Northwest Community Clothing Swap (Tenleytown) March 25, 2017

Don't miss what could be the funnest (yes, I said "funnest") most bestest (wink, wink) free, free, free clothing swap. In case you don't know what a clothing swap - it is what it says. People come together and bring out their unused, unwanted (sadly) clothes that don't work, don't fit or just "don't." Instead of going thrift shopping, everyone comes together cleaning out their closets and exchanges clothes for free. A bag of clothes equals the same bag of clothes - Free! You can bring your kids', teens', hubbies' ugly ties and sweaters, those tight jeans or unwanted bracelets - whatever and trade it for someone else's clean but new-to-you unwantables. Refresh your wardrobe this spring while making more space at home.

The rules:
1. Do some real cleaning and be determined to take out all those clothes you really don't wear. C'mon now, you know there's a ton.
2. Make sure they are wearable: clean and good shape. No intimates please - this ain't that kinda swap.
3. Bring one bag, bring two or however many - you can take as many as you like. Be kind, there will be many more friends, family members and neighbors there (so tell them all).
4. All clothes, shoes and accessories are welcome  including babies, tots, children, teens, mens, womens and more. Please try to bring bags according to those groups. It will be easier for volunteers to sort and put out on tables and racks.
5. Be sure to wear comfy clothes you can try other one's on top or slip and out of to try other ones on.

Remember: one man's (er woman's) treasure is another one's...truly!

This is a Free and stress-free event. Let us know if you will be attending and with how many potentially RSVP dcclothingswap@gmail.com or you can go to www.walkhomedc.com. Or call me directly at 202-285-0282.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CLOTHING SWAP
Sunday, March 25, 2017: 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Free clothing - Swap - free offstreet Parking

Wilson High School (in Tenleytown)
3950 Chesapeake Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20016

New Adventures in DC Festival LaLaLand

Yep, so I am officially crazy. I have had an event planning bug for years ever since I learned I could successfully large-scale events with over 50,000 in attendance (well, actually even larger). I am daring my self this year to take on the big guys and I'm doing it almost alone. So, it's official.

Three events. One more to present and possibly two more after that. This is taking off with me, this time. It's about time.

Multi-Blogging

I've been searching for other writers that are multi-blogging. All I can find are subjects on how some blogs use multiple writers but none that says of writers that have different and specialized blogs. I'm interested because each of my blogs I feel are their own brand. I don't want to muddle up the waters.

The origination of this blog was somewhat supportive of my sixth grader's venture to blog; watch his progress and show him that mom could also do the same. However, I have not moved much with this page or posting. I think I don't have the direction that I originally intended with this. After deciding to "blog, " my original  intention was a site for my friends and contacts where they can post. This first posting on here was an announcement to those people to join me and to use that site. That immediately went downhill when absolutely no one wrote back. So, my circle of friends became my circle of one - me, my self and I. Hee hee. It is almost humorous to think that this site and my other one are really odes to myself, testaments to my thoughts and actions. So, then why keep the separation of blogs and not merge them? Am I emotionally attached to this one rather than the other? Not really. I'm not altogether convinced this name or this page represents me and therefore, I will keep open. I will let this page be a page of fact, declaration or interest.

Whereas OrJustSayIt is my no barriers vent. I can say or divulge anything. Although, the site started with the full intent of anonymity, it has turned into a revelation that requires identity and somehow a reader's connection. Let people know me in the space of blogosphere, I have nothing to hide. I have a tale to tell and whether someone wants to read it, I can reread it and learn from it. Or Just Say It reveals my thoughts, desires and dreams because I guess really want them to be known now. It's ironic because I'm almost sure that no one is following me on this blog either. This is more of  a diary with some specific points o feelings I want to address. I don't have some awesome articles or persuasive postings of interest here. I don't think particularly insightful nor do I have a pulse of some innate enlightenment. So, Or Just Say It stays the same.

Then, I'm entering another delight with my niece to chart our path through obesity and eating - two normal people who face a real challenge with obesity. We want to track our eating habits, our feelings toward food and try diets and see if they work or not and see if we actually make a difference in our lives. Why not add this onto my other writing ventures? Well, again, I don't want murky waters here. These are all distinct feelings and explorations and the more I write about very different ideas and thoughts, the more I expand and don't concentrate on the importance of the separatedness. The separation dictates attention to detail and the expansion of one idea as a whole rather the expansion of many ideas with no direction.

AHHHH did I mention my other page for my thrifting fancies? Can all this be done? This is why I'm really wishing there was some articles or blogs or something to dictate otherwise? Or am I just too crazy to even think or dare to do all of this?

We'll find out. PS - If anyone knows out there of other people or writers or bloggers doing something similar, please let me know. I'll do like Julia Powell and say is "anyone out there reading any of my stuff?"

