Driving through Golden Beach, Florida

Is it the school of hard knocks or real life business school?

There have been times when actions of extreme generosity with ideas, capital and concepts all in the name of success for a project or an idea have backfired - big time and I have lost so much more than money, precious time.

Projects and concepts that materialize from effort and collaborations are the sort of things that excite and stimulate my mind; along the way they have also been the source of good business school via the school of hard knocks. Recently I was reminded to work for myself.

“ Every Realtor has to have a niche, what’s yours?”

In my realtor life it seemed as if my niche is history, human stories, and a radio show. Following on a “what can I do today to make me happy?” hunch; I put on my investigative reporter-ish hat, put myself on assignment to discover the history of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

Taking advantage of a rare trip to the United States Post Office to purchase a stamp so that a letter could be mailed (how old school right?) I stopped by the Sunny Isles Beach government center (same building) with a thought to meet the city historian.

Smiles, friendliness, cleanliness, a public library, tourist information center and its well documented city history openly greet you making the air conditioning magically seem that much more refreshing – funny how some places can have that effect. After a few calls I was informed the city history would be down to meet me, (ha and I thought I would be making an appointment)

“It’s like honey on a hot buttered biscuit it’s that good”

My plan to make an appointment just turned into a fantastic opportunity when Mr. Richard Schulman, Historian kindly joins me at the lobby. After a long-winded sort of awkward introduction/admiration/neighborly endless handshaking moment he smiles and welcomes me to visit the city’s hall of history.

Now, New York knows New York so the Brooklyn/Long Island connection between us was quickly made but little did I know that Mr. Schulman, the retired banker turned historian would not only share a visual history tour via photos and metals and city proclamations but also share many similarities within my own personal Miami history.

Life is so amazing when you allow it to happen

As we walk through the history filled hallway I mentioned a video about the history of Sunny Isles Beach and commented to Mr. Schulman how well done it was made and how enjoyable it had been to watch. He created it. The first of our connections was made when I shared my television experience and he shared his, “…I was the first employee at channel …” and then we both are graduates of University of Miami’s School of Communications and there’s the Paul Nagel connection. Paul Nagel was one of the two favorite professors George Capewell is the other The “U”’s green and orange are on cover of the book on display “From Sandbar to Sophistication The Story of Sunny Isles Beach” there’s a special dedication page to Richard in the book.

Photos of barren landscaped Sunny Isles Beach of the 1920’s , 30’s, and later the development of the happening motels of the 50’s. We share a love for architecture and old Miami. Come to find out Richard and I are also Shenandoah Chiefs and MHS Stingaree alums. Richard and I had lived in the same Shenandoah neighborhood maybe several decades apart but went to the same junior high and high schools…woah… talk about old connections.

There is no doubt with all the heavy weight names involved in the glamorizing and mega developments of the modern day Sunny Isles Beach. The care and interest taken in Sunny Isles Beach is visible especially in the preservation of its history.

Great news from a classic source

Feels as if the right time and the right place just met at my feet I AM grateful

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/business/affluent-buyers-reviving-market-for-miami-homes.html?_r=1&smid=fb-nytimes&WT.mc_id=BU-SM-E-FB-SM-LIN-ABR-072711-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click

One day at the art gallery

In May of 2010, I was in the right place at the right time. 


My friend and artist, Sergio Garcia, encouraged to me to truly see myself as "an artist". I was on doctor's orders to "go find something creative to do with yourself" and was searching for a project  or something to do that would make me feel happy.


I was given an opportunity to participate in an all woman show a gallery at Art Rouge in Wynwood, Florida. It was April 4th and with only an idea based on a short film script I had been "tweaking" for 2 years I pitched an idea of a video and photographs. Thanks to the universe which brought key people in my life at exactly that moment I was ready for the open in May.

You know the line: JUST DO IT,  I DID IT! 


These people who helped where all fairly new friends yet they provided the cameras, video and still (when I took on the assignment I did own a single camera), helped with printing the images and provided very important guidance into the art world, from the perspective of an artist. In less than one month Fauna was created.


Tawlk about chutzpeh!

Femmedomania – All woman show Art Rouge (46 NW 36 Street, Miami, Florida) May, 2010

About the project:

The images in FAUNA are the organic personification of being Grounded, providing Security, representing Permanence, the symbolisms of Growth and the Family. All is energy and we draw energy up and in from our roots always remembering that from which we come from humbly and with honor.

In order to effectively represent the manifestation of drawing in of the power of Mother Earth in the photography: a moment of the stream of power is captured and honored in silence. This is the power found in roots and trees and in us when we ground and connect with Mother Earth’s energy. In video: the now moment present in the living trees and significance of their size with the passage of time.

