Burlesque Amore Fashion Finale

I actually wasn't originally going to go to any of the Elsewhere's fashion nights during their month of fashion as I don't like the club scene in surfers and thought it was a strange place to have such an event. But when it came to the finale I had nothing on that week so I thought I might as well go along for a look. I arrived at the event at 10.15pm, the doors opened at 10pm, to a huge line! I was pleasantly surprised that the event was going to be so popular! It was advertised all over facebook which was a great use of the social networking site and they had some very cute and effective flyers. The finale was composed of nine designers who were chosen from the previous 3 Fridays where designers showcased their best designs and were judged by a panel comprising of Andy Wilson (Rufus Green), Julia Kylie (Cubic Collective), Zhanna (Mod's Hair) and Atlantis Dell' Aqua (Absolute Indulgence International). The winning desingers were asked to design an extravigant piece for the Finale with the theme being Burlesque Amore and the inpsiration being Marliyn Manson's song 'We are from America'. I believe this was certainly a strange and somewhat contradictory mix... going from the high octane glamour of burlesque to the dark quality of Manson's song. They were certainly not going to make it easy for the designers! But I tell you what.... I take my hat off to them because they had some great designs! The models used were also professional dancers and did some very high energy, hot and sexy dances throughout the show making it extra entertaining!


Photo courtesy of Vincija Kovac.

This design was by ANE & HAL. The woman behind Ane & Hal is Vanessa Halls who is a 4th yr law student with a real passion for fashion. Vanessa states "Fashion just makes me feel so free, It really gets the creative juiced flowing!". Vanessa has been screen-printing and sewing since high school but has never studied fashion.



Here is a clearer picture of Vanessa's design from her Ane & Hal page.
I asked Vanessa what the story and inspiration was behind her design-
"As soon as we were asked to complete a couture dress for the final I knew I wanted to make a fishtail dress. I've always loved them. They're totally old school Hollywood glamour - beautiful, feminine and really dramatic and I think the black colour really helped being that out. The only thing was that the model could hardly walk in it! I'd also never made and evening gown so it was really enjoyable seeing the finished product."

Regardless of having no piece of paper to 'prove' she knows what she is doing, which she cleary does, Vanessa hopes to proceed with a career in the fashion industry and with her organic talent I certainly believe she can take on the world. I admire Vanessa's perseverance and really enjoy her designs. She is one talented young lady!

Photo courtesy of Vincija Kovac.

Next up was JANIN by the very talented Aneta Rycombel. This was definately the most thought out design of the night and Aneta should be so proud as to how much thought and effort went into this outfit. When I spoke to her about the design she said-
"We all recieved the same song as an inspiration - Marilyn Manson 'We are from America'. The song is quite dark and strong, something completaly different than I usually listen to, so that was a challenge for me to design to that song. I created beautiful version of the devil, so it is like deception. America tempts like an amazing woman but is depraved and bad inside. The fastener on the corset has meaning, usually it is on the back, but I placed it on the front, to show that its all the wrong way. The big collar shows power as America thinks is the most powerfull country in the world."



Aneta did all this with the required burlesque twist! I am so impressed as to how inventive, thorough and creative Aneta is. The detail is certainly admirable and the design was great! Aneta you should be so proud!
The model pictured for JANIN, Riely Saville, is the talented young woman who choreographed the dance for the night which was amazing. Riely is an amazing dancer who's work credit list is as long as my arm! Just to name a few.... she has toured & performed with the Ajkun Ballet Theatre, NYC, where she danced the principal roles of ‘Juliet’ in “Romeo and Juliet” and ‘Murderess’ in “Murder in Buenos Aires” by Michael Mao as well as performing locally with the Gold Coast City Ballet Company. Nice work Riley!

Photo courtesy of Vincija Kovac.

This outfit is by Matt Scott for his own label VINTAGE MAY. I havent managed to speak to Matt in regards to his design which was certainly very unique. I dont know anything about Matt but I did manage to find a little bit about him in the newspaper which I assume was published after winning his heat for the Elsewhere Fashion Month. It says "Matt is a 23 year old Burleigh Heads man who goes completely by his own ideologies and beliefs when expressing fashion design. Scott has been designing for seven years but has only recently launched his label Vintage May". I added him on facebook and had a look at his designs and I must say I like them. Some very hot and fresh T-shirt designs and jeans. If your interested check out his website vintagemay.com. I didn't really understand his design for the finale until I had a look at what he usually designs and now I can see his twist on the burlesque theme. He was also quite lucky to get a dancer/model who was reminicent of Caroline O'Connor as Nini Legs-in-the-Air in Moulin Rouge!

