tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60422301507225604272024-02-20T00:27:45.903-05:00a diamond in the roughNicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-65051809947296281302020-07-30T12:26:00.000-04:002020-07-30T12:29:01.116-04:00This is 40<div class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">40 years of Nicole. I’m reflecting. This is 40.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My 40th birthday was a month ago, and it was truly a whirlwind of awesome. It’s also taken me about a month to catch up to myself again. This year I decided to do something a little different than the usual and went on a bit of an adventure. Well, maybe in the grand scheme of all things Nicole, it wasn’t really all that different - it was probably par for the course in this wondrous life of mine. This adventure was one I opted not to document on social media for a change and what a beautiful experience that was. It was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had in 40 years, and it was exactly what I needed in so many ways. My heart is open, my mind aware and my spirit illuminated with the light of fiery inspiration.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Birthdays always get me nostalgic. It’s sort of like the turn of the New Year, full of reflection, introspection, and fresh hope. Another year of Nicole! I think it’s a pretty cool thing that my birthday is right smack in the middle of the year, making it the perfect time for a mid-year review. My word of the year for 2020 started out “trust”, and “freedom” came along to join it somewhere along the way. Both have been significant lessons for me this year and I’ve learned much deeper meanings for both. The beginning of a whole new decade of my life is truly exciting, and I am embracing it with wide open arms, heart, and mind. I have lived a truly rich and amazing life so far, I wouldn’t change a moment of it, and I am absolutely full of so much gratitude for this incredible journey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I once saw a friend’s husband post an incredibly sweet tribute to her on her 30th birthday, and I always dreamed of someone doing something like that for me. It was beautiful, touching, and full of so much love. I tried my best to create an amazing birthday for my former partner on his 40th (and I think I did) and often wondered what mine would look like. I always dreamed of having an amazing birthday celebration, that truly reflected me, my life, and who I am, with memories I could treasure forever. So I decided to give that to myself this year. Being a single woman navigating this life, I now get to provide myself with everything I need and give myself everything I want. It’s truly a beautiful thing. I escaped the standard birthday celebrations of the past few years and left it all behind. I can’t take credit for it all though, I did have significant help from a friend in the planning and execution of my birthday adventure. In fact, I completely let go, and I was not disappointed - rather, it was pure magic.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“We don't see the world as it is, we see it as we are.” ― Anaïs Nin</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I’ve been lucky enough to know great love in my life, and it has made me a better person. Many of the lessons in love have come through much heartbreak and reflection, and far past the lifespan of most of those relationships. If I never find that kind of love again, I will be content in knowing it was part of my life. I believe my journey now is to walk in love and live it, but not to try to hold onto it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Perhaps we should love ourselves so fiercely that when others see us they know exactly how it should be done.” – Rudy Francisco</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Travel and adventure have been a large part of my life in recent years. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and taken several leaps of faith - sometimes literally (hello skydiving!). I’ve learned to love the idea of getting uncomfortable, as that is truly where the magic lies, and I seek out new experiences that will push me beyond my limits. I actually now run towards them, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.” ― Kurt Vonnegut</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Creation and expression are about as important to me as breathing. As an artist, I’ve always said that my art has no single medium. I could never filter everything I need to express through only one form or another. There are many ways to capture those ideas and to bring them into the world. From my days as an obsessive writer to performing as a dancer to painting, photography, food, and of course (but not limited to) jewelry. Artists are meant to create, I believe it is my place in this world to bring more beauty into it, and that is exactly what I will continue to do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.” - Helena Bonham Carter</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I’ve found faith and a spiritual path I never imagined for myself, and it is full of trust, love, and miracles. I learn new lessons in this every day and find a deeper connection to myself and the universe. I know for sure that my life is guided and protected, and it’s a beautiful thing. For me, there’s an interesting thing about this awareness, and there’s a point of no return, where I couldn’t go back to “being asleep” again, even if I wanted to. This is the path and I am on it now, even when the lessons are hard ones - and the good ones are always the hard ones.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ― Soren Kierkegaard</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have friendships in my life where we have seen each other through love, marriages, children, divorce, trauma, heartbreak, moves, health issues, businesses, major life changes, death and so much more. Having friends through this journey makes everything so much better. Having people in my corner, who love and support me unconditionally, is truly without compare. As I get older, I realize the importance of these unconditional friendships, and how truly rare they are.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are.”</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My work, and being self-employed, is something I take great pride in. My journey in business has been a fantastic one, full of all the ups and downs one might expect. It’s been a brilliant adventure in itself, and I am grateful to my business mentors over the years who have inspired me to keep going. Running a business of my own is something that is very much part of who I am. My work life is rich and I am always looking to keep changing the game. There’s freedom in this and the sky is truly the limit! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, it truly feels like I am living the dream.