Friday, March 11, 2016

Remembering the 90's!

www.furioso.com
Yes, this post is about a little bit of the 90's. I don't know but I have so much to share on that one.
 Can I start with this introduction? Do you remember that song? I know that was many years ago but still good right? Well, in fact, that song inspired me to write this post.

I don't know when the song was released I am not sure I was born already maybe yes...but the only thing I remember is the fact that I found that song in an old audio cassette. At that time we didn't have Compact Discs  we were just using the Walkman or simply an audio cassette player. That cool it was. I remember that I was maybe around 11 or 12 years old at the time and living at a girls' dormitory where everything was kind of forbidden and strict to us.( It was kind of strict religious and cultural system.) So listening to that type of music ...was not tolerated. As we were walking with a classmate out of school I found an old cassette on the floor. Somebody lost it or simply didn't want it anymore. I picked it up and told to my friend: "Look! We have music here!" She told me :"That is too damaged you will do nothing with it. Beside you are not even sure if you will like the music."
Then, I thought to myself I don't care at least I will not be bored in the dorm. I tried to find a way to save the old cassette with a pen and bobby pin to repair it. The cassette looked a little bit better and it even played well in my Walkman. Surprisingly most of the songs were good  and that was when I discover that song. I didn't know the group until many years later. Baltimora "Tarzan Boy" I only listened the songs in my earphones. I was scared that the nuns would catch me the audio cassette and throw it away and punish me for listening that kin of music. So I would only listen them at night when everybody was sleeping. lol!! I kept that old stuff for 2 years! crazy!
Ok!  I really thought about writing this post many times but because I was so busy I could not do it. Even though I have few times for myself I decided to do it at last.
It is going to be more about the 90's because The 90's were the best years of my life. This post follows the previous one on purpose. It is the continuity of  "Good Memories" a post that I posted at the end of 2015 (the link here: http://patacolorcarnet.blogspot.com/2015/10/good-memories.html). It is the same idea just a little bit more detailed. In this post I will share the best things that I perfectly remember. There were colors and creativity and so much imagination in the 90's!
We had the best TV series. In those series we could watch the best super heroes or super humans with incredible talents. People would think the unthinkable and they made impossibilities possible. For example, the TV serie  Doogie Howser M.D, a physician teenager who was a genius. How could a teenager be a doctor? Like really? Yes, it happened in the 90's lol! Or Wonder Woman who would  always change her clothes in a hidden room somewhere and appeared from nowhere to save people. I don't know how many times we imitated at home that super woman lady.
We also had the best pets ever! These pets would always save human lives. I like dogs a lot! Actually I like pets or animals in general. There was so much love and an idea of humanity or helping and saving others. I give an example: There was that Australian TV serie named "Kelly" a German shepherd that was trained to save people's lives. Skippy! A smart kangaroo that would always save people as well.  How can a kangaroo save people's lives? Well once again it happened in the 90's!
It was the years when we could watch a TV serie of kids controlling an entire city and singing the Boom boom cha cha song while flying in a hot air balloon! In the 90's kids were portrayed as little genius on TV. In the 90's we had the TV series such as Seinfeld, 21 Jump Street, Friends, The Cosby Show, MacGyver, Dallas, Little House on the Prairie, Family Matters, Happy Days...

(PS: The pictures are not mine)
We also had the TV show Martin, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Saved by the Bell and many others. About Saved by the Bell, I recall that whenever we had a boring teacher or a mean one, once the bell was ringing, some classmates would say: "Saved by the bell Let's get out of here!" especially when we had a difficult exercise to do in class. Then the teacher would starred at them and shake his/her head to express how disappointed he/she was by such behavior. The rest of the class would be laughing.
In the 90's we had so many good movies: The Silence of the Lambs, Forrest Gump, Braveheart, Pretty Woman, Jurassic Park, Seven, Titanic, Clueless and many others. I really like Braveheart with Mel Gibson, this movie was so interesting!

Bad Boys so watcha gonna do?
 In the 90's we had this movement that I will personally name the Music Mania why? Because I recall that it was the crazy years and people would be walking with a radio on their shoulder playing loud music in the street. The hair was like punk style or something like that.

The old school!
Sometimes people would dress colorful clothes but the style was special for women. Especially the young women. I will talk more about the 90's style later below. We would have the Walkman that portable audio cassette. That was such a brilliant idea and creation. Do you remember? That was so cool at that time! Usually when we traveled we would have our Walkman and many audio cassettes with us.  Then, later we had the CD's portable. So we went from the radio on the shoulder to portable music items. Yes! That was the cool old school!

We had the most beautiful Top models of that time. I admired them so much and I still do. They looked great, beautiful and smiling. They look sexy charming ladies. They marked their times. These Top models were: Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford. Also Linda Evangelista, Eva Herzigova, Elle Mc Pherson, Kate Moss and many others. Of course, I could not forget their names!  I like the way they rocked the catwalk on the runway. They were so elegant! I was such a fan!
Eva Herzigova, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer
 Now can you tell who is who on the picture below?
Naomi campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford

In the 90's when it was boring at home you wore your leggings and if you had friends living in your neighborhood you call them for an afternoon bicycle race. When your bicycle was going too fast and you enjoy the moment you put the legs up in the air and you shout:" yepeee!!!!" Then,  someone would say be careful there and maybe you fall on the grass and you are all laughing or maybe you stop it right before the  little accident happen. That's the kind of crazy and funny things we liked to do back in the 90's  especially during the Summer. Yay!!!!

I like that picture so much! It just reminds me of the good times. This picture is from a Facebook page "Do It in Paris" or "Little Paris."

  Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way" one of my favorite songs of the group.

Yeah!!! Millenium!!!! I was so in love with that entire album .
Yes, we had the coolest boys and girls bands in the 90's. The candy crush guys type...You know what I mean. The Backstreet Boys were among my favorites. In the band, I was in love with Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson the tall guy with dark hair awwww...I found them sexy and charming lol! (wink). Yes that was teen dream and that was many years ago.
Remember the Spice Girls (I have to admit I have never been a fan of the Spice Girls. To me it was too much and I could not focus on their style and music at all. I was really lost when many girls liked them a lot. I was more into the group All Saints. Personally I liked the All Saints better.)

