Though best known for his controversial novel, Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov wrote other works of fiction which were equally impressive: Pale Fire and Despair are titles that come to mind immediately; Bend Sinister is another. The latter was published in 1947. It concerns the ordeal of a professor of philosophy named Adam Krug as the forces of a totalitarian regime seek to subdue him. His nemesis is a Stalinesque dictator named Paduk, nicknamed the Toad.Readers should not expect realism from this book. The Soviet and Nazi regimes served only as raw material for a work that is in large part fantastical.
The novel opens with the death of Krug’s wife. The style of the first chapter is that of a prose-poem which effectively and dreamily conveys the main character’s devastating loss. He is left with an only child named David. Although the opening has a feeling of gloom about it, humor increases as the narrative unfolds. In fact, I would describe Bend Sinister as an artful blend of hilarity and horror.
The protagonist is a distinguished intellectual whom the police state wants to use for its purposes. But Krug, refusing to play along, attempts to go on with his life as if he were insulated from the oppressive powers that surround him. In an episode that is reminiscent of events that occur today, he and his university colleagues are expected to sign a document that confirms their allegiance to the present government. Although these scholars voice some gripes and protests against the intrusive measure, nearly all of them comply. Their eventual capitulation is rendered with Nabokovian artfulness and wit:
‘The rest sighed and signed, or did not sigh and signed, or signed—and sighed afterwards, or did neither the one nor the other, but then thought better of it and signed.’
Krug is an exception: “Legal documents excepted … and not all of them at that, I never have signed, nor ever shall sign, anything not written by myself.”
I should mention that Adam Krug, in spite of his heroic nonconformity, is not an especially likeable character. It is fair to describe him as a haughty intellectual whose frequent witticisms fail to amuse anyone, including himself. His only attractive trait is that he remains recognizably human, in contrast to the political devils who are devoted to the process of transforming human society into an inferno of uniformity.
On par with James Joyce, Vladimir Nabokov was an artistic genius; consequently, his writing is sometimes difficult to understand. Moreover, he knew every literary convention, technique, gimmick and cliché, which he was able to mimic or creatively exploit at will. And like Nikolai Gogol, whom he admired, his style is playful and often uproarious.
In the Library of America edition of Bend Sinister, an introduction by the author is included. About six pages long, it is mostly Nabokov’s opportunity to heap scorn on everyone, from the general reader to Sigmund Freud. Skip it and get right to the novel.
She is no bougie diva but sure can master playing the part. She laughs at meaningless peddlers of flesh, silicone, and botox. Class and elegance are her most lethal weapons. We are each other’s lifeline of inspiration. She is part of my soul, the part that tells my ego to shut up and choke. If she needed my blood I would slice my wrist for her survival. She would do the same for me. I am her clumsy beast. She is my beauty. My Harley Quinn.
She seizes my imagination. I breathe again just looking at her. I see her. She is my symphony, my “Moonlight Sonata”. I hear her. She is the one that gives me the strength to let her go peacefully, even if she were to not love me back. It’s okay. She is connected to the living Creator. We hear Him through each other. Rain or shine, we can dance. We are as close to heaven, angels, and God Himself when we are next to each other. Ten thousand dates don’t come close to being with her.Time and space are insignificant to our bond. We are each other’s madness and each other’s wisdom. She is my fire. She is my water. She is the oxygen in my air.She is ruthless. She is fierce. She is also the sweetest heart. What else about her brings life to the alpha protector in me? Her virtues, self-respect, self-control, manners, listening skills, kindness, confidence, and solid healthy boundaries to name a few. She has no need to advertise herself. We feel purpose protecting and guarding our bond. I am safe with her. She is safe with me.
