Laying Down The Pain: A Test of Courage.

Jodi’s death three weeks ago marks the fifth important person I’ve lost in my life since 2007. Today I realize I haven’t mourned properly for most of them. And I’ve also discovered another important revelation: I’m afraid of losing someone who matters to me.

Jodi was a dear friend, a supporter, and a fellow dreamer and action taker. She was the only one I still received correspondence in the mail from, the reason I checked my mailbox on any given day for some kind word, drawing, or personal note. We had come together a few years ago via my website and my campaign for domestic violence awareness.

We were drawn together by a common cause, but our friendship flourished through our greatest desires to change the world. She died rather suddenly at the young age of 35 leaving behind two small children, and a sea of souls who will always remember her sunny smile. She had just begun to feel and understand joy and happiness in her life, and then… She was gone.

Tonight is the first time I’ve been able to allow myself to think about the people I’ve lost.

When I heard the news of Jodi’s death I had been knee deep in assisting another friend with a crisis, and didn’t have time to cry or react. I just functioned on autopilot to help my friend, and then I had guests to accommodate, and functions to attend, and then I wanted to create diversions, so I made plans every weekend and didn’t think about what I was going through.

There have been the death of great friends, including one I’ve dedicated as a character in every book I have written and will ever write. That’s how much Johnny’s friendship impacted me. Through our deep correspondence we explored fear, and just about every other emotion. I was able to assist him with understanding a great part of what his fears were, and we touched on some of mine.

 He supported me as I defied conventional ways of living, being and expressing, but he was afraid to make the jumps I challenged myself to make. He wasn’t after a mundane kind of life, though he hadn’t an idea what he wanted to experience for most of it. But after years of challenging him to follow my lead, he did! It was while he was in Spain, having finally broken free of his unhappiness in London, that he and his whole family were killed in an accident. Just like that… He was gone.

And then there was my mentor, my savior, the one who brought me back from the dead. The one who helped me to first step on my path toward adulthood—toward myself. I chose him to be my family not long after I had left my own in New Mexico. I was just a very young adult, not yet twenty, searching for answers and myself. He helped me to see the greater side of me, the part of me who was a survivor, a fighter, an inspiration. He taught me that I could believe in my gifts and that it was okay to cry when I felt sad, and laugh when I was happy.

This was the beginning course toward my self enlightenment. After six years of this education, I watched him slowly die as his body succumbed to Lou Gehrigs Disease. My world would never be the same after this. He was young. He was vital. He was supposed to live forever. This was my first taste of loss. Unable to bear the look in my eyes, and everyone else’s, he chose to hide away without saying goodbye. Just like that… He was gone.

Three months ago I discovered that he had died rather quickly and didn’t live more than two years.

I haven’t allowed myself to properly mourn these losses, and it wasn’t until recently that I discovered just how afraid, how absolutely TERRIFIED I was of losing someone that meant so much to me. I haven’t shared this story with many, but I want to test my courage and share it now… If I dare…

Recently I was in a very unhealthy relationship that lasted longer than it should have. I had entered into it knowing I was not being my authentic self, but wanting to please another person because of the way they felt about me. It wasn’t a reciprical relationship, it wasn’t even a fulfilling one. Not in the ways I had experienced with the dearly departed friends I mentioned above. But nevertheless, I was with someone who took advantage of my vulnerability and over time, I lost pieces of myself.

 I stopped writing, I stopped blogging, even my Love Hugs and Inspiration Campaign came to a dead halt. Catering to their selfish whims, I had denied the parts of me that made me feel alive and nourished and would eventually forget what that felt like. And then the unthinkable happen. I realized I was being abused, both mentally via manipulation, and twice physically. I never imagined in a million years it would happen, but it did. I’m almost too ashamed to admit considering where I stand on the issue, but again… all in the name of courage...

My soul did not allow this to last for long. A collision was inevitable.

We had moved in together, merged our lives, our finances, our independence… together. Despite my not feeling comfortable enough to open up, to share my greatest hopes and dreams with this person, I still believed in a sense of Unity, of family, and I tried to create that. But as time wore on, I realized I was chasing a ghost, a figment of my childhood imaginations where I expected two people loved each other enough to nurture, support and encourage one another. I wanted out, but I didn’t know how to make it happen. I felt I was in too deep, but I was going to make it happen… somehow.