Natalie Imbruglia "Torn".
I liked her style in the song. That was maybe because it was my mood that I had back in the days. I didn't care much about my style or something like that because I thought that a person was more about his/her personality and values (That was what my parent wanted me to understand)
When I went back to my country I felt so disconnected with the teenagers' way to see life. As I was trying to adapt to that lost "world" according to me (because to them, appearance prevailed over values and personality) at that time my mum was still braiding my hair like in primary school style and people were making fun of my hair at school and it broke my heart so much. I was misunderstood...
They didn't understand how much it meant to me to have my mum doing my hair because I was away from her for years and this reconnection meant the world to me. I could not handle that lost "world" with bullies and peer pressure anymore. I didn't want to change my value, I  then asked my dad to leave the country once again. It really broke my heart to make that decision and to leave my family once again. It was heavy in my heart and my mother never understood my decision either.
Well, I liked that song so much and I liked the way she danced at the end of the video. Yes at some point you don't care anymore about how people think about you. Just because you will never be good enough for them no matter what you do. There will never be enough reasons to change their mind in that regard so...live your life, forget about them and be happy.
The other one was from a "mysterious" radio channel that we could find sometimes. I say sometimes because that radio channel was disappearing from the frequencies and it had so many cool songs in the 90's. We didn't know from where that channel was coming from but when it disappeared from our radio we (my young sister and I) would be disappointed because the animator was always saying "New music tomorrow!" then we would  rush every night to listen to his radio show and try to catch the channel and then sometimes nothing in the frequencies.  We would be passing from being happy to being disappointed depending on the days. I first found that channel accidentally. So that song was also one of our favorite ones from that radio channel
Lutricia Mc Neal "Someone Loves You Honey".
 We didn't speak English much so when she said the word honey in her song, we were thinking about the honey to eat. Then, I would ask to my young sister: "How can she says that someone loves you honey? Does she love to eat honey? My sister would be like:"...well...maybe." The lyrics were about a person but I could not make the straight correlation between the word honey to eat and the word honey for love. I recall that sometimes I would have a bottle of honey on my hands for breakfast and sing the song since I didn't understand why she used that word lol! Until I learned that English speakers use the word honey to also call someone with affection.

Then, in the 90's we had the special fashion. What is really interesting is the fact that the different looks of the 90's are back! Meaning that you can still wear those by recreating them as much as you want and adapting them according to your taste. I can't get enough of the style that we had during the 90's. Hum! Let's see if I can recall some of them but www.popsugar.com will help me to refresh my memories. Ladies are you ready to look back at the 90's fashion? Ok! let's start then!

1/ The Destroyed Jeans, the High Waist Jeans and the Boyfriend Jeans.
They are so back in the trend and they are so cool! You can wear them in different ways. Back in the days I remember that the destroyed jeans was a little bit seen like rebellious style especially when  people added drops of bleach on them to make it look wild and then they wear with it a leather jacket to ...You know... like George Michael's look back in the days. But now many women make this pair of jeans looks more classic.

The high waist pair of jeans is timeless! It always makes me think about the ladies pin up
www.aliexpress.com
2/The Choker Necklace & The Pacifiers : I like them so much! I like the ones that I bought at Aldo last year. Three different types of chocker necklaces

A chocker necklace with a pendant sun
or this one
 The black necklace choker.
  Do you recall when the girls band were wearing that necklace and many girls started to wear those as well.
The Pacifiers
lol!!! No comment! But we liked them so much right? That was cool!
www.etsy.com
3/ The Black Lipsticks, The Black Nails.
www.pinterest.com
I remember people called it the Gothic style back in the days. I don't know the words used here in the US. They would usually added some type of jewelry or skeleton necklace etc. That was the time of the Grunge style I think.

4/ The Silver Lipstick and Silver Eye Shadow
www.pinterest.com
O Gosh! I loved it so much! The silver lipstick and silver eyes shadow in our make up collection were for me refreshing. We would like to wear some nice silver jewelry as well, hoop earrings  and it was perfect especially for us living in the countries where the sun shines! #theTropics. You would have a nice scarf wrapped on your head in lemon yellow color or pink or blue turquoise or neon

5/ The Overalls:
www.pinterest.com
It was cool to wear the overalls. They were in jeans or simple fabrics. It made you look like the friendly girl or "le garcon manqué"! the overalls were in many colors, prints or just simply plain colors. We liked to put our Walkman inside the pocket. Some bank notes, coins to buy fun stuffs or goodies during a nice afternoon with friends. We would keep some shells when walking at the beach. We could sometimes keep some good candies in the pocket or a cute guy's phone number who happened to talk to you! (wink)  We also like to have a crop top under the overalls and sometimes we would leave the up part falling in front.

6/ The Bandana Scarf:
www.lookastic.com

www.amazon.com
www.pinterest.com
Woohoo! The Bandana scarf yes! I recall the Bandana the way we liked to wear it back in the days. We liked to buy all the different colors because we could change the color according to the mood and the style. We liked to tie them on our head, or like a false scarf around our neck but also on our wrist to play the cool girl. It was so original when we had the long braids and we had a little bit of style like the girls bands. We liked the bandana for our afternoon activities like riding the bikes with friends going for a picnic at the park or at the beach.

