Friday, May 28, 2010

About Sarah Jessica Parkers' Dress

Okay, here it comes folks…..another one of Ron’s star-crazed celebrity posts. For those of you who are not fans of either Sarah Jessica Parker or Sex and the City, you may at first find this post uneventful.

But I implore you to read on, because I guarantee that by the time you finish reading this, you’ll find it CRAZILY eventful.

As you guys and gals already know, I work within the beauty industry. Therefore, I often get to experience what’s called a “launch” of a new product or fragrance. And even though I’ve been doing this for 26 years, I still find it fun because there’s always a lot of anticipation and excitement going on.

Last week in one of the stores I work at, I had the immense pleasure to be a part of the launch of Sarah Jessica Parkers' latest fragrance, NYC. I love it! It‘s a fresh, clean, bright fragrance. And since Sarah Jessica Parker created it, I would love it even if it smelled like warm vinegar sprinkled over gorgonzola cheese.

As most of you also know, I LOVE Sarah Jessica Parker. So, when I was asked to help promote her new fragrance, I jumped at the chance.

Now, here’s the exciting part…. Do you see the dress she’s wearing in the photo at the top of this post?

Go ahead, take a good look at it. Well, that dress was designed by Oscar de la Renta, specifically for the ad campaign. And that dress WAS DISPLAYED IN THE STORE! Yes, the dress that Sarah Jessica Parker actually PUT ON HER SIZE ZERO BODY!

And the first thing I wanted to do was sniff the under arm area of the dress, to see if I could smell any residue from her deodorant. I kid you not. However, the person who was in charge of transporting the dress into the store, said that when she first took it out of the clothing bag, she could smell the aroma of dry cleaning fluid, therefore the dress would have no deodorant residue. DAMN IT! I was so hoping to discover that Sarah uses Secret, like me.

Now, here’s the REALLY exciting part…. I asked if I could sneak inside the store window and stand next to the dress, while someone took a picture. And guess what they said? YES!!!!!!!

So, I carefully got inside the window (with pedestrians watching me from the street) and had someone snap of few photos. Here’s my favorite……

And be honest. How many of you are thinking, “I wonder if Ron had the urge to put the dress ON?”

SHIT, YEAH!

Wishing you an Oscar de la Renta weekend everyone!

Monday, May 24, 2010

The Ring

After my birth mother passed away, my father eventually had her diamond wedding ring made into a pinkie ring for himself.

He worn the ring until he passed away at the age of 73.

And it was then that my stepmother passed it on to me.

A few months after my fathers death, I took the ring and had it reset so I could wear it on my ring finger. And I remember the day I went to the jewelers to pick it up after the setting was complete.

As I took it out of the box, I was overcome with emotion. I don’t think I ever really noticed how beautiful the diamond was because of the previous way it had been set. I decided to have it bezel set in a plain gold band, which somehow made the diamond appear more brilliant.

It sparkled and glistened with it’s many facets, almost as if the stone was happily smiling at me.

I immediately felt the presence of my mother saying, “Now it’s yours.”

I worn the ring consistently, until one day I noticed that the diamond was loose. So I immediately took it off and placed it safely back into the box, and had every intention of having the diamond tightened. However, for some strange reason I never did.

So, there it sat in the box for several years.

In 2001 I moved back to Philadelphia, and through a series of life-altering financial events I had to file bankruptcy.

Prior to that, I barely had enough money to eat, because I was using every single penny I made to pay for my rent, utilities, and phone. If it weren't for the assistance of my friends, I would have never been able to make it.

At first, I hadn’t shared my financial status with my family because I didn’t want to worry them. I guess I kept thinking that somehow my situation would improve, but it only got worse.

I remember one night sitting on my apartment floor, blanking staring at the TV screen while watching a movie thinking to myself, “ How the hell am I ever going to pay for my rent next week?"

And no sooner had I thought that, did I begin to focus on a scene in the movie I was watching, in which a women was going through the same thing I was experiencing. She desperately tried to figure out how she was going to pay for her mortgage that month because she had no funds in her checking or savings account.

Suddenly, she remembered a diamond necklace that was given to her by her ex-husband. She took the necklace out of a box in her closet, and made the choice to take it to a jewelry shop that bought diamonds.

She cashed it in and was able to make her mortgage payment.

It was then that I remember my mothers’ diamond.

I took it out of the box and looked at it, and thought, “Can I really do this?”

For days, I agonized about what to do because the ring held such a strong connection between my mother and I.

Was it wrong for me to take something that originally belonged to her and sell it for rent?

One night after not being able to sleep, I took the ring in my hand and closed my eyes, and just came right out and asked her.

I said, “I’m sorry for even thinking this, truly I am, but I’m scared and I don’t know what else to do. Please tell me what to do. Please.”

And this is what I felt…

“I am your mother and you are my son. If I can help you right now, then this is what I want for you. Sell it, and never look back. Because this was the purpose of my ring.”

So I did.

And as I left the jewelers that following afternoon, I had no regrets. No feelings of remorse, or even sadness.

I only felt her love.

*This post was inspired by my dear friend, Peg. Thank you, Peg!

Monday, May 17, 2010

The Giving Tree

Back in 1975, I read a book intended for children called, The Giving Tree. And I can honestly say, there has never been a book with so few words that has touched me so profoundly. Even now, as I every so often reread it, it reaches deep; touching that little child within me.

The book is a tribute to what it means to give and love unconditionally.

