tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87827737282604022802024-03-13T12:53:09.476-07:00a story about a bird suspended in flight "He lives the poetry that he cannot write. The others write the poetry that they dare not realise" ~ Oscar Wilde
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it is not artistic or poetic. it is just the ramblings of a twenty-something girl stuck in her dream world, waiting for her escape. it is about a girl who knows where she wants to be but doesn't know how to get there. can she write her way into reality?
ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-56274666570660097652013-12-14T06:48:00.002-08:002013-12-14T08:08:58.965-08:00Life in Vrksasana (Tree Pose)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been attempting to create a better sense of balance in my life in order to get rid of the clutter (material clutter as well as mental clutter) and move towards a direction that is beneficial and promotes growth, happiness and well-being.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past year has been one of reflection. Being unemployed (awaiting a residency/work visa) left me with more free time than I would like/I'm used to. It also cropped up a myriad of unwanted emotions, mostly the sense of uselessness. While there was nothing that could be done about the delay in visa processing, I allowed it to get the better of me. I could not help but to feel restless, in constant search of something to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although I could not work in the traditional sense, I took on several "projects" this year in an attempt at gaining more valuable work experience on the one hand but more honestly, because I did not want to have to account for gaps in my CV. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Living in a new country, there are more opportunities and less opportunities. More opportunities because there are different companies and organisations from the ones you know and less opportunities because of the language and cultural barrier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having worked in the non-profit sector before and being passionate about human rights and development, I looked for organisations that worked in these areas. I was happy to know that an Amnesty International branch existed in Prague, as I had always been interested in the work they do. I decided to start attending their English letter-writing meetings and it soon became a fairly regular thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, I still felt incomplete. I decided to try to earn some money by doing some private English lessons. The pay was good and the kids were surprisingly clever and analytical. They were a joy to work with though I didn't feel a great sense of passion towards teaching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few years back, I had contemplated getting certified as a teacher and had taken the California exams for them. Somehow though, that got a bit sidetracked and I ended up teaching English in Japan for 2 years. My excuse was that I wanted to see how I would like teaching as a career but mostly, I had this great nomadic itch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though I thought that teaching could be my career path, I soon realised that I'm more passionate about education as an institution for change and growth than actually teaching. I wasn't a bad teacher but in retrospect, the students deserved someone who could connect with them beyond a mere informational level. I have a great respect for teachers because the good ones not only teach you math, science, history, English etc. but also inspire students to aspire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finding out that it wasn't the right job for me was a bit disappointing but eye-opening. So then why did I decide to search for teaching jobs when I first came to Prague and why did I take on the private tutoring? Sometimes necessity triumphs over desire. I was forcing myself to do it because I felt like I should be doing <i>something</i>. And as an a native English-speaking expat, it's the easiest opportunity to find. But easiness, the path most taken, I realise, is marked with a sense of longing. It may be a short path but you miss the wonderful scenery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This sense of needing to do something never left me this entire year. I kept adding more and more to the plate, unnecessarily increasing stress on myself because I needed to feel a sense of accomplishment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not long after I began tutoring, I joined an environmental non-profit organisation as a Media Intern. I felt that it would be an enriching experience because I was interested in environmental policies and how governments spend money on energy projects. However, to be completely honest, the projects I was assigned to were mind-numbing and I felt that my full-potential was not realised. I tried to be positive and sugarcoat what I was doing to make it sound more important but alas, for me at least, it was absolutely boring. I really thought I would have more passion for the work since it was for a cause I supported. However, looking back at my past work experience, this seems to be untrue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What is the correlation with work and passion? How is it that you can be passionate about a cause and not enjoy working on it? I thought, being politically-minded and aware would automatically draw me into a career in the NGO or government sector but thus far, my experiences working with NGOs have been personally unfulfilling despite my enthusiastic support of the organisation's work. Every non-profit I have worked for thus far does poignant and necessary work that needs to recognised and I sincerely believe in all their objectives. However, as I am writing this, maybe I am beginning to realise that this is not the sector for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This saddens me incredibly as I had always thought that this would be my career path. I have always argued passionately about these causes...it would only seem natural to want to get involved in a more profound way. I think I have forced myself to try again and again because in my mind, this was the right way. But maybe it's time to rethink my path.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't think the right path is one without struggle and stress but I think it will be one where I recognise that I am doing something and going somewhere and want to work harder towards it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Was it better to force myself to do these things that weren't quite satisfying or to have done nothing at all (which is never really nothing...inaction is action in it of itself)? I can't really say but at least I know what I don't want to do (I feel like I need constant reminders of this...stubborn much?).