Saturday, December 02, 2023

 

Calm + Serene + Breathtaking...| It was the music!

~By Debra J. Gordon



Music is very suggestive.  Here's a true story to exemplify what I mean.


Years ago when Tower Records was in business, I visited one of their locations in the Metro Atlanta area central to the financial hub of town. It was hot and I do mean hot and in the heart of five o'clock traffic.  Car horns blasting, bus fumes a'smoking -- and if I recall, my gas tank was on near empty. You know the kind of day I'm describing, right?  


Well anyway, although I'd pulled a long day on my feet at work, I just had to buy the new Yanni CD.  So instead of heading to the gas station, I made a bee-line across two lanes of traffic and pulled into Lenox Square shopping center, off one of the many Peachtree Street thoroughfares. Buying gas had become a secondary mission at the time.


When I entered the store, the a/c was most refreshing 'cause like I said, it was a sticky-hot-in-the-South day outside; at least  98 degrees.  But only seconds after entering the store, what I then noticed was how silent the store was. How still everything was; like the calm found in Heaven. 


It took my breath away. 


Directly ahead of me was a guy that could have been a Sumo wrestler who had a bald head and was tattooed up the arms like crazy.  Next to him, by contrast was a skinny little guy dressed in a black leather vest (even in the heat), chains hanging from his pants pockets which held his wallet in place (keys dangling too)... who had dyed-red hair before it was popular. I suspect he may have lived in the then hip, Virginia Highland's area which was only one MARTA (rapid transit) station away.   As I continued walking back to the enclosed listening sound room, I passed by an elderly couple in the country western section staring at a Travis Tritt CD.  She, a slight woman with perfectly coiffured dirty blonde hair and really bright red nails, seemed to be  transfixed on the cover-- while hubby the dutiful husband, held onto her handbag wide receiver style.


And as I looked over the horizon of the store, EVERYONE was not saying a word... busy at task... each into his/her own little world... and I wondered why?  

 

It was the music.


The store was broadcasting a newly released meditation CD. And no matter how diverse the people in the store appeared to be, we were all responding to the vibes of this beautiful music. Amazing how such a simple thing can invoke harmony and unity. 



Seems like that was decades ago.  Our world wasn't in such turmoil then.  Today however the world could use a bit more meditative music.  And I wish it could be just as easy today as it was back on that day in Atlanta, to depart an ample dose of goodness in the World-- as one unknown musician's CD accomplished, back on that blistering evening in Atlanta.

. . .

It's 1:52am.  As I reflect on the fond memories above and for the assurance that 'all is well,'  Yanni's "At the Acropolis," was indeed worth the purchase.


###

First published:

©2013, By Debra J. Gordon, 10 July '13

https://wordladydjg.wixsite.com/gazella/meanderings

.. 🌿 .. 

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

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The Random House Listening Library publishes over 70 audio.books a year and maintains an active backlist of 300+ titles, including more than 45 Newberry Medal and Honor-winning titles.



...



Monday, November 11, 2013

Caregivers 'SPEAK UP' | Who's going to take care of you when you grow old?


Try as we might to turn the hands of time backwards... we're getting old friends... and there's nothing we can do about that. Who's going to look after you when you get older?

This is a quick little note pertaining to CAREGIVING for our adult loved ones. If you know someone who is currently caring for an elderly person, please share the link below.
---

We get so focused sometimes on the health issues of our loved ones, we tend to forget about the health of the CAREGIVER or that the caregiver has 'rights.  50 million people across the US are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability.

In their brochure called SPEAK UP, the National Family Caregivers Association offers a wealth of information for 'advocating and empowering caregivers and their families.' They offer the following tips and suggestions to help you SPEAK UP for respect, for support, for information, for help, and for the rights of all family caregivers. First of all...

