FAMILY TIME: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FOUR WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

It is draining at times to recollect (not too long as I am not a dwelling type of soul), but deep down probably for the best, not remembering a day in my life when my parents were together. There might be some slides from the late 70s that will show the fact, but nothing ingrained in my head. Since my siblings were older when my mom decided to get off the mountain in Lake Arrowhead, a decision well respected always, they would have memories of us being WHOLE. Never a sense of abandonment. NO WAAAAY. There are situations in life where people have to choose for the sake of themselves. Decisions that include the progress of hope for a brighter future, peace of mind, and ability to live freely and receive the respect one deserves. Therefore throughout my life of being a child of divorce I have been given the best piece of advice from my mama, that one should focus on BALANCE. Yes, how do we conquer balance in our lives? What does it entail? How much complexity do we desire to welcome into our arena? What actions of letting go/overcoming do we engage in? Who and what do we embrace to support our quest? Through this advice I have struggled to create my core sense of balance in my daily life. I would say I live on a roller coaster track of up and down, loopy loop, fast corner taken there, with sudden stops and drops along the way. All my own path with my decisions, sacrifices, fears, and inabilities that I have molded into my world. Definitely not truly fulfilling. Always have the desire to improve through education, imagination, and YES I'll say it again mama, exploration. This time now I have been focusing on establishing this sense of balance that I want to achieve. I have an understanding of my physical health, but have to put in more disciplined effort with consistency. My mental health is a test of time where I have started ADD meds, and working through the new energy I receive from them. I am getting involved and putting more time in analyzing a more detailed career path and making commitments with others that I have faith in that will continue encouraging me to follow through. I believe I am in a huge imbalance within my living environment and the organization of my finances. Money ALWAYS flows and it will ALWAYS continue no doubt, but once I can get established independently, in a space that is free, full of breeze, Light and nearby water with minimal possessions cluttering me, I can be flow on a  career path that is stable, ongoing, and vibrant. Then there I will continue to battle the emotions, pressure, and anxious anxiety of transforming. All the amazing potential is there, just have to continue understanding who I am, and follow a plan of how and where I want to continue my life. With both my parents,  I have always made the effort to spend time with them, learn from their experiences, and share our family love. With my siblings our time, energy, and sharing is scarce and scary, but don't enjoy the situation. I don't prioritize to face the feelings. It's not as bad as I think, but we are who we have decided to be, we do what we choose to do, and have to deal with the results. Focus on the positive, cherish times spent when finding the time to get together, and reach out/ask for help when we can (which is never). We here on Earth all have a story, I have the power to create a legacy, and will continue molding my vision into what I believe is good for all that I love and for the glory of me RVB

SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY THREE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

If you have some thoughts on your mind that you desire to share  do your best to voice them, write them down, or kindly ask for help with them with how to engage in your thoughts possibilities. There are so many times we hold back, don't face our fears, assume, past judgment, and truly don't speak up about what we believe or feel. Of course people will say men are so weak with expressing the truth and lack elaboration skills. From my experience and my personal lacking, that is probably true. I struggle speaking up, making those difficult phone calls, looking someone in the eye to give them a piece of my mind. I am one not to hurt others, so I avoid, but I know the truth is always the best, even though it might be something that someone doesn't want to hear. And for those that are reading this and judging my expression here, and nit picking every word, FINE, but I am aware of my faults, don't always approve of them, and have the willingness and desire to improve and communicate more completely. I think quality listening is a beautiful gift. Being patient and understanding with positive selfless advice goes a long way for those that want it. When showing concern for others ask them first if they want advice, how can I help, what can I do....If you are dealing with an unwanted/restricted vessel then there is no room or hope for you to be there pushing and prying, judging and manipulating. It will only cause more strife, pain, and possibly bring you down to the their situation. Go where you are asked to be. Understand what NO means. Don't take anything personally. Proactively restrict and know your intentions. Be Kind and Rewind People- RVB

FRESH NOT FROZEN: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY TWO WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Its time to make some life changes for you to realize how to treat your sacred body of yours. I know people for years have been saving, freezing, and storing food in cupboards, cans, and ice boxes, but life is so much more grand for some fresh off the farm, picked out of the land THAT day kind of abundance. You might argue pesticides, rodents, traveling transpo truck hygene, but come on nothing beats sunshine loving freshness that tastes so much better then thawed burned canned preservative way of living. Toss the cans, chip away the freezers, and begin to seek out the yumminess out there. Understand the source of your nutrients. Take your time, chew not swallow and scarf, follow a recipe, cook up a storm, plan, prepare, and provide a feast, enjoy Sunday brunch, BBQ with Argentinian beef and chorizo, marinate, educate, and know the origin of your ingredients that slide down your throat and into that cherished vessel of yours. The closer to the earth your food is, the more you will enjoy its love and taste. Be good to yourself and enjoy the journey with quality eats, and creative cooking for all those that arrive at your table, or just for your lonesome. Stop dieting and create a wonderful DAILY DIET for you to live and love amongst EVERYDAY- RVB

WANTED: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

WANTED:

YOUR TRUE EVERLASTING LOVING CONSISTENT ONGOING PROSPEROUS 

purpose

What does is it consist of?

How do you maintain it?

Where do you celebrate it?

Who does it impact?

Why do you pursue it?

BELIEVE IN YOUR passions,gifts, heart, faith, desire, abilities, strength, courage, and YOU- rvb

 

TAP AWAY: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There is so much pleasure in the art of movement. If its strolling down a stylish foreign boulevard, or taking a Taxi through a Luxor back alley, there is so much opportunity of discovery, and the possibility to discover just exactly what you desire out there. One can not get anywhere in life without making a move, without putting in the effort to excel with loving pride to stride wide and live your LIFE. Tap on, Tap it, yes get with it whatever that IT may be, but create it, believe in it, and take it along your
journey- filled path of fulfillment. Ever heard a good tap dancer that you didnt enjoy? Seriously if someone can really lay IT down Fred Astaire Glover Hinds Davis Jr Shirley Temple style they sure the hell got IT. They got the groove, style, and beauty to tap you a song all the way into your heart. The sights and sounds that are presented to you are allowing you to make choices. Good or bad who knows where you lie, but YES it is there for you to decide. Prosper or Tumble with Blunder, do what IT takes to TAP into your inner glow and take IT for the taking. Choose Happiness, Choose a Path, Commit and Dedicate, Smile and Give, but never never run away from what feels right. Risks will be taken, you will fall hard, love aint easy, but don't be far from your hearts thunder to enjoy all that will prosper. Please si por favore- rvb

