What Are You Afraid Of?

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Gigi in Inspiration 11 Comments

Fear

It is easy to pretend to be fearless, to be brave in all situations, to be invincible- but we all have something that scares the SHIT out of us.

quote

As I get older my “fear list” has changed. When I was younger my list was simple, things like spiders, roller coasters, heights, and oddly enough losing my teeth.

losing teeth SCARY

fear of heights…

Now my fears are more serious- grown up stuff-complex- I realize that to have fear, the scary kind, you have to care about something, you have fear because something matters to you. I try and manage my fear but it is not easy, yoga is helpful, just have to practice more often.

My top 5 fears, in no particular order:

1. My children. My daughter lives in NYC, and I can’t help but to worry about her, especially at night. My son-17 year-old African-American boy-enough said…

Gigi’s son

2. My well-being. With 4 of my immediate family members having cancer-it is something that is on my mind. I try to do the “right” things, but I know that Cancer sometimes has no rhyme or reason, so I just do the best I can to take care of my health and carefully choose what I put in my body.

3. My husband. We are at the age where stuff happens…so I can’t help sometimes to think about the “what if” s.

4. Losing my teeth.

5. Earthquakes-they scare the Shit out of me…just recovering from the one we had a few months ago.

earthquake

What are you afraid of? And how do you deal with your fear?

Happy Thursday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

QUOTE

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

QUOTE

At 55 years young I have finally learned this. I purpose to live each day to its fullest, staying in the moment. I can’t worry about the what “I shoulda coulda woulda done”…I apply this to all areas of my life, it is so easy to get caught up in the past. Are there things I would of done differently? Probably…but I can’t worry about that…If I would have started my photography career earlier, I doubt if I would have a business focusing exclusively on women. Everything happens for a reason.

Photographer Gigi

My son will be a senior this year and we are working on the dreaded college search application process, I am just exhaling on this journey, not focusing on why his GPA is not higher, or SAT score stronger, I know I have a good kid and there are colleges that would love to have him.

Little Reggie

I find joy in the simple things like my garden, and being an active observer throughout my day always having the flexibility to stop for a moment and “see” something that I could have easily missed. The beauty of being my age is you are reminded frequently about how delicate life is, hence more the reason to focus on what in happening NOW.

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

As James Brown said- “I don’t care, about your past, I just want, our love to last”.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

GIGI

PAPA DON’T TAKE NO MESS…

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Gigi in Movies, Music 7 Comments

Gigi checking out some vinyl

I LOOOOOOOVE LIVE MUSIC! Everything from iconic performers to up and coming artists, there is something about witnessing music being created right before your eyes that is mesmerizing. I was about 12 when this love affair began, my mother let me go to Las Vegas with a friend and her family to see the Jackson 5 at the MGM Grand, it was an unforgettable experience. I remember our faces beaming at the stage hoping to get a little droplet “Jackson 5” sweat on our faces, and later on searching the hotels with our crumpled up programs hoping to get an autograph.

My second concert was the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown at the forum with the same best friend, only this time my big brother Howard took us, we were 12-ish and he was 18, I had NEVER seen anything like this before, talk about about eyes wide open, between the lyrics, the dancers, the musicians, and the get down and dirty FUNK, I was hooked–the rhythm is so infectious and has a way of getting everybody on the floor. Here is a clip from 1971 “Sex Machine”.

So of course I was jazzed when I heard about the movie “Get On Up”. So yesterday we splurged on ipic tickets and went to see it, hmmmmm it was good, Chadwick Boseman did a great job portraying James Brown, I certainly enjoyed it and I was happy that they used actual James Brown recordings. I’m not in the movie business but I think biopics are really challenging, especially someone as distinct as James Brown. I’m not sure what was missing, but I felt as if something was missing like a little more “soul”.

Came across this interesting article on the film…basically there were no writers of color involved on the project. What are your thoughts? Should they have had some writers of color or does it matter?

Bottom line go see the movie if you haven’t , and let me know your thoughts.

Here is a “James Brown” mix that I came across that I looooove…check it out.