Possibly my favourite design of the night... ASHLEE HART. I adore Ashlee. She is so talented and sweet, a great combination! She is a made to measure designer specialising in silk, cotton and lace who draws inspiration from travel, events and luxurious fabrics from all over the world. Her design was beautiful and really showed it's relevance to the theme and inspiration provided. I haven't managed to get in contact with Ashlee as she is busy getting ready for the launch of Fashion Friday at Temple! Well done Ashlee!

Photo courtesy of Emma Erbs Photography.

This design is by the lovely girls from PAVO TAILS! Erin Davis and Tal Fitzpatrick got together at the beginning of 2010 and successfully applied for a Regional Arts Development Fund to start Pavo Tails-a unique collaboration between fashion designer/seamstress and contemporary artist. The name Pavo Tails refers to the scientific classification (genus) of the peacock... so the name really translates to: peacock tails!
When I asked Tal what their inspiration was behind their Finale piece she said....
"Our finale outfit was inspired by the amount of class Dita Von Teese manages to emanate as a burlesque artists...we wanted to steer away from the classic burlesque look... cloaks and capes are a part of the outfit as they are our 'signature dish'. I designed the fabric pattern which was inspired by Japanese wood block prints and fabrics". The girls have some gorgeous designs with some very unique prints that are very soft and feminine.

Photo courtesy of Emma Erbs Photography.

Their design on the night was lovely. I am a big fan of the cape jacket, I loved the matching gloves and the effect it created and the dress was great! I wish I had a better picture of it for you! Well done girls!

Photo courtesy of Joanne-Jen Leong from LaTDolly Makeup Artistry.

This design is by MELINA HOLLWAY. This is another designer I haven't managed to get in contact with but she has just been interviewed by SEEN magazine and she certainly has a Cinderella tale! Here are some snippets from the SEEN mag's article on the extraordinary designer...

"Last year, a serious car accident left Gold Coast designer, Melina Hollway, severely injured and unable to provide for her family. Hollway, her husband (who was also unable to work), and their two-year-old son soon found themselves homeless. “Our life spiralled out of control in a matter of weeks and we were destitute,” says 29-year-old, Hollway. After one month of desperately trying to find a roof over their heads, Hollway’s sister told her she needed to start designing again. Hollway attributes a girl’s need to be unique as a driving force to her success as a designer. “It seems the more exotic looking and intricate my dresses became, the more people would be asking for them, and it was at this time that I knew people were looking for that different, left-of-centre dress so can they can stand out from the crowd,” says Hollway. "
For the full article go to http://www.seenmodels.biz/news/fashionnews.html

Photo courtesy of Joanne-Jen Leong from LaTDolly.

Melina's design was lovely and I wish I had got in contact with her to find out her inspiration and motivation in regards to this design. The make up was beautifully done by Joanne-Jen Leong from LaTDolly.
Melina was considered as one of the top ten emerging designers at the L’Oreal Fashion Festival, with her entry in the “Spirit of the Black Dress” category. If you see her designs you can certainly see why! Her designs are very beautiful in their own intricate and unique way. Her pieces really are a visual delight!


Photo courtesy of Vincija Kovac.
ALICE NIGHTINGALE! Loved this design! So pretty and so cute yet kind of.... Bride of Chucky! It was great! I spoke to Alice and here is what she told me!

"I'm a busy little 18 year old who graduated from the Australian Institute of Creative Design in 2009 with a Diploma of Fashion Design. I design, patternmake, sew, knit, crochet and pretty much try my hand at anything!

The inspiration for the outfit came from a mix of three things - The song 'we're from america' (our given inspiration), Dita von Teese and the usual alice nightingale 'cuteness'.

My aim was to create this 'perfect', trustworthy doll with a naughty edge, much like the american military. That really refined, wholesome image bursting with secrets and mystery!