THE INNER FIRE: DAY ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There is a constant feeling and vision that runs through my chakras of desire that consistently keep me aware of ME, RVB. All that I want to do, all that I can do, but the real issue is turning it into the REAL YOU. Making all the wants be WILL. I will do that, I will make that happen, and I will happen to create a true powerful empire that thrives and strives to bring out the best in all that I reach. What do you do to keep that flame afloat, how can you turn that ongoing spark into a raging forest fire spread like wildness that engulfs the hopeful minds of wander that desire to make an impact too? Please don't avoid that burn, that moving love to be the true you, there is so much to celebrate with, don't avoid the gifts you possess, and the abundance that you can create. Take the time to loathe in your warmth, spend enough energy to rise on up above the fire and ignite an explosion that will last an eternity. Make it an eternity that people will remember from towns away, decades onward, day to day. I so smile wide writing this realizing the truth behind all that I write here. We have to take action, run that marathon, finish that project so we can start the next, give that talk our children, confront our bosses, discover a way over that mountain, understand that all we put our  effort towards should bring us into the promise land. What does your promise land look like? How does it make you feel? How will it affect the lives of others that you adore? Don't forget yourself these days, the progress of you, and the strength of that inner will to believe and fight, determines your legacy, your character, your beautiful life- RVB

CONSISTENT MASTERING: DAY ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN

A soft caring light filled lady once asked me through an interpreter, "Ryan what is the longest task or action that you have engaged yourself in throughout your life?" As I quickly went through my lifestyle of actions, hobbies, jobs, commitments I concluded with:

Organized Sports
Baseball: 5-14= 9 years
Football: 13-18: 5 years
Soccer: 5-13: 8 years
Basketball: 7-14: 7 years

masturbation: its been TOO LONG (Iam Dutch we're like horses)  to remember (just making sure people are reading this blog)

Traveling: 1983-present: 29 years 244 cities 32 countries all 7 continents
Yoga: 2004-present= 8 years
Maum Meditation Dec 2011-present= 1 year 5 months (with breaks in between Level 4)
Vegan: Oct 2011- present= 6-7 months (with unintended slip ups
Writing this blog: 118 days (and behind since TODAY is really the 125th day forgive me damn distracting ADD and time away from my computer.

I MENTIONED TO HER YOGA. Its a wonderful question to ask yourself. How committed are we to our passions, careers, our lifestyles?  They say it takes 10,000 hours (approx 10 years took Bill Gates 9 years) to truly master your craft, some say it takes 5 years to really make it in Hollywood. I envy that lifelong commitment to excellence. Not to say I don't do excellent things, there are just some places I desire to be NOW, but I am not. I dwell on that too much, bring myself down, but can'tdo that too often since there is no hope in those thoughts. NO NO NO and NO some more. It has to be DO DO DO and DO some more right? A consistent love to achieve. That's it. I faithful Love to excel in all that you choose to accomplish- RVB

LIMITED LIABILITY: DAY ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There are so many numerous choices I have made in my life that were dangerous, disrespectful, wild & crazy, and just down wrong. I am possessed with an amazing Loving caring supportive heart that thrives to live& give while allowing others to prosper through my actions, but through my growth I have hurt others, brought down my family, and have been disappointed in myself. What I have been able to do though is to realize I can overcome all that, make progress, walk tall, and keep striving with a focus moving forward. All of us have to realize that yes we may make some life changing decisions; not wear a condom and get pregnant, put harm upon another and do jail time, or say something that someone else can't forgive&forget (experienced none of those), but if we desire the power to break on through to the other side (thank you JimMorrison) and believe in our passions to celebrate our gifts, then there is continued hope. The key to teach our young folk to do their best to limit their liabilities to society. Do their best to take it slow, educate, hydrate, dont be ignorant, and truly make the effort to lead with goodness. It can be more challenging for some do to their living environment, career choice, relationships, or even mental health, but the more we can realize by setting an optimistic example, then our world will prosper with an improved uplifting energy. Allow the soul to breathe, relax, enjoy peace, and be free of all the nonsense that so many of us reek of,yell with, and dwell on . No more please, be real, and feel with inspiring awareness to believe in all that you desire. It CAN happen. What are the last three letters in AmeriCAN?- rvb

CAUTIOUS CURIOSITY: DAY ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE

One of my favorite cartoons is Curious George. He is a mischievous little monkey fathered by a man with a Yellow Hat, that strives to push the limits of discovering newness, and stirring up mishap along the way. Many of us lead and live our days with senses of humors that stand out, faces that make others laugh, and storytelling skills that create everlasting impressions and memories. There are not enough of us that can be easily entertained and amused by the simplistic elements that surround us. Too many of us have to be the center of attention, always heard and noticed, and be pampered in ways that truly deprive of progress, maturity, and the knowledge of discovery. Get messy, get lost, get embarrassed, get funky, get tied up if that is what will allow you to loosen up and enjoy ALL that the world has to offer. Get outside, be loud, be proud, get inside a large crowd, step out and be on your own. Spice up your emotions and feel different. Yes get in trouble in your own curious way. Shake and Move, Move and Shake your way on through. Live a Little. Explore & Excavate. Wish & Wonder. Find&Follow. Lead & Linger. What or Who is Stopping You? Parents, Other Half, Ego, Fear, more Ego? Don't. You are too Sacred to pass up all the fun and energy that is hustling and bustling out there. You might say it's not me. Why Not? Transform..dont satisfy so easily by being comfortable. Get Out and About for a change and Celebrate Your Clout....Shout- RVB

FALLING DOWN: DAY ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I strive to lead my day with sturdy healthy upfront string pulling from my head shoulders back posture where I can strive with pride high on my horse smiling looking around the world that has so much prosperity and abundance for ALL of us. Yes each and every one of us has the opportunity to thrive where ever we may be. We are given wonderful gifts to soar above all expectations. The huge challenging struggle for many of us, especially me, are all the distractions that I let in to effect my day, There are too many times where I have said or thought,  "Tomorrow, next time, next week..." now its years later and I have to deal with the guilt that comes from not following through, putting it off, and falling down where ever I choose to follow. The true way to define character is how we pick each other  up and overcome all the emotions, pressure, and strife we put upon our souls. We truly have to put the time and energy focusing on US, how we discover our passions, the utilization of their power, and how to enable them to the best of our abilities. Please make sure when you are falling look around, feel and see what surrounds you, and understand what you don't approve of that brings you down. This will assure you the awareness and openness of what you have to avoid or overcome on the way back up to the top, or what you have to let go in order to LET BE. This process is important to avoid making the same mistakes or attracting the wrong similar type of energy from people, places or things in life. So don't fear falling anymore. You know that dream you may have where you are taking a plunge off a cliff or into your dream. Try to stay dreaming, surrender in the moment, and see what you can capture and learn by not waking up but dealing with your dreamy dream state so when you wake up newness will arrive in promising ways.  RVB