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My island. St. Croix. I have so much love for this place and gratitude for the experience of growing up here. This island truly feels like “the motherland” for me, as she has been a mother to me in many ways. My life here has shaped me and taught me lessons, opened my eyes and my heart many times over. This place has both broken me and put me back together, and cradled me in her arms when I needed safety and refuge. St. Croix will always be my home and the place that made me who I am.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“You will never be completely at home again because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Music, dance, and skydiving have brought me back to life at different times in my journey. They’ve helped me to find my light again, my fire, my passion for life, living and the power to keep moving forward. I lost myself and found joy, and I’ve found myself on the journey of continuous and constant forward movement. There’s no going back, like a river that flows into the sea, and I am “all in” on the journey to my best self, my true self, and the never-ending self-work that continues to lay itself out before me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” <span class="s1">― </span>Oscar Wilde</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I’ve lived, I’ve danced, I’ve leaped, I’ve created, I’ve broken down and built myself back up (more than once), I’ve loved, I’ve lost, I’ve re-created myself, I’ve made lots of mistakes and I have triumphed over challenges, I’ve done it gracefully and less than gracefully, I’ve recovered from various things and recovered myself in the process, I’ve learned to look within and let the outside be, I’ve surrendered and surrendered more, I’ve found my voice and my breath, I’ve lost my inhibitions, released control, I’ve learned how to take up space and claimed my seat, I’ve awakened to a life I never knew possible, I’ve woken up to find myself in, quite literally, a whole new world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first 40 years have been pretty incredible. I can’t wait to see what the next 40 will bring.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">— Mary Oliver</span></i></blockquote>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-49541854829985324272019-12-22T10:04:00.000-05:002019-12-25T15:51:58.429-05:00Dance Like Nobody’s Watching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Dance like nobody's watching, does that even sound appealing? Imagine that no one is, perhaps you are dancing alone in a sunlit field of daisies, or in in an empty, lavishly appointed ballroom, maybe even in a beautiful old theater with mezzanine seating and you are on the stage solo. Where would you dance freely and with abandon if you knew no one was watching?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A conversation today brought this idea back to my mind, “dance like nobody watching.” This quote has made its rounds on the internet in the form of memes and stories and actually is attributed to Mark Twain, "Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Dance has been a huge part of my life, having started in creative movement as a toddler and finally began to take my dance lessons seriously around age 9 or 10. At that time dance was something else to learn and excel at, in my outward quest for validation and acceptance. Just like getting straight "A"s in school, I needed to be the best in my ballet class. Of course a dance form like ballet, and my classes in southern New England, provided the exact challenge and structured discipline I came to know as comfortable and familiar. This strict and yet beautiful art form became a good part of my identity and would be for years. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>My role as "Snow Soloist" in The Nutcracker Suite Ballet</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">To, “Dance like nobody’s watching” really wasn’t an option in my mind, at least not for me. My life as a dancer was full of routine, syllabi, examinations, auditions, comparison and many, MANY eyes on me, my body and my technique. I loved performing, and I loved dancing. For me, there was no better feeling than dancing on stage for a large audience, flawlessly executing intensely rehearsed choreography. Of course perfection was never attained and I was always left wanting for more, reaching for more and berating myself for every small slip up. In fact, dancers bow in a position commonly referred to as “B plus”, because your performance is never an "A". No matter how well you performed, you can always do better. If that isn’t the stuff that perfectionism is made of, I don’t know what is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Nonetheless, I loved my dancing days, and the harshness of this beautiful performing art. Dancing on stage made me feel beautiful, special and important, and I can still remember the first time I set foot on stage for a “real" ballet performance at age 9. I walked on that stage and when I stepped into the light, I knew immediately that I was home. I felt comfortable and alive, I finally found a place where I was welcome and I belonged. The stage would be my place of safety and escape for years to come. I was able to slip into a role as a character, as someone other than myself. Putting on a show became more than a hobby, but a way of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">It was April of 2009 when I first really understood what it felt like to dance like nobody’s watching. I was no longer dancing, as dance did not end up being what I pursued as a career. At a weekend retreat in Florida, we ended one of our days with <a href="https://diamond-in-the-rough.blogspot.com/2009/04/these-are-moments.html" target="_blank">a drum circle around a fire at twilight</a> and into the evening. One of the drum circle rules was, “if you aren't drumming, you'd better be dancing!” This honestly struck fear into my heart. “Dancer” was a part of who I was for so may years, in fact I was very often identified as, “Nicole the dancer” and I still am even to this day. I felt pressure to dance, to perform, to live up to my title, as this was so much a part of who I was, but the idea of dancing without choreography was frightening! I tried to hide behind my drum and thought I could get away with that, but a miraculous thing happened, the drum music began to move me, like really move me, <i>physically</i>. I felt the rhythm build up in my body, it was impossible to ignore and the pull to get up and move came through my entire being with a force I can only describe as divine. I got up and moved my body, dancing to the sound of drum beats, under a starry sky, beside the fire’s light. Those movements were new, unfamiliar and unlike any choreography I had ever rehearsed, yet every motion felt perfect and natural. It felt at times like I was in slow motion, in one of those movies montages at the end of the story where everything comes together and everyone lives happily ever after. I moved my body with pure joy stronger than anything I had ever felt in all my years of dancing. That moment changed me, broke me open, and it still one of the most memorable experiences