7/ The Beret:
 Do you remember the beret?!  I like the one that Janet Jackson had in the movie Poetic Justice.
www.pinterest.com
Also the one that Dionne had in Clueless. With her braids it gives the nice ethnic look! I remember we liked to buy those with different colors and styles like those with glitter or strass on it or those that were simple design
 Many girls were into these berets back in the days and we still like them right?
 8/ The Jeans:
Do you recall the short jeans with a shirt around your waist? That was so 90's look! You would paired them  with some boots or sandals for a nice afternoon! Usually people would go for the plaid shirts and yes we all did that! 
www.livingly.com
 We can even adapt it in a more classy way like the lady of the picture below she has nice pair of destroyed jeans  (from www.pinterest.com)
10/ The Sneakers!!!
 Hello! Ladies. Do not forget the sneakers. They were so comfortable! Adapted for casual occasions and afternoon parties or going to the movies! We still like them.

11/ The Gingham and Plaid Shirts/ Plaid Skirts:
I like those shirts with the different colors and prints. They are so back on track and always cool! They are definitely timeless! I like the fabrics!
from French brand "Lulu Castagnette"

below a picture from www.pinterest.com
 The plaid skirts! Who didn't like them?
They were so classic and cool!
Movie "Clueless"

12/ The Backpack.
 Don't forget the girly backpack of the days. We were so much into those little cute backpacks. They are so back in the current trend! They were so viral in the market that every girls wanted to have them.
www.polyvore.com
13/The Waist Bags/Pack.
www.livingly.com


www.aliexpress.com
They were really cool for Summer! They were easy to put around your waist. They had different shapes. We would put anything quickly and keep it safe. There were different styles from the most classic to the casual ones. You could use it for a walk in the afternoon, riding bicycle, or at the beach party. Or you could simply keep some nice little notes of your sweet lover (wink/ lol!!! Girls things that was so back in the days!)
14/The Timberland Women Boots:
The timberland boots were picked in different colors

15/ The 90's Sunglasses:
www.pinterest.com
The  round reflective sunglasses. I used to call them Whoopi Goldberg' sunglasses because  I first saw them with her on pictures and movie. And yes they are so back on the market! I love them!

16/ Flashy Accessories/ Hoop Earrings
www.etsy.com
That was so 90's! We love them especially under the tropics! Like I said earlier we had so many colors on us in the 90's
www.pinterest.com
17/ The electric Blue Nails and Lipstick
Do you remember the Electric Blue Fever (That's how I call it) lol! I like the blue. I like it in clothings but also in mascara and nails. Some ladies did wear it on their lips.
www.etsy.com
18/ The Shoes Baby-Doll
Last on my list the shoes baby doll or stilettos dolls. I recall that some girls would put them with some socks and it was another nice look. I guess I will get them again. They are so classic.

Ok! I guess I said everything. That was my 90's post . I know it was long but I like the idea. I hope you like it!
You can also visit: http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage
My previous post "Good Memories": http://patacolorcarnet.blogspot.com/2015/10/good-memories.html


Patacolor Carnet

Memories of the good 90's. In the 90's we had so much fun! Bye guys!!
A group that I have always liked. One of the best. Missing TLC #Lefteye
TLC No Scrubs"


Sunday, February 28, 2016

Happiness is A Choice

Happiness is indeed a choice!
I like this picture a yellow flower with a yellow butterfly. Yellow a color of sun, happiness
I decided to stay happy even though things are not always perfect. Sitting in my room waiting to watch the Oscars in few hours (I decided to watch it anyway because I can't spend a year without watching the Oscars. I agree with some complaints about the nomination choices etc but I still can't sit here and not be watching the ceremony tonight.) I wanted to write something in my blog as I always do. People who really know me can never be surprised. Somebody after reading my blog once told me it has to be a passion that makes you do that. I guess it is and he might be right. This is not new I have always liked writing things about me, my life my activities my interests since my young age. I always have something to say or to share. This is all about my Carnet de Voyage. Simple as it is. The "Carnet" (diary) of my life, my adventures and make people smile.
Mmmbop! As I am listening to that song, I suddenly remember many funny memories. Gosh! I have always something to say lol!!
When the band was out and was featured in magazines to be honest I was not interested at all because that was not the type of boy bands that I liked maybe many girls as well (teen age). Girls usually liked the guys who had muscles all over the body, sexy looking, gorgeous candy crush, with fiery eyes. Dancing like ...OK you know what I am talking about and all the girls would be screaming like:"yeah!!!!! They are the best! They are so cute!!" Singing their songs etc. So when the Hanson went out I was not interested at all. They were so different.  I had my classmate who one day had their songs in her portable CD player (at that time we didn't have youtube.com, mp3 players etc) as she was listening to them in her earphones, I asked her:" what are you listening to?"
she told me: "Mmmbop!"
I was like:"What? What is Mmmbop!?"
 then she responded "The Hanson!!!"
Then I was kind of disappointed "Really the Hanson? o gosh! girl there are better boy bands to listen to. "
 Actually I didn't even try to listen to it a little bit  because I thought that they were not sexy enough from my teenage eyes (laugh)
Then, maybe few days later as I was doing my homework at home Mmmbop was played on TV in a Music TV show. But because I was in my room I didn't know who was singing but  I liked the song right away. The style was cool! When I went to watch who were the singers I found out that they were the Hanson. Guess what? I was confused I was like o wow! They sing very well I didn't know that and I liked Mmmbop it is a nice song! Very original. I guess we were more concentrated on the look than the talent itself.
When you watch the video  you see them flying with their roller skates (something like that)as if it was easy to do. I like it and it really amuses me because I recall things that we used to do when we were young. Maybe stupid things... I don't know... ok this is the story: I recall I went to visit a family friend an afternoon and the girls had some fast roller skates like the ones they have in the video. The youngest was actually good like them. I was sitting on the playground and having fun looking at the girls playing and flying lol! then one of them came to me and she proposed me to try a little bit. I never did that before and instead of saying no I said:" yes! yes! I want to try it too!"
 She helped me putting them on my feet then,  she held me by the arm as I was starting to do do slow motions.I suddenly realized that she then left me go on my own I got scared and  something happened: I found myself face on the ground. I fell and to be honest I had such a huge pain on my head after the accident. I was like ouch! I fainted as if nothing happened but as I was trying to get back on my feet I forgot that I didn't have control of the rollers I fell again the second time but on my bottom. Guys it was painful!!!
from a website

The girls rushed to grab and help me. The youngest took out the skates. They helped me walking. OMG my head and my body were in pain. Then, they asked me if I was fine I simply told them :"O yes! I am fine! Perfect!" No I was not fine! I even felt something wrong happened in my mouth. So when I rushed to the restroom I found out that I was bleeding from the nose and the mouth. I tried my best to stop the hemorrhage. I didn't want them to know I remained like an hour there and put stuff on my nose etc. When I went out I asked to take a taxi to go back home. Once at home, lol! I used ice and anything to relieve my pain. That was such a stupid adventure. I never tried roller skates again.