Happy Tuesday

XOXO,

GIGI

No Place Like Home…

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Gigi in My Life 4 Comments

Jack & Jill National

Gigi at the “hat” luncheon…

I spent the past week at the Jack & Jill National Convention, which was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over a thousand mothers from the east to the west and everything in between were in attendance, I even met one mother from Belgium. I was spotted by Angela, a member that is a “Gigismeanderings” follower which was a treat, being a blogger you never know who you are connecting with, it was a delight to meet her.

Angela…

The conference was intense, the days started at 7 and most evenings ended at 2. We wore our uninterrupted white, teal, purple, fuschia, black, navy, hats, t-shirts, gowns and lots of bling, of course not at the same time.

Jack & Jill convention floor

Fuschia & Teal Luncheon

love this version of teal

loved all the outfits…

Charlotte was warm, inviting and full of southern charm, everyone was so nice, I didn’t even mind the humidity that swelled every strand of my hair, no one appeared to have that crazy rushed sense of urgency. The food was de-lish, grits, collard greens and other decadent southern treats, lavender martinis and lots of bite-sized sweets. I will be doing double day workouts this week! We were serenaded by KEM, Kirk Whalum, Horizon a local cover band of young teens that was phenomenal, Native American Drummers, and a jamming DJ. An insightful presentation by Marian Wright Edelman, a fashion show, and an authors pavilion.

loved the food

Kirk Whalum

Of course I had to pick up a book, Postcards from Cookie, by Caroline Clarke , a heartfelt memoir about Caroline discovering her birthmother-Cookie Cole, the daughter of Nat King Cole. The story chronicles her journey researching her adoption and finding out her mother was one of Nat King Coles’s daughters. I love memoirs, you realize that we all have unique stories and it is those stories that have shaped who we are.

Postcards from Cookie

I was the official photographer for our region, recording images that I know 20 or 30 years from now we will look back on and smile. These are a few of my favorites.

Duke’s Manision

Hats…

Wells fargo building

Fabulous Far West Region

Gala

RD Kathy

Provisional Group

programming luncheon

LB President Marie/ new National President Tammy King

JILL-IN’

This year will be my last year as an active member, my son will be graduating out. As I continue on my journey discovering and searching for my purpose on the planet, Jack and Jill will always have a special place in my life, it is where I met some of my best friends. I watched children grow up, graduate, and now the wedding invites are starting to appear in my mailbox. I will laugh about the stockings, and the ladylike white pumps that are stored away until the next Jack and Jill ceremony. Some may say that 76 years later do we even need Jack and Jill, and I will answer a confident yes. Is it for everybody? No. Will your child be OK if they don’t belong to Jack and Jill? Yes, but for me it was a good fit for my family, I have almost 20 years of unforgettable memories and lifelong relationships for my years in Jack & Jill.

Far West Region

Gigi at Jack & Jill National 2014

Happy Monday-

XOXO, GIGI

POST BIRTHDAY-AND NO MORE REDEYE FLIGHTS IF YOU ARE OVER 50

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Gigi in Aging, My Life, Travel 1 Comment

CHARLOTTE

The FB likes have subsided, texts are few and I have heard from all my besties via phone and even had 2 serenade me. I am officially headed toward the next milestone birthday, seems like only yesterday I was celebrating my 40th.

Gigi @ 40

My actual birthday was business as usual, driving a 100 plus miles, taking my son to his various appointments and then home to complete the arduous packing chore. I’m going to the Jack & Jill National Convention in Charlotte, I’m typically a light packer but as I stare at this agenda with all the suggested attire, I know this is going to be complicated. I will also be the official photographer for our region, which means packing my gear as well, with no “honey do” to help me.

By the time I’m done packing everything, my lower back starts to ache at the thought of dragging, and lifting all these bags. My travel buddy Marie graciously picked me up, I don’t think I could have driven another place. Finally settled on my “redeye” flight seat 33 d, I’m surrounded by a 2 year-old convention, and I realized I forgot my hat…suggested attire for one of the luncheons. The flight was overbooked, not an empty seat, and I was happy all the babies all fell asleep.

