Being means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn?t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come. It does come. But it comes only to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly silent and vast. I learn it every day of my life, learn it with pain I am grateful for: patience is everything!
We are called to be fruitful - not successful, not productive, not accomplished. Success comes from strength, stress, and human effort. Fruitfulness comes from vulnerability and the admission of our own weakness. sometimes...i read lovely stuff. sometimes...not.
The World is Flat - Thomas Friedman
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If we do not bear the cross of the Master, we will have to bear the cross of the world, with all its earthly goods. Which cross have you taken up? Pause and consider.  i would die without my iPodvarious christmas carols
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There are many people who are sincere without being simple: they are ever afraid of being seen for what they are not; they are always musing over their words and thoughts and thinking about what they have done, in fear of having done or said too much. These people are sincere, but they are not simple: they are not at ease with others, and other people are not at ease with them. There is nothing easy about them, nothing free, spontaneous or natural. People who are imperfect, less regular, less masters of themselves, are more lovable. This is how people find them, and it is the same with God.

i am never satisfiedStill New Asics Gel Kayanos

or anything from my wishlist

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A brother said to an old man, ?I do not know of any warfare in my heart.? The old man said to him, ?Then you are a building open on all four sides. Whatever wishes to, goes in and out, and you do not notice. If you had windows and a door, and shut them so as to bar certain thoughts, you would soon realize how many there are outside, waiting to slip in and attack you.?

i fear fatrun 6, abs 400

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I know that life is a doorway to eternity, and yet my heart so often gets lost in petty anxieties. It forgets the great way home that lies before it. Unprepared, given over to childish trivialities, it could be taken by surprise when the great hour comes and find that, for the sake of piffling pleasures, the one great joy has been missed. I am aware of this, but my heart is not. It seems unteach- navigate around, why don't you?
what i wrote yesterday
back to the homepage
everything ever. sort of.
sometimes...poetry
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black friday
if oprah can do it, so can i.
posted on: 11/24/05
original post date: 11/24/05

So every year (in fact, right now) I end up with a bunch of emails asking for gift suggestions for the "girls on my list." Nope. Seriously. So this year? The j-list. Not unlike the Oprah list, I tell you what I enjoyed this year that you may want to consider for your own gift recipients. Should you consider this stuff for me? Sure. I have most of it already, but there's no such thing as too much of a good thing. I also have an up-to-date wish list, which is probably your better bet.

Anyway, without further ado, 15 things the women in your life will love. I think.

K-Yo's Suggestions

Spice Odyssey Products from Origins

I just discovered the Spice Odyssey stuff and it is wonderful.

 

Jacqua Products from Bath & Body Works

Bath and Body Works have started to carry the Jacqua line. All the bath syrups sound amazing. I have the Tuscan Orange.

 

A Perfect World Mask from Origins

And the A Perfect World Nighttime Mask is cheaper than some of the other A Perfect World products and makes your face radiant.

 

A Subscription to Lucky

I've hooked at least 3 women onto it.

 

The Thursday Next Series

Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series mixes a fun, ass-kicking heroine with an alternate universe and literary mysteries. The Eyre Affair is the first in the series.

 

Eddie Izzard's brilliant Dressed to Kill

If a man in full makeup and a dress who's comfortable in his heterosexuality isn't feminist, what is?

Bath & Body Product Suggestions

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Creme

Sure, Oprah had this on her list years ago and never has a year where she doesn't have an Origins product on, but that doesn't mean I can't do it too. You really can't go wrong getting her just about anything from origins. ANYTHING. But this is the standby. It smells delicious, feels delicious and she won't be able to get enough of it. If you want some other origins recommendations, try anything in the cocoa therapy line or the Make a Difference facial moisturizer. Note to the gentlemen: Buying a woman facial moisturizer called "Make a Difference" is done at your own risk.

 

Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Facial Wipes

Can I tell you that I know that you're thinking this is a weird gift suggestion, but they're literally so popular that The Body Shop has trouble keeping them in stock. Why? Because, in particular, if you go to the gym, they are the PERFECT solution for wiping your make-up off before workouts. But they're great anytime, really. And perfect for travel, especially long plane or backpack trips. Trust me, unless she's the kind of girl who can only get ready in front of a vanity, she'll love them. Other Body Shop suggestions? Anything in the holiday cranberry collection is festive. And the luscious coconut lip balm is an excellent stocking stuffer.