It's like the girl in my neighborhood who was trying to teach us how to swim. Guess where she happened to choose the place to learn how to swim? on the ground in the grass. On the grass really?? yes! And she told us: " Don't worry guys it's not difficult act as if you were some frogs. Observe carefully the frog and you will swim well. Swimming is easy just flex your knees and push them blah blah blah..." That's what I did! I went to carefully observe frogs and imitated what she told us to do. The day when we went to the swimming pool of the club, I tried to apply her "stupid" lessons and guess what happened to me? I almost drown to death in the swimming pool. As I was struggling to breathe and to live I tried to call for help the group was peacefully eating their sandwiches and only until one realized that I was in big trouble it was too late because I went back to the ground and I don't even know how. The other thing was there people around and I didn't understand how in the world nobody saw or noticed that I was struggling for my life. I was so upset toward human kind and disappointed angry about those "friends." So, I took my stuffs and left the swimming club and I didn't talk to them for weeks. The only thing I could tell them was:" You watched me almost dying and you did nothing!" The girl never explained to us some facts about water. She was also young she didn't know much to later find out that she didn't swim at all! She learned how to swim later at school and when her father paid private swimming classes. See? Even though I felt like something was fishy, I just wonder how in the world I followed and believed what she said. The sad part of the story is the fact that I never tried again to swim until today.
www.shangri-la.com
I hope to do it someday in order to overcome this fear because of what happened and swimming is good for the body. Anyway! That's life! We learn from these experiences.
Well ,at the end I just want to say that the Hanson were original in their style of music. I am no more interested in guys with muscles everywhere lol! the #Terminator type. That was when we were young. The ideal man should have muscles for most of the girls. You knew you have a bodyguard. That was funny! Now today we  know that it's more about what the person has to offer or to give. I mean by that love, attention, care, security.... But wait! we do not say no to the muscles though ha! ha! ha! Muscles are good! (I am just joking a little bit)

I have been busy this month. I try to balance everything at the same time: Obligation and passion. Like I just said I try. I still write in my other website.
Few weeks ago I went to Grand Prairie to see the Village of traders. However, the weather was not good that day. You will see it in the pictures.
I went to Fort Worth Botanical Garden at the Japanese garden. I liked the place. That was such a nice garden! It was like heaven on earth! You will like Dallas if you come here someday. I shared the pictures in the website as well: 
Last time I missed some interesting events because I could not be everywhere at the same time. I am not from the Marvel even f I wish I could be one f them lol! So no it's impossible. However, I went to Fort Worth Botanical Garden and I really liked the experience! That place is amazingly wonderful! It's like heaven on earth
@ Fort Worth Botanical Garden
This weekend  I went to Klyde Warren Park in Dallas since a friend of mine invited me to go listening to Marco Rubio' speech. I mean people are really motivated lol! The same week on Monday Mr. Clinton was here in Dallas,  I registered for a place at the event but I could not make it. Unfortunately I could not attend it at all. Actually I was just curious to listen to what he wanted to say on behalf of his wife.  And now who is going to be here next? I hope not Mr. Trump. That man and his ideas scare me... Ok! I don't do politics and I think Politics should be left to politicians. However, if I have a favorite candidate or even if the candidate is not my favorite I will still try to listen to what he/she says because they have good ideas most of the times. They also have interesting plans and projects for the country. I just try to follow and know what is going on in the recent news. Sometimes I can be interested but sometimes not at all! If I had a choice to make and if I was from here I would definitely choose Bernie Sanders (Don't look at me like that! This is my choice and my opinion) and yes I am a Bernie Sanders' supporter.

So back to my story, Klyde Park is a nice little park in town and people like to go there to relax and eat. I also took some pictures there. The weather was wonderful!
http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/
Ladies are you getting ready to tie the knot this year? You might want to read ideas about what to do for being a beautiful bride for that special day. I share with you some tips and you know all these interesting things to have. I like making people happy and I always want to share something that would put a smile on your face (wink) Ok! you will find many articles for the future bride to be in Style Equation magazine at www.stylequationmagazine.com
As for me I still learn how to take pictures. I guess that was all for today. I am getting ready for the Oscars in few minutes now.  Let's cross  our fingers for Leonardo DiCaprio this year. he deserves the Oscar. I mean The Revenant is a good movie. did you watch it?
 I hope to write soon and I also wanted to leave a message to you tonight: "Choose to be happy!"

You will also find the stripes Fever at http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-fashion
For purchasing your copy of Style equation magazine: www.stylequationmagazine.com
You can buy either the printable version or purchase the one to download to read. Enjoy!

  And in my poetic mood as usual, I conclude this post with that beautiful song of Celine Dion. I love the lyrics! You know how I like this singer. I wish she could have sung with some great African singers like Angelique Kidjo who recently got her third Grammy Awards but ...it does not look like it will happen...They have both nice voices!
"Miles to Go" is from one of my favorite albums of Celine Dion. I love and love this song!
Bye! I send you love from Dallas!
Pata'colorCarnet

http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/
"Miles to Go" Celine Dion

Saturday, February 13, 2016

About Marriage

Taken just for you!
Wow! I just learned that my brother welcomed a new baby in the family. A nice and healthy baby boy who was born today the day of Valentine's there. lol! How cute is it?!
I want to wish you Happy Valentine's day and I hope you are going to make it a good and nice moment. Valentine's is for everybody. Lover to lover, parent to their children as long as we show love and care to the ones we love. Last year I wrote some suggestions about what to do and this year I just want to talk about something more different but still related to the idea of Valentine's.
Few weeks ago I was asked to write three articles for brides in general since people are getting ready to celebrate their weddings these coming months. You will certainly receive some invitation cards or maybe you will be inviting friends and family for that special day. After writing about all  the details and suggestions for the brides, I realized how much time and energy people spend to make it a good day and I really like it! However, I noticed that few people actually take times to know what marriage is really. I know some will not be happy but that's ok because we have all our opinions.
I took that picture for you guys!! What do you think?

