Live your life like you are ON FIRE. Blaze your own trails. Beauty is a state of mind not measure. Feel & look Bellisima - I mean you! - Stories, tips, insights about beauty, image, fitness & life from an Italian point of view. And Surviving Cancer. You only live once. Do it well with Grace, Guts n Gusto!
I just read a novel where the character stated that if she could live surrounded by Cashmere Curtains and White Roses she would be happy. My first reaction was "How lovely and unique! Cashmere curtains! I would have never thought of that. Yes I would like that too!" Especially since it is starting to get cold outside. How cozy would it be surrounded by Ivory cashmere curtains that warmed the room but also my soul! Immediately that thought was crowded out by the practical thoughts - "how expensive to buy, and impractical , how would one clean them? " Then I stopped myself by saying, "Why not? Why not enjoy my surroundings at home, and beautify it with a few luxuries that would bring me joy?" Imagine looking out the window and brushing up against them. It would bring a smile to my lips everytime.
Next, the white roses. Simple, sophisticated, serene in a clear crystal vase. So old fashioned yet so modern. I could imagine them greeting me in the morning in a shy, stately way... then at night, seductively soothing all the worries of the day away.
"Yes!", I said to myself. This woman has the right idea. She didn't ask for mansions, nor millions from fame and fortune. Just a few simple pleasures to bring her joy.
Give it a thinkover. What few items would make you happy? Then splurge a little... You only live once.
PS Ok I know it could be pricey -- but even if I can't actually buy some right away , one can find alternatives that bring as much pleasure while saving up for the curtains... I bought a pair of cashmere knee socks. Now, when its cold outside I have something yummy to slip into before venturing out. Keeps me warm and feeling richly pampered all day long!
OK SO ITS HALLOWEEN, A TIME FOR TRANSFORMATIONS AND WEARING COSTUMES CHOSEN TO REFLECT ONE'S ALTER EGO'S, SELF IMAGE, INTERESTS OR JUST PLAIN WISHFUL THINKING... A GOOD TIME TO THROW SOME EGGS AROUND TOO. SNARKS 'n SNOOTERS BE- AWARE!
I UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE WHO FEEL THE NEED TO FEEL SUPERIOR ARE REALLY JUST MASKING THEIR DEEP INSECURITIES....
USUALLY I CAN OVER LOOK SUCH BLATANT IMMATURITY. (can we get past highschool? really!) HOWEVER AT TIMES, AS DAD ADVISED, YOU HAVE TO TAKE A STAND. Bad behavior is bad behavior-this ain't the stage its real life. (I am a Bronx gal - we don't take crap from anybody)
The snide aside can be overheard. HAHAHA, QVC, HOHOHO, BRAZIL WHAT LIFT? TEEHEEHEE. HMMMMM........ YOU WANT TO LAUGH? DISPARAGE? MOCK? I GAINED WEIGHT BECAUSE I HAD CANCER AND HAD A HYSTERECTOMY SO WITHOUT OVARIES - I BALLOONED 40 lbs.IN 2 MONTHS! That's how my body reacted to zero hormones.
I don't need sympathy just maturity. Jeez, get a life will ya!
IT TOOK ME 7 YEARS TO DISCOVER HOW TO LOSE THE FINAL 25 lbs. AFTER ONLY BEING ABLE TO LOSE 15 ON MY OWN. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND. 7 YEARS I wasn't a potato chip munching coucher either. I was really trying. NOT 2 OR 4 MONTHS BUT 2,555 DAYS OF HAVING TO GET DRESSED, DISLIKING THE IMAGE THAT WAS REFLECTED BACK AT ME. (perhaps, privately you can relate?) It affected my work opportunities and my interactions with people. I WAS EXERCISING AND EATING HEALTHILY SO I THOUGHT I WAS DOING ALL THE RIGHT STUFF. I WASN'T. BECAUSE MY ENTIRE CONSTITUTION HAD CHANGED. I HAD TO LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF IN A DIFFERENT WAY. A MUCH MORE INTENSE, VIGOROUS, DISCIPLINED WAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE. I NOW REALIZED I COULD TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED. Not one "ok a forkful", not one " I want to sleep in today," not one " I am just too, too busy." Now none of that was - or still is - allowed.