I have silently called her for a lifetime. I looked for her through a maze of souls. I thought they were her only to find they were all part of my journey towards her. I bless these souls for what they shared with me leading me to her. She is my tower to climb. She is my mountain to conquer. She is my “Daenerys Stormborn” and dragon master. Demons fear her. They whisper to me, “Surely she will abandon you and crush your heart”.They know that even if she were to abandon me, I would still thrive. I am my own and she knows it. She is her own and I know it. I “cleaned my room” as Dr. Peterson would prescribe, and I keep it clean! We put our worth in the depth of our awareness. Not in the visible.
She is my muse and I her warrior. She kicks my ass when I need it. I have her back, and she trusts that when I call her BS it is because I love her. We answer to one King. We are not superior or inferior to each other or to anyone else. We are by each other’s side. We are not in competition, we conquer together. We build each other up—we lift each other up. Her beauty is so blinding my soul feels the fingerprints of divinity within her. My inspiration for her fuels my heart with purpose. She is my mountain. She is my tower. She is my crazy. She is my peace.She is my kryptonite. She is happy with a wedding band, not a diamond in the world nor a castle her concern. She wants the diamonds of my heart—the rough, the impure, and the clearest ones all together. She fearlessly smiles at my scars. She points toward wars I won rather than reminding me of battles I lost getting here. She makes me want to bear all her wounds. We are resilient. We create life and pleasures of life for those around us by serving them as well as each other. We forgive and we inspire to forgive. We do not judge. All are safe with her. She is self-aware. Together we are far less toxic than the multitude of self-proclaimed saints. We seek knowledge together. We relentlessly pursue growth.We see beauty where most fail to. We don’t need to numb our pain, we embrace what it wants to teach us. Hurricane? No problem, I will stand by her side and cover her. I will take her through the highest winds and storms to see her smile so angels can hear her laughter. I fear not her weakest moments. I stand by her shielding her from demonic arrows of the most evil kind. We don’t listen to “respond” to each other. We patiently listen to “understand” each other. We own our mistakes, deal with them, and leave them in the past. We make no excuses.She is the one I call in my darkest hours. I am the one she calls in her most vulnerable times.
“So who is your Harley Quinn?” you will say. Well, that’s a good question. I don’t know, not sure. I wonder. Maybe I’m looking at her and I can’t see her. Maybe she is next to me and does not yet see me. Maybe she does and is waiting for me to see her? Maybe I met her and lost her? Maybe I met her and she lost me? Maybe we’re just both in different countries or space and about to cross paths? Either way, I’m good with whatever.If she, however, happens to read this… know dear one that I am here standing by and I wish you the most amazing valentine. I am thankful for you and how you have inspired my dreams. I’m fine with or without you, you are fine with or without me and that is beautiful! Bottom-line here is, hurry up so we can freaking ride this life without ever looking back!
The Henley tee has established itself as one of the ultimate men’s wardrobe staples.
While the shirt’s purpose has changed through the years, its powerful presence in fashion has remained, and we’re glad it did.
In 2023, you can find endless Henley styles and designs to suit any taste. So mark our words – the tee isn’t going anywhere.
Here are the best henley designs for 2023.
Casual and comfortable
The Henley does a perfect job combining style with casual comfort. This combination stems from the tee’s beginnings in the 19th century when the tee was worn as an undergarment.
Made from soft cotton and without a restrictive collar, it allowed the body to breathe and move freely while doing physical labor.
It’s probably comfort that attracted the team of English rowers to choose the shirt as their official uniform in mid 19th century. Fun fact, the name Henley came from Henley-on-Thames, a town that held the famous Royal Regatta.
With time Henley became a popular choice for other leisurely activities and later a real fashion statement.
Henley stands out with its soft fabric (from cotton to silk to merino wool) and 2-4 button placket. It’s perfect for the weekend, summer parties, or just hanging out at home.
Rag & Bone Classic Flame Long Sleeve Henley
Rag & Bone and their Henleys never disappoint. They radiate luxury and comfort and impress with little details. This Henley offers a traditional fit and looks good on everyone.
While a little on the pricier side, the tee is made of 100% cotton and is very durable, so you can be sure to wear it for a long time.
