Happy New Year !

My wish is that all the dreams you have for your life come true in 2008. Feel free to share your dreams here. We can all make the world a better place, if we believe together. Liberty xo

Benazir Bhutto

This is not a post about the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto. This is a post about 'PEACE', 'Liberty' style. It's simple really. If I go out and my door is not locked, you do not have the right to go inside and steal my stuff. Same goes for unlocked cars. And our small children. They are ours, so don't be kidnapping them. As far as hurting someone else physically, psychologically or emotionally. Nope, you can't do that either. If we want to have a spiritual life, any type, that's our business, not yours. Everyone is equal. We all have the right to choose who leads us. Doesn't matter what country you're in, you can not control the people. The people decide how life will be in their world. Now for guns. You can have one, but if you have one the chances of you actually using it is far greater than someone who doesn't have one. Borders. O.K., here's my rant on this. We live in a global world. There are no borders anymore. We all live on this Earth. Wars: no wars allowed on this planet. And if you want to start a war, you must have a vote by everyone to see if it can go forward. Women: we are just as capable as men to do anything. Again, I'll repeat: We are all equal. Benazir: I've been hearing so much about 'Why did she stand up out of the vehicle?' In a peaceful world overflowing with manners, that is a perfectly acceptable behavior. Now go be nice to your pet, your elders and take a good look in the mirror. What can you do personally to contribute to the peace process? (Blowing yourself up is not one of them.)

"Democracy is the acknowledgement that different points of view exist."-Irshad Manji , A Great Canadian Woman. The New York Times describes Irshad Manji as "Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare." Oprah's Magazine has given Irshad the first annual Chutzpah Award for "audacity, nerve, boldness and conviction." She takes both as a compliment.

Queen of the Oranges

In the biblical land of Sheba; in a country in the Middle East where the massive majority of women work on family farms; laboring for free, this woman persisted in a man's world to become the 'Queen of Oranges'. Because she could not read or write, she dreamed of a way to give her seven children a better life. Beginning by fashioning folksy coral necklaces and walking for miles to sell her goods to neighbouring ladies, she realized an opportunity and seized it. One of the women she visited to share her jewelry with had no money and offered to barter a basket full of luscious juicy oranges. As she walked home in the blazing sun, the flesh of the fruit filled the air with a sweet tangy aroma. With her fresh fruit in her arms she returned home surprised and delighted to receive many requests from townspeople to buy some of the oranges. This was her 'light bulb' moment. The next day she returned to the orange grove, another lovely necklace in hand, and got another load of oranges. Again, the fruit sold out upon return to her street. Soon the word got out that she was in business. She took down her veil. Her family shamed her inappropriate behavior. Her brothers would not speak to her for 4 years. Today she exports her fruits to countries around the Gulf as well as Egypt and Sudan. She attends agriculture conferences in places as varied as Germany and China. Other men in the market continue to try and drive her out of the wholesale business. She never quits. Amina al-Amrani started as the 'Princess of Produce' to become the 'Queen of the Oranges'. She sells 1/4 million dollars of fruit every day. Now that is a royal story. Those necklaces you are making. You never know where they may lead you. They could be the fruits of your labor.

Yemen girl photo: http://www.ericlafforgue.com/ The most breathtaking photography I've seen. Enjoy Eric Lafforgue's images.

Orange photo: Liberty xo

1965

One of the great parts of the holidays has been rifling through old holiday photos. Look at how cheeky I was in 1965! Trust me (and ask my Mom), I wasn't as 'goodie-two-shoes' as I looked. I was quite a little bugger, apparently. Let's see some of your pictures of years gone by....come on....dig them out!

