It's true, see what AVON has to offer...
order online and have it shipped to you directly!
Follow my Avon link and see how easy it is!

fcortes.avonrepresentative.com/

January 11, 2002

Frances XXXX
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx, Ca.
xxxxx



Dear Valued Vendor,

As a merchant for Nordstrom, it comes with my sincerest pleasure to describe the qualities that Frances XXXXXX was able to demonstrate during her career at Nordstrom.

Frances XXXXX was a pleasure to work with. In her role as a Fragrance Counter Manager for Nordstrom at XXXXXXXX, Frances exemplified strong follow- through in all counter duties, excellent organizational skills and superior customer service. She would stop at nothing to provide her customers with the fine service that defines the Nordstrom service philosophy – “superior customer service”. In addition, Frances performed as a role model employee with an extensive background in fragrance history and product knowledge.

Frances is a hard worker, a leader who is passionate and dedicated to her industry. She possesses attention for detail in all situations and expresses an energy that is proven in her daily “Yes, I can do attitude! ”. In addition, she is eager to improve her business by seeking ways to increase her retail volume through events and daily retail goal tracking.

I would like to recommend Frances in all her new career endeavors. She has proven to be a model employee that would be an asset to any work team. I would love to replicate her qualities in all employees throughout my Nordstrom XXXXXX Region.





Sincerely,
Exxxxxx Mxxxxx


Assistant XXXXXX XXXXXX
Nordstrom XXXXXXX Region
XXX XXXXXXRoad
XXXXXXXX XX
XXXXX
XXX XX8 XXXX
XXX XX8 XXXX fax

**for those searching for the pics of STUFF I HAVE POSTED FOR SALE in other tribes...**
Sorry if I didn't specify the pics are in my SUPERSTARBEADS tribe. So here it is:
tribes.tribe.net/superstarbeads

...OR scroll down to your left to my box that says "wanna buy my stuff?"

I have lots of stuff for sale - sometimes not belly dance related, but definately stuff useful & needs a good home....

...from daily OM June 19, 2007

Women’s Support

Becoming Our Own Role Models

As women embrace the fullness of who they are as individuals, they may find themselves supporting other women, helping others to reach the level of inner comfort and outer freedom that they themselves have found. Among those who are less sure of themselves and their place in the world, it may be more common to criticize other women than to seek their help. But there are things that a woman can only learn from another woman, as there are things about being a man that can only be learned from other men. We all recognize that we have much to learn from each other regardless of gender, but sometimes we could use a supportive role model that gives us a more precise example of what and who we can become.

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women. It is only natural that the pendulum swings out of balance for a while so that we may have the experience of what we do not want. It is up to women to bring the pendulum back into balance and bring back the sacred sisterhood we yearn for at our core.

If we envision a world where women support each other and help each other find their place in an ever-changing world, then we can become the change we want to see. Jealousy, envy, criticism, and judgment are refuges for the insecure. As we help others to become self-assured, we create a world in which all people help each other, regardless of gender. Only women can make the change in how women are seen and understood, not just by other women but by the world at large. The way we speak about each other to other women and to the men in our lives informs everyone to treat us with the respect that all women, and all people, deserve. OM......

Well, maybe I have seen you or met you - ...Chances are, you have seen me dancing here & there....... I am always glad to meet and connect with others in the bellydancing world !
Below are the places I have been - Oh! the places I have performed! ....(not including weddings and private parties)
Want me to perform somewhere? ...drop me a line and say eh!



2009 - Cleopatra Hafla (August showcase), Riverside Ca

2009 - Temecula Wedding Planner's event, Temecula Ca

2009 - Bellydance Kaleidoscope (July showcase), Highland Ca

2009 - Cleopatra Club Hafla (June showcase), Riverside Ca

2009 - Cairo Caravan, Long Beach Ca

2009 - Hynotic Gurus concert (guest dancers), Riverside Ca

2009 - Cleopatra Club Hafla (April showcase), Riverside Ca

2009 - National Date Festival, Indio Ca

2008 - Arabesque Competition (guest dancers), San Diego Ca

2008 - Ghostwalk CRB fundraiser, Riverside Ca

2008 - Bedouin Bazaar, San Diego Ca

2008 - Beyond Our Borders Charity Event, Temecula Ca (three shows)

