Good morning, Saturday and last day of 2016. I think it's safe to say it's been quite the year for most of us.
For me, I felt the push to make some changes professionally and focus on what's next for this maven. I'm looking forward to 2017 because I'm wanting to focus on expanding my brand and feel like I have the clarity I need to do just that.
This year I learned to meditate and it's helped me a lot- usually I'm dreading New Year's because it has always stressed me out, but I'm sliding right into it and it feels good on a personal note. But there's a huge part of me, as I'm sure there is with many of you, that feels anxious about where we're headed as a country and how we're going to cope. I suspect an uptick in things like meditation and probably alcohol consumption as antidotes to a Trump White House. I don't know how to handle that one. If you do, please let me know. The only solace I can find is this country is at its very best when we embrace our rebelliousness- in some ways that's how Trump won, but that's the wrong kind of rebel. I'm talking about the creative, free thinking, open minded rebel all of us now need to activate to fight this insidious administration. Let's make 2017 the year of the rebel- and channel our anger in great music, art, fashion, and action. Get woke, people. We have to fight.
And the number of people and heroes that peaced out this year is mind blowing and gut wrenching- for some reason George Michael's death hurt the most. Although I am a big Bowie and Prince fan, I lost it over George. Some celeb deaths really make you feel mortal, and damn if George's death did not slap me in the face. He died young. Too young. I'm grateful for his amazing music that always makes me happy. Oh and everyone else too- we lost too many greats this year- Leonard Cohen, Gene Wilder, Carrie, Debbie, it's just too long a list for my liking. Please stop dying, everyone. And Keith- please stay healthy. Please.
And because this blog is THIS blog, I have to talk about fashion. I've decided I'm completely allergic to uncomfortable clothes and plan to wear only lovely fabrics and silhouettes (like these from Lemaire) that make me feel comfortable and confident. It's not about weight gain or loss at all- it's just about knowing I can't wear anything for more than ten minutes that feels constricting or like I ate too much stuffing at Thanksgiving. I just can't.
I will however try to grow out my hair a bit, and keep it red, and maybe even go more red. I'm into it right now. It's working for me. And yes, it works for Florence Welch. That's her above. I love her look. I'm sticking with red for a bit.
What else? I'm starting a cleanse because I've been a naughty maven. My body is in need of a reset so making that happen. Hmm what else? I don't know. New Year's resolutions are so lame. I've always thought that. I like goals but don't like the pressure of setting them when everyone else does. And when I think of next year, an apt analogy is my insomnia. Yes, I have trouble sleeping. Big surprise, right?
I've figured out that at the root of much of this insomnia besides a constantly busy mind is Khan. Yes, little Khan. It's true he weighs not ore than 10 pounds, but man can he hog a bed. Because I let him.
He gets into bed before we do and spends a good ten minutes finding his spot by circling, tussling the covers, and then plopping down. Usually this practice, though adorable, leaves me on the edge of the bed with no covers. Because I let him get in first. David mentioned it might be better for me to find my spot under the duvet and then let Khan find his. Not a bad strategy for this sleep deprived maven. But also a great strategy for next year.
Because I've spent a good part of life trying to find my comfort zone in the wake of others who have already settled in. I'd rather not do that this year. This year I plan to get there first, so I can be covered and content and not feel like I'm fighting for space. Because "being there" is all about "getting there" and I feel like my path needs to be more considered so I can, well, sleep at night. And that's that.
Oh and also travel. Lots more travel. I want to go and go. Feeling a big push for travel in 2017 and suspect an uptick in global travel as we seek like minded wanderers who want to unite through travel and celebrating different cultures and railing against the current nationalist mood.
So for me, and in sum, 2017 feels like a year for rebellious thought and action (Patti, you better not go anywhere, we need you more than ever), a need to feel comfortable and confident when it comes to dress, and taking care of mind and body so I can not only sleep better at night, but also kick a good amount of ass during the day and travel and see more of the world. And I plan to do so. Oh and one more thing- I plan on being very social this year and hanging with all of my dear friends who I treasure more than you can imagine. I'm feeling the need to be out and about and enjoying this beautiful city and plan to do so. So don't hesitate to holler at me in 2017 so we can hang together and plot, plan, and laugh. I'd love your company. Happy happy new year to all of you- wishing you health and happiness and all your heart can hold for 2017.
And that's what's up this last day of 2016 kind of Saturday in the 718. Yours, in getting to it, fighting the fight, and (hopefully) sleeping at night. XO