This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
George Bernard Shaw
Epistle Dedicatory to Arthur Bingham Walkley
“Man and Superman: a Comedy and a Philosophy”
Filed under Odds & Ends
Explaining my connection to this awesome documentary film would be complicated and confusing, so I’ll just say this…
When a note came through my inbox letting me know about “Dog Days” and I checked out the link to the movie’s trailer, interview with the producers and the opportunity to take part in their Kickstarter campaign, I was pumped.
General gist: Amidst the worst economy since the Great Depression, “Dog Days” follows two entrepreneurs in an unlikely partnership who are determined to thrive in the highly competitive street vending sector of the food industry in Washington, DC. One is a recently unemployed visionary, the other is a refugee from East Africa who came to the US to chase a dream. Together they are challenging the status quo.
I hope you take a moment to check it out! Pretty cool to see people actively and passionately pursuing a goal that, in turn, benefits the lives of others who are working hard to achieve their dreams.
It’s almost like… a dream within a dream. Someone should make a movie about that. They could call it “inception” or something cool like that. Ok bye.
————
Addendum: I received a message from a friend that said — “You can’t end your blog post by saying ‘Ok bye’… That’s not ok.”
So let me rephrase: “Ok bye, Patrick.” Better?
Filed under Philanthropy
Once upon a time, in a far away land, there lived a girl who loved a sale…… Spoiler Alert: It’s me.
I stumbled upon the greatest sale recently (read: I checked my email) and as it turns out, I can’t say “No” to a cute skirt, fun pair of pants or springy dress, so… Happyyyy Early Birthday to me! I hope my mom isn’t reading this.
Anyway, I started thinking about what I’m excited to get into once I get out of these winter clothes. Because one of the most popular posts I wrote in 2012 was Best and Worst Spring Trends, here are a few (admittedly girly) styles I can’t wait to get my hands on for Spring 2013:
Mini Skirts in fun prints and contrasting colors like coral and navy | Loft
Silhouette dresses in bold colors like cobalt, emerald and poppy | Madewell
Silky colorblock tops (love asymmetrical hems, racer back) | Piperlime
Big, bold stripes. Vertical, horizontal (careful!), chevron… | Banana
Lace + Peplum. Swoon! Sweet and easy to pair with almost anything | Target
Pants with a subtle fun print (these are floral medallion jaquard) | Loft
All white and classy cut outs. This mini-dress shift is perfection. | DVF
Moto jacket – girly pastel with contrasting stud detail | Line & Dot
And my inner Asheville hippie loves this flowy double layer maxi dress | Urban
What trends are you looking forward to this spring?
Filed under Fashion
Before I begin, let me just tell you: I love a good gchat catch-up, so never hesitate to send me a little mid-day distraction if you see me on there. I welcome it with open arms!
Moving on.
Last week, I posted this as my gchat status: Happy.
I didn’t really think much of it, but throughout the day, people left and right sent me messages that all said essentially the same thing: “It makes me so happy to see that as your status!”
Some were people I talk to regularly, some were friends I haven’t had a chance to talk to in awhile! But almost all of them led to a fun, quick catch up that brightened both of our days.
At face value, it’s a silly anecdote, but it actually got me thinking –Do I really realize how much of what I do, say or communicate, whether verbally or by action, actually impacts those around me?
Now, I’m not trying to purport importance of any kind, but seeing the reaction to a simple, positive statement like that says to me that seemingly trivial daily decisions do carry weight. Trying to let that impact my week… we’ll see how it goes 
Filed under Odds & Ends
Oh hello. I’m Elisabeth — you might remember me as the girl who wrote regularly on this blog once upon a time.
Well, life’s ups and downs meant that I needed to take a little hiatus. I’ve missed you all dearly and missed sharing on here, so thank you for sticking around through the silence!
I have some good news. February is here! Now, I have no strong opinions about February, but it always gets me excited because it means so many good things are about to happen! My birthday in March, Springtime, warm weather, Braves baseball, outdoor concerts and did I mention warm weather?
Up next for me: Getting gussied up for Change the Triangle’s Valentine’s Soiree and then modeling at the Redress Raleigh fashion show for a friend who is a designer!
For now, I’m kicking off pre-Spring (aka February) with a new haircut and some curls:
Filed under Fashion, Odds & Ends, Raleigh
To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal.
Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness.
But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.
To love is to be vulnerable.
C. S. Lewis
Filed under Odds & Ends
Nom nom nom. Holidays. Food. Gluttony. Lethargy.
No, thank you.
Call me crazy, but I have another 7-10lbs to get rid of by the end of the year, and I’m not going to let a bunch of pre-packaged, socially acceptable excuses get in the way of *commitment*…
HOW exactly I’m going to do that is an entirely different story.
Here are a few of my most convincing reminders…
1. How tough that “first run back” after a break is
2. How uncomfortable it is to have an overly full stomach
3. How deflating it is to have to buy a size up
4. How great it feels to have a surge of endorphins after working out
5. The sense of accomplishment (exercise, will power, whatever!)
6. How far I’ve come already
7. This is a lifestyle, not a “diet”
8. There is no reason for a set back when the options to be healthy are the same
9. Moderation doesn’t mean depriving myself or overworking myself
10. There is never a good excuse to NOT treat your body well
Now, I’m off to a meeting where they are providing pizza for dinner. See you soon, will power
Filed under Exercise
