“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.

“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.” (Celia Thaxter, Writer & Poet, 1835 - 1894)

With Labor Day fast approaching, we are reminded that the “unofficial” end of summer is also upon us.  Instead of weekend picnics and celebratory parades, family barbecues and sinfully delicious beach reads, we will be bombarded with reminders of the changing seasons.  And, even though temperatures here in Texas will remain well into the 90’s (or even the 100’s) for a few more weeks, we’ll be exposed to article after article regarding:  recipes for feel-good, “cold-weather” comfort foods; activities such as Friday night football and tailgating parties; the best method for extending that summer glow; the proper way to pack away the cotton shorts and linen shirts and/or to air out the knitted sweaters and wool coats; and, of course, crafts and decorating ideas for the impending holiday season.

Before we move on and say “farewell” to yet another joyous summer, however, Bleu would like to take a few moments to appreciate all of the glory and greatness of the traditions that have littered these last few months, as well as the summers past and those still yet to come.

For us, summer is simply…

Flip Flops…Acceptable Almost Anywhere and Anytime

Fireflies

Family Get Togethers

Fresh Fruit…Especially with a Bowl of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Margaritas…On the Patio and with Live Music Filling the Air

Bikinis

Playing in the Sprinkler

Popsicles

Pedicures…Topped Off with Only the Brightest, Boldest, and Most Outrageous of Colors

“Kiss My Face” SPF 30 Sunscreen

Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers

Dining Outdoors

Sleeping Late

Sunglasses…the Expensive, Classic Styles or the Cheap, Trendy Ones…Just so They’re Cool and Hip

Greatest Hit Albums…The Eagles, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet, and Elton John to be Exact

Wherever we go, and whatever we do, this perfect storm of summer essentials instantly puts our minds and bodies at ease.  So, here’s to you, summer…thanks for the memories…until we meet again!

“America is a willingness of the heart.”  (F. Scott Fitzgerald, Author, 1896 - 1940)

As we approach the Fourth of July, it’s impossible not to pause and ponder what our great nation is all about.  Quite obviously, it means something different to all… to those who are fortunate enough to be born as citizens of the country, as well as to those who must observe it from afar…to those who have sacrificed tremendously for the freedoms that are inherent to its make up, as well as to those who are still searching for the definition of true patriotism.

Regardless, there are certain things that have historically represented America and that speak to most anyone who has appreciation for the red, white, and “bleu”.  So, with a light-hearted spirit and recognition that America means much more than just hot dogs (150 million…the number that were eaten during last year’s celebration!) and fireworks (14,000…the estimated number of displays that will take place to celebrate this year’s holiday!), we’ve compiled a brief list.   

Nothing says America like…

The Statue of Liberty

Freedom of Speech

Family

The Games of “Life” and “Monopoly”

Pizza

Popsicles

The Pledge of Allegiance

Loyalty

Barbie

Bon Jovi

Cowboy Boots

MTV

Plymouth Rock

Elvis Presley

Backyard Picnics

Blue Jeans and a Plain White T

Las Vegas

The Liberty Bell

Oprah

Parades

Drive Ins

Road Trips

Bar-B-Que (from Texas, of course!)

“America”, by Neil Diamond