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've always made my life seem so put together so when it's all unraveling now, it's a big shock to my ego. After reading this, you are probably thinking that I am inconsistent and that I don't know what I want or what I am going to do with my life. You're right. I am lost but I am going to continue to try new things/paths until I find one that works for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Someone asked me yesterday what kind of career I am looking for. It is a simple question and before, I probably would have had a better answer but I simply said, "I'm open". It's not very satisfying but it's the truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I contemplate times when I have been happy or have felt accomplished, I think of working at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Although I was an intern, I felt useful and involved and was proud to represent the organisation. It didn't feel like work although it was a lot of work. When the film festival started, interacting with the guests (film festival goers and more high-profile invited guests) was riveting. I was constantly on my feet but I felt an actual sense of purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More recently, I was happy as a graduate student. It was not so much the professors or the institution but the diverse members of my program helped me refine my perspective on world affairs in some ways and redefine them in other ways. The discussions in class gave me new insights on politics as well as global development. I felt truly blessed to be in the company of such inspired minds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So where do we go from here? Who knows?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The end of the year is a good time to reflect and rid yourself of clutter in preparation for the new year. I need to get rid of things that are not nourishing me anymore and find things that will! I love challenges but I feel that things shouldn't feel like a constant uphill battle. </span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-4112717215700384312013-12-14T05:39:00.001-08:002013-12-14T07:00:52.162-08:00The Art of Balance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing that has a very modern application. Native to the Indian subcontinent, "Ayurveda" translates to the knowledge/science of life and incorporates specific diets, routines and awareness to promote self-healing and self-actualisation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a wide range of literature on this topic but this article (<a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1722">Intro to Ayurveda</a>) provides the essentials. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">According to Ayurveda, we are made up of different energies, or doshas, known as vata, pitta and kapha. Though each person encompasses all three energies, most people tend to have more of one or the other. This unique combination makes up who you are and helps explain your tendencies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find out what dosha(s) you are here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://doshaquiz.chopra.com/Dosha-Vata.asp?v=8&p=1&k=1">What's Your Dosha?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a mix of Vata-Pitta. Out of balance Vata can lead to:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">nervousness, anxiety, panic, fear</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">twitches, tics, tremors, spasms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dry or chapped skin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">constipation, gas, bloating, dry, hard stools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">low body weight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dislike of cold and wind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">difficulty tolerating loud noises</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">light, interrupted sleep</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">spacey, scattered feeling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">excess thinking or worrying</span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Additionally, out of balance Pitta can lead to:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">red, inflamed rash, acne, cold sores</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">acute inflammation in body or joints</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">nausea or discomfort upon missing meals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">loose stools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">uncomfortable feeling of heat in the body</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">frustration, anger, irritability</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">judgment, impatience, criticism, intolerance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">red, inflamed or light-sensitive eyes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">excessive perfectionist tendencies</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"></span><span style="line-height: 17px;">Source: (<a href="http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/balancing_vata.html">Banyan Botanicals</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Once you know your dosha, you can work on balancing it. "Balance" means eating a variety of foods appropriate for your body type, exercise that is suitable for your dosha and being mindful and present in your daily life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">To happiness, balance and beauty!</span></span></div>
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ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-16262692904811773082013-03-31T01:04:00.000-07:002013-03-31T01:38:24.810-07:00Café v Praze a další<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: nowrap;">I have a lot of free time now as I am waiting for my work permit so what better what</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: nowrap;">to spend it than to explore </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">more of the city? You could say that I am a sucker for a good coffee shop with a nice atmosphere and interesting </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">decor. That said, here are some of my choices from Prague:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Been to:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a class="l" href="http://milujikavu.cz/en/" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="cursor: pointer;">Kavárna </span></span><em style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;">Friends Coffee House</em></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">-</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Centrally located, it is a good place to come and chat with your friends or study. It is not too crowded or loud and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the inside room has a nice intimate atmosphere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a class="l" href="http://www.globebookstore.cz/" style="cursor: pointer;">The <em style="font-style: normal;">Globe</em> Bookstore & Café</a> </span><span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">-</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nice bookshop with a good selection of English books. Atmosphere of the place is comfortable and welcoming and the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">breakfast menu is good. I had the huevos rancheros which were delicious and came in a huge portion. Many </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">expats come here so all staff members speak English. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a class="l" href="http://www.starbucks.com/store/1974/" style="cursor: pointer;"><span style="color: blue;"><em style="font-style: normal;">Malostranske Namesti</em> | <em style="font-style: normal;">Starbucks</em> Coffee Company</span></a> </span><span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">- </span></span></h3>
