That sounds reasonable doesn’t it?  Old enough to know a little something, yet young enough to…

Well, young enough to what?

When I was 26 I understudied a beautiful, well-established, leading lady in an Off Broadway play.  I never went on stage even after she left because truth be told, I needed to be 36 to play that part.

What has ‘young enough’ ever gotten us anyway?  The allowance to make mistakes?  We can do that at 60!  Young enough to try something new?  We can do that anytime too.  I’m not sure why we get so worked up over numbers.

I used to feel like an old soul.  A fuddy duddy in my teenage years.  But as I grow ‘wiser’ year by year, emotionally I feel like Benjamin Button.  I probably seem more and more irresponsible and brainless to lookers-on, but for some reason I feel more energetic and fire-y every time a turn a digit.

I’m like a closet crazy, a kid with her whole hand wrapped around one big crayon and tap shoes on her feet and wild fuzzy hair tied up in millions of pig tails.  My world is my coloring sheet.

Am I where I thought I would be at 30?  Well, I’m not a planner and for that I have no preconceived notion of what 30 should look like and feel l like.

Should I be surrounded by more things that I own?  Should I have more letters attached to my name?  Kids?  I thought I would have kids.

But I’m here and I’m feeling like I should live to be 200 and remain of child bearing years until I’m 75.  There’s so much to do and so much to try and so much to see…

And when it comes right down to it there’s so much to be and for that I’ll just continue to be – me.

Simple and complex, passionate and content, peasant/urban dweller, a little bit strange, and hungry for life.

So I say, “Bring it on!”

As I look back on this past year and prepare for a new year ahead, I’m pleased.  I feel right on track.

So here’s to a new year whether you just turned a digit like me or are staring into your 2012 calendars, bare with possibilities.  I hope we all can steal away a couple hours to ourselves and do the following:

1. Look back long enough to
• Learn from our experiences
• Celebrate small moments of success
• Get motivated to make some changes
2. Sit still long enough to
• Listen for answers
• Be true to our innermost selves
• Trust in the moment
3. Look forward to
• Plan for success (whatever that means to us)
• Dream the impossible dream
• Live everyday to its fullest

Dallas Traverse (a fabulous career coach for actors) recently shared a great year-end exercise.  I’ve printed it out and am reserving my evening to go through it! Take a look at the link below because the step-by-step process applies to all of us and is a wonderful way to look back on 2011, trust in the moment, and plan our best year yet for 2012…

“HOW TO DESIGN YOUR BEST YEAR YET” by Dallas Traverse

Mazel tov my friends!

]]> http://makiedoll.com/makiedoll/the-woman/a-numbers-game/feed/ 4 http://makiedoll.com/makiedoll/the-woman/y-as-in-yippee/ http://makiedoll.com/makiedoll/the-woman/y-as-in-yippee/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:09:57 +0000 Makie http://makiedoll.com/?p=2870

I’m always ecstatic to get a real – live person on the phone when calling customer service.  Even if the guy’s name is “Frank” and you KNOW English is not is first language.

Nonetheless.

Don’t ask me what I was trying to spell out for the man, but I heard myself say, “Y, as in Yippee.”

If English isn’t his first language (let alone English slang), do you suppose “Yippee” was an appropriate association to use?

I should’ve said, “Y, as in Yellow” or “Y, as in Yo Yo.”

Nope.

I said, “Yippee.”

He actually got it though.  Not the somewhat sarcastic joke I was making in reference to the length of the call, but hey!  It was fun.

Do you know the definition of Yippee?  I thought I’d share it – to enlighten us all.

yip·pee

interjection

(an exclamation used to express joy, exultation, or the like.)

May you have a reason to use this word today.

Yippee!

It’s not what you think – although I love a good tube of color.

I sometimes wish I had a plump, perfect pucker to flawlessly pull-off MAC’s “Russian Red” matte lipstick. But I humbly accept a non-perfect pucker and will wear it anyway. [As soon as I get the nerve to spend $14.50 on a tube of lipstick.]

And fur.  Now, I’ve never purchased a fur item, but I don’t have anything against vintage coats from my Grandmother’s closet and faux finds @ H&M…

But here’s the fur I’m talking about…

My dog.

And my horse.

I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve given both of them lipstick stains on their fur by kissing their foreheads and cheeks.

From farm girl to shabby chic, I’m all about lipstick & fur.

Even if it’s not what you think.

[Or Glamour Magazine's top tip of the week!]

We all have our holiday favorites: twinkle lights, starry nights, glittering ornaments, sweet treats, stories and songs – ugly sweater parties and white elephant games.  Here’s a few of my holiday favs.  I had to stop myself though, because I realized the list could go on forever!  What’s on your list?