About the artist:

Uprooted as a teen from Brooklyn, New York and transplanted to Miami, Florida in the late 1970’s in a transition which forced me to face the unique, social and cultural shocks one experiences living in Miami, I learned to speak Spanish outside of my house to fit in.

And where skyscrapers, concrete playgrounds, and brick once had surrounded me, there was what has remained of the natural abundant jungle like habitat of The Grove. So lush and green and fragrant surroundings and in a N.Y. minute I acquired a great appreciation for the lush fauna and flora of this tropical city.

After spending more than a dozen years as a commercial copywriter and producer for television, Ms. Monica Uribe is currently focused on documentary screenplays, Internet Radio, photography and travel.

Monica Uribe holds a degree in Communications, Video/Film from the University of Miami, is a mother of three, Realtor, Reiki Master and a former Coconut Grove resident.

Florida’s Existing Condo Sales, Median Price Up in June 2011

Florida’s existing condo sales rose 8 percent in June with a total of 7,941 units sold statewide compared to 7,330 sold in June 2010, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. The statewide existing condo median sales price last month was $93,900; a year earlier, it was $92,300 for a 2 percent increase. The national median existing condo sales price was $165,400 in May 2011, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).   “Promising signs continue for a slowly strengthening economy and housing market,” said 2011 Florida Realtors President Patricia Fitzgerald, “Mortgage interest rates remain historically low and affordability conditions are strong.”   Nine of Florida’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported higher existing condo sales in June; six MSAs had higher existing home sales.   In Florida’s year-to-year comparison for existing home sales, a total of 17,597 homes sold last month compared to 18,402 homes sold in June 2010 for a decrease of 4 percent. The statewide median sales price for existing homes last month was $138,000; a year earlier, it was $141,200 for a 2 percent decrease.   However, June’s statewide existing home median price was about 1.8 percent higher than it was in May. Sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes, according to NAR analysts. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.   The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in May 2011 was $166,700, down 4.5 percent from a year ago, according to NAR. In Massachusetts, the statewide median resales price was $300,375 in May; in California, it was $291,760; in Maryland, it was $233,568; and in New York, it was $211,900.   NAR’s latest industry outlook points to the still-sluggish job market and overly restrictive lending requirements as factors constraining housing’s recovery. “The job market has sputtered recently, and because variations in local job creation impact housing demand, markets will recover unevenly around the country,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “If banks would simply return to normal sound underwriting standards and begin lending to more creditworthy borrowers, we’d get a much faster recovery in the housing sector.”   The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.51 percent in June, significantly lower than the 4.74 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac. Florida Realtors’ sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

40 steps to reach the beach

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 is prime South Florida lifestyle real estate. I live across the street for the ocean, to get there I must walk across a wide street it took my just 40 steps to make it to the other side but in those few steps...Rolls, Vespas with REAL Italians, Mercedes, Trucks, Ferrari, (insert your favorite car here) people drive some mighty fancy cars around here- I love it!

Isn't this what we all pictured when we moved to South Florida? Swimming in the ocean with Flipper, toes in the sand, drink in the hand...easy Fla-ri-dah living.

Instead for many, this vision of living in paradise has turned into all highway, Sun Pass lane, the eventual left blinkers, traffic jams...this is not living! You are missing the point if you are not searching for a second home in Sunny Isles Beach this is truly paradise, never abbreviated, it's known as Florida's Riviera and in my humble opinion the BEST neighborhood in Miami. Surrounded by the uber chic areas of Golden Beach to the north, Aventura to the west, Haulover Park and Bal Harbor to the south. To the east is nothing but amazing ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean. When you live in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida you are truly living in paradise!

Show notes: July 16, 2011

My last minute inner panic manifested itself as a great idea and a new show format is born. Truth is a show is only as good as it’s content no amount of production value can really make up of weak content. This is TALK radio you better have something to say or you’re doomed.

Do you believe in angels? I do. And with Maria Scozzari’s help I’m better in tuned with my personal angels and my purpose. Maria helped me connect with my angels via her kind soft voice and the familiar intonations of words and sayings I remember my mother and her family using, it is sweet.

Sometime things happen a scheduled guest was unable to call in to the show for an interview. I wasn’t upset I only made a mental note that next time she will have a larger portion of the show hour, it’s all good we learn to roll with the punches so that the punches become taps, become a nudge and we just keep on truckin’....

A slice of life on Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Waves meeting the shore at Haulover Park, 

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Some things the neighbors do on a Saturday morning on Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

July 9, 2011 The Monicles: Show notes

Try to guess this one: four letters, one word, can shake you, make your heart pulse that much faster, at that moment when you know it’s L-I-V-E.