SHARING SUNSHINE: DAY ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There are points in our lives where we struggle to be motivated, we battle our internal energy to move and conquer, but sometimes once we get outside, or outside our box, and really loosen up our awareness and openness, then we can feel like we can do anything throughout our day. How do you deal with those down days? What keeps you on course with focus? When you don't have anymore in the tank to give, what do you do to refuel, replenish or regroup? I love to feel cool when I am having a difficult day. Splash of water on the face, a delicious beverage, jump in the sea if I am near, or discover an unforgettable breeze. Feeling and being cool brings me at peace, fills me up with strength and hope. Since I love to share my sunshine spirit, once I am at peace with confidence and joy to celebrate life, I am such a more productive loving soul that has the fight to win over any barrier that stands in my way. Feel free to shine in your own unique way by opening yourself up in ways you and places you didnt know even existed. You will be amazed what you discover and amaze others with who you truly have become and blossomed into- RVB

DISTRACTION OF A DAY: DAY ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There are days that I wake up and there are people, places, and things that are pulling me in all different directions demanding my attention and energy. Some days I just feel I dont have it in my tank to pursue all that I should and want to face. My bed consumes me, the television gets my attention, or my body and mind just decide to concede and not want to do anything. Are these days considered a waste of time? How do you motivate yourself to dig out of these scenarios? Cold shower, fresh air, exercise, and a little pep talk of some sort? Plan Prepare Prioritize your day...What are your main focuses throughout a BUSY day in your world? There are so many worthy fulfilling options to choose from. I just wish I could be more disciplined and not so overwhelmed at times while truly enjoying life to the best of my ability. There is so much to give and do. I want to inspire others and lead them on wonderful paths of accomplishment and promise, giving them hope into a world of Love, Triumph, and Glory. I am so willing and able to strive forward and keep believing in me and all I am capable of doing. How can you maintain staying on course in your visionary world? Make sure you spend the time to understand your gifts, abilities, and utilize them with all that you possess- RVB

SUNDAY WAKE UP: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWELVE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I think the majority of the world's population is born into a religion and has NO CHOICE with which one he or she begins life. There are religions that are more a 'way of daily life' (Muslim, Hassidic Judaism), and then there are those that a very cultish with OUR WAY or NO WAY attitude. I think every religion has some positive intentions, great followers, and beautiful grounded communities that strive to celebrate the beauty of the Guiding Spirit. I was baptized Roman Catholic in Newport Beach California and throughout the time spent in the community was a parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Angels. There I was a first grader, second grader, altar boy, gave my first confession, and received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It was during a struggling, confusing, and crazy time in my life, but it was a place of learning, playing, praying, singing, and understanding. I know my concerns have been discussed, but I strongly believe I was introduced into the Catholic Church way too young. I know religion is all about gathering up the PEOPLE from DAY ONE and provide them a living environment of grace, joy, and Light, but truly understanding the significance of receiving THE BODY of Jesus Christ at age 7 or 8 is quite overwhelming. I completely understand that the Catholic Church has some major flaws from the top and have experienced true evil through recent/past ongoing actions of some sick priests. What I strive to do in life is to focus on the goodness people and causes have to offer and surround myself with joyful intended people and communities. As I have matured and made my own decisions there has been a wide variety of communities that I have celebrated and practiced amongst. I prefer churches that love to celebrate oneness of ALL people and accept ALL cultures. I have never understood churches that recruit and have a real aggressive approach to take people's money. There are certainly proper and comfortable ways to stabilize a church community's finances, but I have experienced so many churches that just don't understand how to respectfully ask people for money or invite them to their service. I have a true love for music and enjoy feeling/celebrating in church the creation of some powerful music that really touches me making an everlasting impression. Currently I don't attend church. I would consider myself a spiritual and very open soul, but definitely would love to be a part of a striving spiritual community that I can grow and believe in. I have been on a long journey and can remember those Sunday Wake Up calls of getting to church on time, but have certainly expanded my mind and soul by practicing Kabballah for 30 weeks, meditating Maum Meditation for over a year, engaging in yoga for 8 years, and really spending the time to search from within my true beliefs. What do you feel in your heart about religion? How many different churches have you been a part of? Do you have the desire to become spiritually grounded? What brings joy to you? Keep sharing and believing in You- RVB

MY HONEY POT: DAY ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

The last time I had six pack abs, I was five years old, had short polka dot swim runks on, and was posing at a lakeside man made beach where the gritty sand just didn't feel right on my skin with a smell of the blue-green algae lake water misting in the air. As I grew older my athlete appetite followed along,  I began to indulge in the world of binge eating. When you are an athlete at a young age playing sports all year long and then exploring the city as a lone wolf on a bike, you begin to engage in the challenges of re-fueling and replenishing. I fight fat cells, have always have, and always will have it is in my Irish genes. As my years grew, my height grew, my ear lobes (from tugging) grew, as did my waistline. I come from a famous Dutch baking family and love love pastries, goodies, breads, and desserts, but also have a salty tooth and love cheeses, meats, chips and pizza. As a child in school I was big and was teased here and there. It wasn't a teasing though that really effects me today, or drove me to depression. What I did though to make sure someone didn't tease me again, was I would sock them in the mouth and/or look them in the eye to tell them to stop. Since I was one of the bigger kids at school, this really didn't happen often since the kids at my schools knew their respected boundaries and the places I went to school were filled with pretty good kids. As I began to grow I continued to eat and began a battle with my weight. I think once you get into a BATTLE and people around you join in on that battle (ie. mother) then the issue gets even worse since there is a constant focus on it. Here in the USA especially as this battle gets worse and people get addicted to certain types of food and eating, then the depression sets in, you get heavier, and then some just GIVE UP. In my case my mom did her best to introduce alternatives, less food, and of course healthier choices. My weight really never got too out of hand since I had people around me that cared, but there were times that I would look in the mirror or see myself in pictures and really feel ashamed and/or uncomfortable. Once I left my mom's house when I was in sixth grade and moved to my papas, then it got a lot worse since he was not a healthy eater, didnt know how to cook, and mostly at take out. Today his still doesn't cook, eats out, but eats more cautiously/healthier at restaurants NOT FAST. Its all about education and understanding how the body absorbs nutrients and the cycle it leads. Once I began drinking, then alcohol came into play with my weight, There are certain foods that I love to enjoy, and certainly still binge eat. Once I entered into puberty, started smoking cigarettes, and grew about 6 inches I dropped close to 30 lbs in my junior year. Once that happened my world changed and I stood tall in so many ways. For the next ten years I went up and down using drugs and alcohol. After college my weight peaked at 226, but in the last 4 years I have declared my body sacred, giving up all drugs and alcohol, and these past 6 months became a dedicated vegan. I also have practiced yoga for the past 8 years and discovered long distant running. Its all about discovering and creating YOUR OWN balance in your life to maintain and sustain a healthy world for yourself. Educate yourself, get control of your metabolism, sweat, hydrate, keep moving, and really understand the way for you to feel completely good about yourself. Even though I still have my little honey pot, I choose to focus on how I feel, and not so much on what I look like. Keep Smiling- RVB