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<span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Always packed and noisy so it might be difficult to get a seat. I much prefer the downstairs section as it is more </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">chilled out and quiet. Staff all speak English as there are lots of tourists. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><a class="l vst" href="http://www.kavarnavelryba.cz/" style="cursor: pointer;"><span style="color: blue;">Kavárna<span style="cursor: pointer;"> </span><em style="cursor: pointer; font-style: normal;">Velryba</em></span></a> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">-</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good place to go to chat with friends or study. It is a bit hidden but it's worth the find. Extensive food and drink </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">menu as well as desserts. I had the hot apple cider and apple pie, both of which were fairly good, though not </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">amazing. I will go back and try their other menu items. </span></div>
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<span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a class="l" href="http://www.ceske-hospudky.cz/kavarny/praha-1/fleurs-cafe-17122" style="cursor: pointer;"><span style="color: blue;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Fleurs Café</em> </span></a> -</span></h3>
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<span style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Really nice atmosphere for after work drinks and chatting with your friends or a date with your boyfriend.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> It is </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">quiet and has a nice outdoor </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">section for when the weather warms up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Want to try:</span></div>
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<a class="l" href="http://www.rybkapub.cz/" style="cursor: pointer; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><em style="font-style: normal;">Café Rybka</em> - <em style="font-style: normal;">Kavárna</em> S Knihkupectvím</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a class="l" href="http://www.mama-cafe.cz/" style="cursor: pointer;"><em style="font-style: normal;">Mama Café</em> :: Fairtrade kavárna ve Vodičkově ulici v Praze</a></span></h3>
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<span style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a class="l" href="http://www.kaaba.cz/" style="cursor: pointer;"><em style="font-style: normal;">Kaaba</em> kavárna trafika</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite coffee shops around the world:</span></div>
<a href="http://www.cafe-bleu.net/">Cafe Bleu</a> - Matsuyama, Japan<br />
<a href="http://tabelog.com/ehime/A3801/A380101/38006429/">mori cafe モリカフェ </a> - Matsuyama, Japan<br />
<a href="http://www.cafe-crema.net/?tid=2&mode=f3">Cafe Crema</a> - Matsuyama, Japan<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TicTocCafe">Tic Toc Cafe</a> - Brighton, UK<br />
<a href="http://www.themarwood.com/">The Marwood Coffee Shop</a> - Brighton, UK<br />
<a href="http://www.harlembelfast.com/">Harlem Belfast</a> - Belfast, UK<br />
<a href="http://zocalo.com/">Zocalo Coffeehouse</a> - San Leandro, California<br />
<a href="http://www.thenaturalcafe.com/">The Natural Cafe</a> - Santa Barbara, California<br />
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Čau. Next blog will be about my favorite places in Prague. I hope to explore this city more and more and really get to know my new home.<br />
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ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-21819188799840270852013-03-25T04:28:00.001-07:002013-03-25T04:28:48.708-07:00"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark Twain said it. I am 27 years old today, neither old or young. In this past year, I have had the most amazing experiences and learned many life lessons. I travelled to many places and had many 24-hour friendships. Many of the people that you meet on your travels are people you will never see again in your life but for the time you are there and they are there, you have a shared experience. And every shared experience, long or short, enriches your life. I hunger to see more, experience more and LIVE more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then there was studying for and completing my MA degree which more than a piece of paper signifying accomplishment has showed me how little I know about the world, which I am the most grateful for. I learned so much and realize I have so much more to learn and that politics is just a reflection of human nature when it all comes down to it. It is the insecurity that we feel about ourselves multiplied onto a grand scale and reflected in policy-making. Now that is insane. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And finally, when you have no expectations, the most unexpected and wonderful things can happen. And when they do, it is so embedded in us to channel our pragmatism and say that it can't be but if you let yourself dream, maybe dreams do come true. The best thing about 26 was meeting Honza, the sweet Czech boy who made my fairytales a reality. But once that reality sets in, so do other realities and complications. We fought and continue fighting for us. He showed me my strength and bravery and I realize that if I wanted something, I would have to fight. I am here now, home. Home with my love, my everything...the one who dared to dream big. I want to continue my adventures this year and now, I have the perfect companion for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><3</span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-40870252361722794282013-03-18T06:49:00.000-07:002013-03-18T10:35:39.149-07:00chapter one of an untitled tale<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had both always kind of felt that we were born in the wrong decade...two lost dreamers in a post-dream world. Perhaps it was nothing more than mere romanticism...this idea so deeply ingrained in our minds that <i>those</i> were the times. When we first met the sweet Mary Jane and all of us fell in love with her instantly and really, how could we not? Her perfume lingered in our thoughts endlessly. And the girl sure had a lot of personality.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And those tunes that helped us pass the days. It was all about the six-string and lyrics that meant more than words on a page. It was all about those greats we still talk about and sing along with. It’s 1969 and someone hands you a Led Zeppelin record and says, “hey, you have got to check this out”. Fuck................that’s really got to blow your mind. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Well, could you imagine it?” he said, as he passed me the joint.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Suck it into your lungs”. I breathed it in with all intention and let out a slow exhale.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That was the time of Vietnam...massive protests and talks of revolution. Thousands claimed the streets and made a declaration for peace, humming the sounds of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, reciting their anthems like a broken record player.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And we are the time of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and countless other shit storms we had managed to get ourselves involved in. The protests now seemed quieter or perhaps the world had just evolved into a highly functioning remote controller with a powerful “mute” button. But in actual fact, we both weren’t quite convinced that the world was so highly functioning to begin with. