Being Neutral...

 

Being neutral...emotionally has it's advantages. Okay, somewhat partially neutral. We're talking about the Brikhaus, not a stone building. Safe to say it applies to you as well. I can't go too long being unemotional or neutral for that matter. Not built that way...implosions, explosions and all sorts of fireworks develop!!! But...through the years I've learned how important it is to take out the emotion of a situation in order to really handle it well, or as it needs to be handled. You see, when emotions are removed than better choices can be made as a result of facts, logic and intelligence. This I did, running businesses and supervising hundreds of employees because... responsibility, accountability and end results were important. When it comes to matters of the heart,  this theory might not necessarily apply as well. Should it anyway? Who am I to say how you should handle your heart. From experience though, I can say I always weigh the pros and cons, logically I do what I think is best and not what my heart feels is best. As a result, I have regrets but in a way that I don't regret. You know? Meaning...things happen for a reason. To dwell on regrets is a waste of time. To contemplate mistakes in order to learn from them, grow from them and move forward from them, that's deep and meaningful. So now...going forward I choose to use emotion and heart, it's personal...this is my life we're talking about. You remember that, when it's critical for you to determine your own happiness. 

Everything else...

Play your cards right...

The difference can be...

Being neutral...

-Liz

Dark Bites: Four Tales of Horror

 

   I know!!! My sexy peeps...It's not erotica, but I needed to read something other than that and take my mind away from sex for once!!! Hahaha...LOL 

I know you would appreciate a review, regardless! ; )

     I haven't read a horror book in quite awhile. I'm a huge fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I've read 10 of Stephen King's, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Mostly the original and most well known like: The Shining-Carrie-Cujo-Fire Starter-Pet Sematary-It-Dream Catcher-The Dark Half-The Stand-The Dead Zone. It...scared the crap out of me, that was no joke!!! The kind that makes it difficult to sleep at night. As to movies, not a fan of bloody gore like Friday the 13th. I prefer movies that actually scare the crap out of you, the intelligent suspenseful way. I mention all of this because I believe that it takes talent and finesse to achieve this result, maybe even a severely warped mind. I would imagine lots of research, seclusion and getting into a zone. Something that comes with years of doing and perfecting.
     I started reading this book at night after I climbed in bed to go to sleep, best time to read horror.
It consists of five stories. Windy City of the Dead: zombies, Like Cats and Dogs: werewolves, Red Planet: a vampire, 848: a sadistic killer, and As the Crow Flies: sequel to Windy City. I enjoyed that the protagonists were all women. They are diverse as each story and the stories don't all end in happily ever after, which is cool and realistic. Windy City I felt was the scariest story and led me to read this book during the day only, okay so maybe I'm a scaredy cat. I was also surprised at how it ended. Like cats and dogs was one of my two favorites, interesting... the concept of were animals, not all wolves and the legend behind it. 848, was my other favorite. Terrifying because it was realistic. Showing how vulnerable we can really be when we trust others and how warped some individuals are in this world. Red planet was cool, set in a futuristic setting and a vampire who is the last of her kind. Devising a plan to prevent extinction and the irony as to how it evolves. This could have actually been a novel in itself, if the author had chosen to do so. Plenty of vampire stories out there but they are not set in the future. As the crow flies shows how we can take fate in our own hands and look fear in the face. Dire times, are when we prove to be our best and find the courage to get past our fears.
     I enjoyed this book. If you love to get scared shitless in an intense way, this book won't do it for you...if scare factor is all you seek. However, you will feel fright, alarm, anticipation, compassion, curiosity, sadness and certainly empathy/sympathy for the characters. This book will only take a small bite out of your time and pocket. And...it didn't hurt, not one bit!

     -Liz

Join the Club...

Join the club...Hmmm, depends on the club! You see, I was having a moment. Yeah, it wasn't a good one. I was feeling alone...secluded. Wanted always for the wrong reasons. Not knowing who to trust anymore. I was made to realize that I'm not the only one who feels that way sometimes. Welcome to the club...Hell no!!! I refuse to be a part of that club. My entire life I've intentionally had a positive attitude. Surrounded myself with like minded individuals. I'm not built to harbor in sewage for too long. By no means am I implying my shit don't stink. Granted I've suffered through crap like anybody else. What I'm saying is...yes, I have my pitfalls. Sometimes it takes me a bit to pick up my ass, but I will and then I'll run like hell and not walk! What I've accomplished I did through blood, sweat and tears. Nothing has ever been handed to me, nothing!  This moment of slumping, bumping and thumping around...is only temporary. Join that club? You're a member of that club as well? Well than, I guess that would mean joining yet another club. What other clubs do you belong to? You know what? Don't even answer that...It doesn't matter, I do my own thing.
Join the club?...
Nah...
Think it's time to start my own...