A PROUD PLACE: DAY ONE HUNDRED TEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Throughout my living days so far here in Southern California and brief stays in Northern California I honestly have to say due to my living environments and choices of roommates, I have never felt at home. Yes NEVER, but it is what I was dealt with, and chose to put up with. Being a child of divorce, an explorer, and not completely independent in nature, the places I have called home never have provided me with the privacy, peace, and true comfort that I can celebrate and enjoy fully. There are so many elements put into play to create that stable loving home. From your senses, to your neighbors, to the space, to the potty and shower, the neighborhood, and the flow of traffic. I have truly been blessed to grow up and live in some magical sea towns (Newport Beach, Dana Point, La Jolla), in the mountains (Lake Arrowhead), in the city (San Francisco), the valley (Burbank), and in the neighborhood (San Jose, San Diego). There have been times that I lived a few months in South America (Santiago, Chile & Buenos Aires, Argentina), and Europe (Immling, Bavaria Germany, &  Milano & Trapani, Italia), but always found my way back to Southern California. One huge committed vow I have made for this year with this film is to change my current living environment and bring me to a new place out  there where I can be on my own and live freely with the confidence and peace that I can seek and soar. The world is completely open for me. I have no real attachments to anyone or anything. That is an amazing optimistic reality that pushes me to discover MY HOME. I am a true sea loving water soul that would love to be close to an amazing powerful crashing sea that gives me a breeze and a salty spray forcing an ongoing smile on my face. A yard for some animals, and some sharing giving neighbors who love to cook and entertain. A nearby town would be devine that celebrates local produce and crafts, with a yoga studio, and creative musicians to hold down the fort. Through the years I have toned down my expectations and the self pressure that follows. I still thrive towards greatness visioning pursuing impacting projects that share my passions in hope to have others discover their own. A grounded proud place to call home that makes me proud to be me is so close and near, just have to head out the rear and not look back until the back door opens up somewhere new awaiting for RVB.

SACRED BODY: DAY ONE HUNDRED NINE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

From the moment we wake up, to the time we decide to close our eyes for the night, we should constantly be aware, cautious, and understanding to what we expose ourselves to and how we allow the elements of the world affect our EVERYTHING. There are too many wasted days where we under achieve, over expose, and limit our selves to wasted space and over analyzing the path we have decided to create and roam. There are so many options and choices, distractions and possibilities, and the unlimited opportunities that are here for the taking. Life can be quite simplistic, faced with a calm self respectful demeanor, while discovering the truth and knowledge of how to be good to one self. The more you can give and believe in, then there is an improved sense of hope and confidence gifted to the future of your longevity and your moving forward energy. The difficult challenge though is the sustainability and consistent focus on maintaining this goodness to our mind, body and soul. We are such sacred beauties and there is way too much abuse and deprivation to our world that it is truly breaking down the moral and structural progressive productivity worldwide. There are too many babies having babies, obese communities, soda drinkers, and people losing their fight with their personal addictions. The striving work ethnic and determination/motivation to work for the common good is so down in the dumps which results in the anger-filled tension that is killing our cities. After extensive research through travel, people watching, and understanding the culture of our world, the defying factor to all the chaos that thrives, is lack of self respect and poor diet. Without a sustaining foundation in both of these two elements there really is no true hope in complete fulfillment within our communities. If you can't love and respect oneself, then there is not real room to let anyone else amongst you in a genuine real manner, and without a quality diet your energy, focus and brain power will be deprived of it true rewarding potential. So please spend the time to look from within to understand all your amazing gifts while educating yourself about the delicious and wonderful ways to feed your body and your future with an abundance of yumminess. RVB

POR FAVORE: DAY ONE HUNDRED EIGHT WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

The gift of gracious goodness is such a rewarding and uplifting part of my day. The thing is though the energy that arrives with its realization is not always present. There are times I fall. My focus follows downward, and my appreciation seems to sit in the back seat and linger. What I strive to do in my life is to provide my self with an ongoing joy where I can sustain that grace throughout my WHOLE DAY, my every day. I truly deserve that, and am so capable of maintaining that in the now outlook of dealing with my daily life. I don't want to have good days and bad days. I desire great days and better ones. I am going to create that for myself. No doubt since that is the BEST way to live. That is a committed dedicated mind set that results in peace of mind & body, and a true healthy way of living. What many people think though if someone is ALL THE TIME, "awwwwwwwwww life is so grand and I can just be so thaaaaaankful for aaaaaaaaaaal  that is me..." then he or she isn't facing reality or really understanding the challenges of being human. I think one can live a life with joy, but to sustain that joy I believe that individual has to be joyful by being productive, following through on projects for the common good, and be proactively real to the gifts and talents he or she possesses. Deprivation is Death. So take the time to understand how to choose happiness and joy to the best of your ability. Celebrate you with others by bringing yourself joy each day in a respectful loving way. PorFavorePlease- rvb