BRAZIL BUTTLIFT CAME INTO MY LIFE AND VIA DILIGENCE, AND LEARNING WHAT I NOW NEEDED TO DO, (WITHOUT THOSE HORMONES taken waaaaaaay before my time), PLUS ALOT OF COMPASSION FROM LEANDRO (& Lara - she's low profile but pivotal too) I DID IT. I GOT BACK TO BELONGING TO MYSELF.
It was, and will always be, alot of hardwork however, I am so glad I found that avenue; so I don't appreciate anyone trying to make less of it. It takes commitment and discipline on a daily basis. How many individuals can attest to that? So, yes, the name might sound funny. Heck it is! Saturday Night Live could have a blast with it...... I hope they do one day. I could be the butt of the joke. With pleasure! Oh, and let me remind you I CAN CLIMB 20 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS as a cardio warmup - and do it 4 more times in a row ---- for the nay sayers, "can you?"
"Maybe somebody was cruel to you So you think that's what you're supposed to do One day, it might be you When you need a friend, but you no longer cool ....." (Rachel Crow)
And now that my "oh no you did'nt" moment has passed, (its better to enunciate,afterall) if you feel poofy, bloated & out of shape - contact me. I am always willing to help out.
I wish you LOVE AND GREAT JOY.JOANNA
oh and I do some really crazy ear tricks too...got me my first commercial with that ability. Sure it's not Chekhov, but a nice check nonetheless. Who would have thunk it?
HALLOWEEN and HOLIDAY EATING TIP: don't deny, indulge but with only 1 or 2 candies --- Three Musketeers in small size can fit the chocolate craving, along with KitKats --- not too fattening or calorie laden compared to other candy treats. Apple slices covered with cinnamon work well too.
when you need succour for your soul, turn to this song...
I believe it will sweeten your perspective.
TAKE A MOMENT...
LISTEN....
after all it's the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy.
Oh and how does this relate to being Italian? Well, my Italian Dad introduced me to this song --- it was once of his "lessons about life." So for me, this song is Italian!
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.
I dedicate this blog to mia familgia, and my very close amici - I look around me and realize what a wonderful world I have. Molti grazie for having you in my life - when healthy or sick, heavy or skinny, young or older....;), flushed or flimsy. You are always there for me. Abondanza! And especially to Spinny, Spiffy, Speedy & Sparky; Shuffles who when last seen was still in the Arctic; and all the rest of the gang. xojo CREATING ONE'S WONDERFUL WORLD -- give everyone you love a hug and special hello today- preferably in person. Then watch everyone smile. Now, wasn't that just Wonderful?!?
Songwriters: SANDERS, MARK DANIEL / SILLERS, TIA M.
I love the lyrics to this song. They speak of joy, taking chances, appreciating the beauty that exists all around you, and simply loving Being.
On your birthday remember to cherish yourself, your loved ones and the simple fact of being alive. I play this song on my birthday to remind me of what is important in life. The purpose of this blog is to share with you my philosophy that it's not just about looking good on the outside, it's about how one chooses to live one's life. Make choices every day that reflect what good you want to appear not only in your life but in the lives of other's close to home and around the world. Find & share the beauty within and without.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger May you never take one single breath for granted God forbid love ever leave you empty handed I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance .... I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance Never settle for the path of least resistance Living might mean taking chances But they're worth taking Lovin' might be a mistake But it's worth making Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter When you come close to selling out Reconsider Give the heavens above More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance (Time is a wheel in constant motion always) I hope you dance (Rolling us along) I hope you dance (Tell me who) I hope you dance (Wants to look back on their youth and wonder) (Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small When you stand by the ocean Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance Dance I hope you dance I hope you dance (Time is a wheel in constant motion, always) I hope you dance (Rolling us along) I hope you dance (Tell me who) (Wants to look back on their youth and wonder) I hope you dance (Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who) I hope you dance (Wants to look back on their youth and wonder) (Where those years have gone)
And if you get the chance to sit it out or dance, please do dance, soar, move, exhult, laugh, frolic and sing. HAPPY BIRTH-DAY - THE DAY YOU ENTERED THIS WORLD & ADORNED IT WITH YOUR PRESENCE.