L.L.Bean Comfort Stretch Pima Henley Shirt
A true fan favorite, this stretchy and comfortable Pima shirt is an absolute must-have for every guy.
Relaxed through the chest and sleeves and with a slightly slimmer waist, the tee is soft and super-smooth.
Lastly, just a touch of spandex and raglan sleeves give the much-needed freedom of movement, so you can wear it all day long.
Banana Republic Brushed Waffle-Knit Henley
Banana Republic has always been a classy, stylish choice, and their ultra-soft, luxurious, vintage-inspired waffle-knit Henley made from a gorgeous cotton blend is no exception.
We love that it comes in a bold yet traditional stripe pattern and a traditional fit that will be in style today and in years to come.
Fresh Clean Threads Short-Sleeve Henley
Every wardrobe needs a short sleeve item of these and the Henleys by Fresh Clean Threads deliver both on style, color choice, and price point.
Made with the brand’s StratuSoft super-soft proprietary cotton-poly fabric, it looks great layered and on its own.
It’s incredibly comfortable, and with the price of just over $20, you can stock up on a few colors!
Lululemon Fundamental Long Sleeve Henley
Yes, Lululemon has some pretty fabulous menswear! And their long-sleeve Henley shirt is the perfect choice for your at-home lounge attire.
The tee is made from soft cotton fabric and the brand’s abrasion-resistant, stretchy and anti-stink blend that will serve you a long time.
As it’s designed as loungewear, there’s enough room in the chest and waist to be as comfortable as possible. Lazy weekends – sorted!
Uniqlo Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley T-Shirt
Uniqlo is always a great choice when looking for affordable basics. The Japanese brand offers quality, comfort, and style for all seasons.
Their ribbed waffle long-sleeve Henley has a classic collar and hem design and comes in a few basic colors that will work with most of your wardrobe.
The traditional loose fit also allows you to move freely, whether on a fun weekend trip or simply lounging at home.
It has become quite evident to me there are two kinds of people out there, sheep and lions.Sheep are sheep and we all know what happens if they are left on their own, or worse leading others from their “safe space” mentality to being the prey that they are.In the case of lions, I don’t think I need to describe how badass and critically important they are to the survival of their tribe.These beasts are not to be messed with by forces outside of their tribes.They will shred the enemy mercilessly, at any cost, to protect and preserve. The thing is, like sheep, even lions have their weak days and need to be tended to.Our Special Forces, and military service men and women, are very much the lions that protect us all (their tribe).When they come back home to us, the tribe (we) should surround them with care and tend to their wounds.
The Special Operations Forces community of active duty and veterans has and continues to make significant personal sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty to protect our freedom. Our tribe.These warriors are left with invisible wounds of war—post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain—and desperately need our assistance in their recovery. Roughly 22 veterans a day commit suicide nationwide, according to the *Department of Veterans Affairs.
Special Operations Forces play a significant role in U.S. military operations and, in recent years, have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 80,000 Active Duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense civilians assigned to its headquarters.
The USSOCOM Care Coalition’s mission is to provide Special Operations Warriors, and their families, a model advocacy program in order to enhance their quality of life and increase special operations readiness. The Brian Bill Foundation (https://www.brianbillfoundation.org) is a therapeutic nonprofit that works closely with the Care Coalition and Naval Special Warfare.
The Brian Bill Foundation’s Warrior Healing Program begins with individual four-day therapeutic retreats for Special Operations Forces active duty, veterans and their spouses (who have been deployed since 911) and as a result have mild traumatic brain injuries, combat post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain. Their Warrior Healing Program includes the opportunity to learn about and try cutting-edge therapeutic modalities such as Equine Assisted Learning, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, iRest, and nutrition. The retreats are for eight warriors or six couples focused on a team-centric approach, made up of those who share common backgrounds and experiences. These factors are key to the Warrior Healing Program’s success, as is the fact that participation is confidential.