DOWNTOWN: DAY ONE HUNDRED SEVEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I have lived in 22 houses in my life. Yes you have read it right. Due to being a child of divorce, living with a mom who loved to move every 2 years, and being someone that knows when it is time to move ahead, I have made my way in and out of neighborhoods all over Southern & Northern California. Through these roundabouts I have surely experience my fair share of discovery. Even though I do not live a stable and secure lifestyle, my way of exploring has opened up an awareness and passion to learn, that I truly cherish. What lies beyond the city limits and sunshine skies has always amazed me. There is something about the introduction to newness that brightens up my day and allows to ignite my insight and relay the news to others. I am a strong advocate of sharing special hidden spots, delicious home-cook-meal feel restaurants, and places that make you feel proud of yourself. How often do you dig down deep in the downtown of your local city or the downtown of a far away land? What do you manage to do once you make it there? What kind of transportation do you use? How do the buildings and people make you feel? The center of a town where commerce is bustling and the locals hustling. defines the energy of productivity and the surrounding entertainment of the area. What do you do in order to get yourself within that arena? Or do you lay low, play it safe, and decide its not your place to roam? I encourage people to stride with confidence and knowledge by stepping outside your limits and restrictions. Prioritize your time, breakdown your routine, and face your fears of the unknown. Discover on your own what life has to offer. Don't rely on the unreliable media and judging friends. Pick yourself up and get moving out there. You never know with a proactive optimistic outlook with a real respectful attitude, you may be amazed what you are capable of creating. The more you open up and change things around, the better chance of bringing greatness your way and into your giving day. There are so many beautiful places to enter. It's there for the taking to bring to you and to be within you. ALWAYS.....Where will it be next?- rvb

EL LOBO: DAY ONE HUNDRED SIX WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Us humans are surrounded by other living creatures that have been instrumental in the progress of our race. Due to our living environment and where we have chosen to roam there are certain animals that have made more of a difference on our lives. I truly have a love and passionate connection to animals. I admire their creative survival skills, their warmth for their families, the mystery of their enduring minds, and the ability to utilize their communities and kin in order to lead a progressive life. I have had pets in the homes I have lived in, but can say I have NEVER had a pet of my own. There was Papaya the goldfish that lived for years and years and would eat out of your hand during feeding, there was Tiffy the cat that roamed the cat walk at the WooHouse and was never spade with numerous litters that overrun our space, then my mama had Beleza Quezar Neptune of the Sea (runt of her litter but had crooked overbite) the Portuguese Water Dog who was thrown in the pool too young, but had a heart of gold and the best loving cuddler, and then Coco the Chihuahua who loved to sleep under the covers like a hot potato. These were animals that made an impact in my life. Yes a big orange goldfish touched me since Papaya taught me that even though we was confined to a fix spot in life, he made the best to entertain his owners, swim with style, and share his life with all of us I think for close to 4 years before his garbage disposal demise. Anytime animals pass by my day I welcome them into my space, say hello, send them some recognition, and/or observation. My favorite animal to watch in the wild is the hummingbird, Normally I will discover the bird, sometimes hear, in the corner of my eye and then with great excitement look over to get a quick glimpse and then he/she will be off humming around out of sight. Recently though I have been focusing more on being gentle and subtle with my actions, and have been gifted the opportunity to see hummingbirds in action seeking nectar with as much patient gentleness and peace I have been experiencing. Just realized the power of emotion as we are mirror images of our surroundings. So True with this explanation of the hummingbird, but the real issue is how long can one maintain their desired state of mind. It truly takes focused understanding and awareness of balance to allow yourself to live consistently in a way that you can be surely proud of what you have become. I went to Ireland in 1994 to enjoy Easter Break with my sister in pursuit of getting a tattoo of the Kodiak Bear that stood proud on the chewing tobacco can that I fancied occasionally. When Buddy (red-bearded), the artist, mentioned it would be too difficult to trace the can's surface I went in search of another animal to put on my body forever. I chose the wolf and placed him on my right inner forearm where he still is today, along with his Dutch counterpart on my inner left forearm created in Amsterdam. I am a Dutch Irish lone wolf explorer that thrives and strives to stay alive with pride and bright Light. The wolf is such a part of me with the passion to travel, seek the unknown, stay afloat, round up the family, be mysteriously curious, and enjoy the art of making ends meet. I am a dedicated predator of discovering the TRUE ME, self excavator, and understanding how to truly enable my gifts to the best of my ability. So what is your animal? Which one gives you the power and hope to BE YOU and provides you with the characteristics of living life with vigor and tenacity? I know my love for animals has gifted me a wonderful free outlook on my daily life and an understanding of freedom and dedicated aggression to celebrate the beauty the world has to offer- RVB

READ AWAY: DAY ONE HUNDRED FIVE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Our world has such a wealth of knowledge to absorb. Knowledge that stretches across lands, through libraries, over prairies, into classrooms, under the sea, and into our flowing brains that allow us to hope, believe, and share its beauty, its reality, and promise. There is so much joy in the discovery of the unknown once realized. The simple things in life can go such a long way. They can be ingrained for a lifetime or forgotten overnight, but the moment you are given a feeling of wonderful smiling, head shaking, and the owness of "NO WAY" abundance then you GOT IT. Yes you have something within you that is NEW, or remembered, and who knows how you will then move onward. Of course all these discoveries aren't always positive ones people. The realization of he did that, or she couldn't have said that, could bring heartache and shock, but sometimes the things you read aren't  always REAL. The art of reading, whatever it may be, from a newspaper, magazine, comic book, or a dusty hard back you checked out of the local library, the power of the word on paper paints a picture through the writer's creativity and allows the reader to be taken to places that he/she could only imagine going. There are times that you may have visited  that fountain in Rome or monument in DC that the writer is mentioning, and you can go there with the characters and view the page differently, or maybe you have never left you own neighborhood and through books are given a whole NEW WORLD of opportunity and wonder. There is so much beauty and possibility through reading. I always have an easier time getting through books that focus on topics of my passions; music, sports, film, mysterious/unknown, biographies, travel, etc....So get out there and indulge yourself, read out loud to improve your speech or work through your voices, create a quiet place inside or out and get lost within a long loving novel. I understand that our technology has changed and there are e-books and audio books, what ever it takes educate yourself, workout your brain and eyes, and fill your mind with goodness that will assist your cause in allowing you to lead a more productive path. I know I don't read enough especially the classics (especially English Lit),poetry, and Greek Mythology, since on Jeopardy I was fail those categories. I know reading gives us headaches, and some are forced to do it for school or to participate in your local book clubs, but discover an author, topic, time period, or genre, and have some fun. Just like flossing you can never OVERREAD- rvb

