It's Halloween!

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!! 

If Halloween is not your thing. No worries. However, if Halloween is your thing, then let the festivities begin!

I can't stress enough how much I really enjoy this holiday. So in the spirit of this holiday, I have a few things, as you know, I have in my repertoire of what I think makes for a great Halloween. 

So once again, here are some fun thoughts on enjoying a great Halloween:

COSTUMES

This is the one time of the year you can dress up as big as you want or as less as you want and get away with it. So whatever your comfort zone is, enjoy and have fun!!

 

ANIMALS

Ok, if you're a pet owner, you may or may not do this, but this is the only day you can get away with dressing your pet up and it is ok.

        

PUMPKINS

Make sure you have your pumpkins carved!

FUN

Most importantly, have fun
 

      

 

Nicole

Second verse same as the first

 

I've written many a posts about music. Some may say I have a problem. And to that I say "sticks and stones will break may break my bones (or falling off a building), but words will never hurt me." Indeed. 

 

My dad and I have the same feelings towards music. I can't play an instrument. I don't know how to play the guitar, piano,bass, drums, violin, etc, but boy do I love and appreciate music. It's a best friend. You can celebrate with it, cry with it, dance with it, rock to it, are motivated and inspired by it, and more and more. Music will never fight with you, judge you, be upset with you. We can learn a lot from that. 

 

Imagine if you had a clean slate. You possessed absolutely no sense of negativity or aggression. Interesting concept huh? Music is a pretty good teacher if you think about it. 

 

So music is the subject of the day. For most of us, music is as important as breathing. Dare I say I agree? I dare. I agree. I'm sure there are many of you out there who feel the same way. Music is just your thing, and so it should be. Can you possibly even imagine a world without music?

 

Well today, let music be your muse. Depending on what's going on in your life, find that song that just hits all the right emotions and inspires you to move forward in ways you know you can. Dr. Seuss wrote once, "kid, your gonna move mountains", and he was right. Let whatever piece of music be  all the help you need to get you to move that mountain.

 

I sign off with some songs out of my music collection that help me when needed. Have an awesome day!

 

The Vogues- Five O'clock World

 

Jamie Lidell- Little Bit of Feel Good 

 

 Janelle Monae- Tightrope

 

Nicole

 

M.I.A

Happy Tuesday!

Yes, it's true. I have been missing in action this past week. Perhaps I should explain.....

There are times throughout your life when you just sort of checkout for a bit.  You step out of your every day life  and enter this whole other world. A world where communication with others is seldom, your work life takes a pause, and any other business regarding bills, projects, whatever, is just at a stand still for a bit. However,  when you do "checkout", there is always a purpose as to why.

So, I checked out. Why? Because I just went through one of the very most magical experiences. I just attended my cousins, whom I'm very close with, wedding. She is the first in my family to do so. For my family it was a very big deal. On the opposite end, there was also some bad news I received, which all my thoughts, prayers and good vibes were going towards. Two events, two different extremes, two surprisingly amazing outcomes.

When whatever events present themselves in your life, good or bad, I feel that you are personally allowed to checkout. It's as if life gives you this free pass. Life looks at you and says, "hey, this ones on me. Just make sure you come back." That's right. You are definitely allowed to check out for a bit, but eventually you have to come back, and by come back I mean in a reasonable amount of time.

One thing you can't forget is that life still goes on and you're a part of that. Sometimes things happen- and yes, you are just forced to stop, and regroup.  Once we do, and have our time, then it's back to reality time. Think of it as a sort of a give and take situation. Life gives you a free pass to time out for a second and you come back to reality in a reasonable amount of time. That way everybody wins so the next time you need time to checkout, life knows you'll come back and allows you to take a time out again.

So, now you know about my brief  departure. I'm back now and ready to greet reality/life with open arms :)

On a side note, Halloween is right around the corner. Trick or Treat ya'll!

Nicole

The week

Happy Friday!

Man, it's crazy that October is about to come to a close. It feels as if we just got started.

