“The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” (Lucille Ball, Actress & Comedienne, 1911-1989)

What is it about birthdays that cause one to reflect in such an intense manner? Is it the days that have passed and the experiences that they’ve brought with them…the good and the not-so-good…the anticipated as well as the unexpected…the celebrated and the “wish it would’ve gone better”? Or is it the thoughts of what was desired but never quite came to fruition?

Regardless…more about that later…

In addition to birthday celebrations, the last few months have been filled with just good ol’ fashion busy, as evidenced by the time which has passed since the last post. But busy is good. While it keeps a girl away from the keyboard, it also keeps her out of trouble…for the most part anyway.  

More specifically, the month of May brought with it a multitude of activities from one end of the spectrum to the next. Again, so many that there was hardly a minute to spare…or to rest…or even to breathe.  

Highlights included numerous corporate events. There were those that were on the more casual side. Think blue jeans and boot scootin’. And there were a few that were a bit more formal. Imagine, if you will, stilettos and sequins.

There was also a nonprofit fundraiser or two. One successfully celebrated “champions of hope” and their dedication to children within the community.  Another allowed guests to “sip, shop, and savor” in order to contribute to various organizations within the local area. And as a volunteer, what better way to work for a good cause than to help pour (and, of course, taste) wine?

There were a few sporting events. This meant fourth row floor seats to an NBA playoff game. Thanks again, Ms. Katie! Sometimes it really is just about being in the right place at the right time, huh? Also included were VIP passes to the Valero Texas Open. Who knew being such a “very important person” meant traipsing through the mud and ruining a brand new pair of fabulous flip flops?

In addition, there was a celebration to mark the last day of school as well as the Memorial Day holiday. These included river trips, sunscreen, barbecue, and more than a few adult beverages. 

And sprinkled in between all of this…there were weddings, committee meetings, site visits, business dinners and cocktail receptions. There were also a few GNOs or “girls’ night outs”. What better way to celebrate friends and enjoy just being…well, a girl? 

Now…back to the musings about birthdays.

In addition to everything else that May has going for it, it also includes numerous birthdays. Perhaps not the very most important, but still extremely signficant, is the birthday of Bleuprint itself. 

And with that, comes reflections of all that has passed throughout these last few years. There have been celebrations and victories…some great and some small. There have also been a few setbacks, but none that have been tragic enough to shake the core of what the business is built upon. And as for the contemplations of what is still to come? They bring with them hope and optimism and a great deal of determination. Also a gift is the newly acquired, and much desired, ability to just be still and be present. You know…in the moment?

So, all in all and above everything else…the future sure looks bright!

“If you want your life to be more rewarding, you have to change the way you think.” (Oprah Winfrey, Television Host, Producer, and Philanthropist, 1954 - )

So, once again, Bleu is a few days behind the curve. With a vow in January to do better about regular blog entries and keeping up with other such “day-to-day” tasks, we’ve found ourselves at March 1 wondering what the heck happened to the month of February. Shorter in days in comparison to the other 11 months of the year, it still tends to be quite a busy one.

There were multiple events and a plethora of meetings. There were also travels from one end of the state to the next. Additionally, there were chores…just the every day, nothing too exciting, is this what life is really all about chores that sometimes plague us all. 

So, with all of the hectic happenings and the lack of time to get done any of the things on our new year’s “to do” list, it would be easy to feel a little down or at least a bit ineffective. Still, given our resolution to be more “in the moment”, we’ve decided it of greater benefit to look differently at the month past and find the minor victories…the successes…the rewards amongst all of the chaos.

The aforementioned events and meetings? All involved some truly amazing individuals. Friends and strangers alike were brought together in a multitude of settings to accomplish both the seemingly insignificant (i.e., should we serve red or white wine with the given dinner menu) and the profound (i.e., how can we create the most memorable experience for attendees so that they will help us reach a fundraising goal that exceeds half a million dollars).  

The aforementioned travels? They were most definitely memorable! So much so, in fact, that our main mode of transportation has now been lovingly labeled the “crazy train”…and only with the best of intentions in mind. Amongst the long hours and many miles logged were moments of humor and, quite honestly, pure magic amongst “just us girls”. These included discussing matters from one end of the “seriousness spectrum” to the next…searching for rest stops along the way when the laughter and the tears got the best of us. There were also moments spent anxiously awaiting food in late night drive thrus, as well as looking for “mascara time” in front of mirrors when sharing an “oh, too small”, hotel room bathroom. (Some of the best, weren’t they, my female travel companions?)

And, in celebration of us making an effort to recognize our small rewards, why don’t YOU also take time in the month that lies ahead to…

FEEL well, by…buying wine with a screw-top cap so you don’t have to drink the whole bottle in one sitting…unless, of course, you’re sharing it with friends and making some magical memories of your own. In that case, buy the best bottle you can find and savor every last drop. Be sure to use your finest crystal goblets, too. Every moment that includes good wine and good friends should be considered a “special occassion”.

