Thank you for not killing us...

This week’s article is, as always for each and every one of my readers enjoyment, but is ultimately dedicated to my fellow comrades in media and their partners and family. 

Just something of interest for you to chew on this week, to most it is not relevant at all, however still interesting to know.  This week’s blog is just a little in depth look at life as, and life with, a journalist.  It could shed some light on a few unanswered questions you may (or may not) be pondering, or it could cause a bunch of new mysteries.  Either way, I found it interesting and informative, not to mention light hearted and fun.  Peeked your interest have I, well read on and satisfy some of your curiosity then.So, you're never dated, got married or befriended a journalist?  You really don't know what you're missing! Read on to find out just how much ‘fun’ you are missing out on. 

As it turns out, I’ve been told often in the past, life with a journalist is not an easy one (I still have my suspicions that this is some wicked conspiracy against jurno’s… but I try to remain open minded).  I argued this statement to the top degree until I recently discovered an article on the very topic I was disputing.  The article entitled “8 Ways youknowyou’redating a Journalist”, by IleneSpringer, was a bit of an eye opener for me as I was forced to see things from another perspective. Ilene started her article off by saying, “We know we're not easy to live with.  And if we're your boyfriend or girlfriend, you deserve the Pulitzer Prize for Dating a Journalist.”

Here are a few of the tell-tale signs.  First off, our memory banks are stretched to the point of 3^rd degree stretch marks and are programmed to live up to the reputation of ‘memory like an elephant’. We may forget your birthday or our anniversary, but never a deadline.  Sorry, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.We may start performing strange rituals so don't be surprised when your journalist date starts eating weird things, playing strange music, or petting your cat (whether the cat is there or not).This is a sign that your journalist-love has sent out a query or request for information and the provider of said facts is taking more time than your partner is willing to or able to wait. It will pass.  Just hope that the response is the desired one and not rejection or useless information.  If it is, please remember to have your local suicide prevention number on hand for that occasional article rejection, misinformation or dead end leads occurrences. Alternatively, chocolate.  This works just as well.  You'll know a deadline is approaching as you witness your journalist exhibiting PMS-type symptoms of rage, irritability and despair.(This occurs in both men and women)

Euphoria. You will become very familiar with this mood.  It’s when a ‘plan comes together’ and an article is accepted and published. (This is the best time to suggest eating out because your boy/girlfriend will be most likely to pick up the tab.) From time to time (ok, more often than not) your journalist will come across as a perfect ‘special needs’ candidate as sometimes you'll see us in a strange location or position, like we are looking for something.  We are.  We’re writing something and looking for the right...word. With some luck, you might be subjected to ‘the silent treatment’, yes you are being ignored as your journalist has had an epiphany and has just managed to grab hold of the edges to an idea for the making of a great story and is petrified to let go as it could vanish into the abyss.  Please hold (and enjoy the calm before the storm), we’ll be with you in a moment.

I certainly hope that shed some light on the mysteries surrounding the world of media junkies and writers by causing a cosmic reaction to your face known as a smile.  We love and appreciate your tolerance of us as we plough through our busy schedules always on the prowl for the perfect scoop. We value your support more than we show.  And last but not least (by no means) thank you for not killing us, particularly on deadline days.  For that true act of kindness and love, we are tremendously grateful. 

Glitter greetings (and all things shiny)

Bohemian B

Abstract shapes

Living in this beautiful and culture enriched country, boasting majestic wonders in nature, wildlife and vast bio-diversity, we have much to appreciate and enjoy.  In every area, nook and cranny of South Africa, one is presented (or confronted – depending on how you perceive things) with diversity.  Boasting a sum of eleven official languages, I can comprehend and almost appreciate a misconception or misunderstanding amongst different circles and cultures.  Very often, due to our lack of understanding and even more often, our lack of trying to understand, actions, deeds and words are misconceived, sometimes even resulting in unsavoury responses and outcomes.  The sad part is that more often than not, the intentions behind the actions, deeds or words are pure, innocent, and helpful even.  Instead of putting in some effort to see what the actual intension/message is, we take the ‘lazy-man’s’ route and either brush it off as irrelevant or immediately get our guard up and prepare for a confrontation of sorts, ready to defend our own perception.  As if this doesn’t hit close enough to home as it is, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but the same is true in relationships.  “I see your lips moving but am not understanding a word you are saying” sound familiar at all?  He sends you flowers when what you really want is time.  She gives you a hug when what you really want is a home-cooked meal and you reach the conclusion that your relationship is just not working.  The problem has (more than likely) nothing to do with your love for each other or the relationship at hand but rather the colour or shape language you speak.    I see it like this, we are all unique and differ in many ways (thankfully so! Imagine how utterly boring and painfully mundane the world would be if we were all the same!)  We have many similarities, yes, but ultimately we all differ in some way.  Few may see the world the way I do or grasp my reasoning, understanding and/or method of self-expression as I do and that’s alright by me ( I know the world can only handle so much  techni-coloured, multi-personality, me-ness’s).  So then it would only make sense (well to me anyway) that I could be talking circles and you could be talking squares, thereby causing an astronomically huge breakdown in our communication skills.  This however needed be as problematic as what its seems, should we only but apply a level of dedication to TRY (at least) understanding the intention/ meaning  or message behind the odd shaped words that don’t necessarily align with our shape of words.  Henry David Thoreau portrayed a similar message perfectly accurately by saying, “Treat your friends (partner) for what you know them to be.  Regard no surfaces, consider not what they did, but what they intended”