2008 - Bellydance Kaleidoscope (August showcase), Highland Ca

2008 - Bellydance Kaleidoscope (July showcase), Highland Ca

2008 - Exotic Blend @ Stell's (June), Redlands Ca

2008 - Great "Y" Circus - "Circus Through the Ages", Redlands Ca (nine shows)

2008 - Festival of Dancing Colors, Cal State San Bernardino Ca
(also taught a workshop there)

2008 - National Date Festival, Indio Ca (two shows)

2008 - Atomic Raq-it, Redands Ca

2008 - YMCA East Valley fundraising campaign, Redlands Ca (Hula only)

2008 - Camel Spit n' Swap, Redlands Ca

2007 - Mecda Anniversary Party, Rancho Cucamonga Ca

2007 - Exotic Blend @ Stell's (November), Redlands Ca

2007 - Bedouin Bazaar, San Diego Ca

2007 - Redlands Market Night (August), Redlands Ca

2007 - Redlands Market Night (July), Redlands Ca

2007 - Charity show & mini workshop for Assisteens, Redlands Ca

2007 - Festival of Dancing Colors, San Bernardino Ca

2007 - Hafla hosted by Incognito, Newport Beach, Ca

2007 - Panginilians Charity Fundraiser, Buena Park, Ca

2007 - Catharae's Student Winter Hafla, Rialto Ca

2006 - YMCA Student and Teacher's recitals, Redlands, Ca

2006 - Relay for Life Charity Event, Rialto Ca

2006 - Private Hafla feat. John Belzikian, San Dimas Ca

2006 - Big Bear Pirate Festival, Big Bear Ca

2006 - Great "Y" Circus - "A Circus Oddesey", Redlands Ca (nine shows)

2006 - Catharae's Spring Hafla, Claremont Ca

Safety is always an issue with me...although I can defend myself, that can have it limits depending on the situation. Saftey extends beyond our surroundings - it's even on the 'net. Yes, the internet has bred the weirdos to great proportions - and has made it easier for their fetishes to get out of control. If anyone contacts you that is not part of your interest field OR one of an opposite sex that is looking for "friendships and connections" QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION!!!
I protect my familly as much as I can....close up pics of my kids are marked in my album as "FRIENDS ONLY" so browsers and potential pedophiles don't copy and paste their pics.
here are some FYI links...most of which we are aware of, but you know how it is...stuff happens when we let our guard down! Please be aware & look out for one another!