 I wrote down a list of affirmations  I wanted to experience within my relationship and I realized that I wasn’t experiencing a single thing on my list. I committed myself to doing 21 days of affirmations so that I would attract what it was I wanted to desire. Within 10 days I was given my way out, though it was in one of the most devastating form to encounter.

After admiting that I had fallen out of love long ago, this person chose to maliciously hurt me by taking all our money, our cars, and our valuables and fleeing the country without my knowledge. And though the loss of that relationship was an absolute Blessing, I felt the betrayal and the aftermath of what happened deep in the core of me. I felt the violation.

With the greatest sense of relief and freedom I had ever experienced, came the greatest sense of betrayal and pain. I had given so much of myself, and my energy to a person who had little regard for my very survival. The loss of money and material things was not as painful as knowing that someone I had invested in for two years, had allowed to share a vital part of my life, could do something like that to me.

But the revelation I experienced was that it was Worth losing to gain back the greatest parts of me.

With that departure came a whirlwind of people in my life. The most amazing people who nurtured me in different ways. I had never felt such support in my life during this most difficult time. It was as though all the ‘good deeds’ I had ever done  were finally coming back to me full circle. I like to think the precious souls that have passed are somehow the angels responsible for bringing these people into my life. Also, with the affirmations I have been doing, I DID ask for these people to come to me!

But with this influx of new people, there have been many revelations, many lessons I’m continously learning. I didn’t know I could experience a reciprication within a relationship, friendship or otherwise. That there were people out there who DID give a damn about other people, and about me. Who wanted to listen because they desired to know me, to breathe me in, to experience who I am.  That’s not something I expected to find, especially having gone through what I had gone through.

Recently I was challenged to understand just how TERRIFIED I am of losing someone amazing. My fear has caused me to make stupid decisions and even say stupid things. To push people away, to run… to run… to run… despite wanting to run toward the Beautiful Soul, I’ve tried to run away. And I’ve had to experience the ripple effect of my fears.

I was afraid to dig in and discover why I was so afraid, but something inside of me said “Today, we examine the barriers you have put up. Today we write and share.” I’ve lost some important people in my life… I’ve seen them on the verge of being happy, of owning themselves, of being free… and I’m terrified that I won’t have the chance to embrace the people, experiences and things I want in this lifetime. Despite feeling lucky and blessed to be me right now, there has been this fear lurking… destroying… Threatening to destroy…

And now that I’ve resurrected the dead, I am putting them to rest. I declare in this moment that I will not be guided by fear of loss.

I don’t want to run anymore. I don’t want to hide from all the amazing people in my life and not embrace the Good, the love, the nurturing, the connections, the chemistry. I will not be afraid of accepting what I desire, of making goals happen, of allowing people to see my most authentic self, of being successful, finding and experiencing love, and of being loved.

I am hanging up my running shoes and looking life in the face and saying… YES!

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Hello Lovelies!

I haven't written a poem in ages. AGES! I have a muse again... so that is always a reason to celebrate. I think I will share one of the latest poems I've managed to scribe in recent weeks. I must say, I miss writing poetry. I've been SO focused on many other projects and things that I have neglected to hear my soul sing. I'm glad to have people in my life who inspire me to sing to my heart's content and write and share the music of words.

Enjoy!

Lexicology

Sprinkles of words dipping through, in, under and around

Renewing life as it burrows under skin and enters the bloodstream

Reverberating, Penetrating, Liberating – Me.  You. Us.

I've longed for your touch, for the caress of sentences strung

Up like Christmas tree lights, glittery and gleaming

 Radiating To the core of my Never Never Land

The place I've forgotten, yet can never escape.

My secret garden where fantasy and passion collide

Where thumbed through pages of old poetry books

And classic literature fills the rows of golden bookcases.

The languid music of Rachmaninoff and Mozart billowing

Like clouds of sweet ecstasy on a rainy Summer's day

I've yearned for your friendship, for the whimsical

Laughter of your exquisite soul – for the rain.

For the promise of April spread out like dandelions

On a hidden pasture of grass green silk

The words.  The composition of prose and metaphors,

Whispered secrets and dark desires clashing like thunder,

Like heat in the night, like the flames of hungry souls

Dancing under the stars of Orion's belt and the Little Dipper.