Just A Few Holiday Favorites…

Bite-sized goodies on Christmas eve surrounded by extended family.

Singing Christmas carols.

Hearing “The Night Before Christmas.”

Sleigh bells ringing.

Nativity scenes.

The real christmas story.

Toffee.  {I’m just sayin.}  And caramels, date balls, kringla, frosted cut-outs… oh my!

Peppermint hot cocoa.

Little bitties in their pjs on Christmas morning.

Classic movies.

Snow.

Frosty horses covered in icicles.

And of course, I’ll say it again: F A M I L Y, Friends, Laughter, Love & Cheer.

I hope you get all your favs in this year.

Happy Holidays!
xo

Makie

If you’ve read a blog post or two here you’ll know I’m a big fan of going after your dreams and even risking falling flat on your face to do so. Well brothers and sisters…here it is! I’m laying it all out on the line and taking one giant ‘risk’ for mankind (or for “MakieDoll”) to make a shiny new record of original music.

It’s quirky, it’s indie, it’s hip and it’s totally me… Lots of love is poured in with many hours of hard work, collaboration with fellow creatives and some country folk and jazz influence to grease the record-playing needle! I just know you’re gonna love it. (At least I hope so!)

Here’s the fun part: I’ve got now until December 16th to raise 10,000 buckaroos and I need your help.  It sounds like a tough job, and believe me, I’m nervous – but five, twelve, thirty-two bucks per person really adds up quick! And I could use it.

I’m putting all my pennies and efforts and energy into this project, I just need a little bit of yours to help me make the final stretch! In return for a little bit of yours, I’m giving back a lot of love AND personal, hand-crafted prizes! PLUS – You will be a part of my journey from start to finish through photo and video updates.  If you click here you’ll be able to see the rewards I’m offering in return for your generous support. I hope you like it!

Creativity is good for the soul of the person who creates, but it’s even better when that person gets to share their creations with others. Please allow me the pleasure of making and sharing this album with you.  Let me take you on a musical journey!

Please know that your support and contributions whether meager or substantial are GREAT, and if you’re spreading the word to your trusted friends or sending a virtual ‘high five’ – you’re AWESOME and so very appreciated!!  I can’t thank you enough!!

You may click here to donate & receive neat-o prizes!!  P.S. By clicking the link you will hear a snippet of my first track, “YOU’RE A DOLL,” which fits right in line with this here blog!  I think you’ll like it.

All my love and gratitude,
Makie

I can’t wait to share this with you!

I’m a home-body.  If there’s an option to do something at home, I will do it.  Yoga, work, movies…  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a shut in, [ ] I just really like the comforts of my own space.  However, let me tell you something about doing yoga at home…

While laying on your mat you will notice what is really lurking underneath your furniture.  You will also come to realize that investing in the more expensive vacuum cleaner may have been a smarter option.

But, you ignore those things and keep stretching and breathing and strengthening your body & mind.  …Until you do another downward dog and through your legs you see your husband – all the way through the dining room and the small hallway, and into the bedroom, hanging upside down making fun of you.

Yay!  We are all awake.  Woo hoo.

I finally make it to the end of my practice and I am laying in savasana (which  just means you’re laying on your back and breathing for a quiet space of time) – and Jay decides to come over and sit on the couch and stare at me, trying as best he can to get me to crack.

Really?

Radar was actually pretty good with his “doga practice” today.  He only came over and profusely licked my face once and did his little stretches only a tiny bit.

But now this?!  ha…

After he got his desired laughs out of me, he left me in peace to finish breathing (really, this is my favorite part – after all the hard work, you just lay there and breathe!).  But as it so happens, he then put on his heavy man shoes while he straightened up the apartment and that was quite distracting (although what girl has a right to complain when her man straightens up the place?).  MY GOODNESS.  The quiet breathing thing really didn’t work out!  Perhaps I will go to yoga class after all and forget the ‘at home’ routine.

OR, because I’m a ‘home-body’, maybe I’ll just get up earlier next time! 

Question: Do you opt for ‘at home’ as much as you can (like me) or do you try getting out more often?!

If you’re into getting out and you live in New Jersey, swing by LYRICS & LAUGHTER tonight for a performance of my original music.  There will be three other singers and an improv troupe.  It’s sure to be a good time!

Here are the details:

OCT 22 @ 8PM  |  NJSDA Theater  |  593 Bloomfield Ave.  |  Bloomfield, New Jersey

Meet Tessa.  She is a gorgeous person with instinctive leadership skills, a killer smile, a competitive spirit, two adorable kids, and an awesome hubby.  Tessa fought Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 16.  Last year she discovered it was back and has since then been fighting the good fight with humor, strength, determination and faith.  Please take a moment to watch this video from last winter… (If you are reading this in your email and don’t see the video, please click here.)

