Recipe for happiness

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

quote

This quote moved me… Sometimes you have to listen to that little voice on the inside. It is easy in this world we live in to concentrate on our exterior, making sure it looks real good to everyone. Giving the illusion that everything is okay, when it is crumbling apart on the inside.

Life is full of ups and downs. The daily comings and goings can take its toll on the best of us. Sometimes I feel bad for feeling down when in the big scheme of things, my disappointments are not that serious, compared to some. For example a few days ago a Facebook friend shared that their 7 week old baby suddenly passed away, although I have never met this person I was instantly sad at the thought of losing a baby. My issue of the day quickly disappeared.

We are responsible for our own happiness. I know that is easier said than done. The truth is I have my down days too, sometimes more often than I’d like to admit, but I also have some tactics to help navigate those times as well.

My recipe for happiness.

1.Surround yourself with positivity.

2.Wake up and embrace the day, leaving yesterday in the past.

3.Unfriend, unfollow, hang up on, negativity.

4.Accept people for who they are…and limit the interaction with those that do not have your best interest. see #3

5.Yoga- for me my practice helps me to stay grounded…find something that works for you.

6.Laughing even when you should not be…

7.Go out and find your joy.

8.Spend time with your loved one- or someone that makes you feel special.

9.Have people in your life, that will accept you for you- the ones you can be your authentic self- no faking the funk.

10.Indulge in something decadent- occasionally – don’t be that person that can never let loose…the ones that are always uptight because they are concentrating on the exterior a little to much.

What is your recipe for happiness? I’d love to know…

XOXO,

GIGI

Gigi 2017

Change

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Gigi in My Life Comments Off

Gigi

Being on the planet for more than half a century there have been people I have come in contact with that have inspired me and encouraged me to grow as an individual. Some of them are still in my life and some are not.

Change is a part of life and our growth as human beings. It is not always comfortable, matter of fact it can be painful at times. Part of this life journey is getting places we want to go. Setting goals and having a vision is only one part, you have to execute and follow through. Recently everyday I have been writing my elevate and execute tasks down in a notebook and it has really helped my productivity- like writing my blog daily again.

Figure out who you are and focus on your talents, no matter what your age is or where you are in your life journey it is never to late to explore another path. Limit your time with those individuals who feel they are superior to you the ones who you would like approval from, but sometimes these are the ones that will never see you as “good enough”. I have run into photographers in my short career that love telling me how much I don’t know… I limit my interaction with those types in exchange for those photographers who are willing to share and inspire me.

As this month is rapidly coming to an end, I am embracing some changes in my personal and business life. I’m excited and will be sharing changes here as they develop.

Who or what inspires you?

Btw if you are looking for a great book to read this summer check out the book my club is reading here.

Those of you that really know me – know that I am a cat woman- check these dolce gabbana cat-ture dresses out…and yes I would wear one of these-lol

cat dresses

Happy Monday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Do you feel good enough?

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Gigi in My Life Comments Off

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Do you feel good enough? In your profession? In your personal relationships? In your life?

We are in a world where it is easy to feel as though you are constantly being judged. Judged about everything- your appearance, your weight, your clothing, home, car, partner, education, children, the list goes on and on.

Gigi

In my profession, photography, your work is constantly being judged. We live in a visual society, where we are bombarded nonstop with images. Instagram & pinterest are leading social media with the imagery that is posted every second.

I can’t help, that I too get caught up in the competition game of judging work of other photographers, or images I see in magazines. Fortunately, I quickly am able to put things in perspective and continue to work on me and where I am on my creative journey.

To stay on track and keep the negatively at bay, that can sneak up on you- here are a few tips on keeping those negative vibes at bay..

1 Remember your journey is just that “yours”- work on you and don’t worry about “them”.

2 Everything happens for a reason. I have to believe there is a reason I began my professional photography career in my 50’s.

3 Find and maintain your own inner happiness. There is always going to be someone “better”, “richer”, “skinnier” etc., whatever that thing is that gets under your skin, trust me, there is someone out there doing it.