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was just a natural nomad who constantly found excuses to move about. By 26, I had lived in Kuala Lumpur, the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Barbara, Matsuyama (Japan), Sussex (England) and now Prague. Of course nomadism comes at a price and quite literally at that. This reinvention of the hippy lifestyle is nothing short of a luxury afforded to middle-class folks with a little too much cash. I was lucky in that sense but I am hardly delusional about it. I see it for what it is. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And he, who was known as “Prague boy” by my parents for the longest time, was born, grew up and has lived in Prague all his life. His parents and those of their generation were witnesses and participants in the Velvet Revolution, a revolution which led to the overthrow of the one-party Communist government. He was too young to remember it but it no doubt changed everything about the way he lived. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan (or Hans or Honza or Honzik) and Joan. That was us, “gracious gifts of God”, which still has to be the most ironic meaning for our names seeing as we are atheist and I would hardly describe either of us as particularly gracious, though he certainly is a gift. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jan and Joan. We are the dreamers of dreams. </span></span></div>
ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-34418305743523783952013-02-27T10:19:00.000-08:002013-02-27T10:27:11.470-08:00Imperfection is beauty<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” - Marilyn Monroe</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beauty has sort of always been an inspiration for art. And we are obsessed about beauty in one form or another. While looking our best undoubtedly makes us feel empowered and confident, it is also a performance for others. My boyfriend recently posed a very poignant question: "why don't women wear makeup when they are just hanging around the house?" Obviously to a certain extent, we dress up or make ourselves up for society. That being said, I think that it is absolutely fabulous to want to look your best. But for me, "looking your best" means embracing your imperfections and enhancing your natural features, not hiding them. Like most women, I would often nitpick about my own physical flaws but after several months of my boyfriend insisting everyday that I am beautiful, he has gotten through to me. (Ladies, find a man/woman who thinks you are the most beautiful person in the world!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thus, this post will be about how I enhance what I have and how I have come to accept the my forehead wrinkles, acne scars and uneven eyelids!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My skincare/makeup routine:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Start the morning off right with a good cleanser. I use Neutrogena's "Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cream Cleanser. I chose a "cream cleanser" specifically because winter is very drying for my skin. This cleanser is nice because it doesn't dry out the skin and it leaves a tingly, refreshed feeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Apply a serum. I use the Roc Multi-Correxion Skin Renewing Serum. This while increase moisture to your skin and fight noticeable signs of aging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Apply a primer before makeup application. I use the Tarte "Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer" which minimizes the appearance of pores and helps the makeup stay in place. I highly recommend this product. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Then, mix a moisturizer with SPF with a BB Cream or foundation. Not only does it help prevent dry patches on your skin but it also looks more natural. You will have a youthful and natural glow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Define your brows. It will frame your face much better and make you look more youthful and awake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Eyeshadow is not a must for me but if I do, I usually apply a light color (white, beige) all over and a subtle brown shadow wash on my lids. Find a color that complements your eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Eyeliner and masacra are a must. For more awake eyes, try lining your bottom waterline with a white liner and also using it on the inner corners of your eyes. For the top, use a black liner as close to the lashes as possible for a enlarging but subtle effect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Apply bronzer or blush (or both) in an upward motion towards your ears. Subtlety is the key here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Moisturize your lips with a good lip balm that contains shea butter. Finally, I like to use a lip stain like Clinique's "Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm" for a subtle hint of color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. At night, I like to take off my makeup with an oil-based cleanser. I use one from the famous Shu Uemura cleansing oil collection. It leaves your skin so soft and clean and though it is expensive, it lasts a long time and is completely worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The completed look will be one you can wear everyday and will enhance your features without hiding your true face. Be beautiful and confident everyday. </span></div>
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ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-4185433586003188832013-01-30T02:27:00.000-08:002013-01-30T02:27:08.590-08:00rEVOLution <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Praha is much different this time of year. There is an encompassing moodiness about it, like a temperamental child. Yet, there is something so beautiful about the snow-laden streets, frigid air and grey skies. It begs of hot coffee to be had, poetry to be written, thoughts to be contemplated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">New Year's Eve, though almost one month past, was something that brought hope and enlightenment. Everywhere, from the first moment of darkness, fireworks exploded without care...lawless, free. We were on a park bench near the bridge we met and looking across the water, we saw the moon situated so perfectly in between the buildings, so bright and round, asserting its purpose. Then we decided to go home to watch the fireworks from our own balcony, enjoying a bottle of champagne, way too early in the night. But it was such a good idea. It seemed that the world was playing a show just for us. It was intimate and exciting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everything else is still in the air. It's a bit nerve-wrecking as February nears but Honza and I will make it work. We just have to. We are each other's rocks...though we drive each other crazy sometimes. But I don't care, I love it. </span></div>