I have always been very fond of Dita, she has that amazing type of glamour that I really adore. The type invented in the Thirties. But then there's that under layer of her personality, that girl who stripped for money and fell for Marilyn Manson.

Through all of this, I endeavored to keep the outfit very 'alice nightingale'. Hence the puffy skirt and bows!"

Alice is such a sweety and I love that she really knows her style and what she is going for in regards to effects with her designs. Great work Alice I look forward to seeing more of your gorgeous designs in the future!

Photo courtesy of Vincija Kovac (right).
Another gorgeous, sweet and talented designer... VINCIJA KOVAC.
Vincija's design was amazing. Very dark (Manson) but made beautiful and surreal by the makeup and pearls (Burlesque)!



At one point I could have sworn her model was floating down the runway! Its quite different to Vincija's usual designs which are so vibrant and colourful! Here is what Vincija had to say about her design- "The inspiration behind the final piece was obviously the dark marilyn manson side that we were asked to do but I also wanted to add a hint of vincija with the signiture ruffle look that I have been doing throughout the years. I really like velvet this season so I thought I would do it in velvet".
If you would like to see Vincija's pieces check out her ebay store at
http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/VINCIJA__W0QQ_armrsZ1
"People have offered to stock my label in their shops but ebay just works so well for me that i dont really see the need of going wholesale or atleast not just yet". Nice work Vinny!


And last but not least... ELIZA JAYNE (right). Eliza seems to be elusive! Unfortunately I cannot find anything about her anywhere and I haven't managed to get incontact with her! Nevertheless her design was gorgeous and very creative! As soon as I know more about this pocket rocket designer I will let you know!

All in all I had a good night and it was great to meet the designers and speak to them later. Elsewhere should also be happy as they put on a great show and I found their staff so friendly and polite, even the bouncers had brilliant manners and were professional yet managed to keep the place relaxed and controlled rather than on edge as you find in alot of other night venues, it was great! I have been privy to alot of Gold Coast design talent in the past month and I must say I am more impressed than I ever imagined I would be. Well done to all the girls and Matt for putting on a great show! I wish you all the best of luck! For more pictures check out my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001178530063#!/pages/Casey-Evans/122857967749771?ref=ts
Remeber... Stay Fabulous!
CLE

ARBONNE

A few weeks ago I went to an Arbonne night. I am never usually up for these nights, it has nothing to do with Arbonne its just that over the years I have been invited to tupperware parties, lingerie parties, candle parties and all the rest... so I go and never usually like the product and feel pressured into buying something I believe is way overpriced hence I tend to avoid these nights at all costs! But the person hosting the party, Mikkie Walker, is a great friend of mine so I agreed and now I am actually really glad I went! I really enjoyed this night! The Arbonne consultant, Melissa, was lovely and she kept the spiel short and sweet only telling us the information we really needed to know including her personal favourite products and then she told us to jump in and try any products we liked.... and we did!

The pictures above are actual pictures from the night and all of the products were there for our use! Arbonne has lovely make up and skin care lines. All of their products come with a 45 day money back guarentee, are vegan certified, no animal by products and are not tested on animals. There is no animal hair in their brushes either (they have great brushes! I much preferred these brushes to my Napoleon ones that moult all over my face!).
Melissa's personal favourite 5 products were:
1. Primer- It's a crime not to prime! Vitamin-rich makeup primer visually diminishes fine lines and pores, creating a canvas for flawless makeup application.
2. Perfecting liquid foundation - The foundations come in 15 different colours so you are bound to find one that suits your skin tone!
3. Firming body cream. - The cream supports collagen and elastin to help promote a firmer, more toned, smoother look and feel to skin.
4. Shea Butter Hand and Body Care Duo- This includes a handwash and handlotion that comes in a convient caddy to put by your bathroom basin or kitchen sink!
5. Hair Mask - Contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with a hydrating formula that helps strengthen, condition, repair and revitalize the hair shaft for a lustrous, healthy shine.

I purchased the primer and I must say.... I am in love with this product. There is no way I could put foundation on without it now. It helps my foundation go on so much easier. I put it on my neck as well as my face as it makes it ssoooo much easier for me to work my foundation down my neck so I don't get a nasty foundation line. It goes on like silk and makes your skin feel like the most beautiful canvas you could ever imagine! Love it!


