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It’s okay to venture out of your comfort zone… Lately I’ve been doing it quite often.
Gigi bosslady…
This weekend is going to be one of renewal, my personal Super Bowl. What are your plans? I will be working today and tomorrow.
Happy Friday!
XOXO,
GIGI
Quote
I stumbled across this quote tonight, as I was searching for some inspiration for my post. I’m in Atlanta for a conference, a city that I know nothing about- but like this quote I’m having a moment to find myself, since I am essentially “lost” in this city.
At this conference there are thousands of photographers here from all over the country. Lots of small groups, clustering around, chatting shop talk with each other, exchanging the typical “where are you from and what to you shoot” conversations. Not that I am invisible, but I am enjoying this moment of being anonymous and not engaging in the small talk and just being “lost”.
Going to workshops, listening to speakers, checking out all the widgets in the expo, is allowing me the space I need to figure out what direction I am going as an artist.
new widget…my hip belt- that allows me to wear my camera on a belt so my hands are free so I can engage with my clients.
On another note I was saddened by the death of David Bowie. I loved him as an artist, and I feel as though I “know” Iman via magazines- I remember being so happy seeing her, a woman of color, in all the high fashion magazines and cutting out pictures of her when I was growing up. I also can only imagine her loss, after being married 24 years and watching your husband battle cancer, a disease that has certainly taken its toll on my family and friends.
David Bowie RIP
A moving post that Iman tweeted-
-Iman
When was the last time you were “lost”? What did you discover about yourself? Share?
and remember to value each day, each moment-
Xoxo,
Gigi
Gigi
“There comes a day when you realize that turning the page is the best feeling in the world, because you realize that there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on.” Zayn Malik
I came across this quote the other day and thought about how easy it is to become stagnant in your life, when really we are in control and can make the necessary changes just by turning the page. I’ve been stuck on the parenthood page for a long time, it has been a good part of the book, but the story is far from being over. I’m at a point in my life when some of my friends are now retiring, I’m just beginning a new career.
Retirement seems so far away, and what does that really mean for us? Do we sell our “family” home? Downsize and travel? These are questions that cross my mind. When we traveled to Costa Rica, we looked at properties and fantasized about maybe settling down there, or maybe Hawaii or the caribbean. Of course the thought crosses your mind about grandchildren, and would we want to be far away from them? Decisions, decisions…
What I do know though, is that I want to take the best care of myself so I can be around for retirement, that is why me and my butt go to the gym, and why I try to nourish my body to the best of my ability, I firmly believe you are what you eat. My spiritual well being is important too, I control the stress, block negativity to the best of my ability and surround myself with those that really love and support me.
I have also learned the importance of celebrating often and living each day to the fullest, I know first hand how one day everything can be great and the next day the entire world can come toppling down on you. I know how when things are tough it easy to focus on the “bad”, instead of how can I make the most of this situation and come up with a plan. I know that sometimes you may want to give up, but those are the times you can’t, you have to give it your all. My son last year caused us much grief, but I never gave up on him, so to see him walk across the stage and get his diploma was truly a blessing, yes I know it is only high school, but for a minute we did not know what was going to happen, but we never loss faith.
So friends embrace this weekend and go out and grab some joy you deserve it! Happy Friday!
Xoxo,
Gigi
I have been so incredibly busy. I apologize for my disappearance the past couple of weeks. My son attended his senior prom, we planted our summer garden, I’ve been really busy with my photography, my self portrait project and I hosted a house guest. It feels good to be back.
I came across this quote, “GROWTH DEMANDS A TEMPORARY SURRENDER OF SECURITY.” and after reading it a few times, I thought about how easy it is to do the same thing over and over, because it is safe and secure. Change can be frightening.
I haven’t always made the right choices, but I have always been quick to give up the mundane and secure, when I look back I wonder what was I thinking… I was young and my spirit was free never conforming, almost to a fault.
Many years ago when I was working for IBM (btw, I was not the best employee- ie. shredding important files etc.) I quit one random day and the following week started a chocolate brownie business with a friend, fortunately I never looked back. It took courage to take a leap away from a nice secure job, had I not, I would probably still be working there- not that that is a bad thing, but it was not the place that I belonged. I was only working there because I thought my “then” boyfriend would like me more…if I had a nice corporate gig…Go figure?
