgloss I just got in the mail and you can see on me in my previous post (The Look-#2). First of all, shout out to ThesPNation for introducing me to Nars. I. love. this. gloss. It goes on like butter. It feels amazing. Now that I've tried it, I'd like more colors. My next color: Super Orgasm. (What's up with the names?) Anyway, what's your cosmetic must-have?

Smooches and Deuces!

The Look- #2

Here is another look I tried. The foundation and powder are the same. The eye makeup is different and the lip. Here's the breakdown: Luxe pallette by E.L.F., Mac shadows in Cranberry (frost) and Era (satin); liquid liner from Dollar Tree (yes the Dollar store), and mascara from Wal-Mart. Lips: lipliner by Mac in Nightmoth and gloss by Nars in Bouganville. Post to follow on the gloss.

Thoughts on this look? Which do you prefer? Look #1 or #2?

Smooches and Deuces!

The Look

This is me world! As I've stated in earlier posts, I'm working on my fierceness this year. So, here is a look I tried out today.
What I'm wearing: Hair: Bobbi Boss (no name; came from local beauty supply)
Face: Mac studio fix foundation (NW45); Mac sheer loose powder (NW45); Chestnut eyeshadow palette from E.L.F.; Mac lipliner in Chestnut and Estee Lauder lipgloss in Honey. Glasses are Rampage. Tell me what you think!

P.S. Next makeup look will feature my brand new Nars ligloss! Yay!

Smooches and Deuces!