~ BELIEVE IN YOURSELF ~
*Self-identifying as a family caregiver
*Recognizing your strengths and acknowledging your limitations
*Learning to say "no"
*Commanding respect from healthcare providers

~ PROTECT YOUR HEALTH... you have the Right to: ~
*A good night's sleep
*A respite holiday
*Time and energy to exercise
*Regular checkups to ensure that if something is wrong, you catch it early
*A life of your own apart from caregiving

~ ALL ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS ~
Specific to you and only you, the caregiver know the following:
*Speak up for adequate education and training in the skills you will need as a family caregiver
*Speak up for affordable health insurance if you are not getting it through your employer
*Speak up for financial support to protect you from impoverishment in your later years
*Speak up for annual assessments of your own needs and the means for meeting them
Please take advantage of the informative newsletter produced by the
Get on their email list or call (800)896-3650 to locate resources in your community.
~ ~ ~

Here's another resource for your loved one:


  

Monday, October 21, 2013

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Support Causes You Care About | Welcome to The GreaterGoodNetwork

Support Causes you care about--

The White House commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness

 

You care about others and that's why I'm excited to tell you about-- The Greater Gooda network of stores where you'll find a unique opportunity to support the Causes you care about. 

Breast Cancer and Women's Awareness
Children's Health and Well Being
Literacy and Children's Education
Restoring Our Veterans: Jobs - Food - Housing
...and many more.

From jewelry and clothing to household items and gifts, we sell a wide variety of products that benefit the planet, people and animals. 
 

 



2014 Calendars ready to ship to you!
See them here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 

  
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Mammograms for Women in Need
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In business for more than 15 years, our supporters (like you!), have generated over $25 million in charitable donations to our network of amazing non-profit partners.
In partnership with The National Breast Cancer Foundation, 
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###

  

Thursday, October 10, 2013

How-To Rescue a Conversation That's Gone Wrong


~ Our world is traversing in uncertain and troubling times friends. And one of the things I believe is causing much of our great divide, is poor communication. Period.

Given your advocacy work, I know you know, how essential, clear and genuine communication is, to achieving meaningful results-- at home, in business, in our communities and throughout the World.  And this is why I'd like to recommend, "How Conversation Works: Six Lessons for Better Communications."

As you grab for the next rung on the ladder to success, 'Conversations...' is a must add to your career portfolio.  This six lecture eCourse is available on DVD, instant download to your PC, or my favorite, the CD version-- which can be listened to while driving or working from home. 
 

Like an eagle in the sky, you’ll be amazed by how much you can learn by stepping back from conversations and examining how they operate. You’ll notice things you never picked up on before—like what kind of speaker you are, the strategies you typically rely on (often without realizing it), and the subtleties of the strategies others may use when speaking with you. You’ll find yourself putting these lessons into practice to create more effective dialogues from the very first lecture.
I was just reviewing the course description for Part 6, 'How to Maintain Relations with Talk'  (covering cooperative and competitive speaking styles)... and I had a quick, laugh-out-loud flashback of my piano teacher Mrs. Thomas, grilling me to make 'sure' I'd practiced my piano scales over the weekend.  Her 'eyes' were really doing the talking-- not her words, and you can best believe that I certainly didn't fail to practice my piano scales.
Learn new ways to communicate  - watch a free course preview here

 
At first, the newfound awareness you’ll acquire from How Conversation Works may cause you to become self-conscious when you speak, but the act of “conversational noticing” will soon become second nature. Before long, you’ll realize you have the tools to make yourself clearly understood, put others at ease, rescue a conversation that’s gone wrong—and keep conversations from going off course in the first place.
Phil Manker INTERIORS

Today's business savvy woman recognizes a wise investment.  Thus I'm inviting you to join kindreds from 'round the world in a "lifelong learning experience," with a selection of video and audio courses led by the world’s top professors and experts.  'Conversations...' is one such course and is now on sale for a limited time. 

Please learn more and let's stay connected via my website here.  ~djg

 

Friday, September 13, 2013

Learn, live, love, ascend, breakthrough--


...from a ramblin' rose
somewhere in The Sunshine State, USA


Have you met G A Z E L L A--



G A Z E L L A  | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness  
...is a holistic website created for your empowerment and intellectual discovery via on-demand live events by luminaries you all know; living simply, green, yet refined; the arts and humanities; guest articles by holistic thinkers; excursions for the 'armchair' traveler;  resources for writers, musicians, filmmakers, etc.; connections to charities ... and so much more! 
Sign up for periodic updates via email and view website here.

"Learn, live, love, ascend, breakthrough.
The Universe is waiting for you!"  --Debra J. Gordon


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

H.O.P.E. You're Nearing Your Mountain Top


4:12pmEST
from a ramblin' rose
somewhere in Florida, "The Sunshine State" USA


My dear kindreds: 

"...Look good + speak good + do good!"