GETTING ATTENTION: ONE HUNDRED FOUR WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Throughout my life I have always shined under pressure while enjoying the mix up of what I have been dealt with, offered, and chose to do with my days. There have been many a wasted staying in bed, in front of the TV, and avoiding responsibility, but recollecting on ALL that I have seen and done I proudly can say I HAVE LIVED, ENDURED, and continue to BELIEVE in what I am doing. I am extremely hard on myself in many different ways, but strive to carve out a niche for myself SOON in order to lead a life that can make a difference in others. When I was young I was always provided homes with hope, love, care, support, and opportunity. I have YES parents that have always showed ME that they are by my side  in amazing ways, but deep down I would hope that they would have been more hard on ME then I myself. More encouragement, more "NOs you should do this, OR YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS BECAUSE OF THIS," meaning from a young age I was given the power of choice. When times were not going well for me at a school I would tell them I was done with it, and move on, or when I changed jobs and came back home to live they opened up their doors. Don't get me wrong I deeply appreciate these acts since I was in a bind and things weren't going well for me at the time, but I believe I have had it TOO EASY, and wish I wouldn't have been given these options, resulting in me being a little tougher, clever, and independent. Hope you understand what I am saying. I wish NOW I was on my own, with family, creating a life of my own, in my own house, with a car, career, striving and thriving forward with someone and something serious. I have chosen the path of travel, sports, background, meditation, and in my mind takin it easy in life. Today I am going to make the excuse and call this period in my life the investigation/research segment in order to venture out on my own and create a worthy empire where I can service others and share my passions with them in order to discover their own. I desire to be in a spotlight where I can shine with delight every day ALL day taking action towards common goals with common folk that are superb and are willing to celebrate their own gifts with me. When, How, Where will I put my foot down and make the lifelong commitment of no longer avoiding my true responsibility of making it happen for myself. What is my calling? People strive in life for different intentions. Some are self serving to make them overcome all their insecurities. Early in my life I was not insecure, currently I AM due to the fact of not taking the actions I desire to move forward with while not providing myself that things I deserve. It will only take some key decisions in my life to wipe away my fears and allow me to really BE ME, the true me one with the universe, serving the people, and living life to the best of MY ABILITY. Only if you knew what my mind endures, all that I think about, all that I vision, and all I am willing to do. There is NO ONE out there like me, just like that there is NO ONE out there like you, we are all unique in our own ways, but ALL ONE in the same soul. So what will I do next for my desiring attention? I will continue to make others laugh, inspire others to seek and soar, and give them hope beyond the eye can see, but I MUST and I ILL focus on my quest of being a responsible loving strong independent MAN of the PEOPLE- rvb

FOCUS ON ONE THING: DAY ONE HUNDRED THREE

One huge vow that I have made for this year's committed project has been to breakdown all my passions and make a MAJOR decision on my career path and truly dedicate my focus on moving forward. I have some visionary ideas and plans that I desire to make a difference to the world. I have to take it step by step and be realistic with all that I possess. But my TIME IS NOW to take the action and focus on ONE THING that I can master. Will it be writing? assisting? producing? film making? managing? acting? developing? It is a must and WILL happen sooner than never. Can I do it all at once? MY TRACK RECORD will show NO. I will just end up in the same spot.....What will happen first? Change my living environment or begin my career path? Where do you stand in your life? Grounded with happiness with a clear shiny bathroom mirror that provides piercing confidence  that kicks you out the door everyday? Or do you live in a fog, sluggish, struggling to find the time to clean up your act and take action. Got to celebrate your gifts. I know I DO NOT to the best of my ability NOW, but at least I am aware of my willingness and ability to hone my craft and do something with my life. When? Will I be too late? Writing or developing my top two today...RVB

FOUNDATIONAL GLUE: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWO WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

The are some musts in my mind in order for a relationship to be hopeful and worthy enough for my attention. From my mind to yours I truly desire creativity, curiosity, desire, sensuality, passion, drive, uniqueness, ask questions, have a voice, willing to listen & learn, strive for excellence, walk with style, believe in oneself, dedication to a cause, quality diet, exercise in someway, desire to explore&discover, cherish simplicity, and have a genuine smile with laughter. These of course are just some of the many attributes through my mind and soul that creates goodness and gives me faith to pursue someone special. What wows you in ways that open your senses to desire more from someone? I encounteedr a friend years ago who told me she went on 15 dates in a month and walks the planet with a list/agenda of what she wants in a man. At first I was sluggish to listen since having agendas and MUSTs set yourself for failure no? But she was someone I respect and she started to mention that she wants someone that IS NOT RACIST. That struck a cord in me and made complete sense and she continued and mentioned other things she deserved to have in a man. I think there are so many people out there that are constantly burned, take things way too personally, and surround themselves with needy, ME ME ME and self-intended individuals that will do anything to soothe their insecurities/fears by disrespecting and hurting others. Think about your style, approach, and how you meet others. Is there a pattern of the types of people attract? Do you enjoy this pattern? What are you going to do to give yourself hope in creating the desired type of foundational glue that is going to bind you to someone in a soothing, satisfying, and sensational way. It is a true struggle to discover that fulfilling soul, especially for the ladies out there. NO DOUBT. Stay true to your hearts, be good to your soul, and don't sell yourself up the river, meaning DON'T risk the sake of your children, your safety, and your guiding morals just to pay next months rent, or get fashions new wardrobe. There are wholesome wonderful people out there that are loving, ambitious, and willing to provide an unforgettable living environment and relationship that you can be proud to call your own. A relationship that has room to grow, gives you the hope that feeds into happiness, and prosperous living. Understand what you desire while planting trees and trees of growing sweetness that can be felt and feed you for a lifetime. RVB

SUNSHINE SMILE: DAY ONE HUNDRED ONE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

The first time I ever went to the dentist I had Five Cavities. Yes 5 and the dentist was worried to numb me up for all of them. Can't remember if we plugged them up all at once or if we did it in two visits. I am thinking the latter, but that day made me realize the importance of taking care of my teeth. I was blessed with wonderful genes. Rich Dutch Irish features inside and out with a living life that has been filled with abundance of unique encounters and experiences that I will and do cherish sincerely. After my five cavity encounter I established an amazing streak that would last over 20 years of never receiving another cavity within my adult teeth. I was always gifted in my mouth with NO WISDOM TEETH, no major chips, only a bad apple tasting abscess removal once. For years due to financial constraints I would always think that my papa, who would was paying for my insurance, would tell the dentists to relay me the good news so he wouldn't have to pay for the bank breaking wisdom teeth procedure. Years later after I left his policy I realized on my own through x-rays that YES YES YES I have no wisdom teeth. Once I landed with my current dentist my streak finally was broken and NOW have two fillings in my mouth....pretty efficient painless life of teeth. I do my best to floss (not always daily), use baking soda with a little food base hydrogen peroxide, quality toothpaste, tongue scrubber, and gentle patient brushing skills. There are people out there that look like they bit into a hand grenade (as my papa would mention), or others that have one parent with horse teeth and the other with a petite mouth. There is nothing like a quality fresh confident genuine non-veneer smile. It truly shows the self-respect and hard work of an individual. I understand that there are people who are dealt with bad genes as mentioned above, and others who have bad luck with knock outs, chips, and decay, but honestly with cautious awareness and consistent care. it really is not a difficult task. Do your best to treat yourself with the best type of care you can give yourself. Remember a smile can brighten up someone's day, it can bring that someone more hope throughout their day, ease the tension, create the realization of beauty, and even provide an openness for someone new to arrive into your Light and provide you with sweet goodness. So if you so desire go out there and share your sunshine smile and see how far your rays can reach into the lives of others giving you the peace of mind of spreading your joy- RVB

