Tattoo Lovers... Haters... Freedom of Expression ?

What can I say.... I've got 2... yes I do !  and a third under construction lol.
It's one of those things again, no one really sits on the fence on  You either love them or hate them.... and the small minority, love to see them on others...

All I have to say, even though I got mine later in life, i think was early 40's.... my Mother still lost her shit.  Probably why I didn't do them any sooner coming from a strict upbringing.  My Pops (DAD) was more cool with it.... He always called me "Bella di Babbo"... which mean, Dad's Beauty, and that I had a heart of an angel....
well I ended up getting a heart with angel wings wrapped around, and my dad's phrase around it...
Later on I got it shadowed and colored in, which was nicer than it's original black.

I later got a beautiful Victorian Heart with soft lines around it side to side.  It  just appealed to me.

Tattoo's have been around for decades and probably date back to the middle ages.... no i'm serious.

Many cultures, such as North American tribal nations, and countries like India, and Indonesia, and other western areas, have had these around for centuries.  Some nations used more the Henna type tattoo, but it was a way of expressing their cultures and even religions.  Some got their God's inked on them, and others, different symbols that meant something.

Although many of us, and we shouldn't be this way, affiliate tattoo's with bikers and other nonsense, because of the fact, that they do tend to express themselves with these works of art.  And they are indeed a work of art.  I have seen full sleeves, (whole arms), and/or backs done that are quite intense and magical.  Some artists portray more on the cartoon side of graphics and others, more real and 3D and believe me, lots of work and hours go into these.

It's not just intense for them, to create and work on your body, but for the recipient, it's pain staking hours of sitting still or in one position.  Many have to go back to continue or finish up with the colouring portion of these works of art.

It's a freedom of expression really.  I don't know why people judge.  If you don't like them, don't get one.  But don't judge.  There are world leaders that have them, politicians and other religious leaders.  I know many that attend our local Buddha temple that have them.  They have come along way, and most inks used now don't have such a metal content, so as to endanger anyone.  Yes when you do go for surgery, they need to know for medical reason, but other than that.  No different than all these people with multiple ear punctures and/or body piercings.

Some have gotten loved ones, inscribed on their chests and arms, for reasons to keep their memories alive and their loved ones close to them.  Many of us all have our own rhyme or reason for getting them.  I just don't agree with the old judgement call.  The phrase, "you don't judge a book by it's cover", falls well with Tattoo's.  Don't judge a person by what they have on their bodies.

No different than what they're wearing really.  Whether it be hearts, gothics, phrases, names and funny expressions, it is a choice that we make to have this done.

People around the world have been tattooing human skin to communicate various ontological, psychosocial, and sociocultural concepts encompassing beauty, cultural identity, status and position, medicine, and supernatural protection. 
As a system of knowledge transmission, tattooing has been and continues to be a visual language of the skin whereby culture is inscribed, experienced, and preserved in a myriad of specific ways. 

If we are to fully comprehend the meanings that tattoos have carried across human history and into the present, then it would be useful to explore some of the ways tattoos, as instruments that transmit culture, have been deployed cross-culturally through time.

That is my take on it, as is many. if you like it, then JUST DO IT..... RIGHT ?  If not, then enjoy looking at others, but don't judge people.  It's just wrong.  Employer's shouldn't base the employment of a nurse, teacher, doctor or any other trade on this way of expressing themselves because they have a tattoo. I'm a grandmother, and have two tatt's... my daughter, son, daughter in law, have them.  I have dozens of family members with them.

Some individuals love for them to be discreet, and that's fine.  Some are quite personal, and only for special eye's only, heck that's fine too.

So do me a favour, be it gothic, crosses, devils, or whatever it is, don't judge okay, life can be a struggle for so many people, that they don't need to be passed through an imaginary court conducted by you.

Like I said, some people deal with things differently.  Grief can make you want to keep a loved one close to your heart, and so a Tattoo comes to mind.

Believe me, I know someone who tattoo'd EXIT ONLY on a butt cheek, so there you go.... Who am I to judge....

Some people tattoo their loved ones names on their arms or chest, well, that can be tricky, seeing's how the divorce rate is high these days, and they are a bitch remove... lol

So enjoy them, make them an expression of you and who you are stand for.