This will probably be my last J&J convention, my son will be graduating out next year, I am looking forward to documenting the week, of course I will post my favorites here.

BTW on another note, if you must take a “redeye” not recommended if you are over 50…heheheh to hard. Here are a few tips.

1. Drink as much water-even more than you normally drink.

2. No alcohol! I repeat No Alcohol.

3. Slather your face with your favorite supa dupa “night” cream. Don’t be concerned about what you look like, this is a “redeye”.

4. Dress confortable and warm–those pashiminas you may have stockpiled from the past are perfect for this.

5. Try to sleep…

a little tea to wake me up

J & J flowers at registration

Happy Tuesday,

XOXO,

Gigi

Breaking the Speed Limit- 55

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Gigi in Aging 6 Comments

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

Another birthday – I am 55 years-old today…it feels weird saying that, and I know some ladies still like to treat age like a mystery, but my thought is aging is a part of living and should be celebrated instead of hidden. I feel good and I’m at peace with self. I look in the mirror and I see a woman, wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, and a friend to many. I see a woman who has lived, taken risks, did a few things that I’m not proud of, a woman who has laughed and smiled a lot and has the lines to prove it.

Gigi in the mirror

I look back over my life and I have few regrets. Of course hindsight is always clearer and it is easy to think about what you could have done differently. I have grown in so many ways, no longer struggling with self doubt, no more worrying about what others think.

There is something about these “golden” years that are empowering. Perhaps it is the acceptance of my physical self, all 130 plus pounds of me, my kinky curly hair, no longer regulated to the beach, but red carpet events as well, embracing all the changes in my body and focusing on the good parts. After 50 plus years, finally learning what works for my body (stretch is always good), and certainly what doesn’t, even if it is the latest trend. Wearing my high heels, probably more often than I should, getting more of a thrill buying workout wear than regular clothes, and generally just abiding by my own rules and what makes me happy.

Accepting that no matter how many hours I spend in the gym, how “clean” I eat, if I should chose to tweak my face or some body parts, at the end of the day I’m still a middle-aged woman, and if I’m confused at any point, all I have to do is just stand next to a 25 year-old preferably in a bikini. I will continue to work on being the best version of me that I can be, taking care of my mental well being, along with my physical and spiritual self. I will go into this next “birth year” with conviction, bumping the workouts up a notch or 2, really paying attention to what I put into my body, and making sure I take time for me. I will continue to work on giving my children the skills they need so they can thrive in this crazy world we live in, long after I am gone, and being a wife and partner to my husband and the rock he can lean on.

Another thing about breaking the “speed limit” my “to do” list and “to go” list seem more urgent. I want to go to Brazil, Bali and the Montreux Jazz festival, I want to learn another language, work on my photography, host more intimate dinner parties, and of course keep editing what is no longer needed.

I will be departing this evening to the Jack & Jill National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. I will be in touch…

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi @ 55

I HAVE OVER 1,000 Friends…

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Gigi in friendship 2 Comments

GIGI FB

I have over 1.000 friends…Really? Wow? No Shit?

On the eve of my 25th wedding anniversary, I thought about how fortunate I am to wake up with my best friend. We celebrated a 27 year friendship, we dated 2 years before getting married. 27 years is a true test of friendship, you know the good the bad and the UGLY…it has all come out at some point.

In this age of social media it is easy to confuse what real friendships are…we are able to connect with “friends” all over the world, People from grade school, college, old boyfriends, distant relatives etc.. We can peek into their lives, and start to feel as if we really know them.

I’m a people person, I love interacting with others, chatting and finding out commonalities. Bringing people together is something I love to do, whether it is for book club, a ski trip, spa weekend hike, or just because, I enjoy connecting people. At the end of the day though, you have to ask yourself the question if you were in a bind who could you really call on? Since I’ve hit my 50’s I feel as though I am going through an enlightenment period, I crave relationships that are not “work”, that flow and uplift- it is difficult to be a mindreader, I need transparent relationships. In my 30’s and 40’s I was tolerant and a really good chameleon, I thought I had a lot of friends, but in actuality I did not, I was just good at being whatever I thought a particular “friend” wanted me to be…

So I came up with this list of questions to determine some of the basic criteria of a friendship.