Date Nights are Essential

No, I'm not talking about young couples getting to know each other or some mad passionate love. I'm talking about date night for slow brimming loves and hates developed over a 16 yr span which require constant stirring, modulating the fire and watching over. Our cupeth has never really tumbled over; in fact, half the time, the cupeth has almost run out on both sides. We have worked towards what we have.

What we have is nothing short of ordinary. It doesn't inspire a movie, even a book or teach other couples how our marriage is so perfect. It is one of constant work, endurance, acceptance, flexibility and patience. Yes, sometimes there is one that gives more than the other. Then, there is resentment, an exchange of some times mean spirited words followed by silence. Then, we try all over again.

Til one of us wises up. Knowing another person so long sometimes more than you do your parents or your kids, dawning comes over you someday for no apparent reason. Maybe you are the one who has to modify and do something different. Don't expect your partner to do it if they haven't done it in the many years that my husband and I have shared a lifetime together.

So, I said "I want to go out and have dinner together. I'm treating. Let's go." We did. We went and relaxed sans kids for a bit. It wasn't terribly romantic or bonding. It was real. It was a chance to talk without interruptions or other people's needs. Just our own. I liked it. I even sat there and stared at my husband thinking "I'll invite him next week again to do something."

Two hours later last night, we walked to the car in the bitter cold hand in hand and didn't say a thing.

40th birthdays and Some

Today is one of my VBF's bdays. She's upset. I wonder why? Oh gawwd, either we are celebrating our proudness of being 40 or we're down that we're that "up." I don't know what to say about age. I guess age doesn't really bother me. I feel I still have time to reinvent my self. I know I haven't managed to do even half of what I intended to when I was younger or single. I didn't travel, or become something great. I don't have a house on a beach in California or have two dogs or marry some rich guy who is insanely in love with me. I am not slim or beautiful. Yet, I might say all of that with some type of remorse or even yearning but not really. I just realize that I can still do something. Sure, I didn't meet any of my personal time lines or goals but there's still time. There's still time to show at least to my kids I tried. And I still Still want to try so bad. I want to do so bad. I want to be, so badly. I understand that heartache when my friend says "I'm just not feeling it today."

I know I felt like that this past year's 39th bday. I wanted something different. Nothing happened that day or that month. But, what followed were revelations surmounting to my own personal changing almost overnight.

I will try harder. I have to try harder. I do have to do it for me. I also have to do it times three. I have three little ones that are following me. Either they think I'm a great mom or they think I'm mom or they think " I want to be like her." I need to know I tried for them as well. I can't continue giving up. My age doesn't dictate my ability or abilities.

So, while I see my hs friends and close friends plan the 40th bday, I'm planning the next couple of years for a change. I plan to reinvigorate and reinvent my life, my soul and my personal yearning. This 40th bday is not about age, it's about now becoming of age.

How The Year It Started

It was a bit ominous really nothing about me. However, all the same. My husband's cousin was found with very dangerous cysts (unknown if tumors or cancer yet); she had such little blood in her system, she could have collapsed or heart given way any minute. We were all quite shocked and are still adjusting waiting on her biopsy and what will happen.

I'm certain that I don't want my year to be like this but the unforeseen is always just that, lurking and unknown. However, I have decided I will live my life to the fullest now. I will cherish every moment I have with my children by my side and with the family and friends that want to be that to me. I don't just want to stay where I am. I want to be an active participant in this game called Life. See, I wasn't really accepting of life and what was given to me. Even with kids, I've been selfish, egotistical wanting things to go my way. They haven't. However, I realized sometime last year that I can't accept it. I can change it. Take the risks I've always wanted to and make the change to be different, do different, and mark the difference.

I no longer what to represent fragility and expecting things to come my way. I am at my tipping point.

Happy New Year 2011

Wow. Here we are and life is changing. I'm nearing my forties. I look at the title of Circle of Friends network and see where that has changed as well. There are friendships that I have had to let go for the better and some that I have not dedicated too much time to. I realized that ME was first instead of giving ME to others and it was me needing to give ME more to ME. And so now 2011, Hello. Hola. Here I am. Aqui estoy.

I am welcoming you to my world. This is my world. It is a world where I am someone undefineable. I am air that needs catching. I am a tree that needs carving. I have not yet made my fingerprint or footprint on this world. I have three fine children and am here for them. I plan on being here a long time, thank you Lord. I was put here on a purpose. I am somehow multi-gifted and talented. I realized as a child God granted me gifts that I have not realized yet and this is my year to do so.

You may see write. You may see create art. You may see me bake. You may see me create events. You may see supporting my children. You may see me.

I feel it and I know it. Hello 2011. I won't be shy anymore. Give me what is mine universe for I am ready for what you have been waiting for. Me.

I have to make Baby Shower Favors

Is it worth my while to buy them only 4 days out from the baby shower? Or make them? Argghhhh - to make cheesy favors or to buy really expensive ones that are also cheesy, that is the question. I am just not that great or creative, I mean I am but not when I'm in a jam. Anybody have any suggestions?