My top tips to have a great Arbonne party (because I now reccommend it!) are-
1. Give your friends plenty of notice so they have time to save some money incase they would like to make a purchase, which i'm sure they will!
2. Ask if you can have the catalogues early so you can have a browse and decide what you need, what you like and what you want to try on the night!
3. Wear no make up! Scary I know but to try these products is so much fun and you will get a real feel for them which will help you decide if you like the product or not.
4. Champagne and nibblies! Mikkie put on a brilliant array of food we could eat while drinking our champers and trying the make up! Food, Champagne, Skin Care and Cosmetics.... What more can a girl want?!
5. Melissa Holtsbaum. Melissa was a wonderful consultant! She was extremely knowledgeable, honest, and at no time did anyone feel pressured into buying the products.
If you would like Melissa to host an arbonne party for you send me an email and I can put you in contact with her. casey.lee.evans@gmail.com

Melissa (left) and Mikkie (right).
Thanks for a great night ladies! I look forward to trying more arbonne products in the future!
CLE

Speechless

I have been left speechless by today's incredible turn around.... the fall of Kevin 07' and the rise of Julia Gillard. I assumed it would be easy to do a blog on the giant step for women's rights this day has seemed to have had and that Kevin did this wrong and that wrong which is why he no longer resides in power. But its way more complicated than I could ever have imagined so I will keep it short and sweet as I don't feel informed enough to comment too much on the subject and technically the whole of Australia should have that attitude....

Now I am honestly not going to claim that I know anything about politics because I don't. I decided to distance myself from it due to the lack of integrity that the Australian Government shows. After going through high school watching Behind the News and then on to university where you watched Australian Parliamentary Question Time (which I think is an absolute abomination and cannot believe adults would ever act in such a manner, not to mention the fact its an extremely bad example to be setting for our younger generations) and shown ABC documentaries on the corruption and insanity that goes on within our Government... I just decided to not give it my attention any more. But this I could not ignore. I have been researching all day and I thought it would be simple to do a blog on this extraordinary event but it turns out it is not. The more I research the more I seem to see that in the past 24 hours something BIG happened behind the scenes in our government and what saddens me is that we will more than likely not ever know what it actually was. Yes, a lot of fingers are certainly pointing at the mining industry but there are so many conspiracy theories floating around I don't care to list any of them as I have found this whole day a complete and utter smoke and mirrors scenario. I wish I could honestly stand up and whole heartedly celebrate the fact that for the first time in Australian history we have a female as our Prime Minister but I cant. I find that this fact is being used as a distraction and the whole process moved so quickly that a whole lot of 'something' has gone down and I am seriously annoyed at the fact that it certainly seems like the people we vote into power actually don't have 'the power'. I am not usually a sceptic or a conspiracy believer... I am fully aware of the fact that certain things happen within governments that never see the light of day let alone brought to our attention but this is something that possibly for the first time has hit close to home and I am old enough to understand that this really isn't right. I wish Julia Gillard good luck in her new position and I wish Kevin Rudd and his family all the best. That is the one thing I can whole heartedly say because I have no idea what went down today.... who was right or who was wrong... I withhold judgement as the press are remaining vague and are moving as quick as the events unfold without any time for real investigation. Maybe tomorrow will shed more light on the past 24 hours... or not.

CLE

Just Say Me

After watching a hilariously funny episode of my new favourite 'mindless crap' tv show The Secret Life of an American Teenager titled “Just Say Me” I was left thinking and intrigued by the idea of masturbation. In this particular episode, based around a bunch of strangely intelligent and articulate teenagers including a teenage mother, a Christian girl, a 'slut' and their boyfriends that trapse along for the ride, the girls discuss how having sex has got them into so much trouble. It got Amy pregnant at 15, it got Grace kicked out of her Christian celibacy group and Adrian uses it as a tool for revenge, which she apparently regrets. So they decided instead of worrying about sex with boys any more they would masturbate but instead of calling it the ugly 'M' word they decided to call it “Just Say Me”.