Right now I am in a rapid growth period. My son is about to graduate and start college in New York, my husband’s business is changing, and my photography is starting to take shape. I am developing my voice as an artist, taking risks in my craft. As a woman I’m at a point where I’m embracing all of me the good the bad and the ugly.
My tolerance for craziness has gone way down, I have no space for it in my life right now. I am comforted by sincerity and unconditional love. I have no desire to micro manage relationships, that should enrich my life and help me to grow, not complicate my life.
I am surrendering the thought that I can do it all- I can’t and that is okay. I give myself permission to slow down, saying “NO”, and basically focusing on what brings me and those I love joy. Slowing down to savior life and all it has to offer.
This little blog gives me a space to share a piece of me- I don’t do it for fame, or sponsors, I do it for my own growth and for all of you out there that take a moment to stop by, I appreciate each one of you.
Are you in a growing phase? Or are you in a safe secure place that you absolutely love? Please share I’d love to know.
Happy Thursday! XOXO,
Gigi
gigi & MIMI
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It has taken me a long time to learn this. If you don’t expect much you can’t be disappointed…I however always want the most from everyone, it’s my nature, but I am realizing everyone is not wired like that. One of my flaws is always wanting success for everyone, I will navigate the path and want others to follow, and when they get sidetracked or go backwards I’m disappointed instead of accepting maybe it is something they are not really interested in doing.
We are all so different in so many ways, I don’t know if it is an age thing or what, but I am not as accommodating as I used to be. I’m more of an observer, taking little mental notes, but always figuring out a plan and knowing what I can do to make it happen. I never give up on anyone, but I’ve learned that it is difficult to instill desire in another person if they don’t feel it or crave it from within. Everyone has their priorities and once you realize and accept that their priorities are not necessarily yours you can keep it moving and continue to work on your plan or align yourself with someone who is on the same path. This new awareness comes from a place of acceptance, not anger at all, basically accepting others from the level they are operating from and not expecting more than they are capable of giving.
I often tell my kids, “I can’t want this more than you do…” and I really mean it. We as parents sometimes can create what is perceived as a heartbreak from our children, when in reality it is simply our children wanting something different than what we want for them. My son wants to study art, and I have had some well meaning people ask me “what is he going to do with that?” and my answer is “be happy”… Growing up my well meaning family expected me to embark on a traditional career, I wanted to do something in fashion or art, but that dream was squashed and hence for a long time I was a “disappointment”.
I’m fortunate that my husband is the same way, no matter what obstacles are presented, no matter how difficult, he will always work on finding a solution. In the 27 years we have been together we have had some real challenges along the way, and have overcome the impossible at times ie. IRS, bankruptcy, lawsuits, just to name a few, but you get it…
I’m at a place in life where lots are changes are taking place, my son will be going away to college, my husband’s business is changing rapidly, and I am figuring out who I am as an artist and what my business model is going to look like in the next 6 months, year, 5 years. The one thing I know for sure though, is that if something starts to feel uncomfortable, I will figure it out before it gets to disaster mode.
Happy Tuesday XOXO,
Gigi
Gigi
Be Happy
This is how I strive to live every day. At 55 I am reminded almost daily of how short life really is and that it takes way to much energy to be angry. Of course I have my moments, but when I do I quickly regroup and question myself “Is this really necessary?”. I find that sometimes you have to be a little selfish, because well meaning friends will share their anger with you on various matters, you want to listen and perhaps give advice, but when the friend wants to constantly share negativity over and over it can become a bit much.
I’m pretty simple and can find happiness is the smallest things, like waking up early and hearing the faint sound of birds chirping, or noticing the way the light comes through a window in the afternoon. I’m happiest when I am able to help someone, especially someone who is not expecting anything. I love hearing success stories and good news.
Embracing where I am in this life and not worrying about what I should be doing or what others feel I should be doing. Loving this complicated aging process and accepting the good the bad and the ugly. And lastly being so thankful for everyday I wake up, and my family is fine, and I know where I am and what time it is, never taking anything for granted.