THINK well, by…taking a few moments to get a jump on the upcoming season. Start thinking about what specific items you will need to put in storage, or perhaps just a little more “out of the way”, to make room for the things that are more conducive to the warmer months. After all, spring break is just around the corner; so, sunscreen and flip flops will be much more important that that heavy wool sweater and winter scarf.

LIVE well, by…selecting an afternoon to declare a pajama day. Stay in them as long as possible and just putter around the house. Make a vow on this one day to NOT do anything that might be considered work or even close to “chore like”. Rent the sappy, romantic movies that you’ve been dying to see so you can join in the “meaningful conversation” the next time you’re with your girlfriends. Or, at least buy every gossip magazine that the store has to offer so as to catch up on “current events”. Also stock up on your very favorite foods and the most delicious drinks. After all, taking the day off is an event all unto itself.

“Something about glamour interested me.  All of my schoolbooks had drawings of women on terraces with a cocktail.” (Bill Blass, Fashion Designer, 1922 - 2002) 

In the name of true glamour and fashion, Bleu is partnering with NSIDE Magazine (www.getnside.com) and Hotel Valencia Riverwalk (www.hotelvalencia.com) to host a truly innovative happy hour.  We’ll offer fashion conscious men the opportunity to check out the latest in men’s fashions and accessories while enjoying the finest cognacs, hand-rolled cigars, casino entertainment, and even some of the Spurs Silver Dancers. 

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Priest Holme’s Foundation, a local non-profit organization (www.priestholmesfoundation.org).

So, if you’re in the area on Wednesday, November 18, please join us.  The event begins at 6:00PM in the VBar at Hotel Valencia.  And, of course, ladies are welcome, too!

com·mu·ni·ty:  kə-ˈmyü-nə-tē, noun   1: a unified, interacting body of various kinds of individuals with common interests

Within Bleu’s community there are a variety of individuals and groups that have helped to strengthen both our professional and personal “connectedness”.  This includes friends, family, partners, and clients that we interact with on an almost daily basis.

Also included in this community are various business associations; and, over the past few weeks, we’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in an assortment of activities that are sponsored by these groups. 

One of the ones that stands out the most is the AIOHO (”An Income of Her Own”) seminar sponsored by NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners - www.nawbosa.org).  Bleu was invited to paticipate as a facilitator of this event, which creates opportunties for teen women to learn about entrepreneurship and the financial realities of lifestyle choices from local women business owners.   Participating as a facilitator earlier this month allowed us the privilege of spending the day with a group of female students from area high schools whose main demographic is considered by most as “disadvantaged”.  There was nothing disadvantaged about these girls, however, when it came to personality, drive, and determination.  They were absolutely amazing; and, we feel all the more blessed to have had the chance to experience their beauty and hopefulness. 

Another event that has truly impacted Bleu is the CASA (Child Advocates San Antonio - www.casa-satx.org) “Speak Out”.  The mission of CASA is to recruit, train, and supervise court-appointed advocates who provide constancy for abused children and youth while advocating for services and placement in safe and permanent homes.  The organization has created the bimonthly “Speak Out” events as a way to increase community awareness; and, as a participant in a few of these sessions, Bleu has been both honored and humbled to help “spread the word”.

In addition, Bleu has also recently been involved with the local chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International - www.mpithcc.org) by helping to sponsor the Senior Companions Luncheon.  As was the case with the aforementioned teen women, spending time with individuals who are considered members of the “older generation” was a true delight.  They were all so gracious and extremely appreciative of even the slightest kindness that was shown them.  Again, it was both a privilege and an honor to be a participant in such a worthy event.

So, as is illustrated by the above examples, Bleu’s community is not only great in breadth and in depth, but also in joy.  And, while many are focusing on the challenges of the current times, Bleu is choosing to stay positive and count the blessings. 

And, with that, just one last thought…

“First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet.  But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.”  - Kristin Hunter

What a week!  Bleu has been blessed with a busy, busy schedule and more activity than should ever be bestowed on just one entity. 

There was time spent with the newest team member…what an awesome addition!  Jaclyn (aka:  Jackie, Jaclyn #2, JB) worked tirelessly to assist with market research, business development, current accounts, etc., etc., etc.  And, all the while, she kept a smile on hand and an overall positive attitude close by.  “YEAH” for that! 

There was also time spent with some of the greatest clients…EVER!  From brides to entrepreneurs, they were all a true pleasure.  “THANKS” for that!

There was also time spent with some amazing organizations…truly, AMAZING!  From an introduction to the Preferred Professionals Association of SA, to the SB Leads Lunch, the very first CASA Speak Out, and the SOBA Network Event, they were all rewarding experiences with awesome new friends and professional associates.  “HOORAY” for that!

And, last but not least, there was also an absolutely fabulous event…honestly, it was FABULOUS!  Thanks to a great group of sponsors and an outstanding venue, the very first “Cigars, Cognacs, and Cufflinks” event at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk was a huge success.  Attendees were in abundance, and a fantastic time was had by all.  “BRAVO” to that!

So, all in all, it was quite the week.  “WHEW” to that! 

Here’s to being grateful for the one that has passed and excited about the one ahead.