This is all new for me, this own radio show thing. I’m loving it and recognize there is a growing a "tweaking” process. Maybe I'm a little too chicken but it's happening and right now I AM happy to have people who are interested in playing along. : )

LIVE or live – choose your definition. Come in the moment for better or worst.  Take control of a situation but action. When we make a conscience effort to be alive and LIVE a moment, then we become better prepared for the gift that moment brings. We become empowered especially in the face of chaos. 

We become empowered in spite of  the chaos

The gift can be unexpected or not a favorite “gift” but there is something great waiting to happen, really.

What to choose? Well, similar to choosing a single flavor in a roll of Lifesaver’s candy, it is all up to you…

A very big thank you to great guy and experienced real estate attorney Kevin Deeb, who  was my “lifesaver” when I no longer wanted to play in a game of real world Monopoly. He can certainly help you decide which is your best move when it comes to solid legal advice on  credit repair, short sales, foreclosures, all real estate related closings and more.

Thanks you as well to Philip Ross Munro for calling in. Please do check out his “neck-id” works truly so beautiful so proud to say I collect his work.

Thanks to the post show guests for their input and constructive options. Much more work to be done many for opportunities to come to discuss South Florida real estate, art, friends, connections….LIFE.

Please visit facebook.com/TheMonicles for links, visuals and more South Florida

http://youtu.be/mhxgZ6x0h78

We heart MOMS!

Daily Real Estate News  |  July 7, 2011  |   

HUD to Lenders: Don't Deny New Moms Loans Becoming a mother is not a basis to deny or delay a loan for purchasing a home, says John Trasvina, the Department of Housing and Urban Development assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity. Trasvina’s statement follows a recent HUD investigation into accusations that some lenders had refused to count new mothers’ disability payments they receive while on maternity leave as income when they apply for a home loan. 

"Mortgage professionals may verify income and other resources and have eligibility standards, but they may not single out women on maternity leave to deny or delay loans that they are otherwise eligible for," Trasvina said. 

The investigation by HUD was sparked after a report in the New York Times last year that reported some lenders were discriminating against women taking maternity leave. Some lenders had claimed the disability payments the new mothers receive aren’t considered a stable source of income. 

HUD, which enforces the Fair Housing Act, launched multiple investigations and has, so far, uncovered violations from two lenders. “If expectant or new mothers can demonstrate that they intend to return to work and can continue to meet the income requirements to qualify for the loan, they should not be denied a loan based on being on maternity leave,” according to HUD.

FHA-insured lenders are not allowed to inquire about future maternity leave. Also, “if a borrower is on maternity or short-term disability leave at the time of closing, lenders must document the borrower’s intent to return to work, that the borrower has the right to return to work, and that the borrower qualifies for the loan taking into account any reduction of income due to their leave,” according to HUD.

HUD is currently reviewing the procedures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they are in compliance with the Fair Housing Act when verifying incomes of applicants taking maternity or parental leave. 

Source: “Lenders Warned Not to Discriminate Against Women on Maternity Leave,” Inman News (July 6, 2011) [Log-in required.]

It's getting better everyday...

May 2011 Dade EHS: Miami Market Exceeds Expectations

Miami, FL – Sales of existing condominiums in the Miami Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) increased 46 percent, from 972 to 1,420, compared to May 2010 and 1.1 percent compared to the previous month, according to the 24,000-member MIAMI Association of REALTORS and the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) systems.  Sales of existing single-family homes rose 20 percent in May, from 727 to 875, and 5.4 percent compared to the previous month. 

In May, 60 percent of closed sales were cash transactions.  International sales, which are mostly cash transactions, represent approximately 60 percent of closed resales and 90 percent of new construction sales.

Statewide sales increased 17 percent to 8,338 for condominiums and three percent for single-family homes to 17,228.  Nationally, sales of existing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops decreased 3.8 percent from April and were 15.3 percent below May 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

“The current performance of the Miami market is exceeding expectations, as we continue to see increased demand for local properties and higher sales levels than we have seen since the boom years,” said Jack H. Levine, 2011 Chairman of the Board of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS.  “Presently, there is only a 7.4 month supply of housing inventory in Miami-Dade County.   Both U.S. and international buyers continue to take advantage of record affordability, Miami’s attractive lifestyle and weather, and other enviable local attributes.”

Median and Average Sales Price
Short sales and foreclosures continue to have an impact on median and average sales prices for both single-family homes and condominiums especially in some areas of the county.  In May, 57 percent of all closed residential sales in Miami-Dade County were distressed, including REOs and short sales.

