Xavierism

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football!

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football! from Xavierism on Vimeo.

Phoenix September

***Random Play
*Salvador: Aware
*Sheila Kirsten Hughes: Perspectives
*Rachael Yamagata: Sinking Teeth Into Heart
*Charlotte Martin: On Your Shore
*Plumb: Blink
*Ferras: Aliens & Rainbows

Best part of Sunday is waking up knowing that it's Sunday. Really. I start off each morning with prayers & meditation. The smell of coffee brewing throughout the house always awakens my spirit. Sunday mornings are no different. There's an inner connection with my spiritual side that seems to look forward to Sundays.

Yesterday morning, I ran four miles. Yes, it's just 4 miles but that's a mini marathon for me. Getting back into running has been a huge process for me. I've had to first work on nutrition. I gained weight and I could feel the heaviness with each step. I feel so frustrated when I allow myself to emotionally dismiss the things I need to do to feel better about myself. To get back on track, I've lost weight and am doing my best to eat better. Thanks to a fabulous trainer, I've placed myself on a program. I am running more often. I have built up to running 4 miles at a comfortable pace. For now, it's not about the pace or time but all about feeling in sync with my body as I run. So yesterday's four mile run was a huge milestone. Waking up this morning and not feeling any aches in my body was a huge bonus. I want to bottle this 'physical high'. Instead, I'll have to remind myself that reaching goals always pays off. Always.

From what I can remember Phoenix in September has always been an exciting month. One feels the coming of Fall. Throughout this month, I can't really tell that the temperatures are cooling off. I can feel the shift because I'm always up early mornings but then it's simply a tease because the temps return to the low 100's during the day. I can also feel the difference because I can no longer enjoy night swims in our pool. I could try but permanent shrinkage would occur. I love Summers but give me my Fall season.

I have great memories from Summer of 2009. More so, I learned valuable lessons about Life & friendships. Amazing how you click so well with certain few so quick only to find out that those same friendships were never meant to be.  Throughout my story of Xavierism, I've found when this does happen, I'm blessed with a replacement...and that person usually becomes a fixture in my life. Fate knows. I won't mess with it. I simply thank God & angels for allowing me to have such great relationships in my Life.

Sunday evening. Rodan is at work. I'm here by the pool enjoying a glass of wine. Did you really believe I was going to cut wines out completely while I train for a marathon? If so, you're crazy.

Okay, time to finish this glass of wine and enjoy a small bowl of Butter Pecan ice cream.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Charlotte Martin's Every Time It Rains
Current Mood: Chilled

Fab Friday Night

I enjoyed another fabulous Friday evening with real friends. Fabulous food, great conversation, and awesome music at a friend's gig. Overall, it's been a great Friday.

All day, I've had Diana Winter's September Song playing in my head. I love this Italian Musical Diva. Give her a listen & enjoy. Cheers!

Current Music: Diana Winter's September Song
Current Mood: Happy & Content

Inspiration Motivates & Moves Me...

At Old Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego

***Random Play
*Eliza Rickman: Gild The Lily
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Jon McLaughlin: OK Now
*Carrie Catherine: Green Eyed Soul
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Jason Mraz: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Today has been a great start to a new week. I'm feeling a bit blah because of a sore throat and minor cold symptoms but it won't get me down. It was such a pleasure to spend time with Mother last week. I stress so much before she arrives and it's always emotionally hard to see her leave.

It was great to spend time with Mother and Rodan in San Diego. Two day getaway was the perfect & ideal Memorial Day trip. I added a few pictures to my Flickr account. Feel free to add me as a contact. I'd love to share photos with you.

Congrats to those that ran the San Diego PF Chang Marathon this past weekend. This includes Tara, Chic Runner, Aron, and Julianne. Each and others like them serve as my inspiration. So thanks to each of you!

It's a busy work day but I've accomplished a great deal. I am looking forward to today's gym time. I really need to adjust my lifestyle so that I run in the mornings. It's simply not the same when I run during the evenings.

Time to wrap this up and get going. Wishing each of you a fab Monday and a kick ass week.

*****CHEEERS!*****

Current Music: Diana Winter's Cruel
Current Mood: Inspired, Inspired, Inspired!

Late Night...

***Random Play
*Laure Marie: Drawn
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Dave Yaden: Bear Me Up
*Camille Bloom: Ten Thousand Miles
*Eliza Rickman: Gild The Lily
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday

I have so much to write about but at this moment, I simply want to share a small tidbit. I  reconnected with an old friend. I can't really even remember why we decided to no longer communicate with one another. It was over something stupid at the time but lately I've been thinking about her so I sent her a message today. It was a simple note that stated I wished her the best and if I said anything that offended or upset her, I was truly sorry. It was great to receive a response with her and we felt much the same way. If we become close again, that would be great. If not, I simply wanted her to know that I truly wished her the best in Life. Let's move on...