 

Kiehl's Abyssine Eye Cream

Another one where you're like, "What? Eye cream? She'll be so insulted." And yes, maybe she will. Until she tries it. It's the most amazing eye cream ever. She'll notice results immediately. It's that good. I can't stop talking about it. Seriously. Also from Kiehl's, Ultra Moisturizing Buffing Cream with Scrub Particles.

 

Sephora Indulgences Coffee & Cream Morning Body Scrub

K-Yo turned me on to this one, and I've been giving it as a gift ever since. Quite simply, the best thing to wake up to in the shower. Ever. Better than drinking a cup of coffee. It's miraculous. I kid you not. I do not exagerate. So amazing. So scrumptious. While you're over as Sephora, consider picking up some Stilla All Over Shimmer Powder or Flower by Kenzo or anything from the Body & Soul line!

 

Bliss Lemon Spa-By-Number Kit

The reality is you cannot go wrong with any product from Bliss, but I'm partial to the fresh lemon spa-by-number kit. If for some reason that seems not so much your thing, there are a million other fantastic things for you to choose from there. Really, you can't go wrong. A few other favorites? Sure. The Buff Love Set or the Sock & Glove kit (my other favorite) or the new Bliss Orange Crush kit.

Book & DVD Suggestions

Fearless Girls, Wise Women and Beloved Sisters

No, it's not an exercise in feminism! It's a collection of fairy tales from across the globe all of which have heroines instead of heros. I've given out a few as gifts and they've been much loved. And I much love them myself. It's the gift that says "Girlfriend, your MY hero!"

 

The Namesake

Flat out, hands down, my favorite book that I read this year. I'd sum it up, but you can read it for yourself at Amazon. It's a beautiful tale. It's told beautifully. Once she starts reading it, she won't stop. It's, well, lyrical. I think I said that the first time I talked about it. The Namesake. So lovely. Consider as a stocking stuffer.

 

Memoirs of a Geisha

Oh, I know it seems cliche, but the film version is about to come out. So get her the book and then tell her that you'll treat her to dinner and wine the night you take her to see the film, which looks like it will be glorious. Don't say I never told you how to do this.

 

Sex and the City: the Complete Series

I mean, do I even have to say anything here? It's SO obvious. If you couldn't figure this one out one your own, I really don't know what to say to you. Hey, big spenders, please note that this one is on my wish list, too. Two words: John Corbett. But I mean, really. I feel like I shouldn't have to tell you this.

 

March of the Penquins

Look, there are some other (but not many) films that I liked better this year, but this one is a slam dunk unless she has NO HEART. Again, I feel like I shouldn't have to tell you this. It seems so easy. Make her some hot chocolate, watch it while there is snow outside and be sure there's some tissue nearby.

Suggestions from Target (I LOVE Target and we all know it)

Snowflake Stemware

So adorable. SO adorable. If I had a Target wishlist, this would be on it for sure. I mean, how freaking adorable is this stemware? With snowflakes? I don't even know what to say. If you really want to impress her, get some vodka, champagne or wine and make it a gift with all the fixings.

 

Holiday Serving Bowl

Every girl needs a big ass bowl for the holidays. For punch. For chips. For, I don't know, soup? This bowl? Fantastic. Hip. Perhaps not for your girlfriend, but for a mother? A mother in law? Neighbors and aunts? Oh yes. Ideal.

 

Fig Candle

I'm partial, it's true, but fig is such a sensual scent. She'll be shocked that you thought of getting it for her. Yummy scented candles, and the fig is the richest of the bunch. However, if you want to get her the whole set, then you are the best gift giver ever and you can also wrap up with Jasmine Bamboo, Pomegranite, Ginger Lime, Mandarin Orange, Vanilla Bean or Tuberose. Yummy.

 

Isaac Mizrahi Round Croc Tote

Be careful because you need to be giving this to a girl who is slightly on the "hip" side of the fence. Your grandma is probably going to find this odd. But I love it. My girls love it. What more can you ask for? Consider it a "Trendy Target Gift."

 

Sock Monkey Flannel Pajamas

So soft, so plush. Every girl needs a pair of flannel pajamas. That is all.

But, but...I still have gift questions.
I have a suggestion for the list!
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