The median sales price of single-family homes in May decreased eight percent to $180,200 from a year earlier but increased seven percent from the previous month.  The median sales price of condominiums dropped one percent to $124,300 but increased 7.4 percent from the previous month. 

“May figures are very encouraging, as they reflect continued market strengthening and stabilization,” said 2011 MIAMI Association of REALTORS Residential President Ralph E. De Martino.  “The number of distressed sales dropped by four percent, which means more non-distressed transactions are taking place.  We also continue to see a significant reduction in housing inventory, which points to an evident demand that should result in further market strengthening in the near future.”

Statewide median sales prices increased two percent to $98,200 for condominiums and dropped five percent to $135,500 for single-family homes. The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $166,500 in May, a 4.6 percent drop from May 2010.

The average sales prices for single-family homes in Miami-Dade County increased 5.6 percent, from $320,277 in May 2010 to $338,085 in May 2011. The average sales price for condominiums increased 3.1 percent, from $244,979 in May 2010 to $252,495 last month. 

Existing Housing Inventory Continues to Decline
The inventory of residential listings in Miami-Dade County dropped 32 percent from 24,721 in June 2010 to 16,917 in June 2011. Compared to last month, the total inventory of homes dropped six percent from 17,897.  Since August 2008, existing housing inventory has decreased nearly 61 percent, down from 43,095.

Total housing inventory nationally fell one percent at the end of May.

The REAL ESTATE Deal

Long ago (2004) I became a Realtor. Why? Why not? I have lived in beautiful South Florida for too long and I have seen this town grow up. Imagine the sensation of being uproot from New Yawk in junior high school and being place in the middle of Little Havana, imagine the sight of flat land with very few skyscrapers. I thought I was gonna die! 

 Miami, Florida 1980's

Fast forward to today where Miami is on the map! Miami is on the radar of the jet-setters, people in the know and of those who know where to go. Music, art, fashion all call Miami home but it wasn't always that way. Art Basel Miami Beach, Ultra Music Festival, Winter Music Conference, Boat Shows, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Film Festivals, and...... have helped to make Miami the place to be seen. This city has so much to offer, waaay beyond its famous beaches. Having jumped back into the industry for my slice of the pie I feel it is important to promote South Florida's positives and help people find a home. Shelter is one our basic needs with so many foreclosures and short sales happening people still need to find a place to live. It's wild to see other agents balk at working with rental properties they give them away to other's (i.e. moi) who are able and willing to work hard (compared to sales). Recently I was "given" a rental client  a lovely lady wanting to try living in Miami she was looking for an oceanfront condo in Miami Beach to rent for a few month and asked what condos go for, my answer: "from 20 million a month or less" I liked that reply because 1. it's true, 2. I didn't know what her budget was so I didn't assume and 3. how exciting to know if someone has $20 million to drop a month on rent they can find a place in Miami!

Miami, Florida 2010

We all make choices, mine is to help others buy, sell or rent property in South Florida even if your budget isn't $20 million a month.

Show Notes July 2, 2011

The idea of hosting a radio talk show is fun but just like in most things there is work involved. Being prepared mentally, with content, material, knowledge, the gift of gab or stories anything because nothing is worst than the feeling of knowing that you think you might not have anything else to say.....oh man that's PANIC!

Each time I sit in front of an open mic I learn something. Today was special because I learned many people can benefit from hearing Margie's story. I am in awe of people who's daily intention it is to make other people happy especially when their lives have been filled with the difficulties caused by dealing with cancer. We really have no reason to complain, ever.

Life is about living, making memories
Letting go is important write your problem on a balloon, fill it up and let it go....
Your worries will always be there if you let them, put them away in a worry box
Reach out to those with cancer, you never know how important your gesture might be

This is why I love living in SOuth FLOrida!

Recently an artist friend invited me to meet him for a late afternoon meeting, at the beach. We (I) raced to the ocean wanting the sun drenched sky to remain bright and mentally pushing the stormy night skies far away from us. A quick turn into a very public and free (after 6 pm) parking lot off of Collins Avenue in the 30's and we're set. The view of a beach is always so breathtaking especially when you feel as if you've escaped a hectic work day with a mini secret vacation: a trip to the beach, a cleansing of soul, aura and mind.
As he prepared for a good swim, I splashed around and prepared for a good meditation.
How clearly the ideas flow, how possible every thought seems on the sandy backdrop with the horizon melting into the sea....simply Brillant!

