CrazyLemon

A gateway into what is next! and a serious case of strange fruit. My neighbor doesn't like to pick the lemons off his massive lemon trees... he allows them to morph into bedeviled unharvested fruit baking in the California sun and like any unharvested fruit left on the vine past its prime they mutate and morph into something that is positively crazy. After staring at them for many months covetously the occasion presented itself for me to pick some of the lemons when for a dinner party we were short of lemons for a BBQ of some freshly purchased fish.... Up close and personal, many of the lemons were unusable having gone bad, others looked goofy but had good juice, and still others defied description, taking on personalities all their own. One Lemon in particular stood out, it looked like a great lemon brain... it was out of its mind... Showing it to one of my friends saying "look at this crazy lemon" laughing at the sheer absurdity of the fruit. Without a beat he turned to...

Since I have long been a fan of Dr. Maya Angelou I thought I'd set aside Monday as the day to celebrate her contribution to the literary landscape...  We'll kick it off with Phenomenal Women and dedicate it to all those women living and loving and laughing and nourishing the planet... Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they ...

    Sunday, October 3rd 11 - 3 Cantoni  420 N. La Brea Ave A Woman's Tea & Converation

Goodbye Summer. According to NASA as Northern summer changes to fall at 11:09 pm EDT. At that precise moment, called the autumnal equinox, the Harvest Moon will be found soaring high overhead with the planet Jupiter right beside it. Check it out tonight. For more info -- NASA on Super Harvest Moon ... NAT GEO on Autumnal Equinox and Super Harvest Moon.

It's that magical time of the year I like to call "going with the flow" day... where we can dance and celebrate all prosperity before casting our Ganesh into the sea sending it on its journey of abundance letting anything not of its light dissolve away... and bringing forth full radiant wholeness. "Devotees carry an idol of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, for immersion in the sea on the last day of "Ganesh Chaturthi", in Mumbai on September 22, 2010. Idols of Ganesh are made two to three months before the day of "Ganesh Chaturthi", a popular religious festival in India. The idols are taken through the streets in a procession accompanied by dancing and singing, to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual send-off of his journey towards his abode in "Kailash", while taking away with him the misfortunes of all mankind." From the MSNBC photoblog http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/09/22/515770...

Music and Song colliding with BIG personality. One of the reasons my heart sings at the sheer mention of a musical theater evening and why I've hosted evenings of Cabernet and Cabaret is on full display here with two of the iconic women of their generations. Carol Channing and Pearl Bailey Side by side. Entertaining. Two women who won the Tony for their role of Dolly Levi in Jerry Herman's Hello Dolly. Magnifique!

"I am only a child yet I know if all the money spent on war was spent on finding environmental  answers, ending poverty and finding treaties what a wonderful place this earth would be. At school, even in kindergarten, you teach us how to behave in the world, you teach us not to fight with others, to work things out, to respect others, to clean up our mess, not to hurt other creatures, to share not to be greedy.  Why do you go out and do the things you tell us not to do.  Do not forget... who you are doing this for... You are deciding what kind of a world we are growing up in." Please make your actions speak for themselves. Speech by Twelve year old Severn Suzuki in 1992 to the United Nations.

Today's invocation of spirit from the Machzor for Yom Kippur this day of At-one-ment, for forgiving, for clearing, for at-one-ing.) May the grace of God ascend within us, open our ears, open our hearts and minds, to the flame of our ancestors, to the flame of the Messiah, to our people Israel, to all humankind. We open to the cleansing energy within us the Power of purification present in every age: Let it clear out the debris; let it wash away our mistakes and our suffering, so we may truly see, as it teaches, "I, only I, Self of your self, erase your lack of faith in your Self, and I do this to make known my reality through you. Your mistakes I will not recall. Indeed, I have swept away your mistakes      like clouds blown away,      like mist that vanishes.      Turn to me-- I have already freed you!"      For you have been promised:      "On this day a-mending will be made for you, ...

While she may have torpedoed the fashion industries movement to make skirts from tableclothes I could listen to Julie Andrews sing all night!

Movements start in so many different ways, in living rooms, on battlefields, on playgrounds, in tragedy and in joy born in the hearts of those answering a greater call. The birth of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one such example. In her upcoming book Promise Me , its founder Nancy Brinker shares the life story of her sister Susie whose death at 36 set a dramatic series of events in motion that would become the leading support system for millions of women battling cancer. AMP EXPERIENCE honors these moments of magnificence and holds the space for the greatest expression of grace in action on the planet. Andiamo!