Rodan and I were honoured to have Atlanta Singer/songwriter Guyton Maurice stay with us while in town to perform gigs all around Phoenix and Phoenix Gay Pride. Guyton's CD is fabulous but I didn't really know how great he was till I actually witnessed his gift with my own eyes and ears. I look forward to working with Guyton in the future. He definitely needs to continue touring and branching out to the West Coast.

Rodan and I were able to slip away for a quick getaway to San Diego and Los Angeles. We always have a great time whenever we're in Cali. While in San Diego, we stayed at The Little Italy Inn. This beautiful Bed & Breakfast is blocks away from Little Italy District. We loved the spot. Our only complaint is that the rooms/beds come with Tempur-Pedic mattresses. I love a soft mattress. I felt as though I was sleeping on a hard wood floor! Next time, we'll take a Goose down Top Feather bed. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place to others. We're making plans to return soon.

We returned from trip feeling good about the memories made in San Diego and LA. Little did we know that Life would soon throw a curve ball. The day after we returned, Rodan found out that one of his best friends, Neilson, passed away. Neilson was a great guy. He was in a terrible car accident seventeen years ago that left him without the use of his legs. He needed a wheelchair to get around. Rodan says that he was in and out of hospitals for various surgeries. His body just gave out. I will always remember Neilson as being a very kind and loving soul. He will be missed.

The next day, I received word that a good friend of mine was nearing the last moments of Hospice. I spent a few hours with Jill and her family. About a month and half ago before she was placed in Hospice care, she shared stories about her children and husband. She told me that if for any reason she didn't defeat the Cancer, she wanted me to pass on the stories and messages to her family. I truly feel honoured to be one of Jill's personal Messengers. Prior to those few days, I believed that I some of the best moments of my life. I experienced Joy with my partner and good friends, Love with my Partner, and shared great conversations with God and Angels along the beaches in San Diego. Then the bad news hit. Regardless, I buckled up and realized that this was not about me but about Jill.

I cannot help but think about the time before my Father passed away. He was placed in Hospice care two days before he crossed over. I can recall sitting there helpless. My mind  suddenly wanted to race and remember the good times I shared with my Father.

My Father, Neilson, and Jill would want me to Live and Love. They now live in my Heart and Soul. As a Cancer survivor, I now Live for all those that lost their lives to Cancer. For loved ones, I continue Loving Life because I carry their passion. They all live within me so I must Live the best I can. 

Today, I let go of lost anger and gained a bit of wisdom. The person I saw in the mirror today was a slightly better image than the one of yesterday. I'd say I made the most of Today. I'll say it over and over again...I'm truly blessed.

Current Music: Camille Bloom's Empty
Current Mood: Loved & Blessed

Love What I Do...

***After the gig at Hob Nobs Coffee House, Firemen from across the street invited Celia to pose in front of their Fire truck.

Bon dia! The last two weeks have been incredible! I've gained a few clients and event planning contracts. I always feel blessed to work with various non profit organizations. I always knew that hard work and determination would pay off but it's still an incredible feeling knowing that I am making things happen. 

Dave Yaden and Celia Chavez were in Phoenix last weekend to participate as entertainers at The Phoenix Film Festival along with a few added gigs. This week, ColesWhalen and Guyton Maurice are here to spread their music.  Last night, Coles and Guyton performed a great show to a tough crowd at The Grand Avenue Tavern. By the end of the night, the patrons embraced both touring artists along with local musicians Mike Ferraro and Nate Everingham. It's always a pleasure to work with incredible musicians that have no attitudes.

I love what I do...and thankful I connect with good people. Life doesn't get better than this. Enjoy the weekend!

*****CHEERS!*****

Celia Chavez Performing at The Phoenix Film Festival

@CeliaChavez once again Performing at Phoenix Film Festival. on 12seconds.tv

Celia is an incredible singer/songwriter that performs with an electric guitar. She rawks!

*****CHEERS!*****

Driving & Enjoying The Music of Patsy Moore

Driving & Enjoying the Music of Patsy Moore. from Xavierism on Vimeo

What? You've never heard the music of Patsy Moore? I highly recommend that you do. Get to know Patsy...you won't regret it.

I hope to post a blog about things roaming in my mind that need to be vented. The thoughts are banging against my inner walls.

Same video on 12Seconds.tv

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Mood: Sunday afternoon Blessed...
Current Music: Patsy Moore's Most Private Confessions

On Our Way to Lost Leaf

On Our Way to Lost Leaf on 12seconds.tv

I had a great time Friday evening. I enjoyed special time and dinner with Kat, one of my oldest and dearest friends here in Phoenix. We then headed down to Lost Leaf for a bit of Phoenix Friday Nights fun. It was great to see so many friends. Kat, Marc, and myself decided to have a Chill down at Hob Nobs Coffee House. Good food. Good friends. Great times.

*Song playing in the clip: Diana Winter's Just A Little

Cards Win NFC Championship Game!

Arizona Cardinals Beat Philly Eagles 32-25.

I'm a Believer! GO CARDS!!!