The Brian Bill Foundation pays for all of the expenses of the program for each participant, including airfare, room, meals, treatment, and therapies. The foundation provides therapeutic support to Special Operations Forces active duty, veterans and their spouses through 5-day, all-inclusive, and fully funded retreats. The Foundation was established to honor the memory of Navy SEAL Brian R. Bill, a member of Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and all of his fellow Special Operations Warriors who have died in service to their nation since the onset of hostilities after 9/11/2001. With Christmas behind us all now being, I believe, one of the most emotional times of the year for many; I cannot think of a better time to write about an organization truly geared toward providing healing and hope for our lions, our warriors.
In speaking with Brian’s dad (Scott Bill), he spoke as only a proud and loving father would.Brian loved motorcycling and was an exceptional man – A Navy SEAL, Special Operations Warrior, loving son and brother. He died fighting to protect our freedom.Brian’s helicopter was blown to pieces in Afghanistan, shot by the enemy’s RPG.All aboard lost their lives.Leading to that, Scott noticed Brian having nightmares, pain, fear, and all sorts of emotional indicators revealing PTSD.That’s when he started the foundation.
General Dave Scott, one of the several reputable board members of the foundation and retired from the military, is the owner of Bad Monkey (www.badmonkeyybor.com)in Ybor/Tampa, Florida.The place is very military and motorcycle oriented/themed. There is a life-sized painting of Brian on the wall before you go up the stairs.Bad Monkey Bar is dedicated to those who serve their country and/or community. You will know you are at the right place when you see 6 full sized 105 mm howitzer shells sitting on the bar with craft beer taps sticking out of them, as well as a full-sized “Flying Tigers” P-40 Warhawk crashing through the wall overhead.I highly recommend you pay a visit and most importantly, pay your respect with gratitude for sacrifices made by our lion warriors.
When all is said and done I can’t help but to reflect.Have I been a lion or a sheep lately?Do I want to be a lion or a sheep?Do I want to retreat into a “safe space”, or do I want to be dangerous to the enemy for the sake of my children’s future?How do I do that?Have I honored our military in some way?Have I paid my respect?Have I said thank you in any way shape or form to them?Well, I am doing part of it right here and right now.
My charge to my one or two readers out there is: What about you?Do you know someone with, or related to someone with, PTSD from special forces?Let them know they can live life fully and that there is help. The thing that got my attention, in part, about the foundation is the possibility for a couples retreat.Although it is only for military special forces, I can definitely see this type of retreat being massively beneficial for civilian couples as well—to help them see their problems are minuscule compared to the problems of others!I would love to observe the interaction between a Special Ops couple and a civilian couple sharing their testimonials with each other.I bet the civilians would leave quite humbled!
On this note I want to wish every single one of you a year 2023 with health; peace; lower gas prices; lower inflation; secured borders; honored, appreciated, and healing veterans; as well as a resolved, renewed sense of national unity and of individual worth.Your reading my words means the world to me. I do hope some of these words help in some small way to inspire a few good lions, and a few good sheep to become lions.
At one point or another, every horse racing fan around the world will one day dream of owning their own racehorse. It is a wild dream for many, but for some, it is well within reach.
For the most part, racehorse ownership can be extremely expensive, as costs will go out on a monthly basis for training fees and vet bills, while the initial cost of owning a racehorse that can challenge for the top prizes is also expensive. But how much does it actually cost to own a racehorse?
Purchase Price
Before we even get into the price for maintaining the horse and ensuring that the training is at an adequate level, buyers must first settle on a price that they wish to pay for a horse.
The average sum stands at around $75,000, but this is only a ballpark figure, as the best horses can go for much higher than that. Evidence of that can be seen from the Keeneland Digital Sale in 2021, where one of the highest-priced two-year-olds was sold for $210,000.
However, the cheapest horse in the same sale was sold for $5,000. When it comes to buying a horse, the first question that a potential purchaser must ask is what they are looking to get out of the sport. If you are looking to land big graded prizes, then you will likely have to spend more, while those looking to buy a horse to add to the race-day experience may be best-suited to a cheaper option.