Life... Live Love Laugh...

(there's one for you)

Enjoy Life, and Tatt away...… Love you Miss "B"

STFD...(literally) Shut the Front Door ....

OMG, AS THEY SAY....
What is it, with these annoying small creatures, that infest our homes when the fall begins, and the damp cool weather, along with humidity?
Unreal !

On Monday night, I let my black lab out and barely had the sliding door open for 30 seconds, and boom, they all came flying in.  So microscopic small but so annoying.  Managed to get my central vacuum out and did my whole kitchen ceiling. 

God forbid, you leave any fruit out.  You all know how much I love baking, and well, the banana issue, is getting to point, where I have to place them in a closed container and not out to soften up.

Then the front door, is just as bad.  Don't leave your porch lights on, because all you see is swarms and tunnels of them, so many they looked like a mini cyclone of bugs.  My dog gets totally annoyed, and I feel like I have to brush him every time he comes in, because they must just settle on his body.

Then there's Harley, my cat, Houdini, that no one see's, he just appears from time to time.  He's leaping through the house like he's trying out for a Cirque de Soleil appearance.  Drives him crazy.
Well, so what is the solution to these most annoying little creatures of God.

They infest your windows, doors, and animals and home.  They're probably spinning around my vacuum canister now that I've sucked up about a 1,000 of their relatives and friends.

And call them stupid.  They make a run for the cool house for sure once you allow them entry.  But they're so tiny, where the heck is their brain located ?  You have to laugh my friends and fellow bloggers.  This year, I thought, well, I'll do without decorating my porch with hay stacks and corn stalks and too many pumpkins, for this reason, but they've arrived.

Walks are the worst.  You're trudging down the road with the dog, and they are swarming in pods as you walk, and up your nostrils, in your hair and ears, so most annoying.  So feedback please, what is their purpose ?  Would fly paper help in the house ?  Probably not, these wee creatures are very intelligent lol. 

6 Ways to Instantly Get Rid of Gnats & Fruit Flies at Home

• Create a trap by mixing apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap.
• Another home-made trap is to pour leftover red wine into a jar.
• Mash up banana slices in a jar and cover the top with a plastic wrap.
• Pour bleach solution into the bathroom sink...
• Use an insect fogging product if you are dealing with a large-scale infestation.

Should we just go about our business, and tolerate them?  We can, but again, they're almost as bad as the mice that seek refuge in the winter.  Having pets is always challenging because they are in and out of the house faster than we can call BINGO.... Here's hoping they leave soon.  I remember them as a child, because our garage was the Cook out, for making tomato puree, and then well, if you were true Italian, you made your own wine, and that meant crates of grapes of all shapes and colours, and the wine press.  Holy Crapola !  You know where they all ended up, in the house. 

Aw , fond memories of childhood, but getting back to those damn (fruit) flies ? or small Bugs, or whatever it is they are, here's hoping they find all die off soon.  They are free tenants we don't want.
Cooking can be a challenge, if they are left to roam, so vacuum away my friends.

Take care, and Love you all "B"... have a great day !

Sin City.... you either like it or hate it ....

After a quick short "downtime" taken recently, I had to do a quick write up about this fabulous or not so fabulous city.

Vegas has been known for the famous phrase "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"... and if any of you have had the pleasure of hitting this famous spot, you know that phrase to be so true.

A city, well, that never sleeps... that never closes... and you can get definitely get into some trouble down there.  It's a place that intrigues you though.  If you haven't gone, you have to go just to say you went there before.  I'll have to say, I personally would take that money I spent down there, and go to a relaxing all-inclusive, but it is a hell of a lot of fun.

I for one, am a "people watcher", so let me tell you.... thousands and thousands, spread along a strip miles long, and there is no shortage of entertainment.  You can actually find, some quieter things to do, but it is short lived.  Casino's and hotels run by, well we all know, the Mafia.  Shows of all types, some you may want to venture into, and others, again, personal choice.  From Cirque de Soleil to movie stars and singers, concerts of  many venues.  I hadn't gone back in a decade actually, not just because I didn't want to go back from the first time I went, but again, I prefer visiting the ocean, it calls me often.