4 Everyday you rise, choose happiness over negativity.

5 Work daily on your goals- you will make progress little by little.

6 Don’t get stuck in the “what ifs”- Just Do it!”

7 Be passionate about life and your pursuits.

8 If you want something bad enough you will figure out a way to make it happen.

9 You are stronger that what you think you are- you can overcome obstacles that may be troubling you now.

10 Never stop trying- your setbacks will make you stronger.

What makes you feel “not good enough?” How do you deal with those feelings? I ‘d love to know.

Happy Tuesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

gigi

Quote

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Gigi in Inspiration Comments Off

As a young woman I loved reading Anais Nin. So when I came across this quote I had to share it…

“You live like this, sheltered, in a delicate world, and you believe you are living. Then you read a book… or you take a trip… and you discover that you are not living, that you are hibernating. The symptoms of hibernating are easily detectable: first, restlessness. The second symptom (when hibernating becomes dangerous and might degenerate into death): absence of pleasure. That is all. It appears like an innocuous illness. Monotony, boredom, death. Millions live like this (or die like this) without knowing it. They work in offices. They drive a car. They picnic with their families. They raise children. And then some shock treatment takes place, a person, a book, a song, and it awakens them and saves them from death. Some never awaken.”
― Anaïs Nin, The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 1: 1931-1934

This quote reminds me of my love of reading, and how books were my way to another world, before I had ever traveled as a young one. I loved going to the library, it was my ticket to the universe.

I always knew there was so much out there to experience. My path had a lot of detours and bumps along the way- never taking the direct route-always making time to get lost- and shying away from those that were on that predictable journey.

It is so easy to fall into a routine, and each day you follow your schedule, do what you do, day in and day out…numb to the world around you.

Live each day with a little abandonment- never stop discovering- it is okay to step out of your comfort zone-

Speaking of comfort zone…check out this young filmmaker Solomon Onita, I saw his short JOY at the Pan African festival and it is streaming on HBO-powerful story check it out.

Happy Thursday-

Xoxo,

Gigi

“The Philosophy of Psychiatry and Diagnosis”

50 things you should have or do by your 50th

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Gigi in 50 ways 1 Comment

Being a wise old 56 year-old, I was thinking about what are the things that are really important to me at this phase of my life. The do or die list. What are the things that contribute to a quality life after being on the planet a half a century or more. So this is what I came up with for me. In no particular order.

1 A pretty shoe that makes you feel beautiful when you wear it. I have quite a few…

2 A nice watch- Yes we all have our phones, but a timepiece is so elegant and old school.

3 A Pretty signature lipstick- mine is one from Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink, that I love, it is the color of my lips.

4 A favorite “work” outfit. I have quite of few black items that I have picked up for work.(I wear black on shoots.)

PS Couture beauty posse

5 Flowers. Learn to arrange- Have fresh flowers in your Living space. I can pick up fresh flowers anywhere and make them look fabulous.

6 Purchase if you have not already, a piece of original art. It does not have to be from Christie’s.

7 Heirloom jewelry that you can pass down to the next generation.

8 Signature scent. I love Tom Ford Cafe Rose and Bond No. 9 Nuits de NoHo

tom ford cafe rose

9. Hair you love.

Finished “do”

10. Ability to say “NO”… or even “HELL NO”.

11 A little black dress that you love. or 2 or 3…

12 Robust 401K- a retirement plan

13 Be a risk taker, especially if you have always been the predictable type.

14 Smile more.

15 Celebrate your birthdays in grand style.

16 Make time to read for pleasure.

17 Have a posse of trusted beauty providers i.e. manicurist, facials, waxer, hair stylist, etc. it takes a village at this age.

18 A current passport.

19 Make time for your friends, they are important for your well being.

20 Hydrate- drink water drink water and drink water…works wonders for your complexion.

21 Be supportive take time to listen to others and be as helpful as you can.

22. Don’t give up and go to the “frumpy” lane…work on you style whatever it is…Don’t give up- yes it does take a little longer to pull it together, but allow for the extra time. Get rid of logo track suits etc.

