Jackie'sMagic Touch

Soul Mate Energy

2012-01-21T10:20:00.002-06:00

Here is the energy of love, passion and relationships.. on a rope!

And nope. It's not soap.

Touchstone Crystal's Have A Heart Pendant in my opinion, is about Soul Mate Energy. It's an object of adornment for connecting to all the loves of your soul. Your self. Your child. Your best friend. Your mother. Your lover.

To me, the energy of this stunning Crystal Red Magma Xilian Heart SWAROVSKI ELEMENT captures -when worn, or held, or is nearby... the energy of love & passion, either through finding your soul mate or reconnecting with strong feelings of say.. the night before, or.. that love and passion that has become lost.

Get one for you to wear often, and give one...

.. to him for his rear view mirror

.. to your daughter to celebrate a special moment, success or celebration
.. to your mother to bond again
.. to your best friend to commemorate something like date of sobriety, a year surviving breast cancer..

Two lovers, a mother & daughter or two best friends matching jewelry! In love.

Look for the "Have A Heart Pendant" and see it in more detail here: @ my Touchstone Crystal website.

Or book a jewelry party with me and get yours for free!

~ I'm in Dallas.

I am insignificant

2012-01-15T14:06:00.000-06:00

... without you!

Ready to be a Touchstone Crystal Independent Jewelry Consultant? Click here to Join my SpiritJewels Networking Team. JOIN IN JANUARY and get an enhanced starter kit for $100 less. Join for $99 or $199. Don't wait until the end of the month like I did.

Then call or text me. No! Call me or text me first & I'll walk you through the online sign up. Then I'll send you an email and we will talk about what to do next...

Leap, and grow your wings on the way down!

- Les Brown

Follow me. Join my SpiritJewels Networking Team.. To Be 1 of 24 in 2012 .. Significant!

Business Woman Silhouette art by:

http://parka.deviantart.com/art/Businesswoman-silhouette-92718484

When was the last time...

2012-01-12T08:21:00.000-06:00

My home massage & aromatherapy parties will help you convert your home environment into a personal spa. It's all about loving yourself, and my goal is to to encourage women to look at life through spa-colored glasses. I teach you about making your very own home spa treatments and recipes for beauty and sleep, I will show you some fabulously comfortable bedding and tell you how to get it, and I talk about things like stress management, nutrition, exercise, fashion and personal and home aesthetics.

Click here for my contact information. I answer all detailed text and voice messages within the hour.

The Greater Price of Financial Security

2012-01-11T08:52:00.002-06:00

I am apt to say.. that it not at all likely that having been through the greatest crisis of my life several times over since I was laid off back in '08, I would now turn back to my comfort zone. Again. Years of stress building up, and sickness too... "I want my life back!" I keep saying. But do I really? And never would I predict that the temptations could come from the trappings of the corporate world... the least likely thing. That is a real danger. I'm telling you ladies and gentlemen... If we keep on doing what we've always done, we'll keep on getting what we've always got.

Miraculous! The bills got paid. Late/with fees.. or fines.. depending on how you look at it. Actually.. I've learned the truth to that childhood Christmas song.."Even a miracle needs a hand." My doing the needful - seems to give God motivation to pull it off - on my behalf. Easy for God. The dumps for me mentally and physically. But I don't really believe.. this state is what God has intended for me. This may disturb some fundamental believers.. but.. it's my truth. God doesn't work in our lives like we believe he does. When live doesn't work out the way we're hoping.. it's not a God thing. It's an us thing.

When I mentioned to my mother over the holidays that I was going to move on from my day job.. she got upset. "We prayed for that job!" She exclaimed... Well.. "We are praying for me to move on from it, now." I said.

My comfort zone allows for stress relief like a roll in the hay with a thoughtful lover. It finds and hits the spot. No substance abuse involved. Just pure direct relief. But.. it keeps me miserable, spiritually. Unfulfilled.. Dangerously lacking and fascinated with greener pastures.

I opened my email this morning and found a prompt for this post.. And I cannot disregard my calling after reading.. I am saying good bye to the most unhealthiest of day jobs. I was gonna ask for a raise or gym membership to stay part time even -- in order to be truly helpful to them. But am I nuts?! Nope. Just sick and tired of being sick and tired. -Not doing that.

-- Keeping by the power of God/Love... as that is the only safety zone - outside my comfort zone.

FROM SparkPeople.com. Go read this. Or.. subscribe..

To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, and to be given a chance to create, are the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy- Bette Davis, actress

The greater price of financial securityMoney makes us do crazy things we never thought we would do. A great example of this is staying at a job you dislike or working outside the home when your heart is at home with your family. While money does provide opportunities and liberation from certain stresses in life, unhappiness has a greater price. Let money enrich an already abundant life, not define or run it. Can you reprioritize your life in a way that you are achieving both financial goals and also fulfilling your dreams? Live the kind of life that excites you to get out of bed in the morning, one of color and joy. If money comes, great. If not, rest assured, knowing that your life is not defined by what you make but what you already have. The best things in life are free!

Reactivate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams

2012-01-06T07:19:00.001-06:00

How do I practice what I preach about peace and the right path? I take the small steps and then something comes up to distract me. I'll be still in moments and listen to Guidance. I'll even be feeling it in my heart.. my gut! Taking steps that work toward that purpose as I feel guided. Then.. something else not so pleasant will happen -to distract me. I'm not in a rush.. Not concerned about speed or timing.. as I've been there done that! Once got 5 stitches over my left eye to show for it. So -I'm always present and willing to participate.. acting in love toward others, but staying committed to the path. Then poof! Something comes up that distracts me, yet again! Making me realize that I am on a different path than most others. Not worst. Not better. Just.. different. But bringing to my reality that I've got to shift... Cause again.. something has happened. But I don't want to shift!! I like it where I am. Distractions and all! I've got anxiety and I resist .. and those close to me have some of their own.. that rubs off on me, and mine rubs off on to them! Yikes! But.. is all of this distraction, noise, anxiety, resistance... shifting.. the way to find my way back home?

My sharing about my distractions, as well as my new discoveries is the light for others who are also seeking something higher.. different.. better. Go figure. (paraphrased Seeing Miracles Every Day: A Course in Miracles on Facebook)

And then... It's time to remember... that God remembered Noah (Gen 8:1). You mean.. He actually forgot him? Naaa. Noah probably thought He did.. Because of all the distractions.

... Time to remember... Time to Believe.. That: Tough times require strong faith. Current challenges will pass. Big problems precede bigger things to come. Every disappointment gives us fresh opportunities. Each season scarcity gives way to new seasons of increase. -From Joel Osteen's It's Your Time Journal. As shared over on Mommy's Block Party & Jackie D. Rockwell .

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love... but I can make you good at it! °o.O

JackiesMagic is protected & copyrighted ©. Except Photo from Google Images.

My Touchstone Crystal Virtual Info Pak w/Catalog Link

2012-01-06T05:58:00.001-06:00

Current Touchstone Crystal Starter Kit

At least 17 fabulous pieces of jewelry in the $198 Starter Kit!
Total $217 in Texas. That's with tax plus shipping!

Displays are not part of the kit.

Current Catalog

Last Season's Catalog.

Our Jewelry Collections

Shop Online @ My Website

Double Hostess Rewards in January! Flyer

Free Gift With Purchase

Join In JANUARY 2012 & Save $100

Sponsoring Incentives

Touchstone Crystal Facebook Fan Page

Now that you've reviewed everything here, call or text me. I'm in Dallas:

9 Seven 2 Eight 9 Six 7 Two 1 1

www.mytouchstonecrystal.com/jackierockwell

NEW YOU - Single & Successful Sexy Mom

2011-12-30T12:56:00.000-06:00

This is for you sexy single moms looking for love...

Financial security will increase your level of sexy and increase your natural attractant... confidence!

If you've been thinking about doing something on the side to make extra money, I am inviting you to consider joining my SpiritJewel Networking Team as an Independent Consultant with Touchstone Crystal.

Touchstone Crystal is a direct sales business opportunity made easy by "Swarovski." Google it. Then call me to get your specific questions answered. If you're compelled to sell something to pay the bills, don't let it be your soul. In this economy, everyday people are still shopping for beautiful things, including jewelry! And this brand and this company are very unique. I checked. Nothing wrong with all the others, but everything is right with this one.

And the other thing is.. you can wear your kit! One piece at a time, or all 21 pieces! Yes! With your Touchstone Crystal Jewelry Business kit you don't just get 2-3 pieces of token jewelry, you get 13 - 17 - 21 beautiful Swarovski jeweled pieces to wear and to show at your parties. Touchstone Crystal is part of Swarovski and Swarovski IS the source.. From creation to distribution! It's not about their deep pockets, either. It's about their deep knowing & understanding of what a successful direct sales jewelry business woman needs from the very beginning. Jewelry.

I've been wearing my Touchstone Crystal jewelry every single time I leave my house and I get startling comments and second glances and interest parties and the business... As I come out of my comfort zone, I find I love sharing with my captivated audience that I own my own Touchstone Crystal jewelry business. And with a very generous kit I can say that with pride.

But you know what? It's amazing how ATTRACTING the Mirror, Mirror Earrings and the Topaz Signature Earrings and the Jewel Cube Earrings are! And wearing the Celestial Satin Ball Necklace is.. BELIEVING! The catalog and website photos don't come close to revealing their authentic and distinctive beauty. These are but a few beautiful jewels that came in my kit!

If someone else has already introduced you to the Touchstone Jewelry business opportunity, call them now. There's a kit special going for January you don't want to miss! This is not about getting a 'cheap' kit. This is about a business opportunity of LIFE CHANGING proportions. Get yours REG $199 for $99. Or get the enhanced kit REG $298 for $198... on January 1st.

And if you can't find your old Touchstone Jewelry Consultant.. Get a new one. Me!

Ladies! I have been getting my act together for the past month to be the leader of a new breed of independent consultants. The ones of us who are working class moms (Corporate vs Domestic).. Who will have beautiful sexy success in 2012. We can't rub Touchstone Crystal jewelry on our face and thighs at night to make us hang onto our youth a little longer so we can catch a good man do what needs to be done. Or sprinkle it on our food to make us feel sexy and stronger to hunt and peck for him. Wearing the Jewelry & the Doing the Business will ROCK YOUR WORLD like a good orgasm will. Ohhhhh.. I did say that, didn't I? But it's true! It's that good of a deal! What's the best way to get into an amazing sexy romance with an amazing guy? Amazing bling? Nope. Amazing income? Nope.

Amazing successful sexy YOU!

* Consultants who start in January save $100 off your Starter Kit!
Pay $199 or $99 instead of $298 or $199.

So Right NOW! Before you buy any kit - Get just ONE friend (EMAIL or Facebook her 1st! Don't call!) Find a friend with friends to commit to host a guaranteed party or.. host your own within the next 21 days..as *New Consultants must have their launch party within their first 21 days and have a minimum of $400 in commissionable sales.. to get bonuses!

ALSO! Be thinking of others who might appreciate this same opportunity and let's see if they might be a match for our business! You want to invite everyone you know to join in January and host in January. Gobs of specials!

Spring & Summer 2012!

In January SAVE $100 on your Starter Kit!

This is the kit I got when I joined in November 2011.

www.mytouchstone.com/jackierockwell

Opt Out of Cubicle Hell for Direct Sales

2011-12-28T23:24:00.000-06:00

I have a day job with about 30 coworkers who sit nearby in cubicles the same teeny size as the one I work in. One coworker was complaining of back pain for a couple of days, went to the doctor, and the following Monday, we all find out that Thursday was her last day on the job. She'd come out of retirement to work on our team the year before, but concluded that a 40 hour week was just too much at this point in her life. Another coworker, has had ergonomic consultations with the company environmental agent to make sure her cubicle and desk and brand new chair are correct and supportive of her every move. She works-out in the new onsite gym and she attends regular physical therapy sessions for pain in her lower back. She's a permanent employee, so they pulled out all the stops for her benefit (and their risk management). The coworker that resigned and I, and one other are contractors. When we start hurting, we're on our own to suffer and fix the problem.. Or quit.

I honestly wish I could say that I have the luxury of quitting on Thursday. But some day I will and when I do, it'll be because I have something better lined up to replace it or my Plan B has kicked into full gear and I can let go of the drudgery of corporate enslavement. Or.. I'll take a deep breath and say "Forget it!" and not show up anymore believing the bills will get paid because the Universe is blessing my courageous exodus out of cubicle hell. It is a blessing though, to be employed these days, no matter how bad the pay is.. but being employed as a temp becomes more and more demeaning, as you realize what you are not entitled to, even though you are just as committed to the corporate vision and goals as the regular hires supposedly are.

And it hurts my heart to know that my coworkers need the exact same things spiritually that I need from the job, if not more; but don't think the way I do about ditching.

All I know is.. I need and want from a job where I'm exchanging my time for their money is exceptional pay so I can afford to get weekly full body 1 1/2 hour massages in a real spa so... I can get better sleep at night. Short and sweet. My day job does not offer this. And that means... because I'm complaining about it now, it's about time to get a move on.

I imagine that if you're reading this, you're in the same boat. And that's why you should have a Plan B, too. Mine is: Touchstone Crystal Jewelry

If you are a working mom, a single mom, especially, experiencing thoughts of getting out of Corporate America or looking into a direct sales business to supplement your income, or you want to make a mad dash to the first exit, please contact me. I'm on your side! Let's do this together! Make a united fortified attempt to control our destiny in an economic climate where no one is safe. Join my SpiritJewel Networking Team as an Independent Consultant for Touchstone Crystal. I'm where you are! Join now for $100 less! My phone number is at the top of this blog. If you leave a detailed message I will call you back within the hour. I'm in Dallas.

Whatever you do next, don't quit your day job yet and don't write a resignation letter like this one. Call me first! tehe

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love... but I can make you good at it! °o.O

JackiesMagic is protected & copyrighted ©

Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe

2011-12-21T10:14:00.000-06:00

This simple sugar cookie recipe makes about 24 of the most tender, flaky and butter sugar cookies you'll ever taste. I love these!

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
I might add 1 tbsp. of lemon zest and 1/4 tsp. salt

Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix until just combined. Add flour and baking powder in intervals. Dough will seem as if doesn't have enough moisture but continue to mix with mixer until combined (it will come together when chilled).

Divide the dough into four equal parts, shape into four disks, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate about an hour or until firm. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper, about 1/4 inch thick for crispier cookies and 1/3 inch thick for softer cookies.

Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until edges just start to turn a golden color. For softer cookies, do not allow the cookies to take on color. Remove from oven, let cool for one minute and then transfer to wire rack. Allow cookie sheet to cool thoroughly before placing uncooked dough on it. Decorate cookies with icing or frosting and sprinkles.

And if you're looking for a non-classic spirit-filled gift, for those grown-up taste buds..

Here's a cool tip I found. Yummy!

Alcohol won't add much flavor to your cookies but if you use black rum like Myer's, or use

a very strongly flavored liqueur such as amaretto, hazelnut liqueur, kahlua, etc.... You

can eat all you want and not have to go to re-hab!

To Put Love In a Jar

2011-12-18T15:28:00.002-06:00

This elf is in now in production.. measuring, mixing, blending, pouring, labeling the only gift batch of my You Touch It - You Rub It™ body scrubs. Folks on my nice list will get...

Pretty Hands-Happy Feet
Brown Sugar Love Scub
Vanilla Chai Ain't No Lie!
Breakfast Blend Body Mend

Want some? It's made with love!

$20each &
2 for $35
plus s/h & tax

CALL OR TEXT
Not just for Christmas, you know.

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love... but I can make you good at it! °o.O

JackiesMagic is protected & copyrighted ©

"If Momma Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy," But if Momma is Happy...

2011-12-17T20:11:00.000-06:00

Single motherhood involves a great deal of busyness, and many onlookers unwittingly fall for the belief that it is by busyness that a single mother should be willing and able to stop what she's doing -and do something different or better -on demand. Got a text from a friend in direct sales today... encouraging me to plug into a website to learn the ropes if I want to switch out of my day job for direct sales business success like hers. Another website!? Yikes! I love her, but like many others, she's never really listened. Little did she know that I have already moved on from what she has to offer. But the idea of her sending me to a website.. rattled my brain a bit.

What many never hear is the part about the "great deal of busyness." And it's not about having the belief that there is no time or.. that I'm being a martyr to the needs of my family.. It is about having no energy to have the time for something different or something better... No energy to go on another website or memorize another user ID and PW or PIN.. or no energy to convince myself to do something I feel is just too complicated.. Even if it's not. At the first sign of an unnecessary issue, or the first unnecessary vice in someone I discern, it tends to feel like another hellacious burden. And I just want to cut out, in order to save my soul.. and my.. other eye.

A few years ago, I made a wonderful discovery about myself. I was great at multitasking. Then one afternoon, when it was approaching time to leave work to go home, my boss was demanding the completion of a presentation document and several others in the office were pulling at my executive assistant / office manager apron strings. I stood up abruptly and bang! My left brow bone struck the corner of the open overhead file cabinet.. It took five stitches to mend that scar and rescue me from the overwhelming waaay too many demands of corporate and single parent life. I thought... never again. It is not necessary - if you're good at what you do, to try to do too many things at once.

