I think I'll join the circus

When thinking about how I was going to spend my 40th birthday, I got the brilliant idea to go to a trapeze school. I couldn't think of a better way to start this new period of my life.

Many years ago I made a decision to eliminate my fears and I am now almost completely unafraid of heights. Standing on the platform, 28 ft off the ground, I jumped the first time with no fear. I was so proud and thrilled that I was able to come home with such a great story. It was a wonderful day and I am anxious to go back and make it look easy.

I often wonder what other people are afraid of, and if they too are trying to push past the fear and remove the obstacles in their lives. What are you afraid of? What are you doing about it? Anything?

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.

I say,It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand orFall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.

I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.

I say,
It's the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.

I'm a woman Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.

I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,the palm of my hand,
The need of my care.

'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me

~Maya Angelou

The Paper Bag Princess

"...Princess Elizabeth followed the burnt trail left by the dragon and found his lair. Through some imaginative whit, Elizabeth stood up to the dragon and duped him. She was able to find her prince and started to free him.

But when the Prince saw Elizabeth- he was appalled by her appearance. Ronald took one look at her and yelled, "Boy, are you a mess! You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled, and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you're dressed like a real princess."

After Ronald chewed out the princess for not appearing as he expected she should, the princess said:

"Ronald, your clothes are really pretty and your hair is all neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum."..."

When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Queen

I have recently had the wonderful opportunity to take pictures for my friend Rebecca, when she hosts birthday/tea parties for her client's who have little girls.

There is something so precious about watching them share the experience of being a Princess for a day.