23 Keep up your appearance. see #22.

24 Mentor someone. Give some 20 something year-old the advice you wish someone would have given you…I was fortunate when I was in my 20’s to have a few 40 year-old friends who saved me big time from stupidity.

25 Forgive yourself and others. Being “mad” wrecks havoc on your looks.

26 Be a little selfish and forget what everyone else wants you to be or do.

27.Be proud of your age. It is much more attractive then trying to pretend to be”young”. Everyone can do the math- and when you avoid sharing your age- it is assumed that you are really “old” anyway.

gigi @ 56

28 Do something daily that makes you laugh- even if it is looking at a crazy video on Facebook or You Tube.

29 Be in love or open to falling in love without losing yourself in the process! It is never to late to find yourself,even if you are already lost.

30 BE HAPPY!

Happy Gigi

31 Be content with your body, weight, shoe size, bra size, jean size etc. OR Do something about it other than complain.

32 Have a pocketful of friends that you can depend on…

33 Have command of your well being. Do whatever it takes to be healthy- keep up good habits or start some now.

34 Have nice stationery and write notes and even an occasional letter to someone…we are not the texting generation-

35 Have the ability to bounce back from adversity.

36 Be able to handle rejection of any kind and keep it moving.

37 Good night cream and sun screen.

38 Minimal DRAMA.

39 A Cause you believe in- I love FACE Forward.

40 Have a love affair with your partner-

41 Continue to Dream-

42 Drink good champagne.

champagne

43 Stop living in the past and embrace the future.

44 Strength Train.

45 Travel.

46 Stay interesting.

47 Less is truly more.

48 Set goals for the next decades.

49 learn something new.

50 Don’t be sad- You are alive and you woke up this morning- make the most of each and every day.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

fresh highlights

10 things you should do…

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Gigi in Inspiration Comments Off

self portrait #10

I was reading an article about 26 things a person should do for themselves a least once an year.

These were some of my favorites ones-

1 Buy your self a good pair of shoes. The article focused on the comfort aspect, but my thought would be a beautiful indulgent pair- one that makes your heart beat fast and your legs look fabulous.

2 Go on a trip anywhere- even a road trip to a city a couple hours away- just explore something different.

3 Listen to some music from your past- I do that all the time, it mellows me out thinking about what I was doing 20-30 years ago and how simple my life was then. Lately I have been on a Stevie Wonder binge.

4 Edit your space and get rid of clutter. Anything that no longer serves you…let it go- I’m doing this room by room, my daughter left for college 2008 and has not returned- so I think all those clothes hanging in that closet are not serving anyone.

5 Clean up your email inbox- I’m ashamed to say, but I have over 100,000. I know part of this is from subscribing to different mailers, so my inbox is flooded daily.

6 Take yourself to dinner or lunch alone- I do this a lot when I go into the city. I have by phone or iPad and I’m good.

7 Write down a list of things you are proud of…

a.I am proud of my growth as an artist- and pursuing my passion as an old lady. hehehe

b. I am proud of my unconditional love for my family-because at times it can be a real challenge.

c. I am proud of being able to say “no” and being able to speak and listen to my authentic self and let her guide me…

8 Prepare dinner for friends- It is so easy to go out and meet at a restaurant, but there is something intimate about preparing food for guests.

9 I love this one- “do something unbelievably kind for someone who will not expect it” I have been on the receiving end of this one- just blown away by unexpected kindness, especially this past year.

10 I loved this one too “on your birthday make it a point to review your year” and then reflect and make improvements.

Read the entire list here.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Home Sweet Home

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Gigi in My Life 2 Comments

After the anxiety of getting to the airport, getting detained by TSA for water bottles, running to the gate, I am finally home. I’m a little wiser and excited about the infinite possibilities for my business. The conference inspired and delivered, which is good.