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ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-54365945711517029572012-12-10T11:40:00.000-08:002012-12-10T11:43:01.387-08:00i was following the...<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Been in Prague for a few days now. It's been much different to my visit before. Of course the first time here I was only a tourist but now living here, you become much more aware of your "otherness". I don't want to delve on this though because it's neither a good or bad thing. However, what has been interesting lately and of which will be the biggest challenge/test is the idea of normalcy. When you're in a relationship, initially things are quite exciting. You go out on dates, are both on your best behavior and you choose when you see each other. However, after awhile, things become more monotonous. And that is when reality sets in. Do you enjoy the boring everyday moments of life with that person? That is really the million dollar question. It seems that married life reflects that. Of course you do exciting and fun things once in awhile but the majority of time spent together is quite routine...so I suppose that is the biggest test. When things are new and exciting, everything is marvelous but what happens when the excitement dies down? Do the emotions taper off as well?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="line line-s" id="line_9">"I was following the pack,</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_10">All swallowed in their coats</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_11">With scarves of red tied 'round their throats</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_12">To keep their little heads</span>
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ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0Prague, Czech Republic50.0755381 14.437800549.9124891 14.1219435 50.238587100000004 14.7536575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-47693953884770786662012-11-30T13:12:00.002-08:002012-11-30T17:05:32.534-08:00living out of suitcases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh sweet warm California...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">how you have filled me with your tender words and begged me to stay...I come sometimes to bathe in your rays and to meet again those smiling faces...but you know me just as well as I know myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are not caught up in any delusions...but it is not abandonment, no. You will always be my home but my nomadic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">soul itches and yearns for something else. I cannot be certain that this is permanent but I will go as the wind goes and listen to the rhythm of my heart...though sometimes, it hurts me so. But pain is a sign of life...a symptom of existence...and when it rears its ugly head, it breaks down even the surest of us. Yes, its awful but the alternative is numbness for fuck's sake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Getting ready to leave once again. I feel as though my life is spent in airports. The interesting thing about airports is that they represent two sides of a spectrum...they are both the happiest place and saddest place to be. On one hand, a new sense of adventure awaits (a new destination, new friends, meeting old friends etc.) and on the other, its a place full of goodbyes. I have experienced both. I have been overcome with joy and I have also cried my heart out. But as I pack for my 16 hour flight to Prague next Wednesday, I don't know how I feel yet. It hasn't quite hit me yet but I'm looking forward to my next adventure, a new chapter. 1 large suitcase and 1 backpack contains my life.</span><br />
<br />ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0Castro Valley, CA, USA37.6940973 -122.086352237.6438393 -122.16531619999999 37.7443553 -122.0073882tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-3393060600507647682012-11-27T12:26:00.002-08:002012-11-27T12:53:15.799-08:00sometimes you just have to chill out<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SC7NxrH_3QI/ULUddxhXuoI/AAAAAAAAAOw/a1tRhTftXDk/s1600/Candlesnew276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SC7NxrH_3QI/ULUddxhXuoI/AAAAAAAAAOw/a1tRhTftXDk/s320/Candlesnew276.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIo9_wgIDTc/ULUlcGA08mI/AAAAAAAAAPA/7UcWsNRnVt4/s1600/yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIo9_wgIDTc/ULUlcGA08mI/AAAAAAAAAPA/7UcWsNRnVt4/s320/yoga.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">b</span>e pa<span style="font-size: large;">tient</span>,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">b</span>e kind ,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">b</span>e balanced<span style="font-size: large;">,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">b</span>e fine</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">... </span><b> </b></span></span></div>
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my ultimate chill playlist<br />
<br />
1. paradise circus - massive attack<br />
2. exile vilify - the national<br />
3. lebanese blonde - thievery corporation<br />
4. lemonade - coco rosie<br />
5. hell is around the corner - tricky<br />
6. holocene - bon iver<br />
7. winter birds - ray lamontagne<br />
8. fish jumpin - scott cook<br />
9. raein - olafur arnalds <br />
10. hoppipolla - sigur ros <br />
11. i'm still your fag - broken social scene <br />
12. blank pages - the album leaf<br />
13. roads - portishead<br />
14. first breath after coma - explosions in the sky<br />
15. quiet - this will destroy you<br />
16. misery is a butterfly - blonde redhead <br />
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<a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/1111397331/playlist/1qK7cYMePSL9gk6SS0EBGM">"sometimes you just have to chill out" playlist</a><br />
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<br />ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-48486083510963833512012-11-27T10:28:00.000-08:002012-11-27T10:40:19.596-08:00are you mad or am i mad?<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">the current obsessions playlist (female artists version):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. "skinny love" - birdy </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. "never let me go" - florence and the machine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. "ride" - lana del rey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. "figure 8" - elie goulding </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. "tell me why" - M.I.A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. "deep red bells" - neko case </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. "to be with you" - the honey trees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. "china doll" - dear prudence </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9. "steal his heart" - emily and the woods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10. "mariposas" - zahara </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"I was a very unusual girl, my mother told me I had a chameleon soul. No moral compass pointing due north, no fixed personality. Just an inner indecisiveness that was as wide and wavering as the ocean. And if I said that I didn't plan for it to turn out this way, I'd be lying because I was born to be the other woman. I belonged to no one, who belonged to everyone, who had nothing, who wanted everything with a fire for every experience and an obsession for freedom that terrified me to a point that I couldn't even talk about and pushed me into a nomadic point of madness that both dazzled and dizzied me" ~ Lana Del Rey</span></span> </div>
<br />ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-16964160191615778022012-11-26T16:39:00.002-08:002012-11-27T10:41:27.942-08:00this bird flies north in winter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueRHWhk_d6A/ULQG9CFwOkI/AAAAAAAAAOg/9smcBom3uAM/s1600/birdmigration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueRHWhk_d6A/ULQG9CFwOkI/AAAAAAAAAOg/9smcBom3uAM/s400/birdmigration.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span class="sqq">“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.”</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While most birds fly south in the winter, I am going against the grain and flying northeast. What a peculiar bird I am. From sunny California to snowy Prague, flying with only hope, courage and the will to survive. <br />
