Image Credit: http://www.beautifullife.info

When I was younger I didn’t think I was going to live too long.

I had the classic case of the worry syndrome. I had chest pains, which felt like daggers.  When I would walk or run I would think, “I hope it doesn’t happen again.” I remember going to see a few physicians about it. It didn’t help that one thought I had a hole in my heart.  My doctors really could not explain it then. I remember one saying, “You have growing pains.” Yes, growing pains. The pain was paralyzing. It wasn’t fun as a 12-year-old who was given the nick-name, “road-runner.” I loved to race whoever would challenge my “chicken legs.”  I digress.

Nonetheless, these feelings seemed to outgrow themselves. I’m still here and thriving, while living the best life I could ever imagine on a buck and some change.  It took a lot to get where I am today. Whether you deem this point as success or mere madness, it took a considerable amount effort.

In my head I have this clear vision of where I want to go and where I want “us” to be at. There are a few things yet to be completed when you’re talking about infrastructure, which is our main concern. You may call me a slug over road-runner if this pace is discussed. Patience has always been my best-friend, next to the love of my life—I digress again.

If I were to go back 10 years ago, I’d be 16.  What was I like at 16?

What were my dreams? I don’t know if I’ll touch on what were my dreams back then. The most important thing to observe, 10 years ago I’d never imagine that I’d be the woman you see before yourself today. I was shy, awkward, and what most would call, “quirky.” I don’t think I deviated too far from that path, as far as being quirky is concerned.

I have my moments. I have a dream.

The evolution from being this awkward teen to being who I am today didn’t happen overnight. It was the experiences I welcomed and the challenges I faced, which shaped me. Last post I spoke a lot about openness.

You have to be open to welcome the evolution of your own life’s story.

At my position, I understand that expressing gratitude is more valuable than money. You should always embrace those who have supported your efforts to make it “our/ their” efforts.  Lastly, understand that matching aptitude with desired skill is necessary. Friendship is always a bonus; skill should never be a substitute and be replaced.

When you have a dream, you dedicate insane hours. You change because of your dream, hopefully for the better. Malcolm Gladwell of “Outliers” said it best with the belief of having to clock in 10,000 hours to master a skill. 10,000 hours is equivalent to 10 years.

- Mandi

I have yet to experience a greater love than this. Wait, this may be wrong to say—not really.

It is almost 3 AM and I am waking up today as if it were 5 or 6 in the morning. You know— a typical hour that people rise to start their day.  This has been going on for a long time now. This GREAT love I feel, overwhelming. It started to cultivate six years ago and has led me to this very uncertain journey.  I said, I DO, way before knowing what I was getting myself into.  It’s so deep, oh my how this love has great depth. It has propelled be to take on an ‘Earthly’ agenda. Every moment: hour or day, I am confessing my undying love.  Each confession I make is like a request to breathe and live. This electricity—an inhumane sensation that runs through my heart and down to my fingertips—has driven me to an addiction. It has brought me to this pyramid where I find myself at the apex, having a conversation with God.

It goes down like this:”God, how great are you to allow me to have this joy?”  Passion. I believe we all possess it. We have to allow ourselves to be completely open. We must not fear—fear itself. We must be fine with the idea of possibly getting hurt. We vehemently believe that the results of our actions and commitments are well worth every down turn, which may come our way.  We truly believe it. It’s ingrained in our souls, spirits, and minds.

I said, “I do” more than half a decade ago. I am being a little dramatic here.  I was 19 going on 20—and going through many different traumatic life events, which shook me to the core. It allowed me to have a new appreciation for life.  This project: was my therapy. It helped me through the most difficult times.

For the past few days I spoke about this project, my passion, and leadership at different schools. I still have a magazine clipping somewhere from a 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. It said, “Share your passion with virtually everyone.” How can I not?  Every person on Earth deserves to truly love something, if I could allow myself to be completely open—perhaps they can too? Maybe we can all practice transparency.

When you get past the pain and downturns, which may come— you’ll find that being open is equivalent to  being strong.

P.S:  This site is going through a major change.

-       Mandi

I feel something erupting inside me.

My heart is exploding…

I want to remember this moment as it is.

