Get your own damn life.

Seriously?
Truth be told?

I'm getting a little tired of all the wanna-be's.

Flattering?

Nope.

A little secret I hold is my love for Pink.
Not just the bursting with sunshine color, but the singer.

Love her to bits.

To me she is super cool, edgy, beautiful in her own way, a total bad ass, darling mom, fantastic vocalist and did you see her flying on that damn ribbon on the awards show a few years back?

She is PINK.


I wanna be her!

But I can't.
I'm HOLLY.

Never ever, ever did I really wanna take from someone and make it my own.


NEVER.

I like her.

A ton.

But that's what makes her so unique.
She's HER.

If another vocalist came out and called themselves purple,
with
tattoos and spiky blode locks, sang her lyrics and swung from the Grammy's we would boo them off.

Right?

So think about it.

Be yourself.

Get your own style.

Your own ideas and own them.

Rock On in your own damn 15 minutes of fame.

No need to copy.

We all get this amazing soap box and huge auditorium to perform in.

Its called LIFE.

We get to pick the characters that we want to tag along with us.

We solely get to choose the wardrobe and even the lyrics and melody.

Its OURS to perform.

How friggen cool is that?

Don't you get it?

You can stand alone.

Write your own destiny.
Create and mold it any way that you wish.

No need to copy,
Its just getting on my nerves....


 Each and every day that we wake from our dream land we are given the opportunity to not only erase yesterdays scenes but we are blessed with another 24 hours to do it again.

Maybe the right way this time.

How do we erase a bad scene?

With an I'm sorry, a do over a 2nd chance.
With a huge reflection that you did it the wrong way.


I chose this platform.

I am who I am is my life.

Its what I live.

Its my 1 act play.

 

 

Although I have carefully chosen whom I want to play my scenes with, I am grateful for the peeps that want to be apart.

But for those that need to take, borrow and steal ideas in order to achieve their own 15 minutes of fame.
I say Get a Life.
Your very own life.
Your own words, style and direction.

Be who You desire to be.

Its yours to create.
Not just who you want to be, but who you really are.

 

Too deep to understand?

Come on YOU can do this.
Its a new day a new dawn and its ready for you.
Be unique.

Be You.

Be real.


I will buy a ticket for the show.
So will everyone else if its genuine and honest.

It may take time to figure it all out.

But in the end I promise your audience will be vast.

No need to take my glitter away.
There is plenty to share.

Besides once you realize that its yours to acquire,
 glitter just might not be for you.

You might just be a rhinestone kinda gal.

Do what ya gotta do.

If I had a nickel for every time someone asks me why I do what I do or how I find the time...I would be a millionaire.

Funny thing about writing.
You have to do it.
You must get it out.
Some have called me crazy.
Others just shake their heads.
But a writer, an artist is full of so much.
Kinda like a hoarder.
If you don't start the process of getting rid, it will just keep on filling up. Lending no room for the next fill.
An over flow if you will.


If you know me, and most of my readers do.
Then you know a little about me.

Holly's world.

It can be a strange place up in here.
A colorful, electric, shiny and silly place to visit.

A world that rarely shuts down, and yet holds the ability to see and comprehend even the tiniest of moments.

I think we are all uber weird.
I like that about us.
The stranger the better as long as the strange stays within legal limits.

I have grown to realize that I love the written word so much. It inspires me with simple verses.
I adore art and all is glory in all aspects. My mind begins to drift into a happy place at the mere sight of something I deem beautiful.

I am daily humbled by natures magnificent array of magic. I know that I am merely the tiniest speck of sand on the oceans shoreline. But I am grateful to be given these gifts.
I appreciate it all.

So many of us run through our day without any sense of appreciation.
A kind word goes unnoticed.

The sweet smell in the air after a summer rain is ignored and the freshly etched sand carving is washed away in the tide.

I do what I do cuz I can.
I had a gigantic ah-ha moment recently. You can only have one if you are ready. The moment where you get it.
Again.

That bad is bad and good is good.
That I am, and I will.
That I choose my destiny.
That I have no control of others.
But within the magical, mystical moment that I am reminded that this is mine, I am humbled that I have the cards. I hold the deck. Its my hand and my turn, and it is magnificent.

I can rid my life of toxins and surround myself with greatness.
I hold the wheel and its gonna continue to be one hell of a ride.

All mine.

I get to actually choose how I feel.
How I react and how I live.

Cuz I can.
Sending my oldest off to college just might be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But at the same time I am beyond excited for her wisdom to begin.

Her moments, her joys, her music and her one act play.

So, I'm holding onto this new found wisdom and moving forward.

Tomorrow will be better than today, cuz I want it to be.

I do what I do cuz I can.
I am who I am,
cuz that's all I know.

Whens the last time you thought of that?
Who, what, where and why?
You just might be surprised by the answers.
You  can't ask me to guide you on this one,
You have all the answers inside.
Listen to the tiny little voices.

I'm not the only one.
Hah, crazy you say?
I'm crazy okay.

