My Spin – Person of Interest

Posted on 04/30/2012 by evesgreenleaf
Person of Interest (TV series)

Person of Interest (TV series) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many new shows started last fall, and many have already come and gone but one show that I fell in love with and faithfully watch, download to my laptop is Person of Interest.  Why? At first glance, discovering that it is on CBS right before The Mentalist a person might think, oh another police procedural/drama.  Let me mention a few interesting tidbits: the creator is Jonathan Nolan partnered with JJ Abrams; it stars Michael Emerson, Jim Caviezel, Taraji Henson and Kevin Chapman; and the original music by Ramin Djawadi and stories which a person would think is science fiction but it is science fact.

In brief, Person of Interest is about an ex-CIA agent, played by Jim Caviezel and an eccentric billionaire and creator of “The Machine” played by Michael Emerson who seek to either protect or prevent the weekly person of interest from unpleasant violence.  The parts that I love most are the high concept, over-arching storylines.  Ironically, I discovered a podcast that feeds my love of the show even more, titled Podcast of Interest and must not be missed (produced by DVM Podcast Empire)! Of course as any fan girl or fan boy might tell you about their favorite shows the actor who plays your favorite character can make or break a show,  and Jim Caviezel’s angel blue eyes and smoldering hot looks is my favorite asset. 

Each week’s episode, from start to finish; people, graphics, music, images incorporated into the storyline all have meaning and substance, not always in the current episode but it will and does have meaning down the road.  The smallest reference can and will be important in future episodes.

Currently the first season is drawing to a close with only 3 or 4 episodes left but with its high ratings, People’s Choice Award for best new drama CBS renewed Person of Interest in March so you do not have to worry about watching show that will be gone after one season.

As you may know or not, I am not a fan of silly comedies or reality “fake” shows but I love drama’s that compel me to sit on the edge of my seat, hold my breath, and make me watch it over because I am sure I missed something. In January, I turned off my cable and in so doing discovered that I only care about three shows and Person of Interest is number one.

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My Spin – April 30, 2012

Posted on 04/30/2012 by evesgreenleaf

Hard to fathom or explain how quick the first four months of 2012 have flashed by along with how much my life has changed in twelve months.  Last April 30th, I was taking care of my sweet husband and he was my only motivation to get out of bed and move through the day.  Along with being a caregiver, I was working on completing my history and religious studies program and spending quantity time (not always quality) with my husband. Now 12 months later, I am a widow, postponing returning to CSUCI, focusing on my art, writing and my new Mary Kay business and pondering, reflecting and meditating on the changes the future will bring.

Thinking back over the last 12 months, I remember the day I met two girls who changed both my life and brought joy to the last two months of Dick’s life too.  The first day, we met them was on May 25th, newly transferred from Bakersfield and Simi Valley.  I remember the gist of Dick’s first words to them, something about how much he enjoyed visiting with sister missionaries than elders because girls are cute. Thinking about this make me laugh and smile because Dick always had something funny and happy to say.

The girls helped me as I had to say good-bye to Dick, plan a memorial that was worthy of the special man he was and is to me.  Blessed with their company for almost 9 months of their mission, a gift from god considering they serve an 18 month mission.  As I meditate, I realize they helped understand that I have a purpose, and a support system that I did not fully understand.

Now I have added a new circle of support to the layers of dear friends, school and church friends, my new Mary Kay family.  Much has changed since April 30, 2011 but much has stayed the same: my strong belief that passing joy, love and the beauty of life to everyone will offer a person endless blessings.

So in closing, much love, joy and peace flung out to the universe and beyond.  May everyone have the most amazing day and share that love with all!

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Tears From Heaven

Posted on 04/26/2012 by evesgreenleaf

Blending of Life

The sky has shed tears all night. As the sky starts to turn blue and the ground dries, I think about what a week it has been so far.  Rain has a way of clearing away all the garbage and cleansing the earth like tears can heal the heart.  At 4 a.m. the rain woke me up, remembering that I forgot to take my vitamins and medications last night before crashing, I got up, fed my babies, took my pills and returned to my slumber. Having the clock radio go off at 7 a.m., I laid in bed reflecting on my goals and plans for today.

While listening and participating on two Mary Kay Ten Minute Connection Calls, one at 8:15 and then 9, I organized my day to work my Mary Kay business around my scheduled activities: lending a hand to a friend to enhance their social networking sites, then a Mary Kay party, followed by attending Little League game, then Choir Practice and finally be at my neighbor, Elaine’s for our 9 p.m. date to watch Person of Interest.

Final thought before I go is a scripture that I heard while on 9 a.m. call. James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  Whether rain or shine our day my direction is share joy, love and happiness to everyone I meet today.

CIAO!