So, if you've kept up with any of my former posts, you know that grammatically, I'm not the best. Also, sometimes my brain goes here there and everywhere. This week, I've been a little off. Mainly because with the change in the climate, the climate pressure, and other factors with the weather, my body sort of goes through this weird adjustment stage. It's about a week long of muscles adjusting, things sort of prepping for the new season and my body just physically trying to find a common ground. So, my energy goes up and down a bit and I'm not really on my A game. However, this eventually will pass and all will be well.

In the meantime, I've been listening to this group Two Door Cinema Club and one of their songs "you don't want to be alone". Regardless of its actual meaning, I've really been relating to this song my own way.

Right now, when this body adjustment/change occurs I have this weird feeling of just really being alone. It feels as if no one can understand this but me. Even though I so desperately wish I wasn't alone. Now, I know in my heart I'm not actually alone, and I know that deep down inside I have the knowledge and tools to move past this feeling. And yes, I know in the end I'll have everything back to normal and fuctioning properly. Yet, I still get lonely.


I believe I'm not alone on this subject. In other words, be it physical or mental, at times you feel you are on your own with whatever delima you're in for the moment. But you KNOW not to worry to much,  because eventually you will use what ever power you have inside to get past this. It's just going to be on your own time.

So here is Two Door Cinema Club. My gift to you to especially as a reminder that it's ok, and there are others out there in the same boat as you. So fear not.......all is well.

Happy Friday!

Nicole                                                       Two Door Cinema Club
                                                              "You Don't Want To Be Alone"

Aww.....memories

Hello!

I had a thought as I woke up this morning.....

 Now I could be completely wrong, or spot on, but, I feel for some of us- when we just need a brief break from life just in general, we can always and most always
resort to music.

Again, I could be totally off. I just feel that music is such a great escape when you just need to clear your thoughts or come back to a better piece of mind. Not to mention, our senses are amazing about hitting so many different emotions, for me- music hits those buttons and can take me, and I know I'm not alone, on one crazy emotional roller coaster depending of course on what notes are played.

Right now- judge me if you must- but I'm playing a guilty pleasure, Chris Brown's "Forever". Say what you will, but it makes me smile, gets me where I need to be mentally, physically, and most importantly in the right state . It puts me where I have a better peace of mind and right where I want to be. Of course this works for me.

Whether your preference is pop, metal, rap, rock, whatever, if it gets the job done for you then that is all that matters.

Then again, there are some folks that work fantastically in silence. For them, silence is music to their ears. Not exactly my cup of tea, but if it works, it works. Ya gotta respect that.

Silence can and is a beautiful thing. Music has my heart however.

What this all boils down to, is your happiness. So go throw on that awesome jam you so need to hear when you're hitting a lull point, clear your mind, get that extra pep in your step back and  go jam out. We all deserve our own jam out session from time to time :)

Nicole

The Big Picture

One of my favorite past times when I'm somewhere just killing time is to people watch.

I'ed like to think that over the years I've gotten pretty good at observing things a little better. Especially since my accident. I've gotten better at viewing things not just on thour side but on the outside as well.

One thing I've become aware of, is that everyone of us, regardless if we think we don't do this, live in our own little personal bubble. I know I do. However, we forget that sometimes the actions that seam meaningless to us  as indivuals have a major impact on others around us.

So when we're confronted because of our minor, or what we think are our minor, mishaps, it's perfectly normal to go on the defense. Mainly because in our world, we really didn't do anything wrong. Just for a second though- if you look at your self on the outside looking in and even place yourself  in the other indivuals shoes- I mean really try to see from their prospective, things may look a little different. Perhaps you see now, that majority of the issue was you, and not them.

And guess what, YOU were in the wrong.....not only can you admit that (which is extremely difficult to do sometimes) but you can begin repairing that which you tarnished.

I've harped on this subject and will more then likely continue to do so until I can accept that this is just something that people do.

My advice to you today, is to really really look at the big picture of things. From your point and from whom ever else's point. Though it pains you to know it was you in the wrong, be the bigger person and admit to your wrongs, and most importantly GROW from them.