SHORT & SWEET: DAY ONE HUNDRED WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There are times in life or even in your day when you are completely overwhelmed with all that is presented to you or all that is on your TO DO LIST or all that you are obligated to do. How do you deal with this emotion? Do you tackle it head on and barrel through all that you face? Or do you pick and choose, avoid here and there, put off, and then find yourself behind and more overwhelmed? I struggle with both facets, but have realized if I can find a trigger point of action that keeps me focused, eye on the prize of completion that I can maintain throughout the day, then I can push forward. Discovering that push and leap of faith isn't always easy for me at least. I struggle with the internal body flow of motivation and thorough effort, but strive to constantly improve to initiate clever ways to take the plunge each day allowing me to stay on course to go about my day with follow through. For me it really doesn't take much, many times its a very sweet and simple gesture, or just getting outside, standing up, or making it into the shower. Discover what triggers your motivating factor of making your day a productive one- RVB

GOT TO SWEAT: DAY NINETY NINE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I was truly blessed to be brought up by two parents that were athletes that provided me the playing field of competition, dedicated drive, and the fun of team sports. Through my experiences I gained the skills of a deep deep 3 point shot, a tenacious powerful tennis serve, and the determined heart to compete with focused fierce vigor like no other. I was on championship teams, and experienced the cellar, but as an athlete it is what your perspective of the game and what your intentions are that truly determines the outcome of its affect in your life. In my life it was a place to release, gain self confidence, interact with others, and understand the abilities of how to win, prepare, practice, and truly fight for common goals with other striving individuals. I played intensive sports from the age of five to about fourteen (baseball, basketball, American football, futbol (soccer) & tennis) and then went onto high school just focusing on American football and one year of basketball (where I learned endurance that is still with me today). Sports has also taught me the importance of fitness. If any of you know me throughout my life I have struggled with fat cells/my weight. Even though I was a tall and big kid it was always an inner struggle since I LOVE TO EAT. I am a savory sweet kind of guy that binges and can mack with the best of them. In the exercise world it is so important to understand the know how of the body and how to maintain goodness throughout your life. In fifth grade I believe,  my PE class was introduced to Ironman TriAthlete Ms. Leslie Skow. She put us through the fitness tests. BMI, flexibility, pull ups, sit ups, agility, and the treacherous mile run that I truly loathed. It wasn't until someone stole my mountain bike 15+ years later that I actually enjoyed long distant running, but that mile run was a place that I was stuck in the back of pack for all to see and I couldn't doing anything about. I have overcome all that embarrassment and am an avid runner knocking of daily 4-7 mile runs no problem and love it (discovered the RUNNERS HIGH). Through that experience and ongoing self observation/experimentation I have finally understood and got in control of my metabolism. This has allowed me to celebrate a delicious diet, know where my limits exist, and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I can't stress enough though the significance of providing oneself the opportunity to have the ability to LET GO with exercise. To push yourself to a place that is energizing that will assist your body to shed weight, get rid of unwanted toxins inside and out, and freely let the flow of the body nurture your glowing soul bringing an inspired peace of mind to you every day. I believe its a MUST to sweat. So many of us bottle up all our stress through over thinking, over working, over analyzing and never give the body the time to BE FREE and really drain out all the nonsense we seem to store in our vessels. Discover your release. Prioritize Time For You. Keep Moving and Shaking People. Be Good to Your Bodies- RVB

One thing I constantly struggle to deal with is consistent sleep. Sleep is so so so important to give your body rest and peace to do its thing.

SWEET & SPICY: DAY NINETY EIGHT WHAT IS MY PURPOSE

I come from a famous Los Angeles (Pacific Northwest) Dutch baking family: VAN DE KAMP. Some know the story while others don't have a clue. I learn new things about my family legacy each year and its always an amazing inspiring reality of what runs through my blood of where/how one side of my family endured to survive in LA from the 20s-late 70s and onward. A Jewish family (Lawry) and a Catholic family (Van de Kamp) decided to create a partnership (somewhat of a NO NO in the day) and start simple. Starting simple is always a wonderful piece of advice that I never seem to grasp since I am a big dreamer/picture Aquarian that strives to build the masterpiece, but many of us know that to get on top of the mountain we can't just go straight up, we have to switch-back dealing with all the elements and fight onward with endurance, patience, and perseverance. It started in downtown with a small potato chip stand called Saratoga Chips. The business then expanded with the vision of bringing freshly daily baked goods into local markets establishing Van de Kamp Bakeries. From there restaurants were created and then eventually a line of frozen foods were provided to the public near the end of my family reigns in the business. This was a very brief description of a wonderful story about two striving families who believed in quality and excellent success. What it taught me was to believe and act upon your passions. Live through them and enjoy the journey. I believe this is why I love to create and celebrate in the kitchen. Never feared it, have delicious senses, all about preparation, presentation, and lots of color on my plates. I have picked up things here and there from my mama, other mamas around the world, cooks in restaurants, and backyard barbecues, but really have to honor my own love for food, taste, and the service of others. My philosophy is "EVERY BITE IS A NEW BITE" with a sweet and spicy flare. My specialties are Mexican, Sunday Brunch, Greens & Grains the Vegan way, Sauces, Argentinian Parilla, ans salads all in a flavor-filled savory sweet and loving way. It is true, cooking can be oh so loving and perfect in many many ways. The kitchen is a place where I shine and blossom. A place where I can be me in my own unique way...Bon-Appetito- RVB

TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED: DAY NINETY SEVEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