Hope this post finds you happy, healthy and well.  For my holistic followers what's new with you?  What update(s) have you for the GAZELLA community to know about?  I'm always tweaking stuff, trying to keep GAZELLA fresh and hopefully, interesting for repeat viewing.  Use the 'CONTACT' form on website and send me your promos--  anytime.

Here are three quick updates to
GAZELLA  | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness  First up--

~Rx for Brown Skin has a dynamic sale going on, offering free samples with purchase.  Sista' soldiers take note!  This would be an excellent time to try the line especially for women who have yet to experience the benefits of these luxurious produces; and would be an even better value for the millions of women who already know how well Rx for Brown Skin works!

LIMITED TIME ONLY-Offer expires Sept. 15th! 67% Savings + 2 Free Gifts from Rx For Brown Skin! 5-Piece Hyperpigmentation Deluxe System for only $49.95! AS SEEN ON TV!

Rx For Brown Skin - Created by a Woman of Color, for Women of Color
Celebrity spokesperson Vivica Fox
Rx for Brown Skin
 
 
~ Our world
is traversing in some uncertain and troubling times dear ones.  And one of the things I believe is causing much of our great divide is poor communication.  Period.  Given your advocacy work  I know you know-- how important clear and genuine communication must be to foster results.  So do I.  And this is why I'm recommending professionals like yourself, info about "How Conversation Works: 6 Lessons for Better Communication."
 
This is a Six-Part eCourse that you can order on DVD, download instantly and watch from your PC, or my favorite-- the CD version-- which can be listened to while driving or working from home.  I was just reviewing the course description for Part 6 which covers 'How to Maintain Relations with Talk'  and I had a quick, laugh out loud flashback of my piano teacher Mrs. Thomas grilling me to make 'sure' I'd practiced my scales over the weekend.  Her 'eyes' were really doing the talking, not her words and you can best believe that I certainly didn't fail to practice my piano scales. 

Anyway, if you believe that your business or advocacy could be improved by learning new ways to communicate, please [VIEW DETAILS _ WATCH A VIDEO PREVIEW HERE]  ...and the best part is, this eCourse is now on sale for a few more days! 

 
~ God and religion can be two hot topics when people with  varying viewpoints get in the same room.  Let that difference be a drastic one and a mini-war may ensue, right?  Last night, I added content from luminaries Marianne Williamson and Caroline Myss, who's work in the world suggests very unique and profound reasonings behind why we've become the way we have and more importantly, solutions to bridge this great divide.

 
 
And so, I wanted to call your attention to these two new titles by Caroline and Marianne   respectively:

 
 
Entering the Castel: Exploring Your Mystical Experience of God, and
The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife.
Simply said, both 'teachings' will reaffirm that you're on the right track and will also hope to serve and nurture the part on the inside of you that can connect and dialogue with the unseen.  
[VIEW DETAILS HERE... AND THANKS]

I'll tell ya' dear ones, I don't know how our world leaders get a good night's sleep anymore!  I pray for their strength and endurance daily.  I don't know where you are with your walk with God or even if you have a God but I do feel that because you advocate for others, your Spirit may be unsettled at this time due to the discourse in our World.  I know the discourse is unsettling for me.

I didn't intend on this 'post' becoming so long winded.  We've gone from looking good, to speaking good, and doing good.  I'd be remiss if I kept this 'in-house.'  We truly are in a time of miracles and mystical experiences.
 
Hope you're nearing your mountain top dear one.  Please feel free to forward this or share with your social networks, should you desire.  ~djg 
 
  
 
G A Z E L L A  | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness  
...is a holistic site created for your intellectual discovery via on-demand live events;  living simply yet refined; the arts and humanities; excursions for the 'armchair' traveler;  resources for families and creatives-- writers, musicians, filmmakers, etc.; your empowerment and so much more!   View website here and sign up for periodic updates via email below.


Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Get Email Updates!


 


Thursday, September 05, 2013

Silver Linings and Dark Clouds

UPDATE | 1:23pmEST, Thur., 10/17/13--
Please see addendum below and shown in
'THIS' colour for clarification.  Thank you.

