Greetings!
Another month has gone, “poof!” and it floats away into the sky. This month, it felt like I read 20 books at the same time. Bad news about the economy and tons of primary info seemed to be front and center, throughout August (midterm elections approach, slow and steady). It was a month of adjustments on my end; learning more about my new role, with each passing day, walking new streets and riding new trains.
I think it is official, I am over the heat and ready for autumn. Finally, next month, things will begin to shift and feel a bit different. I won’t be trying to strip immediately when I get home because I can’t stand the feeling of clothing sticking to me. We need some relief.
This month, my mind was all over the place. I watched some Audrey Hepburn movies like Charade (this was my fav), Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face. I became obsessed with 50s hairstyles and bought a box of bobby pins to try some. (Can we also talk about Givenchy in the 50s?!)
I also read a lot of books by therapists on relationships, which was interesting. It is neat to read things and put a name to things one has pieced together in life. One gains a new lens and clarity. We watched Marshall (the movie on Thurgood Marshall– it was brilliant). I also watched some Paris In Love (based on Paris Hilton’s prep for her wedding). There was no theme for me. But below, you will find the stuff that grabbed my attention and made me reflect. I always love sharing the gems with you.
Before we get to all the goodies, we celebrate our top post of the month, Preparing for the Next Best Season. (I am prepping to begin my seasonal deep clean of my house). As I write this, I give side-eye to the receipts at my entry table. The evil clutter will be gone.
My top read of the month was: Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors by Tom Bower. This was some steamy journalism.
Quotes
“Superficial religion will always be fashionable because it does not require self-denial.” Charles Spurgeon– This quote reminded me of when C.S. Lewis said, “I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” There is something profound about choosing something for yourself that makes you grow and challenges you, not something that makes you feel like you have arrived.
“If the flame given to us goes out, we not only lose the light ourselves forever but will also lose the ability to pass it along to all those others who are waiting for it.” Eric Metaxas (on Freedom)– This came from his book, If You Can Keep It, about the responsibility every American has to guarding the republic and the liberties embedded in it. Highly recommend.
“When you follow a leader, consider what would lead you to withdraw your support. If your answer is nothing, your integrity is in jeopardy. Your highest loyalty belongs to principles, not people. No leader deserves unconditional love. Commitment is earned through character.” Adam Grant
“No one has nuanced conversations, and life is all nuance.” Gabby Reece
“You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” Albert Einstein
“I always say that if I were ever going to bet on a horse at the track, then let it be me… because I know I’m going to run as hard as I can.” Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent– I read his book Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter. It was so interesting. Major respect for Curtis Jackson. This man did not come to play. The philosophy in this quote is one I adopted for myself years ago. Ed Mylett says confidence is built through the promises you keep to yourself. When you work hard and know you leave it all on the table, there is a certain security in that, when you enter unknown territory. You learn to take calculated risks with confidence because you know you can bet on yourself.
“Short-sighted people can’t conceive of well-rounded people.” Luis Samuel Gonzalez
“The way you do anything is the way you do everything.” Giotto Calendoli– sending love to the Calendolis.
“Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill
“To me, the thing that is worse than death is betrayal. You see, I could conceive death, but I could not conceive betrayal.” Malcom X
“Greatness reduces your likability in terms of the natural accessibility because whenever you work hard enough to do something great, you become an indictment to anyone who settles for less.” Erwin McManus– This is so true. If you want greatness, learn to be alone and oftentimes, hated.
“Yes, Christianity is a call to carry your cross and to die, but it is also [a] call to win and win decisively. And not just a superficial, moral victory or an ethereal, spiritual victory, but total victory over total reality. Yes, we are playing to win and for keeps.” Ryan Helfenbein– We always play to win.
“People are sheep. When you realize that you won’t care so much about trying to impress or please them.” Celine Hakakha
“Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people, that those liberties are a gift of God? That they are violated but with His wrath? I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.” Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785– This made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Wisdom is timeless.
“How we think, how we see ourselves in the world, matters. With our partners, our children, our neighbors, within our own minds– we can redeem or we can violate. The choice is ours.” Terrence Real, Us
Articles
The most insane prints and combinations from The Mindy Project.
Your network is your net worth they say… this is a real thing. This piece was interesting discussing rich and poor friends.
Eric Metaxas chatting with Andrew Klavan about life, literature and philosophy.
Stuff
A valid video on female friendships and our expectations (I could relate):
This Battle Ready:
Nothing says back to school quite like the Luxy Hair Legally Blonde set.
People I am Intrigued By:
Gabby Reece
Audrey Hepburn
A new month with a new season being ushered in awaits.
I’ll see you there.
xx
GABRIELA YARELIZ 