I quickly mastered doing the needful without every feeling the need to multitask like that again. Do you know that I would soak my feet in a foot tub filled with foot soak whilst putting on makeup and curling my hair in the mornings? Because I thought it was an efficient use of my time! Lordy! The things I did for a nickle.

Recently, I made another wonderful discovery about myself. That I have enjoyed these past 7 years of not being a multitasker. It's nearly impossible for me now, to get in to gear to multitask. I've just learned how to manage all that I need to do in the time that's right for it to get done. After I took a job that entailed a 60 mile daily commute.. Within a week, my then 6th grader said to me as I entered the house and headed straight to my room to decompress.... "Mom, you've changed." I'll never forget it. --The rest is history. I prayed for relief. Two and half years later.. I got it. In the form of a pink slip. I was trying to live well with the commute, but it wasn't living well with me. For 2 1/2 years I loved everything about that job.. Except the commute. It was sucking the fun out of being gainfully employed.. and the happy mother of a teenager who needed me the moment I walked in the door.

None of what I was doing on that job was of any benefit to me and my daughter except that we had a pretty good life of material success. But my soul was going with every mile and minute I spent in rush hour traffic. But nothing is worst than the reverse of employment. Being unemployed and trying to live for another 2 1/2 years on less than half of the salary. But I did it. Was it a good trade off? I cannot say. We didn't lose anything forcibly, but in the end, I gave it away. Take it! Come and get it! I would eventually say!

Home for me and my child is more than just a home. It's a state of consciousness rather than a mere place. That's why it's so easy for me to not do the remote log-on to the company website in the evenings and weekends. And if I don't end the week with 40 hours, or the day with 8... I'll more likely that not, have a short pay check. It just feels sooo good to be at home and do only the needful and be in only the necessary happy momma mode!

When I'm home, my daughter is blessed by my presence, and I by hers. And if you're a multitasking single mother... figure out how to stop that! And.... BE happy mothers. Wherever and whoever you are.

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love... but I can make you good at it! °o.O

JackiesMagic is protected & copyrighted ©

Me First

2011-12-17T01:04:00.000-06:00

Now is your chance to say "me first" in your own life.

In January 2012, I will be presenting "Lessons in You."

Unlike my jewelry parties, there are no products or catalogs or order forms. Guests pay a small fee up front and learn how to make their own spa treatments. Then they can take their creations home with them. For now I'm only offering this in Collin County... 'cause that's where I live and work! You as the hostess choose the night and do the inviting. A deposit is required and forfeited if cancelled without adequate notification.

Choose one of these party themes & get a gift basket of home made goodies & FREE & discounted massages & jewelry and other nice things.

	LOVE	Recipes for healthy hair
	CARE	Recipes for soft hands and strong nails and gleaming natural manicures.
	CONNECT	Recipes for aromatic bath rituals.
	LIVE	Recipes for blending personal fragrances using essential oils.
	BALANCE	Recipes for relaxing foot baths and stunning pedicures.
	ACCOMPLISH	Spa style gift ideas.
	INSPIRE	Recipes to clean, exfoliate, tone and moisturize the face for brilliant facials.

Request more information:
9 Seven 2 Eight 9 Six 7 Two 11
I'm in Dallas

Spirituality of Touchstone Crystal

2011-12-13T00:39:00.000-06:00

I consider myself a spiritual person. A free spirit, even! I definitely believe in a higher power because.. I just do. I turn to my faith through the trials and treasures of daily life as a single mother and as a woman and as a human being. Am I the only one who has this 3-in-1 spiritual thing going on? Although... I'm not sure if I believe things happen for a reason. And I'm not sure they don't.

Throughout my life I've had minimal cross or religious jewelry. Only two pieces.. A sterling silver dangling cross I wear on my pinky finger. And a gorgeous be-gemmed and beaded gothic cross necklace. I wear my necklace and or my ring only because they are pretty, not for some superficial religious reasons.

What am I getting at?

Last August, something made me scared. It was back to school and senior year for my college bound daughter. Work was beginning to wear me out. Our court ordered child support became hit n miss, and will stop officially in June of 2012. My young mother's chronic pain condition is aging her fast. My 89 year old grandmother turned 90. Both my brothers are living in other states minding their own business. And I'm not dating anyone. I asked myself this question: What am I going to do? Do I want to practice massage again, or get that degree in Chiropractic? Financial aid for me would jeopardize financial aid for my daughter. In the mean time, I'm on the look out for a life changing opportunity. Or my sugar daddy. Believing in direct sales, and not a fairy god mother, that's where I started.

You're thinking, "Jewelry?" "That's so superficial for a spiritual girl!" Maybe it is. But what isn't? Cosmetics? Bedding? Purses? Jeans? Candles? Gourmet food? And with that, it took me two months to decide which jewelry company was right for me. I was looking for the entire package from the top down.. from the creation of the jewelry to the sponsor I would sign up with... Something spiritual. And believe me, it was a tough decision. Hearing how companies got started is always fascinating. Hearing how deep their pockets are because of certain investors, is fascinating. Hearing how a would be sponsor left one lucrative opportunity to start over with a new ground floor company, is motivating! Seeing the jewelry and the excitement of the leaders in the field selling it and marketing and promoting it.. makes it very hard to decide. Then one day.. as a deadline for a special was upon me, I had to decide. And it all came together like .... a miracle.

What I got with my consultant ID:

1. The sponsor: She told me she'd pray for wisdom for me while I decided. I felt it was an extraordinary expression that I appreciated immensely.

2. The kit: This company I chose to go with offered a business kit that has more bang for my bucks. It would allow me to be a better steward of my time and resources. You should have seen me and my daughter making the decision together.. Which kit to get? The 13 piece or 21 piece? She high-fived me and said ... "Go big, mom." For the same price other companies were offering 2-3 pieces of jewelry.. I got 21.

3. The jewelry: The jewelry in the kit contains exceptional and striking pieces, not the lesser pieces of the entire collection.. that the companies offer. I can actually do serious business with this kit, even if nothing else happens. And I won't need to rely on borrowing from my sponsor who lives miles away!

4. The company: Touchstone Crystal. Touchstone Crystal is an opportunity made easy by "Swarovski." Google it. Then call me to get your specific questions answered. If you're compelled to see something to pay the bills, don't let it be your soul. In this economy, everyday people are still shopping for beautiful things, including jewelry! And this brand and this company... are very unique. I checked. nothing wrong with all the others, but everything is right with this one.

To me Touchstone Crystal jewelry is spiritual, not only because it's "Swarovski" but because of how I perceive "Swarovski." For me, adorning myself with bold and even anonymous perfection is what makes my personal selections inspiring and encouraging to others.

Why Touchstone Crystal?

I chose Touchstone Crystal because it reminds me to love myself and have faith in myself and my decisions.

I chose Touchstone Crystal because I wanted others to see this beautiful jewelry for what it is. A symbol that speaks to the giver of the gift or the wearer of the gift... A gift that symbolizes whatever you want. You give or wear jewelry to have very real meanings and sometimes, just sometimes, it's a gift that serve no special purpose. And it gets chosen to be given and worn -just because it's there.

I chose Touchstone Crystal because when I saw online those gorgeous Dolce Pave Chandelier Earrings.. I had to have them! And what do you know? They're in the kit season! Also I adore the White Ice, Night Ice, and Bordeaux Ice bracelets. Amazingly these go with everything.

Now. Go check it out. MY TOUCHSTONE CRYSTAL WEBSITE

Keep in mind that while the photography is beautiful, when you see the jewelry in person it's even more beautiful.

Call or Text.

Our Touchstones

	LOVE	passion, power, strength, courage
	CARE	romance, femininity, grace, compassion, beauty
	CONNECT	joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, hope, friendship
	LIVE	nature, fertility, life, healthy, well-being, good fortune
	BALANCE	peace, tranquility, harmony, loyalty
	ACCOMPLISH	wisdom, royalty, spirituality, potential
	INSPIRE	reflects all colors - simply choose your own personal meaning

What's a friendship?

2011-12-12T03:53:00.001-06:00

My college bound daughter is making friends on a member's only Facebook group page suggested by college officials where she's been accepted and plans to attend. I was encouraged that she shared what she was learning about a particular young lady she is hopeful will be her roommate. They're getting to know so much about one another so soon. It all makes the reality of her leaving that much more --real. I found myself plugging her ears with nuggets about trust and the rewarding trials and tribulations of friendships and especially roommates. She was eager to hear, and she laughed a lot at my stories of roommate drama.

But this post really isn't about that at all.. It's about how I'm feeling lately regarding friendships of my own. I really don't know what those are anymore. Aside from what Facebook is teaching me that friendship is or is not. It seems like when I most need a friend or a friendship, someone I feel that I can touch.. the best I can do these days is find one on Facebook. I mean, my old friends that I truly can call friends are not in my hometown. Oh.. some folks from high school came out of the wood works over the course of the past 3 years since I've been on Facebook. Only a hand full have I not unfriended. One in particular, befriended me.. when I realized she was friends with another friend and requested her friendship. But I quickly realized that she was so .... clinical and non nurturing in her responses to me. Didn't know I needed nurturing, but.. I guess the feeling I'm trying to convey is that.. she didn't seem to give a damn whether I was there or not! I didn't like that about her, and I got tired of reading her feeds of cute quotes and quips that all 842 of her friends always loved. So I unfriended her. Didn't even say "bye."

I don't know. My best friend that I had back in 1983-84 seems to see me for who I am and like me still.. from afar. She's a mom with her "shadow" in college. She's a migraine patient, and she seems to understand my stuff as I post it on my wall. She's usually always there, and somehow I don't feel I'm ever there enough for her.

One friend since middle school who is also a Facebook friend, I rarely hear from. And I think I forgot when his birthday is.. for the first time since 1980. I sent him a Facebook message instead of calling him asking..."Is today your birthday?" I haven't heard back from him, yet. Since 1980 I've never forgotten his birthday and he's never forgotten mine. Even though he's happily married to a woman who was never really my friend, she has condoned or tolerated my friendship with her husband. If only she knew, I know more about her than she knows about me. I think. And if I never heard from him again, I probably wouldn't even notice, at this point.

Since middle school I've watched my daughter struggle with the imperfections girls and guys she's befriended. And I've watched them struggle with her. She's had some BFFs and now they're all on her shit list. My daughter's one of those people who will dump you if you tick her off one time too many. I'm not sure if that'll change as she gets older. And with the advent of Facebook, she doesn't need anyone in particular too much or too often, as there is always someone out there who can give her what she needs.. Thanks.. but not thanks.. to anyone wanting to issue a warning to me right about now, about warning her of the dangers of the world, especially the internet.

But where are those friendships that can transverse even the most difficult terrain? I was usually best friends with guys rather than girls after high school. Then... years later, each one of those guys have asked me.."You think we might been able to have something special between us back in the day?" It never entered my mind. Every single one of 'em who has asked me that, I've had to tell him as nicely as I could, "you weren't even on my radar for romance."

To use a word my daughter overuses now.. Awk.

I don't know. I'm getting kinda tired of these hit and miss friends that I've worked with in the recent past. And even the ones from grade school and college era. I always have time for friendships, but I would never just find time to invite someone over for Thanksgiving dinner. What is that? I never hear from you for six months or more but you thought to invite me for Thanksgiving dinner?

I've filled my daughter's head with information about the institution of roommate-dom. Good friends should probably never be your roommate, as things tend to be extremely too personal. I've told her to expect betrayal, breaches of boundaries, and even just complexities of the heart from people who know you. The ones that don't know you. Expect the same. Nothing she can do about it except expect it to happen once or twice, or more, but never -never.

Lack of real friendships during my parenting years, isn't because of a lack of trying to have real friendships. I know women find me threatening.. Single and married. And the men I meet are usually married and they don't dare introduce me to their wives. If it happens that I do meet the wife.. The man always acts like he's never ever flirted with me or had thoughts of betrayal to his wife. Which is why building a business in direct sales has been harder for someone like me who has no real friends to ask to book parties to earn free products and come to mine and bring people I don't already know. Thankfully I have no inhibitions about doing things another way.. taking the scenic or circuitous route to party plan success. My Mary Kay sisters call it "warm chatter."

Why Saab Must Survive

2011-12-10T08:57:00.001-06:00

Visualize me in the drivers seat of my new Saab 93 Convertible!

MY VISION BOARD: is more embellished with words than pictures of things.. Words like: "Actualize your highest vision." "There's nothing more precious than this day." "GROW." "I love Unity." "Unleash your creative writing genius." "Just become quiet." Except for the sprinkling of a Bose Wave home sound system here, award winning golf clubs there, a lifetime membership to Club Med & carte blanche @ Saab Cars* USA. My Vision Board contains - since I first created it, photos mostly of meditating moms, yoga moms, peaceful moms, strong stretched and centered moms... aspiring moms, shapely, fit, romantically involved moms.. thankful and praising moms.. You get the picture. Because.. back in the day, I was a busy frazzled single mom that needed everything, but most of all calm.

Now a days, I wake up and my Vision Board is the first thing I see. And what's fascinating is that my current inner understanding and calm and peace are perfectly and totally illustrated by what is on my vision board.

I have an all day -daily practice of calming my body, mind and soul and drawing what I experience inside: From my before day spa bath ritual to my 9-5 musicology lessons as a premium member of internet radio, to my after 5 decompression "cat" stretch, and my nightly snuggle with my college bound teen.. In the work place, in rush hour, at the grocery store and in the neighborhood, I witness folks who hang on to and relish and wallow in the strife and chaos that life presents. And though I don't have immunity from the shit of life, all day every day, "I shake it off - shake it off!!" --like an outside linebacker who knew it was a bad hit! I look up. I get up. And shake it off! Gets exhausting! Thus the bath soaks and tons of prayer. I may not have reached nirvana yet, but I have reached the calm! And for sure, my load of shit is actually lighter, thanks to my Vision Board.

Now adding to my vision board: Pictures of MORE things. I've got plenty of practice shaking it off, now it is time to shake the earth! At least the part of it that I'm walking on. No! I'm not gonna morph into Tony Robbins or Joel Osteen. I'm going to be me, in my skin, and deliberately transform my external world. Create the life that I love. Move in the direction of my highest good. Being strictly obedient... to the call. Could get exhausting! But I'm prepared.

Yesterday I pinged a friend and told him that I.. felt depressed. In that chat, after he asked if I needed him to 'listen,' I realized that, as receptive as he can be, he's not a problem solver, and he doesn't have an insatiable appetite nor desire for healing. Then I realized I was feeling depressed only because I had this sense of trepidation about letting go of this false sense of job security. As 3 years ago, I was only looking for a stop-gap job, after what I thought was a secure job- let go of me. Now that I have one.. Spiritually I'm content, but my external life reflects some aspect of self illusion that has turned me into this... unhappy mental hoarder of wishes and hopes and dreams of escaping cubicle land again, and getting my life back.. along with a few things I loved having in my life. Make sense?

Meanwhile, my Vision Board is - my life editor and my friend; My... (ding-ding-ding-ding-diiiiiing!) someone to "talk to!" And it is listening up for new visions to fulfill.

And that's one way I'll spend this weekend! Cutting and pasting these:

*Footnote: For those who don't already know. 2 1/2 years of what I refer to as gainful unemployment allowed me to give back in a couple of ways. Give back as a volunteer and give back My Saab 93. Humiliating? Naaaa. It just renders me.. aspiring.. all over again! It's a very nice car to drive in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Worthy of this laborer. So if I have to exchange my time for money to pay for a car.. it might as well be this one!

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love...

but I can make you good at it! °o.O

ALL content in this article (excluding photos) are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected & copyrighted ©

HIM & HER

2011-12-03T17:25:00.001-06:00

HIM & HER: The Ultimate Guide to Your Lover

by Tseverin Furey & Victoria Zdrok

The newly wedded and those over the hump can use this. Thoughtfully written and sumptuously illustrated with photos shot on location.. Him + Her contains a treasure trove of blissful information guaranteed to improve a couple's entire romantic experience.

Packaged together in a slipcase with one volume dedicated to HIM and the other to HER. The two books explain the subleties of a lover's body and mind.

Have fun!

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love...

but I can make you good at it! °o.O

JackiesMagic is protected & copyrighted ©

I lie every day

2011-11-14T07:54:00.001-06:00

According to A Course in Miracles (Manual for Teachers Section 21): "Strictly speaking, words play no part at all in healing. The motivating factor is prayer, or asking. What you ask for you receive. But this refers to the prayer of the heart, not to the words you use in praying. Sometimes the words and the prayer are contradictory; sometimes they agree. It does not matter. God does not understand words, for they were made by separated minds to keep them in the illusion of separation. Words can be helpful, particularly for the beginner, in helping concentration and facilitating the exclusion, or at at least the control, of extraneous thoughts. let us not forget, however, the the words are but symbols of symbols They are thus twice removed from reality."