A couple weeks ago Tessa discovered the cancer is still pushing through her body against her will and the doctor’s therapy.  But I believe in miracles & the power of prayer, and would like to ask for your help:  Please pray for Tessa, take a moment to visit her blog and lend encouragement or personal experiences if you have any.

I’m telling you, this girl is an inspiration.  After her first several months of therapy she got me to the gym.  Yes indeedy.  She also accomplished a 5K run [in the mountains] this summer.  And the last spin class we took together, the teacher said, “I want YOU” (meaning Tessa) “to sit up front next time!”  Why?  Because Tessa is the one who yells out “Let’s go an extra five minutes!”

She’s tough, she’s sweet, she tells it like it is, and she could use our prayers.  We love you Tessa.

It’s way past high time we find a cure, don’t you think?

Much love and thanks,

Makie

When I first moved to NY, I didn’t know that waiting at cross roads under stoplights populated with pigeons meant you just might get pooped on.  Sorry, I didn’t know how else to write that?  Droppings might fall from the sky and otherwise land in your hair or on your t-shirt?

You get the drift.

I think I experienced these “surprises from the sky” at least twice, maybe even three times before I wised up and stood a few feet back from the edge of the street.  (Sometimes I’m a slow learner.)

Hubster walked the dog with me this morning and he, too was blessed by something from above.  Cute little swallows don’t eat much, do they?  haha

Talk about blessings…

I was told that it’s good luck to (should I say it again?) “find an unpleasant mess in your hair or on your t-shirt”.  Who came up with that?  It even happened to me on the playground in Elementary.  I tell you, that was embarrassing.  But isn’t EVERYTHING at that age?  I remember trying to clean out my hair in the bathroom during recess before I had to go back into class.  Those stiff brown paper towls and water from the sink just didn’t cut it.

Why is it that when something falls from the sky, it’s said to be good luck?

Did you also know that it’s apparently REALLY good luck, like in the form of a financial windfall, if it rains on your wedding day?  Well – it did on ours.  See our lovely friends and family waiting it out with their cute umbrellas?  This is after the wind died down a bit.

Because let me tell you – it blew and it howled and it poured.  That’s life on the prairie for ya…  Gives a good storm now and then.  It also gives you amazing views!

Then the sun came out and the horses rolled in the mud (my boy, Valero, and his grey buddy, Beau – but you wouldn’t guess that with all the mud on his back).  The birds were singing just like in the fairy tales, and we said “I do.”

Surrounded by colorful umbrellas still popped open to protect from random droplets out of the trees.

Take a look at this beautiful mama tree.  She’s my favorite.   She’s big, old, and reaching her branches out over all of our friends, just spreading her love like a grand mama hug.

It’s interesting – these little tales of luck all falling from the sky.  Whether it’s the birds dropping “surprises”, the clouds bursting forth with rain, a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, or God above watching over and making sure all is right with us (even when it seems as if it’s not).

Everything is good.

Great, even.

And with that, I feel blessed.

A Note from Makie:

Food, Friends & Really Awful Lyrics
by Wendy Lane Bailey

I have a confession to make, I actually like to entertain. Sure, I’d like everyone to think that I use my oven for shoe storage, and my refrigerator to keep my nail polish from melting, but deep down in my heart of hearts there’s a Martha Stewart clawing her way to the surface. Maybe not Martha, for that I’d have to be able to cut a straight line, and make my house appear as if mere mortals never actually spent time there, but you get where I’m going with this. Since I’m usually going in fifty different directions at any given moment it’s difficult for me to invite people over as often as I would like, so when Makie offered me the chance to host this month’s Creative Group Night I jumped at it.

Being a southern girl, for me everything has to start with food. I think this is especially important when you’re dealing with artists. To be creative the brain needs fuel. Who knows what inspiration is to be found in homemade banana coconut bread and a few chocolate covered Oreos? Making sure there is more than enough to go around is something of an obsession of mine. I never want anyone to leave a gathering at my place feeling like they didn’t get enough to eat. Fortunately Spouse and Spawn dutifully take care of any leftovers the next day. Food creates a sense of community and helps put people at ease. Time spent eating and socializing is as important to these evenings as the time spent on whatever activity we have planned.