Sometimes, I think to myself, “What am I doing?” Why not just chill and lead the leisure life? Why do I dare to dream, dare to believe I can make a difference? It is challenging to establish a presence in a business where most of the people are half my age, but regardless I refuse to limit my ambition. Life is about growing, exploring and being the best you. The challenge keeps life interesting and accountable.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become consumed with the thought of how am I going to make a difference and what legacy am I going to leave behind. There is no time to waste on wishing for things to be different physically or materiality. I’m on this journey moving forward one step at a time or in my business one click at a time-

What are you dreaming about? Or think about this question, “If you could have one day back…any one day of your life to relive…a do over…” what would it be?

Happy Thursday !

Xoxo,

Gigi

Quote

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off

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 in Atlanta

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Gigi in photography 4 Comments

Gigi & Tea

Happy Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I’m traveling solo this week. I’m at a photography trade show in Atlanta, a city I have only visited a couple of times. Although I looooove traveling with my husband and family it is nice to travel alone occasionally. I decided to go to this conference at the last minute, not realizing that all the host hotels were sold out, so as a result I am staying at the Ritz Carlton, which is away from all the activity, which is kind of nice.

My Room- serene-

Thank goodness for my big coat!

The weather is really cold- freezing and windy, but I’m prepared for the most part. I don’t have a hat, but my hair is not really hat friendly.

uhm- not hat friendly at all

I don’t know anybody here, so I’m floating about anonymously, which is kind of nice. I can be an observer and concentrate on absorbing the knowledge I came here to receive. I have all my electronics with me so I have plenty to keep myself busy.

One of the highlights of the day was the keynote speaker, Amy Purdy, the young woman who at age 19 contracted a form of meningitis and as a result both of her legs had to be amputated below the knee, she lost both her kidneys, and her spleen had to be removed.

She is an actress, model, world-class snowboarder and 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist, professional speaker, clothing designer, past contestant on Dancing with the Stars, and author of On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs To Learning The Dance Of Life.

She made me realize there really is no excuse- we all have the ability to do and be successful at whatever we envision no matter what blocks may be in the way.

Check out her Ted Talk…and you will see what I mean.

Well I have to be up early to start my classes, so signing out-

xoxo,

Gigi

PERFECTION

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Gigi in Inspiration, Uncategorized, Well-Being 2 Comments

perfection

We all have the desire to be perfect, to be our best. I have found in my years of wisdom, that you can spend so much time on the quest to be perfect that you become paralyzed. The fear of not “being good enough” is a block that can be difficult to overcome. Sometimes I question myself and think “Am I Driven?”. When I was in school I was a good student, but I was not at the top of the class, I admired the “bright” ones from afar, never with envy, for some how I knew I would be okay.

I know there are numerous photographers that are established, have been working for years in the business, I see their work, clients and sometimes I wonder will I even be half as good as some of them. Knowing that I could easily be discouraged and give up, but instead I go forward and work at being the best that I can with the knowledge that I have amassed.

GiGi

With social media we are privy to others- we see their comings and goings and sometimes we can’t help but to question our own existence. It is easy to think based on postings that someone else’s life is “perfect”, instead of remembering that every one for the most part has an online image that sometimes is very different from their life at home.

With my family, I have taught my children to do their best, and don’t worry about what every one else is doing. We live in a society where our children are being tutored, coached, groomed to be the best, no longer left to chance. Parents are doing whatever to get the coveted spot at a prestigious university. I sometimes question is it really for the child… I tell my kids to follow your passion, success will come if you are passionate about your career, enjoy life, cherish your school years and think outside the box.

Gigi & Family

My son is doing his junior year of high school in Italy, he is fluent in italian now, I had a few well meaning people tell me that he should have gone to Spain and learned spanish something that he could use when he returned. My thought was he is an artist and wanted to spend time in Italy and I know this experience will be life changing for him. I am blessed that we could support his participation in the school year aboard program.

Reggie

So my friends, work on being the best you can be, and don’t worry about what the next person is doing, there will always be someone better, richer, prettier, skinnier, etc. the list goes on and on. So with that I need to work on learning some photoshop- HAPPY FRIDAY!

xoxo,

Gigi

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