 

They say there's a silver lining in every dark cloud, right?


Well I kid you not-- and, not that is was a dark cloud on an equally dark and stormy night-- but a couple of days ago, I received word from my email list management company, that 22 people in my network indicated in one way or the other that the email I'd recently sent  [to them] was reported as spam.  Yeah, I know-- long sentence. 

Turns out by industry standards, my magic number of 22 spam complaints, far exceeded the "acceptable threshold number" of ONE per 1,000 emails-- esp., given the fact that my list size was less than 650.  Thus, my account went into a "review" and ultimately, this was good (my silver lining). But then again, I've been dealing with a hacker for several years (long story) and in the back of my mind I just would not be surprised if somehow *this* is the work of more harassment. 

But back to that silver lining. 

Knowledge is power and since you and I have been connected in one or more social networking sites (LinkedIn, Google+, Tumblr, Facebook, etc.) for so long,  the reason I'm writing you today is two fold.  Notice of caveats in user terms 'n agreements and because I need your help.  First up--

#1- Caveats in those "Terms and Agreements" -  because many of you are business owners  or engage in dialogue with others having great impact on your day-to-day relationship governance, I thought I'd share the following insight gleaned: 

-- The email addresses of the 'connections' we develop in LinkedIn and Facebook personal pages or business pages (e.g., social networking platforms) are 'owned' by the provider and CAN NOT BE USED for soliciting and/or converting into a sale transaction unless one thing happens; 

-- The 'export' feature can not be used to shepherd a 'list' from which you solicit; and 

-- Even if an alternate email is provided in a user's public profile under 'About Me/Contact,' that info still is owned by the social site.

The above information was told to me by the account reviewer at the company who manages my subscriber list and ensures compliance and legal standards are met by all parties.

HOWEVER, this 'spam issue' seems to me to be an easy fix and now-- here's the one thing that must happen  so that you may freely use the email address for business development OUTSIDE of a specific social network site (from an individual you've met and connected with on said site). 

You must provide an email sign-up form so that the legal definition of an opt-in agreement is satisfied.  Once that person becomes a 'subscriber' a new relationship has begun and the fact that you 'met' on a social site has no bearing on the newly created relationship. (P.S. If you're an attorney, check me on this and weigh in with a reply-to-all if you desire.)

As such, this is why you see so many 'fan pages' with JOIN MY MAIL LIST links, which serves to ensure a permission based agreement between the two of you.  Somewhere buried deep in the terms and agreements you'll find this condition-- but who really reads beyond the 16,000th word of those agreements for a social site anyway?  I wanted you to know this caveat and hope this insight has been of help.  And you have my permission to forward this to a colleague who might care to know.  Finally--

#2- I'm in "jail" friends (name of email mgm't company withheld) .  My crime?  I used the 'export' key to pull together and merge my email recipients list.  My punishment?  Go through my spreadsheet of contacts line by line (over 1,000 people!!!) and separate the good from the bad and the ugly emails (smile).  I'm trying to keep a light heart here. 

Do you know how longgg that will take? 

ADDENDUM as highlighted at the top of this post.  I have ceased the relationship with said email list management service; therefore, it is not necessary for your support in the email re-capture help.   Please skip and continue reading below the ( ========).

I'm therefore asking for your help.  Will you please opt-in for my periodic email updates using the form below thereby making our 'connection' official?  Then perhaps I can get out of "jail" because orange is not my color and especially in the form of a jumpsuit!

G A Z E L L A  | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness  
...is a holistic site created for your empowerment and  intellectual discovery via on-demand live events and downloads;  living simply yet refined; the arts and humanities; excursions for the 'armchair' traveler;  resources for families and creatives-- writers, musicians, filmmakers, etc.; and so much more! 

Looking forward to our continued dialogue and meaningful engagement to move the World forward in a positive way.  Happy weekend to you! [VIEW WEBSITE]

~Debra (djgTheMediaLady)




Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Spokeswoman Vivica A. Fox | The RxForBrownSkin.com Difference... read the story here [VIDEO]

Rx for Brown Skin®- Your Prescription for Bright, Healthy and Radiant Skin!