There is something so magical, whimsical, and electric about the act of

creating something.

@Everythingfab

I am sitting on top of the world right now.

I don’t have any commitments but to take in the scenery of God’s gift, my world– our world.

My family is here.

My friends wish me well as I take in this beautiful painting– only God could create.

I am on more than just another family vacation.

The trials my family has gone through, only we would know.

Our past, present, and future are what binds us.

It’s what humbles us.

There is nothing better in this world than to be surrounded by family.

The greatest wealth I have ever received was the love of my own mother.

- Mandi

I am going back to basics.

Yes, I am. 

 What are some things you wish you could do again? I say, go on and do it. Don’t wait!

Book: 48 Laws of Power

About  The Review:  I’ll be reviewing a few lessons each day, following the reading schedule posted:  HERE.  I’ll then host a power workshop & discussion on December 4, 2011 at a tea restaurant in the city for those enrolled in my group. 

In Robert Greene’s book he breaks down 48 laws, which he feels are necessary to attain the heights of power. He  explores each law by analyzing the actions and consequences  of historical public figures, who either practiced the law or went against the law. He does this best by dividing the book into ‘observance of the law’ and ‘transgression of the law.’

Observance of the Law: Event which highlights how power is increased.

Transgression of the Law: An event which highlights how power is decreased.

In my Review you’ll have the following:

• The Law + Explanation
• My favorite quotes for that chapter
• Special Figures, Places, & Events
• (+) Example & (-) Example in the book, which stands in place of observance &  transgression of the law respectively

LAW 1: “Never Outshine The Master”

Make those above you feel comfortable in their position, allow your desires for power be subtle.

Favorite Lessons “Special Quotes:”

[Preface] “Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. “ The Prince, Niccolo Machiavelli, 1469-1527

Highlighted People/Figures/ Places:

• Napoleon [Preface] – Place your iron hand inside a velvet glove
• Niccolo Machiavelli [Preface]- Renaissance diplomat and courtier (Be good all the time, you’ll be ruined)
• Janus: Roman Deity – [ 2 heads] You have to continuously look into your past and your future. You must  plan ahead, and be alert always.
• King Louis XIV- Former King of France
• Nicolas Fouquet- Minister of Finance to Louis XIV
• Jules Mazarin- Late Prime Minister (died 1661)
• Jean-Baptiste Colbert: Man who succeeds Foquet as Minister of Finance (gave funds LouisXIV, then king built Versailles.)
• Versailles: Palace built by Louis XIV in France after Foquet’s leave for solitary confinement at Pyrenees Mountains, located in France.
• Galileo: Italian astronomer and mathematician
• Cosimo I: Duke of Florence and known as the Grand Duke of Tuscany
• Medicis:  Political dynasty and banking family in Florence, Italy. It began in the 14 century–

(-) Example in Book: Nicolas Foquet was once a trusted and admired minister of finance to King Louis XIV.  Due to several events, Foquet felt he was beginning to lose favor from the Louis XIV. In order to regain his bond, he held a lavish party to help ingratiate himself with the king.  The King sentenced Foquet to several years of solitary confinement, his plan backfired.  Louis XIV felt threatened and not honored by the noble intentions of Foquet.  Foquet thought by excessively displaying his talents he was proving loyalty and not dishonor to his king.

(+)Example in Book: Galileo and many other scientists of his time had to request assistance to fund their research and get support through nobility. Upon a new discovery, he would gift his patrons in exchange of support. He and many other scientists grew always dependent and remained poor with this method, nobility often returned favor with gifts rather than cash.   Galileo decided to focus on one nobility, the Medicis Dynasty, which included Cosimo I (Founder) and Cosimo II.  He connected his discovery with the dynasty, allowing them to shine beyond the general population and other nobility. In result, Cosimo II offered Galileo a salary as his official court philosopher and mathematician.

LAW 2: “Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How To Use Your Enemies”

This law explains how one has to be more cautious with those who they call a friend. For friends have the sense of entitlement and are more vulnerable to weak emotions– like envy. However, known enemies that want to become friends,   know they have more to prove and don’t  engage expecting things in return (for in their mind they’re not deserving).