Happy Tuesday!
Xoxo,
Gigi
Mimi & moi
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I connected with this quote. It is easy to focus on yesterday and the day before, especially if it is something negative, I have been guilty of this on many occasions. Does it really help? No. If anything those feelings come up to the surface again and put a damper on the current day. Each day is opportunity to embrace something new, go forward and keep it moving. Spending time on yesterday takes away from new experiences and memories you could be creating. Of course it is okay to share something the key is to know when to let it go. I’m still learning this…
On another note I read about something that uber is doing today in Los Angeles…puppy bowl. Sponsored by Animal Planet every year around the same time as the Super Bowl, Uber and Animal Planet coordinated to provide the puppies, most which are available for adoption from local animal shelters. Between the hours of 11 and 3 you can order a uber to come to your office and bring puppies for you and your staff to play with for 15 minutes. The cost is 30.00 which goes to the local animal shelters. If I had an office in LA I know what I would be doing this afternoon…
Happy Wednesday,
Xoxo,
Gigi
“You can either waltz boldly onto the floor of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall and recede in the shadows of fear and self-doubt.”
-OPRAH
Came across this quote and thought about how it took me a while to listen to my spirit. It was not necessarily fear or self-doubt, but a need to comply with some imaginary image that I created in my mind. I spent a lot of time exploring and trying to figure out what was my true purpose on this planet. I had the mother/wife thing under control, but it was the other part of me that needed to be discovered.
I remember many years ago, hmmm like 30 years, wanting to work at IBM, because I thought having a career in the corporate world would make me “important” and as silly as it may sound I thought working there would make me more attractive to potential mates. I observed the way IBM-ers looked and went out and bought a nice navy suit, a blouse with a bow at the neck, low heeled pumps, and stud earrings, I pulled my hair back, a little makeup and after a few interviews I was hired. It was a horrible fit, because my spirit was not there, no matter how hard I tried. So needless to say after a few close calls ie. almost getting fired, I resigned and started a brownie business with a friend.
Soon I realized I was most happy working for myself, even if I did not make a lot of money. My spirit needed the freedom to create and follow my passion. Now at 55 I am an up and coming photographer and I am thrilled everyday with my work. So it is NEVER to late to listen to that inner voice and see where it leads you- you may be pleasantly surprised.
GiGi in Thailand
A few days ago, Oscar De La Renta, passed away, at the age of 82. I don’t own any of his dresses, even on sale they were always out of my league, but I always admired them and how beautifully they were constructed. Here are a few of my favorite ladies sporting Oscar De La Renta…
First Lady Michelle
Beyonce
Iman
Kerry
Lupita
Halle
Happy Thursday-
Xoxo,
Gigi
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I love Zora Neale Hurston, and the other day I stumbled across this quote on instagram. This is so powerful…How many of us are silent about painful situations? In my current life I am an open book, at times maybe to open, but I know the silent pretend everything is okay is not good. It’s like the ah ha moment when you here something about someone that is totally unexpected, and the response is “wow, I wish I would have known, maybe I could of helped” this is what I am talking about.
We all know that person who is always smiling, but you sense the smile has no depth, the one who you have a conversation with and you still don’t know anything about them, or the one you have know for 20 plus years who you are no closer with than you are to your local grocery store checker. Some of these peeps are suffering from this pain, that is masquerading in designer clothes, and other trappings that represent a superficial “happiness”.
Personally I’m dealing with the pain of working with my son and this college process. We all want the best for our children, but I know they have to want it as well, I can’t as a mother want it more than he does. I can’t go back and say why did you not do better, all I can do is help him and hope in the future he makes better choices. Now it would be easy to “pretend” that I have this model student…who would know or question?
Keeping pain silent will take a toll on your soul…Let it go. I know it is not easy, especially if the pain has been around for a long time, but trust me your soul will thank you. Personally I’m dealing with the pain of working with my son and this college process. We all want the best for our children, but I know they have to want it as well, I can’t as a mother want it more than he does. I can’t go back and say why did you not do better, all I can do is help him and hope in the future he makes better choices.
Xoxo,
Gigi
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