of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Dancing like nobody’s watching didn’t exactly become a way of life for me at that point, now over ten years ago. I found all sorts of reasons not to dance and not to live. I think that happens to us all at some point as life changes and we go through seasons and storms. Once again I discovered moving my body freely in 2017, when I began to appreciate music again. Caught up in years of overworking and not enough play, I decided to enjoy life and take time to nourish my spirit. In fact, as I embarked on my very first music cruise in February of 2017, a friend told me to enjoy myself and to "dance like nobody's watching", and for the first time in a long time on that boat, I did just that! I now regularly attend music events and enjoy the familiar feeling of moving my body to the rhythm, feeling the energy of the music and the crowd. I very often still find that place of pure, blissful connection when I get into the flow, and it feels like I am the only person in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">These days, dancing like no one is watching goes beyond moving my body at a drum circle or a music festival (thought I still very much enjoy those!). It is the way I live my life, un-scripted, un-choreographed, and with great passion and joy. While my years as a ballet dancer shaped the course of my life and taught me so many lessons, dancing has now taken on a more free and beautiful role in my life. I can dance through life with great spirit and enthusiasm, just for myself, and I no longer care who is watching. </span></div>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-53748394847633045012019-10-27T13:57:00.000-04:002019-10-28T07:35:48.570-04:00Just Ask the Universe<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Did you know you could just ask the universe? I certainly didn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The year 2017 was one of many significant life changes for me. Before the turn of the new year, I found myself nostalgic and reflective as I always do. At the end of 2016 though, things felt different. I was at that place that many of us have been at one time or another; unhappy, feeling stuck and stagnant in my life, and wanting desperately for something to change. What was missing in my life? I had to ask myself this. The answer was: JOY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I would say that I really started to make changes in 2016, having been unsatisfied in my life for some time at that point. I left a job that wasn’t fulfilling and even planned a fairly expensive vacation with a friend, and without my significant other at the time - which felt like a really big deal. I guess I started to see that there was little in my life that I was really enjoying, so I set out to change that. Joy had been so elusive in my life for so long though, that I wasn’t quite sure how to find it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I like to set intentions at the beginning of the year, and at the beginning of 2017, the intention that kept coming up for me was “finding joy”. What struck me as most intriguing about this was not only that I had no idea how to find joy, but I also didn’t really believe I could, nor that it was available to me. However, the message and intention persisted so I choose to hold onto it. To trust this “message” which kept coming to me in quiet moments and through other channels in the world around me, was totally new. I didn’t really believe much in what I couldn’t see, or what I couldn’t wrap my head around. I tended toward what was familiar, proven and safe. Yet, the idea of finding joy was so exciting, and the message so strong, that I continued to trust it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">A book also found me around that time, which really spoke to me and gave me the same feeling as this intention that kept coming up. The book was called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060CJ9DQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" target="_blank">“Just Ask the Universe” by Michael Samuels</a>. It was a quick read on Kindle and I loved the ideas expressed in it about making a list of all the things I truly wanted in life. That may seem simple, but for me it really wasn’t. Like many people, women especially, I spent a lot of time concerned with how my life looked and what other people wanted. Putting myself, and my needs and desires first, wasn’t something that came easily. I also didn’t really think that I could just “ask the universe” for anything. It just didn’t make sense to me and I was also not convinced that I could get what I wanted anyway - even though I hadn’t thought about what that was!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">So the ritual around writing this list was pretty great in itself, clear all distractions, get comfortable and have a fresh notebook available to write everything down. I think there is much greater power in using pen and paper, but I am sure that some people have used a computer document. Set aside enough time to really be able to focus on the task. The first list was titled, “I WANT”. Even writing that on the paper brought up a little bit of guilt for me. Wanting seemed selfish, but again, I went with it. I also dated the page. I wrote down a list of all the things that I wanted out of my life, big and small, no matter how far fetched they seemed at the time. I got into this mindset of, “what would I do if time and money were not an issue.” My wants started small and eventually got bigger. I asked for solutions to problems in my current life, and I wrote down bigger goals that were things I had always wanted to do. As I wrote the list I found increasing excitement about all the possibilities out there. Even though so many of my wants felt like they were far away, I began to believe I could actually have them eventually. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The next part of this process was to make a second list, this one was different. This list was about things I had been given in my life and each statement was to be written like this: “I ASKED FOR ____________ AND I GRATEFULLY RECEIVED IT”. I have to say it was pretty cool to write down all the things I had been given and achieved in my life for which I was grateful. There is really magic in this simple system, ask for what we want and be grateful for what we have been given. The most amazing thing about it is that IT WORKS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I wrote at least two pages of things I wanted, lots of things I was grateful for and then I put that list away in a drawer. Something reminded me of it around 6 months later, and I pulled it out to refresh my memory and see what I had written. I was totally surprised to see that nearly half the things on that list had come true! When I sat at my table writing the list of things I wanted, many seemed far fetched and I could’t really see, feel or imagine them coming true, but as the simple task was all about, I wrote them down anyway. Here I was, only 6 months later, seeing