I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A CANCER SURVIVOR-- MAY 25th, 2002.
I survived cancer. But hated the way I looked.
I gained my life. But lost my self-esteem.
For 7 years.
Then - * I got the woman in the mirror I liked to see back again.
I am determined to make up for those 7 lost years.
In between, I learned that we all really need and want to feel beautiful. That society puts way too much pressure on woman to be skeletal skinny and prepubescent and that there is a huge prejudice for any woman out there who is a size 8,10, 12 or 14.
I had a conundrum.
I feel magnificent as a size 4, fat as a size 10 --- so what can my philosophy be?
"Are you a hypocrite?", I asked myself.
No.
My viewpoint is:
I am not advocating skinny, nor am I condoning too much fat. Neither is good - both are reflections of poor eating habits and perhaps poor exercise regimes.
I decided to propose & promote a positive outlook ---
to seek health and happiness based upon your own values. Not Vogues.
The thinking that "taking care of yourself" is important.
A tall building won't stay upright without a deep foundation and strong supports. The same goes for your body- it needs proper food and exercise to excel. Take care of the inside and the outside will take care of itself. Your spirit needs to wonder and feel light. That's why we love mountain aeries. Feeling close to the sky transports you. You must have moments in life when you feel as if you can jubilantly soar through the Heavens.
The more you take care of yourself, the better and lighter you feel. Your mind and emotions need to feel inspired. Creating new ways of eating, moving and then yes adorning, create a sense of well-being.
LIVING IS ABOUT HAPPINESS.
I want everyone to look and feel as pretty as they can, based upon there own comfort levels. Because I know, I know that no matter what any woman says, she wants to look and feel beautiful.
The reason why I am a lunatic in the gym?
Because I can be.
Because I am still here.
I could have been LONG gone.
I am grabbing Life and not letting go.
No one can stop me. No one can pull me down.
I won't let myself and I won't let anyone else.
AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.
No matter where you are in your journey to look good and feel beautiful, remember that you are alive and able. Just start. It will become a wondrous adventure full of surprises. You will surprise yourself the most. I guarantee it.
Sure there are setbacks. Life is about "dancing in the rain" afterall. Any rebirth symbolism involved water; a sprinkle or a plunge, drinking or sweating, it's all the same.
When I am in a class and basically moving at 100 mph an hour while others drop around me. I am not showing off.
I am exhilarating in the fact that I can move, that I am alive.
I am not competing - I am exhulting in movement and breath and life. I look in the mirror and I am grateful, incredulous and absolutely amazed.
Working out has become a celebration.
So yes, I run for my mom who has survived not one but TWO bouts of breast cancer, and I run for me.
The scars on my body are my testiment, her testiment, every woman's testiment. They say "I have survived."
YES! I RUN FOR LIFE!
If you are a cancer survivor I would love to hear from you.
If you would like to read some other blogs about cancer, my fitness and weight loss journey and getting your groove back with Brazil Buttlift see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14
*thanks Leandro - I may not be a VS model, but who cares? I feel like a gorgeous one and at my age --- that is enough for me!
More info click onto IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro
Real vs Reel Beauty Yes! Marilyn knew the difference.
Sizzle + Smarts = Sensational
My favorite Marilyn photo - with a BOOK!