Nicole

Food for Thought

"Sight is the function of our eyes, while vision is the function of our hearts. We must never let what our eyes see determine what our hearts believe. Sight allows us to see things as they are, while vision is the capacity to see things as they could be, and that takes faith! Today let whats in your heart dictate how you see life. See your future in your present!" - Rex Crain

It's Friday, it's October, it's gonna be a good day

Well hello there!

It's Friday! Life is good. The fact that you woke up this morning and your heart is beating just proves that it's gonna be a great day :) Now, I know not everyone is a morning person and I myself was never really a morning person. However, I was kinda thrust into being one because in order to have my body actually function properly for the day, I have to stretch every morning before my day gets started. Also, when I speak at conferences, depending on the conference, for the most part, I have to be up and Adam bright and early when they start. So therefore I have slowly but surely shifted gears, and started to become a morning person.

Now, like I said, it's Friday! Plus it's October. What a win win. Wherever you live, you should check your local calendar for any cool events happening around you. One thing I've noticed about October, is that fun, FREE, festivities start popping up all around you. Personally, I dig the month of October because fall ( one of my favorite seasons) begins to roll in, the leaves are starting to change colors and fun filled adventures begin to be underway.

So this is my Personal October fun guide  I hope you enjoy!

FRIDAY October fun time!!!

* PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE's 

If you're a coffee drinker/pumpkin lover, I highly recommend this seasonal treat. Starbucks has a great pumpkin spice latte, though, if you hit any of your favorite local coffee shops, more then likely they'll have this fantastic delight

* MOVIES

There are so many great movies out there that are absolutely perfect to watch this month. Especially since Halloween around the corner. Some of my faves- (Horror movies and I don't necessarily agree, but goofy Halloween movies & cartoons work just fine) BEETLEJUICE, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE LOST BOYS, CHARLIE BROWN & THE GREAT PUMPKIN, and for you older cheesy vampire movie lovers, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN- the list goes on and on, but those are just a few to get the month revved up

* PUMPKIN CARVING

Who doesn't like to carve pumpkins during October? It's fun and a great thing to do with friends & family

* EVENTS

There are always fun events, festivals, and what not going on this month! Just check your local events calendar- you'll see

* OKTOBERFEST

If you are German or a lover of German food, music, and culture, then this is your month! Find the nearest Oktoberfest close to you and enjoy

* HAY RIDES

If you've never been on one of these, I highly recommend it

*COSTUMES

It's all about FUN!

Now is the time that you can totally get creative! 
With Halloween around the corner, costumes are by far a very fun part of this Month

I'm sure there are indeed more things going on this month, but these are some of the things I look forward to. So now, go out, enjoy your Friday/month, it's gonna be a good one :)

Nicole

Meeting yourself

You know, I've posted this quote on my Facebook page before, but I truly mean it. The quote/question I post is very simple: "If you were to meet yourself, would you like you?". I feel this is a valid question and definitely something to think about.

First and for most, we're human we aren't robots. We make mistakes and we're not perfect. However, we can strive to be model human beings. You know, decent, honest, kind, supportive and just all around good people.

On a day to day basis, I'm sure we have found ourselves in situations where we, along with other individuals, don't exactly model good qualities. It can deal with vanity, snobbery, unsympathetic, rudeness. I mean, you name it, and I'm sure it's either something we've done, seen, or experienced. Definitely not some of our finer moments, but they've happened. I bring this up because I myself have done some of these things but mainly because I recently experienced it a few days ago.

I was working as an extra on a movie set the other day and it was a scene taking place in a pretty fancy night club. The dress code for guys was a casual yet nice look and for girls, it was an upscale casual look which basically meant pretty cocktail dresses. In this particular scene, we are all on the dance floor dancing to music. Where I was standing, there was a group of very pretty girls. Almost model types. They were dressed very in style, great makeup, hair, everything. I remember thinking, "wow, they're really pretty". About an hour of shooting went by and then we had a 20 minute break to get water, food, go to the bathroom, whatever. So, I was off to the bathroom. While in there, the pretty girls came in and placed themselves right in front of the four mirrors and sinks in the bathroom. I watched as I, along with every other girl in the bathroom had to snake our way to the sink to wash our hands with no help at all from these real life Barbies. In other words, it's as if they were glued to the floor and could not move out of the way. To top it off, they never acknowledged anyone trying to get to the sink only one another as if they where the only ones in there.