Living, loving, evolving, embracing and enjoying.

Hope you are too.

How do I find the time?
I have too.

Why do I do what I do.
Because I must.

Did I mention that I barely sleep?


Hah-
that just might hold all the answers!

Mom of the week..hah go figure:)

Mom of the Week: Holly Simon

Posted by cperkins on 30 Jul 2012 / 2 Comments

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At Bellē Up, we understand and appreciate that being a mom is the hardest, yet least recognized, job ever. Yes, we said, EVER! We created Mom of the Week (MOTW) as a way of recognizing moms who do the hardest job ever and then some. It is our honor to present you our Mom of the Week … HOLLY SIMON!

About Holly
Though I introduce her here, this is a mom who clearly needs no introductions. If you’ve ever been in a room with Holly, you know exactly what I mean. Holly has more energy than any can of Red Bull or bottle of 5 Hour Energy could ever hold … combined. And, get her on a subject that she’s passionate about—which is anything having to do with children being misjudged or mistreated—and that energy quickly turns into a kind of infectious hurricane of resolve to make the world a better place … one person at a time. Holly is a force to be reckoned with. She is no holds barred, and I’m pretty sure that she’s the kind of person to whom you shouldn’t pose the question if you don’t really want to know the answer! (Yes, you’ve been warned.) If we were judged by our children, however, this is where Holly moves from being merely impressive to being a total Rock Star Mom. Not only do her children adore her, but they adore (and celebrate) each other. And the family rallies around Holly’s youngest son, Nathaniel (who happens to be one of the cutest, spunkiest nine-year-olds ever) breathing its zest for life into every part of his being so that the world’s disabilities do not define his capabilities. It’s clear that the mantra “I Am Who I Am” (i.e., the moniker of the new nonprofit organization that Holly heads) was born and bred in Holly’s own home long before she founded the organization.

As a mom who just birthed a child with special needs, imagine if instead of being greeted (by medical professionals, family and friends alike) with long faces, apologies and even sympathies, you were greeted with smiles, congratulations and celebration (I mean, you did just usher a new life into the world, right?). That is what I Am Who I Am is about (see I Am Who I Am “Congratulations” baby blanket now being delivered to special needs babies born at two local hospitals, left). I have no doubt that Holly will not rest until differently-abled children are celebrated—from birth—as the gifts that they are intended to be. We could all stand to take a page or two from Holly’s book, the sum of which is this: live life, reach your potential, but, above all things and at all times, just be You. ~Jamenda, Owner of Bellē Up
Q&A with Holly
Name: Holly Simon
Hometown: Oak Park
Current Town/Neighborhood: Beverly
Age: In my mind? 24
Names & Ages of Your Children: Lindsey 18, Nick 16, Luke 14, Ben 12, Nathaniel 9.
Family: Our family is a pretty normal dysfunctional family. It’s full of lots of laughs, hard work and loads of love. My husband is a Sergeant right here in our neighborhood. My kids amaze me daily and exceed my expectations all the time. Just when I think I am going to burst with pride and love they bring me to an even higher level.
Career: I began as a hairstylist 30 years ago. I was fortunate enough to work for L’Oreal and travel the country teaching hair color. I am still a stylist, a handmade handbag designer and the Executive Director of a not for profit ‘I Am Who I Am’.

Cause and/or organization that is most important to you and why: Nine years ago, the greatest thing happened to my family. My youngest son was born with Down syndrome. Unfortunately at birth all the doctors and nurses could muster up was an “I’m sorry.” My cause would be to erase the “sorries”. Erase them every single moment of the day. Nathaniel is not only a magical gift to us, but to our community as well. I started the I Am Who I Am campaign to celebrate all children that are different. To shed light that these special kids are more alike than different. Celebrating acceptance through awareness has become my passion. It’s not a talk or a lecture; it’s a way of life. I am a huge believer that things are meant for a reason. Natie has come to be known as ”the mayor’ of Beverly. He can begin his mission of acceptance right here in Beverly. I am so friggin’ lucky to get to be by his side as he changes the world. One hello at a time. One genuine smile or hug can change the life of so many. It’s a gift that we are all so blessed with.
Hobbies: Painting, writing (www.glitterontheside.blogspot.com), dreaming, shopping, sewing, traveling and exploring.
Hidden Talents: Uh oh….hidden? I’m pretty extroverted- nothing hidden!
Favorite family activities: Just being all together. It’s the simple things I love the most. Like when we are all together watching a movie. Or laughing about our day. We all enjoy going out to eat and perusing flea markets. Probably our favorite thing to do is watch Nathaniel as he entertains us for hours. Usually with Saturday night live skits!