It was so strange to see it on tv as it was something that was rarely talked about by anyone until Sex and The City certainly threw the topic of female masturbation into the mainstream and to be honest I'm quite glad they did. It opened up women to the idea that it was ok to 'just say me', men do it and it is common knowledge that men do it, so why cant women? I love the 'rabbit intervention' episode of Sex and the City, it is hilarious and there was nothing smutty or vulgar about it. Yet in saying this and the steps that female masturbation has taken up the 'topic of conversation' ladder it still seems to provoke anxiety in men and women alike. The Oprah Winfrey show did a segment on educating women on the benefits of feeling sexually alive, and calling attention to masturbation's role, biochemically and emotionally. It received terrible reviews, degrading and chastising the women who were brave enough to talk about their own masturbation experiences on the show and this was in 2008, ten years after the SATC 'Rabbit' episode opened up the topic to the world.

The psychoanalyst behind womensrealities.com Joyce McFaden did a study in 2008 and she stated that

“Women still experience guilt and shame around masturbation. 70% of the respondents to my study felt guilty, and 80% of them were never taught about it as a normal aspect of human sexuality - with a surprising 4/5 of those women being under the age of 35 and raised by mothers of the post feminist era. 88% of them reported a strong desire to hear other women's thoughts and feelings on masturbation, with most of them responding yes and absolutely emphasized with one to three exclamation points.”

After further delving into the topic I found that not many woman masturbate but a lot of women actually want to. The trends seem to be they either don't know how, they think it's 'gross' and should be left to men (haha!), and quite a large amount of women admitted to assuming that they should be passive, naive, and dependent when it comes to sex as women are never really taught otherwise.

I was 17 when I bought my first vibrator. I basically just bought it to show it off to my boyfriend at the time who had never made me orgasm and to tell the truth I didn't even believe at that stage that girls could orgasm! After playing around with it for six months I decided to lie down and see if the female orgasm was a myth or not. Much to my surprise it was no myth! Sex education at school covers how to put a condom on a banana and mothers rarely broach the subject with their daughters. But times are changing and women need to realise masturbation is just as natural as sex and allows you to have a better and healthier understanding of sex. If you keep it taboo and quiet, that is when it becomes unhealthy. Sex is an even playing field for both men and women we just need to be more open about the topic and realise that you should be empowered in the bedroom not the opposite.

So for the women out there who are not sure about it here are some of the known health benefits of masturbation:

• Eases some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
• Relief from menstrual cramps
• Muscle relaxation
• Helps you to fall asleep
• Promotes release of the brain’s opioid-like neurotransmitters (endorphins), which cause feelings of physical and mental well-being
• Reduces stress
• Enhances self-esteem.

Some of the known sexual health benefits of masturbation include:

• Solo masturbation is a safe sex practice that carries no risk of sexually transmissible infection and unwanted pregnancy. As part of lovemaking between two people, it is known as ‘mutual masturbation’.
• Sexual tension is released. Masturbation allows a person to express their sexuality by themselves and is valuable if, for example, they don’t have a partner or if sex with their partner isn’t available, or if they want to (or have to) abstain from sex for any reason.
• Being familiar with your own sexual responses allows you to better communicate your wants and needs to your partner.
• Masturbation is a popular treatment for sexual dysfunction; for example, women who don’t orgasm can learn by masturbating.

If you would like information on how to 'just say me' or even to improve your technique the appropriately named Clitical.com has a truck load of information from your anatomy to moral issues to technique. It really is a perfectly natural body function it's not like your taking a mood enhancement drug to reach a level of stimulation... this is what these specific parts of your body are specifically for. It's not wrong if you do do it and it's not wrong if you don't do it. If you like it, great! If you don't, don't do it. It all comes down to personal choice!

CLE

Business GC Ready to Wear S/S 10/11

On a crisp winters night over 200 VIPs descended on the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village to view the Business GC Ready to Wear showcase to mark the beginning of the Sanctuary Cove Festival's week of fashion. You have probably never heard of 'Business GC', don't worry I had never heard of it either until a few months ago when the shop Business GC/The Fashion Incubator appeared in Sanctuary Cove. Business GC is funded by the Gold Coast City Council and is helping develop a sustainable Gold Coast City economy through industry development initiatives and they have decided to branch into fashion! Hence Business GC teamed up with The Fashion Incubator, a non-profit association who provide a platform for local designers to launch and advance their labels.