that many of my dreams had started coming true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This continued to happen and of that list I think there are only 2-3 things that have not yet come to fruition now, 3 years later. Those are still at the top of my “wants” list along with new, fresh goals that I feel more confident in than ever. </span>I also found a vision board that I created in 2015 and had a similar experience. I realized that when I made that vision board, all the hopes and dreams I poured into it with magazine clippings and quotes, felt far off and impossible. I sat holding the slightly aged and wrinkled poster board and realized with great emotion and gratitude, that everything I had desired when I made it had manifested in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My life has transformed and changed in ways so big and beautiful, I am in awe of just how great it has become and what is possible. Most importantly, I found my joy. I found my joy in experiences that were so amazing, I felt like I had honestly won the life lottery, and continue to feel like this on a regular basis. While I had no idea how to find joy or what it would look like, at the end of 2017 I was so full of joy that most people reported I was glowing and radiating like they had never seen. That was really just the beginning, my life has opened up in the most miraculous ways, and in ways I never could have planned if I tried. So much that has happened was better than what I wrote down, because sometimes the universe takes what we ask for and does us one better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">It is all a great lesson to me in believing, trust and holding the vision no matter what. It also reminds me to check in with my goals regularly and also check in to see that the things I am doing in my life and business, are the things that are bringing me closer to those goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">I have learned to listen to the messages from the universe, that previously I wasn’t sure what to do with. There are tiny miracles lighting this path, reminding me that I am going the right way. Recently, that came to me in the form of another book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Means-Business-Prosper-without-ebook/dp/B07D6B92CX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PWGUTB3QDLDX&keywords=spirit+means+business&qid=1572197926&s=digital-text&sprefix=spirit+mean%2Cdigital-text%2C190&sr=1-1" target="_blank">“Spirit Means Business”</a> by one of my absolute favorite authors, Alan Cohen. It’s time for me to make another list, as I move into yet another transition period in my life and business, and I am excited this time around, rather than trepidatious, because I know the power of this work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Whenever I think I know what I need and what the next steps in my life should look like, the universe steps in and reminds me that it has far more in store for me than I could have ever dreamed possible. I have some ideas of what I want in life, and as I prepare to put pen to paper on this again, I will add the intention that, “it’s this or something better.” And so it is. </span></div>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-15519868866055808692019-09-25T12:02:00.000-04:002019-09-25T21:08:38.749-04:00Looking Back on a History of "Failed" Relationships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What if every relationship I have been in was truly preparing me for where I am now? It seems too simple. I mean, it seems like people say that all the time, right? “Everything happens for a reason.” We’ve all heard that. Sure, it’s true. I get it. I can say that every time in my history when something felt unsure or unsettled, or even painful and scary, I have ended up on the other side in a much better place. Like, in a far place better than I could have ever imagined in the limited reality of my experiences up to that time.<br />
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I had a realization moment recently (like yesterday), where I found myself in this incredible place of gratitude for everything that is happening in my life. The world and new experiences are showing up in all sorts of amazing new ways. Sometimes it feels too good to be true. The realization came when I started to wonder what had happened, what had shifted and what had brought me to this point in my life. One of my biggest pain points, as I look back on my life history, would be the series of painful relationships I have been in. What if I saw this in a different way? What if I could look at all of those relationships through the lens of love? That is where the real shift in perception happened, and I began to believe that each of those relationships, each painful breakup, every betrayal and heartbreaking disappointment, was there to teach me a lesson. I wouldn’t have learned these lessons if they were easy and without suffering. Eventually, that pain became too great and I decided enough was enough. That moment happened for me two and a half years ago and finally broke a twenty year cycle.<br />
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I have thought about most of my romantic relationships as “failed” relationships, mistakes, bad choices. Most of them ended very painfully, but don’t all romantic relationships end in pain? Where there is love there is bound to be pain. I’m far from the only one to experience these types of connections and these kinds of heartbreak, and I would probably guess I wasn’t the only one hurting during those breakups. Every exact scenario is different and unique, but the general overtones are the same. Love and hurt go hand in hand.<br />
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I would say that I have regretted most of my relationships that ended badly, and thought they were parts of my past that needed to be forgotten. After all, I messed up, I pursued relationship after relationship that was not right for me, searching for things outside myself to help make me feel whole. I picked people who played into my pain, rather than those who might actually be good for me. I felt like every single one of those relationships should not have happened, I should have known better, I should have chosen better. These were the stories I was telling myself, and have been for years. Until like, yesterday.<br />
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I can’t think back on my relationship history without a strong desire to call my ex-husband and apologize to him for being such a mess in our marriage. Of course I can’t do that just to assuage my guilt, as the past is the past and there is no sense in dragging up ancient history - especially since he now has a wonderful family and a very happy life (and I am genuinely happy for him!). Of all my past relationships, my marriage is the one I look upon the most fondly. My ex-husband is an amazing person, and I take a lot of the responsibility for the decline of our relationship. He is also the only long term relationship that has ended and moved into a place of genuine friendship and connection. Of course, that did not happen overnight. It took years.<br />
