Thursday, February 26, 2009

F.A.G NEWS! The Brow War is on in Upstate NY...... or Is It?



"Brows are meant to be sisters, not twins," says brow sculptor and makeup artist Deborah Netti. It's an interesting theory—especially coming from a brow sculptor who happens to be the semi-identical twin sister of the Brow Diva, a.k.a. Deanna Netti Cahill.

Netti Cahill has spent six years—the past four at her business at 3025 Monroe Ave. in Pittsford—building what is now a national reputation for her brow work and her line of brow-enhancing cosmetic products.

Her sister's theory is that a person's eyebrows are meant to complement each other instead of being perfectly symmetrical. Now, Deborah is embarking on a business venture of her own, Brow Chic, slated to open in April at 2450 W. Ridge Road in Greece, across from The Mall at Greece Ridge.

Is this the beginning of a brow war? No, the twins insist.

"Competition is good," Deanna says. "I have a very successful business. Why wouldn't I wish success—especially for my sister? I am thrilled."

In fact, Deanna has referred customers to Deborah—people who live near Greece who may find Deborah's location more convenient.

The two grew up in Fairport.

"She was like an extension of me," Deanna says.

"There's no closer bond than the twin bond," Deborah adds.

For more than a decade, they worked together at their own company—Jumelle Makeup in Brighton. (Jumelle is French for twin.) But an article about eyebrow artist Anastasia of Beverly Hills changed Deanna's life. She wanted to work solely on eyebrows and elevate it to an art, which meant breaking away from Deborah.

"It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make," Deanna says.

Deborah continued working as a makeup artist and also learned the art of brow sculpting. Years later, Deborah wanted to rejoin Deanna at Brow Diva. But Deanna adhered to the rule of not mixing family or friends with business.

Deborah was devastated. But she now says it was the best thing for both to have their own businesses.

So who's the better brow sculptor? No, not even that question can start a fight.

"We have our different styles," Deborah says.

"We learn from each other," Deanna says.

Mary Chao • February 26, 2009/Democrat and Chronicle
check out: www.browdiva.com
shipping products nationally

Thursday, February 19, 2009

F.A.G LIVING! Pema Chodron


The most fundamental aggression to ourselves. . . . is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.
~Pema Chödrön

F.A.G NEWS! JUDE KEANE passes......




My dear friend Jude Keane passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. Jude embodied a fighting spirit and kept a positive attitude during her most grueling days of treatment.

She was loved by so many. A tuff-as-nails conversationalist and an avid promoter of equal rights, she helped me during the most difficult times when I was in the adoption process. Jude loved the fact that I wanted to create a family as a gay single dad- upon my son's adoption she threw us a surprise "baby" shower to celebrate.

Jude loved to celebrate with a glass of Trader Joe's Merlot! We toasted LIFE constantly! We met at Unity Church in Santa Fe and served on many boards together. We started a book club and ended up being the only members of the club- our gatherings were always met with non-stop chatter and pot-luck food.

Jude made me sauce.... every couple of weeks we would stop over for pasta. One night I brought over my new boyfriend and the two of them hit it off....Jude and David Ruiz became best pals and upon David's death 2 years ago Jude was devastated.

A wave of grief hit me hard this morning as I remembered how many times I called Jude for parental advice....she was matter-of-fact with me about raising kids- "NO is NO"....and she would always say to me...."don't talk so much! just hug your son, that's all he wants".....

Jude was proud of her grand kids Katie and Tim, loving them deeply. She was also proud of her son Richard, traveling last summer to Scotland for his marriage ceremony to his partner John. Even during her treatments and fatigue she wanted to be there for the wedding of two men who loved each other. Jude was also in awe of her daughter Susan's marriage to Jonas, their devotion to each other was something she longed for but didn't experience in her lifetime.

Last May, my son and I traveled to Santa Fe and were able to throw a dinner together with Jude- our friend Kelsang Jorlam hosted a fab night filled with laughter and loving conversation. One more time we shared a bottle of Merlot and a great dinner....