...featured in O Magazine - Cosmopolitan - Essence - Ebony





This little 'secret' fruit is a key ingredient in
Rx for Brown Skin.  Do you know what this fruit is?
In the next video, creator of this luxurious skin care product,
Dr. Susan Taylor tells you all about it.
 
 Rx for Brown Skin products for hyperpigmentation and dark marks are favored by customers and beauty editors alike and Rx for Brown Skin Acne products not only help to treat tough acne breakouts but help remove dark spots left behind ...even after acne has healed.




 


Rx for Brown Skin, the industry leader in ethnic skincare solutions, introduces a complete line of results-based skincare solutions that addresses the unique needs of skin of color, such as hyperpigmentation, dark marks and dark spots, acne and uneven skin tone.

Rx For Brown Skin - Created by a Woman of Color, for Women of Color

Each Rx for Brown Skin formula combines the very best of nature and science to deliver bright, healthy and radiant skin.   Created by Dr. Susan Taylor, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, a board certified-dermatologist and clinical researcher, it is the first and only skincare line created by a woman of color to address the specific needs of woman of color.

~Health benefits and history of the pomegranate fruit~

Dr. Taylor is regular featured guest on the Today show, Good Morning America and the Dr. Oz Show.
 
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Sunday, August 04, 2013

THINKSTOCK | $ALE on Getty Images

W.E.L.C.O.M.E.  to a whole new kind of image subscription. 
And to entice new subscribers Thinkstock by Getty Images is offering 30% the annual subscription price (through August 31st)!  Get the details.  PROMO CODE:  7DXPC46N
 
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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

L.A.U.N.C.H.I.N.G. August 1st! My new website--

We're live on the web  -  We're live on the web - We're live on the web
G A Z E L L A   | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness

Linked here 

G A Z E L L A   | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness
G A Z E L L A   | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness
G A Z E L L A   | Beauty + Grace + Gentleness
---
Dear Kindreds:

I'm bouncing back with full force!

I've been burning the midnight oil in development of my brand new holistic website-- on a quest to personally make a positive contribution to help our Universe heal.

Although I'm keeping the name under wraps for now I'd like to welcome you as a 'charter recipient' and ask your permission to add your e-mail to my growing list!  I don't want you to miss it.

Look for pages filled with AWEsomeness--

*inspirational articles on green living and creating tranquil living spaces;
*living a POWerful life of happiness and abundance;
*premiere meditative compilations from music trendsetters;
*resources for inspirational writers and suggested books - videos -
  on-line events from world class luminaries you all know;

Louise Hay - Deepak Chopra - Marianne Williamson - Iyanla Vanzant - Debbie Ford - Dr. Wayne Dyer - Caroline Myss - Robin Smith - 'Mr. Four Agreements himself' ...and my favorite angel lady, Doreen Virtue.  

My rocket ship will launch in just a few days - Thursday, August 1st! I hope to include you as a 'charter recipient!'  Tweet, Share, High Five to your network of kindreds! 
You're greatly appreciated for doing so. 
 
Share


Monday, July 22, 2013

The Awareness Film Festival presents... Beauty and the BREAST


 The Awareness Film Festival presents...
 
 
Directed by: 
Liliana Komorowska 

Sunday, July 28th

 3:30pm
Magicopolis
1418 4th St. Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA 90401

 TICKET INFORMATION: Click here 
WIF members receive 20% off tickets, use promo code wif20. 
 
Synopsis: A first time documentary filmmaker offers a compelling insight into a devastating reality of breast cancer, as seen through the eyes of several female patients helping demystify the disease while painting poignant and often humorous intimate portraits of survival. The film depicts the process of learning and accepting the terrifying verdict, and details the complexities of every stage of this disease. All interviewed patients have different experiences living with mutilated bodies while still maintaining strength. This film is not only invaluable as a testament to human resilience but it also proves that it's possible to blossom in the face of adversity. But as the fight continues, the wisdom and beauty within us can help us conquer the beast until we find the cure.
 
Source:  Women In Film | ...is a proud sponsor of this year's Awareness Film Festival.  WIF is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women achieve their highest potential within the global entertainment, communications and media industries and to preserving the legacy of women within those industries.  Please discover WIF's professional reach--

Contacts, educational programs, scholarships, film finishing funds and grants, access to employment opportunities, mentorships and more!  ~ 














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