Not being judgmental but I think that we should take more time to know what to expect and what is our role once married. To me the ceremony is so exciting and beautiful. It is the glam, the glitz and so forth but marriage is another world. Marriage is definitely not a fairy tale. It is more than that.
I am sometimes surprised or maybe...shocked when people decide to break up after such preparations and engagement. I didn't understand at all but at the end my thought is we should probably learn from our mistakes or our friends or family members failure to remain together instead of criticizing them. The question will be what went wrong? why did that situation or break up happen?
I myself assisted friends who have been in such situation and it made me think a lot about that. It even made me feel like I should not rush into relationship at all. I then started to read books about an author who has a successful marriage, I even went to some seminars and listen to testimonies as well. You know what? At the end, I realized that marriage is for people who are well prepared and emotionally matured. (I will tell you why later) I also understand that marriage is for responsible people and that loving somebody is a decision in a sense that "no matter what we are going through we are going to make it and stay together " (I insist that I am not talking about domestic violence or lack of respect for his/her partner because when it happens there is no way to stay in such environment)

Do you like this picture? I took it for you too
When I say people who are mature and responsible , I mean by that people who are wise and take decisions that should not affect the couple/family. Wisdom has nothing to do with age. I am so convinced about that. I have seen people who are much older than me but acting like...Well you know... So it is just a state of mind in my view. I talk about being mature when people know when to forgive and move on after an argument. Some people like to bring up the past arguments or issues over and over again (Guess what? I am not giving advice to anyone, I do not pretend knowing more than anyone else. Yes, I have never been into a real relationship maybe not one to be honest but I have observed couples and sometimes people asked me in some difficult time what they should do? In that case I use my commonsense and compassion. In that case, I do not give right or wrong to any of them I just try to be "diplomatic" I judged none of them because obviously they needed help.)
The people that I listened to, told me that marriage is like an empty box. Do not expect to see something full in it already because you are the person who are going to fill up the box. The question is with what? Are you going to put anger? bitterness? unhappiness? Sadness? lack of trust? lack of forgiveness? or are you going to bring love, forgiveness, happiness, patience? Respect?  As long as you both are in a competition of making both happy I don't know if separation can occur...like really. Well, I don't think so. If one keep bringing the good things of his/her life and the other is not doing the same in turn or one is Always trying to do good to the other and the other does not really do the same or does not care,  I think at a certain point the "machine" will be exhausted then comes the disappointment...You cannot be a selfish person when you decide to be married because it's all about giving than receiving
In Pinterest

I like this song Beyonce "Halo"

 Today after listening to some testimonies, I sometimes wonder what's the point to be married and be unhappy? I even heard some male and female friends who said they were better happy when they were living a single life...Of course, I was surprised even shocked because I didn't understand how? In fact, they might be right because you could tell the differences. I read somewhere that "women's heart is an ocean of secrets" but I think men's heart is the same. Sometimes I talked to some couples who were completely different in their passion, habits and taste. I mean two complete different people and I was sometimes thrilled to know how did they ended up being together? (Not my business I know but ...It made me scratch my head)  Then, later you keep seeing them arguing often and then few years later again you hear that they both went into separated ways. No! I was not surprised to be honest but it made me think and question a lot about relationships and love in general because I still don't understand much. A French author named Jean de La Fontaine wrote that: "Everything about love is mystery" I think he is right.
From my point of view, (This is my true opinion after a certain time observing couples)  two different people cannot be together for a long time  Sorry I do not believe it all I saw it many times. I noticed that couples who are so much happy together and stay longer together have the same passion in general, they like to do most of the same things. They are like brother and sister at some point and even like best friends. When people are different it will be a lot of struggles to adjust with each other. I say it because I noticed it many times. Also, something that I dislike to hear when people say: "I cannot live without you or I am incomplete..." Like really? You were created a complete person. Before meeting me you were breathing the air and living since your mother's womb so...please! This is even scary to hear that because it means that I will have to be twice or do twice more to complete you? hmmm...
Found online

So you know what? You don't get married because there is peer pressure, because parent tell you it is more than time, your partner is fed up to wait so long. You don't get married for social benefits, social status, because you are going to walk around just to show to people that you have a ring on your finger. You don't get married because you feel sorry for somebody or because that person helped you so much unless you really love him/her. You don't get married because someone trapped you with a baby or money, a story or whatever it is. You don't get married because you are fed up to be alone or lonely. Or because you think you can change someone. No we can't change somebody's habits. You get used to them or not because people do not change
If you cannot make a sacrifice of what you like to do then maybe you should be thinking twice before walking down the aisle. You are not going to get married because it is the trend, because all your friends are married or are getting married now and you don't want to be the "Last of the Mohicans"(We used to say that back in the days.) Because when you look at the calendar you feel like you are getting older than last year...maybe. You don't get married because you just want someone to make you happy (#selfish).
I found it online.
 Before getting married you need to know the person. Before getting married you need to test that person. How she/ he reacts when he/she is angry. What is his/her real personality. In fact, you get married because you made a decision to remain there through the best and the difficult times. Two is better than one right? You get married because you made the decision to make someone else happy. You get married because you decided to love someone period! You get married because you understand your role in the relationship/couple. You get married because you both share the same vision. I mean when two people have different visions they cannot be together because there comes division in the couple. Happy couple is same vision You are getting married because you know how to treat your partner with respect and care even when you are not happy about what he/she did in front of people or at home. There is always a way to talk to him/her.