Training Fees
After buying a racehorse, the money that buyers will spend going forward will drastically increase. The first cost that you must cater for is the training fees, which will ensure that your horse is taken care of, fed and training them for races on the track.
The fee that you will pay for training fees will once again depend on the trainer that you go with. However, the cheapest option still stands at around $1,800, while some trainers could demand around $4,000 per month.
Medical Fees
Just like humans, horses will require regular checkups to ensure that their health is in good stead. This is another big setback on a monthly basis, as medical fees for one horse in training could cost an average of $500 per month.
This fee could be more expensive if there is something amiss with the horse, which means that it is vitally important that horse owners immediately get insurance on their horse as soon as they have been purchased.
Travel Fees
Of course, horses won’t be able to walk to the races that they will be competing in, which means that travel fees to and from the races should also be taken into account.
Farrier expenses can often be very expensive in the United States, especially if runners are being shipped from one side of the country to the other. You can check here the major horse races in the USA: edge.twinspires.com/racing/major-horse-races/
However, on average, horse owners should set aside around $300 per month to ensure those travel fees are covered when needed.
More Affordable Racehorse Ownership
While owning a racehorse privately is the dream for millions, it may not be the most attainable target given the price. Therefore, there are a number of more affordable options when it comes to ownership.
One of the most popular is by joining a racehorse ownership club. This will only require a yearly membership fee, which will cover all the expenses.
However, you will likely need to apply for owner badges, which means that there is no guarantee you’ll see your horse run. Meanwhile, one of the most popular recent methods to get closer to the action is by joining a syndicate.
Here, you can own a share in the racehorse by paying monthly or annually toward the training costs and other fees. These can be as small or as big as you like, but the less you pay, the more privileges you’re likely to enjoy.
Singer/Songwriter Sheyna Gee launches her “Y’Allternative” song to sold-out venues in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Sheyna Gee, a popular singer/songwriter in the “Capital of Country Music,” Nashville, Tennessee, recently returned to the States after a successful tour and sold-out shows in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Sheyna’s popularity is soaring while she celebrates one million hits on TikTok. Her universally diverse fanbase has grown tremendously since the release of her latest song; “Anymore.”
Sheyna left California six years ago with a guitar, a great voice, and a songbook filled with lyrics of life experiences from early childhood to her teen years and beyond. To date, she’s been racking up impressive reviews and satiating fans’ appetites with her stellar live performances.
Her style is an evolution of something new and a touch of wistful, nostalgic sounds for country music diehards. “My songs are all about real life,” said Sheyna, further elaborating, “you won’t see me release a song that’s just a made-up story of the people whose lives touch me. She credits her experience of performing in smaller clubs in California as the ability to connect with her audiences on a personal level and the influence of other Y’Allternative artists like Tyler Childers and Turnpike Troubadours.
Before returning to her American roots, Sheyna had the opportunity of recording at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Today she is poised and positioned to embark upon a National US tour the last weekend of February through April, then will head back across the pond in May 2023.
The Evolution of Singer/Songwriter Sheyna Gee:
Sheyna Gee was born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Nashville. She learned guitar when she was five, fronted her first band at 9, and played the Venice boardwalk as a teen and the LA club scene right out of high school while living in Hollywood and Hermosa Beach. She was honored by the LA Music Awards with “Best Country Single” and “Best Singer/Songwriter” wins before moving to Nashville in 2016.
Sheyna makes over 250 live appearances a year and has shared the stage with legends from across the musical spectrum, including The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Easton Corbin, and David Nail. She tours the US regularly and has played shows in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.
Sheyna was born to be an entertainer, and she lights up the room adorned in pink and covered in tattoos. Keep an eye out for this Y’Allternative talent because she’s the country’s new rebel.
What Are the Main Features to Look for in a Website Builder?
