PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks...transformation

~ poem on back of card ~

gather sisters, brothers, seekers and friends
in sacred circle where this world ends
between the worlds let us pray and sing
and wait for visions Great Spirit will bring

photo and poem courtesy of New Moon Visions

i have been a fan of the artist Mara Berendt Friedman for years.  i used to find her cards at East West bookstore in the village years ago.  i love her female centered images and community focused messages.  when i need an image that inspires a certain frame of mind i'm in, her artwork is first to come to mind. 

this image is entitled, "Green Butterfly of Transformation".  i have been thinking about transformation a lot lately.  it's hard not to crave change when life seems to be hard for so many different people.  it has me concerned that a better way isn't directly in sight.  this is what has me thinking... what if life doesn't get easier?  my minor complaints are so trivial when i look at the situations of others but it is definitely all relative.  life is just hard.  ... so if life is focused on being hard, i have realized that my job is to be focused on enjoying (despite it all) more.  i feel like it is totally now or never.  if i don't make an effort now, maybe i never will.  i have no guarantee that my efforts will succeed or fail but, either way, at least i can have one heck of a ride to share with the generations to come after me.  

 getting stuck in the muck and mire of life can cause temporary amnesia; it causes us to forget that we don't have to stay there.  we have been blessed with the choice to do something different even if it is only in some small way.  i didn't really think i had any new year resolutions for 2012 but now i think otherwise.  my goal is to enjoy life and be re-inspired by her beauty.  i'm really looking forward to the new perspective this will all bring!

Daily Outfit: All Night Vintage Sparkle

I'm pretty sure I let out a squeal of joy when I first saw this vintage Pierre Cardin sweater. It's gold and sparkly. It's an item you want to create your outfit around. And it also happened to be the star of my back-up outfit for NYE. Originally I had a dress in mind, but after trying said dress on again (the night before, you know how that goes!) I was underwhelmed. Luckily, my lifesaver Pierre was there to give me that extra zing needed to start the New Year off right. It ain't always easy to achieve glam and comfortable, but my new dark denim skinnies helped me nail it! I added a little more drama with leopard booties, old-school hammered gold earrings, chunky bracelets, and some big hair... and poof...all ready to go out to dinner and celebrate with a close group of friends and family. Can't believe that was already a week ago today! 

PS For those of you just itching to vary your relationship with the curling iron, I totally recommend trying the Hot Tools Deep Waver. Very easy to use and I love the crimped wavy results that will last for days if you let 'em. It's big frizz done just right.  

(Pierre Cardin Sweater- Vintage,  Hudson Nico Mid Rise Skinny Jeans in Chelsea- Shopbop {I got them on eBay for 1/2 price}, Leopard Booties- Nordstrom, Beaded Bracelets- Anthropologie, Nails- Sally Hansen Wishnets)

Daily Outfit: Hats off to 2012

A hat is a fun way to make an outfit timeless!

just like many of you, i am in denial that we have entered another new year.  the thing is, this isn't just any new year - it's 2012.  for my fellow conspiracy theorists out there, this year could be the end.  the question is  - the end of what?  this is the subject of many debates.  whether you buy into the doomsday prophecies or not, we can't deny that 2012 is a special year.  if you look at it through numerology, 2011 was a "4" year (2+0+1+1) which is about foundations (building and destroying them), patience, responsibility, hard work and practicality.  2012 adds up to be a "5"year (2+0+1+2) which symbolizes change, freedom, exploration, knowledge (seeking and teaching).  Regardless of how major or how final, you should expect some type of change coming - on both a personal and on a world level.   while i do believe that change is coming, i also believe we have the power to create what we want soooo i am hoping to create changes like more abundance for MavenFresh and for my family!  What changes are you hoping for in the new year?

oh yeah, what better way to ring in the new year than to post an outfit with sparkle!  as usual, this was just a regular day but, by now, you should know that that is the only reason you need to shine!! lol :)  i stole this hat (Becca -  is this a fedora or a trilby? lol) from the hubby after i realized it was the perfect completion to my attire!  shh, i won't tell if you don't :)

Happy New Year and Happy New You!

(Taupe sequin tunic - INC International Concepts, Beige boyfriend sweater - H&M, Teal Leggings - American Apparel, Patent Taupe flats - Calvin Klein, Hat - UBI , Feather Fancy earrings and Taupe Leather Belt - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Bringing Classic To Friday

Brrrrrr we are now experiencing winter...complete with chilly afternoons when the wind is whipping (can you tell?!) and your fingers are stinging just a bit. On days like these I reach for the classic combo of jeans and a cable knit sweater. Classic doesn't mean boring. And Fridays don't have to mean casual. This sweater is as comfy as a sweatshirt, and the thing I like most about it is that you can layer underneath and completely change the look of it while keeping warm. A classic stripe never goes out of style, so pop on a nautical long sleeve tee and you have a look that's effortlessly chic. Friday just got a little fancier with the addition of some rolled high-waist skinny jeans and orange-red lipstick...beauty is in the details! 

I hope everyone had a relaxing week and you are ready to celebrate tonight! Thanks so much to our lovely supporters that have stuck around, giving love since the very beginning (back in the pre-blog years.) And....a huge thank you to our loyal readers for your love and amazing comments. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2012 full of joy, inspiration, and sparkle.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

with love, MavenFresh

(Sweater- French Connection, Striped Tee- Old Navy, AG Farrah Skinny Jeans- Anthropologie, Dot Socks- Gap, High-Heel Booties- Zara, Lips- Urban Decay Super-Saturated Lip Color in Punch Drunk, Earrings- a boutique in Greenport)