I love this lesson so very much because it reminds me that I lie every day when I go to a job or do anything for that matter, that makes me feel miserable physically and mentally. When I say one thing like..."Happy to be here! Happy to serve!" And I pray another... "I can't stand being here, get me outta here." In other words, these are contradictions of word and heart. And what happens is... the prayers of my heart will manifest. OR.. it could be that they will not. "When ever I say, "I can't stand being here, get me outta here." God doesn't hear that. Even from my aching tired bored ass on the job heart these words are contrary an impure for God's lovely ears to hear. The negative expression, even in so called "prayer," negates what I I think I am asking for. Essentially... I get up every day and go again and again to a job that makes me feel miserable. Day in and day out, feeling the pain, while nothing happens with my futile complaint masked as prayer.

Instead I shall pray the in the affirmative from my heart, "Show me the way out that works best for me and everyone concerned. Allow me to sync with the presenter of the next right opportunity. Empower my sense of discernment to evaluate and validate all that seems magnificent for me.. Convict my soul/soles to move quickly in the direction of my highest good. I am trusting you and am beholding to the promise of delivery always and again.. pressed down, shaken together, running over!"

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love...

but I can make you good at it! °o.O

ALL content in this article (excluding photo) are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected & copyrighted ©

Wonders of her

2011-11-13T03:19:00.001-06:00

Every woman is a thousand women. A mysterious blend of contradictory tastes and desires. Each woman is sexual and sensual and survivalist by nature. So we need a positive and fun view of this aspect of our selves and relationships. With uncanny warmth, deep compassion & nonjudgmental wisdom, I will set the course for a quiet revolution in the heart of every life giver & lover who participates! It doesn't have to be a long and demanding journey for the fire of passion for life, liberty and all the pursuits of happiness to be strong and resolute. Yes.. we're gonna giggle our butts off, but learn to be who we want to be... for every occasion, desire and partner. And, yes! Even for ourselves! My mission is to empower you to go forth and be all you truly are. Sacred.. Compassionate.. Exotic.. Generous.. with the one you truly love. YOU.

Coming Soon to a living room near you!

O.o° Anyone can teach you about love...

but I can make you good at it! °o.O

ALL content in this article (excluding photo) are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected & copyrighted ©

You touch it, you rub it.

2011-11-11T07:45:00.001-06:00

With the season starting to change, it's a good thing to love your skin & let it breathe. Sluff off the summer & fall schstuff and let your skin glow. Even if it is covered with pretty shawls & scarves & coats & boots & gloves & sweaters & blankets.

Got a pretty jar?
Bring it every Saturday or Sunday
& get some Brown Sugar Love.

Then you'll be telling 'em:
click here: "You touch it. You rub it!"

My Brown Sugar Love is handcrafted in my kitchen from these ingredients:

Organic Brown Sugar
Organic Sea Salt
Virgin Coconut Oil (healing & moisturizing)
Safflower Oil (moisturizing)
Vitamin E Antioxidant Formula
Exotic Blend of Essential Oils

Use lavishly on every touchable rubbable part of your body!

Don't eat.
Not for internal use.
Not recommended during pregnancy.

Yum!

O.o°Anyone can teach you about love...

but I can make you good at it!°o.O

ALL content in this article (including photo) are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected & copyrighted ©

If looking younger peaks your interest...

2011-11-10T08:01:00.001-06:00

.. Maybe it's not a face cream or makeup you need, but some magic, instead.

A relatively famous person, in the world of new thought and positive affirmations and meditation, Kelly Howell, posted on her Facebook status a little bit ago... "Tomorrow shall we pray together to invite more magic into our lives?" One response out side all the yes, pleases & what time?... stood out:

YES, i'd like to pray together, but what do you mean with 'magic'? We're adults here, we can use the correct language. 'Inspiration', 'gratitude', 'love', 'belief', 'compassion', 'energy', 'transcendance'?? Or did you really mean 'magic', but in what sense? I'd love to pray together for somethng more to elevate us, warm us, connect us, intergrate us, enlighten us....

Yikes! What is that? Surely this person doesn't get it. But I'd venture a guess he needs a magic wand aimed at him. What's incorrect about the use of the word magic in that or any context? AND .. what's childish about it?

I believe in magic for what it is.. A real or imagined illusion. And it's real what happens to us through magic. We just don't know it.

If you are one of the 50 or so followers I've had since the early days.. and you see how this blog has evolved from one thing or concept to another.. and now this? Jackie's Magic Touch? Well... I put a lot of thought into what to do with my massage practice.. and my jewelry business and whether or not I should get rid of jackiesmagic.blogspot.com or find another way to use it.

I'm going display my followers so my new friends can join or follow with ease if they want.. But it's not to give the impression that the old friends follow or even know what's going on with me or this blog now. I know I've followed hundreds of blogs over the years and I haven't read any of them in... at least a year. Sorry, but it's true.

Magic. It's real. and JackiesMagic is here to stay!

O.o°.Anyone can teach you about love... but I can make you good at it!°o.O

2011-11-09T05:09:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite time of year. The holiday season can be magical. However, for others, it can be the worst time of year. This is when depression is on the rise due to the added stress of the holidays. Make sure you reach out to your friends and family and customers and make sure that everyone is well. Relationships can really take a turn for the bad during this time of year. Give back by increasing the number of calls and text messages and emails you typically send. And I mean personal calls and text messages and emails... and even greeting cards.. Not those group things you do. You know who you are! Reach out to people one on one. Pick up the phone! Make them smile. Make them laugh. Even if you think they're doing ok. You never know.

This time last year I was looking for a job. This year, I'm in my calling. And the job I landed has nothing to do with my calling. But I wouldn't have one without the other. The job brought me the people in my life. And my life is enhanced 10-fold because of them. And over the course of this past year, and with the unaware angels in my life, I have struggled through this job thing, this re-establishing, this remaking and reclaiming of my life! And many times, I was struggling emotionally with my self. My loneliness. My aloneness. Just because a person looks like they're ok, doesn't always mean they are. And how do you know unless you ask? A hand full of people ask. And those are the ones I tell the truth to. And you know what. I feel very much prayed for by those folks. I feel very much loved.

For your friends: Mention the stressful holiday season and offer suggestions and ideas that you found really work. Make sure your coupled friends are taking time for each other and really nurturing their relationship more than usual. My co-worker just went on a weekend retreat with her husband of 40 years. They have brand new grand babies.. Twins! And hubby just went through an unexpected life altering surgery. She puts in long hours and keeps smiling as if she needs nothing. And then... she/they realized. They do need something. Each other. Together. Alone. I don't know what prompted it, but I'm glad they went away together just the two of them for the weekend. I can even feel the difference in her and for her when she returned to work!

Good company is always a great stress reliever. When I was unemployed, I longed for the company of fun friends and family. During that time, my daughter started having ER trip migraines, I practically begged my cousins to visit with us. They never showed up. Those were lonely times. And I haven't quite forgiven them for being so absent. It'll come..

As you can tell. I'm on FIRE! My calling has called on me. Yes.. I'm writing books. No... I haven't finished any yet. Do you know that when I get home from my j.o.b. I am exhausted? When I go to bed at night I take 1-3 melatonin just to get to sleep, only to wake up in 4 hours later to take 1 more? Do you know that I get lonely in the evenings and on the weekends, even in my busy-ness? My daughter is college bound and in the back of my mind, I feel like I'm running out of time. To get my own act together! For getting a life. Or a husband! Please. No... Why would you want one of those, jokes. And if I could have more babies I would?! So if you know me? Call me. Text me. I'll tell you.. It's all good. Because at that moment.. it will be.

I'm thinking about having a Valentine's Day party. Before you know it, it'll be here. Since my daughter is off to college in a few months, I'm feeling it's the perfect time to express my LOVE to her and all our friends and family and thank them for the LOVE! Wow. Getting this far has been fabulous.

So... think about giving your own Valentine's Day party for your loved ones. Seriously. It's a special time to focus on love.

Read a good book lately? Discovered a wonderful affordable gift idea? If you can swing it. Get more than enough to give. It'll make you and the recipient feel great! I promise.

My calling?

O.o°.Anyone can teach you about love...

but I can make you good at it!°o.O

Alfresco

2011-11-07T08:09:00.004-06:00

"Long leisurely meals, eating food made from the garden, drinking interesting and honest wine."

My calling is calling me, finally!
I'm like the birdie.. Love doing it alfresco.

A jealous moment

2011-11-06T10:15:00.002-06:00

The day after I gave birth, I was a changed woman.. In mommy mode for the most part, and stayed that way for the next 18 years. Although it wasn't best to marry her father, I did want to someday be married to my someone better. And better for me implies best for my daughter.

I've met countless single mothers in the past 18 years. I have 2 ex sisters in law who are now -single mothers as of the past couple of years. One remarried quickly and exposed her little girl to possibly the worst ass-whipper and wife beater in step-dad history. I told her before she married him, "I'd never marry a man my daughter didn't like." Why treat your daughter any differently than you would treat yourself? Find one she loves and you'll both be better off!

Just so happens I've dated a hand full of really really nice men. Ones my daughter and I both liked and could have fallen in love with. Fine men. Fun and fabulously sexy and seemingly well adjusted, too. They were also... fabulously enterprising & ambitious, which = fabulously Unavailable.

What can I say?

And then, there are the guys I've met who want to be like.. my best friend. My buddy. My big brother. My mentor. Always there, but never really there. Never going anywhere.. with me or for me. Never really understanding me. Never reading what I write. Never getting 'in' to me. In 18 years I can count on 3 fingers men I've known like that. And only 1 was I physically attracted to and found myself wanting to get to know him better.. Deeper.. Differently. But eventually, I had to do something to stay away from him.

Everything about his energy seemed to match mine. He smelled right. Smiled right. He wore the right clothes, in all the right colors. His gestures, manners, his questions & concerns.. were perfectly phrased and on queue. Except one thing about him didn't jive. No.. he's not gay. ...He's got this pervasive religious streak.

Years ago when I dumped church, I dumped church men. I was not going to get caught up in trying to be this on-point Proverbs 31 woman for a man who interprets the bible literally. But there's something about the way this particular guy does it that endears me to him. I don't think there's a disingenuous bone in his body. And it's so weird that his untouchable faith, is both a turn on and a turn off. A dilemma for me...

That.. makes me feel jealous of the woman he will meet who will be a perfect match for him. I am jealous of the time it will take him to see her, pursue her, engage her, commit to her. Marry her. Make babies with her. Now that I've had this brief jealous moment.. written it out and dwelt on it. I'm over it! Insecurity doesn't become me, anyway! But strangely I admit, going through this process has been very therapeutic.

Though I may have falsely interpreted his needs for a relationship with someone of like mind and spirituality - to mean he interprets me as unrighteous, dark, anti Christian. I think I may have allowed this to alienate a friendship - even though I didn't really want the friendship the way that it was. And besides that... I've got the Ponn farr, and this guy's a man-child with me. Attaching nick-names, high-5ing me & poking fun and.. smelling too damned good for his own good! Confusing the be-geebies outta my sensuality and sensibilities.

But. It's likely just my opinion that there could have been something deeper between us beyond the BFF thing that seems to have been going on.

In the past I have found that such friendships between me and men keep me from where I belong... Appearing single and unaccompanied and available to marriage minded men who want something better with a marriage minded woman. And I cannot have that at this impending empty nest stage of my 40-something life! I don't care what all the married women say! Marriage can't be that big of an annoyance! I believe it's a safe and sexy and holy place for two people who want to be in that place together. And I am going to be in that place with my someone better. And soon!

ALL content in this article (except for photo) are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

Once Upon A Family

2011-10-30T16:13:00.001-05:00

She turned 18 least week and gave me an unexpected gift. The gift of memories.. We broke out the albums and boxes of photos, art: hers and mine, journals, poems & memorabilia. Reconnecting and bonding again.. Still as mother and child but also woman to woman.

I'm thankful we have boxes and albums filled with photos, and not just our cell phone memory cards, photo CDs and digital frames. There is a spiritual attachment to and a difference in the cherished rememberings as told by a genuine snapshot cropped and mounted on acid free paper vs... those experienced when handing off the android.

When she was a second grader, I discovered a company called Once Upon A Family. They have products that help friends and family connect in loving, joyful and meaningful ways. If you are looking for a way to create new family traditions, you don't have to reinvent any wheels. They have gorgeous products displaying family photos, letters, keepsakes, etc, for every type of family and for every family member. One gift or a collection of gifts, your entire family will cherish these easy and ready to use, very affordable momentos!

For me, creating family traditions with photos and cards and letters and gifts start with a commitment to be passionate about your family bond. I mean, we all have photos and keepsakes of our own childhood and our children. Even when things don't turn out the way you hoped, Once Upon a Family products helps you maintain some semblance of connection.. for the sake of the kids, at least. Divorce, death, separation due to school, work, military service. One Upon a Family has gifts that remedy the aches and pains and loneliness of that kind of separation... and love.

The other day when my daughter turned 18, my mother called me weeping... reminiscing yet mourning, giggling even, over the loss of my daughter's infancy and adolescence. "I miss her baby smell. And I miss combing her hair, and washing her, and watching her and teaching her. She's going off to college soon. I don't know what I'm gonna do!" I knew what I had to do... Since my mother's birthday and Christmas are right around the corner.... She's getting these from Once Upon a Family:

WHILE I'M AWAY BOX: We will fill it up with bits of my daughter & lots of love.. cards to open on particular days, fave stories, voice recordings, favorite music CDs, notes & treats, fragrances, etc.. they had in common. Even though grandma can't go off to college with her, she can always be with her. We'll personalize the box with a 4x6 photo. AND OF COURSE, we'll teach her to SKYPE!

And these are perfect for my daughter to start giving grandma beginning the New Year 2012 & beyond:

LOVE BY THE MONTH ENVELOPES: They are a 12 set of 9x12 envelopes that you fill with notes, photos, art, momentos my daughter can send to her grandma over the next 12 months. What a wonderful way to help granny get past missing her grand baby.

Looking for the perfect gift for loved ones near and far? Our Family Tree is the perfect item! And I know that many people buy one, then go back and order more of these:

FAMILY TREE POSTER AND LEAVES: We'll write the names and birthdates of all the children and grandchildren on a leaf and “hang” them on the Family Tree Poster. This is a powerful way for great grandma to stay connected, and future generations can understand their roots, and create a sense of belonging. Poster size is 18”x 24” and comes with 25 leaves. Fits a standard 18” x 24” frame. Frame not included.

Since my daughter is the 4th generation of our Living Legacy.. She has the benefit of having me, her grandmother and her great grandmother in her life today. So she's getting this for Christmas.. to take with her to college:

THE LIVING LEGACY COLLECTION: It contains the Family Tree & Leaves Poster (above), Family Stories Booklets, Family Recipe Album (which she will definitely need), Recipe Cards and the Family Tree Album. She can have this for always and eternity creating her own family legacy..

I hope you've enjoyed this review and show case of products and gift ideas from Once Upon a Family. They are not a direct sales company but they offer a really generous affiliate program. I signed up and I hope you'll click on any Once Upon a Family link in this article to take a look around and shop. THAT WAS EASY!

If you are looking to shop for nice gifts that will be cherished and protected, please use my affiliate links found all over this article to shop at Once Upon A Family.

Thanks and Enjoy!

Where My Journey Began

2011-10-26T00:24:00.000-05:00

& her turning 18 today is a...

big..

freakin'..

deal!

They say she's been here before

I found God in myself and I love her. I love her fiercely.

Originally Posted here on Jackiesmagic.blogpot.com on

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Although I endeavor to remind myself of my blessings each and every day. This year, I find that I’m especially filled with gratitude about the approaching Mother's Day. I suppose that I associate being a mom for a whole 'nother year with the need to reflect and reminisce on the 365 days since last Mother's Day. Last Mother's Day, she was only 14. Hadn't had any boyfriends and her hair was brown. And. Last Mother's Day, I had a job... Although I knew the pink slip was coming by the end of the month. Parenting and living 'sbeen hard as hell these last 365 days.. And easy as giving birth.

Sometime back in the early 90’s, near a military reserve base in Cobb County, Georgia, my life as a mom began. Along the way, I have been overwhelmingly blessed by amazing people and experiences that have everything and nothing at all to do with me being a mom. Today I am the proud mother of my incredible daughter, who is a friend to some extraordinary other teen-aged people, and seeming confidante and assistant to her favorite teachers, who seem to tell her their business.. and of course, she tells me. Those BFFs trust her intellect and wisdom and recall, in spelling, literature, biology, (for study and test taking purposes), and they also enjoy her honesty, her Ellen Degeneres-like wit, and match making skills! She's hooked up plenty of her peers! But can't seem to do a thing for me. I personally think she should charge for that. I. Just love her fiercely! 'Cause she's mine.. and for all of the above and then some.