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Maybe none of those relationships were really failures. The end of a relationship doesn’t have to mean things went wrong, it can simply mean that things changed. Life changed, energies shifted, goals and dreams became different. I went into most of my long term relationships thinking for sure that it would be “the one”. Being really attached to the outcome is something I have struggled with for a long time. In most of those relationships, I was rigidly attached to the outcome, rather than leaving it open and free. Not everyone comes into our lives forever, but everyone comes into our lives for a reason.<br />
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I guess I am truly stepping into a place of gratitude for all the lessons learned (however painful) from ex-lovers. It took an awful lot of pain and heartache to get to the place I am in now, but I am beginning to realize, that it was all part of a greater plan, and how beautifully perfect that plan is.<br />
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Maybe I will have a relationship again, maybe I won’t. I know for sure, the next time, if there is a next time, will be different. Taking time and space to heal my heart has brought in so much awareness and acceptance. I’m learning to look at things differently, with an open mind and an open heart. I’ve changed my relationship with love and my relationship with myself. There’s no place else I would rather be. Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-92023339627059259232017-01-18T11:04:00.000-05:002019-10-27T14:21:43.638-04:00I'm on a PODCAST (with one of my mentors)<ol class="_2t4u clearfix" data-pnref="story" data-referrer="pagelet_timeline_recent_ocm" id="u_jsonp_8_i_story"><div class="_5pcb _4b0l">
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One of the highlights of an already amazing holiday season in my jewelry business, <a href="https://fantaseajewelry.com/" target="_blank">FantaSea Jewelry, </a>was being interviewed for the Thrive by Design podcast and having the opportunity to chat with Tracy Matthews of <a href="http://flourishthriveacademy.com/" target="_blank">Flourish and Thrive Academy</a>. Although, as we discuss on the podcast episode, the holiday season started out pretty rough for me!<br />
It's a great episode, check out the page and give it a listen! <a href="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/2017/01/17/076-market-grow-brand-like-boss-lady-even-sht-hits-fan-nicole-gariepy/" target="_blank">Click here to check it out</a>!</div>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-79603530958849741982017-01-08T15:00:00.000-05:002017-01-08T18:17:22.414-05:00The US Virgin Islands Will Pay You To Visit This Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If your New Year doesn’t include a trip to the US Virgin Islands, it should! The USVI Department of Tourism will give you $300 to spend when you book travel through participating resorts for travel up until December 31, 2017. Visitors arriving in March will also receive a commemorative “Centennial” souvenir, as we celebrate 100 years of the United States Virgin Islands.</div>
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You won’t be able to spend your money on jewelry and cocktails however, as the $300 vouchers are redeemable only for outdoor activities, eco-tours, sightseeing and events that celebrate the culture and beauty of our amazing islands. That’s USVI Nice!</div>
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For more information and details on the promotion, check out: <a href="http://www.visitusvi.com/package_and_promotions" style="border: 0px; color: #3d9d9b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">www.visitusvi.com/package_and_promotions</a> and to see the events planned for this year of centennial celebration <a href="http://www.vitransfercentennial.org/events.html" style="border: 0px; color: #3d9d9b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">click here.</a></div>
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We’d love to see you! #USVInice</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">View of Buck Island from Point Udall on St. Croix, the Easternmost Point of the United States</span></td></tr>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-42101869749545215542015-04-11T12:50:00.000-04:002017-01-08T18:15:55.173-05:00Message in a Bottle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Biggs and I found a message in a bottle while walking Coakley beach with Cucciolo this morning:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc5hnUdvliwNmXJPv1o7P-k8hnwGowT0nuntECvftRjgluSf3pj2AjfM63RXqhJrY3notJShBBd6lyn492YEYom3X2CK_DX-TQnkQSw-mEnWYz1Cd_ch5cdYjIE_bRYqYeerE8HbDc78/s1600/11152704_10205588030194579_1242653785319254140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc5hnUdvliwNmXJPv1o7P-k8hnwGowT0nuntECvftRjgluSf3pj2AjfM63RXqhJrY3notJShBBd6lyn492YEYom3X2CK_DX-TQnkQSw-mEnWYz1Cd_ch5cdYjIE_bRYqYeerE8HbDc78/s1600/11152704_10205588030194579_1242653785319254140_n.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
"One life. One man. Be happy. Realize your dreams!"<br />
Kairos I sailing boat. December 2014.<br />
17*01.98 N 41*12.02 W<br />
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Plugged the coordinates into Google maps and came up with the location - the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It appears the sailor is from Russia and we even found his Facebook page.<br />
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Of course this wasn't my first encounter with a message in a bottle, having found one on the north shore of St. Croix in 1997 or so. That one was written in French and was tossed overboard by a French family sailing the Caribbean. I wrote to them in French and sent some photos along, they responded to my letter and sent some photos back! I remember some drawings done by their daughter that had been included in the original bottle. I guess I must be pretty darn lucky to have found 2 messages in bottles washed ashore in my lifetime!<br />
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-34908380599610880812014-12-24T21:03:00.000-05:002014-12-24T21:19:55.651-05:00'Tis The SeasonGood things are happening as the year 2014 draws to a close. I can look back at this year and say that there were MANY difficult and trying times, rough obstacles and hurdles, but everything worked out in the end. The groundwork has been laid for some great things to come in the next year as well.<br />
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I am just feeling so positive lately, something I haven't felt all that much this year. I've had some great days, a wonderful Thanksgiving, probably the best one I can remember in years and I think Christmas Day is shaping up to be great as well. Today, working at the shop, people were milling about, shopping, happy, friendly and there was just such a wonderful air around town. I think my favorite part of the day was the three young children who sang an adorable rendition of "How Will Santa Get Here?" when asked how Santa was going to get into their house and bring their presents.<br />