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When people make decisions, others feel the need to question the intention, the reasoning of such actions. But when cynical people ask "why", the better question would be "why not"? Uncertainty always seems to cause a bit of anxiety in people. The road less taken seems dangerous and threatening. However, if you step back for a moment and look at the big picture, you will realize that nothing is certain. Everything, no matter how much you plan for it or no matter how many precautions you take can change from moment to moment. We are so much the creatures of fear that we dare not step outside the carefully painted lines, to question the Big Brother. I am not without fear but the only difference is, I do not let it rule my life. Whether or not you stay in this carefully manipulated space, life will move forth. Taking risks can lead to disappointment and loss but what can be gained is even greater. We must accept the possible consequences of all our risk-taking, both the good and bad but should also know that with bad comes experience. A bad experience doesn't mean we should shy away from risks...quite the opposite actually. It means that we should learn from it and take more calculated risks. No one ever found happiness or success playing it safe. Why settle for mediocrity?<br />
<br />
My decisions, whether considered acceptable or not, do not need to be justified. I'm willing to just let things be...take it one day at a time. If things work out, all the better and if they don't, it's life and I carry on...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~ "Carry On" by Fun. </span>~</div>
ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-83382074561377472092012-11-24T11:31:00.001-08:002012-11-24T11:31:38.976-08:00teach me how to fly to "nebe"<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">you stepped out of my dream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and said, "hello darling, what's your name?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">we floated all around the city streets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">kissed hard on random corners, bridges, store fronts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">on that balcony in the morning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">me wrapped in a blanket</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">watching you smoke your cigarette</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and you asked me about my favorite LDR song</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and you played me "summertime sadness"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and whispered in my ear, "kiss me hard before you go"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">there was always something a little tragic about that theme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">coming and leaving, hellos and goodbyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">one night you saw the birds on my back</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and i said "one is okay but two is better"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">every pilot needs a co-pilot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">every girl needs a partner in crime</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and curiously you asked</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"who is the other bird?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">but i didn't know</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">because i hadn't found him yet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and you took my tiny hands </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and said, "let me be the other bird"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">let us fly into the unknown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">our hearts beating fast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">and scared shitless</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">but with all the courage that love demands</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">shaking, i said, "okay, let's go" </span><br />
<br />ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-84327843382745235062012-11-22T11:22:00.001-08:002012-11-22T11:30:24.135-08:00today i give out thanks like hippies give out flowers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymHLG5UTGa0/UK5obJ_4IgI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/aUAPmm_t0NE/s1600/beat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymHLG5UTGa0/UK5obJ_4IgI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/aUAPmm_t0NE/s400/beat.png" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Happy Thanksgiving mates! </b></span><br />
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">I
am thankful for my parents who sometimes disagree with me but support
me nonetheless and who show care and love unmatched by anyone else,
thankful for my family of whom I can talk to about anything and of whom
we can laugh together about everything, thankful for all the wonderful
people I met this year and all the friends that have stood by me
throughout the years and last but not least, thankful for Hans who
reminds me everyday how to live a beatnik life and whom has showed me
that everything and anything is possible. Thank
you, thank you, thank you!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">-----<3---<3---<3---<3---<3-----</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
</span><div>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent">Kerouac and Ginsberg, you two fucking rock my world. This passage, defined my adolescence, </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span><br />
</span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent"><i><b>"<span style="font-size: small;">I saw the best minds of my generat<span style="font-size: small;">ion destroyed by madness, starving hysterical nake<span style="font-size: small;">d, dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix, angelheaded hipsters burning for the <span style="font-size: small;">ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynam<span style="font-size: small;">o in the machinery of night, who poverty and tatters and hollow-eyed and high sat up smoking in the supernatural darkness of cold-water flats floating across the to<span style="font-size: small;">ps of cities <span style="font-size: small;">contemplating ja<span style="font-size: small;">zz"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Now, I must say that living this sort of "life on the road" is also a bit of a luxury. It comes from a certain middle-class socioeconomic status in which people can afford to travel, think about being free, backpack across India for 6 months, do yoga, smoke pot...all these things. It stems from a certain education, literacy, access to literature and film...a sort of privilege. Even to live this minimalist lifestyle requires a lot of resources and time that the average working class person cannot even begin to contemplate. So on the other extreme, there are people who engage in very blatantly luxurious activities like shopping sprees, staying at 5-star hotels, dining at expensive restaurants etc. etc. but isn't it both kind of the same side of the coin? One is not better or worse than the other. It is simply a lifestyle preference but most importantly, we must be self-aware about the things we do and why we do them. I am aware that I have had the privilege to travel a lot and experience many new and interesting things and also equally aware that my ideology has been heavily shaped by writers of the Beat Generation (most notably Ken Kesey, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg) and existential philosophers such as Jean Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. I claim no originality in my thoughts or lifestyle choices but I am on a constant path towards defining myself. The ever pertinent existential question, "who am I"? </span></span></span></span></div>