-Liz ; )

You Make Me Smile...

You make me smile...yes, you do!  When I least expect it...When I need it most...just because you can't help it...because you're you! As a new friend, you have pleasantly surprised me indeed. You're mentality is refreshing. Your still a big kid, who wants to have fun! I love it...that's what I need too! To keep having fun! Making the most of each day. The more I play, the more creative I stay.  Trying to always surround myself by friends like you with positive energy, attitude and enthusiasm. Though you never ask anything of me, you always offer everything in support. Never enough of that in this world. So keep doing what you do and keep being you. I'm grateful for having you as a friend and you being there for me when my other friends are not...says quite a bit.
I wanted to tell you that...
Because...
You make me smile...
-Liz

What to do? ...

 

What to do?... Is this a dilemma for me?... Am I making more of it, than I need to at this point? Should I just be going with the flow and seeing where that takes me? Sometimes...if you ask yourself enough questions or the right questions, you come to the answers you need to hear or you know are the right answers. Yeah, I'm good like that. Maybe, we know the answers all ready. Yeah, I think the smart ones always do, but don't ask themselves the questions because they don't want to confirm what they already know. Which means...we go with the flow and see if the current takes us where we need to go. With a simple paddle, we adjust the direction we want, because who are we kidding? We can't help but want to control as much as possible. So maybe, we do for some of it. Better than nothing right? I feel better already...don't have to make any decisions right now. Yeah, I'm good for now. 

What to do?...

I don't know...

No need to decide now anyway...

-Liz

Something's Not Right...

Something's not right...I can feel it. I just can't pinpoint it. Frustrating!!! You know when your instincts keep nagging you, yeah... like your mom use to do back in the day for something or other. It feels like that. I guess this is where trust has to come into play. That can be a hard sell!!! Especially when your trust has been broken in a major way in the past. It comes in time, slowly... by being earned. In all fairness, you can't hold it against someone else who had nothing to do with it. Like when men or women have a chip on their shoulder, towards ALL of the opposite sex for... what one jerk off did. Really? Really??? Come on now!!! That's ludicrous, so get a grip! Don't you dare group me in with the rest of them, I'm not like the rest of them. Right? Am I right? I know you feel this way too. You don't like being grouped in with the masses or compared to another. Treat each individual as that...an individual. However, when you've been with someone for awhile and you base your reactions on their behaviors, then that's different. It's also justifiable. So...your feelings and your instincts mean quite a bit at this point. Trust the nagging, because I don't know about you...but my mom was always on point. I may not have wanted to hear it, believe it or listen to it, but she was on point!
Especially when...
Something's not right...

-Liz

Bitten...Dark Erotic Stories, edited by Susie Bright

          Prior to publishing my book, I intentionally did not read any erotica. You would think, I would have done the opposite.  I already knew that my expressive writing style was different than what was out there. Usually, an intelligent writer will research their market first and see what's doing well or where the void is...and fill that void. Aside from loving your art form and naturally wanting to do it because that's where your talent lies, your passion lies and your desire to create lies...ultimately, this is our livelihood...being able to live off the sweat of our backs, so to speak. Easier said than done. 

          I mention this because, it is blatantly obvious that all of these writers chosen to be compiled in this book are extremely talented. When reading is effortless and enjoyable, you know it was a job well done. Imagination takes flight in all sorts of stories, stemming from the darkest sides of our souls, hearts and minds. Sexuality has so much depth, maybe more than most of us ever contemplated. It all seeps from our pores in distinct formations as a result of our own experiences in life, good and evil. How do you know what's out there? Where do you begin to explore? Do you really see sexuality for what it really is or what it really can be? 