But you know what? Tonight.. I looked into her beautiful face and couldn't help but notice two new piercings! "WTF? I didn't give you permission to do that!" Aside from the two the doctor surgically imposed on her delicate lobes as a baby... she's double pierced her ears! She did it at a friend's house. Herself. "You cannot hang out with that girl any more!" Ok. I'm not blaming that girl, and it took everything within me to not call her mother and ask her if she knew what was going on in her house besides movie watching!

Disappointed that I didn't have the luxury of saying "no" again; I'm not happy that she chose to not ask first. But what's done is done. And I could only be mad for about an hour. Understanding the spirituality of MY teen girl getting that second piercing in her ears is all about the ability to express her free will; the free will to adorn her body in a way that makes her happy. With earrings in all four holes, it's actually very pretty. Don't you think?

Well... This post started out being all about me and my feelings about Mother's Day. And it brings me to this point raised by Marianne Williamson in her book A Woman's Worth;

"A key to mothering is to visualize our children as the adults we would love them to become; strong, happy, serious, loving. Now imagine what kind of mother they must have had to grow into such fabulous grown-ups... "

Becoming this kind of mother has been my happiest & most arduous task.. And more laborious learning and teaching is before me. I will no doubt have perfected mothering by the year 2012. Maybe.

I found God in myself quote from -Ntozake Shange

Some other stories I've shared about my indigo child:

(Click the titles to link to blog post)

Friday, March 20, 2009

A Mother/Daughter Moment

Monday, March 30, 2009

It's over!

Monday, May 18, 2009

All Good Kids Like Milk

Monday, July 13, 2009

A Love Song for You!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

It's Shark Week People!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Spoken like a true wise fool

Thursday, September 10, 2009

They never saw another butterfly

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

There is a fun side to teaching your teen to drive

Saturday, December 13, 2008

My Indigo Teen's Social Life Has Me Blue

ALL content in this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

This Writer's Journey: Clocking In

2011-10-25T07:53:00.001-05:00

There was a rainbow in heaven. Now it is listed in the catalog of common things. -John Keates.

Two and half years of unemployment. Nine months on a steady job. I've known in this time, many personal experiences of miracles which were utterly beyond anything I'd ever experienced before, heard of, or even imagined for myself. Then why did I come home from only four hours of work yesterday and cry?

Could it be because my only child turns 18 tomorrow? That she's been accepted into yet another college? Is it that I made a new friend who's joy and courage surpasses my own? I don't have time, this morning, to examine this suffering, I'm just determined to express it.. AND don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy.. or without joy. I think I'm just bored. And I'll even venture to speak out loud here, what I was feeling in my tears.. I don't want to go back to that job.

I don't hate it. I just don't love it anymore. And I bear in mind that my manager and co-workers could be reading this. But I also know that no high spiritual truth could ever be anything but beneficial for everyone concerned. I don't want to be fired, because I think I need this job. And I don't want to quit because I think this job needs me. I am grateful beyond measure of the trust these people have in me. But something nudges or pulls me toward self liberation. And I don't resent it.

My ego conflicts with my soul. And gainful employment is not necessarily wholesome or fulfilling in this new age of relativities. And my deeper potential is my reality. It's just that I'm so darned attached to my non-reality, and physically exhausted when it comes down to making my potential dynamic and conscious. Does that make sense?

Sign. I am happy. I am joyful. I am writing! And I haven't done much of that in a month of Sundays. I'm also creating a legacy of truth for my college bound daughter: In my journey to discriminate as to whether something I want to accomplish is truly beneficial, rather than merely convenient. Interesting how I manage to compensate for my lack of inner conviction unless or until I can cry about it. Tears of joy that flush out the lack of clarity and self betrayal make me think and then be -just who I am.

I know it's important not to get caught up in wishing for things to be better than they are. -Else I'd miss the point of now. But, I am holding this feeling, these thoughts up to the Divine Will itself, asking..

"Is this your will? Please show me where everything is that I need to follow this nudge/pull. And I accept wholeheartedly any impartial guidance I feel from You."

ALL content with the exception of the image in this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

Sex Sells. Complain here if it doesn't.

2011-10-23T11:49:00.001-05:00

There's such a thing as romance parties. It's a multi-billion dollar industry. There are a hand full of companies out there there that offer a direct sales business opportunity for those who dare! Or those who care. Yes.. it's a business about teaching women how to teach their romance partner how to be pleasing.. among other things. Checking on some friends in the industry, I came across a website called Complaintsboard.com.. that hosts complaints of all sorts. Oh my gosh, I didn't expect to see what I saw. Two years of complaints about this one little company that tried to make a difference. Wow. Talk about a woman scorned!

Well.. here's the comment I posted:

"Unfortunately this is exactly the kind of crap that marks the romance party business as messy as it is. This public posting and childish bashing is exactly what this industry does not need. I have checked out and signed up with various romance party companies over the past 18 years. I found it to be fun yet not as lucrative as ya'll make it out to be. WHO WANTS TO WORK THAT effing hard? No company has cornered the market on perfecting it. Whenever I encountered some crap with a leader or customer service issue that annoyed me 'spiritually,' I moved on. To something else, Or nothing else. I always believed in the industry as a viable one. Women need help in the romance division. I just felt like.. I hadn't found the right company or the right leader. DIRECT SALES ANYTHING... can be very cut throat. Direct Sales Industry.. is a microcosm of global sales .. corporate sales, etc. There is nothing new under the sun. And this is all about money. Nothing more. Nothing less. Sex sells. Be honest. Tell people the truth. See what happens. There are some sales people who are authentic and transparent and there are others who are not. Which one are you? A woman signing up as a consultant has to use her own sense of discernment about who she signs up with, and what she believes in and what she will do and won't do. Even if this were a cosmetics company... Or a scrap-booking company, the complaints would still be the same. Look around on the internet.. You'll see forums just like this one.

I understand Peter's "I rest my case." YA'LL JUST WANT HIM TO ARGUE WITH YOU. He's smart NOT to. What's the point? After reading all of this schtuff... what could he say?, except.. "I rest my case." You guys have said enough for a thousand life times!!! And Peter.. has/had something that everybody who posted here wanted/wants.. THE GUTS TO CREATE. For some reason it didn't work out. Doesn't make him satanic. And I don't think this is crash and burn for him. Though he might be BURNED OUT on the b.s. I know I would be.

Peter. If you're ever looking to start a company in this same industry and you want to market and promote a more spiritual, sensual, soulful product line to the masses.. let me know. I never did officially activate and stick it out with Brown Bag Parties. Why? Because I just couldn't get into that retro thing ya'll had going on. It just wasn't me. AND.. I didn't like the quality of the products... The 1-5 parties I believe I held.. my hostesses was extremely happy.. because they maxed out on rewards! That's what hostesses want! FREE STUFF. Most, as I recall only ordered bath and body oils, lotions, potions.. vs.. TOYS. I'm a spa/touch junkie and couldn't get into the marketing and promoting products that I felt were inferior. BUT.. I felt.. with my heart that you and your wife were sincere. DON'T KNOW ABOUT ALL THE REST OF THIS STUFF THAT'S WRITTEN HERE.. I am saddened to be reading it though. Working women deserve to feel better than this.

And to all the unhappy ex consultants, just remember.... If you can look up you can get up.-Les Brown.

My name: well... just find me @ http://jackiesmagic.blogspot.com/"

ALL content with the exception of the photo in this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

woman to woman

2011-10-17T08:31:00.001-05:00

There was a time when I had no clue what it was like to be a sister. I have only two younger brothers. Grade school, middle school, junior high and high school and beyond BFFs in the 70's and 80's were nothing like they seem to be today. I mean, there was no Facebook or Myspace or text messaging to contribute to the slandering of what you thought was a best friend forever relationship... and all it's potential.

Until she steals from you or lies to you, you have no reason to doubt her. Or perhaps she steals from or lies to someone else. Then you know it's just a matter of time that it'll be you. Maybe not. But then she attacks you and accuses you with or without malice but good reason. Either way, it damages the relationship. If you both have a clean heart and .... home training, I believe the friendship is recoverable. If you both want it.

My mother used to try and tell me about the hardships of being friends with women. I never really paid much attention to it because I felt my mother was hypersensitive to bull shit. Which she was and still is. She would try and convey to me in my early adulthood from a motherly perspective how petty and caddy women can be. She tries to teach that stuff to my daughter as well. My daughter has a tendency to believe it, as she is experiencing something lately with best girl friends that have taught her some early life lessons. -That I hope she'll retain what she needs and outgrow the rest. I believe in giving people a second chance.. until... it's obvious there's no use. My mother and daughter, have a knack for cutting it off - as soon as it gets started. Throwing people away. I'm not sure I'm ok with that.

However, as for me, I still hold out hope and belief that there's something to it.. the drama that women create for themselves amongst themselves. That it's not just petty bull shit and the desire to have drama and issues to solve, so they can praise the Lord over the accomplishment and pass the biscuits! Amen. Over. Done with. Poof. Gone. Forgiven and forgetten... But it is some kind of pain that is causing that crap and they need my help and prayers as a friend.

I am thankful for my keen sense of discernment, though. But sometimes it needs recalibrating like the produce scales in the grocery store... But rest assured, it's always on... My discernment. It's not that I let my guard down, it's that I am trusting God. I am believing in who I am and what I know for sure. When I encounter someone, especially another woman, who says she believes but doesn't behave like she believes, I will cut her off. That's when I know my God voice is telling me.. "That's not the path." "She's not the one." "Move on." "It's ok." I don't have time to figure out what her truth really is.. when I also have figured out what IT IS NOT. And when I may or may not see her truth again is a mystery. Who has time for that? And I will tell her why I'm cutting her off - when I cut her off. Not that it'll matter, but that she'll know straight from my mouth my truth. What's the matter with you girl!? I cared about you! I stood up for you!? I honored you!? I trusted you!? I prayed for you! Are you nuts to throw that away!?? Huh? Don't let those words be in my head. Otherwise... they could come out of my mouth and ... Poof! You're gone. Forgiven yet forgotten.

Women, I am learning, CAN play too much with the truth. 'Cause they don't know what it truly is. Or they don't believe it.. and they are scared that something or someone is out to get them. What ever that is. And quite frankly it makes me sick sometimes, to realize there is something to what my mother has been trying to protect me from. We can be way too busy to trying to figure out who did something wrong and accusing and judging - vs. just be plain supportive and loving.. and seeing where that gets us.

I wonder why?

ALL content of this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

With No Sincerest Regrets

2011-10-09T00:37:00.001-05:00

I feel anxiety like the cat this side of the window glaring and hissing at the cat on the outside. Dashing and colliding with the pane and rattling the blinds, over and over again.. like a freakin' idiot! Wondering what the heck is that out there? Lemme at it! Let me at it!

That's really how I feel. Suddenly I've got the jitters.. where I don't want to read and write any more, but I want to do something with all of this energy bottled up inside me. And I don't know what to do first! And it's got me hearing Cece Winans sing .."Feel The Spirit.. " And it's got me wanting to swim laps.. and it's got me wanting sex (and there's nobody living here to have sex with!). (shaking my head) God! What is this about? It seems that the tension is mounting as my time is running short for me to do absolutely everything on my 2011 to-do list that I haven't already done yet! Like..

Publish my "Mama Said" Pocket Guide
Complete the other 8 of 10 Toastmaster speeches
Run a mini marathon
TRAIN! to run a mini marathon
Get mostly finished with Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E)

Lordy! What have I done? Will I get through all of this? Can I?

Every time I turn around there's another distraction, self imposed or imposed by someone in my life. Not a bad thing.. But you'd think I've mastered getting around distractions by now. And I've just this weekend added one more thing to the list of things to do. When my daughter asked to attend yoga instructor training in the summer of 2012, to be completed when she enters college in the fall of 2012.. I had to go into a round of deep meditation.. How am I going to pay for this?

Listening to Brain Sync's The Secret to Attracting Wealth Meditation mp3 for weeks, long before my kid wanted yoga instructor training, then... brought me to something life changing, just yesterday. And boy! Now.. I paying for it! A-n-x-i-e-t-y! Fear of success anxiety? Or fear of failure anxiety?

I don't know. But following through and doing the things I've claimed I wanted to do, including what I signed on for yesterday, is a huge relief! Adding something new to the list isn't so bad when I feel that I can get it done. It's a gift to be a little afraid when it comes to accomplishing goals that require more than a notion, but some actual physical initiative and follow through.. and conviction! The anxiety seems to push me to just do it.

And I was thinking... Damn. I can't be lazy anymore. Just like.. I said that morning I gave birth in Oct, 18 years ago.

Every single thing I've claimed I was going to do before the end of 2011, I have done or I am doing and plan to finish or get very close to it, by December 31st, 2011. If for no other reason than to be stress free and accomplished on January 1, 2012! If it doesn't kill me, it'll make me stronger for the next round of resolutions.

ALL content of this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

Mama Said

2011-09-11T02:48:00.001-05:00

Clearly and concisely, pocket guides give users information they want and need in a most manageable portable format. I have several pocket guides on everything from Life Lessons for Busy Women to How To Make Cocktails & Smoothies, to a Spanish/English Dictionary, to a Guide to Gemstones & Crystals. But I don't have a pocket guide on motherhood. So.. I decided to write one!

Actually... it's a pocket guide on forgiveness & the sayings and rituals of moms! For those of us who have been struggling with accepting the flaws and screw-ups of our mothers... So our kids will accept our flaws and screw-ups and get on with their lives without too much dysfunction. It all started last Thursday at work when a co-worker quoted something she heard me say. Which turns out to be something my mother always says....this

"Don't borrow sorrow from tomorrow."

I felt proud of myself that something I said meant something to some one else. When I read an IM mentioning the quote, it got me to thinking about my mother and how much I have actually learned from her. I mean, aside from how to make toast and meatloaf. Overjoyed, I typed a response to my co-worker telling her that she had just inspired another book!

Oh.. I haven't dumped my B.I.B.L.E. writing project. It's still going strong. I just want to pump this pocket guide out by Christmas to give as gifts to all the mothers and daughters in my life! Even the ones who pretend like they and their moms have it all together. And for the ones who no longer have their moms with them; This pocket guide spark fond memories of mom for them. I think it'll be a very nice gift from my heart.

Included in this pocket guide will be magical references sayings and rituals of moms that are way over our heads we're growing up, but we subconsciously refer to these daily as women and mothers with or without children of our own. For example..

Last Saturday, my mother was packing up to go home after a week long visit. It was early and I was in the kitchen.. making breakfast. Suddenly.. I was doing things exactly the way my mommy used to do it on Saturday mornings when my brothers and I were kids.. The familiar aroma of bacon and toast with a slice of cheese.. and the powerful mix of the oven to cook both! Wow! Now... It's not unusual for me to not use the toaster for toast or the microwave to nuke the bacon instead of a skillet. I use the big oven for toast and bacon when I want my hands free on week day mornings.. What the thrill of this is about.. I told my mother: "I'm gonna make toast and bacon the way you used to do it for us when we were kids... In the oven." Poof! I'd never consciously acknowledged that doing it that way was her way... until at just that very moment. And I loved how bringing up a happy childhood memory made my mother feel.

I'm not ashamed to tell people that my mother and I have been like strangers sometimes. Always certainly my doing --for whatever reason.. -You'll have to read my book Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.) to discover. But, just know that this past summer watching my 17 yr old get ready for college, has opened my eyes to things more important than my misunderstandings of my mother.

The coolest people on this planet are moms. The brand new moms and the old school moms. Not a household in America can combine fun and creativity (& bacon and toast) with the enduring aura of life and love - unconditionally - unless there's a mother living in it. And it just dawned on me that I love the way my mother still makes the PB&J sandwiches I ask for me when she visits. (She always puts just the right amount of jelly and peanut butter on the bread.)

When it's finished, I think I will always carry my pocket guide around with me as a reminder of what I must look like in the eyes of my own daughter. What she sees in me, and what she'll carry with her about me. to college and beyond She'll be gone in a matter of months and I won't get these precious days and weeks back once they're over. So I'm making a mad dash to get this pocket guide created & gift wrapped by Christmas!

You can keep tabs, if you like! For those of you not on my gift list... Want you own copy for free? Share this post on your Facebook page or your website or blog or Twitter. And post a comment here with a link.. I'll connect to you to get your mailing address.

ALL content of this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

Acceptance

2011-09-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

She dreams big! She has special gifts! She's passionate about her career path. And she knows as well as anyone who knows her, that NO ONE ELSE can do exactly what she was put here to do.

Her wheels have been spinning since the last day of her junior year in high school. And now, only a couple of weeks into her senior year, officially today, her life is underway as a college freshman. Things are happening faster than she had imagined they would.. since she decided to leap into the direction of her college dreams... And today she did land. One college out of 4 has already accepted her, and a packet and scholarship details are in the mail as I write this.