This past weekend, the Barrett Jackson car show was there, and well, it was something to see live, and not just on television.  Yes I am a car lover.  But I'll have to tell you a quick short story.  It's not just "we ourselves that make a conscious choice about where to vacation or venture out too, but after speaking to some of the employee's of these large resort/casino's, it's quite interesting on the take they have on living in Vegas and trying to make a living.  Some immigrated, and some from other states across the great U.S of A.

Many came, hoping to make some money and leave.  Some stayed, and are stuck, and some absolutely love it.  We spoke to many of the cab drivers, of all nationalities. and the one thing I noticed, like us, you either hate or love it.  There isn't a happy medium.  Most don't live or reside right in Las Vegas, they have homes and are residents outside of the actual city.  More in a rural type setting, and no wonder.  After working 10 to 12 hour shifts, they don't want to see anyone, or have any of that commotion.  I wouldn't either.  

We may not all agree either, about what goes on there also, from the gambling, to the night life, to, the call girls and strip clubs etc., but if you plan on going or have been, it's just for the change of pace.

Again, I prefer to either visit Europe, and/or the southern islands or states, but there is one thing for sure.... I wouldn't waste a week on Vegas.  3-4 days seems adequate.  As much as we sadden when we arrive at the airport for our departures, everyone is always glad to be home.  

The casino's themselves, are loads of fun, again if you are a people watcher, like myself, it's my entertainment for the night.  Do I gamble, well, I can't say I walked through them a 1,000 times a day, and not threw my $20 in here and there.  I contributed to their payroll funds.  Just the lights and the cold air they pump into those places, keeps your adrenaline going, and you awake for hours.  When you finally venture back to your room,  you collapse from over stimulation.  You're brain just finally gets to shut down.  This is why, for sure, I could not work there, you probably couldn't pay me enough.  

Great place to visit, but you're super glad to be home.  We seen loads of young kids, having stag parties, and bachelor(ette) parties.... some dressed for the occasion, and well, some for a lack of clothing, roamed the streets and hallways of these fine resorts.  To say I would go back soon, well if opportunity knocked, but there are many nicer places to visit.  The city is not clean by any means, after taking long walks at night up and down the strips.  But you can't fathom the amount of people that arrive, day in and day out.  At our hotel alone, on Sunday, over 2,500 guests were checking out.  

There is no lack of eateries for sure.  From fast food, to high end cuisine and fine dining.  Would I bring my kids there, no !  And that was very upsetting, is to see young couples with their small children, walking the streets at night.  Hell no.... again, a matter of choice, but do it while you're young, or go without your children, or enjoy it after their grown up.  Mine have gone, and done their thing in Vegas, but would I recommend small kids, hell no.

It's a fun city, and the shows are quite amazing.  From the traditional dancing Vegas shows, to Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, many bands, concerts, to magic shows and good old David Copperfield, something for all ages.  Stars from decades ago, are still remembered and praised, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and many others.  Hell we even saw Wayne Newton at the Barrett Jackson car auction.  My parents were at the original MGM Grand, in the 70s and got to see Ann Margaret, just to name a few.

If you just want to relax by a pool and read a book, you can... just those nice hot bombing temperatures for end of September, at 38, were wonderful.  God knows, we have months of cold weather ahead of us.  But getting back to the actual City, well, it's definitely different.  The shopping is second to known, and the resorts and hotels themselves are much to see.  You can actually just monorail, and jump from one place to another.  But if I have to say, it's one of those cities in America, that you can say, oh yeah, I've been there once, no desire to go back, or you get the, "I love it, it's amazing" response, been there dozens of times.

Whether your single, and go with a bunch of friends, or a bunch of married couples, there is much to do.  My advise to you today, is, go at least once, and make your own decision.  And stay out of trouble of course, because according to many cab drivers, it's a place of much heart ache and tragedy, as in finding dead bodies.  A city that has suffered with many suicides, and of course, that latest shooting out of the Mandalay Bay, where all those innocent concert goers, were tragically gunned down.  Can this happen anywhere, Yes ! Absolutely !  

Unfortunately in the world we are living in, in this century, we are not safe anywhere, and need to be more aware of our surroundings, and who we are with.  Due diligence everyone.  I always tell my children, be safe, and be aware of where you are and the people around you. 