         I recommend this book. Short stories are great to just pick and read at any moment you have time. You can start a story and complete it in that session. I became extremely aroused on several occasions, to the point that I had to put the book down. As a writer, I can arouse myself when I write my own stories and that is part of the goal...no? Besides entertaining also? These stories opened my mind to other possibilities...with sex as well as with future writings I may choose to do. Reading is a safe way to do some exploration...if your curious. Curiosity may kill the cat...but in this case, it will only enlighten you and entertain you.

Worth picking up!

I was smitten...by Bitten.

     -Liz

What You Seek...

What you seek...you seek from me? Are you sure? How do you know? I can fulfill, a great many things. Maybe, we are meant to fulfill certain circumstances for each other at this time in our lives. I always feel that when we meet people, there is a point to it, there is meaning to it. A friendship, a love, a mentor, a counselor a teacher...a whatever it is...IT IS, for you both at that moment. It's unique and special regardless if your paths cross and then continue onward without each other. I'm that much richer because I met you and you me. Unknowingly seeking...we go through life and yet, the minute we meet we sense it was supposed to happen and we knowingly understand the why's. Interesting, I think. No, I know. Kind of deep, huh? Even deeper...if you get me!
What you seek...
Is me...
What I seek...
Is you...

-Liz

Change this...

 

Change this...Why again? For you? When does it stop? Wait, wait, wait, wait... It doesn't work that way! I''m not changing who I am! And...I don't want to change you either! I want to understand you. What makes you tick. Your way. Your behavior. Your idiosyncrasies. Your thought processes. I don't want you to stop being you! I dig you, remember? I'm not the chic who wants to change her man. What's the point of that? If I was drawn to you than I need to trust my own judgment, right? The chic who tries to change her man has issues. The perfect man does not exist, nor does the perfect woman. The perfect man or women for you, on the other hand is a different story. But, I want my man and my friend to make the small important changes that require us to grow together. Which means...I'm making them too. The desire to do this, is natural and selfless because there's nothing you want more than to be with this person and nurture "US". If you have to sell yourself...your shit out of luck. If it feels like effort... your shit out of luck. If one of you puts more into it than the other...your shit out of luck. Meaning...You need to have the attitude...I don't have to sell myself. You either dig me or you don't. I either dig you or I don't. Otherwise...keep it moving. Why be with someone who doesn't reciprocate the same feelings and same actions? Somebody out there wants you...all of you! This shit is not going down!!! 

Change this...

How about the direction of my body leaving? ...

-Liz

Viva La Verve! ...

 

Spirit...is energy, your individual energy, strong core of a life force. It's the energy you give off to others and the force that drives you, whether your behind the wheel or not! Hopefully, you are driving! I was touched by a conversation with a friend. Someone, also going through a divorce. Who was inspired by my drive, self motivation to move forward and courage. That upon meeting me, it was apparent I had a spark and this energy that somehow inspired and gave a sense of awe. Now, I don't mention this to brag. We never see ourselves as others see us. It was enlightening for me, to maybe realize that there was some validity in what was said. Humbly, I took it with a grain of salt but none the less, I took in what was said. I held back my tears because, I don't know, I just did.  It was music to my ears to hear someone say I was having an impact on them. Possibly inspiring them and making them feel like we can accomplish anything we desire. Not too long ago I was at the bottom of the hill, worse...I was in the manhole in the street at the bottom of the hill. Almost ready to give up and suffocate under that heavy lid I couldn't open. Everyday I have to dig deep and push forward.  I feel like I'm so far from where I need to be and have to reach. I have good days and not so good days. The key is to focus on each day, making the most of it productively and personally. Meaning...it's about the journey, destination is important but what you gain on the journey will surely impact how you arrive at the destination and whether or not you will be prepared to make the most of it. Your core, your energy, your life force, your spirit...is amazing and unique. 

Feed your soul...

Nurture your mind...

Love your heart...

Free your spirit...

It's all you really have in your life that matters...

-Liz

Scattered...