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this is fun

Creating fun films to promote the talk radio network I produce programming and host show on. www.sofloradio.NET

SoFloRadio.com

SoFloRadio.comhttp://bit.ly/fPcG0g

SoFloRadio.com

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40 Years

Is how long Moses walked the desert and that’s how long it’s been in between Passover seder dinners for me. It’s quite remarkable to share this time frame with the famous prophet, Charlton Heston. The first seder I attended was when I was a kindergartener and my best friend invited me to join her family for Passover. Being the daughter of a devote Catholic, the food, rituals, the candles, the Hebrew all made a huge impact on me. So much so that many times I've told a story about that night and of how the door of the apartment was left wide open for a very expected and special guest, who never showed up.

I have often wondered why I was born American? Why was I the first in my family to be born in the U.S.? Why in Brooklyn, New York? At times I’ve felt that maybe it was because of the freedom (to be different?), or the capitalism (to shop... like a JAP?), or the languages I was meant to learn (English, Spanish... Yiddish?). Could it be that like Moses, I was meant to lead my people to the Promised Land aka the American Dream?

Both of my parents are from Colombia, South America. In first grade at P.S. 197 I wrote a current event story about an earthquake or something, the teacher corrected my paper and with a big red pen she marked ColUmbia. Oh boy, what a field day my father had with that - how dare she, how stupid is she and how was it that I allowed her to correct me on where I was from?

I AM from Brooklyn.

Was what I thought but said nothing and took what felt like a tongue lashing. Back in the day when I used to tawlk like this, I remember being so happy feeling so accepted and welcomed even though I was so different  i.e. a poor, Spanish speaking, shiksa. What great friends I remember having back then. I give my brother's friend, Robert Schnitz R.I.P., credit for my attraction to Jewish boys today and have often long for those kinds of special friendships I never seemed to make in Latin saturated Miami as odd as that may sound (she doesn't get along with her own kind?) 

Person: "So, where in Colombia are you from?"

Me: "Brooklyn"

Growing up with so many cultures at one time exposed me to so much, I heart New York for that, and even though I was definitely a minority I never felt the sting of discrimination. Except for this one time when two boys in my building teased me for being a grade behind for my age. My father came to my defense, his response to these mean boys was “because she speaks two languages, Spanish and English, and you don’t!”. I thought that was the worst comeback ever and wouldn’t see how brilliant an reply it really was until much later in life. (My parents relocated us to Colombia but came back a year later. Not knowing how to read in English I was placed in first grade instead of second but kids don't care). 

These days I take long walks on the beach, it gets so hot in Miami, that even a one hour walk on the sand can be so exhausting it might feel like you’ve walked for 40 years in the desert… hey, that must where the Mosesness comes from. Thanks to my roots and sunny FLA my skin has gotten so tanned I might just go back to being a minority again when the Hispanics take over this country. And thanks to my new Jewish friend in Miami this sader I drank Elijah's glass of wine....L'Chayim! 

The Beach

Near where I live there’s a strip of beach a mile and a half long located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay and sandwiched between two of the most expensive residential beachfront property areas in Dade county, (I still say Dade, refuse to say Miami-Dade silly name and think it should really officially be named WADE ha!), to the north and south of this beach making the “barrier” part of the island a little bare in the shadows of the multi-million dollar skyhouses.

The sensation of awe and instant calm I feel each time I look to the horizon on a beach is difficult to describe enough but when you look past the sea grape trees and catch your first glimpse at the vast open, usually empty beach at Haulover Beach, there’s always a sigh of gratitude for Earth’s beauty and to live so close by. The deep impacting color contrast between the bland beige sand, a baby-boy blue celestial sky and the different hues of blues and greens of the ocean from deep (sapphire) to (mint) green...all reminders of our place in the universe. If you ever have the chance to examine the Atlantic Ocean around Miami Beach, Florida you can easily make a connection and most likely the inspirations for the color schemes used in the Art Deco Buildings of South Beach.

The Beach theme is often used in guided imagery to relax. And here it is, living and breathing at my foot step (I AM blessed) to not walk along this piece of land would be wasteful. Mediation and yoga sessions done on the beach take on a different level, can it be the effect of the salt sea air, the sound of the surf, all of the above? Why do people say “like a day at the beach”? Can we really be that affected by the beach? 

um, YES!

I’ve decided to walk this beach several times a week for exercise and pleasure. So far I've found 3 pennies one on the shore, the other in the sand so I must be on the right path.