1. Do you know where your friend lives? Sounds crazy but, I once had a “friend” and to this day I don’t know where they live.

2. Have you been to their house? Inside?

3. Could you tell your friend “anything” or do you have to sensor?

4. Can you make a mistake and be forgiven?

5, Can you be yourself without judgement? Or do you have to “fake the funk”?

6. Can you share you deepest darkest secrets?

7. Can you call this friend anytime?

8. Do they have your “back”?

9. Are they “loyal”?

10. Will they tell you the truth?

If you answered “No” to most of these questions these peeps more than likely are not friends. If you were having your last meal on the planet and you could have a dinner party with 4 guests, who would your select? And why? Something to think about…oh and none of the 4 can be family members…

Most of us have loads of acquaintances, workout buds, club members, co-workers, church members, neighbors etc. that we interact with on a regular basis, and then there are our social media friends…which I love btw, my social media friends are a virtual village, a status update about anything will get a response or some information or a referral or perhaps a simple prayer for whatever your current situation.

As I get older (I’m about to break the speed limit) I realize the importance of genuine friendships. You are fortunate if you have a couple of “real” friends, and just because you have know someone 20 plus years, it does not necessarily mean that person is a close friend. As I break the speed limit “55” I will continue work on self, being who I am, addressing my flaws and being the best friend I can be…

Happy Thursday

XOXO,

Gigi

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25 Tips for a Happy Marriage

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Gigi in My Life 6 Comments

Wedding Day july 23, 1989 1 week before 30

Wedding Day july 23, 1989 Kauai

25 years ago I said “I Do” to my soulmate for life. We have been through a lot together, I have experienced the happiest moments in my life with this man, and some of the saddest, birthed 2 children, traveled around the world, ran 4 marathons, 1 triathlon, biked around the big island of Hawaii, baked more brownies than I care to remember, raised a few furry children, got involved in a pyramid scheme, made money , lost money, turned vegan and shared lots of laughs together.

25 years later July 23, 2014

As I reflect on the past 25 years, I thought about why am I still crazy about this man? I came up with my list of 25 tips for a happy marriage. I’m not an expert, but these are things that have worked for us.

Not in any particular order:

#1. FORGIVE and FORGET.

# 2. Live YOUR version of a “Love Story”.

# 3. Love yourself, but don’t be Selfish.

Hubby Reggie

# 4. Make your OWN family traditions…Love your extended families, but establish a few rituals of your own.

# 5. Evolve and “be a creature like no other” embrace your own changes as well as your partner’s- being stagnant is not interesting or attractive.

# 6. Prepare “real” food with all your heart and soul. There is something sensuous about preparing food for your lover.

Reggie & Gigi

# 7. Always DATE- It is easy to get into a rut, but make it happen, get a sitter, do whatever you have to do in order to spend time as a couple.

# 8. Commit to the journey, the ride ~~may~~ will get rocky, but HOLD ON!!!

Gigi & Reggie

# 9. Have FAITH and BELIEVE in something.

# 10. Nurture your family ie. your children, but don’t forget each other.

# 11. Work at your marriage and the magic will happen- No Work No Magic.

I would say yes again…

# 12. Prioritize – What is really important? Don’t get it twisted…

# 13. Remember ROMANCE CAN LAST…don’t pay attention to the cynics, non-believers and those that are bitter.

# 14. Indulge each other in WHATEVER -at least sometimes.

Have Fun pretend to get married again …

# 15. Celebrate each other…birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s or just because.

#16. Be in “touch” and communicate-be available for one another-don’t be elusive- and TOUCH each other…

#17. LISTEN, LISTEN & LISTEN and THINK, THINK & THINK and then SPEAK SPEAK & SPEAK…

love this one

# 18. Travel near and far, especially places where you don’t speak the language, get out and explore this world we live in.