The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted almost every industry, as it forced businesses to undergo digital transformation and bring their services to the online space. Plenty of business owners lacked the tech savviness or the budget to create a website, so many turned to a specific product of modern business technology: website builders. These online tools allow users to create websites without coding experience.
Website builders have seen significant growth worldwide in recent years, which is expected to continue in the next decade. Experts forecast a $3.5 billion market size by the end of 2032.
Website builders provide small business owners several advantages that can help them keep up with large entities online. These include beautiful designs at low to no costs, SEO readiness, and e-commerce functions. Considering there are more than 1.8 billion websites today, startups need to stand out and make sure their web presence is optimized.
If you are in the market for a website builder, here are critical features to look for:
Design Options
The best website builders offer various design options that can be easily customized to match your brand’s look and feel. Look for a platform that includes templates and themes that are both modern and mobile-friendly.
Ease of Use
Website builders are intended for users with no coding knowledge. Hence, ease of use is an essential factor to consider. A good website builder features an intuitive user interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and the ability to make edits in real time.
E-commerce Capabilities
Not all website builders offer e-commerce features, but those that do can help you create an online store that is both attractive and easy to use. Look for a website builder with built-in shopping cart capabilities, payment processing options, and inventory management tools.
SEO Features
Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for any website’s success. You want to ensure your website hits all the right notes for search engine algorithms. Look for a website builder with SEO-friendly features, such as page title tags and meta descriptions, custom URLs, and the ability to add keywords and other SEO elements.
Image Library
As you build your website, you will need beautiful, high-quality images to make it look professional. Businesses with a budget typically hire a photographer or subscribe to a stock photo service. However, a website builder with its own image library can give you access to royalty-free images at no additional cost.
Integrations
If you’re planning to use other online tools for your website, you should check if your website builder allows integrations. This feature will save you time from having to connect other services to your site manually.
Most website builders offer integrations with popular third-party services like Google Analytics, MailChimp, and social media platforms. These apps can help you track performance and better engage with visitors.
Security Features
Security should be a top priority when it comes to your website, as data breaches can cause irreparable damage to your brand’s reputation. Look for a website builder with features such as SSL encryption, malware protection, and data backups.
Customer Support
You’ll inevitably run into issues when building your website. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a website builder that offers reliable customer support when you really need it.
Ideally, support should be available 24/7 and offer multiple methods of contact. Another plus is if a website builder provides a comprehensive learning hub and helpful tutorials for common questions.
Conclusion
A website builder is an excellent tool for businesses that want to create their own website without the help of a web developer. However, with so many different website builders on the market, finding the right one for your needs can be a challenging and time-consuming task.
Consider factors such as design capabilities, ease of use, e-commerce solutions, image library, and SEO-ready features to help narrow your choices.
Some derogatorily think I’m a biblio-dilettante, because I read on a great many subjects every week without cracking a book’s spine. So to prove to the naysayers about my dedication to original knowledge, and that I can really read more than book reviews, book jackets, or titles—from time to time I actually try to read a book. After reading a review or reviews of a book, the result of reading the book is a repetitive experience
For example, after reading a few book reviews about John Marshall and his brilliant influence on the Supreme Court, I actually read (most of) a book about him and can honestly say that the reviews are much better and give all of the information needed.
Here are some other examples of books that failed the whole book test:
Salt… about the effects of salt on the history of the world. It changed things for all of us—to read more than a review would be, well, too salty.
Cod… about the effects of cod fishing on the history of the world (suffice it to, again, say that it changed things). One could digest the subject matter by reading a whole book but the book would probably smell after three days so, I say, just read the reviews;
and
Oysters… I must confess I only skimmed the reviews, so I know I can’t possibly sound as if I’m swimming in knowledge of the subject matter. But, I feel sure that those reviews impart as many pearls of wisdom as a whole book would.
In any event, my advice to those of you who like to read a lot, but don’t have the time to match that desire, is to stick with the reviews or even, in some cases, the book jackets or titles, as a tapas kind of experience.