On the flip side, yesterday I was working as an extra on another film and again, there was this very pretty almost model looking girl on set. Personally, I enjoy it when someone comes up and compliments me about whatever. Who doesn't like being complimented? So, I went up and told her "Excuse me, I just have to tell you that you are very pretty." All she said was "Thank you", but it was the most sincerest, sweetest, response and I know she genuinely really appreciated the compliment. Throughout the day, I noticed that she was very nice to everyone she met and was very very kind.

So, here we have two sides of the coin. Two sets of gals. I ask you, who do you think would me more satisfied meeting themselves if they were to step outside themselves? My point is, cherish each day, because you don't know if it will ever be your last, but also, live your life as if you're a spectator watching yourself - like, your on the outside looking in. Would you be satisfied with what you watch?
If no, then change it. It's not that hard. Plus, you still have a chance to. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Have a great day. Make it a day where if you were able to press rewind on the day, you know that its going to be a great story with a fantastic ending.

Nicole

Rain drops on roses, whiskers on kittens......

"....when  the  dog  bites,  when  the 
bee  stings, when  I'm  feeling  sad.  I  simply  remember  my favorite  things,  and  then  I  don't  feel  so  bad."

I think when Julie Andrews sang this in the Sound of Music, she was on to something. I wonder that, whenever we do get sad, do we have a specific series of positive things we think about that will move us out of our sad mood? Food for thought.

Not gonna lie, the last 2 days I've been working on film and then heading back to another movie shoot today, so my brain at this point feels like jelly. There are points and stories floating around upstairs. My thoughts all together  just feel congealed.  So I leave you today with this, watch the video below. Simple, yes, but the song has many points if you listen. Go out and do one of your favorite things today!

Nicole

"My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music

 Sarah Vaughan sings "My Favorite Things"

PROOF READ!!

Once again, note to self.....must proof read!

Hear no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil...

Morning everyone!

Wasn't able to post yesterday because I was being an extra in a film! True story. Whenever you get to be an extra in a film, you might as well leave your phone at home. You're not allowed to bring them on set, and if you are caught with your phone out, you are asked to leave and escorted off the set. Also, be prepared to spend the WHOLE DAY there :) Aside from those things, I think it's pretty freaking cool.

In movies as well as theater, it's fun because you get to play someone else. You get to pretend you're this different person, this "character",  which is fun. Even though you get to play this different character, sometimes the hardest role to play is ourselves.

Everyone has a story. Everyone have certain things they do and don't mind sharing. Some of us can put all ourselves right out there for the world to see. Some of us are not so brave, we would rather keep certain things to ourselves and just let the public know what we choose to let them know.

For me, I can admit it..... I'm not perfect. I have many flaws and I dig my flaws. One thing though, is that I don't want to act or pretend I'm something I'm not. I've drank in excess, I've made poor decisions, I've cheated on tests before, lied, I've had my fare share of mess ups, but, I'm not going to pretend they haven't happened. Like I've said before, I'm not perfect. Just like so many of us, I to have had my fare share of skeletons in my closet.

Why do you think we have this almost unspoken obligation to present ourselves as 100% "perfect" to the outside world? I think part of it is because  most of us  want to be viewed in a positive way rather then a negative way. I mean, we've all made mistakes, it's just a matter of learning from those mistakes and growing from them. However, we can't deny whatever wrong's we've done. Yet, we can grow from them and be the people we wish to be.

Look, what's done is done. Just own it. Yes, you did things you're not necessarily proud of, but you did them, learned from it, and to a degree, it made you the person you are :) There are times I'm sure, where we just wish we had a time machine, go back when and where we messed up, take it back, and move on. Sadly, we have no time machine, we only have today.

Whenever I see celebrities in trouble for wrong doing, especially ones we find squeaky clean and look up to, it's a huge blow to us. Mainly because, we were given this impression that they can do no wrong. This image of perfection. This thrown of no wrong doing. Then, when something shocking comes up, the perfect image we had in our minds is gone. So I say- 1.) if you know what your doing could potentially ruin your image, then don't do it. 2) if you have done something you're  not necessarily proud of, own up to it. We should know now, rather the being surprised.

