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March 2007

Final wrap-up of LA Fashion Week

Okay Ladies, what you’ve been waiting for finally! I downloaded some of the pix from the 2(x)ist men’s underwear fashion show. Wait till you get a load of these men! Ooh baby!

Check it out in my LA Fashion Week Fall photo album. I also put some other pix in there. I’m sorry they’re so blurry. I really need to get a better camera, but at least you’ll be able to get the look and feel of each show maybe. I’ve uploaded Juan Carlos Obando, Sue Wong, 2(x)ist, Voom, the design suites, friends and fun. More to come!

Just to wrap up our time at Dehoghton Denim and Junker Designs events. We enjoyed the ambiance, but were so bummed we missed the fashion show at the Avalon for Junker Designs. That’s one of my favorite shows because it’s so over the top and wild, but there’s always next season. Check out wireimage and you’ll get an eyeful.

As for De Hoghton Denim, we enjoyed meeting Coretta Scott band member, Brandon, and hanging out for a bit before Michael H (the designer being recognized - who knew he was so multi-talented?) and the Bashers got going. I still need to upload his performance on youtube. I will soon.

So, that’s it for LA Fashion Week. Hope you enjoyed my coverage. Next time I hope to hit more shows and am still waiting on more pix which I’ll let you know about as they get uploaded ok?

Have a great day!


Evening with Mark Cherry - Desperate Housewives creator

Tonight was fun. I didn't have plans (for once) and was just going to putter around my apartment and try to unpack more stuff when I got a call from a friend of mine asking me if I'd like to hear Mark Cherry, the creator of Desperate Housewives speak at a dinner at USC.

I thought why not? I love the show and it would be fun to hear him up close and personal. Little did I know how intimate the space would really be. When I heard dinner, I thought of a huge auditorium with formal seating and dinner and he would be a small speck in the distance. I was so wrong!

I enter the building and see a bunch of people eating pizza. Not believing it's really the room I ask someone where RM 207 is and am directed to that very location. Apparently this was for the USC Journalism students and Mary Murphy, the SR writer of TV Guide, was to be the interviewer. It was so nice and casual I felt way overdressed. No worries though.

Mark is very humble despite having achieved such huge success with this show. He said he's probably the only person in Hollywood to be introduced as a loser who's made such a success of himself which made us all laugh. I love his comeback story - he couldn't get a writing interview in this town for three years before hitting it with DH. He also borrowed 30k from his mom before finding out his agent had been embezzling money from him! (He has since paid her back and even bought her a Lexus for Christmas - every mom should have such a great son!)

The same weekend he found out he had DH going, he got a reimbursement check for 70k for all the loss he'd incurred from his thieving agent. Pretty nice way to start over, eh? He's very philosophical about everything and feels that even when it looks the darkest there's always something positive that comes out whatever has gone down.

Because of his agent being so awful and not helping him get his script into the right hands on top of all her thievery, friends passed his script onto some agents at Paradigm who just loved it and got it sold! Just goes to show you what men meant for evil, God meant for good.

Due to his acting background, when asked certain questions, he kind of acted them out which was fun to watch.  Like when asked about the inspiration for DH, he explained he'd been watching TV with his mom about the woman who drowned all her kids, (I'm tired and it's escaping me, but you know who I'm talking about right?) and he asked his mom he didn't know how anyone could become that desperate.

Then he acted out her taking a drag on her cigarette and saying after a beat, "I can." Then he just listened to her share story after story from his childhood he never knew about and boom! DH was born.

He was looking to do a cross between Sex and the City and Six Feet Under and once the show became successful kept looking for drama writers who could write comedy. Didn't work that way. It turned out he found comedy writers who could write dark. They just had to pull their comedy back.

Apparently there are 4 female writers (all single) on the show and 13 males. He is going to hire a real desperate housewife for the upcoming seasons who he had met with while she was pregnant years back. It will be interesting to see what twists and turns come out of that!

He admitted that season 2 got away from him because he was too exhausted to put up a fight, but that's why he brought in such strong writers (who's names again escape me, but those of you in the biz reading this know who I'm talking about) for the next couple seasons. These guys have written for Frazier and other Emmy-award winning shows which makes it fun to watch too.

