Life and Stuff

Hey. I haven't written here in 109 million years but for some reason, today, I felt inspired. I think most of you know that this blog went sort of dormant in favor of my YouTube channel, not surprisingly, also called PerseveringStar. But my first love, always (other than the people I cherish and animals, of course), is writing.

Speaking (er, typing) of writing, I had a dream about a month or so ago about a character I am now deeply in love with. She is pieces of me, in some ways, and my complete opposite, in others. Her name is Eleni or Leni or Elle, depending on who's addressing her. (In her mind, she is Elle.) So far, I've written one short story about her and a piece of another. Eventually, my goal is to write an entire novel (or novella, at the very least) about her that I would LOVE to develop into a screenplay (my first). I know exactly NOTHING about writing for the screen (in spite of having taken a continuing ed class on the very subject shortly after getting my undergrad degree in creative writing and literature). All I really remember about the class is watching movies, in particular, Midnight Cowboy, which I dug, but that's beside the point. The point is, I'm super-enamored with Elle and I am loving the process of developing her story. I know a lot already, things that came to me in the original dream and one subsequent, but most of it hasn't been put on paper yet. But the basics of her journey are pretty-well sketched out in my mind. I'm loving the process of putting the pieces together in a totally haphazard way. It's completely different from how I've ever written before and it's super-exciting!

So, yeah, that's about it for now. I hope I've wet your whistle regarding this project. I will certainly continue writing poetry as well but I probably won't be sharing it here anymore. I think I've mentioned that already but in case I haven't, there you have it. I loved sharing my pieces here and on social media but the simple fact is, I will never be published if I keep putting my work out for free. And I do intend to get published, come hell or high water. I mean, Jesus, I'm forty-fucking-five already. I'm not getting any younger. And one of my biggest not-so-secret fears is being Emily Dickinson. Let me explain. Obviously, what writer wouldn't want to be Emily Dickinson? I just mean in terms of not having my writing known much or appreciated fully until after my death, that would suck. So, I have to get off my wide ass and start making things happen. Here's hoping.

Until next time...

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri and Miracle Gel Top Coat Review

*PRESS SAMPLES*

Hi, friends! Long time, no write! In case you are not aware, I've been spending a TON of time on my PerseveringStar YouTube channel (would love it if you'd check it out) and, clearly, not as much here on the blog. However, I received some awesome Sally Hansen polishes to review for you and I decided since it had been a while (and I do still want to keep PerseveringStar "the blog" in fine operating order), I decided to do so here. First, as always, the pics!

Here are the products featured in this post. From left to right: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Silver Stallion and Petal to the Metal and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Color Filters Top Coat in Strobe.

On all but ring finger, two coats of PttM. On ring finger, two coats of SS.

Same as above with the addition of one coat of Strobe.

I have never made a secret of the fact that I LOVE Sally Hansen's signature wide brushes. They make application a breeze and definitely shorten the process. I found both of the Insta-Dri polishes not only fast drying but also very smooth and fairly opaque in two coats. I'm also VERY fond of Strobe. It is just one of a new series of "Color Filters" top coats that each offer a special effect to your nails. In this case, it is a metallic pink-y shimmer, and I LOVE it! I suspect the effect will be far more visible over cream polishes than they were over these already metallic/chrome-y shades and I will definitely share pics once I try it over such a shade. But even though the effect was subtle over these two particular shades, I got many compliments on this mani and even after a week, I have only minimal tip wear and chipping. I would highly recommend all three of these polishes. 

Check out Sally Hansen's website for store locators, pricing and any additional info you might need.

*The polishes reviewed in this post were provided for my honest review and consideration. As always, all opinions expressed are completely my own. 

What Makes Me Smile?

Rainbows and a bright blue sky.

No longer wanting to die

or feeling the need to cry.

Being a butterfly

with wings spread, ready to fly.

Not needing any particular reason why.

Going the extra mile.

Feeling all is right with the world for a little while.

Rocking mismatched clothes without any style.

Not feeling my mouth fill with bile.

Knowing that there is one man I enchant and beguile.

All this and more, my reasons to smile.

Press Release - Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors

SALLY HANSEN BIG POLISH GUARDS CUTICLE PROTECTORS ($5.99) Polish slip-ups can happen but not with the Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors. They’re the newest innovation in at-home manicures. Just wrap your cuticles, paint on color and then peel away any mishaps. This means each hand (yes, both) will get the same, flawless results. It’s really that simple. Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors give you the freedom to paint your nails at home, mess-free. Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors slip on so you can paint your nails then peel away any mistakes. Find the super-flex guard that fits your nails to create a barrier and ensure a flawless polish line, every time. Formula & Benefits: Provides a perfect manicure for both hands, Salon precision at home, Super-flex guards that fit all nail shapes, No mess, no fuss, no polish clean up.

What do you guys think about this idea? Personally, I think it is BRILLIANT and I hope to get my hands on some to review very soon! 

Happy New Year, friends!

xo, 

K

I Am Nowhere Near My Last Bloom

For my writing group (which meets tomorrow night), it was my job to come up with the prompts for this week. I can't lie, they were not conjured from my imagination (as they usually are) but, rather, chosen after I googled "writing prompts". One of them was to choose the final line of a previous piece of writing or journal entry and to use that as the opening of the new piece. Suffice it to say, that's the prompt I chose. I ended a poem with the title of this one some time in 2014 and the line grabbed me now, as it did then. If you're curious, read on. If you enjoy what you read, I'd love it if you'd follow this blog (and join the HUGE group of roughly thirty like-minded folks who already have). If not, that's cool, too. 

I am nowhere near

my last bloom.

Fuck sorrow and fear.

There is no room for them

in my life anymore.

Of course

I am real.

I feel the pair. 

In my humble opinion

more than my fair share.

I cannot help but care

even about those

who do not deserve

my mind

my heart

my time.

I am not blind.

I recognize

when I am told lies

although sometimes

they take me by surprise.

I tend to trust

far too often

and for far too long

but damn it

this is not my swan song.

In spite of my open heart

and easily mislead mind

I find a way to get along.

Thank you

to those who love me

and thank you 

to those who lie.

Thank you

to those who support me

and thank you

to those who make me cry.

It is because of you

that I am strong

and know right from wrong.

This is not my swan song.

I am nowhere near

my last bloom

not when there is still 

so much room

to grow

and thrive

and be alive.

I Wrote a Thing

Taunting me
like a ghost
haunting me.
Memories
of years gone by
making me want to cry.
Fuck you
but also thank you
for pointing out
what is true.
The more bridges I burn
the more I learn
and my world once rocked
continues to turn.
I cannot forget
but I choose
not to regret
for I am stronger now.
My life is not over yet.
Trust misplaced
cannot be erased
but the knowledge gained
must be embraced.
Life is beauty and pain
loss and gain
sometimes a shit show
and sometimes exceedingly plain.
To those who have hurt me
you number many
but hatred for you?
I do not harbor any.
Catch and release
I unburden my heart
so the pain will cease.

Open Book

Wrote this piece for tonight's writing group. Took me about a minute. Still not sure if that's good or bad. The prompt I chose was "Open Book".

For so long
I lived in silence
afraid of how
my words and ideas
might be perceived.
I dwelled
in a shell
a hell
of my own making
just aching
to be believed.
But now
all that has changed
my philosophy
is rearranged.
Strange?
Perhaps.
But now you see
I am free.
My life
my soul
an open book
if only
you take the time
to look.