Hairspray

The hair is the thing. Yes, the hair is the thing. I got a mod black photo album from a special someone and I've just spent the last hour filling it with photos of myself - how darn right vain of me! As I look over the decades, it's the hair that gets me. Now I have a dilemma. Do I go longer, shorter, bangs, no bangs, pulled back, straightened, layered, dark, lighter, curled, scrunched? I want a new look for a new year. I want hassle free and zero maintenance. Sure. Like that's going to happen. (This photo is a self-portrait taken on Christmas morning before all the kiddies woke up - see the big Velcro roller - the one that needs to stay bolted tightly to my head for hours on end in order to smooth out my naturally wavy hair) The hair is the thing. Perhaps I'll just rent the movie and let it frizz in my brain for the next few days. I have some favorite styles here, here and here. What is the current buzz on hair for 2008 anyway? Any stylists out there?

UPDATE: I just found this backstage video from fashion week which showcases hair for Spring 2008. Get ready girls!

Clash of the Choirs

When your eyes well up and you get chills watching a television show...that's when you know these producers have a winner on their hands. I can't say enough about this program. As we move into the last days of 2007 I want to wish you a Happy New Year and send you this song as an anthem to blogging. The song is appropriately named 'Unwritten'. Love to all of you. xo Enjoy winner Nick Lachey's Choir performance! Get ready to get goosebumps and get ready for 2008! Just click on 'Unwritten' and keep the words in your heart.

Lorne Michaels

Happy Holidays Lorne! Here's a "Special Gift" for you and your team at SNL: New Talent (more great Canadian comedians!) You're welcome!

Shhh..I'll tell you what Lorne's gift is: Public access television private bloopers accidentally released!

I have a real soft spot for Jasper Sinclair and he is hilarious! I figure the more we talk about Jasper, them the more chances he has to become famous all over the world. Gotta love that holiday wish!

Behind Every Great Man

Is a great woman of course. But, as I send you my holiday wishes, I realize that behind many of 'us' great women, there is a great man or significant other or wonderful child or two or three or dare I say five. Behind every great blogger is another right there nudging us out of our comfort zones into incredible creative breakthroughs, learning and insights. Thank You for all your comments and support this year. Thank You for becoming my friend. Thank You for your sharing & caring. Thank You for all those amazing and interesting posts that you have taken time to write. You have entertained and educated me. I will never forget that 2007 was the year I stumbled on a new world that has opened many doors; the most important one being the one to my heart and dreams. Here is my very first post. How silly! I didn't even know how to do it. I'm still working on that! I hope you and your family and friends have a loving, happy week together. May 2008 be the year that bloggers unite the world and liberate one another.

Like my Manifesto says:

We believe that...anything goes. You have the freedom to define your life & personal style and the license to change your mind always and often. Knowledge of our society & culture, it's places, people and their ideas (hence 'Gallery of Goods') empowers all of us. You are 'at-liberty' to create your world.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

CHEERS!
Liberty Post xo

Good Will Towards Men

It's a beautiful winter evening here in Canada. There is a heart-warming stillness to the air and as I sit here typing this post I can see my neighbours' lights colouring the night sky through my icy windows. The snowbanks have taken on a sequined and silvery glow. Over there a blue spruce now looks pink and the white fencepost two houses down now stands 'red'. I'm curled up on my new office chair (Thanks Mom & Dad for the early gift....I love it) and my toes can feel the soothing heat of the fire right through my socks. My sweet Golden is nestled beside me, dreaming. The presents are now keeping company with our tree and my kitchen table is a mess of holiday paper, homemade gift tags and unwritten cards. Tomorrow I will clean. Make my baking list. Grocery shop. Reflect. Sing. Listen. Remember. And wish. Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men.

Mike Huckabee & Chuck Norris

I watched Larry King last night and it seems to me that this person called Mike Huckabee who is enjoying a 'surge' has a very unlikely backer in Chuck Norris. Who would have thought that these two would team up and create ads like this. Huckchuckfacts. ? Now there's a new word. You've never seen a Presidential Candidate's commercial quite like this.....and what about Ron Paul? He even has his own YouTube Channel. Were you one of the 4000 babies Dr. Ron Paul has delivered?......Now back to my regularly scheduled blog: More jewelry from the velvet bag. I'm off on a business trip today, but I'll be back by Friday. While I'm away, enjoy some Illustrious Inspiration posts from the archives.