I thought it was sweet that he brought Dixie Carter into the show since he had been her assistant when he first came to Hollywood years back. You can tell he's from Orange County because he has manners and a kindness you don't usually see in hardened Hollywood types.

You know who you are. Admit it. You're evil and wicked and don't care. Just kidding. You do care, but don't know how to change. Just kidding again. No, really, you are evil and wicked so accept that fact and move on. Oh, you have already. I thought so. HA!

I love people who've had a rough time and then turn it around. It's so inspirational. I knew I was going there and would meet him so I brought my headshot and Domi's headshot because, hey, it's one of the top shows and even a walk-on part would be a blast to have on my resume. I just want to hang out on the set. That's all. Can't you see me now?

Domi, I wish bigger stuff for with this intro, but me, I'm happy with anything. I'll keep you posted. We just sent out a huge announcement on his behalf and hope to receive some psychological thriller scripts out of it, or some media interviews at least. We'll see. Wish us luck!

I'm uploading pix that I've taken from the LA Fashion Week shows into a new photo album so check them out when you want. I'll try to upload a video to youtube too of the DeHoghton performance and the Go Go dancers from the Sue Wong Show.

Enjoy your night! Once I get internet hooked up at home I'll add info on OMMA. I just can't write what I need to on it when I'm tired and I don't have time during the day lately with having to run around to find internet access and do stuff.

Oh, one more thing. Met a real interesting professor there who has done a research study on Actors and Narcissim (made you laugh didn't it? How true this is - can't wait to get a copy of it and read for my own education.) Also met a doctoral student who is studying celebrity and how people become famous. We're going to stay in touch because I've got some theories. Okay, that's really all for now!

Have a good one!


Pride, Determination & Resiliance - followed by Peace

Just watched Pride, the movie starring Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac and highly recommend it. It's so inspiring and such a good story. Pride, Determination and Resilience! PDR! PDR! Maybe it's predictable a bit, but very fun to watch. I especially liked seeing the 1964 and 1974 clothing styles.

Bernie Mac is himself in full glory with 70's facial hair - too funny. I can't believe how easily Terrence Howard can cry in this film. I was ready to drop a few right along with him. There's a lot of racial tension which Tom Arnold is great at expressing. He's still likable despite being a cocky bastard.

Speaking of which, spoke to a good friend tonight. I just love that guy. He's decided he wants to be a better man and is starting to go back to church/temple (couldn't tell which one he was talking about and it doesn't really matter - he's going and God sees his heart.) What a shocker, but very sweet too. May all of us want to be better people.

Ever have one of those days where you have absolute peace about where you are in life? I don't know if someone is praying that for me or not, but today I just have real contentment. Such a nice feeling. I wish that for all of you too.

Maybe because I'm still tired from the week it's a little easier to be peaceful. Moved in more at my new place before going downtown to catch Yana K's fashion show. I wasn't really in the mood to go, but I'm so glad I did. I missed it last season and she's so creative and original.

She held her show downtown at the CA Apparel Mart which made it more interesting right from the start. I haven't been there since I was attending FIDM years and years ago (when I went there they were still at 7th and Flower which is dating me I know, but hey, I've been interested in fashion since high school.)

Some people wonder why I go to shows and it's because you can make meet some great people that you wouldn't normally otherwise. Like tonight. I ended up sitting next to the Associate Editor of Angeleno (at least that's what I heard, the cool trance music was a little loud.) Hey Brian if you're reading - hello and thanks for stopping by.

Also met a modeling agent who reps Asian models and is launching an Asian magazine which is very cool I turned him on to Actress Corrine Wu because I think she's quite stunning and is going to get big soon. Hi Corrine if you're reading. We must work together!

Back to the show. Yana and her team took over this cute little side patio at the mart, covered it with a tent, and lined the interior with chairs with a raised runway down the center. I liked sitting below the runway because it gives you a different perspective of the clothes and makes it much easier to see the shoes which were very fun - bright colored patent pumps, gold wrap wedge sandals, and boots with leopard print stacked heels, among others. 

The designs were so fun - lots of mini mini's with the most amazing leggings and stockings - imagine wild patterns, colors, stripes, on long, leggy models and let your mind go wild - very 60's, very fun. Can't wait to buy some.