#19. Make your house a home- create a comforting space that you both look forward to.

# 20. Be desirable for each other- be the best version of “you”, look pretty, smell fresh, take care of your body, groom yourself, wear pretty lingerie or not…

Love this man

# 21. CARE for each other…Be there when your mate is down, physically, mentally, financially…just be there.

# 22. Learn to savor moments–the older I get, the more I know that tomorrow is not promised.

# 23. Don’t let things get old and tired–literally and figuratively — you are in control.

Laugh

# 24. Laugh, Laugh and LAUGH–Don’t be so serious.

# 25. Eat Love, Drink Love, Live Love, and most of all MAKE LOVE!

Here is a behind the scene video of my anniversary photo shoot that my talented son surprised me with…

As I celebrate my Silver Anniversary–I wish all you much love…

XOXO.

Gigi

24th Wedding Anniversary

Waxing the Thing…

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Gigi in Beauty 2 Comments

waxing

Hmmmm…To wax or not to wax? I’ve been waxing for over 10 years, perhaps I should have opted for laser hair removal, but something about the permanent nature, did not agree with me- and I’m a chicken. I can’t help but to think about peeps I see at the beach with faded droopy tats from yesteryear.

In one week I will celebrate my birthday, and like an old vintage car I like to get a complete overhaul done, so I can start my new “birth” year off fresh. So I went for my “wax” and I started thinking about is it time for a new look? I thought about how when I go to the wax salon I never see any “mature” ladies–where are they? Is there a point when you wake up one day and say “enough”? Do you go back to the full “monty”? What if “its” gray or salt and pepper? Crazy thoughts I know. Is there a cutoff year? If you are getting those AARP membership cards is that a sign?

Before I can put to much thought into this, Mirisa my “waxer” calls my name. Mirisa and I have become close over the years, even though I only see her every other month, we talk about everything in those 30 minutes. I thought about asking her “how old is your oldest client?” but I was to scared that it might be me. You can’t help but to get close to someone who yanks hair out of your lady parts with hot wax, you become close, and once you find someone, it is not the type of service you want to have a new person every time. Perhaps I’ll get the nerve to ask her next time.

I check out and exit by a few “30” somethings waiting and I smile.

So what do you think? Is there a cutoff for waxing? Does it fall in the category of the older woman whose skirts are a little to short to pull off, or the top that is to low cut for a crepey cleavage, we all know when we see the “trying to hard look”. Or since it is a “private” area does it matter? I’m curious of what your thoughts are…

WAX

Gigi’s Wax salon: Wax 7924 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90046 (323) 951-9616 Mirisa is amazing!!!

Happy Monday,

XOXO,

GIGI

Turn the HAPPY Dial up to MAX!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Gigi in Well-Being 8 Comments

I don’t like to keep putting this kind of info into the universe, but I feel like this is one of those messages that come out of nowhere when you are watching a really good show and the screen goes blank – “we interrupt this program etc….”. Yesterday I was still numb, today my regular post was hijacked-

Believe it or not but on Wednesday, another sister was diagnosed with f-ing CANCER. I can’t even explain how I feel–TOO Much for my little family.

So this is what my family tree is looking like about now…

cancer tree

Oh, I almost forgot my other sister had a car accident on Wednesday to add to the already horrific news. She is OK, but her car is jacked up.

So yes, I’m a little nervous, but I just keep it moving, living each day to the fullest. Do I worry? Of course… Do I freak out going to the Doctor? Yes. Do I have panic attacks waiting for test results? Yes. CAN I DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? NO.

So this is my approach “BUMP UP THE HAPPY DIAL ALL THE WAY…TO THE MAX!”

No time for madness, anger, cray cray’s, crazy, stupidity, envy, jealousy, negativity, meanies, haters, basically no time for bull shit on any level.

Just looking for the “good” and doing the best I can each day, and lifting others up to the best of my ability…

Parked my car next to a field of flowers that were in the parking lot…made me happy…

field of flowers in the parking lot

So Friends embrace today and find little bits of happiness in random places…

Happy Friday,

XOXO.

GIGI

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