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ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-11534689308679016962012-11-19T21:39:00.001-08:002012-11-19T21:53:54.987-08:00a little bit of courage goes a long way<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"I
learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over
it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who
conquers that fear" ~ Nelson Mandela</span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your hear and intuition" ~ Steve Jobs </span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are" ~ e.e cummings </span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> <3---<3---<3---<3---<3</span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">My decisions may not always be right but I am not willing to be ruled by fear. I will only be a stronger person if I can look fear in the eye and not back down. It is difficult and unpleasant and I will have to step out of my comfort zone and maybe even cause some anger, sadness and resentment but the alternative is regret, boredom and imprisonment of the soul. I choose to fly. The bird can no longer be stuck in her little cage. I breathe a sigh of relief now. </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Be like the bird that,
passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way
beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings." ~ <b>Victor Hugo</b></span> </span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></h5>
ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-5822803113285966922012-11-18T19:09:00.002-08:002012-11-18T19:13:51.447-08:00"Bluebird" ~ Charles Bukowski <div class="content richp" role="main" style="overflow: hidden;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etmc9fzxZfM/UKmjFOtYOYI/AAAAAAAAAOA/BIysOYPjnoU/s1600/bluebird3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etmc9fzxZfM/UKmjFOtYOYI/AAAAAAAAAOA/BIysOYPjnoU/s400/bluebird3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
there's a bluebird in my heart that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wants to get out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm too tough for him,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say, stay in there, I'm not going</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to let anybody see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there's a bluebird in my heart that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wants to get out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I pour whiskey on him and inhale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cigarette smoke</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the whores and the bartenders</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the grocery clerks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
never know that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there's a bluebird in my heart that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wants to get out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm too tough for him,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stay down, do you want to mess</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
me up?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you want to screw up the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
works?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you want to blow my book sales in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Europe?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there's a bluebird in my heart that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wants to get out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm too clever, I only let him out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at night sometimes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when everybody's asleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say, I know that you're there,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so don't be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then I put him back,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but he's singing a little</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in there, I haven't quite let him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
die</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we sleep together like</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with our</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
secret pact</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it's nice enough to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
make a man</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
weep, but I don't</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
weep, do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you?</div>
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-79308388679296969472012-11-18T18:30:00.000-08:002012-11-18T18:30:18.803-08:00the city with the brilliant ears<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Neurotic nostalgia insisted<br />Clamped tight like the airways of a drowning victim<br />Struggling frenziedly for life and I too, struggled <br />I struggled to liberate myself <br />Imbedded in that plastic smile and the materialism only money and sweat shop labor could buy<br />But everyday I yearn for the poetry of the city’s grey skies<br />Mysterious and enticing <br />How it captivates my senses<br />Penetrates me with all its complexity<br />And at the same moment, its arresting simplicity<br />Cuffed to me like the hippie on Market Street that chained her wrists to the door of the corporate office and refused to move<br />Until someone listened<br />And the city with all its ears<br />Heard me <br />And her<br />And all of us.</span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-35498960193598297882012-11-18T18:25:00.000-08:002012-11-18T18:25:37.704-08:00this is sensory overload<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our lips quiver anxiously<br />As our hearts race<br />Cut, the scene is over<br />45 minutes later<br />The earth explodes into a sensory playground<br />A circle of dreams dissolved <br />Pulsating my imaginations out loud<br />Feel a world where everything you touch is silk<br />Taste the aroma of sensuality in every breath<br />Smell the purity of untouched lands<br />Hear the secrets of ghosts<br />See everything as it is meant to be seen<br />Unfiltered, without prejudice<br />Take everything I have<br />Give me all of you<br />Take me into your mind<br />Give me both your hands<br />We can be swept away<br />Like children’s fairy tales<br />Imagine a time before the word “no”<br />What did we know?<br />Nothing<br />So tell me everything.</span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-14323576249845692202012-11-18T18:16:00.002-08:002012-11-18T18:16:50.010-08:00shall we carouse?<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ubiquitous fog <br />Seduces me astray <br />Desolate forecast <br />Abducts me today. <br />Exigency of city life<br /> Entices me, arouse<br /> Quandary resolved <br />En masse, carouse.</span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-57773784566132723692012-11-18T18:15:00.001-08:002012-11-18T19:04:15.268-08:00i-n-s-p-i-r-a-t-i-o-n, is it you that calls my name?I need some INSPIRATION<br />