dumblittleman.blogspot.com/2006....html



tahoebynight.info/BadiaFusi...anger.html


www.shira.net/no-ripoff.htm


news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080...ous_domains

A run-on of who I am… by Frances


What comes to mind to share with you are some of the things I love.
I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my face or to watch sunlight dancing on the water. Good and genuine friends are important to me, and I appreciate people who are real and playful and loving by their nature.
In terms of my tastes, I feel lucky because, while I love to savor an excellent meal and maybe a glass of wine, I find I can be just as happy enjoying a simple evening with good company, or even just spending time with myself.
Life is much like an exploration for me, and I love the process of discovering more and more about what truly matters to me and living in a way that is true to that. I feel driven to develop the talents and gifts I have been given and to apply them in a way that does the most good for others.
I love to meditate, I have come to feel that real spirituality has to do more with loving life and seeing the good in life, as much as possible, all the time.
I love to dance, to feast, to enjoy life and to play, and this goes hand in hand for me with learning to understand and be true to myself, to be of genuine service to others, and to appreciate more and more the depth in life and in myself.
I’m Impulsive yet riddled with common sense, easy-going and serious, fun without being too weird, yet still kind of weird in an endearing sort of way, sensitive and compassionate but not embittered by those who lack to show the kindness the world needs.
I always try to listen twice as much as I talk. I do what I say I am going to do.
I keep my promises and help others in need. I don’t believe in Hinduisim, but Karma happens…
Bookish brain trapped in a dancer’s body, I love to learn. Incessantly observant to even the smallest detail, sensitive to the world and all its inhabitants no matter how much they may annoy me.
I am not high maintenance, but I do take care of myself. What can I say? I am a woman who loves to wear heels and not afraid of it.
I love to be outdoors - hike, camp, fish, exercise, ride bikes, and even roller skate.
I am full of energy and am motivated in what I believe. I love my family and I do have a large extended one. My children are the core of my happiness. I like to make friends and keep them. I think values never go out of style.
I know the difference between irony and coincidence. I believe things happen for a reason.
I believe integrity is a reflection of yourself. Without it, there's not much that is worth anything.
I read more than I should. I can cook and sing at the same time yet the food always turns out better than the singing. I love to dance. I dance anywhere I happen to be, movement keeps me alive inside. Being outside is one of my favorite things, whether in a forest, on the beach or in the city. Life is far more exciting than a television show.
I love sushi, the sound of crunchy leaves, thunderstorms, slow dancing, the desert, sunrises, snow, travel to wine country, the smell of books, Classic anything, music and then more music...classical, jazz, rock, metal, country, alternative, R & B, and foreign music that I can’t understand the words to, even those silly songs sung on Sesame Street. The music I love is as eclectic as I am…a little of everything. My talents are what I treasure, I do from the heart and there are many of them.
I have had my share of joys and disappointments and all of it fits in my own luggage out of site. I believe in romance, the kind that tickles you on the inside, the kind that keeps you smiling and laughing. My inner child has skinned knees and loves adventure. I love good coffee, old movies, respectable people, good books, great restaurants and great conversation with friends.
I love deeply, cook and read passionately and think kissing is highly underrated.
I apologize when I am wrong and learn from mistakes. I dislike Lima Beans, vinyl furniture, superficial personalities and horror movies. I am terrified of horror movies, actually. Did I ever mention sunrises? Anyone can catch a good sunset...but a sunrise at the right time lasts only but a moment. With all this, I consider myself fortunate.*

Where are you now? Who lies beneath your spell tonight?

Whom else from rapture’s road will you expel tonight?


Those “Fabrics of Cashmere--“ ”to make Me beautiful--“

“Trinket”-- to gem– “Me to adorn– How– tell”-- tonight?


I beg for haven: Prisons, let open your gates–

A refugee from Belief seeks a cell tonight.


God’s vintage loneliness has turned to vinegar–

All the archangels– their wings frozen– fell tonight.


Lord, cried out the idols, Don’t let us be broken

Only we can convert the infidel tonight.


Mughal ceilings, let your mirrored convexities

multiply me at once under your spell tonight.


He’s freed some fire from ice in pity for Heaven.

He’s left open– for God– the doors of Hell tonight.


In the heart’s veined temple, all statues have been smashed

No priest in saffron’s left to toll its knell tonight


God, limit these punishments, there’s still Judgment Day–

I’m a mere sinner, I’m no infidel tonight.


Executioners near the woman at the window.

Damn you, Elijah, I’ll bless Jezebel tonight.


The hunt is over, and I hear the Call to Prayer

fade into that of the wounded gazelle tonight.


My rivals for your love– you’ve invited them all?

This is mere insult, this is no farewell tonight.


And I, Shahid, only am escaped to tell thee–

God sobs in my arms. Call me Ishmael tonight.

(Agha Shahid Ali)

These are collections from friends, strangers, and stuff I stumble upon....


***

As you all make your way through your own personal journeys, please remember to share what you know and have learned with others.

Be grateful to those that take time to teach you but do not set aside who you truly are, lest you lose yourself to those not worthy.

Should that make mistakes do not be ashamed of them but, learn from it or surely you will repeat them.

Add to your community, do not take from it solely, the rewards are mighty.

Act honorably in all things, what you say and what you do.

When you cease to learn, you cease to live.


*****



Never expect of others what you would not give for them.

Never give less than what you ask for.

Never give less than what's deserved.

Never give more than all you have.

ALWAYS! Fill your glass with the intention of filling others equally.

~unknown



"The world is a dangerous place to live – not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it."

--Albert Einstein, physicist



THE COURTESAN

The Corutesan is meant to be a half-defined floating figure never fixing herself urely in the imagination.
She is the memory of an experience, the point at which a dream is transformed into a reality or reality into a dream.
The bright colors fade, her name becomes a mere echo - echo of an echo, since she has probably adopted it from some ancient predecessor.
The idea and myth of the courtesan is a garden of delights in which the lover walks, smelling first this flower and then that but never understanding whence comes the fragrance that intoxicates him.
Why shoud the courtesan no elude analysis? She does not want to be recognized for what she is, but rather to be allowed to be potent and effective.
She offers the truth of herself - or, rather of the passions that become directed toward her.
And what she gives back is one's self and an hour of grace in her presence,
Love revives when you look at her: is that not enough?
She is the generative force of an illusion, the birthpoint of desire, the threshold of contemplation of bodily beauty.