Favorite Lessons “Special Quotes”

“In one stroke, Sung turned a pack of “friendly” wolves , who would likely have betrayed him, into a group of docile lambs.”  Robert Greene |Re: Emperor  Sung  after the Han Dynasty

“In speech Abraham Lincoln delivered at the height of the Civil War, he referred to the Southerners as fellow human beings who were in error. An elderly lady chastised him for not calling them irreconcilable enemies who must be destroyed.”- Robert Greene. “Why, madam,” Lincoln replied, “do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”

“…In the end skill and competence are far more important than friendly feelings.( Michael III had a man right under his nose who would have steered him right and kept him a live: That man was Bardas.” – Greene

Highlighted People/Figures/ Places:

• Michael III – mid 9^th century Emperor of Byzantine Empire
• Empress Theodora- Michael III’s mother who was banished to a nunnery from conspiracy by Bardas
• Theoctistus- Lover of the Empress who was murdered from conspiracy by Bardas
• Bardas- Former Head of Army and Uncle of Michael III, who gets assassinated by Michael III’s best-friend, Basilius.
• Basilius- Best-friend of Michael III, who assassinates Michael III after going from stable boy > Head of stables> Head of Army and with the
• assignation, Emperor of Byzantine.
• Eudoxia Ingerina – Michael III’s mistress, which was given to Basilius as a gift for him to marry.
• Han Dynasty- Chinese Dynasty (A.D 222)
• Emperor Sung- Initiated the Sung Dynasty

(-) Example in Book: Michael III was a young inexperienced emperor due to his Uncle, Bardas, who led a conspiracy which banished the Empress, Michael III’s mother, and murdered her lover. Michael III wanted someone who he could trust along side him.  He  gradually started to promote his trusted  friend Basilius from stable boy > head of stable> to head of army. He granted every request by his friend Basilius, which included money. The emperor soon found that his friend accumulated more power than himself. The day Michael III asked for funds back from Basilius—he quickly learned his trusted friend  was no longer a friend.  Basilius conspired with his army to kill Michael III of Byzantine and claim his throne. He succeeded.

(+)Example in Book: After the Han Dynasty there led a series of patterns where an emperor of China was appointed as being one of the strongest generals within a group.  Shortly his army of loyal generals would betray him for a seat of a crown, conspiring together to become Emperor. To be an emperor meant to rule alone and be among enemies, who disguised themselves as friends. General Chao K’uang-yin became Emperor Sung. He held an elaborate banquet for all the generals who he knew were plotting against him for his position. He gave them an offer to retire as nobleman with their own private estates and live a life of security. All accepted and Emperor Sung was able to live out his days in peace. The Sung dynasty ruled China for more than 300 years.

LAW 3: “Conceal Your Intentions”

This law explains how you should be careful on the amount of information you reveal to people about your future plans.  Greene states, too much released information can allow those who are not in your favor have an opportune time to build a defense for it.

Favorite Lessons “Special Quotes”

“Do not be held a cheat, even though it is impossible to live today without being one. Let your greatest cunning lie in covering up what looks cunning.” – Baltasar Gracian, 1601-1658

Highlighted People/Figures/ Places:

• Ninon de Lenclos – Imfamous courtesan of the 17^th century of France. She was skilled in the arts of love and seduction.  Men like  La Rochefoucauld, Moliere, and Richelieu were all her lovers: the greatest writers, politicians, and thinkers of her time.
• Marquis de Sevigne-  A man who went to Ninon for guidance in seducing a young countess at age 22.
• Otto von Bismark 1850- Former Deputy  in the Prussian parliament
• Prince William 1850- Was next in line as Prussia’s King
• Frederick William IV 1850- Present King in 1850 of Prussia, opposed war for unification and wanted to appease the powerful Austrians.

(-) Example in Book:  The marquis sought out the help of Ninon to seduce a young countess, whom he has fallen in love with. He was given a series of instructions to follow, and told to always conceal his intentions. The countess was falling for his ‘spell’ until the marquis decided to act on impulse and confess his love. Suddenly, all that he worked for was broken and the countess was not at all interested.