This was a red carpet, exclusive invitation only event! As I made my way up the red carpet surrounded by luxury Lexus vehicles (one of the Festival's sponsors) to the entrance of the giant marquee, staff were waiting to don your empty hands with a glass of champagne and some very tempting tapas! A sleek and shiny grey runway with crystal blue and electric pink lights shining brightly all around stood proud in the centre of the marquee. It was such a delight to the eye I could not wait for the show to start! The night was to showcase local Gold Coast designers who received a massive step up in the fashion world from this event as none other than the brilliant Fashion Tv was covering the night. I spoke to Aaron O'Donnel, Ftv's charismatic CEO, on the night and he said he is all too happy to support local designers (being a Gold Coaster himself!) and hopefully the Sanctuary Cove Festival will become a staple in our fashion planner! The designers were Indigo Joker, JANIN, Joy French, Leina Broughton Designs, Alexandra Leeb, Lisa Brown, No Formula & Taree Birse.

First up was Kathryn Edmond's label Indigo joker. The designs were a real reflection of Gold Coast culture and the current fashion trends! From gorgeous silk dresses to black mini's with exposed zips. Beautiful fabrics, colours and designs. The collection was a real delight.

JANIN, designed by Aneta Rycombel, made use of lovely silk and sheer fabrics. The garments were made beautifully and are clearly aimed at women looking to add more clean and crisp sophistication to their wardrobe. Aneta has managed to take simple shorts and tops and turn them into unique pieces that scream quality and craftsmanship.

Leina Broughton Designs made use of classic and contemporary cuts at the same time giving it a spin and making it her own. Bold colours and chic necklines paraded the stage leaving you wondering what she would come up with next. Each piece was unique in its own way and it was great to see such a wide variety of garments come down the runway from one designer!

When the music came on for Joy French's showcase I actually let out a little groan as the music was a clear indicator of the rock/punk chick styles that were about to come down the runway. But I was soon eating up my bias, yes the pieces were of the rock/punk variety but..... I loved them! Each outfit was extremely sexy and edgy. I usually find the punk style bulky, bland and well... unisex, but these outfits were amazing. The pieces screamed attitude yet with a feminine edge that makes them wearable for basically any fashion conscious woman!

Alexandra Leeb's collection was immaculate. She did one of my all time favourite things... mixing grey with colour! I must say I am now a big fan of Alexandra's as she produced some amazing outfits. Everything was soft and feminine and I loved the ankle/shoe covers, I would love to get my hands on those. The fabric textures were gorgeous to touch and they were also appealing to the eye. The outfit above with the silver top and black skirt was my favourite outfit of the night!

Sonja Maus' label No Formula with its organic fabrics was edgy, fun and inventive! With lovely colours, exposed zips, off the shoulder tops and gorgeous shorts and skirts the collection was great. I especially loved her shorts with the ties down the bottom and high waistlines. The collection was a fresh new take on day wear for this summer.

Taree Birse's dresses were certainly head turners! Lots of fabric and lots of colour! Some of the dresses were inventively sexy and others were whimsical and almost fairy like. She seems to have a great talent for mixing fabrics and colour. The collection was fun and sexy and I just loved the way some of the dresses ebbed and flowed as the models flew down the runway. Gorgeous.

Lisa Brown's showcase was amazing. It was truly a great way to end the night! Models dancing barefooted down the runway. The flowy fabrics were a whirl of colour and grace as the models twisted and turned in time to the music. Every piece was beautifully made... the fabrics, the colours, the plunging necklines and even deeper backs. Her attention to detail in every outfit was amazing and I loved the accessories that accompanied the outfits! You can see why Lisa Brown is an award winning label!

For more pictures and info on the designers head to my facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casey-Evans/122857967749771?ref=ts

CLE

A BEAUTIFUL ILLUSION

Why do some things upset us while they do not upset others? No two people are alike you say. But what makes us truly different…? It is the choices we make in our lives. You see the contrast of the choices people make in every day life. Some people decided to make themselves victims of life and some people decided to make themselves winners and others just drift along not minding one way or another.