-Lynne Lawner: lives of the Courtesans, Portraits of the Renaissance.



by John Wesley

If you want to make things happen the ability to motivate yourself and others is a crucial skill. At work, home, and everywhere in between, people use motivation to get results. Motivation requires a delicate balance of communication, structure, and incentives. These 21 tactics will help you maximize motivation in yourself and others.

1. Consequences - Never use threats. They’ll turn people against you. But making people aware of the negative consequences of not getting results (for everyone involved) can have a big impact. This one is also big for self motivation. If you don’t get your act together, will you ever get what you want?

2. Pleasure - This is the old carrot on a stick technique. Providing pleasurable rewards creates eager and productive people.

3. Performance incentives - Appeal to people’s selfish nature. Give them the opportunity to earn more for themselves by earning more for you.

4. Detailed instructions - If you want a specific result, give specific instructions. People work better when they know exactly what’s expected.

5. Short and long term goals - Use both short and long term goals to guide the action process and create an overall philosophy.

6. Kindness - Get people on your side and they’ll want to help you. Piss them off and they’ll do everything they can to screw you over.

7. Deadlines - Many people are most productive right before a big deadline. They also have a hard time focusing until that deadline is looming overhead. Use this to your advantage by setting up a series of mini-deadlines building up to an end result.

8. Team Spirit - Create an environment of camaraderie. People work more effectively when they feel like part of team — they don’t want to let others down.

10. Recognize achievement - Make a point to recognize achievements one-on-one and also in group settings. People like to see that their work isn’t being ignored.

11. Personal stake - Think about the personal stake of others. What do they need? By understanding this you’ll be able to keep people happy and productive.

12. Concentrate on outcomes - No one likes to work with someone standing over their shoulder. Focus on outcomes — make it clear what you want and cut people loose to get it done on their own.

13. Trust and Respect - Give people the trust and respect they deserve and they’ll respond to requests much more favorably.

14. Create challenges - People are happy when they’re progressing towards a goal. Give them the opportunity to face new and difficult problems and they’ll be more enthusiastic.

15. Let people be creative - Don’t expect everyone to do things your way. Allowing people to be creative creates a more optimistic environment and can lead to awesome new ideas.

16. Constructive criticism - Often people don’t realize what they’re doing wrong. Let them know. Most people want to improve and will make an effort once they know how to do it.

17. Demand improvement - Don’t let people stagnate. Each time someone advances raise the bar a little higher (especially for yourself).

18. Make it fun - Work is most enjoyable when it doesn’t feel like work at all. Let people have fun and the positive environment will lead to better results.

19. Create opportunities - Give people the opportunity to advance. Let them know that hard work will pay off.

20. Communication - Keep the communication channels open. By being aware of potential problems you can fix them before a serious dispute arises.

21. Make it stimulating - Mix it up. Don’t ask people to do the same boring tasks all the time. A stimulating environment creates enthusiasm and the opportunity for “big picture” thinking



Time is
Too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love,
Time is eternity.

~unknown



"To love means to open ourselves to the negative as well as the positive - to grief, sorrow, and disappointment as well as to joy, fulfillment, and an intensity of consciousness we did not know was possible before."

~Rollo May


"He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. That ideas should freely spread from one to another over the globe, for the moral and mutual instruction of man, and improvement of his condition, seems to have been peculiarly and benevolently designed by nature, when she made them, like fire, expansible over all space, without lessening their density in any point, and like the air in which we breathe, move, and have our physical being, incapable of confinement or exclusive appropriation"

- Thomas Jefferson


***This article was originally published in Natural
Awakenings, November/December 2005.

In the early 1900's, a doctor with a
Baltimore orphanage was puzzled by its
high mortality rates. Despite receiving
regular feedings and diaper changes,
many infants died within months of their
admission. A similar trend noted at
orphanages across the country and in
Europe spawned a study to determine
the cause. Researchers learned that the
difference between life and death for
infants came down to a single factor: the
amount of human touch
received.