I miss my dear friend's counsel....and I will always hold her memory close to my heart as I travel on....knowing that somewhere, someday we will reunite for glass of cheap wine and some yummy sauce.....goodbye my sweet friend.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

F.A.G QUOTE!! Don Miquel Ruiz!


Just being ourselves is the biggest fear of humans. We have learned to live our life trying to satisfy other people's demands. We have learned to live by other people's points of view because of the fear of not being accepted and of not being good enough for someone else. ~Don Miguel Ruiz

Friday, January 9, 2009

F.A.G LIVING!


All sounds, from a whisper to a classical symphony, arise out of silence and disappear into silence. But silence is always there beneath sound and is the space where sound can exist. We tend to think of silence as the absence of sound, but silence has its own weight and quality. When you listen to silence,
you can perceive its intense depth and power. Taking the time to experience silence calms the mind and rejuvenates the body. Silence is the void where we can hear the many sounds that we often ignore – the voice of our intuition telling us the truth, the sound of the breeze blowing, the hum of the radiator, and the noises we make just because we are alive.......today I walked in the snow- a quiet moment in nature...beauty surrounded me as I gazed at the landscape of winter....in my silence I found myself....ready for what is next....(thank you fabuloudailyom for the reminder)...no matter what is happening or what shape my life takes...being fabulous comes with ease when I am ready to walk with grace....silently comfortable with who I am.....

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

F.A.G Quote! Orison Swett Marden!!


We win half the battle when we make up our minds to take the world as we find it, including the thorns. ~Orison Swett Marden

F.A.G News! Thyme's Wild Ginger is HERE!!!




Anyone who knows me knows I love products.....and Thyme's is one of my favorite collections....this fabulous line of products always dazzles me with great packaging and fabu scents.....WILD GINGER does it again- perfect for s spring day or just sprtiz the room spray around your Fort Lauderdale condo....,my faggy home smells soooo good....so pick up some Thyme's and work it F.A.G STYLE!!!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

F.A.G Living!




We all wrestle with our demons and should not stand in judgement of another....but what if another person's perspective is so clouded that the 'TRUTH' of a matter is no longer the truth?....how does one respond gracefully with compassion....Today is a hard day for me as I grabble with this situation....I know what my truth is and I know how I handled it...but what if the spin the person is spinning is upsetting...how do I really let go?....

This is upsetting me to the core today....being 'played' is a lesson I rather not have......truth....where is it in all the emotion.....any ideas?...


Picture by Connie Ragusa/Sarasota

F.A.G Quote! Herbert Seibert


People individually and collectively are entitled to life in all abundance.
El Dorado, a country rich beyond all precedent in gold and jewels, lies
at every person's door. Your bonanza lies under your feet. Your luck is
already at hand. All is within; nothing is without. ~Herbert Seibert

Monday, January 5, 2009

F.A.G NEWS! SAVOR! A fundraiser for Gay Men's Health Crisis!!






An Experience in New- American Cuisine and American Pop Art

On Monday, March 9, 2009, GMHC will host Savor, a four-course New American dinner prepared by an all-star team of world-famous chefs at Skylight Studios in New York City. Each year, Savor presents a different cuisine of the world as celebrated by some of the finest chefs and incorporates a visionary approach to décor through the use of light and computer generated imagery.

Skylight Studios
275 Hudson Street, NYC
7 pm – 10 pm
PURCHASE TICKETS

Participating chefs

Anita Lo Annisa, Pichet Ong P*ONG, Suvir Saran, Devi
www.gmhc.org

F.A.G NEWS! National Gay and Lebian Task Force's WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL 09!!



The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force invites you to join more than 10,000 guests from around the world for the 2009 Winter Party Festival, February 25 to March 2, 2009.