After witnessing all of this and reading and listening to advice, I decided to not rush at all but to live a happy single life for the moment. Trust me a happy single person will make a happy partner  (Hi 5!) I wish that many single people feel the same. There is nothing wrong to not being married now. Take your time and be happy with those who are happy. Celebrate with them their happy life as couples because they would probably do the same to you (They don't have to). Since I decided to push away that pressure of getting married because of my age, I feel good in my heart and more positive. You have less stress. It will definitely happen someday and I know it will happen to you too. I hope this long post will help somebody tonight. I didn't intend to write that long but it just came like a waterfall lol!! I am not looking to scare people but just want to be realistic. You are free to drop any comments.
Louboutin shoes
Once again happy Valentine's to all the lovers and to parents and their children.
This is a special something to mothers starting by my own. My mommy darling. I wish I could be with her and hug her with a present but...I am too far. So, sweet mommies this is a song for you and for your little sweethearts. I share it with you with a lot of love. I love that song and I like the artist and she sings in French Creole. After many years that song still puts a smile on my face!
The weather was beautiful as you can see we had a very nice sun! Feeling like in the tropics ha!ha!ha!

# Creole ambiance #Tropical ambiance #Zouk retro # Love # Sun Fresh #Breeze #Nature #Water #Zouk Love #French Creole #Happy Valentine's Day!!

(Sorry I was about to burst in laugh because of my neighbor...He was starring at me probably wondering what I was doing. Lol!! I was enjoying the sun and the air!)
 PatacolorCarnet

Listening to Joelle Ursull "Ti Bebe"(meaning "Little Baby")
Ok! This is the complete video here: You will love it!
  Thank you for visiting my blog and you are also invited to visit my website: http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage

Sunday, January 31, 2016

My Patacolor Carnet


My little items for make up
Hi! Everyone
        I just want to share few things and some latest news. As you can see I am no longer writing in English often because of what I explained on my last post. I decided to write in French since I am more comfortable doing it. My other website has mostly posts in French and few in English (well...Sorry about that...But I have no choice until I find people editing my work) I will keep putting the links for those who can translate or understand French. I still want to keep my posts in simple English because this is who I am. Words that anybody can easily understand that's my style.
           In this post, I just want to share what I got for the new year and what I recently found.
I have been a little been concerned about the new year but so far I am very much happy with myself! I feel more excited about doing new things. I feel like I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me! I feel more positive even after taking one more year. In a single word I will say I am #Happy.
Last year, somebody told me about a little city named Paris in Texas. What actually really made me go there was the fact that he told me there is a little Eiffel Tower. I was like: "Really? Cool! I want to see that!" After my holidays trip, I decided to make a plan to go there since it is not that far from my area where I live. I will say approximately 2h 30 min from Dallas. Then, I also plan to go to some other cities around with time this year. For instance, I will also be going to Texas Pow Wow in Fort Worth (A festival organized by Native Americans) Yes! I think Texas is a really nice State and there are many interesting things to do and cities to visit. I will be pretty much busy and I like it. It also means I will have a lot to write about
I could see some Veterans name written on the ground @ the Memorial
I also decided to take real photography lessons. I have been liking taking some on my own but there are not good so I got a  real camera this time (lol!) and I want to make some photos albums in town and in some gardens. I will share them once they will be done. We have a place in Dallas that they call Dallas Arboretum if you want to see how it looks like you can click on this link http://www.dallasarboretum.org/ This is a place like Heaven on earth with beautiful flowers. To me this is one of the places where I want to practice and I found myself liking flowers more during my Summer in France I even had a post on it. (And God created flowers for Laetitia lol!)  Really flowers are beautiful and so sensitive like women. I want to have better pictures of them now. Also, when I am sitting in town, I like to see people walking and seeing some scenes make me want to take pictures as well. I guess I am feeling more creative this year. Yay! Let's see!
      Ok!  So Paris in Texas is a nice little and quiet city. I had some of my pictures taken and there is also a memorial for veterans originally from the area I guess. These veterans went to War World II, Vietnam, Korea...wars. About that little Eiffel Tower, it has a Texan hat on the top. To me, it was authentic and funny. We even asked to a young waitress where we went to eat if she speaks a little bit of French she said: "Not at all! I wish I could!" That is so interesting to me! A little city with a French name with a famous  French monument in miniature but people do not speak the language. (Maybe some do. I don't know but it didn't look like)
I shared all my pictures of yesterday on my link here: http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage
you are welcome to take a look and maybe drop a comment.
About my little gifts for Xmas and new year 2016, my sister who went to Moscow for a work trip in Russia, brought me Matruchka. Mine is blue (My favorite color) and she has kids inside like they mostly do. Matruchka is sweet but I am still a "Stranger" to Moscow someday I hope to visit that capital city. My sister was really happy there she had one of the best trip experiences ever.
Miss Matruchka and her children

How about that? "Stranger in Moscow" One of my favorite songs. Yes a real stranger I am but in love with that capital city Beautiful city
Yep! I love Moscow! I pray to be able to visit that city someday
я люблю Россию
My brother offered me this item from his trip where he visited some caverns. I like it too:

And the sweet kiddies before they left back to their country (Iceland) they offered me this nice bracelet. Well, I was blessed to simply say.

I received a perfume that I like! For the new year!
A tiny little purse for coins from Algeria made in real leather. My sister was sent to Oran a city in Algeria and she brought me that
 My Charlotte Russe's boots. I like them they are really nice and comfortable!
Then I had other gifts too but those are mainly what I wanted to share with you. I guess I have said enough today! I hope you received nice gifts for Christmas too!!
By the way, what are you going to do for Valentine's guys? Are you getting ready? Last year I wrote a post about Valentine's Day. I don't think I will be doing the same thing this year so if you want to have ideas for making it a nice day you can check out my suggestions! (wink) Maybe they can help who knows?
Flowers, flowers, flowers (Valentine's flowers this time!)
 I took that picture at a shop just for you! Well, I guess I said everything for today. I hope you have a wonderful week!