Subsequent studies have revealed that
touch provides innumerable benefits not
only for infants, but for adults as well.
Touch relieves stress, stimulates
nerves, bolsters immune systems,
reduces physical and emotional pain,
and increases concentration. None of
this information is new to bodyworkers.
They well know the therapeutic value of
touch and use it to treat a wide array of
discomforts and diseases, everything
from muscle strain and depression to
autism and dementia.

Touch puts us in touch. Touch steers
our attention to the largest organ of our
body, our skin, with its myriad nerve
endings. Touch brings attention to our
physical self while simultaneously
highlighting our emotions, thoughts, and
relationship with the world. Our skin both
separates and links us to what lies
beyond us. When a friend or family
member rests her hand on our shoulder
or arm, we feel her presence and feel,
too, our response.


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
~ Max Ehrmann, 1927



HOME
By Saji Baby

HOME is a never-ending storehouse of affection, love and comfort. A nest every one want’s to return back after outdoor life. It’s not only a structure with bricks, iron and cement but much more than that. It is a Garden with beautiful flowers. Members strongly bonded to each other. Collection of grand parents, father, mother, children, in-laws, grand children... just like different melodies composed to form music and flowers to form a bouquet. Every one’s importance felt and contributes the beauty. Every one can be a good architect to a beautiful home. At the same time relationship should be unadulterated and hygienic.

The prime importance is to maintain and keep the home healthy in well proportion. A good home management keeps the dynamics of the home running smooth. Dependence and independence take position on situations. No one independent no one dependent. A garland with different flowers woven with strong string. A good home gives respect to other good homes. Discussion, sharing, caring, candidness, ingenuous, unselfishness etc. add jewels to the crown. Homesickness is good to some extent to keep the relation intact.

Home, a honeycomb with different honeybees working and contributing collectively with their own responsibilities, duties and commitments. The end product is HONEY, which is a collection of nectars- so sweet so delicious enjoyed by all, if not it turns to a cobweb built weak and blown away by mild breeze. It is useless to put heads together if you can’t put hearts together.

There exists invisible attraction between members. Home is a receptionist for friends and visitors. Importance of age is never avoided, but given due consideration. Occasions, ceremonies, functions and anniversaries strike every ones heart. Humans are social animals, we need a home were affection awaits. We are wandering for affection and love in the wilderness. Deficiency of love and affection can not be replaced by any other substitutes to overcome the syndrome.

The reminiscence of mixed feelings of happiness, gloominess and chaotic environment of crying, scolding, shouting, hugging, kissing, and laughing… during the stay with and while parting from grand parents, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins and relatives, is incredible. It was not the short-lived sweet sound of hi, how are you, bye, see you… of present day. A rare and exotic moments for today’s generation.

Is it becoming a daydream to construct a home? To construct a home you need stuff such as heart not muscles, nearest and dearest, and ingredients to bond together such as emotions, feelings, etc. All these materials are readily available with you. Try with these materials and see how your home looks. Start building your home today, now, don't wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes. Luck and efforts are yours, blessings are from heaven and wishes are mine, and may your future always shine with beautiful HOME.

- Saji Baby



Just For Today

Just for today:
I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my life's problems at once.
I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep
it up for a lifetime.
Just for today:
I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that most
folks are as happy as they makeup their minds to be.
Just for today:
I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires.
I will take my luck as it comes, and fit myself to it.
Just for today:
I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not
be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and
concentration.
Just for today:
I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get
found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't
want to do, just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they
may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for today:
I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously,
criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything, and not try to improve
or regulate anybody except myself.
Just for today:
I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself
from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today:
I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, some time,
I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today:
I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to
believe that I give to the world, so the world will give
to me.



Things to live by…..


1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve
great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, respect for others,
responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful
stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to
correct it.

8. Spend some time alone everyday.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then, when you get older and think
back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones deal only with the current
situation.

14. Don't bring up the past.

15. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

16. Be gentle with the earth.

17. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

18. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for
each other exceeds your need for each other.

19. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

20. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents
us from living freely and nobly. -- Henry David Thoreau