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While the holiday season usually does very little for me, this year I seem to have softened a bit to it. My life, over the last few months, has improved significantly in its quality, and I am sure that has a lot to do with it. I'm moving ever closer to having the things I've always wanted, and accomplishing my goals. I haven't felt this good in about 4 years, since my last major life change. It's another good time for Nicole, a time for more growth and change, and isn't that just exciting?!<br />
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-3446588141407173282014-08-22T08:05:00.000-04:002017-01-08T16:10:18.936-05:00Caribbean Beauty<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frangipani tree outside my kitchen window</td></tr>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-24621063444962800452014-07-23T20:13:00.000-04:002014-07-23T20:13:16.035-04:00Caribbean Color<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf20HhqI-393YuOXh8utCkESJrZOtPN65YSsFa20c-Bk_1-Bbmar5DbcP5VZ0yqeefSVya7qUULX8NNFxtLYUIUbD4hV6Ea_YApKlDcU5IoXmhz807vCovH1KBgpzOVaIFH7YJXAUv2wg/s1600/pinkfrangipani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf20HhqI-393YuOXh8utCkESJrZOtPN65YSsFa20c-Bk_1-Bbmar5DbcP5VZ0yqeefSVya7qUULX8NNFxtLYUIUbD4hV6Ea_YApKlDcU5IoXmhz807vCovH1KBgpzOVaIFH7YJXAUv2wg/s1600/pinkfrangipani.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Frangipani (Plumeria) at Coakley Bay, St. Croix, USVI</td></tr>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-44725919910291904342014-07-19T19:31:00.000-04:002014-07-23T20:14:12.000-04:00It's not easy being green<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lqk8KkSsvmMng4MTRoD-OkAS-Q9_i5GtK1hjojHZZ_IqdXbGcP0URv3SBeD-UPv4yPVnZMaTmAEoPZvb9cRsNTii9frxTlyDHN9mg7X9DYGPwGEvWXPHtG-_JtUhrR_M9efhq3ohS1k/s1600/babyiguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lqk8KkSsvmMng4MTRoD-OkAS-Q9_i5GtK1hjojHZZ_IqdXbGcP0URv3SBeD-UPv4yPVnZMaTmAEoPZvb9cRsNTii9frxTlyDHN9mg7X9DYGPwGEvWXPHtG-_JtUhrR_M9efhq3ohS1k/s1600/babyiguana.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Iguana on the Jogging Trail at the Buccaneer Hotel, St. Croix USVI</td></tr>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-40685428999668521502014-03-31T22:15:00.000-04:002014-03-31T22:30:27.473-04:00Food Post - Moroccan Chickpea StewDay 15 of my sobriety/ detox/ get healthy stint. Finally kicking out the respiratory funk that has plagued me for just as long. The former should be helping the latter, can't imagine how long this crap would last were I not trying to clean up my act. Luckily, I've been keeping pretty healthy for awhile now, but I'm taking it a step further to coincide with some changes and fresh personal goals. A little jump start for my overall being.<br />
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I'm not much of a food or recipe poster, most of my favorite recipes have come from <i>the interwebs </i>or have been inspired by recipes I find online. I do save a lot of my faves and interesting looking ones on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nicolegariepy/food-bev/" target="_blank">my F&B Pinterest board</a>, and I love how many easy, quick and healthy recipes I find on that (godforsaken) website. Today however, I thought I would post a favorite recipe of mine that I have been making for years, because it is so damn good and pretty healthy too. Even super award-winning, rock star chef, Biggs, loves this dish (and the fact that I cook it and he doesn't have to).<br />
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<b>Moroccan Chickpea Stew </b><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 medium onion, diced (I usually use yellow but only had red today - it works)<br />
1 bulb of garlic, pressed (I like a lot of garlic, the original recipe called for only 3-4 cloves)<br />
1/2 tsp. each; cinnamon, cumin, paprika<br />
1/4 tsp. cayenne (I actually use 1/2 tsp. cayenne as well, I like it spicier)<br />
2-14.5 oz. cans diced tomato with juice<br />
2-14.5 oz. cans chickpeas (drained)<br />
16oz. vegetable or chicken broth (I make my own stock, so I generally use that)<br />
4 cups chopped kale (washed, no stems)<br />
A pinch or 5 of red pepper flakes<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
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In large pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil, add spices and saute for a few minutes (this smells amazing!). Add tomatoes in juice, chick peas and broth, add red pepper flakes, season with a healthy dash of salt and pepper (about ten twists on the pepper mill), stir well and bring to a boil.<br />
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At this point I like to mash up some of the chick peas with a potato masher (or fork), it gives the stew a little extra thickness. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes.<br />
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Add kale and allow to wilt in the stew just prior to serving. Spinach also works in place of kale, but I prefer the way kale stands up to the heat and keeps its body. Season to taste as needed. </div>
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Serve and enjoy!<br />
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-42176668629378582912014-03-12T23:05:00.000-04:002014-03-12T23:05:00.119-04:00Hyperbole and a Half BookIt's published.<br />
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I bought it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hyperboleandahalfbook.blogspot.com/">hyperboleandahalfbook.blogspot.com/</a></td></tr>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-72629155686464436072014-03-11T22:43:00.003-04:002014-03-11T22:46:32.469-04:00RENT - The Rock Musical<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rent_(musical)" target="_blank">RENT</a> was performed this year at the <a href="http://cct.vi/" target="_blank">Caribbean Community Theater</a>. Directed by my friend Michael Armendariz with musical direction by Patrick Baron. I was asked to help with the choreography and even ended up with a small part in the show and along the way, I certainly became a RENT-head! Another amazing show and incredible overall experience. The theater is one of the things in my life that makes me feel the most alive. I also was honored to work with such a dedicated and professional group of people, including many young, talented new theater kids who definitely renewed a bit of my lost faith in the next generations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The cast of RENT with Director Michael Armendariz</span></td></tr>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-33942056388021804232013-12-30T21:20:00.002-05:002013-12-30T21:35:10.979-05:00Goodbye 2013 (or should I say, good riddance...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
