My Pink Roadmap

I am a painter.  I am a crafter.  I am a dog lover.  I am a concert-going, album-release-date-following, band-shirt-wearing music junkie.   One thing I was not: a videographer.  Several months ago, on a whim, I signed up for a digital video class while in pursuit of my graduate degree.  Though I was a bit apprehensive, knowing nothing about video and rarely going to see a movie, I figured I would do the coursework, throw together a video, and wham-bam-A+!  Little did I know, there was something much bigger in store.

It was early November and our final project deadlines were looming.  A friend invited me to a Monday night screening of a German cycling film at a local tavern; sensing adventure, I accepted the offer and set off with her to the screening.  Walking up to the tavern, the sidewalk was inundated with bicycles.  Bicycles?  In Dallas?  It’s no secret that Dallas is no Portland when it comes to being bicycle-friendly.  In fact, it was a rare occasion I saw a bicycle on the road at all, yet there they were, 20-or-so strong, glistening in streetlight.  We meandered our way through the maze and into the Tavern.   I struck up a conversation with a guy with one pant leg rolled up, a messenger bag slung across his shoulder, and a tight-fitting cap.  Apparently, this cyclist gathering is a weekly thing.  “It’s just the Monday Night Mash,” he said. 

Monday Night Mash?  I wondered about it for several days.  I consider myself to be fairly in-the-know with regard to goings-on in Dallas, so how is this such a surprise to me?  Do they all know each other?  Where did they meet?  How do they contact each other?  Who organizes this?  And maybe most importantly, why do they do it?  And thus, my class film project was born.

About a week later, after contacting a few cyclists on twitter to find out where they would be gathering that Monday night, I showed up at the designated spot, with me school-issued camera equipment in tow.  I knew no one there, and no one there had ever seen me, yet there I was.  I got surprisingly few strange looks and several cyclists approached me to inquire as to what I was filming for.  I didn’t even own a bike, yet everyone was so friendly!  The event organizer pointed me to several FaceBook and twitter profiles so I could follow what was happening and film more rides.  More rides?

Monday Night Mash.  Tits Tuesday.  Zip code rides.  Critical Mass.  Holiday rides.  The list went on and on.  It turns out every ride was organized by a different person or group of people - all through social media.  Very few of them know each other from anywhere other than the rides or had each other’s cell phone numbers, yet nearly every night, people gather for no apparent purpose other than to ride their bikes and be a part of this temporal community of cyclists there for the same reason.  Single speed, fixed-gear, geared, tandem, cruiser, road bike, unicycle – everyone is welcome who loves to ride.  Then, after the ride and possibly a drink or two, they all go home and back to their separate lives.  It’s there, then it’s gone.  Fascinating.

I threw together a video with my extremely limited video editing skills in 48 hours with no sleep and made my deadline.  Nervous and sleep-deprived, I got up to present to the class.  They loved it.  I put the videos up on YouTube as a thank you to the cyclists who had helped me along the way, and before I knew it, the video was up on 10+ cycling websites, got local online news coverage, and received over 800 hits on YouTube.  I feel like I need to show this to the world, afterall, everyone wants to be a part of something.  The fact that things like this exist is nothing short of inspirational, in my eyes.  I am currently editing it down more to submit to film festivals. 

I am now fairly well recognized within the Dallas urban cyclist community, and I daresay I’ve made some good friends in the process.  An everyday encounter followed by a series of chances and risks have caused my entire life to change; this has snowballed into something much, much bigger than any class project.  I have since been approached to do some activist cycling videos to help change city policy and most recently, to document SXSFixed 2010.  I welcome you to join me on my most recent project beginning Saturday 3/13/2010 in following 16 fixed-gear cyclists on their bike ride from Dallas to Austin in a span of three days, just in time for South by SouthWest.  Crazy?  Absolutely!  Follow us on twitter (@SXSFixed) and check out our website (www.SXSFixed.com), where I will be updating the map with photos, video, and interesting tidbits every step of the way from the back of a pickup truck on the road to Austin.  The resulting film will be screened at a local bike shop.  Who knows?  Maybe I can inspire someone else to take a leap of faith.

Lacy Mahone
@LaceofBase
www.LaceofBase.com

When we look at this month's numerology, we are again called to the number 3! It seems like the number 3 keeps showing up for me lately... maybe for you as well. We are in a general year of 3 (2+0+1+0) and now, a few days into the 3rd month of this glorious 3 year.