Scattered...No bueno, as a friend would say... not at all. I can feel it coming too. I'll cut myself off from people, before I get down right hard core BIATCH! If I don't get that far and you're unlucky enough to deal with me. You are definitely asking yourself WTF? Scattered usually means I'm a hurricane of emotions, usually triggered by someone, or maybe something, but usually someone. You see, I wear my heart on my sleeve...literally. I have zero tolerance for nonsense...meaning, the stupidity of people who don't think, think about their actions, think about their words and therefore don't think about the repercussions...period. If I attempt to reign in my emotions, thoughts, feelings, frustrations for too long...it gets me riled up to a point where my crossfire is deadly. I will cater my style of communication to the individual I need to speak with...however, if that person can't handle the topic, themselves, or even me, than it's a wrap. I will stalk you like chosen prey. The attack will be short and powerful and there will be no mercy. Life is to short to bury crap deep inside you. There are enough toxins out there causing us damage, that we don't need to create our own and bury ourselves in shit. For what? And, for who? I don't think so...unless, you have earned my trust, loyalty and love, than you're golden.

Otherwise...

You will be scattered...

By hurricane Liz...

= ) Later...

Aglow...

Aglow...emitting, radiating light...for me, I mean love. That's how my heart desires to feel always. Would that be ludicrous to strive for? I mean...I don't expect to be feeling happy every minute of every day. But...In retrospect, thinking of my life and all the struggles I've had, blessings were still more abundant. I don't like holding on to negative feelings or resentment. It's too damn draining! I believe what you emit in your life is returned to you. Yeah...what goes around comes around. I'm no angel and I've made plenty of mistakes.  Whatever...it is what it is. We move on, that's all we can do. I do recall that when I was my most positive, most sincere, most willing to do what I had to do...everything worked to my advantage. No and's, if's or but's, not one!!! In that state of mind, you are open to possibilities because you can clearly see them and thus react to them. Which means, you allow the positive flow to continue it's cycle. Positivity breeds positivity! I want to be all over that...all in that. You feel me? You do, feel my love!!! I'm feeling yours too!!!

When you feel aglow...

Don't forget me...

-Liz

Art for Pancreatic Cancer...

Dedicated to my father in law that passed away in 2006 of pancreatic cancer.

My sculpture donated to Cablevision to earn money for Lustgarten Foundation and it's plight in finding a cure for this cancer. Let's hope it earns a nice chunk!!!

Liz

What's Happening? ...

 

So...what's happening? What's new? Where's my kiss hello? I expect my kiss hello...always!!! It's interesting to watch people greet each other. A kiss, a handshake, a bow, a nod, a nose rub or a hug. Depending on social etiquette or relationship...you will see the signs of recognition, reverence, affection and friendship. Body gestures are the best sign to watch. That eye contact between two people attracted to each other, but maybe the world doesn't know they're intimate...if you really pay attention you can really see it anyway. Or the famous crossed arms...meaning be prepared for what's coming, someone is not happy!
What did you do??? LOL.  The frown and body slouch...yeah they don't want to deal with you right now, don't bother me attitude. The girls are perkyyyy! Yeah baby, I'm so excited to see you! Do you know what you do to me? Or...the arms wide open. Damn he's got monkey arms, I never noticed that! Here comes the bear hug. The body tells you more than even words a lot of the time. Words can mean nothing, if not backed by the lingo of the BOD. Tune into it more and tell me I'm not right. Anyway, I got to go and write...

Just droppin' in to say HI!!!!! ...

-Liz ; )

You feel a way...

I feel a way...What does that mean exactly? I'll tell you what it means. It's means you're way past like. It means you've been drawn to her/him, connected to her/him, feeling her/him.  Feels like more than a friendship and yet less than a friendship. It means your in the purgatory of Love...in between the friendship and relationship stage. However...a real relationship is based on friendship and love, let's remember that. The platonic casual relationship is now traveling into I miss you, I want you, I L.... you = but you're not sure and you can't say it! You wait on the other person to say it, what's with that anyway? Does it really matter who says it first? I don't get it. You may not know for sure, for quite awhile. Does it mean you need to know this exact minute? NO! But I can't stand not knowing or understanding something clearly. Confused? Wishing you were Confucius right now? What's the time frame to fall in love? Yeah, I know. There is none. It can be a week, it can be a month, a year....you get the picture. Your victim to your feelings, but do you have to be? Why is it victim? Aren't feelings good? Would you rather be numb? No...I don't like numb either! Over abundance of feelings that takes over your body and makes you feel like your going to implode is not cool either! Am I rambling? You bet!!!
This is what happens...
Possibly when...
You feel a way...

-Liz

At The End Of The Day...