"I" like the ideology that wraps itself around you like a blanket<br />
And the blanket is a protection<br />
The protection is a mask<br />
A masquerade<br />
Returning the gaze<br />
I can see you just as much as you can see me<br />
"N" I, "N" is like the narcissism that tunnels your vision<br />
All you can see is “me” <br />
And all your fucked up little dreams<br />
Hidden behind that mirror <br />
And gazing doesn’t make it any clearer<br />
But "S", "S" is for sexuality<br />
Striped to shreds by society’s morality<br />
But I don’t understand why<br />
The religion that preaches tolerance<br />
Has followers so filled with hate<br />
But it’s not too late<br />
Cause "P" is for possibility<br />
Change, hope and ability<br />
For protest and for peace<br />
And we are back to "I"<br />
Cause I like to talk about me<br />
And everything I want to be<br />
"R" is for revolution <br />
Is it religion, redemption or resolution that you seek?<br />
Have all your vices made you weak?<br />
Then it’s “A” the pill you take<br />
Because "A" is for absolution <br />
The need to be absolved <br />
Absolved from being involved<br />
Removed from the "T" for trauma<br />
Like that fading memory<br />
That reoccurs again<br />
I’ve got an "I"..idea<br />
Let us take another hit<br />
And close our eyes<br />
"O" oh I’m on the brink of sleep<br />
“I" praise the Lord my soul to keep<br />
N I’m nervous.<br />
I need some INSPIRATION. <br />
<br />ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-77869309267282701262012-11-18T18:09:00.000-08:002012-11-18T18:09:31.170-08:00lucid dreamers that never wake up<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />I went to sleep for days under the warm summer sun<br />And woke up looking like a gingerbread man<br />When the earth rattles beneath my feet<br />I know that someone is angry<br />I’m sorry, I won’t make a sound.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />There’s always a place that life can find me<br />I am never too far away<br />Under a million city lights<br />I read the poetry in the sky<br />Retell the stories of a hundred years<br />I can see a large spoon cutout in the clouds<br />Can it hold my weight?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Let us live among the abstract shapes<br />Should the earth bring me down<br />I would gladly accompany the ground<br />Why work when we can play?<br />Why stay when we can change?<br />I hope you will write your way to me<br />With words neither modest nor insipid <br />I dream a dream that you will follow<br />As eighty-thousand cross the sea<br />I went to sleep that summer but I never closed my eyes. </span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-3074485045158141062012-11-18T18:06:00.001-08:002012-11-18T19:01:18.854-08:00John only believes in "me"<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I want to be where the green grass grows<br />Lay around singing songs everyone knows<br />I want to be higher than the sky with you<br />Talk about the days to come<br />Our dreams, our hopes, and the incessant lies we tell ourselves<br />But we are all narcissistic and we all think that we are better than we are<br />Sometimes it’s better to just lie here and contemplate the clouds<br />And drink one too many beers and pass out in each other’s arms<br /><br />Maybe one day, we’ll go our separate ways<br />But all I can think about right now is touching your perfect hair <br />And answering the beatniks <br />I’m making it a point to come to you<br />No one said it wasn’t fucking crazy<br />But how we both ended up here is serendipitous almost<br />And I don’t really believe in fate<br />I just believe that we get the things done that really matter to us<br />I just believe in John</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Who screamed "the dream is over"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-23351258049246421292012-11-18T17:56:00.000-08:002012-11-18T17:56:00.418-08:00my only friends have all gone madThe streets sweat a humorless sanity<br />The starving pavement fiends for traffic <br />These bleak rooftops are a nightmare<br />The basements moan a wild sound<br />The wine has muddied my thoughts<br />The cigarette smoke has filled my lungs<br />I can no longer speak.<br /><br />The innocent are chained to machinery<br />Intoxicating them with rampant conformity<br />The men with unshaven beards are criminals<br />It is social suicide.<br /><br />
The wailing sirens come to take them into oblivion<br />I find it obscene but the madman delights<br />Such is the rhythm of the unfiltered mind<br />It can imagine utopias we cannot fathom.<br />I scribbled rants of my dreams on the wall<br />My manuscript of illusions <br />And I too face annihilation.<br /><br />Subway stations are confessional<br />I have abandoned many secrets there<br />My documents of space and time<br />They weep a gentle prayer for salvation<br />For that amnesic wayward child. <br /><br />The boys and girls are shaking<br />From the hypnotism of the jukeboxes<br />The elders shriek somber warnings<br />Turn off the starry night. <br /><br />Reality is the opiate of hope<br />The sordid thorn in the rose garden<br />I hope it finds no comfort lounged in my skin<br />For I have long been immune to its venom. <br /><br /><br />ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-91917567746011206612012-11-18T16:51:00.004-08:002012-11-18T16:54:02.471-08:00"a dream you dream together is reality"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbzwWNBYRPg/UKmCH8CbW7I/AAAAAAAAANw/ykzKIzaSURo/s400/photo-2.jpeg" width="400" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We dream this dream together so there is no reason it cannot be real. We walk these roads together so there is no reason we will not meet halfway. We cry together so it is loud enough to be heard. We fly together because we are birds. </div>
ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8782773728260402280.post-69177711703560627972012-11-18T14:44:00.000-08:002012-11-18T14:46:20.197-08:00you can't compete with the tiger lady <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In a slight bout of lunacy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Those bouts all sane people get)<br />A woman’s ramblings echo through the trees<br />Powerful enough to invoke the turning of heads<br />To demand of us our gaze and undivided attention</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Curiously I turned in her direction <br />I saw her cement-colored curls<br />Blowing wild in the wind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They tell a story of years of experience<br />They run free.<br />Freer than a psychedelic fiend<br />In a midst of a revelation<br />Freer than a kamikaze pilot<br />In the midst of his fall.<br />With charged ambition,<br />She fled the scene</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She had decided she had enough. <br />Hurriedly but straying,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A man begs to no avail<br />Too flawed in his step,<br />With less resonance in his speech,<br />He is merely a disciple<br />He does not have the grace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The pace or the melody </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And so even from the start</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We all knew that he could never win back the lady with the tiger heart.</span>ciaomondo25http://www.blogger.com/profile/04809025951325680769noreply@blogger.com0