Communication is a vital part of any relationship be it friendship, partnership, marriage, or business relations and if we would just conjure up a small amount of compassion, caring, understanding and love for one another, then we could combat the great dilemma of miss-communication and broken relationships.

   So if you starting to feel that he is from mars after all, maybe learn to listen with Martian ears.  If she is talking circles, perhaps invest in a ‘self-help “circle” dictionary.’  In other words, try adding a touch of patience and understanding opposed to deaf ears and see the true meaning and intention behind the abstract words being spoken.   Remember what Henry David Thoreau said, and I (repeatedly) quote, “Treat your friends (partner) for what you know them to be.  Regard no surfaces, consider not what they did, but what they intended”

Glitter greetings (and all things shiny)

Bohemian B

Stranger than Fiction......

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” ~ Cheshire Cat from Wonderland.

So here we are again, at the beginning of another year.  Another chance to build that dream, build that career build that relationship.  Another chance to follow through on the endlessly long list of New Year’s resolutions, some of which we have (on the second week of 2015) already broken or purposefully ‘forgotten’.  After the long awaited and well deserved, glorious December holiday, the start of a new year (particularly this one) reminds me of the late 1980’s, early 1990’s song by Soul II Soul, “Back to life, back to reality”.  It also reminds me that I have another chance to choose.  To choose gratitude opposed to attitude. Kind opposed to cruel. Self-love opposed to self-destruct.

It was just this morning (Monday), as I was getting dressed for my first day of work for 2015, preparing to embark on this new day, new week, new month, New Year when I realized (shockingly) that we are actually, already starting a brand new year… again!!  The only way for me to process the reality of this truth without breaking into a cold sweat was to tell myself, continually that,  “It’s just the start of a new day, a new week, just a regular Monday, it is most definitely not a full year until my next holiday.  Just a new day.” And before I knew it, my first workday for 2015 was over and I had actually thoroughly enjoyed it.  Obviously I’d much rather have been lounging next to a refreshingly inviting swimming pool, but the seer exhilaration of accomplishment, purpose and success turned out to be just as revitalizing. Now as I sit and reflect on the day’s events and happenings, I (once again) realize that we each hold all the cards to a happy ending or a miserable demise, the choice always remains our own. My life equals my choice, my chance and ultimately, my responsibility.  As the wise Dr Seuss said, “You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you chose”.

   And on that ‘eye opener’ of a life philosophy note, I feel it is only fitting to enter a new year as a wiser asset to society.  With that in mind, I compiled a ‘mini’-interesting facts crash-course of useless facts for ladies as to avoid a ‘loss for words’ situation or for those instances where you need something quirky or clever to comment.   High heels were first worn by men in the 1600’s.  Woman began wearing heels to look more masculine, which in turn, prompted men to stop wearing them in an effort to avoid looking feminine.  The word “wealthy” may have come from the term “well heeled” as shoes were a status symbol as early as the 1500’s. 

   Should anybody comment on your current weight, simply rely with, “I've sat up in bed 365 days per year for approximately 40 years.  That’s 14,600 sit-up and not a single ab muscle to show for it! Do you think I am doing something wrong?”  And lastly, never feel offended if someone should utter the words crazy, mad or insane when referring to your personality.  Simple reply with, “Crazy people don’t know they are crazy.  I know I am crazy, therefore I am not crazy.”  Now isn't that crazy? And should most certainly render the other party speechless!

   So there you go, equipped and ready to face the New Year no matter what path or direction you choose for yourself.  Always remember though, everywhere you go, leave a trail of kindness behind you.  You never know, someone who needs it may pick it up. 

Glitter greetings (and all things shiny)