red's world

People I Love Who Love Me: a Thanksgiving tribute.

There are so many people and experiences that I'm grateful for. And since this seems to be the time of year when we feel moved to celebrate that, in honor of all the wonderful people in my life I put together this short Thanksgiving video for all to enjoy. (If you cannot view the video click here.) Thank you...

Happy Thanksgiving to all my loves and to all my fans!

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Disclaimer: There are some of you out there (you know who you are), who hold a special place in my heart but I could not find an appropriate picture to share. I love you and I'm so grateful to have all of you in my life, whether or not you are pictured here!

Enchantment

 Have you ever been enchanted by someone who stole your very soul? Have you ever been truly swept off your feet? Have you ever met your match? Found true love? Felt so completely at home with another that you know a lifetime in every moment?

I've always been a hopeless romantic. And I've always believed that love crosses all boundaries. If it's true, time and space cannot get in its way. It cannot be contained. Nothing will stop it. Love has a life of its own.

There is no logical explanation for it. It's a feeling, deep inside that you've come alive because that person is in your life, in your heart. Even when you're apart you feel close.

The air is charged and when you touch (even if his hand barely brushes your skin) -- you're excited -- electrified with energy; when you think of him, you smile. And when he's near, you're filled with joy.

There are no words that can express this kind of enchantment between two people. It's a rare gift. One that should be celebrated, not be taken for granted or trivialized. Even if it doesn't make sense. Especially if it doesn't make sense. Even if everything seemingly stands in the way -- nothing will stop it.

Because with this kind of connection, fairytales come true!

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Painting credit: James Coleman

Pay Attention!

I’m a girl and I like boys. . . but I need attention if I’m going to stay interested.

It seems that at the beginning of every romance boys put a lot of effort into getting a girl's attention -- so what happens?  And what exactly makes them think that, after a time, they can stop with the attention seeking behavior, the romantic gestures, AND still keep me interested?

Simply telling me that I’m important is not enough.

Like all girls, I need to be shown how important I am to him through actions. Otherwise, boys, we girls get bored. And when I'm bored I lose interest.

Guys, I am a romantic but you won't keep me (or keep me interested), just because I like you.

If you want to have my attention, you'll have to work at keeping mine.

New Year: new adventures

So, it's nearing the end of this year. In fact, there are only a few hours left. It's that time of year that we stop and think about where we've been, where we're at now and what's to come.

As 2009 draws near, I thought we should take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of 2008. In this past year, I Danced With the Oscar Stars, Ran for the President of the United States of America, and Marched with the Gays. But there were many other moments that I never had an opportunity to document or share that got me thinking about how different my life is today, than I ever imagined it would be.

I've been fortunate (beyond fortunate) and as I think about it, I'm not sure if it's because life handed me a multitude of opportunities, or if it's because I've always had my eyes wide open and I saw an opportunity in every experience. Perhaps it's both or perhaps it’s something that I’m completely unaware of. And perhaps doesn't matter why. I just know that I'm lucky. Lucky to have people that love me, lucky to not have worries that distract me from this moment and lucky to believe (because experience has proven it so) anything is possible.

So now, as I think of what the next year has for me, I’m at a complete loss. I have no idea what tomorrow or next month or next year will bring. And I’m glad of it! Because that leaves a world of infinite possibilities at my doorstep. Even when I don’t see them, they are there.

This year, this day, this moment, my hope is to keep my eyes open to the ever-present adventure of life and, of course, to have fun.

May this year bring you magic.
Happy New Year!

A Poem

Looking out over the water.

The sunset, orange paint strokes against the sky.

The clouds lay low, you can almost touch them.

Climb on and sail away.

The water like glass, a perfect reflection of the sunset in the lake.

Romance,

Wonder,

Magnificence.

and Awe.

Who is THE ONE?

I always fall hard and fast when I think that I’ve found the One.

The One is that man who loves me more than anything, exactly as I am.

Together we celebrate one another in a way that brings out the best in each of us. We do this without attempting to change the other nor do we try to make the one another fit into what or how we think they should be.

We both find that we are better people for knowing each other.

It’s all comes down to how I feel when I’m with him. That's what makes him the One. It must be fun and it must be true.

If it loses either of these qualities then it’s over; it's that simple. No regrets, no looking back. I find another One.

Luckily, I have met more than one One.

Thanks...

It's that time of year when we Americans tend to take time to think about what we're grateful for.

It's a time of thanks and a time of reflection. And a time to eat a lot of Turkey, Ham and Potatoes. It's the time of year when everyone forgives themselves for over indulging "Well, it's the holidays," and it's the time of year when many of us go to spend time with family that we don't see any other time of the year.

What am I Thankful for?
              I couldn't possibly list all the wonders in my life, so I'll focus on my favorite things...family, friends and men.

Being connected to people is the most gratifying and amazing aspect of being human.

I've been lucky enough to have the most extraordinary relationships in all areas of my life. I believe it's because I'm open to everything and look for the good in all. I've met incredible people from the men in my bed; to the friends I work and play with; to the family I was born into. Even the bad ones are good and provide me with rich experiences and wisdom I would otherwise not have gained.

The following is a slide show of some who are special to me and without which, my life would not be nearly as full of magic. (RSS Readers: go here.)

I've always felt that I am extremely lucky and blessed. I'm certain that life continually gives me more gifts than I've earn and I truly appreciate it.

Freedom from Love

I believe that it is essential to express love openly and honestly – and often.

People are afraid of this. Like maybe it’s a trap.

Never is love a trap, always it is freedom.