Yep. She called me from her 6th period class to tell me she had sneaked a peek at her phone and discovered an acceptance email from the director of admissions. Applause, applause from teachers and students up and down the hall. We'd had the discussion just this past weekend that if she got everything she wanted from this particular school first, there would be no need to consider any others. I mean, she had excellent choices in the north, south, east and west. But this school is the perfect choice. It's exactly what she wants exactly where she wants to be.

A full ride? It's not a myth.

Now it's time to light it up, baby!

My spirited, entrepreneurial, soulful kid is a young woman ready to break into the next level of her success. She has only to get through 12th grade,

AND .... to find a home for Oliver, her spoiled rotten cat! But then again, maybe I'll keep him.

After the Mayflower!

2011-09-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

What's WRONG with this picture?
Answer: Not a thing.

Have you seen it? Since Labor Day, this is being shared around Facebook: "Everybody!!!!!!, let's do this (and NBC this ones' for you!) I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under G O D, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." RE-POST IF YOU THINK GOD, OUR COUNTRY, OUR FLAG, AND OUR MILITARY DESERVE RESPECT!!!

I supposed I get sharing the Pledge of Allegiance with your friends, but thanking NBC? So glad I'm not watching much tv these day! -- "But even as the patriotic Navy veteran I am. I am also African American & Native American.. And I ain't pledging no allegiance to no flag- on demand! And don't sic on me the security forces of the Homeland! I've just watched some History Channel & American Experience on DVD and I'm still a little mad!!"

That's what I shared on my Facebook wall and only 1 friend of 137 liked it. I don't expect that many more will. And I don't really care that much. This was only a test. I've been feeling this way since I rejoined Toastmasters a couple of months ago. I don't remember past clubs asking everyone to stand up and pledge allegiance to the flag. But I was a little more patriotic before-September 11th when we started hating on aka being afraid of every Muslim that moved. I think it's a bit juvenile, myself; Asking adults to pledge allegiance to the flag. But I've done it every Thursday for the past two months so as not to be different. But inside I'm seething! I wonder if NOT saying the Pledge of Allegiance will draw attention to me. I think my next speech will be about the freedom and right not to pledge allegiance to anything. Or anyone. In particular, the flag.

I love where I am. This land. This country.. though it isn't personally mine (anymore). I am dedicated to the people in my little circle, but not necessarily to the philosophy of the nationality which everyone is so willingly happy to belong to.

Another Facebook friend, who was among the first of my Facebook friendom to post the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag flack, also posted this last week on her wall:

"Did you know that the people that seem the strongest are usually the most sensitive? Did you know that the people who exhibit the most kindness are usually the first to get mistreated? Did you know the ones who take care of others all the time are usually the ones that need it the most? Did you know the 3 hardest things to say are: I love you? I'm sorry and Help me?"

I knew. And so did you. But 80% of us ignore each other like flies DON'T ignore dung. Instead of pledging allegiance to the flag and studying on war and even the armed forces let's study on loving and supporting each other is REAL ways. My theory is this: Like it or not.. war isn't going to end. There will be always and forever be an armed forces of this land and that. And G O D is bigger than the boogie man!! Crying and praying won't and can't change that! Nor will our acclaimed and or esteemed or fake patriotism!!

Of the few posts of my own Facebook friends of that Pledge of Allegiance .. each one got only 1 (one) "Like." Speaks volumes.

Now I'll get ready for work!

Have a blessed day!

It's being shared that we should flood Facebook with this: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.." - But even as a Navy veteran, I'm also African American & Native American and I ain't pledging no allegiance to no flag on demand! And don't sic on me the security forces of the Homeland! I've just watched The History Channel & American Experience and I'm still a little mad!!

If you lose your way

2011-09-06T06:34:00.001-05:00

Temping as it may be, you must never allow your daughters to chaperone or discipline one another. Such arrangements have always proved a recipe for mischief.
-Mrs. Haliton W. Breedfelt, Collected Columns on Raising Young Ladies of Character, 1899 (From Splendor: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen) - I'm reading this book now.

Picture this. Summer is over and she is back to school and doing high school life as a senior.. For a 17 year old, winning "Tech Rep" back in June was more than a title. It was an opportunity to contribute to the craft of Technical Theater on a higher level; with leadership responsibilities assigned daily by the most high theater director. So it was no wonder that when the director was diagnosed with a concussion he called her to encourage her to ensure unity and cohesiveness in the tech theater group during his absence. Because, as they say in the theater: -- The show must go on!

And what exactly does that mean? Ensure unity and cohesiveness in the group? Did this teacher appear knowing the student was or was not ready?

Inwardly, she preferred her old way of getting things done by doing her own job and expecting others to do theirs. But being Tech Rep means to also to be a leader. A guiding hand -on behalf of the director, for the sake of the production. But as there wasn't any process new to Productions.. she began to wonder, how come no one was following her lead?

Let me just put it this way. Just because she'd won the election, doesn't mean she'd won any battles. In a matter of one 50 minute class period, she learned who her real friends were not.

Ensuring cohesiveness and unity was apparently a time consuming endeavor. Not a thing was getting done and she noticed something going on that she'd never noticed before. An air of division was brewing. Ring leader? Her best friend. I'm very proud to say, that in light of the negative pressure, she knew what to do. She went inward. Recalling her 6am yoga practice, where she daily journied from the periphery of her body to the core of her being.. In this presumed crisis with her peers, she rose from a place of trepidation and allowed her Knowing Self to escort her through the swells of adolescent ego and dissension to the dual sided white board at the front of the room. Out of the blue, a quote from a song she'd never listened to much, came to mind; On the clean side she wrote:

If you lose your way can call upon this family

Without expectation, she wondered what the class behind her was thinking. Anchored and steady, she dotted the "i" in family then turned around to face them. Eyes straight ahead she made her way to the sound booth.

Before long, someone approached to her to discuss an idea for a much needed prop. Over went the white board, and a small sketch became a big idea. A few minutes later, others joined in. Whatever negative emotions she experienced earlier had by now disappeared. She felt a fabulous win-win for the project and the team, and was breathing much easier about her position amongst her peers.

Wow. Something good had happened for a good reason.. With this problem came the solution of miraculous words on a white board. Only one missing person is her now former best friend.. who ultimately made her bewildered entrance. Looking around and discovering unity and cohesiveness, and deciding to pitch in.. - Sharing what turns out to be some really great ideas and designs of her own!

But why are the ones closest and dearest to us the ones who initiate the illusion of division? The world may never know. And so it is; The circle around my kid was complete again. For the moment.

Practice makes the impossible possible, they say. Which is why I am so grateful she discovered yoga. It started out to be about curing her migraines, but turned out to be so much more. Her sanctuary (and my peace of mind).. to seek. Question. Explore.. and unfold... And practice finding and showing the way.

ALL content of this article (except for the photo) are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

The Art of JAG (not swag)

2011-09-01T08:30:00.001-05:00

JAG is for Jaguar. And they have evolved over the past 17-18 years. Not the cat, but the car. Yesterday my daughter and I spied the newest version in front of us, and took a picture of it. Well.. she did. I was driving. We were so afraid the driver would see us in his rear view mirror..and demand that we delete it from our phone.

The event was reminiscent of days gone by... When my daughter was a toddler, we used to do what we called, Jaguar sightings! Whilst going places and doing things.. if she saw one first she'd point and say..."Jaguar, mommy!" If I was the first to see it, I'd say.."Jaguar, baby girl!" Then we'd slap a high-5 and laugh out loud! We liked that car a lot. And thought we wanted one.

Well, as it turns out, we're Saab snobs. But the Jaguar is still a work of art in our eyes. We're test driving it over the weekend. And with that, I get to send my daughter forward in her senior year in high school with a new JAG Initiative: Joyful. Abiding. Gifted! - That's who you are. That's how you live! - and it doesn't hurt being beautiful, loving and aspiring to have beautiful things when you're a JAG!

ALL content of this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

EMPOWERMENT. Where it comes from

2011-08-30T07:42:00.002-05:00

You know what empowers me? When others like and want what I have to offer. Two things have happened near recently and past recently that empower me to -- be more creative, for myself and others... if not for a personal sense of satisfaction but for profit!

1 - I have a full time day job. After long term unemployment I was technically 'discovered' by my manager and as it turns out, for now, the work and I are worthy of each other. My natural communication gifts and abilities help me fit in almost perfectly. Note. I said.. almost.

2 - A month ago, I rejoined Toastmasters after years of absence. I wrote and presented my new Ice Breaker speech last week. According to applause and reviews, it was stellar. But I know my writing and presenting can and will only get better. They want more. I will give them more! It was the first of ten I plan to do over the next few weeks.

Regarding my near perfect day job: Because it's not the perfect day job for me, I keep my eyes open for other job opportunities. A few months ago, a recruiter called and told me about a position as a personal assistant to the personal assistant of a local celebrity. At the end of the 2 day interviewing ordeal, I discovered that .. they wanted me, but I didn't want them. First they needed me to participate in a lengthy working interview with ridiculous terms and conditions including creating publication worthy documents. Which, in and of itself was an indicator to me that they wanted something for nothing. I'd have to disclose who they are and what they wanted to tell the whole story. But trust me. Nothing they could offer in pay could endear me to trade my soul to be on their team. My intuition told me to say "no" to this opportunity. It was not my something better. Empowering!

Regarding my near perfect Toastmasters Ice Breaker speech: I am absolutely astonished at my ability to create fast a 5 minute speech that rhymes and makes total sense! Not like the lyrics of a song but it flowed and flowered for the contemporary adult listener and or reader.. as if Dr. Seuss himself did it! It's sorta scary yet liberating to think I! can do that on demand? Yes! I can! Empowering!

Trials and treasures. Sweets and sours. Take an experience, create a clearly defined goal from it. Listen to your heart. Be empowered!

He that is everywhere is nowhere.

2011-08-02T08:05:00.003-05:00

I've been perplexed for a couple of days by the presence of that Facebook logo on my favorite and only word game played on my android phone.. Words With Friends. After the latest update was loaded, it's been annoyingly perched at the top of the Your Move box. A couple of months ago it was Lady Gaga all over the place. Now it's Facebook. Yesterday, I was seeing posts that Words With Friends was coming to Facebook. Yikes! Feeling the pain of PTLTUSD.. Post Traumatic Long Term Unemployment Syndrome Disorder.. where you finally get a job and a paycheck and at the end of the day all you can do.. all you wanna do is... escape from the paycheck to paycheck stress to playing games and watching movies. I'm beginning to feel like Facebook is turning into the wally-world of the internet. It's everywhere I don't want it to be!! And I'm about to dump it all. The internet. Facebook. Words With Friends.

John C. Maxwell writes in his book, HOW Successful People THINK... under the heading - Big Picture Thinking Keeps You On Target... "Thomas Fuller, Chaplain to Charles II of England, observed, "He that is everywhere is nowhere." To get things done you need to focus."

Well.. While the likes of Walmart and Facebook are focused on being everywhere.. a greed motivated strategy, of course. We will keep getting closer to nowhere, if we keep letting ourselves get sucked in to the halls and walls of the infamously greedy and hoarders of our everywhere! My daughter and I seized the moment to dump television in February when we moved to where we live now, and didn't get around to ordering cable. Friends looked at me funny and ridiculed me when I had no idea that a tsunami and hit Japan a couple of months ago. And we are just totally out of the local news loop as well. We get what's useful from our phones and the internet news.. like.. the weather bulletins and of course, my mother is a weather bug, and we have a couple of those at the office, as well.

Facebook is about to be nowhere in my life real soon. I'm writing a book of my own and would probably get a lot more done with out the distractions of trying to up my personal Facebook fandom. But the last time I totally dumped my Facebook page, my brother's best friend and my biggest FB fan, died and I was mortified that.. I couldn't get back into that community of friends and family to grieve with them. It was a really lonely place for me to be at that time.

I'm just going to have to exercise greater control. I'm not shutting it down, I just shutting me down from it. Facebook and Words With Friends.

How Lovely Are the Messengers

2011-07-31T22:43:00.003-05:00

More reasons I really love people: It's so true that in a crisis, we come together in support of one another. This time last year... In my stress of managing my teen's migraine episodes, I managed to make heart contact with Angels unaware. It was a cry for love I really didn't know I was making. And then came the offerings of love. Is it what they do daily? Or is it just me? By the end of the a frequent visits we made to the ER, I knew what I'd been through with each and every nurse, doctor or aid. Opening my eyes more to the vibes of Love obviously all around.. perhaps always.. and I just never paid attention.

In my stress and anxiety and confusion over the kind of pain my child was in, I needed to do so much talking. The lovely servants turned out to actually be true "Messengers" of peace. Unwitting evangelicals. Converting my stress. Beckoning me to take beauty over ashes. All because they had on their listening ears. Go figure! I really needed to be heard on this particular day:

And even as I apologized to the ER doctor for my expressions of frustrations.. Some might call this rudeness.. Her gentle response was... "No worries. This is your baby. I have a little boy. I'd be the same way."

And would you believe the man who does my taxes is actually my soul brother? I had no idea the depth of his kind spirit until he called me back not just listening, but really hearing. Very endearing.

For good measure, I'd like to name names (as best I can): Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano ER intake clerk. ER intake RN - Jason. ER Attending RN - Vanessa, Emergency Room Physician Yvonne Annoh, DO, Children's Doctor's referral agent, Neurology receptionist, Neurologist RN, Children's Medical Center Dallas Pediatric Pain Management Secretary, "Midi," Children's Pediatric Pain Management Clinic Manager Lynn Clark, MS, RN, C. CPNP, A former co-worker named Paula but I call her Renee.. who is really an amazing friend! Dr. Rod Gunter, Walmart Pharmacy Manager, and Keith the pharmacy cashier, and the technicians and believe it or not, a few other pharmacy customers waiting in line... All feeling my pain time and again.

My Messengers have been Spirits especially equipped for consoling and providing for me back then, and today. And since then I've prayed, they'll each be gracefully poised to do the needful for others out there. That they would be thoroughly entertained as I have been -by Lovely Messengers / Angels Unaware.

All content of this article are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

Image purchased from Dreamstime.com

Stop Faking it and Just Have One Already!

2011-07-29T21:35:00.008-05:00

Sigmund Freud once expressed his frustration with the feminine mystique... "Despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul, I have not yet been able to answer... the greatest question that has never been answered: What does a woman want?"

I'm laughing out loud.. because I'm about to tell you what women want.. if the post title hasn't already given you a clue.

In the past three years of blogging, I have posted once or twice about the fact that.. I used to do those parties.

Lemme tell you how it all started. I once dated a guy who bought me couture lingerie as a gift. It was not some sleezy crotchless garment, but a well made silky soft nightie. I never really slept in or lounged around in t-shirts and gym shorts any way before that.. so I truly loved this thoughtful token of his interest.. that was around.. actually.. much longer than he was!

It provided minimal coverage, as nighties do, but wearing it was a total body experience. My daughter was 6 at the time, and just sleeping in it gave credence to the woman underneath the mommy I'd become. I craved more fine lingerie for night ..and day. An internet search lead me to a direct sales company in Dallas that designed and manufactured really nice things for ladies. I immediately became a work at home mom in the lingerie show business! Twelve to 15 home parties a month! From Dallas to Houston And get this.. my lingerie parties soon became parties on sex education as I learned that women from all walks of life.. were dissatisfied in their most intimate of relationships. What did I teach? "Knowledge is So Sexy. Want Some?" And even though at the time I was only offering lingerie and lounge wear.. I was getting requests for.. lotions and potions and things that go buzz in the night. And so it began... My 2 hour lingerie showings turned into 4-5 hour giggle fests. Women would show up from miles away. Their husbands would bring them! Amazing. --Why did i get outta that business? Hmmmmm?

So, here's the answer ...

If there is one thing that a woman definitely wants... that would be the big O. Yes dear, you know you want to have orgasms, too! And when a man has been with a woman who doesn't fake it.. when he gets to you, he'll call you out on your faking! So who needs a big O maker? If a skin toned one doesn't hit the spot, then get yourself a silver one! Am I right, class? The lone ranger.. aka the silver bullet will teach you to stop faking it and have one already! Tried and true!

It's been a long time since I've done one of those parties.. But I've sorta been on auto-ship for my silver bullets inventory.. for account maintenance and to the keep friends and family of friends and family -happy... You know? So I've got pa-lenty!

Ladies! Would you like a FREE silver bullet?

Buy the mini-booklet I wrote for party hosts and guests.. called "Get More Bang for Just 50 Bucks.. "How A Good Vibe and Some Lube Can Change Your Sex Life."

And you know? Silver Bullet Vibes make perfect bachelorette or bridal party favors, too!

Message me for details! $20 for the booklet and the vibe including tax and anonymous packaging from me to you! I've got a ton of 'em, so when they're gone, they're gone! Batteries not included.

All content of this article except for the photo are original creations of JackiesMagic and is protected and copyrighted ©

Can Amy Crack The Secrets of Time Travel?

2011-07-28T07:49:00.001-05:00

Most of us have a list. A list of things we wish we could travel back in time to fix, or change. Writing my book, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth has me adding to my list recently. And I'm feeling that if I dwell on all the missed opportunities and greater or lesser choices of my past, I could get pretty darned close to cracking the secrets of time travel!