This 1.5 long beach has seventeen lifeguard stands all officially posted, numbered and colored from the south to north end of the beach and nearly 100 trash cans. The stands are all identical in structure, some have more notices, fly more flags and in more use than others but generally all the lifeguard stands look the same except they are painted different colors. No.1-6 are light blue, stands 7, 8, 9 are light green, stands 10, 11, 12 are light yellow and stands 13-17 are pink. If you go, make it a weekday and practically every part of the beach south of the pink stands is open and empty and waiting to be enjoyed. Pack a picnic, book, shade and sunscreen and be in the moment it will be a mini-vacation.

Between pink stands 13-16 is a clothing optional area and is always crowded. There are signs marking the area warning of possible encounter with “nude bathers”. Special beach people bathing in "nude"…ooooooo, it's true you lose your clothes when you bathe with "nude".

This special section of the beach is easy to spot by the sea of colorful umbrellas, shelters (you can get too much sun) and of course the nude bodies. Not everyone is completely naked there are various degrees of bare and ALL body types. A great place for people watching is available here- tattoos, piercings, and seriously WTF-was-that?! 

The ocean is de-lish! Water is clear and with a soft sandy bottom and then there's the sagging bottoms...butt (lol) also there's are lots of friendly, or not, kinds of people -a lot with zero tans lines…And now I know which beach the French tourists are hanging out on.

And what about the last pink lifeguard stand # 17? Bathing suits on and maybe 2 other people enjoying the beach…ah, I love Mia-mi!

Quick facts about walking on the beach:

-Use 20-50% more of your muscles

-Burns more calories than on hard surface

-Allows for “Earthing” or grounding

-Aids in neutralizing EMF ions 

The Committee

There exist a committee, which help guide our lives; be it on an everyday level or on reserve for when those monumental decision-making times arrive, we all have a Committee: people we turn to for guidance, help, opinion, advice, what have you. 
The Committee may be a party of one i.e. your partner, your mother boss, kid,..Or the Committee might involve several people, of various ages, with varying needs a logistical nightmare of sorts. From big decisions to life's minutia can be guided by the Committee.

There is also another Committee, although less visible but really the most powerful, it’s a spiritual Committee, this is THE COMMITTEE we all have one and it is "them" who know us best and really have our backs.

Call IT or be IT represented by The Light, the medallions around our necks, wrists, energy, the sticks on doorframes, the candles, and the potential name we might tend scream out in times of great agony or in ecstasy...IT has personal assistants of sorts which get assigned to be THE COMMITTEE for each one of us.


Of course this goes beyond belief in the one ever powerful ________ (<- insert personal belief here) eve the most powerful has peeps, an entourage, their own crew, team, family of helpers to be with us. God can’t be everywhere right? It is as if we have a spiritual group we can count on to always be with us and we don’t even know they are there. Geez, even Santa and Russell Simmons have helpers and assistants, right? Imagine hat would have become of even Oprah or Maria Antoinette be if it had not been for their helpful staffs?”

Long ago the interest in collecting decorative angels and cherubs came first then there were the books, and the courses and now a reading. there is so much more to learn and all we need to do is ask. (?) well, I needed to know:

Who’s on my personal team? (Wow we're fourteen deep on this team),

who’s my starting 5 (really have 7 of the Lebrons, Wades, and Kobes MVPs of the angel league),

who are my spiritual bodyguards? (amazing the depth of strength from the smallest)

who’s part of my personal Committee of angels?(dude, it's no wonder I love to travel-there’s a mini “United Nations representation” with me)

I very sweet soft spoken Colombian woman helped introduce me to my backers the real executive producer’s of this, my lifetime. She’s is well studied and experienced and hearing her very familiar Colombian accent and sayings brought a sense of trust and knowing from familiarity of my family and roots from there. Never having had been in this situation before I was curious to learn many things but had failed in preparing my questions for the session. Oh the pressure of what to ask? After asking about health everything other question can seem so shallow, and over-played so, I went for a simple question:

Please GUIDE me?

Please SHOW me?

ask and you shall receive, yes?

Weekend happening and mishaps from Miss Happening

Try counting how many people you can count on if you really needed it. So many of us share the words “I’m there, if you need me” and how many times have we needed something to be done for us and have turned to no one for help? We can all be so independent at times, to a fault. A very talented and well-known photographer friend recently invited me to an event at his art space. Calling to double check I remembered how to get there, I was joyfully informed that the party was the next day but I was more than welcome to come over anyway, and so I did after changing into street clothes.

Just a block or so away from the central area of the new fashionably artist area of Miami is a very non descript commercial building on a corner sheltering the most amazing work/live space I’ve seen in a while. You enter into a highbrow uber white beautiful gallery tastefully filled with amazing work of photography and mixed media. As you move about you find yourself in a comfy living section decorated by experts who are genius at making the space look effortlessly elegant and casual- some people pay a lot of money to get their space to look and feel like this- some people. But on this night the place was in pre-art show chaos and with the help of another friend and a bottle of wine we got to work. Oh there was a team of volunteers ready to take over at the event but few were there to get the venues ready for the next day because he "didn't like to ask for help with the computer stuff..."