Enjoy life, but always be safe.  We can't control everything and everyone, where we venture, but we can make sure, we do due diligence.  So enjoy life everyone, book vacations, travel when and if you can, and well, you have to try and see this place, just once (LOL)... 

And remember, whatever happens in Vegas, stays there !  

Enjoy your day everyone, Love you all Miss "B" xo

R and R....

Reduce, Reuse ,,, well no...
its more like rest and relaxation....

Taking some downtime from life to regroup.  Regroup, recycle the bodies inner spirits.
Everyone needs it... once opportunity knocks, we must take it.
We never know how much time we have in this crazy rat race called life.

Been a stressful year, as many of you go through this from time to time.
So when indeed your body needs Rest, let it.  Relaxation is part of life, and should be a part of a busy day.  Unwind.  Slow your thoughts down. 

Ever have a day when you have regrets.  Well there is another R word.  So that being said, a sure sign that life is telling you to get some well needed rest... however it comes.

Anyways, taking some downtime and will be blogging when i get back.
Remember,  Rest and Relaxation... and thank you for all the views on prayer blog.  They sure came in handy today....

Love you all, Miss B.... xo

ASAP... Always Say A Prayer...

Tonight's message is brief.  I have spent most of the day praying to my God, my higher being and hoping that a family member pulls through surgery well tomorrow, and his sickness heals forever.

You don't have to be truly of any faith or religion to pray.  We pray for many reasons, throughout our lives.  Through good times, giving thanks, and through bad times, praying for faith and hope to see you through.

Growing up in roman catholic household, and being of christian faith, we prayed a lot.  No matter what faith you have, be it in God, or the universe, or whatever your beliefs are, I've always said, it's best to have hope, faith and belief in something, then to go through life having no faith at all.

I said I never wanted to talk about politics or religions, so I'm not going to go into too much here.
All I wish for everyone, is to never lose hope, in the toughest of times.  I had posted on the FB news feed one day, what it means to pray and why it's healthy for us all.

I guess growing up, I knew I wanted to believe in God, only because I wanted to keep faith through all life's turmoils, and to know that their was a higher being that brought us here.  Like Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy, etc., we wanted our children to always have belief and faith, that they were people or things, we couldn't see, but had faith that they would come.  Santa would pay a visit every Christmas Eve, and the Easter Bunny would come and leave treats, and well, let's not forget the Tooth Fairy, and us leaving fallen teeth for money/coins.

At some point, in my children's lives, I knew they would have questions.  Question these so called visitors that came to our home, that they never really saw.  And to have faith and hope in the Lord God Almighty.  Someone we haven't seen, but have faith that in prayer, among many things, is there listening and hopefully answering our cries of hope.

So this evening, I'm asking as a fellow blogger, that you send some healing prayers to a loved one in my family, that is needing to be healed.  You don't have to be of any religion, or  faith, to want to pray for someone or send healing thoughts.  It's something that comes natural for some, and some have done it only time to time.

I've always believed,  and had faith in the power of prayer.  I try to not just do this when I'm in need of a miracle, or in difficult times, but also, when things are going great, and I feel blessed for all I have and what is happening in my life present day.  To give thanks.  Like we do around Thanksgiving.  A prayer can be defined by many things, but it's something that comes from deep in our souls, mostly during a time of need, but also to feel closer and more at peace with God or whatever your object of worship is.

prayer

prer/

noun

1. a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.

   
   

   "I'll say a prayer for him"

   

   So trust the power of prayer, no matter your beliefs.  If you are of any faith, keep your soul pure, and don't just pray, when you need something.
2. Give thanks in prayer for all we have.

Mostly for our health, because that is the greatest gift anyone could have.  When you lose it, or it gets consumed by sickness, only then, will you realize, that all those materialistic things don't mean crap.

Be well, and do me a favor, and say an extra prayer this evening, for the sick and needy.  In the Lord God's name, Amen. xo

Love you all, Miss "B".

Sunday autumn sunshine....

Sunday.   Day 7.

For this day, I  only have to say a few words....   Take the time to enjoy your surroundings. Spend time with family and friends.