It's not that I don't appreciate where I've been or where I am. Little choices I wouldn't mess with.. A couple of really major life things I'd do over... like the occupation I chose for myself. Or I'd have dumped my controlling and closet-drinker ex immediately when I met someone gentler and kinder on my psyche. Other than that.. I'd stay the course. I think.

In thinking about Amy Winehouse much too much since the news of her passing. My thoughts return to her assuredly resting soul.. I'm sure that she is resting in peace. As she chose death over life. But I can't help wondering, if knowing that she'd be dead sooner rather than later, would she have maybe fixed her addiction issues- for life!? And in her next life.. I believe she might somehow experience.. Would she make healthier choices?

Father God, thank you for my now. And thank you that we can't really go back in time and change things. I don't know why I'm thanking you for this, as the last three years of my life have been tumultuous, as best! Wish they hadn't been! Wish I could change it? But maybe if time travel was possible, we'd never live in the present and the future would never get here! I am thankful surely, that we can undo the negative impact of lesser life choices we've personally created and that have been imposed on us by other.. And we can choose to forgive and move forward! -In this life.. or the next or the next or the next.

All content of this article except for the photo are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected and copyrighted ©

I want to write this book because....

2011-07-24T10:11:00.007-05:00

Quoting Iyanla Vanzant, “In the many lectures and workshops I have been blessed to offer, I often say to people, "Tell your story because your story will heal you and, it will heal someone else.” Each life is a story filled with the drama, surprises and mysteries that make living a wonderful and interesting journey. . . If you have a story, then you have the potential to be a healer, a teacher, a more conscious, productive individual and, a spiritual life coach."

Since I created this blog (and others) I’ve been trying so hard NOT to tell the whole truth. I’ve been thinking that the truth might just be that I am bitter about something, and that I just want to vent. The fact is, I get just enough feedback to know that my stories are healing. And so will be my first book Basic Instructions before Leaving Earth.

I'm studying Lisa Taylor Huff's book, The Writing Coach's Guide to FINALLY Writing Your Book! and at the beginning of the book she's asked that readers get brutally honest about the subject question, "I want to write this book because..." Here goes my answers:

My grandmother will be 90 in August 2011, she doesn't know me as well as she thinks she does. She needs to.
My daughter goes to college in August 2012, I want her to be proud of me, and to... take a case of B.I.B.L.E.s to her dorm to give as gifts.
I want to create a legacy of helping others.. using my voice/writing. I want this book will be the catalyst for that.
I would love for my writing to turn into a lucrative business of writing for myself and others. From letters to marketing materials to memoirs. I need to retire from the rat race!
My writing will only get better as I finish and publish B.I.B.L.E.
I want to feel like a world class writer. Where my name is synonymous with teaching and helping others.. like.. Marianne Williamson, Louise Haye, Iyanla Vanzandt..
I want to do something for people with my god given talents that doesn't require any certifications or licenses.. like massage therapists or psychotherapists must have.
I want to create a personal and professional brand of my name and writing.
I have something to say!

I do not envision myself doing the talk show circuit. Personally, I don't even watch television any more. But world class writers usually end up on Oprah and Larry King. Ha ha. Those shows no longer exist. And I have a feeling that by the time I reach my 'world class' writer status, we could be living on the moon! Well.. maybe not.. NASA just dumped their shuttle program.

Yesterday, my 17 year old test drove her dream car.. Then the salesman asked her to drive a lesser version. Of course, the dream car was the most awesome drive of the two. With it's flash and over all smoother drive and higher interior quality. But the lesser version became more impressive to her after our sales guy, who, after having test driven hundreds of teens over the past ten years, talked maintenance and gas mileage and warranties and extended warranties on both vehicles. What my daughter told me at the end of the day made me very proud of her.. The test drive helped her get clear and honest with herself about what was really possible for her at this point in time. Her dad doesn't want to finance, his sorry ass would rather her shop craigs list for a hooptie, and he won't likely co-sign for her as well. I'm in no position to do either. The test drive process was a fun reality check for her, she said. Yet I could see she felt so on her own. I didn't like for her to feel that way.. So.. Adding another bullet point to my list of reasons for writing my book....

I want to give my daughter the much deserved material things in college that she deserves for being an excellent student and really good kid.. The things that only a world class writer mom can give her! I don't know how, but she is going to drive herself to college from behind the wheel of her very own Jeep Grand Cherokee!

We Should be Saying THANK YOU to Amy Winehouse!

2011-07-23T14:13:00.004-05:00

I'll never forget the first time I heard her voice. My daughter and I were browsing the shelves of Best-Buy for A Soldiers Story DVD. She was on one end of the row, I was on the other.. "Mom! That's the singer I was telling you about. Listen." Rehab was playing over the intercom. We never found A Soldier's Story, but we bought the Back to Black CD and I listened.. and liked it.

My kid was what? Thirteen at the time? I was a bit surprised by the PARENTAL ADVISORY sticker on the CD case, but.. in my mind, after hearing for myself, I considered it art, and I did not forbid my daughter from listening. I know my kid! Heck! The CD became mine after a while.

Amy Winehouse is dead at the young age of 27, and what I am more shocked by, but probably shouldn't be, are the the infectious intolerable comments I'm reading from around the world wide web.

I thank Greg, the writer over @ the only online gentlemen's magazine I read.. Hall of the Black Dragon for rightfully comparing Amy's artistry and departure to that of Billie Holliday.. and for hitting the nail on the head with his commentary on how the hate mongers and mock fans will blatantly capitalize on her tragic death.. rendering her over-rated as an artist and a human being.

As an artist.. I got her. And that's all she could would ask of any of us. Fans or not. How can so many be so blind to such a marvel of talent? Amy's care-free or even her careless lifestyle, seemingly filled with the paradox of joy from heartache departed this plane for another... the one I like to refer to as.. The Night Shift. No rehab required there. She definitely needed some here. She got it. It apparently didn't stick. Her call. Her life.

It could be that it was just her time to go. And imagine this.. the ones who touch us, reach us, affect us most deeply, depart sooner than expected.. than we hope or desire. Seems to always happen that way, doesn't it? Maybe her demons were here to teach us something.

Her talents and youth were not a waste. And I don't think she did anything to intentionally destroy her self.

If she was broken, so are we!

Her music was a gift to us. Damned good music!

And guess what? It's still here!

That's why we should be saying THANK YOU! to Amy Winehouse.

Haters were gonna hate her, dead or alive. AND THAT'S ONLY THEIR SAD LENGTHY OBITUARY... Not hers.

All content of this article except for the video and photo are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected and copyrighted ©

Let's Give 'em Something To Talk About!

2011-07-22T07:33:00.000-05:00

Wondering if I should remove this profile from a dance partner site or activate a paid membership? It's either that.. or join eHarmony again. Though, my last run with eHarmony.. I didn't meet a single dancer!  If I'm really lucky I'll meet up with some energetic sweet feet who'll give me something to write about.. and won't mind giving 'em something to talk about!

- And so.. I'm asking:  Who do you know who would like someone to dance with.. in the colors of the dust?

Female seeking Male
Age Category: 36-50
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

H	Dallas, Texas USA

More About Me

EDIT

I've always loved to dance, and thought I knew what I was doing until a few month ago I went to a birthday party and all I could do was sit and watch. It was lovely but I was lonely.. without a dance partner that night. I'm referred to as a Free Spirit with a Very Strong Presence. Be that as it may, I'm teachable and would hope to find a local dance partner who can take the lead, yet go with my flow.. My 17 yr old has a full honors load and is college bound. And I'm writing a book! And always! Always! I'm able to enjoy life and have some fun on the side.. and on the dance floor with a like-minded friend who has an open minded a clean heart and a positive take on most things!!

I'm Looking For

EDIT

When your whole world is shaken
From all the risks you have taken
Dance with me, dance with me
Into the colors of the dusk

When you have awoken
From all the dreams broken
Come and dance with me, dance with me
Into the colors of the dusk
Dance with me into the colors of the dusk

The paths we're walking on
They crumble behind us
But if we leave now
They will never, they will never find us

And if this crazy world spins itself
Down to dust
I want to be with you
In the colors

When you again start hoping
With your arms wide open
Come on dance with me, oh dance with me
Into the colors of the dusk

And all will be right, will be right
Dancing like water with the light
Woah dance with me, wont you dance with me
Into the colors of the dusk
Whoa dance with me
Into the colors of the dusk
Dance with me into the colors of the dusk

Life. An indirect approach to death.

2011-07-22T00:45:00.001-05:00

Something has been speaking to me everyday for the past couple of weeks. I've been remembering our loss of him, and realizing that the anniversary was 15 days away.. Then 10. And as of today, Thursday July 21st.. 7 days. But I had the date all wrong. For some reason I thought it was July 28th, when it was actually July 22, 2010 that I discovered that he'd answered the Higher Power calling his name.. For some strange reason he answered...

In Memory of Best Friend & Brother, Anthony Haynes

Originally posted July 22, 2010:

7:49A Jul. 22, I'm on the southbound Red-Line train to downtown, and my Cantaloupe Island ring tone awakens the other passengers as well. Digging furiously into my hand bag, I can't find my phone fast enough! Who could be calling me - and for what? At this hour? Have I missed a call from my 16 year old driving to class? God, I hope nothing's happened involving her.... It wasn't my daughter after all. It was my brother. I dialed back, and his fragile cracking bass voice answered... "I have some bad news." My mind scanned for some rationale to this message... Unlike past random calls from my youngest sibling, there was no humorous anecdote or Discovery Channel wisdom to deliver. This morning, he cleared his throat and said.. "Anthony died." "Anthony who?"...... 1 second... 2 seconds.. 3 seconds.. In unison; I asked, he declared... "Haynes?!" My baby brother's best friend, who was born on the same exact day, the same exact year as he was. Dead? Say it's not so!

Stunned. I listened.. as he told me as much of the details as he knew. Silently trying to extend to him everything I was lacking.. I wanted to curse out loud! But was acutely aware of where I was. On a train, in close proximity to others who were listening, as I might have been. My heart was breaking... breaking.. Completely broken. Feeling my brother's pain.. "Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy." I heard myself saying, over and over. How will we cope? How will he cope? His best friend is dead. "I'm sorry, TQ. I'm so very sorry."

Before I canceled my Facebook account a month ago, Haynes was the only none family member I listed as "family." He was the only other one I enjoyed chatting with online. He'd always initiate conversations with his customary "Whats up, Sis?" We'd briefly exchange greetings about nothing much or his adventures on the road as a truck driver. He and my brother were like natural brothers since the day they met. I knew my little brother would have to look past his pain and direct his mind toward the corporate mission and the recognition that he was an employee first, today! And so was I. This inseparable part of that which is the core of what should be going on for everyone who wants it, in this country... But how dare they need us more today than yesterday! Don't they know? Should we tell them? We just found out, my brother's best friend is dead!!

After a few minutes of gazing at fast moving trees, and clouds and traffic from my window seat, I called my mother to inform her and to seek maternal solace for me and her absent youngest boy. I felt a twinge of strangeness after she said... "You scared me. I thought you were going to tell me something bad about one of us." "Anthony is one of us!" How had she missed the connection? Ho hum. I guess I have the task of putting my mental peace and quiet back together, for myself.. As it was time to get off the train and go to work like nothing was the matter.

From boys to men..
Gosh. They say, youth is wasted on the wrong people. The two of them had an abundance of youthful charm, good looks, and great 'old school' attitude.. Youth was not wasted on them! They were the good guys. Doing the best they can with what they had. And they're the kind of guys that are easy to forgive if they couldn't get it right! Gone too soon, is an understatement. I can only regret not being on Facebook right now to share in the memories and help go through the muck.. and or help find purpose in his departure. If there is any.

Oh well. I have my own memories to cherish and dwell on... Like my brother's wedding, when I enjoyed watching them both act all grown up. And a couple of New Years' Eve's ago, when our slightly smashed trio rendered Auld Lang Syne truly forgettable via phone from Houston to Dallas. My mind doesn't know which single vision to carry as Anthony Haynes in heaven. The past memories, or the present truth. I'll have to wait and see which one gives me more peace.

Here from Heaven and back again...

My baby brother's best friend is gone. And it tugs at my soul that I can't see him to give him a hug in his time of grief. How does life go on? I can only imagine it's harder for TQ to reach outside his deeply personal thoughts and feelings to fill and envelop his loss while he's on the job today. But I'm having a hard time coping with this thing, too.. We didn't just make friends with Anthony, he was a trusted beloved keeper, friend. He was family.. And He would have been the first one I called if I needed him to find TQ.. like my TQ needed to find him, after he wasn't responding to phone calls and text messages since Monday. They tracked his path to a rest stop in Chicago. Too too far away from his loved ones in Houston. Oh, God!!!!! No more Haynes for TQ to say... "Guess- what?" to. Or to disclose or betray some soul-baring confidence between him and his darned near twin, my baby brother.

Well. What I really need to say to Haynes right now, is this: Because you were best friends with TQ (my best friend), you held a lost piece of me. And I will miss your undivided devotion, and personal connection to him. I love you. I miss you. So does he.

I'll see you on the other side, my other baby brother!

All content of this article except for the video and photo are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected and copyrighted ©

"You gotta do what ya gotta do."

2011-07-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

It's a misconception that children are void of all knowledge and understanding. In 17 years as a mom, my kid radar is keen. I've learned to observe them, not just for their entertainment value, but for the lessons they're here to teach. For example, last week my 8 year old niece spent a couple of days with us.. She'd had a minor eye surgery and I hadn't seen her since Thanksgiving. Her mid-week sleep over with us was delightful, and in the 6 months since Thanksgiving she'd seemingly grown 6 inches and gained a lifetime of smarts!

En route to the movies.. Well... embarrassingly, my daughter, who was looking out for me says.. "Mom, you have a bat in the gave." All the moms out there should know what that means. So if this happens while I'm driving, I whip out my tissue pack, or an empty happy meal sack w/left over napkins. This time the car was freshly washed, and there were zero bat-in-the-gave retrievers! What's a mom to do? It became a task and a half driving and retrieving that booger with the only thing we could find. The car wash receipt!

Whilst my almost 18 yr old screeched.. "Eeewww!"... My 8 yr old niece with mastered assurance, spoke calmly and confidently, "You gotta do what ya gotta do." Then she sat back and enjoyed the rest of the ride.

You gotta love it!

ART: ponyjc.deviantart.com

The Spirituality of Stilettos

2011-07-21T06:44:00.005-05:00

Every woman has at least one pair of stilettos.. or semi-stilettos. I wore mine all day yesterday for the 1st time in over a year. It wasn't my intention to be (or perhaps feel) anything except a little taller for a day. And I wore nothing special -just jeans and a black tunic.

And every woman has what I refer to as stiletto behavior when she's got hers on her feet. Where her sexuality is much likely to be more continuous and fluid (if only in her mind) with every excruciating step, even if there isn't a man within ten miles.. and even when she's in a room full of beautiful -ageless - timeless 40 something women like herself, playing Bunko.. where she gets psychologically turned on by them and her own self! So..she kicks 'em off and pretends she's Edith Bunker for a brief moment- to snap out of it!

That she, is I. And after more than 10 hours in my semi-stilettos, I hit the sack at 10pm vs 1am.. Without the help of a sleep aid! And this morning.. I had to break out the big guns! My Rose & Ylang-Ylang bath bomb and 2POUNDS of Epson salt! .. Moments later.. fully submerged with Santana's Black Magic Woman playing in the not so distant background blaring through my ipod speaker... I'm praying Lord, Thank You for another day, and please don't let me fall asleep and drown in this tub. Amen.

Always in Bloom

2011-07-20T00:54:00.003-05:00

Today, I listened intently to a lovely song by Oleta Adams, "Come and Walk With Me.." and understood for the first time why people of the Christian faith seem to suffer and moan so much more than they rejoice. By dwelling on surviving, and hunkering down and holding on and digging in.. Just so they can call on the name of Jesus to escort them to the other side. A wonderful expression of praise and worship, I get it! And as single mothers it can feel like that's all we do. But to me, this makes life feel like a funeral vs. the joyous occasion that it actually is. Yes, I get ticked off at the hustle and the deceptions, but I don't get sucked in to them any more. If God is omnipotent, the devil can't exist. Suffering, struggling, stress and striving... is a mind game. And the miracles of daily life shouldn't amaze us at all. They constantly occur all around us.. They are designed to be the rule, not the exception. Delivered, as promised. Shaken down, pressed together, running over. If only we would see it that way. I am supposed to believe. Then know. And be a person who is always in bloom.

Helen Keller said.. "I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a man-made world."

Believe

2011-07-19T07:12:00.003-05:00

I took a required day off yesterday to attend to a family crisis. Resolved. We all get 'em on occasion. Something severely distracting going on at home, that going to work would serve no useful purpose. So today it's back to work! Here's my desk & what I see. It just dawned on me... This is why as a creative I can easily get through a hectic work day with ease. This, & my Slacker Radio Favorites playlist. I like my job. I like the folks I work with. I like my desk.