The dresses were so unusual too. Lot's of unique buckling, wrapping, cool fabrics, accented by huge, reptile pattern purses. I'm hoping to get some of their official pix from the show to really show you these designs because out of all the shows I think this one was my favorite for wild creativity (although I couldn't wear half the dresses since they barely covered the model's butts and would probably look like a shirt on me!)

I loved the variety of models too - finally. Beautiful Asian, Black, Middle Eastern, and of course white girls with dark smoky eyes and subtle, nude lips - very stunning. I think Yana K is creative through and through. I liked the fact it was a smaller show, more low-key, very sophisticated, but wild too in a way with the focus more on the clothes than which celebrity was there. Who really cares after all when the designs are so great? Check out her site and let me know what you think.

A nice touch during the cocktail hour pre-show was sushi provided by Blowfish Sushi and after the show, gourmet chocolates provided by Madame Chocolat. I also loved the huge multi-colored art sculptures in the middle of the party and the skyscraper buildings on either side. Very cool vibe all the way around. Here's some quick pix. I'll upload the rest from the entire week later...La_fashion_week_events_2007_soul_su

La_fashion_week_events_2007_soul__2                             
This woman is wearing a dress from Yana's Spring collection. Funky, eh? She's a bolder woman than I!

Sorry some of the runway shots are bad. I'm using Energizer batteries and they don't work as well in reloading my camera's flash as others I've used so my timing was off.

La_fashion_week_events_2007_soul__3 La_fashion_week_events_2007_soul__4

Big bummer, but can you see the shoes and stockings? A lot of the models wore those funny snoods too which gave everything an interesting look.

I've got to get some sleep because my eyes and hands are killing me, but at least you have a little taste.

I'll get back to this last week tomorrow. Enjoy your Sunday!


Fall season's kick-off fashion show reviews

Good news – here’s some fun pix to share with you. The first one is Eric, my myspace friend. That was so fun to see him walk down the runway. Go Eric. Go Eric. Whoops, the pix are popping out below. Keep reading and you'll come to 'em.

Also, here’s some images from the 2BeFree show too. I’ve asked for some others because I saw brighter colors and more interesting shapes at the show that aren’t reflected here. Plus, these look like retail shots, not fashion show shots and are a little boring. Sorry, but that's the truth. Give me some Paris Hilton or whoever else was fun ok? Really now. 2befreeyogapant_2

Let’s see where to begin. How about if I share my Fashion Show experiences from Sunday first and depending how tired I am, since I’m bushed, I will go into OMMA. I promise. It really is good stuff and those of you interested in marketing anything need to know this.

Okay, moving right along. I went to my little Redeemer Presbyterian church on Sunday with my friend Debra who abruptly left me because she had an issue with the sound system affecting her hearing due to hearing trouble. No, we’re not rocking out there, but the sound was a little off and I could see why it would bother her.

I didn’t think anything of it until I realized I’d driven over with her and had left the invites to the shows in her car! Cindy, the pastor’s wife, was gracious though and offered to take me home. Thinking it would be late, I decided to leave at the break rather than wait till the end because I wanted to make sure to be on time to the first showroom.

Unfortunately that didn’t happen. I had accidentally locked myself out of the house and had to wait over an hour for my parent’s church to end so mom could bring me the spare and let me in. I was bummed because it was cold and I should have just stayed at my church, but whatever. Debra was nice and left2befreehoodie2_2 my invites in the mailbox.

Barely had time to eat and change before dashing off to the first of three shows that afternoon. I hadn’t really thought I’d be going to many, or any actually, because I had the two-day conference and was moving etc. etc., but it’s worked out that I’ve seen some real interesting ones.

I’m bummed I missed one tonight, but I think I was just so burnt out that’s why I accidentally left my badge at home and had to turn back. I have a lot of energy, but needed one day just to focus on myself. I have a lot of prepping to do for my Promote Yourself and Make More Money! class I'm teaching next week at the South Bay Adult School and needed to take care of that as a priority today.

So, back to fashion. Those of you in the area should check out Madewell Los Angeles store and tell me what you think. That’s the one I missed which I was bummed about because it was a brunch and private fall preview. Hopefully they’ll invite me again next time though. Apparently this store is the sister store to J. Crew and will be less expensive - cool, eh?

Eric_in_2xist_2

Aren’t the colors cool in these underwear? I think the style of underwear is very flattering (at least everything looked good on these guys. Now do you see why I was happy? It’s been too long God… Where is my knight in shining underwear?) Now do you see what I mean about a ripped body? OOH BABY!