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My Spin – April 24, 2012

Posted on 04/24/2012 by evesgreenleaf

Blessings can come from many different experiences both positive and negative.  Last night, I truly realized how special and powerful the new circle of friends when I joined Mary Kay.

On Saturday, I wrote about my dearest friend and how we have been there in each other’s lives. I thought of her today and all my new friends and I pray that everyone finds joy, peace, love and accomplishes all they want and desire.

My thought about today, while I work on my projects, spend time with friends and work my Mary Kay business is from Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

CIAO!

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Best Friend – My Spin

Posted on 04/21/2012 by evesgreenleaf

At Duke's Malibu, CA

Last night I stayed up late reading, and then neighbors coming home after last call made a little too much noise, then Daisy decided to make undue noise at 4:30 a.m.  I finally went back to sleep to have my dearest and best friend wake me a few minutes before 9. I had my day planned out, sleep till 11 or 12, rest ankle, take care of some Mary Kay business, then attend Wedding Reception tonight and going to the beach, driving to Malibu, was not on the agenda despite her asking me to meet her.  Even before our call completely disconnected my heart knew I needed to forget my carefully scheduled plans and put her first because she needed me.

Duke's She and I have been friends since we were teenagers and that’s been a couple of years or so. We have always been there for each other in good and bad times (minus some ups and downs).  My realization is that dropping my plans to drive down the coast to Malibu, have lunch at Duke’s and hang out was the best use of my Saturday morning and early afternoon.  We commiserated our different challenges that have occurred lately, talked about our plans, business opportunities, and most importantly, we choose each other to be sisters, best friends, and you do not need blood to claim familial relationship.

Additionally, I made a trip to a restaurant and a community where Dick and I had spent many hours so making new memories with my dear friend, and reminiscing a little about Dick made it sweeter because my sweet husband was my best friend too.  As I drove home, I thought how great the day has been so far, and I still have time to write and then get ready for the Wedding Reception.

Take time to love yourself, appreciate and love your family and friends (my BFFL is both), find joy in all things!  CIAO!

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My Mary Kay – Continued

Posted on 04/17/2012 by evesgreenleaf

As I was posting to my blog, I selected a picture from my personal library because I did not care for any of the choices through WordPress.  After I uploaded my latest post, I realized the image was the rose my Mary Kay Director gave me last month.

The beautiful fuchsia colored rose is still hanging in my kitchen drying and reminds me daily of my new adventure and most importantly how it’s changed my life already.  I have become focused; working my business daily (except Sunday’s) has encouraged me to regain focus in many other parts of my life including my friends, writing and painting.

So I am posting this extra thought,  my life is starting open just as a rose, thorns and all but I demand of myself and wish from everyone else positive, joyful, happy thoughts with God first, Family (friends) second and Career third!

CIAO!

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Meandering thoughts – April 17, 2012

Posted on 04/17/2012 by evesgreenleaf

The thoughts that come across your brain when you are sitting in the patient room in a doctor’s office can range from strange to obtuse to happy to paranoid.  Yesterday I was at the doctor for a follow-up appointment for my sprained ankle and first of the usual: step on the scale (thrilled by being weighting less than last visit), measuring height, blood pressure, pulse and temperature.  The nurse leaves and the yellow walls, pretty red poppies in the paintings are very happy and cheerful but then as I sit the insulated and quiet room becomes deafening with my internal thoughts.

When a person sits with themselves and allows their mind to clear the thoughts that bubble up are frightening to enlightening.  Described as an over imaginative child who wondered what type of scary creature was coming out from the walls, from under the bed or behind the door.  Yesterday, the cheerfulness of the room, reminded of a doctor I saw as a teenage for some type of sport injury.  He was tall, black framed glasses and balding. It was like he popped out of the wall to inspect my progress and judge my progress.  The memory gave me pause because I had to stop and wonder what made me think of an event that transpired a few years ago (okay maybe more than a few).   What about a sunny room made me travel back in time?

Back two and half months ago when I took my spectacular fall (not from snowboarding or playing volleyball but from just taking a wrong step on a flat surface) injuring my left knee and right ankle. The eight weeks on crutches and still using a cane (colorful and hand painted) reminded me of the times I had previously injured my knee and ankle when I was teenager.  It is funny or ironic and disconcerting that sitting in the sunny yellow room with red poppies my thoughts are drawn back to my teenage years especially when you consider I have an amazing doctor. She never rushes, takes time not to thoroughly discuss my progress but also make sure my overall wellbeing is good very much the opposite feeling I received from the doctor so many years ago.

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Posted on 04/14/2012 by evesgreenleaf

Quote from my personal Facebook page:  “Have you ever wondered what is really on our minds? Should we consider the question metaphysically, physically, or as a metaphor for the ease of how much we truly want to share but sometimes only have the courage to write on a figurative wall?”