Rest.  Relaxation. Do nothing if need be.  Call an old friend you've not heard from in ages.  Enjoy some eats from a diner you've never been.  Try a different food today,  dust off an old recipe and bake or cook.   Whatever pleases you.    Gorgeous day to wash your rides.

Or just do nothing with no guilt.

It's Sunday. Be well and be happy and do what need be.  Love you all and chat this week...

Love yah miss B...❤️💋

Mobile / Cell phone Age.... where are we headed ...

Today was an interesting day my dear friends, it was a day of reckoning for some people that I "bumped" into...AND NOT BY CHOICE.

By this I mean, holy Moses, we have turned into cell phone zombies.  Two times today, I ran into two people who were wondering the hospital hallways, with their heads down and buried into their mobile devices, totally oblivious to their surroundings and where they were walking into.

People, you are walking, put them away.  People, you are at lunch and enjoying people's company, put the damn things away.  I know what you are thinking, oh yeah, she does it too.  Yes I have .... guilty as charged.  But there is a time and place.  This past month, I have done so good, as to leave it behind even when I go shopping or to visit my Auntie.  Yes, that's right.  I utilize my laptop at a time for me to write my blogs, but I don't use my cell phone to tie up my time.  It's hard, but I am trying.

We have become a society of dependence on this device that is quite harmful to our health also.
So today, as I was wondering down a hospital corridor, I ran into one individual whom I think was a resident doctor, and said HEY quite loudly, LOOK UP !..... he laughed and got the point.... he nearly ran into me, and I thought to myself, we have so many wheel chair patients and visitors, that one day they are clearly going to run into someone.  Then out at lunch for my walk, same damn thing happened... I'm thinking you are going to cross a road, and or an intersection and get yourself damn killed.

I hate it when our kids bring it to the dinner table also.  Again, guilty as charged.  Breathe, enjoy your surroundings, and for respect, lets put them away when we are together.  What is so important.  We have become a society that's hell bent on knowing everyone else's business.  Affair's get started quite easily, believe me I know.  Whatever happened to wanting to hang with friends, at dinner and talk about anything that comes up.  Be it our kids, our work, our families and what's happening in our lives, other than 'CHECKING IN" and posting trip pictures and excursions.  Yeah it's wonderful, we enjoy seeing them and we like and love them, and make the odd comments, but I'm talking about when we are spending time with each other.

This new age has truly changed.  How did our parents do it.  They still got their flyers and newspapers and read, and communicated, and yet, we now have FLIPP and social media, and we don't talk anymore.  For one week, count how many times, you've actually picked up your  phone and talked to a family member and/or friend instead of texting.  I guarantee it, it was texting.  I know I'm guilty of it.  Again, trying to make some lifestyle changes.  Think of how you feel without, or when you've lost it, either around your house, and/or left it at work or at a store.

All I can say, is make an attempt.  Don't bring it to dinner, if you do , leave it in your purse or back pocket.  If you feel compelled to check it, excuse yourself and do it.  But make conversation people.  I see it day and day out with couples, husbands and wives, sitting across the room, and we don't make conversation anymore, we cell chat.   If it's not your cell, than even your Ipad, tablet or any other device that warrants your attention.  I feel like, cell phones, should have stayed the way their original use was, strictly to make calls.  A way of communicating, in case of emergencies etc.  Now we are carrying mini laptops around, and we have banished all privacy rights.  They have been equipped with GPS, so that police and government authorities can find us.  They can trace every conversation and picture we sent over the WWW, even if we have erased them.  They are always public knowledge of our phone providers.  We have passwords on our mobile devices of all sorts, between a married couple, have we ever asked ourselves why ?  What is it that we have on our mobile devices, that they shouldn't be able to see or read.  I know my whole family knows mine.  They know my laptop, ipad and cell phone passwords, or logins.  It is what it is.  We go out and keep them face down, for worry that our spouses or BF's or GF's can't see what pops up ?  Come on, people, you have to clearly ask yourselves why?

But honestly, when walking the halls, or down the street, or you're at a park with your kids, make the effort.  Spend time with your loved ones and talk, talk, talk.   Find out what's happening in our lives, the old fashioned way, conversation.  Put them away at family events, and enjoy each others company, and damn it, LOOK UP when you're walking and don't be a CELL PHONE ZOMBIE.
Love you all, Miss "B" xo