3 is about communication. It is the month and year to really connect with our unique voices. This is a month to express SELF. Figure out what needs to be unleashed and DO IT. Allowing creativity to come forth is key this month - whether it's finding creative ways in seeking more financial freedom, or expressing self through creative arts (writing, painting, singing, playing instruments, dancing, etc), this is the month to put it out there.

3 is also about light-heartedness and humor. Laugh more this month! Really belly-laugh as much as possible because this expresses pent-up energies and releases endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) in the brain. Releasing energy in this way is very beneficial to the human body as it jostles/ awakens the 3rd chakra (the energy center of our "knowing") as well as the 5th chakra (throat chakra, the energy center of our "expression"). Laughing is so therapeutic - a little more light-hearted humor in the world is always a good thing as it raises the energy vibration!

Another vibration to look at this month is the 6 vibe. When we add the month of 3 to the year of 3 (2010), we get it's perfect match, the number 6. The 6 vibration is all about nurturing, helping and healing. Approaching and accepting help & healing, as well as giving it is essential for syncing nicely/slipping into a comfortable groove this month. 6 also carries a massive amount of creative energy, so PLEASE allow self to unleash & express it - whatever way you see fit. The 6 is a very magnetic energy, so this number may be popping up for you a lot this month or you may even meet/run into a bunch of 6 Life Paths! How awesome, as these individuals are kind, thoughtful, and would most likely help in any way they can...

Speaking of helpers and healers, I want to give a shout out to one of my favorite 6 Life Paths, Megan Monique of Owning Pink. Megan and her dog, Jack stayed with me and my mom at the end of Feb. as she started out on her Magical Eyes Tour (touring the U.S. interviewing members of OwningPink, "Pinkies" about how they live their truth and their most authentic lives, as well as how to see themselves and others with magical eyes). Megan is such an amazing inspiration who's spreading love and joy to men and women throughout the country - what an adventure! She is brave, creative, thoughtful, wise and a spiritual love-muffin! She left us with a lot to ponder & a whole lot of sunshine and I'm so glad to have met such a beautiful friend. Thanks for the Pinkie love, Megan... may the rest of your journey be full of love & joy! :)

Have an amazing March, everyone ~ I wish that love, healing, expression and lots of laughs envelope you this month!

P.S. I'm now offering numerology readings. Please visit www.lifepathtees.com/readings.html for more information or call me at 602-999-8455 for the scoop!

All my love & good vibes to you!
In gratitude,

Now that the glitter from the weekend gathering has begun to settle I am left looking into the creation of the rest of my year. What specifically do I want to accomplish, what places to I want to visit, who do I want know, meet and love? There are many aspects to consider. I am choosing to leave the “how’s” to The Universe and the end results to myself.

Here are some of the things I have brainstormed:

1. I want to have a book written by the end of the year.
2. I want to fall in love again.
3. I want to be guided to a career position that serves my life purpose; to love.
4. I want to contribute to Owning Pink’s growth.
5. I want to contribute to YOUR growth.
6. I want Think Pink to grow to at least 50 members.
7. I want to get out of debt.
8. I want to be enrolled in school by January or traveling over seas.
9. I want a new car.
10. I want to live in a constant state of abundance.

What about you?
What are some of the things you want this year? What are some of the actions you are going to take to get there? Remember that in surrendering to The Universe, you can leave the how’s out of your mind, but you still need to take action.

A cute story I like to remember in this process is: pretend there is a man drowning in the ocean. A ship comes by and sees this man, they throw him a life raft, it is then the mans choice to swim to the raft or to continue to drown. The Universe can place miracles in your life, but you must act on them.

The more you find good in another, the more you'll find good in yourself.
No matter who that "other" is. Happy, happy Monday -
The Universe

 So tell me about your beauty, your irresistible attraction.

All women are born beautiful.
Knowing that, however, is their choice!
All women are born deserving love.
Choosing that is up to them.
I have no bonds or boundaries;
I love whom I choose and when I want.
I'm free in my love; I am in bliss.
In my senses I rejoice.
You do not choose me-
you're afraid of my freedom-
you judge me.
You pollute me with your thoughts, your shame and your guilt.
I'm moved to ecstasy when I love;
when I mate I become one.
I know how.
Everything that breathes and is alive comes under my domain:
doves, dolphins, swans,
roses, irises, lilies.
All pleasures and sensuous delights.
perfumes and oils,
lustrous fabrics, foods and drinks.
Music thrills my soul:
the lyre, the harp, the soft sounds make love to me.
The waves of the sea-
oh, yes, there you'll see me
in the ocean,
in the sunsets,
all the exquisite beauty between birth and death,
when day meets the night.
Why do you fear death?
I die every time I mate. I am in ecstasy.
I give myself over and over and over again
to the glory that is love in the moment.
I have no fear of losing myself.
Oh, there is the secret:
to give oneself and keep oneself intact.
That is my bliss, my mortal, divine bliss.
I know who I am.
I smile. Can you see
My secret smile?
To whom do I belong?
I belong to me.