My stylist friend, Nicole, who I’m always talking about was styling the Juan Carlos Obando show which I really wanted to see because it was so exclusive. Because I write about the shows in addition to bringing clients, I was able to attend.

I was glad because it was a very sophisticated and intimate affair. The clothing was very stream-lined, elegant and modern with striking black and white contrasts. I’ve never seen these shoes before, but there were quite a few spectator pumps with lace-ups- very cute. I also loved the slit tops that revealed, but didn’t hit you over the head with the sensuality hinting at the wonders beneath at each move.

I’m not sure how many good shots the photogs got because every time I went to shoot an image the dolly pulled camera that was filming the event on a circular track would block the model. It would be different if the models stayed a little longer to allow for still photography, but they didn’t. I’ll be curious to see what images come out of that show.

The video on it is fantastic though when watched in the lobby and you really got the feeling you were in a photo shoot since the room was set up in the round, there were only 50 or so of us, the music was haunting (Enya and Sarah McLaughlin I believe) and really set a mood. Overall, very enjoyable. I did take some pix from that one and will upload them as soon as I buy new batteries. Sorry, I forgot today. Too much else on my mind.

Cutie_in_2xist

I also liked the simple lines of each piece. It kind of reminded me of Halston, but the fabric looked like cream wool which hangs differently than I would think his styles would. Gloves seem to be big for fall Ladies – all the way up to the elbows. I also loved the small capelets, very simple, but very elegant. You’ll see what I mean hopefully when I upload some shots.

So that show was very small, very controlled, very smooth and very sophisticated. Then I moved over to the Main Tent to catch Sue Wong. I had missed her show last season which I heard was absolutely amazing so I knew I couldn’t miss it this one too. I’m so glad I got to see her line.

It was so much fun! Her theme was Mod and all her music reflected the theme. Sue Wong did the art direction, the design, chose the music, and did the styling which I found very interesting. Very hands on. She’s Asian and apparently is very popular over there too.

I had decided to attend last minute so my seat wasn’t the greatest, but I was just glad to be inside because I thought it was a great show. Granted, since I wasn’t on the front row I didn’t see the fabrics used up close, but the designs from afar were quite stunning.

She broke up the show into eleven different sections all unique and different styles, music and theme which I just loved. My other stylist friend thought it was all over the place, but I’m beginning to think he doesn’t have imagination and couldn’t see the big picture because to me it was very cohesive under the umbrella of 60’s styling. However, the Asia, Exotica and Brides section did seem a little out of place now that I think about it. Oh well, maybe she was getting bored with the 60's and wanted to please herself.

 Sexy_pants The show opened with Go Go dancers wearing little shorts and tops with go go boots dancing up and down the runway which I filmed and will upload on my myspace page (when I get batteries – are you saying that with me now?) That was a fun touch. The Main Tent is huge and you really feel like you’re in a live theatre performance space when the shows begin.

Let me set the scene. At one end is the door the models will walk through with the name of the designer prominently displayed spotlighted. At the other end is a bank of photographers who have fought to get the best space possible because they’re either work for hire, working for the main sites, or hoping to sell what they shoot afterwards. I would say maybe 50 people are crammed into a space about 10 x 12 maybe? I don’t know exactly, but everyone’s right on top of each other.

Then along the sides of the long runway, maybe the length of a football field, you have have about 5 rows of white fold-up chairs on bleachers. Celebrities, stylists, journalists, and others usually sit in the front row and your importance diminishes as you move farther up. It’s very cool to sit in the front because then you actually become part of the scenery and drama of the night. Plus, you can see the clothing details up close and personal which really helps.

However, from where I was sitting I had a bird’s eye view of everything going on. Music plays a big part in setting the tone and stage for a fashion show and this one had great 60’s music all throughout. I love music and after awhile started noting which songs went to which section because that will help you visualize the look and feel of that design I think.

After the Go Go dance performance the first group to come out was entitled Mod Squad. Very cute, short mini shift dresses (if memory holds true – it always helps when I can see the visuals) with all kinds of beading, hot colors, and cut out straps.