$1500 Small Business Grant for Women. Deadline 8-31st

2011-07-18T23:23:00.004-05:00

If you're a woman with a small business or you have the desire to own a small business.. but you need a little extra cash..

.... Here's something that just might help!
It's called the Amber Grant. It's a small business grant for women! I applied for it! There is a $5 application fee!

The Amber Foundation Grants began in 1998, launched in conjunction with the entrepreneurial community for women, WomensNet.Net, to honor the memory of a young woman who died in 1981, at the age of 19.

The purpose of the Amber Grants is to help other women achieve the dreams that Amber could not in her short time with us.

Their primary focus is assisting women who are trying to start small businesses, home-based or online.

The grants are small, years before they were from $500 to $1000, and have recently increased to $1500! They are intended to be used to upgrade equipment, pay for a web site etc – the small but essential expenses that can often make the difference between getting started or being forever stalled.

Now! No more stalling! If $1500 can help fund your dreams.. Go apply now for the Amber Grant.

The August 2011 deadline is coming up!

The Future

2011-07-18T05:11:00.006-05:00

This time next year my only child will be packing up to leave for college. I've been mentally preparing for the event for months now, but since school has been out for the summer she's extremely focused on her future. Working her plan, planning her work. Talking to admissions counselors and getting emails and snail mail from favored colleges -almost daily. I'm looking at her yearbook and senior ID proofs right now. It's not her physical beauty that's so captivating but the life I know she'll forge for herself - without me in it. She's not leaving for college and beyond, she's leaving me. She said so.

I think about her future and I think about mine, when I was 17. I look at pictures of her and I look at pictures of me when I was 17. I gave birth to her when I was 31 years old. My mother gave birth to me when she was 19. Her mother gave birth to her when she was 19. The best advice I ever got? "They need you more when they're teenagers than they do when they're babies." My advice to you? When they're babies: You're the boss. When they're big: They're the boss. Take it or leave it.

Over the weekend, we had some major stuff going on between us. First round, she started it. Second round, I did.. That major stuff seems to creep up on me a lot lately. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm so terribly vested in instilling my presence, as she seems so terribly vested in bursting my bubble. Her dad's popped into her life now that all the hard work is done.. And he's returned with a vengeance! Promising gifts and support. And just like her beautiful father, the beautiful college brochures come with promises of the good life and prosperity after graduation.

Dad and college. They're both like the smart phone.. Convenient but they can't do everything!

Apparently, neither can this mom.

I don't know if I want to expect for her to return to me for anything after she leaves my nest.. She's made it perfectly clear that she won't. I know some readers out there will say.. It's a phase she'll outgrow and daughters always return to their mothers in the end. I know she will. But for her to tell me that she won't, when I didn't even ask, is a hard pill to swallow.

As for the 17 years of everyday experiences I've had with her, the not so every day ones are magnified right now.. But come June 2012, the stress of all of it will dissolve. Right? By the time my book Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth reaches your hands, her future will be in her own hands. And I'll be able to better see that I have grown spiritually because of her -not in spite of her. Until then, I grasp with the fact that her time as a little one at my feet has passed all too quickly. And my personal journey to raise a daughter has evolved more into a journey to be a better person.

All content of this article except for photos are original creations of JackiesMagic & is protected and copyrighted ©.

Urban Dictionary Editors said "Yes" to n'teenth

2011-07-17T10:22:00.003-05:00

"N'teenth" is now official urban vernacular due to my submission to Urban Dictionary a couple days ago:

1 definition by jackiesmagic

Please Vote THUMBS UP..

http://www.urbandictionary.com/author.php?author=jackiesmagic

For the n'teenth time

2011-07-14T23:27:00.002-05:00

Creative thinker Edward DeBono has quipped "A conclusion is the place where you get tired of thinking." I was in that place a few minutes ago when I finished up the n'teenth rewrite of an already published blog post. You probably read it once, then read it again with a different subject, and then different content. Sometimes when I blog I'll have an idea about what I want to the piece to express. I'll work on it for a day or so and then I'll publish it. Then I'll read it. And sometimes, before I know it, another day or a week later, it's been rewritten to be about something totally different. That was the case with that post.

I came to the conclusion after that n'teeth published rewrite.. that if it didn't make sense at that moment if wasn't going to make sense ever. I was tired of thinking about it. So I published What unfinished short story?, as is. For the last time.

And by the way. N'teenth wasn't in the Urban Dictionary, so I submitted it to them to be added. We'll see.

MY URBAN DICTIONARY SUBMISSION:

Submission under review

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N'teenth

N'teenth is most commonly used in the context of expressing .. "the last time, or the last #*%$!& time, or so many times it's making me sick!

I've told you for the n'teenth time to knock it off!

Alright already! I get it! You've said it for the n'teenth time!

by jackiesmagic on Jul 14, 2011tags: million digits of pi, nteenth, millionth, the point of nausea, never again!

What unfinished short story?

2011-07-14T01:28:00.119-05:00

Gore Vidal once said "There is no such thing as a homosexual or heterosexual person. There are only homosexual or heterosexual acts. Most people are mixture of impulses if not practices."

I don't want to be just a blogger or a writer of impulse or circumstance who comes and goes with the winds of life and the internet connection. I do want to write to write my books and have them published by a major publishing house. I want to practice the craft of writing. I could care less about being called a writer.

Therefore, it is in deed my pleasure to show my appreciation of good writing by others by reading more of what others have written. It's an impulse if nothing more - as my goal is to finish B.I.B.L.E. before long and make it worthy of publishing. Worthy of interest and readership beyond friends of this blog.

It's innately clear to me now that good writers live in this mental geography of reading to write, reading more to write more, reading reading reading what others have written, and then reading some more! It's a trap, I say! To buy more books. I've bought two in the past day and 3 magazines!

Though looking at my Shelfari book shelf on this blog, you would think I've read everything there is to read, when actually I have not. I haven't read all of those books I call my favorites, cover to cover. With the exception of a hand full.. It's like how -many a sinner reads the Holy Bible. We know exactly where the juicy parts are, and refer to those often. At our convenience.. Just because I have a bible doesn't make me a bible scholar..

That the relationship between my reading and my writing is as awkward as Matt Lauer and Tom Cruise discussing psychiatry, it's true. It's not necessarily true that there is hope for me to get in the practice of reading tons of books --for the sake of being a better writer. But.. I'm at a good place where I want to read more. And I'm sure of this. The more I read, the more I'll learn exactly what it is I need to avoid and sustain in my writing practice.

For now, I don't aspire to be a novelist (unless you want me to count that one unfinished short story of fantastic erotica I've been working on since 1994. I'm just a student teacher. Embracing the inspiration I've gotten from life as a single woman living as a single mom and looking to share with other mothers and daughters out there.

Bedroom of a Sulking Single Mom

2011-07-10T22:44:00.003-05:00

The bedroom is supposed to the place for romance and relaxation, and up until a couple of hours ago, there was an abundance of peace and comfort in mine. I've been in here.. working on my book, WD-40ing the ceiling fan, hanging things up in the closet.. thumbing through old magazines.. taking a nap, logging on to the corp network to get a little work done. Sorry, no romance to report. But a couple of hours ago, my daughter reads an email to me from her checkbook dad. After years of doing absolutely nothing with her and for her, a year away from college, and a year after a night-marish ordeal of 50 emergency room trips & 50 morphine drips.. for her, and my stint with unemployment, he has ignored my every request to participate in her life. NOW he's emailing her- offering trips and cars and ... he's even asked her to consider college in his state? She laughs and I ask, "Is that sarcasm or delight?" She definitely expressed contempt for him and his presumptuous arrogant attempt at trying to be a dad, now. I suggested she respond with ... one word. "When?" Of course, she was much nicer than that. Enticed by that free ticket to anywhere and his..."I haven't forgotten about a car for you!"

I asked her to definitely be nicer to him than she has ever been to me.. especially if she wants to see how things might work out between them. As he is not that great at handling adversity, and at the 1st sign of it he might bail again. Frankly, I don't think he can handle what fatherhood truly requires.. Not just writing a check for things, but the need for trustworthiness and responsibility on his part. Even if he's trying to just be friends with her, since all the child rearing has been handled by me and the rest of my family.. He can't just pop in now, bearing gifts? Can he? Sure, he can make the promises, but .. I'm afraid to tell her to believe in him. So I just told her to kindly not tell me any more about the communications between them. I was thinking of him way too much today, and after about ten minutes of it, my stomach was beginning to hurt.

That offended her, even though she doesn't like him as much as she should at this point in her life.. But that's his doing. And I don't want to influenced her in any kind of way. Good or bad. Suggesting that she give him a chance if she so chooses. Secretly wishing that she won't.

Hurts like hell that she just might.

Hurts like hell.

Now I'm in my bedroom sulking and writing.. while I hear her in the living laughing out loud as she watches Martin.

I NEED SOME ADVICE.

An Essential Tool for Writers

2011-07-10T16:27:00.002-05:00

Watched the movie Schindler's List yesterday. If there's any human struggle story, and I can name a few, that the so-called devil meant for absolute evil.. and God used for good.. this story is it. The story of the near misadventures of the seemingly wandering Schindler Jews and the idea that they were "essential" workers. The Nazi's didn't care anything about Jews.. essential or not, but they cared a heck of a lot about the gratitude expressed by Schindler.. A factory owner who employed certain Jews with essential skills to get his work done. An opportunist, as best. A soul at least. When the Germans did favors for Schindler to maintain operations, his gratuitous pay-offs to them were fabulous! And so it is.. the Schindler Jews story. If you haven't seen the movie then I won't tell any more of it here, but.. as I move through my Sunday afternoon.. thinking oddly of the essential Schindler Jews.. their children.. and their children's children.. I also think about the essential contents of Katy Perry's purse?

(... As shown on page 148 of the January 2011 issue of Marie-Claire magazine. I picked it up off the night table in my daughter's room as I stood over her this morning discussing our plan of the day.)

Amongst the kettle popcorn, facial wash, and photos of her hubby and her cat, and sunglasses and fake nails is .. wait! --Just what I've been looking for!..... A voice recorder! Thank you Marie-Claire! Thank you God! Thank you Jesus! (Don't wanna leave anybody out) I didn't know they still make these!

Well..since I began writing on-the-go (as a result of being gainfully employed again), I've used the camcorder on my android phone to record voice memos of thoughts and ideas for my books & blogs. But that became a nuisance as there are too many tasks associated with using a touch screen phone for such a simple task. And even though, now that I think of it, I've recorded a few notes to it, I've always forgotten to refer to them when I am writing.

Katy Perry claims her Sony IC Voice Recorder is as essential for recording "lyrical ideas" and what she wants to do next.. Is she a song writer? What songs have she written? Anyway.. I want one of these recorders, too! And I'm gonna get me one!

What I love about this cute little device is I can use it for the purpose it was intended, and record more than 200 hours of thoughts and reminders, and create folders to keep them in! Essential for when I'm at a stop light, on breaks at work, or have shut down the lap top for the night and have a last minute thought! Perfect for this writer on-the-go!

Next:

The essentials in my purse:
Vitamin C Eye Renewal Duo, Ricola, Benadryl, Midol, eye drops, perfume oil, lip gloss, green metalic Sharpie, Gum.

Mea culpa, I apologize.

2011-07-09T01:46:00.001-05:00

The law of cause and effect is always on at work, at home, at play and even when we sleep. Good or bad. Everything has a cause and effect. Everything IS a cause or effect. Some Christians I know like to refer to the bad of cause and effect as reaping and sowing. My take on life is about undoing the negative and being about the more excellent business of offering love. And apologizing. Even when it's the hardest thing to do..

This morning I sent a quick email note to a colleague that an email he'd cc'd me on contained an important date typo. In a reply to only him, I mentioned that I'd forwarded the email as necessary but corrected the date. I got the kindest most unexpected response....

"And that shows 2 things:

1. Your kind support.
2. I should not reply to mails without morning coffee. Mea culpa, I apologize.

Thank you."

I always love it when people own up to their errors without a bunch of hemmin' and hawin'. They simply say... "My fault. I apologize" and move on. Usually for me, no apology is necessary, but when it comes with "My fault" attached to it, that endears me to that person.

But don't you just love the guy who will chastise you for presumably making a mistake when he was the one who didn't read or forgot that he read.. the "we've moved the cheese" memo? And to resolve the issue you re-send the memo only to get this kind of reply ... "With the way things are going around here.. It's no wonder I forgot." Insulting for a moment, but then you move on, realizing.... that wasn't really an apology, but... it'll have to do! As Wally Lamb would say.. "Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love." And you live the rest of your life liking that person just a wee bit less than you did before this.

My daughter did something wonderful today and called me at work to tell me about it. A little later she called to tell me she made mistake.. one that had the potential to put her in a funk for the rest of the day. It was a costly mistake, but I wasn't mad at her and I let her know that this mistake at age 17 is likely not her last one. In my attempt to cheer her up, I managed to turn her off.. or piss her off.. I don't know just which one it is at the moment. A couple of hours later we were on an errand and I ended up scolding her (again) about this one particular driving habit she has. This move added insult to injury. I tried to kiss and make up with her throughout the rest of the evening, but she wasn't biting. And that disturbs my peace.

She's gone to bed now and I realize I didn't apologize to her. I'm hoping that by tomorrow, pigs in a blanket from the donut shop or homemade cup-cakes with her favorite butter cream icing will help make amends. I don't know. That just seems too much like hemin' and hawin' doesn't it? Maybe I'll ease into the darkness of her bedroom right now and get past the gate-keeper (the cat!) to say.. "Baby girl. My fault. I apologize. Now can I have a hug?

Chasing The Dream

2011-07-08T08:05:00.004-05:00

Every day I write something for my book Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. If not on paper, in my heart. dot dot dot... Laughing out loud.

If only I had the discipline and the energy to sit down and write from 3am to 6am, daily like Pamela Lynn my drummer friend. But I'd be done by now! So far, I'm good to get on the keyboard a mere 2.5 hours weekly. I never want to refer to myself as a writer but I think I should. So this weekend I am designing and creating and ordering (I must be very specific) my "writer" business cards. And I am ordering this book.. by Lisa Taylor Huff.. called "The Writing Coach's Guide to FINALLY Writing Your Book."

I feel like am a writer only when I'm in the midst of a soaking spa bath, or when I'm half way through pose 15 of 32 in a hot yoga studio, or when I'm sitting in the midst of rush hour traffic, and when...... I'm asleep. Although.. I never dream-dream of being a writer when I'm asleep. I only day-dream of being a writer when I doing something else that would prevent me from.... writing at that very moment.

What is that about?

Yesterday I sought out a local boutique and bought gemstones and crystals (for entertainment purposes only, mind you). This morning I discovered and plan to participate in the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy.. created by a blogger friend, Hibisbus Moon to perhaps rejuvenate my writing mojo! To make finishing this book amongst many finishes I have in the queue.. my part time job! -At least!! From this point forward I am treating my book writing like it's my employer. Showing up every day, on time, ready to focus and do the needful! And quit when it's time to quit? No! In my writing I refer to quitting time as recharging my mojo time. As with any other part time job, I must go back the next day and the next if I want the pay check at the end of week.

B.I.B.L.E. is my adopted child for now, since my love child is preparing to roll up on outta here in a year or so. --And, by the way, she's added another college to her list of potentials. One that I'm very pleased to hear about! Very pleased!

And so it is.. I chase away the dream to do the real thing.. using

... Blue Lace Agate as my writing healing stone. To clear and balance my throat chakra.. unblocking and encouraging expression.

... Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy

And Lisa Taylor Huff's "The Writing Coach's Guide to FINALLY Writing Your Book."

Freedom on DEMAND: Read Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

2011-07-04T10:53:00.002-05:00

"Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" is soon to be a gift book of luscious magic cocktails—for single mothers & their daughters who need a magic bartender serving Freedom on Demand.. Magical nudges & meaningful conversations.. nose wipes and mind sanitizers. All served up at a party called life- in relationships, with or without sex toys, baby's daddy drama, pillow talk, sweet dreams, truth, whispers, shouts, sweet nothings, a day job, green M&M's, sour pusses & Sweet Jesus! and more. It’s a book that encourages young women raised by single mothers to live more consciously than their mothers might have, and it's for conscientious single mothers desiring to make clearer choices and use their talents & voices when they don't think it's feasible. It's definitely for the spiritual, sensual, soulful mom with "judgment fatigue" and just can't work-out at the gym of the Christian world view any longer! It markets & promotes a new thought.. and new ideas on undoing the negative and fear of old school ways. B.I.B.L.E. is my guide book on "How to Have the Most Perfect! No Mess! No Church! No TV! Spiritual! Sensual! Soulful! Single Mother Single Woman Journey, Possible!" I did. You can. This Blog is my journey to publication, and an empty nest.. as I attempt to move in the direction of my highest good delighted that my daughter is not a replicate of me, or my mother or her great-grandmother! .. or even her checkbook dad. But she is a young woman with purpose on her own happy course. Written by the spiritual sensual soulful scribe w/the magic mama ninja wand.. ~ JackiesMagic

Disclaimer: Not just for single moms!