I like the lipgloss and thought "I could buy generic ones and make these." But, where do I buy them? It would probably cost me more to make them and then, I'd wrack my brain for figuring out printing the circles. I also like the tins to put candy in but again, I could probably do that and AGAIN, it probably will cost more and more time.

Ay Bendito! So, check this out....

Puerto Rico’s Top Chefs Alfredo Ayala and Augusto Schreiner at Restaurant Mio

1110 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington DC, 20005

November 13th and 14th, 2009

TASTING MENU

Ceviche de Carrucho

Conch ceviche

**

Lechoncito asado con todo y cuerito

Roasted whole Pig

**

Yuca al Mojo

Yuca with Mojo marinade

**

Dorado en salsa de maiz tierno y coulis de sofrito

Mahi-Mahi, fresh corn sauce, sofrito froth

**

Guinea en reduccion de ron acompanada de pure de apio

Guinea hen, rum reduction, root puree

**

Casquitos de Guayaba y dulce de papaya con quesos del pais.

Guava and candied papaya cheeses.

We will have Rums of Puerto Rico making great cocktails.

I'm starting up again

I'm developing the concept of the Circle of Friends Network where I promote my contacts, friends, family and they do the same. You subscribe to my blog and can submit information relevant to you, your friends and family (who in turn can also subscribe and submit information). Where is this headed? Quite frankly, I like it when I can catch up with everyone in one place. If you want to advertise here, I'll put a small ad and referral for you as well for a small fee! Support me because I have family, need additional revenue and this actually might be fun.


Now, to start out with, please subscribe to me and refer out to your friends. What can you send me in terms of content?

You may submit relevant topics of the day, photos of the day, holiday, birthday greetings, notices, event news, school news, kid news, new recipes, etc. Any thing that is work related, advertising, contact me directly and I will let you know what I'll do for you.

Easter Friday, Eve of my Father's Death and Start of a Court Battle

I'm concerned. Dad didn't leave a will. Not surprising. Now, 37 yrs afterward a "brother" who didn't care a lick about him shows up wanting the house that belonged more so to my mother. My mother scrimped and saved as a babysitter just to buy that house. All I can do is is to summon all the little strength and the little faith I hold and ask God to please please carry me through. You just don't know how I'm praying because I'm scared not to lose the money or the house but the principle of the matter. It's so tangled and so unfair to my mother. I lost Papi last yr and now I may lose my mom and I can't breathe. I can't think straight. I'm so worried. I wish I could run but then, I think my battles are so much smaller than everyone elses. I think, thankfulness. Oh such little faith. Thank you Lord, that I'm back in your arms embracing you and asking you earnestly to get me through this because I don't know how much I can take. All I know is that I have to face this with strength, dignity and calmness. All I want to do is concentrate on my family but this keeps coming back to haunt me. I'm thankful I came "back" but I have a lot of work to do to keep me strong and believing.

BLOW OFF STEAM

I'm a little concerned since I can't voice my opinion on someone since it can jeopardize my career but I've just about had it. I don't know how much longer I can stand it. I really need to forward on my projects and pray for strength to get past this stage.

Attending Harlem In Paris

So, I'm attending this super cool event that my friend Kat is putting on but I have nothing to wear. Where do I find a size 16/18 vintage dress that doesn't make me look like a whale and I can still look good? I need a 1930's style dress! Fashion squad, pls!

I'm a creative Sponsorship Consultant

Tell me what your event, service or whatever is about and if I get excited about it, I sell it. I look up anything related or unrelated that would be a great match for the product. I'm saying this just because I'm rather crazy and this seems to be one of the things I'm actually good in...

Here are my upcoming sponsorships to work on...
Harlem in Paris for the Fall - I got onboard late for this so hope to help for a Chicago premiere in the fall.
www.lilsoso.com

Premiere of "Code Name: Butterflies" is the first documentary to tell the powerful story of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic. OAS in March 2009 www.codenamebutterflies.org

Celebrando lo Latino in Baltimore.

I had a couple of things to write about today but

of course I forgot what they were....

Hmmmest, my son has posted his second posting so we're one for one. Oh now I know, my best friend of 15 years calls me and leaves me a message saying that she is having special testing for breast cancer. Red flag, red flag. I thought I can't lose her either. She's only being tested. I'm determined to be supportive just in case and most probably, it's probably nothing. I'm concerned. I haven't had to deal with a close friend with cancer. I think I'm nearing an age that our health is critical.

Starting This

Hi there, this is the start yet of another writing project not sure where it will lead but doing this as a support mechanism for my 10 year old son, Adam. Adam, this is for you, son. My son has started writing a blog for his class. Adam is a great boy and wants to excel in reading and writing and as such, I think I will write as well and show him a passion for writing can lead to great things. Such as? My writing or past writing experiences come from hours and hours of enjoyment of reading.