Then Chelsea Girls models came out. I loved the long mod-printed maxi dress with black felt adorned yoke trimmed with chunky novelty stones and also the platinum short trapeze dress with silver metallic yoke trimmed with chunky stones. (Can you tell I'm copying the press release? HA!)

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, the next section, entitled Carnaby, really made me happy. Sue chooses the best hats to offset her designs and they really are striking when put with her clothes. I think she had the most variety in models too because this was a huge show! Each section must have had eight different looks per section which to me is amazing to have designed that many pieces.

Producing this elaborate a fashion show and pulling it off flawless is a real feat which Sue and her staff did magnificently. It’s obvious this is a line that does well despite the grumblings of my male stylist friend. He kept comparing it to the Spring line which he thought was mind-blowing in presentation and style, but hey, this was my first show and it blew me away!

Carnaby had lots of geometric prints with short swingy maxi dresses that I would wear in a heartbeat (if they were my size!:)

Liverpool, the next section, was much more elegant and featured chemise dresses with beautiful trims that made them unique and special. Hopefully you’ll be able to tell when you see my pix and hopefully I’ll receive some from the designer as well. They’re always the best ones anyway. You can always go to the official Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week site and catch all the pictures from the shows too to see what I’m talking about.

Piccadilly featured lots of beading bodices and patterns which I really liked. Imagine short, black evening dresses that swing and sparkle in the light and that’s what this section offered.

2bfree_hoodie_2 Vamps and Vixens was set to the Rolling Stones I can’t get no satisfaction and had more of a rock-n-roll vibe. I didn’t like this set as well because the fabric was gathered and tucked all over which would make anyone other than a beautifully thin model look huge! However, it too had it’s place and I did find one at the end that I liked.

Exotica seemed to be done to music from Arabian Nights if that helps you visualize the styles – lots of flowing dresses with beautiful paisley patterns with long split-fronts and beaded or jeweled midriffs. Perfect for the woman who prefers to dress very feminine and subtle, although with a little flash. There were some amazing necklaces and headpieces worn in this set. Very Arabic and exotic as the name implied. Perfect for someone who wants to be mysterious and alluring.

Asiadid seem a little out of place, but hey, Sue is Asian, so why not? This one was set to Chinese music with a singer singing you took my love away if you can imagine that in your head. Very funny. There were some amazing embroidered coats with beautiful detailing and flare – lots of big sleeves and silk. I absolutely loved this set. Very striking, dramatic and stunning. The models really worked the outfits too throwing their arms wide to display the winged sleeves with all the embrodiery and that dramatic flair really made the clothing come to life.

Then as abruptly as Asia was dropped in, just as quickly did we go back to England with Kensington! As Peggy Lee crooned You don’t Have To Say You Love Me models strutted the runway wearing plum/gold halter lace gowns with pleated skirt and a beaded seutache border worn with a matching shawl. I put two big stars next to this section because I loved it so much. These dresses were more evening wear, revealing, and sexy if memory holds true.

Victoria opened to mod music and set the stage for really beautiful dresses with lots of detailing in fabric and styling with very cute cropped embroidered, fur trimmed, trapeze jackets. I think that’s one style to keep your eye out for because that seemed to be repeated at a couple shows. I know it sounds silly to keep saying, but I loved this section too.

All the dresses were so special with tulling, crochet, beading, krinkled organza, and once again, amazing hats with feathers from Mother Plucker Feather Company Inc (How's that for a name?) that really made pieces pop.

My absolute favorite though was the Brides section. Yes, still wanting to be married and you can never dream too much about what you’ll wear. This opened to the sound of When A Man loves a Woman which was perfect. There were only three dresses, but they were absolutely lovely. I especially loved the first one which is described as vintage beige lace halter long gown & jacket with seutache embroidery and beaded accents.

My mom made my youngest sister’s wedding dress (that's why I know how to sew) and I know how long beading takes to do by hand. Seeing these dresses felt like looking at works of art and the models matched with interesting hanging flower arrangements from their stacked hairstyles.

That’s one thing that can really make or break a look of a show in my opinion. If the model’s hair doesn’t fit in with the design all you’re looking at is the awful style which is why I won’t go into critiquing the next show. Amongst other reasons. They have creativity, but it's just not my style. Enough said.