I was eating toasted Ezekiel bread with orange marmalade and drinking Numi tea with almond milk reading the timeline on Facebook this morning when I pondered what drove Facebook to have the status box have the question: What is on your mind? And this inspired to think about that and write the above post.  As I sit here at Starbucks, I reflect upon my thoughts this morning.  Not only do I enjoy occasionally sharing the abstract thoughts that cross my mind on Facebook but here I sit taking time to reflect and share with everyone on my blog.

Have you ever just sat very quietly and allow thoughts to bubble out of your head? What thoughts come to mind? As I sit here, I type on my laptop and let thoughts come to mind besides also listening to some of the most absurd conversations.  I have always been an incessant people watcher but today it’s even more entertaining than usual especially since the people have no idea because I look very busy typing away.  You might wonder what she is doing at Starbucks this morning.  I was meeting an old coworker who ended up no-showing but I stayed so I could write and do a little work while waiting for my lunch date.

CIAO!

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My Mary Kay!

Posted on 04/12/2012 by evesgreenleaf

In March, I wrote about my new adventure or rather an exciting venture.  I am very excited to share my personal journey in launching my Mary Kay Independent Business as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.

At the end of March, I traveled to Bakersfield with my director and new friends to attend the 2012 Mary Kay Career Conference.  The messages and training at the conference inspired me that I can have my own successful business. Not only the messages but the spirit of friendship, joy and positive thoughts along with prayer made me take the leap to seriously pursue my new business. The most inspiring message was the motto which Mary Kay Ash lived: “Faith First, Family Second, and Career Third.”

Living in California, I heard many comments about Bakersfield and I have even made them myself but I had never been there before.  As the most southern city in the Central Valley it is an agriculture and petroleum manufacturing sprawling city. I have to admit I only saw Bakersfield from the freeway and the route to downtown to the hotel and convention center.  2012 Career Conference was at the Convention Center, downtown Bakersfield, and we stayed at the Marriott attached to the Convention Center.  So much fun to meet new people, new friends, and meet my hotel roommates for the first time.

Inspiration from the conference has driven me to plan a budget, decide my short, medium and long-term goals for my personal, spiritual and professional life. For the last week and half, I have prepared for my debut party which is tonight. I woke up half before my alarm this morning, feeling nerves and excitement about tonight.  The momentum of thinking about the party has kept me very focused.  Tonight is the first step in a long journey toward my dreams, plans and goals.  The spectator of joy and happiness brings much to my journey.

The cost of being self-sufficient independent woman has brought about the many thoughts swirling and twisting around in my sometimes crazy but intellectual thoughts.  The creation via art or words or helping other discover new things about themselves fills me with joy, happiness and peace.

P.S. you can find more out about My Mary Kay at www.marykay.com/eveksmith and at www.facebook.com/evesmarykaybusiness

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My Spin – Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb

Posted on 03/14/2012 by evesgreenleaf

image from BarnesandNoble

Reading is a pleasure whether it is for school, church or sheer enjoyment.  Yesterday, I finished the latest J.D. Robb mystery novel Celebrity in Death.  If you have never read one of the 33 books written by J.D. Robb you are missing out.

When describing to friends who have not read the books, I start with the main characters: Lieutenant Eve Dallas, homicide detective, NYPD and her husband multi billionaire Irish businessman and reformed bad boy, Roarke; then I mention the unique feature of the mystery suspense novels; set in the future, specifically 2058-2060. I could enumerate lengthy comments about the series other regular characters but that would spoil it for the reader.

On Monday, while watching a friend’s boys after they came home from school, one of the boys asked about what I was reading.  His first question after my description was: what does homicide mean? He is a very sharp ten-year old who firmly stated his favorite homework is reading.

Celebrity in Death is the 33rd in the series.  The story picks up a few weeks after the close of the 32nd  book New York to Dallas. Celebrity in Death starts with Dallas and her partner, Peabody on the movie set about a previous case based on a book written by their friend Nadine Furst.  They meet the actors who are playing them which set the tone and story into motion.  The story explores a homicide which takes place at a dinner party later in the evening after the visit to the movie set.  The main characters, friends and business associates affiliated with the movie are in attendance at the dinner party where the murder occurs.

Like all the books in the series, Celebrity in Death wraps the mystery and suspense of a homicide investigation with the life, friends and loves of Eve Dallas and Roarke. For me, the best thing about the stories is that when I read, I step away from everyday life and find pleasure in the world created by J.D. Robb.

Whether you find pleasure in reading for academic, spiritual or recreational find the joy in the written word and relive the wonder of the very first book you read renew you.

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