I wonder what Hillary Clinton thinks about these Huckchuckfacts? Perhaps she could coin a new phrase like Hillbillfacts. And Barack Obama could start OOfacts. Oh Oh (no pun intended...this Canadian girl is getting slap happy...and so early in the morning..yikes..bye...gotta fly!) While your sipping your morning coffee, here's a 21 minute 'OO' speech. I think it's worth the time. What do you think?

“I always wanted to be the first black president, but Barack stole my idea. “That’s OK with me. Barack can go first and then I’ll take my turn.” - Will Smith

Funniest Santa Parade Ever!

For those of you who are snowbound in a massive storm (and that's a ton of us) that came from Texas (Thanks), up through the Great Lakes to land on our doorsteps, here is a hilarious parody of all those famous big parades. For those of you in hot, exotic and sun-filled parts of the world, you will get a real kick out of a couple of Canadian lads who love to make comedy. Make a good cup of cocoa and enjoy the show! (NOT FOR LITTLE EARS)

Cruise

A wee cruising painting for my travel addicted girlfriend!

Maverick

Just finished a diptych gift for a dear friend who owns a race horsing business. It is a collage using a lovely photo from O at Home Magazine, Summer 2006. Voila!

Rhinestone Brooch

Another vintage piece from the velvet bag. Look! Little numbers inside that the camera picked up. What do they mean? I must confess I'm smitten with photographing antique and vintage jewelry now. Perhaps I will begin a series. By the way, my Mom and I are having a heated debate on the correct spelling of 'Jewelry'. How do you spell it?

Domino, Bon Appetit, White Christmas & Godiva Chocolate

Guess what I'm doing this weekend? That's right. You've got it. I'm going to treat myself to some personal time and enjoy these items, by the tree, with a good cup of coffee or maybe some tea. I'm going to get all snuggly in my plush terry robe, thick socks and twist my hair up in a pony. I may even do a facial, manicure, pedicure or nap. I'll light the fire and enjoy the snowy vistas and let my indulgences take me far, far away....or to the front row of the actual White Christmas Broadway Show. Have a restful weekend everyone.

Why Blogging Is Like a Charm Bracelet

Because although we all have a different look. Like a poodle. Not everyone has their hair coiffed like this, but we see beauty and uniqueness in it anyway.
Because we all started blogging as a tiny grain of sand that finds it's way into a shell to evolve into a lovely pearl. A white, perfect miracle that is of value. Our voice, our audience...takes time.
Because we celebrate together and applaude one another for excellent creativity, ideas and sharing. We dance for eachother.
Because we have eachother's back. We speak no evil. Hear no evil or see no evil.
Because we stand together to lend a hand up. We sparkle together.

Because we wrap eachother in encouragement and cozyness. We send big hugs across the world. Busy bees in life with no one bee expecting to be the Queen. We are all equal. Wonderful.
We fan the flames of hurt, anger and confusion. We help eachother through good times and bad. We support one another.
We reflect off one another and create new collaborative ideas as a group.
Bloggers stand strong in praise and recognition of others.
Blogging is like a charm bracelet. We only wish good luck to others. An ever changing, ever growing group of like-minded go-getters who are linked by the internet, but who are becoming a global village of priceless porportions. I am charmed by each of you. I thank you.

Antique Pocket Watch

Time. Period. age, allotment, bit, bout, chronology, clock, continuance, date, day, duration, epoch, era, eternity, extent, future, generation, go, hour, infinity, instance, instant, interval, juncture, lastingness, life, life span, lifetime, moment, month, occasion, pace, past, point, present, season, second, shift, space, span, spell, stage, stint, stretch, tempo, term, ticks, tide, tour, trick, turn, week, while, year....

Whether we are pressed for it or checking it or borrowing it or trying to beat it, time ticks on until we have those wonderful lazy afternoons with nothing to do but lounge around; perhaps alone or snuggled in - soon the holidays will arrive and hopefully for a moment or two, time will stand still as we cherish one another.

Estate Jewelry

More family jewels from my 'Hunt & Shoot' today. Pretty girls wouldn't you agree?