However, I will say that long, straight, simple hair was the norm for the Juan Carlos Obando show which fit perfectly with the look he was going for. Plus, he chose really stunning models who were very beautiful. The whole show had a very Calvinesque feel to it in my mind even though I haven’t watched a Calvin Klein show in quite a while.

Just pure, simple, clean and elegant. Very different than other CA designers which may be why he chose to keep his collection more private. I would love to know how much his styles go for on the open market because I’m sure they aint cheap people. The only thing that I would change is the way the jackets hung – sometimes the hems seemed to not be pressed properly or something. Otherwise, very nice.

So that’s the rundown for the shows from Sunday. I just love the drama and excitement of never knowing what you’re going to see next come down the runway. Now I have a better feel for how each designer thinks and designs it will be easier to direct clients in the right direction. I know Nicole is going to suggest some Sue Wong dresses to some of her clients who love that type of clothing. I wish Nicole would dress me!:)

I’ll give you a heads up on the OMMA conference perhaps tomorrow. Still have a lot to do and have three shows to hit tomorrow night. Can’t wait. Lots of parties, lots of variety, and lots of amazing fashion ahead! I’m lovin’ it. Like the McDonald’s commercial says.


Thought provoking interview with Rick Warren

I just got this via email and need a day to recuperate from the OMMA conference .

I thought you may enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having "wealth" from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life" author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.

People ask me, what is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life.  The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth.

  I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.

It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money o r notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

This is beautiful and food for the soul. Here's the Purpose Driven Life Covenant in case you've never seen this before.

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!

         

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.

         

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

         

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

         

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.          

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

         

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes!  Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!”




Amen and Amen. God bless you! I promise business and more LA Fashion Week stuff soon. I just had to share this in the meantime.


Jeff Goldblum's still got it!

I don't know if any of you will remember this show or not, but I fell for Jeff Goldblum when I first caught him in Tenspeed and Brown Shoe. It's going back a long time, but I loved that show!

Now he's back as a similar character and he's great! This new show of his reminds me a bit of that one, but with a twist.

Ready for another walk down memory lane a la Joy? Okay, here goes. Years back, maybe 8 or so if my memory holds true - I was pregnant at the time, it must have been then, I volunteered to work on the Independent Spirit Awards because I had the time and always loved independent film back then. I worked in the office with the producer and had to man the office while the show went on.

Well, Jeff Goldblum was one of the guests and I had a HUGE crush on him. When I saw him walking down the carpet I went over and made a point to meet him. When I told him I thought he was wonderful (remember I'm in love!) he was so cute. He was shaking my hand and took it in both of his and looked me deep in the eyes in that way he has and said, "Thank you so much, it's so nice to meet you."

Aren't I the biggest goof? Fortunately, that was a long time ago and now I'm not so awestruck when I see a celebrity (or I couldn't do my job!) I do think he's still adorable though. He's so quirky! Has anyone else gone to see him perform with his jazz band? Lots of fun, although I wish he'd speak to the audience in between sets. A girl can dream right?

Speaking of which, I'm tired and going to bed. It's been a busy day and tomorrow isn't slowing down any.


Can men and women ever be "just friends?"

That seems to be the question explored in the new film by Chris Rock entitled I Think I Love My Wife. The way you say the title can be said many ways and throughout the film you're wondering, well, does he?

Based on the French film from the 70's called Chloe in The Afternoon by Director Eric Rohmer, Chris and his writing buddy, Louis CJ adapted that film to current day marriage experiences (personally and otherwise.) This is the first film where Chris actually plays a character most like himself he explained at the Q & A after the film.

It's sophisticated (which surprisingly he is - Pooty Tang aside) and as he and his buddy call it, it's a horror film for married men. I felt sick to my stomach watching parts of it last night because I kept waiting for the spider (Kerry Washington) to pounce and suck his blood. This analogy won't make sense unless you see it, but I'd rather not give the entire film away since I hate it when trailers do that.

Just know it's very well done. It's not an over the top comedic romp like a lot of his films, but this one has definite moments in it that are funny, sweet, tender, thought-provoking and worthwhile seeing. For all you men out there who don't see anything wrong with having a hot best friend who's female - watch this. It just doesn't work.

Afterwards I went up to shake Chris' hand and after complimenting him, asked if since he was pursuing more sophisticated fare whether or not he might look for other adjectives other than the "F" word. He seemed a little taken aback, but said, "I'll try" a little sheepishly.