(+)Example in Book: In 1850, Otto Von Bismark was a deputy in the parliament of Prussia. He was for the war which would go against Austria, in support of the unification of Germany, like the general population at that moment — excluding the present king, Frederick William IV, and his ministers. He concealed his ultimate intention for war by giving a speech about peace and going against the ideas of war. In result,  Bismark was promoted to a position which allow him to train his country’s army and ready them for war. In a few years Bismark went for war and accomplished his plans for unification of Germany under the leadership of Prussia. If Bismark had done followed through with war early—he and his army would have lost as they were not prepared to go against the powerful Austrians at that time.

Vision Posts

Vision without execution is meaningless.  I’ve started to master this concept through my organization, but haven’t quite got it right in my personal life. I want to share with you projects I am trying to complete personally in my life, my world. I appreciate feedback and suggestions along the way too.

Current Project: Apartment Face-lift.

Previous Posts:

I.Vision Post [Apt. Decor #1]: French Inspired Collection, Mid-Century, and Italian Flair

Updates:

Last we I wrote, I was on a hunt to retrieve all sorts of frames to create my own DIY project similar to the photo aside.  My motto for this month, live a life of frugality and give excessively. I honestly can’t take credit for that statement. I watched a recent interview of one of the world’s most treasured investors of our time, Warren Buffet.  Now back to my hunt, I did not want to just buy all sorts of frames. I wanted to collect them from those who had no use for them.

I’ll unveil one of my favorite ‘finds of the week early.  One of my “favorite finds” of the week has to be  FREE CYCLE. It’s a website where you claim your wants and offers. You express what you want and someone contacts you to offer it.  Don’t throw away that micro-fridge you bought in college, list it on their website and have someone pick it up!

I created my first listing saying something like, I need frames for an art project. A day later I received responses.  All I need now is a can of  some acrylic  gold paint to accomplish the look I want. Next post, I should have the project ready.

Vision Posts

Vision without execution is meaningless.  I’ve started to master this concept through my organization, but haven’t quite got it right in my personal life. I want to share with you projects I am trying to complete personally in my life, my world. I appreciate feedback and suggestions along the way too.

Current Project: Apartment Face-lift.

I’d be the first to admit that my apartment is bare and stripped of all things that make me–ME. It’s time to change that by bridging ideas with action.  I get caught up with work for the community that I sometimes dismiss my own needs and wants. I hope that creating these vision posts will inspire and hopefully result into a completed project, and in this particular case an ongoing one.

Dream IT:

Remember how last week or a few days ago I introduced my favorite finds? I finally got off the waiting list and have an account on Pinterest. The digital pin board will now serve as my virtual vision board for you to view.

My style of choice is a blend of all things vintage and modern. Home decor inspirations mid-century pieces with European flair.  I like warm colors: deep reds, earth tones, and a place that sets my mind at ease.  I’ve already ordered a few things recently but before I share  with you an action post, I want to share with you my vision. Discuss.

Trust, it’s vision on my budget! I’ll be very creative:)

Ideas/Inspirations:

Frame Art:  Hold the photos, we don’t need it!

I love this idea! You can really play up a bare wall by painting over some old  frames and   hanging them up, without the photos. It’s art.

Paint Your Wallpaper:

For added texture, you can find wallpaper that you can paint! They’re called, “paintable wallpaper.” I plan on using this for my workstation part of my living room. I want to find a subtle way to divide a room for living spaces that are categorically defined as small.

Inspiration Workstation:

I want to be inspired by everywhere I go, including my workstation. I think a DIY project may include some mesh or cloth, which  hangs all things that make the corners of your mouth go UP, yes smile.

Color Palate:

It’s no secret that RED is my favorite color, at least for now anyway. I wear red at every event I host.  Hints of red and warm colors will definitely have a voice in my apartment face-lift project.

—-

Action Assignment: I’ve already selected colors from Benjamin Moore. My action plan will be assigning them to the appropriate rooms next week. I’ll include a post of my key objects I’ve already ordered and will try to do one DIY (Do It Yourself Project). I think I’m going to visit Pearl Paint and go to a thrift shop in search of some unique frames this weekend.  Until next time–