Enjoy~

The best 2.5 hours of my life!

2011-07-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

One of the most important things in writing (and life) is having clear goals. I've personally found that creating goals is not that easy. I once saw an interview with Tiger Woods where he was asked about his ability to deliver a golf ball to an exact destination. His answer?... "I decide where I want the ball to be, and I do what ever it takes to get it there." Next was a video analyzing the anatomy & physiology of Tiger's golf swing, and.. the history of it's development. What Tiger didn't speak - the video revealed. And it wasn't as simple as his answer. What it showed was that Tiger has extreme focus ability.. as taught by his father.. since early childhood.

Self taught or parent taught, all world class 'performers' have this focus ability from early on. So is it too late for me to tap into this focus ability to be a world class writer like.. J.K. Rowling? Hemingway? F. Scott Fitzgerald? Or Dickens? I'll settle for Marianne Williamson, or Ronda Byrne, even!

A "World Percussionist with a productive obsession for drumming" by the name of Pamela Lynn, whose talent and beauty absolutely fascinate me, has a plan for achieving her goals. I've never seen her perform live, but a couple of years ago, when I was going through a phase... taking drumming lessons, driving around with the top down and playing Santana and Clapton loudly.. especially during my commute.. I discovered her drumming. And now that she's blogging, I learned how she how she got to be so good at it..

I love what she does:

I love what she says:

"Every single morning from 3:00-6:00 am, I get up just to hone my drumming skills."

I love what she reads:

Effortless Mastery When Nothing Less Will Do

So.. Do I really want to be a world class writer? Life Tiger is a world class golfer. Like Pamela is a world percussionist? Mostly I do. Especially on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 - 5.

The best 2.5 hours of my life!

Recently, my 17 yr old daughter, who's seemingly over the hump of a series of debilitating migraines began practicing yoga. Her interest and excitement were magnetic. Seeing the benefits of yoga for her, I felt it might do something for me. Deciding to be like Tiger and Pamela.. Doing what ever it takes to reach my goal of perfection and prosperity in my writing, I'm now a student of yoga!!

But how to I fit this into my life of exchanging my precious time for corporate's precious money.. By exchanging my decompression time.. after a grueling day, hunched over a p.c. and dual monitors in a 5 x 5 cubicle.. In exchange for the best 2.5 hours of of my life. The studio's answer? 2.5 hours a week of Hot Yoga . A 60 minutes session and a 90 minutes session weekly, for maximum fitness! Not a bad plan!

So I've decided to apply this same concept to all extraneous aspects of my life... to see where it takes me!

Hot Yoga. 2.5 hours a week

Blogging. 2.5 hours week

My B.I.B.L.E. book 2.5 hours a week

Or what's the point?

... Keep on doing what I always do, to keep on getting what I always get. What else is there if I don't focus on my goals? The sun will go down on me and I would have missed out on something wonderful! My legacy.

Play Words With Friends With Me

2011-06-27T07:37:00.002-05:00

There is only one other thing that I absolutely enjoy doing with my spare time besides writing and cooking and watching independent films, and that's playing Words With Friends.. a game like scrabble that I play on my android phone. My daughter introduced me to it a couple of months ago, and as it turns out, it's wildly addictive and fun. In fact, I give this game total credit for my resurgence of scribe energy!

I've always known that puzzle games are good for the brain! And my mother, a chronic pain patient, has a medical prescription to "do jigsaw puzzles." And as it turns out I'm not the only sibling who enjoys crossword and word find puzzles. I was surprised to find my Marine Corps brother has a paid subscription to Games Magazine! I thought he was just a Discovery Channel goon! But I'll not likely return to buying those 99 cent puzzle books off the rack at the store anymore! I love WWF and I can see myself playing this.. for always and eternity?

Puzzle games are like food that stimulate your brain. -At any age. Based on family folklore, my maternal great grandmother often got lost going for walks.. I realize I have the propensity to get lost, as well. In our family, we have a very strong gene pool... of temperament and physical appearance... and who knows what else? I cannot see myself lost in space!! As we also tend to live longer than everyone else on the planet! So I'd better play WWF for as long as I can!

And there are the 15 (max 20) games I have going on with random people.. And there are a few that request a rematch of me, or I of them! Win or Lose! And only a couple of these folks actually chat back and forth with me. Where it seems real friendships tend to develop.

Words with Friends is fun and challenging and they have a Facebook page where you can find random folks to play with and chat with about superfluous "words" and nonsensical things. I asked the question a few days ago.. "Whose idea was it that "shat" is the past tense of shit?" I was surprised at the well thought out responses! I had an opportunity to play "shat" and scored. But when I wanted to play "orangest," I was brutally perplexed.

Some people cheat at WWF. And if you play long enough, you will know when someone is cheating. There is even an app for cheaters. The cheater is the person who all of the time comes up with words that are not ever day words. I immediately resign when I feel someone is cheating. Not that I care, but.. what's the point? And I just read that 90% of all WWF games are played in the bathroom. I have never played in the bathroom! The only time I take my phone in the bathroom with me is when I'm taking a bath? It has music for my soaking soul..

Download Words With Friends for free on your android and look me up!

Jackiesmagic is my ID.

The Direction of My Highest Good

2011-06-26T20:45:00.003-05:00

Over the past 17 years I've tried on the whole "independent consultant" hat for a few direct sales companies from Mary Kay to Private Quarters, and after having demonstrated and marketed and promoted to clients from Greenville to Houston, I have slowly but surely realized that it just doesn't feel right any more. In the past couple of years since I was laid off, new direct sales companies have been created and I have been approached by leaders and I have even approached a few, about how to become God's next millionaire in direct sales/MLM. After spending time with people who have little more than the gift for gab for spinning/twisting the truth about what they have to sell, my gifts are just not any more in 'coaching' people to be a party hostess or to join my team! My gifts are in sharing authentically the things I have learned to love and experiences I have had. And even more so, my greatest gifts are the ideas I get about publicly speaking to others, and writing books and courses that teach what I know.. when I'm soaking in a tub of water fragranced with frankincense and myrrh whilst listening to Nigel Kennedy or David Garret and even Los Lonely Boys or Carlos Santana and Pat Metheny.

What does this mean?

It means that my second source of income from my party plan business is no longer going to be the primary source for creating financial security and a legacy for my great grand children. It means that I am not going to sign up to go to any conventions, have any more open houses or attend any networking events that do not pertain to marketing and promoting my book(s) and me!

Take it from me!

If you are someone who has put off doing what's in your soul to do, watch what I do. This is scary for me, and I have put it out there, in full frontal nudity for you all to glare at my every flaw and vulnerability and move. But I must get this done. Because if I don't, I will be in disobedience to the law of divine order. My gift of a life time.

If you are stuck and afraid or simply need a little help in getting over that mountain in your path, then write it down and make it happen, like I am. You don't have to tell the whole on the internet, but... it might be the what you need to do!

Watch me overcome my fears and trepidation about rejection and failure. There won't be any rejection or failure.

Watch me give.

Watch me love.

Watch me wrap my mind and heart around obstacles and solve my own problems, or ask for help when needed.

Watch me confess my weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

Watch me let go of mothering to supporting my college bound daughter.

Watch me motivate myself to go that extra mile and create my own wealth from what I already have. My own god given talents and faculties.

The bottom line is, if you are reading this.. Keep on reading. I'm not saying it's true, but what I do may inspire you.

Cookies!

2010-08-24T08:20:00.002-05:00

Even though it's still registering triple digits over Texas, the start of school signifies.. cooler days to come! Eventually. And around here, that means, I use my oven more! I love to cook, and bake. Over the summer months I honed my "COOKING FOR TWO" skills. OMG! I have mastered the Gremolada pork chop (and chicken) for two! But this time of year my teenager walks in to our house after school, sniffing for cookies! A couple of years ago I found a fabulous Classic Holiday Sugar Cookie recipe and posted it on this blog. I've worn that recipe out. Now I'm looking forward to coming up with something new for my daughter's lunch bag, and after school and theater rehearsal treats! And when my mother visits and heads to my kitchen for cookies.. she knows she raised me right!

I'm wondering if any one reading this has a favorite cookie recipe that everybody in the family loves? Nothing complex. Not too plain, though. We do love Peanut Butter Cookies, but if you've got a bad ass PB Cookie recipe you've perfected and is willing to share.. I've love to try it! And.. I'm wondering if there's a German Chocolate Cake Cookie recipe out there? Or a Sweet Potato Pie Cookie recipe? Or a Pecan Pie Cookie recipe? OMG! How about.. Key Lime Pie Cookies? Yummmmmm! My in-box will be waiting!

Question: What flavor(s) do you think these pictured Yin-Yang Cookies are? Chocolate and Sugar? Vanilla Coffee?? My next batch will look like these but.. they won't be a traditional sugar cookie flavor. Any suggestions? Your guess is as good as mine. BONUS! Help me come up flavors for my first Yin-Yang (black and white) Cookie batch, and I'll make a double batch for you!

Weekend in Hot Flash Land

2010-08-09T09:24:00.001-05:00

Ok, for anyone who may be thinking of going to hot flash land during your summer travels, or who are thinking you might be going, I've been there three times in the past four days... If you count the time right after I cleaned out the garage. Since I was already breaking a sweat, this was perfect timing and was totally SO WORTH IT. The first time, caught me by surprise. I was minding my own business.. driving back from an appointment with my daughter. We were already baking at 100+ degrees under the Texas sun in a black car with no window tint. I couldn't get cool enough, even with all the vents aimed at me! I was just suddenly freakin' hot all over for no reason. At home, I had to move all the tower fans in my direction.. And forget the $299 electric bill! Move the a.c. up to FREEZE BLAST. Fast. I must buy new panties and bras for my daughter's amusement. Pretty matching sets like Phyllis and Chloe wear on Y&R! My kid's gettin' a look at what's already in my lingerie drawer. Boooor-ing. And the cover tosses and thermostat searches in the middle of the night has me using my night light again. Sheesh! I thought since my partial hysterectomy 18 months ago, I was a loooooong ways from going on this trip. My ovaries! I've been so proud to say.. I still have my ovaries! Good thing I have a check up scheduled with my doctor in a couple of days. He's like Santa Claus, to me. Seriously. He looks like Santa Claus. I'll ask him.. Pull from your gift bag hot flash relief, please, doc? I've been good! And in a couple of days, I'm starting a new job, too? Yowsa! They just have no idea what they're in for!

Any moms out there, with their youth and energetic attitude still attached, going through this aging thing? Pre-menopause? Or am I smack dab in the middle of IT?! How do I know? How can I tell? Please advise... What to drink? Do? Think? And please don't laugh! This isn't funny. Well.. Yes, it is. But I can handle this. Right?

"Colored Woman" ... White Man

2010-08-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

Just got a gentle reminder to write this post. Back in July I watched the Ford's Theatre gala honoring Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Justice Albie Sachs with the theater's Lincoln Medal. President Obama and family were crowd pleasures.. But the star studded "real" entertainment was why I watched!

As I recall.. The entertainment featured Kelly Clarkson, George Lopez, (too too funny) Dick Van Dyke and his a cappella troupe.. and Yikes! Lionel Richie. Strangely I felt embarrassed by Montego Glover's chant.. “Mama told me there are limits for dark-skinned girls in this light-skinned world..” Look around missy! Do these people care? But I smiled and remembered everything childhood, as Dick Van Dyke sang and danced like only he could! Who doesn't love Dick Van Dyke? Since then, I've been meaning to find his email and personally ask him never to say to his fans... "This is what's left of Dick Van Dyke."

I for one, am glad he's still around!!! And I heart my Dick Van Dyke Show DVD collection. Am I the only one?

But what most endears me to him is to discover a few minutes ago that he's a most delightful spokesperson for the adult Stem Cell Therapy Foundation. Watch this ad. Is he not the best person they could have gotten to deliver this kind message??

Burning books to destroy a culture?

2010-07-30T15:00:00.001-05:00

This is in response to quote posted by Justin Tadlock..

"You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." -Ray Bradbury

My 11th grader still reads books...

Even ones she could watch on DVD!

Ok. Ok. When school starts in a few weeks, she's got to write an essay!

But the book choice was hers!

Culture. Preserved!

Talking to strangers inspires me!

2010-07-29T09:52:00.001-05:00

My last day on a 4 wk project was last Friday. It was bitter sweet for me, in that, my commuter rail and observations of commuter people experience, ended with the job. And last Friday was the day after I learned my brother's best friend died, and my heart was still freshly broken. But last Friday was also a day of ...

....discoveries! Knowing it was my last day on that job, I went "out" to lunch... When for four weeks I'd eaten in. Walking about the rail path near Akard, I discovered that cute taqueria in the Mosaic building, I'd spied from my window seat. I teased the smiling man behind the register.. "And what makes your $3 tacos so special?" The former Army Ranger turned entrepreneur told me, not only had his food won Taste of Dallas, but he personally guaranteed I'd love it! He was right. My order was to-go, and from my desk, I regretted getting only two! I loved my chicken and steak fajitas so much, I insisted my daughter and I take a detour to Taco Borracho on the way to visit Granny on Saturday!

And that Friday morning on the train ride to work, I finally got the nerve to butt in and engage the people who sat in front of me in a Q&A about the Peace Corps. They were glad I'd been listening in for the past two days! My inquiries validated their convictions and commitment as volunteers. I left with notes and numbers and URLs to share with my 16 yr old. -I told them. Actually, it was all for me. I'd once given serious thought to joining the Peace Corps. My commuter friends told me it's never too late.

You see... talking to people and making new friends inspires and gives me energy to keep on talking to people and making new friends! And I just wonder, since I'm still feeling good about last Friday, how far would that energy carry me, if I'd started talking to people on the train and on the streets on day one of my commuter experience vs. the very last day. So without a corporate job to take the train to, for now, I'll just hit the streets on my own.. And check back in to disclose what new people I've met, spoken to, and any new adventures, in contrast or comparison to last Friday. This should be fun!

It's Easy To Be A Kid Again...

2010-07-28T12:06:00.004-05:00

I met a couple of ladies a couple of days ago. One was a self employed prospective employer, the other was her sidekick BFF. The prospective employer talked me out of wanting to help her re-create and re-design her fledgling re-start-up. While she was going on and on about what she didn't want to do anymore, and how she was too old for doing things she wanted me to do for her on a commission only basis. I couldn't wait to go home and take a nap! She'd worn me out with her don'ts and don't wants.

Her best friend and I spent more than an hour trying to encourage her that age is just a number, and .."As a man thinketh... So is he." She's not the only mature working women I've met lately who seem so eager to speak of their regrets first, rather than the desires of their heart? Why would a healthy mature women choose to feel like they have more years behind them than they have ahead of them? I really do believe it's a matter of changing our thoughts.

When I discovered this list at 1800blogger, I chuckled as I read it. As many of these youthful activities I do often, already! (The highlighted ones are my faves) A friend recently expressed delight in my ability to think and be child like at times. I love that about me, too! I attribute that to the fact that I joined the Navy right out of high school and commenced to enjoying my life and learning to love people and places and attitudes and cultures that were different than where I'd come from. Now I'm the single mother of a very active seventeen year old, and I still feel very energetic and that life has much to offer me.. Not just her! And I'm eager to move forward and pursue my dreams, even at the age of 48.

This list makes me want to just go and do it all right now! But you try it. Maybe one or two of 'em at a time! It's never too late to...

Be A Kid Again

Do a cartwheel. (I'll let you know how that goes, shortly)
Sing into your hairbrush.
Walk barefoot in wet grass.
Play a song you like really loud, over and over.
Dot all your “i”’s with smiley faces. (Will do. My daughter does!)
Read the funnies. Throw the rest of the paper away.
Dunk your cookies.
Play a game where you make up the rules as you go along.
Step carefully over sidewalk cracks.
Change into some play clothes.
Try to get someone to trade you a better sandwich.
Eat ice cream for breakfast.
Kiss a frog, just in case. (Maybe tomorrow)
Blow the wrapper off a straw.
Have someone read you a story.
Find some pretty stones and save them.
Wear your favorite shirt with you favorite pants even if they don’t match.
Take a running jump over a big puddle.
Get someone to buy you something you really don’t need.
Hide your vegetables under your napkin. (I eat my veggies. Ruffage!)
Stay up past your bedtime.
Eat dessert first.
Fuss a little, then take a nap.
Wear red gym shoes.
Put way too much sugar on your cereal.
Make cool screeching noises every time you turn a corner.
Giggle a lot for no reason.
Give yourself a gold star for everything you do today.

And if it's been raining where you are. You could put on a nice dress and some lipstick and go outside to jump in the puddles like Ms Red Lipstick in Norway did.... She's right! This is something every grown up should do when it rains!