How I've craved for just a sample, a fraction, a taste

Of the sweet nectar flowing in the Garden of Eden

Where goddesses and kittens frolic and play

And silence sets the stage for magical adventures.

Where we discover the art of painting with imagination

And color is as grand and vivid as the rainbow of Heaven.

Still the words—the delicate gems of communication

Seep into my bones, mingling with my marrow

Filling whatever empty space previously resided there

Your words. Your Friendship. Your nectar of Inspiration.

Branding me forever in humble admiration, for the idea of you.

Today we make history. Tomorrow we exhale…

Lately, I’ve been a sick bumblebee, but I’ve been buzzing (and sneezing) with many thoughts and ideas.  The presidential election and inauguration, has propelled me in a flurry of contemplation.  Talk of the acceptance of race and the miraculous turn-around the country is seemingly in has burrowed deep in my belly, causing me to feel slightly uncomfortable. Rejoiced, yes! But also slightly uncomfortable. I myself am a mix of many different races. With an Italian--Spanish mother, and an African-American—Native-American father, I’ve always wondered where my place in the sun was. Where I belonged in the world.

From my mother I was taught that I was just as much a part of her as I was a part of my father, (though the world would always view me differently.) From my father I was taught that the world was unjust and that, being African-American (and in his eyes, I was exactly and only that,) I would suffer the injustices of the world and I would always have to fight for what I wanted most—jobs, material possessions, food, acceptance—equality.

When I was thirteen I got into my first fight. (And for those of you who have read my book, Rose Colored Glasses, you know the full story.) I had never before thought of raising my fists against someone, but in the sixth grade I was dealt my first racial blow. (Actually, I had been teased all my life, but for some reason this specific incident had the power to knock me to my knees.) A former childhood friend made fun of me and told me to go back to Africa. Now I knew this was bad. My daddy told me so! And he said that I must always fight for my rights—fight for what I believed in. Never let anyone make me feel inferior, he said.

So what did I do? I fought. And I got in trouble.

Despite my sixth grade rumble, I didn’t particularly subscribe to my father’s philosophy.  He said that I would always be scrutinized when applying for and receiving jobs. He also said that being a minority, I wouldn’t have the same opportunities extended to me. Mother agreed. (But just remember you are just as much a part of me as you are your father.)

Whatever that meant.

So, in the world of adulthood I applied for jobs, I got them, I did a damn good job and was promoted. At nineteen I was regional manager for a nation-wide company. I had forgotten my father’s warnings.  However, my brothers and sisters easily jumped on the bandwagon. They said: “It’s hard to get jobs because I’m black.” I can’t tell you how many times I heard that come out of one or another siblings’ mouth. “It’s hard because… because… because, they said so! Because history has made it true. Because white people don’t like us. Because white people don’t let us. Because the world hates us. And we hate the world!"

When I was a child, and I remember this, it had never occurred to me there was a difference. Maybe I was readily equipped because I had a ‘white’ mother and a ‘black’ father.  But I naturally assumed, had this instinct, that we were all human beings, and therefore had to be equal.  What was all this hullaballoo about race anyway?

I know what has happened historically. I know what the African-American and Native American peoples suffered due to racial hatred and intolerance, due to centuries of misinformation and cataclysmic thinking.  “See that colored person over there? They’re different than us, see. And so we gotta treat them differently because they don’t measure up to our standards, see. We hate them, you hear? Never mind, why, child. We just do.”

And so, generation by generation--lies, misunderstandings, and unasked questions which would have yielded useless answers, fed into the destruction of equality and the idea of human beings actually being Human.

This type of backward thinking leaked over into other countries. Or maybe it leaked over to us? Or maybe it has always existed. Or maybe not. But in any event, it was prevalent in other parts of the world. The Jews suffered unbelievable horrors due to their differences. “Let’s see… there’s got to be something we can hate on. Oh yes! Religion.  There’s a whole plethora of religious undesirables out there in the world. Let’s pick on them too. The poor misguided fools!” 