There are so many things in our lives that we are obligated to follow, understand, deal with, remember, take responsibility, and overcome, but it is HOW and WHAT style/approach we decide to move forward with that truly creates our soul and how we live. There is an energy that evolves around our aura that is constantly moving us. It keeps us up or drags us down. It allows us to be confident or it brings us doubt. What the real issue is our willingness and ability to be aware of how we feel, if we are happy with the affect of our surroundings and actions, and do we have the dedicated desire to transform from the inside out. Do you spend time in your day or week asking yourself these types of concerns of making improvements in your life? Are you discovering ways to bring more goodness and peace your way? What types of actions (ie; exercise, meditation, eating, music etc...) do you take to bring yourself (mentality, physically, emotionally) balance and keep you motivated. How do you make sure your stress level doesnt disable this process? What brings you stress? How does stress physically make you feel? I put a lot of self pressure on myself. In the past I was surely more impatient, had a poor diet, was a "NO" man, and spent a lot of my time negated situations that deprived me of opportunity. Physically I deal with ADD. If any of you can relate, IT DOES EXIST in a physical way. Its never an excuse but only a barrier to face and overcome. Its an amazing gift, but also brings me daily challenges and changes of mood throughout the day. I have done my best through diet, intensive exercise, and meditation to fight on through and bring more productivity and Light into my day. We surely are too blessed to be stressed in allowing it to control, change, and crutch our lives. So check with yourself when feeling "stressed" realize that you dont enjoy that feeling and then create a game plan of how to tone it down and utilize its realization of its NOT FOR ME..No mas por favore..We are put on this Earth to celebrate our gifts. I know I DO NOT do this with all my heart and to the best of my ability. That is a strong, but true statement that I am here willing and able to move away from and become what I want to be; sharing my gifts, bringing the best out of others, and creating peace in my surroundings. Is that my purpose? I believe its part of it, but surely have to be more specific this year and get to the cause/cell root of me  RVB

FIRST JOB: DAY NINETY SIX WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

My first job wasn't a paper route or being a lifeguard at a local swimming pool, but it was to go into my step-dad's high end men's clothing store called P.O.S.H and become a seasonal MAIL LABELER.  Yes my fingers went through sticky pain as I unraveled sheet after sheet of client labels and applied them to front of envelopes of seasonal catalogue envelopes getting paid 6 per/hour in the mid 80s. I was stuck in a little back room with an ADD focus of making some cash to pay for my movie and candy bar baseball card habit. It was a twice a year gig where I pulled in some major dough for a little doughy kid from Newport Beach. I was paid under the dinner table and provided a bank roll where I even saved some cash at the Bank of Newport that no longer exists. It was a job that required patience, a little unsticking skill, and lining up hand&eye coordination that I learned on the ball fields in town. Never recognized for my service by the community, never got a raise, and never got demoted. It was a responsibility and a story to share of where a passionate soul had to begin making a buck out there in the big working world. It brought me closer to the employees and tailors that already knew me at the store and opened doors for future work of doing house cleaning at the local sales guy's bachelor pad. Do you know what happens to five day old left over lasagna that sits underneath a pile of dirty dishes? So when looking back at your first job, realize its current impact remembering we all had to start somewhere- RVB

PLAY IT LOUD SING WITH STYLE: DAY NINETY FIVE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

When I was seven or so my papa got me a drum set and my stage name was Jeff "TheBeat" O'Brien. Jeff O'Brien was my imaginary friend living on the mountains in Lake Arrowhead. He was my most challenging opponent, loyalist adviser, and focused critic, at a time I was the most confused, frustrated and out of control soul. (My great-grandmother Amah last name was O'Brien but had no idea until I was 17.) My sister would present me as I would hide upstairs in HOUSE#2 in Lake Arrowhead (#2 to my memory since I know it was really #3) and she would announce slowly, "NOW COMING TO THE STAGE JEEEEEEEEEEEEEF TTTTTTTTTTHHHHEEEEE BEEEEEEEAT OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEN..." I would run down the long flight of carpeted stairs jump on my little stool, and belt out any recent Scooby Doo song. The most memorable one was "Pretty Mary SunLight" and I would add in "I think you're  such a HUNK...Pretty Mary Sunlight...." At the time my sister transformed herself into Annie doing gigs with local concert pianist at the Lake Arrowhead Hilton and around town. She fit the part like a gem red haired wig, locket, dress and all. Only thing she was missing was her dog SANDY. Since I was born my exposure to music was beautiful. Such an amazing eclectic variety of wonderful 50s-80s musical creations. I even got my sisters wig out of storage once to enter a lip sync contest in the 5th grade. I was too chubby to fit in the dress, but I got in front of the whole school auditorium and brought the house down (literally- even got all the mean teachers to release their perma-frowns for a few minutes) singing the classic "TOMORROW. The Sun Ull Come Out Tomorrow...Bet Your Bottom Dollars that Tomorrow They'll Be Sun.......?  Even ended the song on one knee with arms wing-wide. Always love attention. Always love performing. Always love to celebrate with music. Drive intensely at night with windows down blasting the bass and treble. There is something about the sound and drive of musical notes that reach your ears that bring the best out of the soul. It can soothe, motivate, inspire, wash away the pain, keep you going, and bring peace and harmony to your day. It can also bring up wonderful memories giving you the strength to keep enduring and believe. I am all about foundational structure in my life and I desire to bring MORE MUSIC BACK in my life. Ever since I sweat out my Ipod nano my ears with music has been limited. Dont have a smart phone or a car to be attached to, but I do my best to enjoy it live and loud with amazing style. Smiling thinking of the beauty and peace I feel with all the great music people have within them. Go out and seek the soul within all the instruments people play, strum, and drum. Peace- RVB

PUTTING YOUR FOOT DOWN: DAY NINETY FOUR WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I was gifted some large (flippers/water skis as my papa would) 13DD feet my friends. Some Dutch Irish exploring vessels that have gotten me from point A to B and back to A via LAX or Union Station in LA plenty of wonderful times. Analyze that number (13DD) and I must have the widest flattest fattest skinniest set of knockers/feet west of the Mississippi (so kidding). It took over 3 months for my mama and I to find the first set of dress shoes that would fit my feet when I was put into a fancy cotillion (dress up teach kids how to dance with manners) group in the 3rd grade. To this day my feet are oh so picky. Wide with sensitive toes and so so so soft. No I don't have a foot fetish of some sort, but if you put focus on it, boy have my feet walked some amazing paths, decks on boats, up and down train aisles, boarded Trans-atlantic flights, on worldwide ball fields, and across sandy beaches. They are healthy strong feet and never give up hope with them. I know through time and turmoil my feet will weather and breakdown, but I have the determination to keeping putting one foot in front of the other with passion and intention to continue my legacy to striving and thriving with all that I pursue and believe in. There are those who don't have feet or those that have lost their legs, or even those that can't feel their feet, but still climb mountains and swim across rivers. What kind of feet are under you? How do you make sure you have your feet firm on the ground moving forward? How do you celebrate life with the feet that keep you going? Just remember everything in life is temporary. Live with purpose while taking yourself to places that you never thought you would go by taking the risks and facing your fears. Here For You- RVB