Just as devouring too much salt or fish requires one to, eventually distill those gastronomic experiences to a concentrated amount anyway, book reviews, book jackets, and titles are the way to go.
You can even sound intelligent if you keep the conversation short enough.
Some people reluctantly step into shoes they think they aren’t ready to fill, only to discover they were born with the gifts they need. This is the wonderful world of Osiris Munir. She is a former Vietnam-war Veteran, International Model, YouTube Talk Show Sensation, Photojournalist, Published Book Author, Abstract Expressionist Painter, Metaphysician, and Celestial Phenomenon.
In the early 70s, Osiris had a self-awareness epiphany accompanied by a burning deep inner desire to inspire others in a higher cause. With a profound interest in the divine, she discovered she has a unique intuitiveness that allows her to be aware of what others around her are feeling and pick up on things that are not logically explained.
In her pursuit of truth and further understanding, Osiris turned to study some of the oldest sciences on the planet, which included signs and symbols, astrology, spirituality, and ancient principles of the metaphysical universe. Today, Osiris is considered one of the world’s leading astrologers. She travels the country helping clients interpret how astronomical activity impacts their everyday lives, their zodiac placement, their personality, habits, and relationships.
In 2000, Osiris and her business colleague, Grammy-Winning, songwriter, and producer Terrence Shaddick of the UK, founded Ankh Entertainment, a full-service creative artist acquisition company. Together they have worked with some of the most notable names in the entertainment industry.
Under the umbrella of Ankh Entertainment, Osiris launched an entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle talk show titled “15 minutes”, which instantly became a YouTube sensation. She also added author to her credits, publishing “Nita,” a best-selling memoir of the painstaking struggles and experiences that shaped her life. Nita is a powerful testament to her extraordinary determination, resilience, and belief in one-self.
Several years ago, Osiris began creative art therapy sessions offered by the http://Department of Veteran Affairs to treat patients suffering from psychological disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. Osiris has evolved into a world-renowned Abstract Expressionist Painter whose work is juxtaposed with famous, influential French abstract expressionist painters Francis Picabia, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, American artists Lee Krasner, Beauford Delaney, and Jackson Pollock, to name a few. Her work has been exhibited at the New York Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden, Barnsdall Art Center, Inspiration Art Group International, and Saatchi Art, where you can go online to these websites and view her amazing pieces.
Osiris deserves a standing ovation for her accomplishments. She has transformed herself into a new-world sensation with her passion, dedication, and drive. Osiris is available for private exhibitions and interviews through her representative, Toxcina King, at The Platinum Group, prfuture@msn.com, (805) 843-4976.
“I feel safe with you”. Words seemingly more powerful than “I love you”.An epiphany that recently hit me when I said it to someone for the very first time in my life. I have said, “I love you,” a plethora of times.But, “I feel safe with you” are words that had never come from my lips for fear of its misunderstood return.Words matter, they do, and these ones are fraught with emotional labor’s intensity beyond measure. Safety is a sentiment more powerful, more essential than, or conditional to the sentiment of “I love you”.Above all else, “safety” is what my desperate soul had been screaming for an entire lifetime.It is the bedrock, the foundation for any relationship, friendship, partnership, or any human relation. It is in right, a basic human fundamental need.
I will let ladies in on a secret. In this age of man-bashing and dare I say gender wars, with increasing demands and expectations for men to be more vulnerable, this is the ingredient that men require. That is an offensive declaration to the male ego but truthful regardless. It is an innate need, non-negotiable before a man will open the gates of vulnerability up to you. Safety is the name of the game. That is, emotional, psychological, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and financial. If our partner or potential partner cannot offer the confidence that we are safe in those dimensions of life, we will not ride. Isn’t it the same for you, ladies?