And don’t think color was the only issue either. No! We had to find other reasons to discriminate. In Africa, where the majority of people have ‘colored skin,’ they’re killing and discriminating and starving each other, making slaves out of other human beings who look just like them--much like the ‘white man’ was doing to the ‘black man’ in America.  You have two eyes don’t you? And a mouth? And a nose. What about a heart? Do you have a heart too? You don’t say…

All of this talk about Obama making history is bringing up mixed feelings in me. There is not doubt that Obama is in fact, making history.  He’s a leader! He’s paving the way to the idea that ‘Yes We Can!” How about, "Yes! We Always Could!"

African-American people talk about this extraordinary event, the reality that America has finally accepted a black president, (even if he is only half, but remember the world judges you by the color of your skin, not by your family lineage,) and that they are surprised and fortunate to be alive to witness such a miraculous feat. While I am exhilarated, ecstatic and so darn proud of what is happening, I am also disturbed. Why should it be so miraculous?

Shouldn’t it have been the way of life? Shouldn’t we each have had our place in the sun? Politics aside, shouldn’t we celebrate that we have another visionary among us, someone who has dared to actually make choices and live a life that he has dictated and not what other’s have dictated for him, and not what history has laid out for him as his fate? A man has chosen to actively pursue the definition of “We the People.”

That’s what I am celebrating.

We the People. Equality in motion… We as a People. We as human beings. We as You and You as We. People. Equal. Free. To live.

Yes, it is about time we understand exactly what that means—We the People. Yes, having a black president in office is progress… Is historic! Is life changing, life affirming. But how much have we really progressed? How far are we going to go?

Even now, there is a large group of people pissed off as we are rejoicing in the transformation. Clutching onto their weapons, whether it be guns, or words, or a backwards philosophy—threatening to use them to express their feelings of injustice, and to hold onto their old ways of thinking.  Progress to them, is to stay rooted to history, to maintain the world with their standards, their ideals. “See that person over there. No, don’t look in their eyes. They’re not one of us. Remember that. Don’t ask why, child. They just aren’t.”

I remember when I was traveling in Italy and I was on a train headed for Napoli. I stood out on the balcony and watched the world go by. We were next to the ocean and I looked out into the great blue expanse and I inhaled the scent of the living, the extraordinary aroma of being alive on this plentiful Earth. My home. My home.

I felt that sense of belonging so strongly, it moved me to tears. “I’m home.” I remember thinking to myself. I didn’t mean Italy was my home, rather that the Earth was my home, that there was no boundary.  I had a right to simply exist. To be.  I exhaled with that knowledge.

When I turned around to go back into my cabin I was confronted with a different reality. Three Italian women bored holes through my head with their eyes, clearly not happy with me.

Though I couldn’t understand it, I felt I was being scrutinized, judged. Sure enough, the women started talking with one another, giving me looks of displeasure. I had been talking with a very attractive Italian man while standing out on the balcony, and from what I gleaned from their conversation; they did not like that at all. I had no right. Italy, and everything that belonged to it, was theirs.

It made me think of possession, and how historically, we have fought for what we’ve dubbed as ours’ and not the others’.  War has created separation, a division of families, friends, and cultures, as a reward? Death. I always thought it silly, counterproductive, backwards, to fight over land, the color of skin, food, religion, sexual orientation and the like.  There’s enough to go around, isn’t there? The Law of Equality would say it was so. Equality would say that we are each entitled to the same, and that we are each the same—human beings who live in one home, one Earth, one universe.

But we don’t live in the land of Equality. Remember the Civil War, anyone? World Wars I and II? The threat of Judgment Day?

Just how far do you think we have come? I know we have moved mountains. Yes!

But why did we have to? Why wasn’t it just so?

America is just now seeing its first black President. We’ve made progress. And this visionary, this black man, who is also white, who in fact represents ALL of us, will continue to make history and continue to break barriers and continue to blaze his path down the lane of historic acheivements.

I will root for Obama’s victories and claim them as my own, claim them as a part of my heritage, as it is also yours, (color of skin is of no relevance.) I will also stand tall and live and walk as an equal in my home, this grand Earth that is not only America or Italy or Africa or China. This nurturing sphere of life that houses each and every one of us, borders of countries not withstanding.

It took us a long time to get this far. Too long.

Let’s face it children, we didn’t get it right the first time.

But there is hope for the future. Change is happening now…

Tomorrow we exhale.