What would you say if I said everything you do you do it because of the choices you make. Would you disagree? I doubt it. Free will, every plant, animal and human has this magnificent power of free will. Free will is like a muscle, if you exercise it, it will get bigger if you don’t exercise it, it will just lay dormant and you will not really even notice that it is there.

Some people exercise it and many people don’t. Many people for some reason believe that their own life is completely out of their hands. We are held in a cage of confusion and fear which keeps us trapped in our current circumstances. Did you know that you could move half way across the country if you wanted to? You can pack a suit case, buy a plane ticket or jump in your car and relocate yourself anywhere you want. How about this… you can live anywhere in the world you want. So why are you still living in the house you were born in?

But then you say, oh, I have to find a new job and because I am over/under qualified it will be hard for me to find a job and then I have my family to worry about. My children might not fit in at a new school and they would be frightened if I told them that we were moving.

You can find a new job if you want to. Your children would fit into the new school like a perfectly tailored glove to a beautiful hand and they would not fear change if you have taught them that change is to be embraced and not feared.

EVERYTHING in your world you can choose and to exercise your free will is your choice. Everyone is born with free will. It is just up to you if you use it or not. You can become a victim of your current circumstances or you can exercise your free will to change your mind to change your circumstance.

Imagine this… everything outside that luminous mind of yours is an illusion. A beautiful illusion. Would you not smile in the face of someone attacking you verbally from fear because you know its not real? Would you not ignore the bad things and seek out the good things because you know you can? Well here is some news for you. Everything outside of you is an illusion, it is just a perfect reflection of what is going on inside of you. You do not need to know a person intimately at all to understand their deepest darkest thoughts. Look at their circumstances in their life. Look all of the factors in this persons life. Are they good or are they bad? What is going on outside of you is a perfect reflection of what is going on inside of you.

So if your current circumstances are not up to par and are not what you want in your life… instead of trying to fix them from the outside in, fix them from the inside out. What do you think on a daily basis? Do you know? I bet you, you don’t. What are the primary emotions you feel on a day to day basis? Do you know that? You should. Your emotions are a warning system that tells you whether or not what you are thinking is what you really want. Are you truly happy on a day to day basis or are you angry, agitated, stressed or are you just neutral, wandering through life feeling hopeless? Well whatever you are feeling is a perfect reflection of what you are thinking so why not pay attention to your thoughts? Did you even know you had any?

Start to pay attention to the thoughts whizzing around your head. Are they positive or negative? A seemingly optimistic person to their friends can be exceptionally pessimistic when it comes to their own life. That is not good. But most of us are like that. We can see hope for our friends. We see beyond all their imperfections and implications. So why cant we see past our own?

Mothers teach their children to clean up their room. Why cant mothers teach their children to clean up their thoughts? Thoughts can be messy. There are new thoughts and old thoughts. There are thoughts we need and thoughts we don’t. Thoughts we like and thoughts which hinder us. Why don’t you spring clean your mind?

Get rid of the old pessimistic thoughts and replace them with brand spanking new optimistic thoughts! If someone tries to give you back your old pessimistic thoughts, say no thanks, I have new ones! Put your thoughts in order. Any order you like. But make sure you get rid of the ones that hinder you and keep the ones that will ensure your happiness survives. When you go camping you don’t pack your backpack full of garbage or things that you do not need. You wouldn’t be able to survive if you did that. You cannot expect to survive in this life with a head full of things that are detrimental to you.

Everyone has a picture in their head of what they want, of how they want their life to be. People want the perfect partner, happy children, a nice car, a beautiful house, energetic lovable pets. Instead of crowding your head with “I cant have that”, “I cant do that”, “I cant afford that” make the decision to become a MASTER of your own life and go after the things which will make you happy. Don’t be afraid of failure. There is no such thing. When you water a plant with clean beautiful water, it will grow. If you give it sewerage then it will not. Your mind is the same. Do not cloud your clean beautiful mind with fear & pessimistic thoughts.

Clean the inside of your head and you will see results appear in the beautiful illusion we call life. Make a decision today to start exercising your free will. You are not a victim of anyone else except you. Decide today that you will start to clean up the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

Do not hesitate. Become the master, stop being the slave to thoughts you once thought were out of your control!!

CLE