Would you ride passenger with someone to whom you are attracted but who is reckless, egotistical, narcissistic, abuses drugs or alcohol, who does not take all precautions to ensure your safety? Before we ride, we assess if it is safe right? Why then will a multitude of us compromise safety for the illusion of love, or love for the illusion of safety? Thanks to Hollywood, we let our profound thirst for love idealize and romanticize relationships as if relationships in and of themselves were the answer to all our soul needs. Looking at the world out there, and social media’s growing influencers with opinions, relationships continue to be a growing polarizing pool of expectations rarely met. It is understood then why there is much breakdown in the state of relationships.
Some take the requirement of “safety” to unhealthy levels. They will expect perfection and use that as a means to not commit for fear of being hurt. It is all about me me me me and respect me and what do you bring to the table; and if you don’t do this or that then you you you you, and you alone own the demise of what was once love and now becomes hate.
I love CS Lewis’: “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell”
We look for our soulmate, our twin-flame. We all have demons to deal with, some worse than others.When we meet another soul embattled with the same scars and the same wars, the bonds between hearts quickly forms through affinity—for we truly are equally yoked. When your souls share the same views, approach life and communications in the same constructive manner; when you have won the same victories on your individual paths; when your hopes, your views, your fears, your purpose, your insatiable souls seeking communion of hearts are so close that you communicate with ideas and even in silence, you know it’s a 1 in 10,000 connection.
This symbiotic state of duality, unified in the invisible realm, triggers an incredibly powerful faith in the essential ingredient of “emotional, spiritual, and intellectual safety” leading one to finally be willing to let go; give invaluable trust; dare to dream and envision an eternal unconditional bond. That is the only condition essential to men, yes, and also women—to truly be vulnerable. That your weaknesses aren’t going to be weaponized against you is paramount.(Read that again!)In fact, think for a moment if we were to see vulnerability as a strength and not as a weakness. The reality of that is as simple as knowing that your flaws are perfect for the heart that’s meant to love you.
The importance of having a partner who points to the battles you are capable to win rather than reminding you of the falls you took getting there, is something that will fuel purpose within that will cause a man to conquer any dragons, mountain, cities, or inner demons. The opposite, I assure you, will destroy your relationship with this man. That is something preachers and their kids, and self-proclaimed Christians I have known, struggled to practice. Jesus knew He was not safe with us mere mortals yet He fearlessly chose to show us, at a great price, that at the end of the day we must press forward and learn to ride this life with hopes to experience love regardless of the pain. For we know well, “love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Corinthians 13:7
At the end, the soul who recently inspired me to say, “I feel safe with you”, closed the door to deeper connection in the face of one of my scars but I still made a friend for life. I opened the door and I gained an ally. Not everyone can handle all our demons. That’s our job. So long as we own our battles and show we consistently, persistently, seek to grow with a relentless appetite to conquer this life, we need no Hollywoodian-romance. Creating our own safety for our well-being is the first step towards a fulfilling life.We must work on ourselves before we can be there for others, for we may not be able to handle another’s demons either.
To love is to have pain and to have pain is to love. “If you are in pain, love and truth is what you want” – Jordan Peterson. Take a step towards love and open your heart to the possibility of being loved the way you need. While there will be moments of pain, you will rise through with the grace and wisdom to know its value to your heart, mind, and soul.
The intersection between love and pain is humility. Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely. Love is an act of faith. Underneath it all, it is a journey where the path taken will at some point in life be shared with that safe soul. And you will know that heart because they will never be above you, never below you, but always beside you.
Be honest about who you are, what you want, and how you expect to be treated. The good and the not so good. Truth and standards only help you sift through people that aren’t meant for you. And that’s ok.
She seizes my imagination. I breathe again just looking at her. I see her. She is my symphony, my “Moonlight Sonata”. I hear her. She is the one that gives me the strength to let her go peacefully, even if she were to not love me back. It’s okay. She is connected to the living Creator. We hear Him through each other. Rain or shine, we can dance. We are as close to heaven, angels, and God Himself when we are next to each other. Ten thousand dates don’t come close to being with her.