That was the only drawback. The "F" bomb is frequently dropped, so much so, I was going to start counting it was said so often. I'm sure he's not even aware of how offensive it can be, but it just didn't sit right in the film he was creating in my humble opinion.

Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought so because a woman who overheard my question complimented me for saying something because she was just as offended as I was. She was younger than me by quite a bit so I realized I wasn't being some old fogey, but just felt it was out of place.

I think the film could do well, especially since Steve Buscemi, makes a surprising appearance as a businessman who is happily married, but has all kinds of sex on the side. There's an especially funny scene with viagra which you'll be busting up over.

The only thing that bugged me with Steve's character is that the way he claimed to have a successful 17 year marriage is to cheat. I hate that that type of marriage is lifted up in Hollywood as the only way to succeed in life. I don't buy into that, nor do I agree with it.

If you're going to be married, then it should be monogamous. You know what you're getting into when you're saying I do. Remember your vows do mean something! I hate cheaters. If you know that's who you are, then don't get married. Save yourself the trouble. Why hurt someone else just because you can't stop dicking around? Give me a break!

Anyway, otherwise, it's a good flick. I think it might do well, but who knows. This is a complete departure from his regular characters and people could reject him like they do Jim Carrey when he tries to stretch too far from what the public loves about him.

Kerry Washington is great and very smokin'  (in more ways than one. I think they were keeping with the French influence in that one which is the only reason I think a character would smoke so much. Where is that activist group monitoring smoking on film when you need them? It's not sexy, it's disgusting and kills.)

Ok, that's all. Gotta run. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel much better. Mama Kennelly needs a nap.


How exciting, but a little intimidating

I met Kevin Rodderick of LA Observed when he spoke to my UCLA Extension class recently and was extremely impressed with his qualifications and way he blogs. A friend had referred me to his site a while back, but I wasn't ready to be exposed to a larger audience and couldn't understand why anyone would want to write for free and benefit another's site other than your own.

That was when I first started blogging. I've since realized the cool thing about blogging is the community you develop with other bloggers. I have some amazing people who communicate with me that I would never have met except for our blogging together.

What I love about LA Observed is that it's such a vast, comprehensive view of Los Angeles from all sides. It's like Google for LA - a cool, hip, very inside, comprehensive google of all that makes LA what it is. Check it out!

Kevin was very kind and has added me to his blogroll in the section under "Selected Blogs and Websites" using my Pure, Unadulterated Joy link as the way to lead people here. I was looking under my name or company name which isn't as much fun as my tag line. I'm glad he chose that one instead! Thank you Kevin! Really appreciate it!

Now to build this blog into something like he has one link at a time. I have decided that unlike my myspace page where I'll add people I don't even know, but like their stuff, I'm going to be a little more selective and try to know everyone I promote here. That way you'll know that if I put them on here, they're good people.

Speaking of which, just left my new little church, Redeemer Presbyterian this morning where these really good people attend. I can say that because I don't know them that well yet. Just kidding. Made you laugh didn't I? Or at least smile!

They really are sweet. I especially love Pastor John and his wife Cindy. Today Pastor John preached on Genesis 3:16 - yes, only one verse if you can believe it.

Genesis 3:16:

    16 To the woman he said,
       "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
       with pain you will give birth to children.
       Your desire will be for your husband,
       and he will rule over you."

What John was teaching is that because of the woman's sin in eating the apple when God said not to, then we have to suffer the pain of childbirth (which ironically enough I didn't experience at all because so many people were praying for me during my long, long labor despite giving birth to my son naturally without any painkillers! Amazing, huh? I almost felt like I was under hypnosis or something because I've never experienced that since. That's another story though. Back to the passage at hand.)

We, as women, would also experience the subjection of man ruling over us. Now I know some of us are offended by this and it was a little shocking to hear "he will rule over you," but it makes sense. If I really want the man to be the head of the household and for us to work together as a team, there needs to be a leader. I can't be that if I want my husband to feel empowered.

Now I know there are women who are the leaders and the bossy ones in their marriages or relationships, but that's not what I want in my marriage relationship. To be honest, I don't respect those men and feel sorry that they've allowed themselves to be put into that situation. However, it's their own damn fault too if you must know - you either have balls or you don't. Right? Grab your cajones and be the man!