February is a "2" month. 

The #2 is about creativity, sensitivity and intuition. In general, this month is a good one for examining intuition and trusting it. Become friends with that loving voice within. Seek and give unconditional love in a 2 month... for February IS the month for LOVE with Valentine's Day on the 14th.  Resolve any conflicts with a delicate nature this month and watch the tongue in making thoughtless remarks... think before speaking.

If usually in the spotlight with career, job or relationship, consider working behind the scenes a bit more this month. Be conscious of organizational skills or lack there of and seek diplomacy in interpersonal relationships. The 2 is all about remaining calm and peaceful under pressure, so remember that peace & calm can be achieved... it takes a simple shift of thought to let go of anger or resistance. Remember, what we resist, persists... SO, LET IT ALL GO & GROUND. Meditation and prayer really helps in grounding and keeping peace within.

This thought of letting persistence & anger go brings me to the 2nd vibration going on for Feb. 2010 and that is the #5. When we add the month (2) to the current year (2010), we get 5.

The #5 is also about creativity; however, this vibration can lend an air of chaos & uncertainty to the month. Really look at the 2 vibration of letting go and allowing peace to reign in if having a more chaotic, frustrating month. 5 is a sort of non-stop, gotta GO-GO-GO and not-be-bored sort of vibe, so laid back individuals may feel some anxiety come up this month. If it does, just remember that the month will be over before we know it, so just kick back, relax and watch the craziness fly by... GO with the FLOW!

The 5 vibe also brings with it a playful quality. The 5 asks us to look at travel, beauty and ways to celebrate life! So, if feeling anxious and out-of-sorts this month, look at ways of embracing and/or anchoring those feelings by taking a mini vacation, getting a massage, changing-up an exercise routine... anything that allows a feeling of release & renewal. 

Keys to a great month: Seek love, peace & listen to your intuition. Get grounded, organized & focused. Release anxieties with travel, your favorite rejuvenation activities & fun! Don't forget to celebrate life!

All my love & good vibes to you for a wonderful Feb!

Peace & enjoy the month...
~Kristen

You can read/learn more from Kristen by visiting her website.

 

Have You Been Avoiding Drinking Water? Think Again.
#1.75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
 (Likely applies to half the world population..)

#2.. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak
that it is mistaken for hunger.

#3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as 3%.

#4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs
   for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of
Washington study.

#5.Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

#6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of
    water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain
for up to 80% of sufferers.

#7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term
     memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on
the computer screen or on a printed page.

#8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of
   colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast
cancer by 79%., and one is 50% less likely to develop
bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water
you should drink every day?

You Think You Like Coca Cola? Think Again.

#1. In many states the highway patrol carries
     two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from
the highway after a car accident.

#2.You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke
and it will be gone in two days.

#3.To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the
   toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hour,
then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes
stains from vitreous china.

#4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:
     Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds
Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola..

#5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour
    a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble
away the corrosion.

#6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola
to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

#7. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke
 into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen
grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your
windshield.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
#1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid.
It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric
acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major
contributor to the rising increase of osteoporosis.

#2.To carry Coca-Cola syrup! (the concentrate) the
commercial trucks must use a hazardous Material place
cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.

#3.     The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean
engines of the trucks for about 20 years!
Now the question is, would you like a glass of water?
…or Coke?

One of my intentions for 2010 is to Own my Sexy. To understand what it means to be Sexy and to feel confident in wearing Sexy all the time, no matter the circumstance. It just so happens that one of the Pinkies who joined me in my Journey to Health, Caren- knows all about what it takes to be Sexy and live it its fullest. Caren agreed to take on being my Life Coach to all things Sexy; my first assignment: Get a pedicure and manicure with red nail polish!

Although I have had several pedicures and few manicures in the past, it was much more fun getting one under the orders of someone else. So thank you, Caren, for that! The sparkles contained in my red polish make me feel particularly magical.

Now that my first order of business is taken care of the next step is a bubble bath.

During this time I will soak, adore my silky smooth skin and radiate in my own sexiness. Are there any of you out there that need to take charge of your sexiness. Whether you see it from time to time or not at all, the sexiness lies within YOU- believe me, it's there, just ask Caren.