2013 wasn't a stellar year for me, but like most things in life, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the difficult parts. Or so I hear. Somehow I survived and made it though, when so many times I was sure I couldn't. I managed to emerge from the lows and perhaps even balance the minefield of a year with some semblance of grace. Despite the chaos, I did some good things in the past year, but I'm now looking forward to a good new year, a better year, and I'm planning on actively pursuing some positive and lucrative new endeavors and continuing the journey I'm on.<br />
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The year's end has been on my mind all day, for several reasons, but I don't wish to toss 2013 out like yesterday's garbage. Instead, the impending turn of the year has made me thoughtful and reflective. I realized this afternoon was my last Buccaneer run of 2013, I opted to also get some shopping done so that I wouldn't go into the new year with empty cupboards, and of course I came home and did some tidying and laundry so as not to embark on 2014 with a dirty home.<br />
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Tomorrow will be busy, a double for me between two jobs, but I am now prepared and comfortable to be ringing in the new year, with enough of my life in order - or at least in the order I require anyway. In this moment I am as content as I can possibly be, and that is something that I haven't felt much this year.<br />
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So, "Bring it on!" I say... I think I'm ready for whatever it will be.<br />
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Of course I couldn't forget to mention a very special part of New Year's Eve, as Biggs and I celebrate our three year anniversary tomorrow as well. A new year and another year, and I treated us to something really special, one of our favorites:<br />
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Happy New Year!</div>
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2014</div>
Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-3581532919714562302013-11-08T20:41:00.000-05:002013-11-08T20:42:27.015-05:00More Rum!<div style="text-align: left;">
Because the rum is never all gone on St. Croix!</div>
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Signs at the <a href="http://comanchemill.com/" target="_blank">Comanche Mill Yacht-Less Club</a> on the Christiansted boardwalk. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln9ZExo6uieEp2KOf8HaqcdqRQNZOlFF4-xwp2HY8QclNwpMKn90rxB5IF7p0JRKRsYIAnLJO47n0ccJDW4v6lLmsZ_FnOkjqdlwcjBrZlfLWCwU4fFRgvgpQXse9uoTc-ycgFVZOh04/s1600/eatdrinkstx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln9ZExo6uieEp2KOf8HaqcdqRQNZOlFF4-xwp2HY8QclNwpMKn90rxB5IF7p0JRKRsYIAnLJO47n0ccJDW4v6lLmsZ_FnOkjqdlwcjBrZlfLWCwU4fFRgvgpQXse9uoTc-ycgFVZOh04/s320/eatdrinkstx.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-9207067087587869132013-11-07T18:58:00.001-05:002013-11-07T19:02:59.688-05:00Not all who wander...Awesome new addition to the <a href="http://cruzanrum.com/" target="_blank">Cruzan Rum</a> distillery!<br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #999999; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">"An artist friend from our home of St. Croix took reclaimed barrel staves from our distillery to create a beautiful, locally flavored sign post that will make your next visit that much more enjoyable." </span></blockquote>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-62721654589588138092013-09-12T08:53:00.002-04:002013-09-12T09:07:36.105-04:00Can anything humble you like an Anne Frank quote?<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” Anne Frank</blockquote>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-63534173103713108552013-09-12T08:25:00.000-04:002013-09-12T08:25:33.631-04:00National Suicide Prevention Week<div class="tr_bq">
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On National Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), The Kristin Brooks Hope Center is hosting the first annual IMAlive 24-7 Giving Challenge. People across America are working to raise $50,000 to fund <a href="http://imalive.org/" style="border: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IMALive.org</a> crisis chat service. Any donation received during National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14) will count towards the IMAlive 24-7 giving event.<br />
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I made my donation on Tuesday, September 10, which is National Suicide Prevention Day. Since, the total raised has gone from about $27,000 to $31,000. Keep it going!<br />
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From the fundraising website:<br />
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<em style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your donation is important because it will allow volunteers at IMAlive, the first online crisis chat center to remain open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.</em><em style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</em><em style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Suicide can be a temporary moment of terror. With trained IMAlive volunteers available 24/7 a potential victim can be talked off the proverbial ledge. IMAlive volunteers have saved thousands of lives by being there with hope and help at the right moment. </em><em style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</em><em style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Currently, the IMAlive chat service and hotline is available to people most hours of the day, but to become truly effective we need to become available every hour of every day. Thank you for helping us reach that goal and for considering becoming a volunteer yourself.</em></blockquote>
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Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-81898038797006825292013-09-05T22:45:00.000-04:002013-09-05T22:59:54.808-04:00some COLOR for a changeMy evening runs at the Buccaneer are the highlights of my days and weeks. The jogging trail that wraps around the golf course and through the beautiful property is full of natural goodness. There is a pond with baby ducks that have stolen my heart, along with egrets, herons and some other birds I think are either sanderlings, least sandpipers or Wilson's plover - perhaps some of each - and several baby ones. The course is lush green, and bright Caribbean flowers boast their vivid colors in contrast to the earth and sky. My path takes me around the water's edge, under swaying palms and over hills that offer amazing views of the surrounding areas. The solitude clears my head, refreshes my soul and keeps me sane - for at least one more day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunset at the Buccaneer</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Date Palm at the Buccaneer Hotel</span></div>
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<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-56793786676171465772013-08-30T23:16:00.001-04:002013-08-30T23:18:18.496-04:00more grey<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UR7uk892K3w" width="459"></iframe><br />