Here are some links that I want to share with you:
My Patacolor Carnet website: http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage
 You will see different sections you can click on them to see what I share (Carnet de Voyage, de Fashion, de Lifetstyle and Arts/Entertainment)

 My friend Browdy Lowen just released a new video for his song "Can You Be My Baby" this is the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LxDWBKqjGA
It is a simple and genuine video but what is special is the fact that the video reached 60k views withing 5 days only with many likes. I am so happy for him. So you can like and share.

Dallas Arboretum http://www.dallasarboretum.org/

My post for Valentine's http://patacolorcarnet.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-valentine-day.html

What else? hum! yes for my African fellows and those who speak French you can look on my youtube channel I shared some other African and Caribbean poems.
The last one is from a late Gabonese author that I like and it was his wishes to his readers for the new year.  I intentionally put my country's pictures of the old days just to show how years are flying and I wanted people to understand how important it is to live and enjoy the moment. I also included it with a nice song from a talented Gabonese artist. Her name is Annie Flore Batchiellilys and she sings "Je T' Invite" meaning "I Invite You" Actually she is inviting people to visit her country Gabon. She wants you to discover the country and its nature. This song means a lot to me as well.
   This is the video of what I share for the poem (for the French speakers of course. I hope it will inspire you for this new year)  Thank you for passing by. Thank you for reading my blog and see you soon! Live happy live the moment!

Friday, January 15, 2016

Bye 2015! Hello 2016!

This is Flora from my neighborhood. She likes to put her body on the floor to receive tenderness.
 I LOVE that song and the lyrics are so wonderful! Thank you Celine Dion for this wonderful song! I thank God for such wonderful talent! Celine Dion is such a blessing! I have been listening to her for many years and I still do.
Every year I listen to this song. I feel like this little plane. Life with no limits! I  recently posted it on my Facebook page and all my friends liked that song I guess they realized the meaning of these words. I am Alive. I always remember this little girl under the building of the apartment singing that song in the little garden. Yes, I am Alive in 2016!
Bye 2015! I am so sad I had to leave you. You were such a wonderful year for me even though I went through difficult times too. I love you but I kiss you  bye bye! No choice
Hello! 2016. I just wonder what you have in store for me. Even I still believe that we are responsible for making things happen. "Life is a journey, enjoy it" (quote of Mother Teresa)
Someone recently told me take life as an adventure not like a difficult time or something like that.
Well how was 2015 for me? Looking back at 2015 I felt really truly blessed. I was happy to see my precious mummy, my sisters and brothers. It was Mexico. Caramba! Mexico te quiero! (I will be back Just saying like #Schwarzenegger #Terminator lol!) No but I am serious Hasta la vista Mexico! I wrote a post about it. in 2015 I tried new things!
I wrote more than usual. However, I do not think I will write in English often anymore because it is not easy and there is no one to help me improving for the moment.

In 2015 I had a little bit of craziness fun with my dolls stuffed animals. actually my mum gave me as a gift a little blue and white tiny cat. It is the new member of my family here!
That is Sister! She was in front of the computer she didn't want to stop playing with it and it was getting late
Actually Sister came to me as a gift too. A nice lady at church offered her to me for Valentine's Day. Valentine's is not only for lovers ok? lol! It is for everybody who shares love and affection to any other persons. Sister was in a nice big cup and I was blessed. She came to my place in 2011. And guess what? She has been with me since then! I am not about t get rid of her at all.
Visiting my family in France was the best part of 2015. (Paris, Lyon, Rennes and the Tour de France) I wrote many posts that year about it.
And my last trip of the year in Washington DC, visiting my sister for Xmas and New year.
I made a video memories/ souvenirs for that occasion I could not make it to New York unfortunately so I hope it will happen sometimes soon. Here it is!
Also in 2015 I discovered there the Icelandic culture. I went to Annapolis, Baltimore and Virginia as well. I had so much good moment. I was blessed to be honest!  Thank God for everything. More details and all the stories here at: http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage
Eating an Icelandic meal (smoked lamb, bread leaf, peas, potatoes in a cream sauce...) Thank you guys! it was good!

Ok! everything there in my website with more pictures and videos.  You will see: Carnet de Voyage, Carnet de Fashion, Carnet de Lifestyle...) Click on the different sections and you will read what I share if your computer can translate. Some are written in English though.
By the way I also wrote about the movies nominated for the Oscar 2016. You will find it there. I like the fact that I have more options at weebly and I am really inspired but I mostly wrote in French and I think it is better because I feel more comfortable writing in French.

And yes! I almost forgot: You can go at www.stylequationmagazine.com

Winterize your style people with the new issue Jan/Feb. You can purchase the digital and the print copy.
You will read my article about faux fur and leather. I hope you will be inspired. You will also find many inspiring articles and pictures!

That's all I guess! So yes! Happy New year 2016 guys! I wish all the best for this new year. Thank you for visiting my blog I really and I humbly appreciate it. It really started out of the blue I never thought I could actually write that much in English (smiling)  I just hope it makes you happy. But guess what?! I will be back! ha! ha! ha!
 On another thoughtful note I want to end up this post with one of my favorite songs of Des'ree. You know how I like music. I like Des'ree! When I posted it on my Facebook page, once again every body put a thumb up. This is a great song of the 90's. Thank you Des'ree for this inspiring song.
And yes another plane in the video clip. It looks like I like plane for some reasons... but I guess there is something to understand about it. To me it means "Life without limits!"
Remember life is a journey enjoy it. In fact, life has never been perfect. We make things happen.
Keep walking, keep fighting, keep knocking at some doors until you get what you need. Keep believing in you even when people do not anymore. If you fall don't be afraid to start over again and again until you reach your vision. There is no shame to start over this is all about life.
Thank you! Enjoy the song! and Bye!!
Des'ree "Life"
patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage




Sunday, November 15, 2015

Pray for Paris...