So, moving right along, John also shared this opening story of a young woman who was becoming quite successful as the Director of her university's dorm building - three stories, multiple students, lots of situations to deal with.

She was sitting at a table one day across from a guy and he asked her, "Do you want to marry a Godly man?" She thought where is this coming from? "Yes, of course I do," was her answer. "Well, then you need to quit your job," he replied. She was really floored then and said what are you talking about?

This young man explained that as long as she was overseeing men and acting as a leader, she wasn't allowing herself to be open to submitting to a man's direction since she was the boss. She took his advice, quit her job, moved back home and became a school teacher.

Now when I heard that story, I turned to Cindy, who I was sitting next to, and was ready to say, "Who was this person and why on earth would she do that?" When John explained that that woman was his wife, Cindy! I was so caught off guard. She shocked me! Never in a million years would I have seen her as the woman John was describing.

Because I had a live witness to the power of doing something like that (33 years of marriage strong) I listened even more closely when John explained that the other thing the verse says is that our desire will be for the man. Aint that the truth!?

Then he explained that in order to fully understand this passage it helps to find other similar passages in the Bible that relate or say something similar to gain perspective. Well, just a chapter away in Genesis 4:6-7  this same phrase pops up again with Cain.

6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

So as sin desired Cain and he needed to master it, we desire our husbands and they need to master us. Does this make sense? I think they're going to upload the sermon as a podcast so you'll have to listen to it to get the full depth and breadth of his message.

All I know is that I sat there with tears coming to my eyes because I know I don't respect certain men who might have been interested in me because I think I know more than they do.

How can I expect to be in a relationship with a man when I don't respect him? How can I respect someone that I'm telling what to do if we're working together? Fortunately, I work with a female client now which is different, but I can see how bossy I am with my male client. Oy vey!

I listened with keen ears to hear how to address this issue without quitting my business. In order to become a Godly woman John said we need to consider the following three things:
1. Change your mindset. Worship God and submit yourself to Him.
2. Change your stance. Submit to the savior, come to Jesus and admit your need for God. Prepare your heart to be submissive. Realize that we can't do it on our own.
3. Humble ourselves that we might be lifted up in due time.

Now if you're not a Christian this probably reads as a bunch of hogwash, but I have to share that my heart has been really softened just by being more in fellowship with people who love God and are desiring to do His will. There's a sweetness I often talk about that I'm still seeking to add to my life.

There's also a softening of my heart towards the men I meet that I want to further develop. That way I can get to know them on a deeper level than I've allowed myself in the past. I want to feel like the "woman" in these situations. I get tired of being the man in my life all the time. I'd love to relax and allow a man to make the decisions.

I want to feel like the man I love will want to take care of me and support and care for me. I don't want to be the breadwinner. I don't mind contributing and enjoy what I do, but I don't want to be involved with a taking man.

On the dating sites there's always some little warning of what to watch out for in relationships - red flags. One of them is when the guy doesn't step up to the plate financially and expects the woman to pay for everything. I'm so over that.

I know I don't sound like a feminist right now and maybe I'm not, but I would love to meet someone who I can respect and look up to who wants to bless me by being my spiritual and physical support.

It's tiring having to always support myself. My youngest sister has been married forever and doesn't understand what I'm talking about because she sees the struggle of marriage from her side. Maybe I don't see her struggles, but I'd like the chance to experience them at least once before I die. Does this make sense?

Maybe this is coming to the forefront a little more because I am part of a singles ministry now. I don't know. Or maybe my friends are sharing their struggles in this regard a little more as we become closer friends. I don't know.

I do know that I trust God to provide for my needs and He has. I need to continue to develop my dependence on Him for my daily bread, my love life, my finances, and my business. I think that's the largest lesson I've been learning this year. Trust.

Not my will, but thine be done Oh Lord. I turn over my life, my finances, my desire to meet someone I can love and be loved by, and everything else I have going on in my life - my business, my client's success, my success, my friends, my family, everything to You. Have your will and your way with all of this. I don't want to be in control anymore. I need your help to make it through.

Help me to believe that you have my best interests in heart and will provide for all my needs. Help me to have the strength to minister to those who are struggling and need to know that You love them. Use me to share your love to them. I pray this in Your name. Amen.

That's all folks. Thanks for letting me share. God bless.