Chocolate Bar Sweetness

Today a man--an unknown man who was in his twenties--propositioned me with a candy bar...

Okay, okay so he didn't "proposition me," but he randomly offered to buy me a Godiva dark chocolate bar at the bookstore where I work. He was rather persistent about it and it made me blush and giggle. I asked this young stranger, "Why do you want to buy me a chocolate bar?" And he simply said, "Because it's a nice thing to do. Isn't it?"

Of course I said yes it was and though I felt slightly silly, I accepted his offer. After all, he said he'd only have one if I did and who am I to deny someone chocolate?! I was sort of flustered by his generosity, so much so that I don't know if I properly thanked him. (I didn't even get his name!) I wish I would have told him he made my day. I so appreciate his kindness.

And isn't that something we need to do more often? Kindness. Random acts of kindness. We're all sooo consumed by our own "to do's," worries, and worlds that we forget we're all connected in this one world. We forget to look up and out of ourselves. We're family and it's nice to be nice. To give a little. Give a lot. We receive so much more in return.

Anywho... I don't know if this "candy man" was flirting, or just being sweet. Regardless, it was lovely and the first time a gentleman bought me anything other than a drink...or a taco. But the taco is a completely different story.

I love the 80's...

The lovely young lady wearing the white dress and standing in the middle of all the "poofiness" you see in the above photo is getting hitched this coming weekend. To celebrate her remaining days of "singledom" we embarked on a time travel adventure to the 1980's. Blue eyeshadow, heavy blush, bright pink lips, big dresses, and even bigger hair ruled the evening. And I have to say we looked dead sexy. I've never received so many hoots and hollers from the young and old, the gay and straight, men and women.

The First

I recently found a copy of the first poem I ever wrote and by wrote I mean sing... It was back in 1989 and I was five years old, hence I couldn't write. Apparently I was singing a song that I came up with. I remember my dad sitting at the kitchen table writing down the words I sung to him. Later my mom used it in our family Christmas card making me a published poet...or something like that. Anywho, here is the poem:

My heart starts beating...
The angels watch from above.
When the night is glowing,
the stars shine and
the moon starts to
wake up the night.
And when someone needs help,
I help them too.
I keep my heart beating.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and we can all do a lil' some'n to spread the word and work to save lives. I'm trying to honor this month of awareness and those women and men diagnosed with breast cancer through my voice. I don't have a lot of money to give to charitable organizations and their noble missions, but I'll gladly give of my heart.

For the month of October the background of my blog will be pink to promote NBCAM. I've also included some links to websites for more information about breast cancer and how you can help in the fight against this often, but not always devastating disease. And the truth of the matter is that you are bound to know someone affected by breast cancer...

"Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that About 178,480 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2007. About 40,460 women will die from the disease this year. Right now there are slightly over 2 million women living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer."
(National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Disease Information: Breast Cancer)

As scary as those facts and statistics are, it's important to remember that there is hope.

You can make a difference in so many ways... Help care for someone affected by the disease. Raise awareness and money through fundraisers. Donate to an organization, or cause dedicated to fighting breast cancer like Lee National Denim Day on October 5th. Participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day, or a similar event. Most importantly, educate yourself about the disease and be diligent in regards to your own health--perform monthly breast self exams and upon turning 40, obtain regular mammograms.

Let's honor the women and men living with breast cancer and never forget those who lost their battles. Do something today to save the tatas, to save lives.

For more information, please visit the following websites...

• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Lee National Denim Day
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  

Suburban Sunset