Eiffel Tower has turned off its lights in memory of those who tragically lost their lives.(picture of people.com)
As I am looking at this picture, I am still in shock to realize what happened in Paris. I have never seen the Eiffel Tower going dark this way and it's really sad. That tells how bad the event was.  Four months ago I had one of my best Summers in this city of lights. Paris is the city of my childhood. Paris the city of my vacations. The city where I am always excited to go but today something sad happened to Paris. I was supposed to post something fun this weekend but I could not...
 Few months ago I wrote a post about what happened in Kenya. I never intended to write such events in my blog but sometimes you cannot be indifferent in front of some news. It was Friday and people after a long busy week wanted to enjoy the beginning of the weekend but they found themselves attacked and killed by a group of terrorists. I am glad to know that my family is safe. I had my sister on the phone and my mum. They told me everybody is fine. I thank God for that but I also think about those who lost their family members. According to the French magazine le Figaro, approximately 129 people died and 352 are wounded. That includes French people and other people from other countries.
My point here is I worry a little bit about this world. I worry about tomorrow. I worry about the next generation and I worry for our children. I don't have a child yet but to me I am thinking how am I going to teach them the word "peace" when I see all this disaster in the world. How am I going to teach them the word "peace in the world" when a group of people are willing to be a pain and are after innocents? How will I teach them the word "peace in the world" when I see that the so call leaders or powerful countries seem to be powerless in front of such situations? How?
It is so difficult to understand why such angry people call themselves heroes when they surprise and kill innocents. No! Real heroes do not kill innocents but cowards do.
Tragic event in Paris. Pictures from people.com
 Few months ago we  were painfully remembering the victims of the 9/11. To me, watching the video that somebody shared on social media was still shocking because you can never get used to it. Then, I saw some of the videos of the terrorist attack in Paris, I literally had some goose bumps. It was awful and horrible. It was scary! Recently we saw families in Russia in tears after tragically losing some of their family members in a plane crash in Egypt. To later find out that the same group was probably behind this crash. Earlier this year, these groups devastated an entire village of men and women in Nigeria. Then, they attacked another village in Cameroon were they rapped and killed people. The same year, They went to Garissa in Kenya were they killed a group of students and I think about people in Syria and in Iraq who are struggling to save their lives everyday. 
They call themselves Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Al Shabaab, ISIS Daesh, Aqmi  etc. And, our leaders seem to be powerless in front of their actions or maybe I am wrong but how can we explain that they are still striking and disturbing the peace of the world? Clearly, they want to make people live in fear and they probably have succeeded in this vision...maybe... Today you wonder if taking a plane is safe? You wonder if going somewhere is safe? You wonder if  talking to a stranger is safe? You wonder who the person sitting in front of you can do? As Cyndi Lauper sang "The world is stone" but in the same time I want to do what Celine Dion says in her song:"Je danse dans ma tete" I want to "dance in my head" because it's too much. It is too much and I am fed up of the bad news in the world everyday just because the same group of people who like to scare people of the world. Fear and hatred that's their weapons.
 ("The World is Stone" in French version by Canadian singer Garou) I like his version too.
People mourning the lost ones (Paris/France).  picture from www.cnn.com
No, no, no don't get me wrong I am not pessimistic at all! I still have hope. I want to be among those who are still optimistic for this world even in these chaotic events in that chaotic world.  I want to be among those who still show humanity and love to others. I want to be among those who care and who decide to save human and animal lives. Even walking through the "shadow of death" I can be scared but I know and I remember that God remains the good Shepperd of my life. I also keep in my mind pictures of great people such as Mother Teresa who positively impacted this world in a difficult time. She is gone but what she has done still lives. One plus one makes two. Two plus two make four. If four people can do good to others then I believe there is still hope for this world.

Well, maybe I ask too many questions or maybe I worry too much. I am just a simple citizen of the world who is not happy about the recent news. Is there a way to touch their hearts in order to make them stop what they are doing?  What I want to say is: think about the people that you hurt. Think about the orphans left without their parents because of what you are doing. Think about the next generation. I know you have a heart and if you read me today I want you to change. I want you to understand that Love is powerful. I want you to listen to this little voice telling you that it is wrong to kill people and God has nothing to do with it. I want you to see the tears in these children' eyes because they lost their parents. Please stop what you are doing. Killing innocents will never be a reason to justify what you do or that ideology. Yes, you will always be remembered for the "cause" that you stood up for but how do you want to be remembered? People will always respect those who stood up for the good and noble causes for humanity. The others who stood up for the wrong ones will be disliked forever. Do you choose to save or kill lives? This is a choice to make today if you read me.

I like the smile of hope of this little girl
Today we are Paris. We stand with Paris during these painful moment because what happened to them can happen anywhere in the world. We hope people will recover from this traumatic event. We also hope that family who lost their loved ones will be strong to keep living. We wish peace to Paris I talk about the real Peace that comes from God to spread in the entire city. And, we hope to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower on as a symbol of strength. As long as there are good people in the world, and that there are brave people in this world, I still have hope for tomorrow. Mother Teresa once said: "If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Interesting and powerful words from Mother Teresa. When you remember that the person next to you is your brother and sister then you will not think about hurting them or hurting your neighbor. Today #WePrayforParis# and it is good to see the world united to support France during this difficult time. And we pray for Nigeria, we pray for Syria, we pray for Cameroon, Mali and Tunisia
I want to remember this powerful song (because of the lyrics that song have never left my head since I first listened to them when I was a child ) of my favorite artist. Thank you MJ for this beautiful song and I want to thank you for reading this post.
( If you want to discover something interesting that has nothing to do with sadness you can visit this website where I share good things!
 http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/lifestyle
 Thank you and Shalom to you all!
This is for the people of the world I send that song to you today with Love.

"Heal the World" Michael Jackson, album Dangerous. 1991