Hello Lovelies!

It's been some time since I've last written a blog. In fact, one of my resolutions, or shall I say--Intents, is to resume my weekly blogging. It's time to reconnect with all of you, and in turn, reconnect with myself.

I seem to gain amazing insight in this space. Often times I have no clue what I am about to write... and then before you know it, I've written something that speaks to my soul. And lo and behold, I have an answer!

Sharing experiences and exploring thoughts, allow me to gain the momentum I need to take action and create My Life.

Speaking of momentum--let me tell you about a wonderful, amazing and impactful individual who has entered my life. When I first explored his website I thought, "Wow! This guy get's it!" And then I thought, "Wow! We have similar visions," though they differ in many ways, we are united in a common goal--Inspiring people to "Be Extraordinary!" (Or as he would put it: "Recharging the human spirit!")

Shawn Anderson, www.shawnanderson.com is a visionary. He is in a league with Jack Canfield, (one of my mentors) and Tony Robbins, and all the other motivational leaders of our day. He inspires people to become Possibility Thinkers. He inspired ME to be a Possibility Thinker.

What is that?

Well you'll have to discover for yourself. www.shawnanderson.com

But I can say this: I plugged myself into his M.A.P.S to Success Circle and I have received amazing insight and FREE inspirational tips that have coached me to recover my inner brilliance. I'm shining my light and making things HAPPEN!

I've stepped into My world of Possibility.

I couldn't keep that kind of gift to myself, so I thought I would share it with you.

Some of the things I'm making happen?

* My new novel is currently in the hands of some key individuals who are co-creating my vision to make things happen! (Publishing!)

* My LHI product line is set to launch next month! (I receive my product samples next week, at which point I will model several items and post the photos online!)

* Breaking the Silence, the documentary I am featured in (along with four other amazing women) has already won a top award at the Hawaiian International Film Festival, and it hasn't even been released yet! Who knows what will become of the film when it is released!

* Rose Colored Glasses, my memoir, is also featured in this documentary and is also receiving accolades and interest! www.lisamae.net/books.html

* I am still self-employed, doing what I love to do and creating the time to write, despite a 'bad economy.'

* I'm currently working on a new novel, one that so far overexceeds my expectations, and has already captured the interest of a talented director and writer. (Whom I have had the pleasure of developing a wonderful friendship with because of my Possibility Thinking!) She's directing Hillary Swank in her next film!

What else?

Well I won't spill ALL the beans, but 2009 is shaping up to be My VERY BEST YEAR!! (It will only get better!)

And with my new Intent to write a weekly blog, you'll be connected!

Step into YOUR world of Possibilty Thinking, and join me on this remarkable journey of life... 

Plug yourself into the M.A.P to Success Circle today!   www.shawnanderson.com/map

I challenge you to Be Extraordinary!

There is NO joy in Living Ordinary!

With Love Hugs and Inspiration,

Lisa Mae
 
 
 

Hello Lovelies,

As most of you know, I wrote a book called Rose Colored Glasses. It is a memoir, the story of my adventerous childhood. The book, and my life, are also featured in a new documentary set to release in early 2009! There is already a lot of buzz about the film and I feel truly honored to be a part of the experience.


Breaking the Silence depicts the story of five women who have overcome amazing circumstances, ranging from abuse, poverty, homelessness and religious domination. I will post more information about Breaking the Silence and how you can see it, when it is released.


See a trailer of the film, here: http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=e3mZnebufp0

In the meantime, I am offering copies of Rose Colored Glasses at a holiday price!!! You can order your copy here: http://www. lulu. com/content/1852320

You can also download your copy for a great price of only Ten Dollars! $10.
00 That's two blended coffee's at Starbucks!

So what are you waiting for? Be a part of the whole Experience! Order your copy of Rose Colored Glasses today! Order some for your friends!! See why so many people have credited this book to changing their lives!!!

It has definitely changed mine.

http://www. lulu. com/content/1852320

With Love Hugs and Inspiration,

Lisa Mae

Hello Lovelies, Here is the Movie trailer for Breaking the Silence, a powerful and moving documentary featuring five incredible women who have overcome amazing odds to reach a state of empowerment and grace. I am proud to say I am one of the women featured in this remarkable documentary! SET TO DEBUT IN JANUARY 2009!!! Stay tuned.