My favorite part about pregnancy was the miracle that was inside.…(I loved every single moment!)
My least favorite part about pregnancy was the clothing options. It was really bad back in the day!
When I was pregnant, I wish I had known to take a breath, relax, and slow down. Enjoy. Because as you are thinking and worrying…the moment has gone.
I would tell a new mom the following three things:
(a) This too shall pass;
(b) Be careful what you wish for; and
(c) It is what it is (enjoy more, complain less).
When I became a mom, I was surprised to learn that I was damn good at it!
When I hear the term “Work/Life Balance” I know that everyone’s ‘balance’ is different. Do not follow the road of the neighbors. Strive to find the balance that works for you and only you.
The most important thing my mom taught me about parenthood was “to accept.” If I were to complain about my lack of sleep or the dirty laundry, she once said to “accept that it is what it is, the day you realize that this is your path is the day you will find peace.” Amazing how I still go back to those words.
Eighteen years ago my parenting style [was probably] best described as a neurotic mom. Now, I am definitely more laid back and open minded. I do not judge them until I hear the story and I give them a lot of space. I have been told that I am a ‘cool’ mom by my kid’s friends. I know that fun only lasts so long until life gets in the way. I want my kids to have a childhood full of laughter, great memories and Technicolor moments. Their journey is theirs, I am only able to guide them….
The most incredible part of parenthood is that they grow up and into your friends.
The most difficult part of parenthood is spending so much time developing [your kids'] wings … BUT then letting them fly.
The funniest part of parenthood is that actually, I have no clue what I am doing. But somehow it has all worked out.
My greatest hope for my children is to be happy, to love deeply and loved back even deeper. To give to others and to soar to great heights. To be kind, generous and understanding. True richness comes from within. Happiness is a choice.
My mom is my inspiration as a mom, because through her guidance and standards I have learned how to be the woman I have always wanted to be. A woman just like her.
I try to set aside at least one hour per day as “me time”. I spend this time hah- usually napping or watching awful TV. The more ridiculous the show, the better. I let my mind go and don’t ‘think’.
To nominate a Mom of the Week, e-mail info@belleup.com.

Why so difficult?

Why does this have to be so hard?

There is no doubt in my mind that I am some what bi-polar.  Sorry in advance to anyone who suffers from this.  But damn without a Dr. diagnosis I am clear that my highs are high and my lows are low.  Seems pretty normal you say?

Fine, then I'm just partially insane.

I have been whistling Dixie lately. High as a kite. Smiling while I hum a silly tune all day. Sleeping which is a luxury and eating everything I want. Enjoying.
Every day for weeks.

No idea why? Or how.

I hate to question a good thing.

But there is always a darkness before the dawn.
A still before the storm.
Crap,
I'm ready.

Just happy.

They say you are only as happy as your unhappiest child.

That's a good one. And so true.

Maybe I am getting ready for the show down. Setting myself up for a great fall.

I just finished sewing and bedazzling my daughters wings.
I only have 1 week left for adjustments and quick fixes.

Letting her go is the hardest thing I will ever do.....

I am scared to death that I didn't do this right.  Maybe I sucked as a mom for the past 18 years.  I didn't read the manual.
Can I have a do over?
I am preparing myself for tears of stinging proportion.
I can at times feel the dagger.
It actually takes my breath away.

But in a secret little way, deep down under the layers of self destruction I am happy to see my pal move forward.

My wings when I was 18 were gigantic.
I had dreams of everything.
I never doubted myself.

Just knew I would, and could.

God I hope I taught her that.
YOU can be anyone that you want to be.
This is your day.
Today.
Right now.
New sights, sounds, colors, tastes.
New opportunities, friendships, moments and memories.

The world is your oyster.
Or as I think,
The world is your shoe department.
Rock on foreword with any pair you choose.

So as I sit here waiting for the send off I am reminded.
I am who I am today because my mom let me go.








Ambrose University better be ready.

Maybe the damn hardest thing I will ever do.
But as my daughter shuts the door behind her and I am spending hours in my Oprah ugly cry I will remember that I am actually happy for her.

Maybe I wish it was me...
Maybe I wish I had a do over.
Maybe I'm scared,
and afraid to miss her more than my poems can portray.

Maybe I will just set up a small apartment on the edge of campus and cut hair on the side.

Maybe I will pretend that I'm good with this and plaster on my Holly's happy face.

Wishing that all my dreams are granted for my little girl.

But truth be told.
I'm saying see ya to my best-est friend.
Someone that I adore, admire and cherish.

Fine, I can do this.
I will do this.
I have no choice.

My wisdom to you is simple.
There are no friggen do overs.
NO second chances to get it right.
So LOVE them today.
Hug hard and play for fun.
Let them know the truth.
Honor, respect and adore.
It goes by in a flash.
Buy the crazy shoes and wear them proudly cuz' you can.
Live today and regret nothing.
I have a little bit of glitter left for the next pair of wings.

I have a flock here to support.
I did the best I could....
My mini me is almost off and running.

Standing at the line waiting to hear the olympic buzzer to sound, enjoy today.
God bless you on your journey my dear little girl.
 I had the greatest past 18 years of my life.

Now its your turn.

I hope you take my good and blur my bad.
Make me proud, although I am more than you will ever know.

Forget it,
I'm moving to Davenport.

Why does it have to be this hard?