I AM happy to help, plus its part of the karma yoga we learned in yoga teacher training. We should strive to do things for others without any recognition for our actions. I also so happy to help him I feel deeply in debit to this friend for just a year ago when I was not aware I was an artist nor was I in a “good place” he acted with such generosity, kindness and an unselfishness I was amazed and grateful (still). He was one of the people who encouraged, recognized and helped me display my work and ideas and was one of those key people who guided me through my first art show.

Never forget those who have helped when you needed it most, those favors are be repaid again and again…

Mac girl hat on and we are rocking through all the much-needed printing for the next day. Lesson learned: too much logo doesn’t work for gallery

In flip-flops and jeans I’m being taught/directed by this great artist “whoa thank you GOD and he’s asking me >my< opinion?” “What!?" "Oh yeah this vibration thing is working.” Being an equal opportunity helper I go on to answer a midnight call for some much needed supplies at a near by rave so I left the art world and stepped in a world of rainbow colored bras and glowing neon fingers, flames, and technophiles.

Where I had the idea of what I would like to learn to do next.

At the gallery event I was asked assist with the very important job of organizing the Chinese Auction (a.k.a. raffle) “be a greeter” so I smiled, a lot. 

Principle 2 of Dale Carnegies’ Part 2 of How To Make People Like you: Smile. 

That simple action we must think about to bring about which is so priceless a tool/gift. I smiled and greeted and it got me winning a participation invitation to an upcoming future art show. “What?! SHUTUP!” I was floating in happiness, I floated over to the bar for a tiny taste of Merlot, floating oh so gracefully past the amazingly catered spread of select goodies (even Buggles) I was tempted and so, I oh, so, lightly reached for a cookie on the table and kept floating back to my greeting and smiling post when suddenly out of no where came a body: not floating or graceful, but smack in the middle of the graceful floating motion action I had going across the gallery.

The following is best to be envisioned happening in SLOW MOTION: 

I come to a sudden stop, luckily avoiding a for certain crash encounter and everything came to a halt except for the red wine in the glass. This small amount of red wine manages to escapes the glass in a Titanic size wave out, into the air and onto my dress and straight down to the floor where it demonstrates its power to humiliate and upstage any master piece on the wall by multiplying and expanding in size into a H U G E bright red color puddle taking over the uber white floors. “Oh Lordy, Lord, Lord swallow me into the ground now puh-lez!” As it was as if my prayers were heard because right at that moment the Earth broke apart, naw just kidding, but time stood still. I was able to  grabbed a handful of napkins and just as if I was in a Bounty commercial all the wine was wiped clean in one wipe and no one had seen! 

Oh, except for one set of eyes which met my horrified face, these eyes had seen it all, these eyes were as shocked wide as my own at what had just happened. "Oh the horror!" But these eyes, they just smiled, thankfully they belong to the one other late night helper from the night before…phew! Helping others helps us with our own lessons.

TO DO LIST:

Hook up with famous DJ to design and control side stage light shows/ex. for tour.

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS

So many of us are already familiar with the law of attraction, the power of thought and spoken word, metaphysics, quantum physics, “The Secret”, the books, the movies…all the self-help books, psychics, angels, numerology, Yemanjá, Bach Flowers, Reiki, yoga, karma, and <fill in your own blank(s) here>

Yet somehow we still don’t “get it”, we keep needing to be reminded of the message(s), the lesson(s), we keep falling into the same hole(s), repeating, repeating, repeating, repeating so blessed are those who don’t give up.

Sometimes when you think you’ve got it BAM! the universe proves us mortal with yet again another rung to climb on the ladder of life's lessons.

Being new on this path at first there are only few moments of clarity, because at first we don’t notice or believe, as these signs are so new to us we are usually unable to process them. As we continue on the path we get more and more moments of clarity or we just become more tuned in to the signs and thus begin to see more and more of them. Similar to when you might be thinking about getting/liking a certain car and then you start noticing the same car on the road more and more.

YOU ARE AWARE

The signs, symbols, teachers and reminders come in on clear mode no  and amazingly the path now unfolds right under my feet. It is as if the hard cement city streets I’ve been pounding my whole life suddenly turned into a moving side walk of sorts leading in the right direction, at the right speed and thru the multitude of opening doors that are opening before my eyes just like the opening “Get Smart”, the original TV series. I’ve been walking this path, prepared with gratitude, acceptance, humility, a smile, and the most intensive intentions of good intentions and the Dr.’s prescription to “have fun” and the path has a great view new career opportunities and the discovery that my own limits are limitless.