 

At the end of the day, what matters is you...meaning, you have to live with looking in the mirror and liking what you see. Living with your choices...well, because they're yours and hopefully you're feeling good about them. The freedom is all yours to reign it as you desire, but...it comes with a price. It's called boundaries. What? Freedom doesn't have boundaries? Yes...it does. It's called trust and safety...for yourself, and for those in your life. Be willing to humiliate yourself, even if at the risk of ridicule and failure. How else do you learn to venture out? It's okay to fail...you're human and people will accept you even more because they see your humility. When you create trust and safety you prevent chaos and limitless freedom and... protect yourself from real dangers. It's important to correct your wrong doings, steer away from destructive ideas or actions and create some ground rules to abide by. Yes...ground rules are conducive boundaries.

You don't know everything...

So, stop thinking you do...

And...

You have to look at that mirror...

At the end of the day...

 -Liz

Never the Same...

 

Never the same... every new experience changes us a little. Subtle, but none the less change occurs. Every experience leaves an impression on you, a person, an event, a trip, a meal, a scent, a taste...a kiss, a man, a woman. Transformation is amazing, because we're never the same...ever!!! Yesterday to today...this month to last month...this year to last year. You ever look at pictures of yourself and think...I look so different. Whether I was skinnier, heavier, more brunette, blonder, younger, short hair, long hair...and that's just physical. What about emotion, intelligence, education, travel and the endless things I could list. Life can be so damn interesting if we let it, yet we're such creatures of habit. Almost sad that we are willing to sometimes live a drab existence, making excuses as to why we don't bother changing or doing anything new. Creating new and transforming experiences in our lives isn't easy. Most important piece is to sustain your own attention first, forget about anybody Else's...that comes later. Second piece is passion...lots of it, then persevering through obstacles and frustrations so you can trudge forward! Otherwise you're likely to fizzle out quickly and be miserable.  Glass half empty? Half Full? Just guzzle it down!!! Embrace paradoxes. We live in a paradoxical world. Paradoxes explore different sides to the same reality...don't be afraid to hold things in tension with one another. It may get you to further reflect your life and explain the world a bit better. 

What you will find is that...

You will never be the same...

Never the same...

Again...

-Liz

Exotic or Erotic? ...

 

Inside joke...Unique, different and foreign? Hmm...Beautiful and wondrous?

Intriguingly unusual, excitingly strange and alluringly bizarre? Hmm...a strip tease performer? Hahaha...other topic ; ) Devoted to arousing love? Marked by a strong sexual desire? Or quite simply...am I caused by love and given to love? Slave to my heart. Actively creative and constantly in a state of anticipation of sexual arousal? Provocatively titillating and ultimately satisfying an emotional state? Sounds like I'm mental!!! Let me clarify...I am actually both. Having an energy that is neither libido nor lust. It is my innate expression channeled through my word, my art, my soul, my mind and my loving heart...the spirituality of me, of which is not shameful.  Recently someone said to me...and I quote, "I think erotica isn't who you are...but an expression of the passion inside you, that drives you". I was floored...so perceptive and right on target!!! Somebody gets me!!!  People are paying attention!!! 

So, exotic or erotic?

Exotic...

Erotic....

Erratic...

Yeah that might be it!!!...

Probably the three are more alike than we realize...

And...

I am so turned on right now!!!...

-Liz ; )

Open Mind...

 

In order to be changed or change your life, you must have an open mind. You really must think about how you can effectively do this. Quite a difference between knowing and doing,  it's 50/50. Knowing, not so hard but doing takes diligence and strong desire. All the things in life worthwhile take tremendous effort. Anything you've ever accomplished in your life, I'm sure you can say did not come with ease. Also, it's a humbling experience. Creating controversy requires mental gymnastics. Meaning...it's about creating dissonance in someone's mind. New information or old information presents itself to you in a new light and you are forced to reprocess it. This is why it's good...you are now thinking and therefore are likely to change or make changes. Status quo...means you are the same, you think the same, you do the same, you live the same...which is lame! More than lame, it's sad. Be yourself...be different...be unique and not part of the faceless mob. Expose yourself to new ways of thinking, new friends and new experiences. Think of what it is in life you cherish most and re-think things in a new light. We all experience transforming activities on a daily basis.

Question is...do you leave people the same or do you change them forever?

As a result of an open mind...

-Liz