Hello Lovelies,

It's been ages since I've written a blog. I've had a super busy, yet productive couple of months and I am finally ready to reveal some of what I have been up to. I swear, the whole month of October I didn't have a single day to myself. I've been cooking up lots of projects and buzzing around lots of flowers to produce several pots of honey. Um... Did that make any sense?

Okay, so first up. The Love Hugs and Inspiration campaign is being kicked up a notch. Well, actually SEVERAL notches. I am branding this campaign with the intent to take it not only nationwide, but WORLDWIDE!

Yes, folks, I've got big intentions. I've been working with a talented designer in Norway who has drummed up some amazing designs, some of which you have seen in my LHI product line album. I've got mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, caps, hoodies--even candy bars! These products will all be available for purchase shortly! I'm talking a matter of days! (I'm thinking after Thanksgiving!) I'm so excited!

The proceeds will go to the LHI non-profit organization I am setting up, which will provide free  inspirational and empowerment workshops to low-income and homeless individuals. As the prosperity author, Wallace D. Wattles once wrote in 1909, "The greatest gift you can give man is not money, but inspiration so that he may go forth and create abundance." It is my intent to spread Inspiration world-wide and watch people blossom with their full potential!

Together we ARE the difference!

I am also compiling a book similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The Love Hugs and Inspiration book will feature world-wide stories of individuals who have either 'paid it forward' or are a recipient of a random act of kindness. Note: 'Paying it forward' is a term used to describe the act of random kindness. It will also feature inspirational poetry and personal accounts of Being Extraordinary! I am accepting submissions NOW! So if YOU have a story to share PLEASE send my way!

The Love Hugs and Inspiration campaign will also feature a music compilation CD! I am looking for inspirational music and songs from talented musicians from ALL OVER THE WORLD! I am accepting submissions for music now too. (See bulletins.)

Currently I am designing the LHI myspace profile and page for my website. Stories that are not chosen for the book and music not chosen for the CD will be featured on the page! So EVERYONE has their chance to shine their light!

There I will post the LHI campaign kit! It will provide everything you need to know to set up your own LHI campaign in your area. Like I said, I intend to see this campaign go world-wide! Everyone has the opportunity to be a Love Hugs and Inspiration Angel! I am designing an LHI Angel Pin which will feature an orange halo--LHI's signature color! Orange is the color of happiness and symbolizes joy. It is also scientifically proven to elevate your mood!!

Look for new slideshows during the whole month of December! I will be out on the campaign hugging everyone in my Santa Hat! February 17, 2009 marks the two-year anniversary of LHI and to kick it off we will have the first annual Love Hugs and Inspiration Angel Award contest! (More to come later!)

So you see... Lots of things in store ahead.

What else?

Tanya Brown (the sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson) and I are developing empowerment workshops and online classes. We are hoping to have our first teleconference in February 2009 as well as our first online course. Tanya has made it her life mission to create awareness on recognizing the signs of a toxic relationship and providing empowerment and inspiration to break abusive cycles. We have partnered up to strengthen our vision!

We are also working on her memoir! I am so excited to be a part of her remarkable journey. It is amazing to connect with Tanya as her personal experience affected me (and the world) so profoundly at a critical time in my life. I still shake my head in wonder as I marvel at the love and friendship Tanya and I share.

So you see... I've been a busy bee... Of course, in between all of that I have started a new book. This book (title withheld for the moment) will be my first literary piece. I am putting in my dues on this one. The research I am doing is exhaustive. I have been inspired to write what I think will be a significant contribution. I only hope I can do this project justice. More on that later...

So you will see a lot of me in the future! I promise. And PLEASE get involved with the Love Hugs and Inspiration campaign. There is a lot you can contribute to, whether it's submitting a story, poetry or music, or purchasing product, or hosting your own campaign. There is a lot you can do to inspire and change the life of another.

I challenge EVERYONE to BE EXTRAORDINARY!!!