Praise and Kind words for MELANIE LUTZ'S  I AM  BOOKS I am loving your book.  I am spending time getting to know one of them each day....in random order depending on the title and which one calls me that evening.   I read them on my balcony and just let the nourishing words sink in. --Katie Each of these pieces in your collection are incredible. The healing one was piercing, in the most authentic and nourishing way.  Thank you for your gift of words, of healing, of light, of love, which poured through your strands of thoughts. Wow.  So powerful. -- Sarah I have felt SO encouraged by each one in a unique way - kind of like each one is a conversation directly into my heart leaving me with a smile on my face and empowered in a precious and different way. --  Gayle These books need to be shared with everyone. They could save a lot of lives; and make a lot of other lives better. You have no idea what a blessing you are to this world. Thank You. Thank Y...

Today's invocation of spirit by Paulo Coelho. Lord, protect our doubts, because Doubt is a way of praying. It is Doubt that makes us grow because it forces us to look fearlessly at the many answers that exist to one question. And in order for this to be possible… Lord , protect our decisions, because making Decisions is a way of praying. Give us the courage, after our doubts, to be able to choose between one road and another. May our YES always be a YES, and NO always be a NO. Once we have chosen our road, may we never look back nor allow our soul to be eaten away by remorse. And in order for this to be possible… Lord, protect our actions, because Action is a way of praying. May our daily bread be the result of the very best that we carry within us. May we, through work and Action, share a little of the love we receive. And in order for this to be possible… Lord, protect our dreams, because to Dream is a way of praying. Make sure that, regardless of our age or our circumstances, ...

Today is the one year anniversary of my journey into getting bare and divesting myself of everything I held dear.  Sometimes you don't have a choice in what you give birth to... such is the mystery of diving into the creative depths... In that spirit I offer my newest friend and alter Mel ego... There are many reasons the watermelon would come up at this phase of my falling in love with myself. From the movie The Family Stone   "You have a freak flag. You just don't fly it." I've been shying away from taking this final step into my madness and remembering the perfection that resides in my reclaiming the truth. But it is time to embrace that inner crazy Mel. I look at this as a new era. A rebirth. I have no idea what hugging my inner nut will do but I have a kind of faith in this turn toward the crazy.  I am ready. As William Jennings Bryan wrote about the mystery of the Watermelon -- I have observed the power of the watermelon seed. It has the power of drawing fr...

When I got rid of everything (and I mean everything) the one piece of art I kept was Henry Miller 's Happy Day. He was primarily known through his career as a novelist but towards the later part of his career he was churning out works of art in inspired breaths. For me Happy Day always evokes exactly what the title calls for. “To the person who thinks with his head, life is a comedy. To those who thinks with their feelings, or work through their feelings, life is a tragedy.” --Henry Miller Henry Miller's Happy Day - for sale $10,000 It brought to mind one of my favorite laughs from Dustin Hoffman regarding his gender bending role in Tootsie . “I never thought of it as a comedy” It’s all how we see it. Let's choose to have a Happy Day!

Sizzling, Sacred and Surreal The freedom expressed and endured that created our reality retreats even as I write these words. Our sons and daughters mourn the richness of purpose  that once flowed effortlessly through the air. We stopped deeply breathing long ago, began accepting instant gratification and became hardened to the longer possibilities of meaning and purpose and discipline. Within the walls of our confinement we have lost our way. Each of us needs to reclaim the passion and purpose of being. We know not what can be done because trying has been supplanted with apathy. The war lost before it has begun. I say no more. Is our thirst for instilled freedom a clipped eagle of intention that no longer holds any exuberance ? The towering oneness of an America merged with all positions and perils and profundity in and around the world enrapturing our humanity in a powerful vision of understanding. Pick up your liberties, not holding them as a shield but as an anthem...

I love the kindnesses, the accomplishments, the people who came into my life, the jobs, the experiences, all part of a life affirming chain of being and letting myself flow into creation. An oh so interconnected existence. Integrated and special and perfect. There is no nobler pursuit than that of your dreams, and I love how lucky I am to be able to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. I love how I can celebrate all that I have and appreciate all the ways they have made me who I am. When you are open and free from the chaos of daily existence and the to dos, when you can find a place as William Blake said, ”Where Satan can not find you,” everything is there waiting. You just have to be willing to pull off the blinders and breathe. So many people have helped me in my life. One of my favorite things on the old Mel path had been the deep knowledge that I could always “count on the kindness of strangers.” How strange and wonderful at last to have the wild realization that you can rely...