Nightly dance parties, cocktail receptions, art exhibits, an outdoor fashion show, a hot and happening pool party - these are just some of the highlights of this fabulous annual celebration in Miami Beach, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. And it all climaxes on the sands of South Beach at the 16th Annual Winter Party Beach Party.

All proceeds from the Festival will benefit the LGBT community on the national, state and local levels.

Winter Party Festival: It's MORE than just a day at the beach!http://www.winterparty.org

F.A.G Bird Watch!


Bird seed for All Season Wild Bird Store of California is selling fabulous seed for your feathered friends!!....a fancy bag and good seed inside make for a wonderful combo!....get it online!! Now go FEED those FAGGY Birds some Good Food!! California Style baby!!

F.A.G Quote! Wayne Dyer!!!


Begin and end each day with an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving. Every morning when you awake you have been given the gift of a sunrise and twenty-four hours to live. This is a precious gift. You have the wonderful opportunity to take this day and live joyously, with appreciation for everything that you encounter. Take a deep breath and be grateful for this exhilarating experience of breathing in life and love. Similarly, end your day with an expression of love, and a repetition of the word for peace, “Shalom.” ~Wayne Dyer

F.A.G Quote! Happy New Year! LIVING in the MOMENT!



I was regretting the past and fearing the future. Suddenly God was speaking. "My name is 'I Am.'" I waited. God continued.

"When you live in the past, with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not 'I was.'

"When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not 'I will be.'

"When you live in this moment, it is not hard. I am here. My name is 'I Am.'"

~Helen Mellicost

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

F.A.G Friends.....




....NYC's singing Diva-Donna Accorso is visiting Rochester for a few months after hand surgery- I will be in town for the day.. so we are off to enjoy a lunch at the infamous Highland Diner- an old hanging place.....25 years of friendship celebrated today!....Donna is pictured here with one of Tallulah's pups- Truffles- now living with Rita and Judy, Truffles is an absolute beauty!....

F.A.G Quote!


Ask not that events should happen as you will, but let your will be that events should happen as they do, and you shall have peace. ~Epictetus

Friday, November 21, 2008

F.A.G Quote! BOB WELCH!


The material world. . . says: If you use this product, you will be popular. If you live in this neighborhood, you have arrived. If you win this award, your worth will be validated. The material world demands that you do something to earn favor. God doesn’t workthis way. His grace is a gift. There’s nothing we can do to make
God love us more. There’s nothing we can do—or can have done—to make God love us less. And when we accept this—not just nonchalantly agree, intellectually, that it’s true, but hide it in our very hearts—it fills our life sails with a cleansing breeze. ~Bob Welch

Monday, November 17, 2008

F.A.G LIVING! The Human ANGELS that TOUCH our Hearts!


During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels – individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.
A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action.
You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people’s challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they that have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair....the fabulousdailyom message comes at a perfect time....my friend Judy, a nurse was just sharing a story about a patient that touched her life in a way that changed the course of what she was doing and where she was headed- his instructions were a divine gift to Judy....an amazing example of this writing....I have been surrounded by earth angels for months now....and I don't go a day without a nod to gratitude......F.A.G Living to me....is to recognize that we are all the same...and should ALL be treated as such, without division but with respect and humble appreciation.....we are all part of the angelic realm and we are here living this human experience in order to create THE unification of matter and spirit.....
Much love on this Monday evening.....Dave

Saturday, November 15, 2008

F.A.G Quote! Thich Nhat Hanh!!



If we face our unpleasant feelings with care, affection, and nonviolence, we can transform them into a kind of energy that is healthy and hasthe capacity to nourish us. By the work of mindful observation, our unpleasant feelings can illuminate so much for us, offering us insight and understanding into ourselves and society.
~Thich Nhat Hanh

Friday, November 14, 2008

F.A.G Quote! Malcolm S. Forbes!!!!!


When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better. ~Malcolm S. Forbes

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

F.A.G Quote! Francis of Paola!!


Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury.The recollection of an injury is in itself wrong. It adds to our anger, nurtures our sin, and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for the soul.
~Francis of Paola

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

F.A.G QUOTE! Albert DAY!


When one begins to practice simplicity, the ego is deprived of the very strategy by which it sustains itself. Nothing will deflate the ego more effectively than to be recognized for what it is. It lives by pretension. It dies when the mask is torn away and the stark reality is exposed to the gaze of others. Simplicity also avails in braking the tyranny of things. Ostentation, artificiality, ornamentation, pretentious style, luxury—all require things. One requires few things to be one’s self, one’s age, and one’s moral, intellectual, or spiritual stature. What one is doesnot depend upon what one has. ~Albert E. Day

Monday, November 10, 2008

F.A.G Quote! WAYNE DYER!!!!!


Thinking like a winner means not always having to defeat someone else. It means being able to grow from a situation in which you fail to reach your goal.It involves not demanding perfection from yourself in every single thing you do, but, instead, thinking of yourself as perfect and thuscapable of growing. It means reminding yourself that perfection doesn’t mean staying the same; it means being able to allow yourself to grow. Thinking as a winner means not coming down on yourself; it means
refusing to allow self-repudiating thoughts into your head. It involves pushing out the inclination to evaluate yourself in comparison with others,and giving yourself permission to be the unique person you are. ~Wayne Dyer

Sunday, November 9, 2008

F.A.G NEWS! National Protest NOV 15th! UNITE!!

F.A.G Quote! Michael Goddart!


The quote this morning is for me...wow!......living a life with GRACE is difficult at times....this morning I just wanted to run out into the street and scream......and perhaps later today I will walk over to a now vacant corn field and do just that.....but coming across this quote was just perfect...perhaps you can relate too?.....



Don’t expect perfection and things to go the way you want them to when it comes to people, business, your prospects, and your social life. When things don’t go according to your desires, when the weather of life is foul, be creative and consider what may be the higher reasons why this is happening and why you must adjust. Perhaps it’s to gain forbearance, patience, inner strength, flexibility, or the ability to withhold criticismwhile serving as a loving model. ~Michael Goddart

Saturday, November 8, 2008

F.A.G LIVING!


But I also see the world of religion. I see some of my brothers and sisters trying to be religious without being fully human. They seem a little rigid and narrow at times, wanting to be holy, but not human. They seem to be winning a place in heaven, without realizing or enjoying the beauty of earth. They keep the ten commandments, but their observance looks so joyless. Such a world seems small and the air in that world is small. ~John Powell (a Jesuit monk)

F.A.G Quote! HUGH BLACK!!!




Attention to detail is the secret of success in every sphere of life, and little kindnesses, little acts of consideration, little appreciations, little confidences, they are all that are needed to keep the friendship sweet. ~Hugh Black

F.A.G PET!!! MacKenzie-Childs PET PALACE!!



next on my HOLIDAY LIST- this Fabulous Pet Palace for my lil' Tallulah...she sooo deserves this after birthing such fab lil babies....this dogie bed is only $3400!! such a fabulous and gay price for this fabulous and gay princess bed.....it sure is a
royal setting for your prince of a Poodle, Pekinese, or Pomeranian. And a truly extraordinary piece of furniture. The Pet Palace depicts the picturesque, pastoral scene that surrounds MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora, NY. The dramatic, peaked top is hand-painted in faux tortoiseshell, and the entire palace is trimmed with stripes, checks, dots, and gilding. Inside, the micro fiber suede upholstered bed provides an inviting, cozt retreat. Removable, machine washable cover.
Dimensions: 29 in. wide, 24" deep, 48.25 in. tall (includes finial)
Requires Freight Delivery

www.mackenzie-childs.com

For your F.A.G HOME!!!!.....