With Love, Hugs and Inspiration,

Lisa Mae

Hello Lovelies,

I've tried very hard not to talk too much about religion and politics in my space. I love to debate but I know there are a lot of passionate people with strong opinions and I don't care to create a rift between friends based on perspectives. But it has been brought to my attention repeatedly the need to create more awareness on the current state of our nation. I have vented my frustration with the government and the people in this world who allow the government to control us and quietly rob us of our rights in the name of patriotism, religion and the like, through my writing and poetry. But today, I'm just going to get straight to the point.

When are we going to wake up people?! We cannot, CANNOT allow McCain and Palin to take over this nation. We already screwed up twice by letting Bush Jr. in office, let's not dig ourselves in a deeper hole by making another mistake. I'm sorry, but I am appalled by Palin and cannot possibly believe there are women out there who look up to her and support her. She's a monster! I won't go into the details of what she 'stands' for but I wonder... I really wonder what goes on in her head and in the head of those who support her. I apologize to my readers who are Republican. Of course you are entitled to your thoughts and opinions, but this is where I stand personally.

We have, as a nation, allowed the government to feed us contaminated food and water, pump us full of medications that only shorten our life, create mandatory vaccinations which have been PROVEN to create diseases and incurable ailments, force feed us a bunch of lies through controlled media and literature, and infringe upon our rights by poking their nose in our luggage, tapping our phones, monitering our computers, and all sorts of other Big Brother tactics.

When is enough going to be enough? Don't you know what is happening to us? This world cannot, CANNOT exist in this state much longer. Do you honestly believe we have a future when wars are being created and started on a whim, when countries are conspiring and turning against each other, when our own country is covering up all the scandals and awful things WE are doing? Step outside this country and watch the news. I tell you, you will see a totally different reality! You will see just exactly what this country is up to... and it's not pretty.

But we are taught to close our eyes, hide behind the bible, and pretend that everything is okay... There is no love in any of this people, so don't kid yourselves. It's all an illusion you've created to feel safe. But I no longer feel safe. I feel violated. I feel angry. I wish more people were angry--angry enough to stand up and FIGHT for what was originally intended. Visionaries like Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, of course, Jesus Christ, believed in a world that was created equal, that was filled with love, and created unity and peace.

Well, it's been centuries, and we still haven't created such a world.

I'm not saying the state of our nation, our world, rests on Obama's shoulders. I'm saying that to create change, we must DESIRE change and TAKE ACTION. It all begins with a choice, and then the next one, and then the next, until our desired outcome is acheived and we are at a better state of being.

This election could be the most important election of our lifetime. I've never voted before, but you can be certain I am voting now. I desire change and to take the next step in the right direction. I sure hope many of you are on board with me. If you haven't done so already, PLEASE register to vote and let your voice be heard. It's time to speak out NOW!

Isn't it time we claim back our rights? Isn't it time we exercised our power. United we have more power, more strength, than any government could ever contain... Just open your eyes, and take that next step.

For the local Los Angelites, we are having a women's rally on October 5th at the Public Library in Downtown Los Angeles. There has been a lot of excitement for the Every Woman for Obama rally we are planning! I have heard from women all over the country who are ready to take back our country and are eager to participate. Our goal is to come together to voice our concerns about the effects a McCain/Palin administration could have on our country from Global Warming to a diminishing of our reproductive choices.

Let's do our part to create a better world. It all starts with one voice, and then another, and then another... One voice--United.

With Love, Hugs and Inspiration,

Lisa Mae

Hello Lovelies!

I just had to share with you the banner my lovely friend Elvira created for me. You just HAVE to meet her:  www.myspace.com/nanichirm  She has been one of my biggest supporters with the Love, Hugs and Inspiration campaign and has donated several of her beautiful poems to the Collective Evolution of Soul poetry anthology which I distribute on the campaign. She is a brilliantly talented soul who is passionate, committed and determined to create awareness on poverty, child abuse, and other human afflictions. Together we are united in our efforts to make the world a love-filled place. Thank you, Elvira.

She is a graphic artist and surprised me this morning with a beautiful banner for the Love, Hugs and Inspiration campaign. I wanted to share it with you all and extend gratitude to Elvira in the only way I know how! By showcasing her heart to all of my lovely friends! And Elvira, I'd love you to collaborate and design some T-shirts for the line I am creating! I couldn't think of anyone more loving and compassionate to share that experience with!

So please stop by her space and give her a hug. This is a soul worth knowing and loving.

With love, hugs and inspiration...