Now we say we do things in our "private life", because it's just that "private", or is it? In this day in age, who knows. I'm just saying, you have flaws? skeletons in your closet? Fear not. Wear your flaws on your sleeve and know at the end of the day, you're still you.

Me- NICOLE MARQUEZ

* made mistakes

* not perfect

* flaws

*happiness

* learning and growing

I dare you to lift back your curtains and be ALL of you today :)

Nicole

Think about it

Question.....

One more thing,

  

Nicole

Motivation, inspiration, and a little go getter in between

Happy October! I really love saying that....

For some reason, whenever I find myself at a slow point in the day, meaning, when my energy to complete tasks for the day begins to fade, I try to seek some "pep" I can put back into my step. It's at this point I start seeking certain things to give me that motivational/inspirational boost I need.

Usually I put on some music, and start looking around me to see if something catches my attention to help shift my gears into "productive" mod. I know I'm not alone on this. We've all hit those blank moments where we just need that "umph" to get things kicking.

Today, I'm finding that lack of "umph", so I did what I do. I went looking for it. Luckily, I found a that little boost I needed. It started with putting on some of my favorite jams, then it was on to the quotes.....and this is what I found:

"Running away from your problems is a race you'll never win"

 

"You must find a place inside yourself where nothing is impossible" - Deepka Chopra

"Get up and try and try and try"

Believe it or not, but everyone has their own certain routine for dealing with different situations. For me and "finding my boost"it's, listen to music, read different quotes, perhaps watch a motivational  video (YouTube, Inside the Actors Studio, etc.) maybe an inspirational/motivational photo then it's back to work and back on track.

In other words, if you need an extra boost of  inspiration/motivation you should shower yourself with things that are positive to help you get back on track. It doesn't hurt or cost anything just your full 100% once you do get back on track.

So in the spirit of this positivity, this little lady is on the track to productive town. Have a great day!

Nicole

Logic vs. Reason

Well hello! It's here! It's here! October is officially here!

Ok, I first had to get that off my chest. Now, on to today's post:

Logic vs. Reason

"Logic, logic, and logic.......Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end"

Dare I say, "I agree?". I dare. I agree. I guess today I decided to geek out a little.

For some reason, when I woke up this morning, this was some how on my mind. I haven't watched any Star Trek lately to make me think of this, I just for some reason had this pop in my head. "Logic vs. Reason". It is an interesting concept. For me, when I think of logic and reason immediately I compare this to your brain vs. your heart.

I'm sure you guys are familiar with that. Your head says one thing while your heart says another. Then there's this giant battle of should I or shouldn't I? The logical thing to do would be this______________(fill in the blank), but the reasonable this to do, and what I want to do is________________(fill in the blank). If you've never wrestled with this, consider yourself lucky. If you have, you hopefully are following this.

So now, your have to decide, do I do what is going to make you happy or do I do what will be the right thing to do? Juggling one vs. the other isn't so easy. Which brings up the question again, "logic vs. reason." Your heart vs. your head. Which one wins? Well there's a different answer for all of us.

There is also a level of sacrifice that will play in some how along with facts that we have to take into consideration as well.  Regardless of what we pick, we have our own battles when thinking of logic and reasoning. So, see Star Trek has it right. It gets us thinking.

When we're faced with this sort of dilemma, we need not fret. Inevitably, we'll weigh our pros and cons and come to a logical OR reasonable solution that works best.

Despite the critiques we give ourselves, we're pretty intelligent creatures. We can find a solution if we really will it and believe it. Kirk and Spock would go back and forth with the way things need or can be taken. Every now and then, there would be a few slip ups, but for the most part, they would equally find the best solution to whatever problem was placed in front of them. This is something we can totally relate to.
Be it the "Logical" way or the "Reasonable" way, it's Your way. just remember though, whatever you choose, choose wisely because in the words of Spock:

"history is replete with turning points...you must have faith"

Nicole