F.A.G BOOK NEWS! A Blessing In Disguise!! by Andrea Joy Cohen, MD



I had to tell you about this book- it includes a couple fav friends; Dr. Bernie Siegel, a long time supporter of mine, and a former writer for my newspaper: Joan Borysenko- Love you guys!! I adore this new book- gosh it hit home for me....recent events keep this book near my nightstand to keep me going- hope you find it helpful during these uncertain and exciting times.....

We have all experienced dark and lonely times filled with sadness, despair, anger and sorrow.

Today's greatest luminaries generously share personal stories about their most challenging experience -- and provide the healing wisdom that helped them emerge fortified with inner-peace, strengthened faith, and a deeper understanding of life. Features pieces by: Dean Ornish, Rachel Naomi Remen, Bernie Siegel, Joan Borysenko, Harriet Lerner, Belleruth Naparstek, Stephen Levine, Martha Beck, Dharma Singh Khalsa, Daphne Rose Kingma, David Whyte, Anne Wilson Schaef, and others. Topics covered include: Overcoming challenges, soul expression, love and relationships, death and dying, life’s everyday lessons, spirituality and family.


Pick up htis fabulous book today.....and support your LOCAL bookstore owner....

F.A.G BOOK NEWS! ANGELS 101 and Doreen Virtue!



Doreen was a columnist for my international newspaper many moons ago- since that time she has gone on to write some outstanding books on angels.....her latest is in keeping with the very best information on angels....does anyone really know if angels exist....I am not here to say yes for you- but I do BELIEVE.....so here ya go F.A.G peeps- some info on Ms. Virtue's newest book- Angels 101- too bad she didn't connect up with artist (and my former boss) N.A. Noel (nanoel.com) for a better cover- oh well....

No matter where you are on your spiritual path, this book is sure to deepen your understanding, connection and love for angels. Angels 101 is a nondenominational overview of who the angels are. You will be shown all of the ways that angels can help you and how to call upon them when you need guidance. Also included is information on guardian angels, archangels, departed loved ones and frequently asked questions about angels. A beautiful book to have in your collection.

Excerpt:

There are countless numbers of angels who want to help you, me, and everyone live in peace. Just as people hold different specialties, so do the angels. Here is a brief guide to the various types of Heavenly beings who would love to help you:

Guardian Angels

The angels stationed permanently by your side are called guardian angels. These are nonhuman celestial entities sent directly from the Creator. They’re not our deceased loved ones, who—while they can definitely act like angels—are called spirit guides. Our departed friends and family members, like all people living or deceased, have egos. Although they may be well-meaning, their guidance isn't as pure and trustworthy as that of guardian angels, who are with us from the moment we're born until our physical death.

No matter what we do in life, our angels will never leave us. Guardian angels are protectors and guides, ensuring that we stay safe, happy, healthy, and fulfill our life mission. Yet, we must act as a team with our guardian angels to fulfill these intentions. That means asking for help from them and then receiving the help they give you.

Speaking as a lifelong clairvoyant, I've never seen anyone without at least two guardian angels stationed by their side. One is loud and bold, to ensure that you'll work on your Divine life purpose; the other is quieter, and serves to comfort and soothe you. Yet, not everyone clearly hears their angels. If everybody did, we’d have a completely peaceful world!

You can have more than two guardian angels, and there are benefits to being surrounded by additional ones. They act like a castle moat, protecting you from negativity. The more angels you have with you, the stronger you'll feel the sensation of their Divine love and protection. It's also easier to hear a whole choir of angels, rather than the voice of just one or two of them.

Invoke additional angels by requesting that God send them to you, by asking the angels directly, or by visualizing yourself surrounded by more of them. You can ask for as many angels as you'd like.

Some people have additional guardian angels because a relative or good friend prayed for them to be surrounded by a number of them. Those who have had near-death experiences have extra angels to help with their adjustment to life following their experiences on the Other Side.

Every time God thinks of love, a new angel is created. That means that there's an infinite number of angels available to everyone.....(I don't question how anyone would know this- it sounds good though!).....

Happy ANGEL hunting.....Love you! David