Happiness is in me

And apparently it looks like the “glow” most people having been commenting on.  And is like a magnet for happy events, with great people.

This moment is precious every moment is precious.

winning

‎5! count them, FIVE SoFlo Radio Hosts made Talkers Magazine's 'Frontier 50.' Me, Nicole Sandler, Bruce Silverman, Radio Dan & Sir Darryl. QUINTUPLE WINNING YO! So grateful to be a part of SoFlo Radio!

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Thirty-four minutes to air

The art of multi-tasking has taken over as the survival skill of our time. Thank you cell phones, cable TV, texting, email, computers, .com, HD, Bluetooth, Blackberry, Wii, Xbox, ATM, ….hello, you get it you live it even if you try to avoid it we can’t avoid using it as it’s the basic functions of society. The show is about to begin camera in place and ready to go waiting for 12:00, Facebook postings set, Twitter posting in draft form, and taking all calls since it’s my birthday today.

What's real, virtual, does written have the same meaning as the spoken word?

Living in a virtual vacuum of closely chosen family, friends and acquaintances, and also living in a physical group of closely chosen family and friends who I will allow to share my life with; yes, I clean house.

Show started and life moves on of course I AM taking my father’s phone call 2 minutes to show. The best birthday wish is from my 84 year old character of a father,

 “I hope you catch up to me”

Oh and how can one ignore the gift of goddess cards? Same author from the angel therapy I was studying a few weeks ago where I first heard about these cards- hhmm how clearer a sign can that be? I’m blessed and laughing in amazement. 
Merci beaucoup.

Great gifts today and each day no matter what age I hope to have health and love ones to share good times 

: )

Oh, far fook's saek! Tune in to "By The Glass" St. Patty's Day Edition TODAY 6-7 pm sofloradio.com

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“Get up!”

Stand up, get up, and stand up for your health.

The practice of yoga is special because the effect of your practice has measurable positive and visible effects on your body, mind, and life and in a very short time. Talk about instant gratification. After a few short weeks of doing plank and down dog positions my triceps were showing and my arms in general appeared to be toned. I was very happy since for me toned arms give the impression of being in shape much in the same way I believe a clean kitchen can give the impression of a clean house.

Each day on the mat, each day, not every day- yet, is a new fresh start. Some days are easier than others; some sides of my body move with ease while others are more difficult and it varies every time. Once I accepted this and came to terms with this practice becoming a routine, a way of life, things seems to fall into place, lets see: to be so accepting of ourselves, now take it beyond the mat.

"All yogis meet in tadasana (mountain pose/standing erect feet together arms by side)"

Tadasana is a very important pose, it is the base for all poses, aids in grounding and chakra cleansing 

In my class, I try to control the tone of my voice which so easily exposes my nervousness so we can all feel relaxed. It is my hope that my attempt for everyone to understand the purpose is in the attempt at a  pose, what ever the skill level, just standing on the mat and breathing is great and has its benefit! From just a physical perspective when we stand muscles and breathing and balance and concentration are all involved. The "other" benefits from our yoga practice are are longer lasting slowly discovered as you sweat and can appear in time spent in class or even after.

How nice of there could be no judgment, right? But I AM the first one to judge --> myself mainly (because i can be self centered like that) and as a new instructor I AM so grateful for my very generous client friends who brave to meet with me. Here's validation on some level they are getting it...

List of lessons:

Breathe – sounds simple? Helps you hold the pose, build strength and can calm a panic attack, Ujjai breathing is victorious breathing

Stand up straight – ground yourself even while on line at the supermarket, be present

Concentrate – on the pose or you can fall... how’s that for an allegory?

Laugh a lot – laughter heals, this time last year boy things were so not good.....

Smile and say little – words have power, can hurt and harm and eventually come back to the author

Two shots in my left and right trapezius muscles and one lower back epidural later (thanks to a car accident in June 2010) the medical diagnostic is all the same doctor by doctor.

“Continue to do yoga it is the best thing for your health it will build up the muscles which support your spine” - Dr. So and so and Dr. Pain Management and every massage therapist during  8 months of physical therapy treatments

So, I AM doing my part... there's 2 different yoga soundtracks yoga jam & smooth yoga jam playlists to teach with so let's get up, be grateful, breathe and move into healthy feelings yoga can give.

I heart Wednesday nights (insert you own soundtrack here)