For this month’s creative activity I used Barbara L. Jordan’s book Songwriter’s Playground. The book is a series of exercises meant to help songwriter’s open themselves up creatively. You can do them alone or in a group. You can follow the six week course laid out or you can mix and match them. Since not everyone in our group is a songwriter and we were somewhat limited in time I adapted a few of her exercises to suit us. The main goal of the activities is to help you turn off your inner critic. You know the one, that voice that’s always saying “it’s not right”, or “it’s not good enough”. It’s this voice that stops us from taking chances and having more fun with the creative process. All of the exercises are timed so that you are really only able to focus on the task at hand and not how good or bad the results may be. We went through several of them and there were two that seemed to be everyone’s favorites.

In the first one we took a phone book and opened it to random page. Each person picked a name or street address that appealed to them and then had two minutes to write a story about that person or place. You’d be surprised to find how fast two minutes can fly by. It was fun to take a name and try to come up with a whole scenario so quickly, and it was even better to see what everyone else in the room wrote. They weren’t polished pieces at all, but they were all interesting, and in some cases quite funny.

Our other favorite challenge of the evening was where we had three minutes to write the worst lyric ever. It could be about anything we wanted; it could be vile, rude, or just plain stupid as long as it was awful. I won’t tell you what we wrote, but I will say they were indeed quite bad, and much hilarity ensued.

I loved that our entire group approached each exercise with enthusiasm and never chickened out on sharing whatever it was they come up with in the allotted time. We laughed a lot and left feeling energized and ready to try some new creative challenges. I am really looking forward to the next time we get together!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wendy Lane Bailey is a singer and artist’s consultant. Her debut solo recording Breathing is available through cdbaby.com and I-tunes. She has performed in a variety of renowned venues around the country and in the recording studio backing up a diverse group of singers including Broadway’s Susan Egan, and Pop Legend Lesley Gore. In addition to her work as a performer, she has expanded her work into teaching, directing and coaching performers. Her blog is twowellread.blogspot.com and her website is wendylanebailey.com. She may also be found on twitter @wendylaneb.

Guest post by Ashley @ ahomebeautiful…

I’m so excited to share something warm and fuzzy with an audience who really needs it! Although, California’s desert climate gets surprisingly cold in the winter months. (Yes, we have a winter! It’s grey and cold and it even rains.) I love the California sun but nothing compares to the gorgeous crisp air of fall I miss most of all about my native roots back east. My husband and I just spent a weekend enjoying the most beautiful fall weather in NYC, strolling through Central Park and a few Brooklyn vintage markets (stay tuned for goodies from this latest Treasure Hunt on my blog), and visiting family and friends. The weather was just right to sport my latest handcrafted style creation! A perfectly fitting time to guest spot on Makie’s awesome blog. I hope all of Makie’s lovely east coast and upper midwest readers enjoy my cool weather style!

For any of you who know how to crochet a simple single crochet stitch this will be a super easy project. The directions will be relative based on what size you want to make to fit your own hands and neck but this should give you a good starting point.

Here’s how I made these adorable accessories:

1. For the wrist warmers, I cast on about 20 stitches. I single crocheted evenly until I had about a 5″ by 10″ inch rectangle. Before ending my last stitch I wrapped the piece around my hand to make sure it would fit. Snug is okay because it will stretch a little bit. Instead of finishing off your stitch, fold the rectangle in half, – short end to short end – and single stitch crochet through both holes of each short side. This creates the ridge on the side. Skip over a place for your thumb by only stitching through one side (I chose to do this on the side that would be on the top of my thumb when I’m wearing them), then finish the rest of the edge stitching through both edges and then finish off your last stitch and weave the tail into the edge to hide it.

2. For the neck warmer, cast on about 25 stitches (or less…I have a tall neck). You may need to experiment with a 4 inch test square to get your correct gauge. Single crochet a long rectangle. My neck warmer ended up about 6 inches tall and 18 inches around (measure your neck and then add about several inches for overlap and for it to stretch over your head). Once my rectangle was ready, I experimented with several ideas for how to connect it as a neck warmer. My piece was laying really well with a slight overlap. I didn’t line the edges up perfectly when I attached the buttons because it sits in a way where it creates a notch that falls just right on my neck when worn to the right side. I attached the three leather buttons by threading a long piece of my yarn through each and threading it through both layers of the neck warmer and tying the back in knots and trimming the yarn tails.

3. Wear your matching wrist and neck warmers separate or together. The neck warmer looks great with a simple boat or neck shirt and fantastic peeking through a standard trench. The wrist warmers work with any length sleeve and were a perfect subtle matching addition to the neck warmer with my black trench. Make your neck warmers in basic colors to wear with everything or flashy colors to spice up your basics. A warm red or orange (my favorite color that I’ll definitely be making this in) would be the perfect fall accessory to complement the breathtaking fall foliage.

Enjoy the beautiful details of this season and keep it warm and fuzzy!

xo Ashley @ ahomebeautiful

Did you find this post helpful or creatively inspiring?