I love the kindnesses, the accomplishments, the people who came into my life, the jobs, the experiences, all part of a life affirming chain of being and letting myself flow into creation. An oh so interconnected existence. Integrated and special and perfect. There is no nobler pursuit than that of your dreams, and I love how lucky I am to be able to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. I love how I can celebrate all that I have and appreciate all the ways they have made me who I am. When you are open and free from the chaos of daily existence and the to dos, when you can find a place as William Blake said, ”Where Satan can not find you,” everything is there waiting. You just have to be willing to pull off the blinders and breathe. So many people have helped me in my life. One of my favorite things on the old Mel path had been the deep knowledge that I could always “count on the kindness of strangers.” How strange and wonderful at last to have the wild realization that you can rely on loved...

The Bare Mel teams up with the Amazing (Connie Sui), Magnificent (Melanie Lutz) and Phenomenal (Phoenix G.) it equals… AMP Experience For an “Afternoon Tea Party” with lots of special treats!!! PLACE: in Los Angeles near Beverly center… TBD DATE: October 3, 2010 TIME: 11am-3:00pm FEE: $10 in advance $20 at the door Our first event sponsored by: Bare Escentuals: The Bare Melcessities: Puri Tea: AMP EXPERIENCE holds events that encourage motivate and uplift women inside and out. The group cover areas as nutrition and diet to skin care and fashion. Experiential, educational, philanthropic and fun! AMP is a network that offers women the opportunity to reinvent themselves, step out of their comfort zone, and fulfill their dreams and goals. The group is made up of women who want to reach their goals, and connect with other like-minded women. Please let me know if you would like to attend!!!!!

PEACE Peace comes from knowing peace Love comes from being Loving Peace radiates my deepest brilliance Glowing brightly Step not timidly on the path Flowing forward Fully Alive And Alight Peace is mine Peace is my calling card Fall with me And radiate through me I see life blossoming all around me I see peace realized I wake Hearing the bluebirds of the Angels Joining in the dance of love I own my state of peace In grace I am a Magnificent Woman Excerpted from Melanie Lutz's I am a Magnificent Woman 

I hope the answer is fabulous, unbelievable, power house, gorgeous and beautiful... Inside and out. Cause you are. If anyone tries to bring you down to their thinking. Remember... Who are you not to be amazing, magnificent, phenomenal! Join AMP EXPERIENCE --- Sunday, October 3rd in West Hollywood for an Amazing, Magnificent, and Phenomenal Tea celebrating our power, grace and beauty and be apart of an unstoppable social force accomplishing the miraculous. I like that Sara writes upbeat tunes with decidedly emotional undertones.

Browse Inside The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life by Marianne Williamson

Tiny Magnetizers - Personalized

I am starting to get curious. Not curious enough to go out with Jesus or one of his other Jesus minions but curious.

I am starting to get curious. Not curious enough to go out with Jesus or one of his other Jesus minions but curious.

...A Chorus Line struck a deep chord with theater goers. Today the Music in the Mirror started playing in my head. The song relates Cassie's journey in the show from seasoned Gypsy and notable soloist having to return to New York jobless, homeless and fighting for her dance life to be part of the Chorus. In a beautifully crafted number she has to confront her demons, her ex and her love of her craft and everything she had to give up for that singular passion....  "All I ever wanted was the music and the mirror and the chance to dance for you."   What's so powerful about the emotions pouring from this bare stage with a single line is the performer offers the cry of every person looking for permission to dance... . In her Peabody winning Martha Graham in Performance the dancer discusses the craft of Dance. There comes a moment when she looks at you in the mirror and you realize that she is looking at you and recognizing you as herself. It is through you. Her love. ...

Two Artists. Two Videos. Two Visions.... London (Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger) from David Hubert on Vimeo . Sincerely, Spain from Matthew Brown on Vimeo .

Mel Tip -- In the early going don't edit yourself. Subject: The Other dialogue Don't worry -- when working on an early draft-- In this case an emotionally distant high powered executive ---Sometimes more needs to be more --- Go for it.... You can always pull back. Lead character: ROSEMARY -- Does anybody need to live with an ‘other’, can’t we just be ourselves, have our residences, our own space, be lifelong friends, live as we live. Meet when need be. Have sex when we need to. Otherness isn’t meant to rule. What if one and one existed side by side, life by life, time by time and it was a good thing. Trees grow on their own. The squirrel scurries in solitude but they aren't alone... and I can feel that life meant us to couple at times but nature intended the solo performance. in all its brilliance. We dance together but we live our oneness. The otherness a fancy of cavemanian romance. The expression flows out onto the page and is available for the editorial eye. "the w...