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I'm having a bit of a DMB obsession as of late. I can't get enough of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Street_(song)" target="_blank">Grey Street</a>, and this version in particular.Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-29266661378407137432013-08-30T22:36:00.002-04:002013-08-30T23:19:11.184-04:00it's one of THOSE days.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/25/48/92/254892916e0f87b96c089e46225ffa94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/25/48/92/254892916e0f87b96c089e46225ffa94.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-73787404949346916292013-08-16T21:54:00.000-04:002013-08-30T22:38:43.047-04:00"I dream myself a thousand times around the world, but I can’t get out of this place"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPE9PRV6dpRaZT5P_dyya9GuAxJhQE4lbjaIUMqPB4hgToiMaOW4mTK7UWv2y4QAkzCJns2YzkBhABx2mMcZ6Eeak7uuRSDKqB-YYk-X6vTnv8JXl4Mgv-LjyjoT7G6Ln6tKT82l63fI/s1600/greystreetgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPE9PRV6dpRaZT5P_dyya9GuAxJhQE4lbjaIUMqPB4hgToiMaOW4mTK7UWv2y4QAkzCJns2YzkBhABx2mMcZ6Eeak7uuRSDKqB-YYk-X6vTnv8JXl4Mgv-LjyjoT7G6Ln6tKT82l63fI/s400/greystreetgirl.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-8203963757296336222013-08-09T21:20:00.001-04:002013-08-30T22:39:04.129-04:00Dark Clouds Overhead: literal and figurative, and the universe laughed...<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Metaphors are everywhere. </span><span style="line-height: 17.77777862548828px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> said before that the
universe has a great sense of humor, though today it seemed more like it was
making a cruel joke. The depression has been lingering, and as I – and many others
- have said, it is like having a black cloud hanging over you, following you and
sometimes chasing you, and that black cloud of depression can be difficult, if not impossible,
to get out from under.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4ASx1tAW74NCppuZl4BaoP26S_H8OtxFxsrullDmsw9XXaLy8TFivCk9prfbHHvYVeL4EibGJwxNSfeqSZ_x538X5o4eyMR2fqDzfgZmNECK0f8gJJjrdxpp8w9bm4Zyppr0YuIV258/s1600/darkclouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4ASx1tAW74NCppuZl4BaoP26S_H8OtxFxsrullDmsw9XXaLy8TFivCk9prfbHHvYVeL4EibGJwxNSfeqSZ_x538X5o4eyMR2fqDzfgZmNECK0f8gJJjrdxpp8w9bm4Zyppr0YuIV258/s1600/darkclouds.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today, as I walked my usual path on my afternoon
workout (a part of my now daily routine, an attempt to get my ass back in shape
and hopefully help with the blues, but only barely skimming the surface on both
counts) I was literally being followed by dark, menacing rain clouds. I saw
them as I began my trek, looming on the horizon, in much the same way the
threat of depression appears looming in the distance, making its presence
known, and recognized by those of us who have felt the grasp of its cold, dark
sadness before. Thinking I could avoid them, and tempting fate, I skated along
the edge of the clouds, feeling sure that I would be safe from their wrath and
putting forth much energy to keep my pace and escape unscathed. As I felt them gaining
on me, I pushed forward; harder, faster - all the time looking back. The
raindrops began to fall, and hit me. At first one, then another, then more,
several at once; bigger… faster… I started to run, my feet hitting the pavement
in heavy, desperate slaps. I felt panic creeping through my body, I </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">couldn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> let myself be consumed! I struggled to get ahead of the darkness that
threatened, but the more I pushed, the more tired I became, and I began to feel
I was fighting a losing battle. Fear grabbed a hold of me as I fought my body
to keep going, to beat this storm that threatened to overtake me. Each time I
got ahead of the cold, wet rain, and slowed down, exhausted – it only caught up
with me each time soaking me a bit more. I was fighting a losing battle, and at
this point was lacking the drive, determination, and energy with which to
continue the fight. Where I had once been treading water, I finally felt myself
sinking, at first bobbing, struggling, and eventually being pulled under. I
stopped abruptly as stout rain drops hit me all over, coming at me from all
angles to the point where I felt like I was the target at a driving range. It
surrounded me, overtook me, coming down in heavy sheets everywhere I turned. I
was drowning in the pouring rain. My legs were tired, my body ached, my head
spun as though I was drunk, and I gave up, gave in, and let the dark, cold, wet
depression consume me. I felt vulnerable and helpless. I felt as though I was being
sucked downward into a deep whirlpool, a cesspool of depression.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It was such a literal, physical experience of what I
have been feeling emotionally. I cried and laughed and let my tears mix with
the icy, callous rain drops. It almost felt good to give in, and give up, and
let myself go. It was an odd, kind of freeing feeling. In a way I made it
through the worst part and came out the other side. </span></span><br />
<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6042230150722560427.post-56354915157694007132013-08-06T23:11:00.000-04:002013-08-06T23:12:16.516-04:00Life Imitates ArtThis photo has been circulated on the internet as of late. While the origin of the photo is not known (and not easily found) the artwork is a 1911 painting of dancer, Anna Pavlova, by artist John Lavery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-Ie9d_e8TCwJvsv_Ygjr-8EAhUCOzElqYunCwLh7HUt9RtE8Fo2tKiYlWkrJj8MC8vVApjzvKuXHYy9ToXJRgzzEviS6sHVmGmif7v6dzRoaWcpuZg0wr6Vb857vnZBB6T0QICUhZCI/s1600/lifeart-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-Ie9d_e8TCwJvsv_Ygjr-8EAhUCOzElqYunCwLh7HUt9RtE8Fo2tKiYlWkrJj8MC8vVApjzvKuXHYy9ToXJRgzzEviS6sHVmGmif7v6dzRoaWcpuZg0wr6Vb857vnZBB6T0QICUhZCI/s320/lifeart-2.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(nabbed the photo and info <a href="http://www.worldirish.com/story/13161" target="_blank">here</a>)</span><br />
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Of course the photo has made many smile and warmed hearts across the internet, but besides all that, it reminded me of this photo of me, taken on a cruise with the girls a few years back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSPlRLi63GcXnkjsSnIMHRamOj-t9RUCqmln03wdnoapOR-QRSlRHMq2GTFsovpOGNrWiYT8unu7qEb6nkFTOZ0Wjnc4xNwYeeV130CVe7QBvQYqlIKvh74diHlBXfVR-LSVBrd4GO2k/s1600/lifeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSPlRLi63GcXnkjsSnIMHRamOj-t9RUCqmln03wdnoapOR-QRSlRHMq2GTFsovpOGNrWiYT8unu7qEb6nkFTOZ0Wjnc4xNwYeeV130CVe7QBvQYqlIKvh74diHlBXfVR-LSVBrd4GO2k/s320/lifeart.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Life imitating art. </div>
<br />Nicole Gariepyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08322432124006695236noreply@blogger.com0