"The Giving Tree is a tale about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree always provides the boy with what he wants: branches on which to swing, shade in which to sit, apples to eat, branches with which to build a home. As the boy grows older he requires more and more of the tree. The tree loves the boy very much and gives him anything he asks for. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut her down so the boy can build a boat in which he can sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, the boy, now an old man, returns and the tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The boy replies, " I do not need much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest." The tree then says, "Good! A tree stump is a great place to do just that! Come boy, sit down and be happy." The boy obliged and the tree was happy."

Let me say, I have always believed in the awesome power of trees. Not only in their physical purpose, but also in their energetic ability to heal and rejuvenate.

Yes, I’m one of those crazy people you’ll spot hugging a tree.

But I don’t wear Birkenstocks, I SWEAR!

For the past four weeks, I’ve been very busy working additional hours at my job. Grateful as I am for these hours, I’ve been feeling myself spread thin and a bit discombobulated; readjusting to my new schedule.

Whenever I feel like this, I will inevitably hear a little voice inside me that says, “Go hang out by a tree. You’ll feel much better.”

For as much as I love being a “city boy”, there is a part of me that requires periodic infusion with nature. Nature has a way of “grounding” me; balancing my humanness with my spirit.

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have the day off from work, so I decided to spend the afternoon sitting in my favorite park, under my favorite tree.

So, there I sat at the base of this tree; breathing in it’s energy.

And ya know what?

After almost an hour, I felt like a completely different person.

I felt tremendously energized, yet calmer. I felt stronger, yet more flexible.

I felt centered, clear, and renewed.

And then I felt myself suddenly fill with the inspiration to come home and write this post.

However, before I left I wanted to thank the tree.

But tell me......why the hell was I getting so many STRANGE looks?

Thank you, tree!!!!

Attention: if you have the time, please click on the You Tube video I placed on my sidebar this week. It's the FABULOUS Jennifer Hudson singing, All Dressed In Love. I LOVE this woman's' voice. I guarantee this song will put you in the best mood! Be sure your speakers are turned up LOUD. And try not to dance.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Let's Talk About Drag Queens, Y'all

First, let me say this post was totally inspired by one of my blogging buddies, JD., who last week wrote a hysterical post about her love of Puerto Rican drag queens. If you’ve never visited JD’s blog, I Do Things So You Don’t Have To, I implore you to stop by sometime this weekend and treat yourself to her wonderful sense of humor. I guarantee you’ll love her as much as I do.

Now, getting back to drag queens….

Who here has never seen a drag show?

Who here thinks a drag show is a car race?

Oh, come on now….be honest.

A drag show (female impersonation) is when men dress up as women and traditionally lip-sync to diva vocal artists, such as, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, and Judy Garland, to name but a few. There are also some drag queens who have excellent voices, therefore sing as themselves, such as the ever-so-talented RuPaul.

Now, not all drag queens are pretty. Some are exquisite, while others resemble Clint Eastwood wearing lipstick, high heels, and his sister’s prom dress. However, even those drag queens are fun to watch because Clint Eastwood wearing a prom dress…well…is just amusing to watch.

I have also seen a few drag shows where women impersonate men and let me tell you, they’re fantastic too. However, I don’t know what you would call them. Perhaps, drag KINGS?

Not all female impersonators perform in gay nightclubs. In fact, while living in Florida, one of the most successful and packed night clubs was a straight club in Miami that I would sometimes go to see a very talented man impersonate Judy Garland. When you watched him it was as if you were seeing Judy Garland onstage - he was brilliant. The audience was a mixture of both straights and gays, but it was primarily straight couples on vacation, hooting and hollering, applauding wildly; thoroughly enjoying themselves.

I honestly think that EVERYONE can enjoy a professional drag show because it’s like watching a excellent magician.

It’s an illusion.

So, if you’ve never seen a drag queen, here are several photos I got off the Internet….

The infamous RuPaul

What has always amazed me about RuPaul, is that he’s equally attractive as both a man AND a woman.

Impersonation of Bette Midler

Impersonation of a YOUNG Joan Rivers.

Impersonation of Cher

Me. Impersonating Clint Eastwood, impersonating Dolly Parton.

(isn't my hair bitchin'?)

Have a DRAG of a weekend everyone!

Note: my photo created at Face In Hole

Monday, May 10, 2010

Caramel Popcorn.....Psycho Style

As most of you have already surmised from reading my posts throughout the years, I tend to be an impatience person.

Um….let me add the word VERY.

And no matter how much I do things, such as, meditate, chant, or practice yoga to become more a balanced and harmonious human being, I still end up being impatient.

Now mind you, these things DO allow me to feel more balanced and harmonious, it’s just that I feel more balanced and harmoniously impatient.

The only time I’m not impatient is when it comes to my interactions with children, animals, and the elderly.

Other than that….I’m pretty impatience.

Such as I was on Saturday night, while trying to open a bag of caramel popcorn.

Okay, is it just me, or do you find certain plastic bags a royal BITCH to open?

I mean I know it’s only plastic, but whenever I attempt to open the tops, it feels as though I’m trying to pry open the jaws of an alligator that have been sealed shut with cement glue, so that the only way I can open them is by using a jackhammer and then a hand grenade.

Anyway….

After wrestling with a bag of caramel popcorn for what seemed to be THREE hours, I finally got so mad I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife out of the utensil drawer, and began STABBING it like Norman Bates stabbed Janet Leigh in the shower scene in the movie Psycho.

Shhreek!…Shhreeek!…Shhreeeek!…Shhreeeeek!

There was caramel popcorn flying all over the kitchen, but I didn’t care because I was bound and determined to GET THAT FUCKIN’ BAG OPEN!

And I did.

However, I had to eat the popcorn by chewing it off the walls and floor.

But hey, I got it open……

*click on audio to hear sound effects.

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