Inspiration from Sri Mata Amritanadamayi aka "AMMA"

Every so often, we will be touched by certain people that have a special light about them; people that carry a glow that makes us want to find out how we too can attain this special light. My own path has been blessed by teachers and friends that have helped fill me with what I feel is valuable knowledge. Reading books by Paulo Coehlo, Don Miguel Ruiz, Thich Naht Hahn, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, watching talks by the Dalai Lama and Mother Theresa and being fortunate enough to hear live lectures from some of them have given me the fuel to keep my own flame going, as well as the inner knowing that there is a divine presence. Through the teachings of these living examples, I also have the knowing that when I experience things that I cannot explain, that there are energies present; and that I can choose to tap into the energy that expands my heart and fill it to a level that will maintain its fullness. Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, also known as Amma, is an amazing woman who was born with a smile that can heal.

For the past 35 years, Amma has dedicated her life to the uplifting of suffering humanity through the simplest of gestures– an embrace. In this intimate manner, Amma had blessed and consoled more than 25 million people throughout the world. She has time and again emphasised that the duty of every human being is to realize his true Self, or in other words, "know who we really are." Amma does not favor any particular religion. When asked to which religion she belongs, she says, "my religion is love and service."

Amma believes that "Love is the foundation of a happy life. Knowingly or unknowingly we are forgetting this truth" she says. Amma, on several occasions, has said that it is important not only to feel love but also to express it. After all, love is our true nature. When we do not express love in our words and actions it is like honey hidden in a rock. She says, "It is of no use to anyone. This mutual sharing and expressing of love should begin at home between married couples and between parents and children. Only then will there be peace and harmony at home and in society."

"Everyone in the world should be able to sleep without fear, at least for one night. Everyone should be able to eat to his fill, at least for one day. There should be at least one day when hospitals see no one admitted due to violence. By doing selfless service for at least one day, everyone should help the poor and needy. It is Ammas prayer that at least this small dream be realised."

I hope that those of you reading this blog will find out more about Amma, see her as a living example of love and service, and gain inspiration from her humanitarian works, just as I have. You may find her on www.amma.org, www.amritapuri.org and www.myspace.com/ammachi.

Enjoy!
xoxo
P.

Christmas Blogging

Hello space monsters. Tis almost 3am on the 25th and I am wide awake from the Kahlua & coffee I had hours ago. I have been quite busy in the kitchen this week. I have upgraded to five, six rounds at the table. Wow! ...soft drizzle outside, cool breeze and peaceful quiet, (and a little snoring in the room...) LOL! This is my kind of night.

2010 is around the corner, and I'm wishing for a fabulous year. I guess my way of motivating myself to have a good year is to wish... so I can remember what it is I want. I'll be returning to school this January, which I'm super excited about! Yay! That will most definitely start the year off right.

Oh, and speaking of learning- I reunited with my most favorite voice teacher- on FB! Everyone is on it, I swear! Man, music really makes me feel like my whole life makes sense... because of it, I feel like I can do just about anything. I have some ideas already. :o

So peeps, if you ever feel discouraged, if you ever feel discouraged--- (especially during holidays), think about the things that you love to do, and the people in your life that mean the most to you, and know that whatever it is you are feeling, it will get better.

Just focus on all the things you can be thankful for. Everyone has at least one thing they can be thankful for. That'll lift your spirits instantly. Learn to fall in love with life and see where that takes you!

P.S. Sending our special elves lots of warm and fuzzy love (& their mothers), even if we don't get to see one another. :)

xoxo
Lady Paisley signing off and wishing everyone a fantastic Hawaiian winter!!! Good night y'all & aloha~

Makeup tutorials anyone?

Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy watching Michelle Phan makeup tutorials? I really enjoy the helpful tips she gives from basic foundation and concealer application, to holiday and themed looks. Visit her on youtube and check out her blogsite on michellephan.com. Enjoy!

Old Woman

Hello space~ Just wanted to share some thoughts. I was listening to the Polyphonic Spree, making "champorado," and hanging with some loved ones and I just wanted to capture the moment through these words... so enjoy.

In this
Kitchen
I'm an
Old woman
Sifting through
Ingredients as
They awaken in
The hypnotic dance of
Cooking
A freestlye because
It is life
Life
Is a
Freestyle
Moments coming alive
Unfolding into
Time
What is
Time but
What we remember from
Before
Timelessness the
Letting go of
Life
Knowing that
Our hope is
But a seed that
Grows into
Written verb
A window
Sparking
New creations
New verbs in
Our book of
Spices
Take this
Food
Our life-blood
As we walk through
This journey
We can
Ride it with
A full belly

Re: Tempo Valley, Groove Improv Artists & Atlas:Moth

Groove Improv Artists will perform at a private party on Friday, December 11th. Diamond Head.

Tempo Valley returns to 39 Hotel in Chinatown on Friday, December 18th @ 10PM. Enjoy "Aloha Friday" & groove with us. Don't miss it! Visit www.myspace.com/tempovalley Aloha From Hawai'i!

The brand new Honolulu Club's Sky Lounge presents Atlas:Moth every 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-9PM. Enjoy the flavorful food, the beautiful Honolulu city view and explore the exotic of jazz with us. Open to the public.

Banzai Sushi in the North Shore Marketplace presents the Atlas:Moth duo (at last) Paisley (vocal musings) & Ikaika Tecson (electronic ivory) every 3rd Saturday of the month from 7-10PM. Enjoy the mouth-watering signature dishes, fine sake, great ambience and eclectic flavorings of jazz in the North Shore Marketplace. No need to stay home or even drive to town, you got it right here in the country. (Near Coffee Gallery & Cholo's)

STAY TUNED FOR ATLAS:MOTH & TEMPO VALLEY'S UPCOMING BIMONTHLIES AT THE HONOLULU CLUB SKY LOUNGE...

For more information on Paisley & upcoming shows, visit www.myspace.com/dragonfruitladypaisley

Mahalo for visiting this blog site. ;)