Since this is a blog about beauty, image and the pressures society puts on women to look gorgeous no matter the circumstances, I harken back to Marilyn. Why? Well she did re-invent herself. She was her own creation. And creating one's own rennaissance whether it be through fitness or schooling, or relationships, or just a new pair of jeans is what this blog is about. Creating a life and look that makes you happy, gives one confidence, and authenticity - that is what I would hope for you. Because you are doing it for yourself, not to be selfish and narcissistic, but to be happy and healthy and fulfilled. You deserve it. Marilyn was often misunderstood, however she was a brilliant actress and business woman. A woman before her time who fought for her beliefs, and the rights of others. I think if she could have continued to withstand the pressures of fame, stardom and her own personal demons, she would have been a true aging beauty. A role model on how to age with grace and style. With a face that moved and continued to move us too!
A true iconoclast. A forerunner. Trailblazer.
"For decades, irresponsible biographers like Norman Mailer have represented Marilyn Monroe as nothing more than weak, psychotic, junkie, nymphomaniac, idiot. I have tried to read her life in a different way. True, Marilyn was sometimes mired in the ideology of the past: she married men to gain an identity she wished for herself; she was over-reliant on her sexuality for success in her career. But, at the same time, she displayed real agency by divorcing three unsupportive husbands who interfered with her career and her self-esteem, by fighting for her modeling and film success, by continuing to perfect her art by taking acting classes long after she was a big star, by battling Darryl Zanuck to have more control over her own destiny, by starting her own production company, by buying her own home, even by jogging through service alleys, lifting weights, and wearing jeans. All of these things were accomplished six years before the first feminist protest at the Miss American Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and eight years before the First Congress to unite Women in New York." (Excerpted from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/)
INSIGHT FOR THE DAY:
MARILYN JOGGED AND USED WEIGHTS BEFORE THE BOOM OF THE FITNESS CRAZE, GYMS, TRAINERS AND EXERCISE GURUS ---- SO FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE ---
YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOURSELF THROUGH DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION. And no it ain't easy, however, eventually it will actually become fun. Trust me. I know. UPCOMING BLOGS ON VARIOUS EXERCISE STRATEGIES DURING SLUMPS, MALAISE & INJURIES.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, COMMENTS, READERSHIP, CURIOSITY, CARING, SHARING.
CHOOSE HAPPINESS - EVEN DURING DURESS. IT WON'T CHANGE THINGS ALOT, BUT PERHAPS, IT WILL CHANGE HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT.
if you are new to this blog and want some background on my philosophies and life after cancer IN A BIKINI see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 &14
ROAMING THE MOORS, ROBERT BURNS & ROBUST INDIVIDUALITY (Part 1)
OK Ladies ---- just thought I might guide you in another direction. I would usually choose something Italian, my all time fave, natch, however, having just travelled this wonderful country and falling in love with it I thought I might share some of what I learned. Adventure is everything.
Laddies, learn from Scotland's national Poet, a modern day "blue collar" man. He knew how to woo a lassie.
(Admittedly, he had a roving eye and I recommend eschewing that!)
Sometimes, just one rose, accompanied by simple words will do. As long as it's sincere. And a walk along a lovely, rugged shoreline helps.
(Especially if it's in The Highlands. Such rugged natural beauty you have never known! But I digress, thats for next Scottish blog.)
We Blue Collar Babes like to be spoiled but in different ways.
Blue Collar does not mean commonplace. Be creative! Have a great Valentine's Day!
(Oh and ladies, be demanding, you deserve it!)
O MY LUVE'S LIKE A RED, RED ROSE by: Robert Burns (1759-1796)
, MY Luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my Luve's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun!
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only luve,
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!
LOW CALORIE TIP FOR VALENTINE'S DAY---
dark chocolate covered strawberries ------ healthy, delicious, romantic, seductive and only have TWO! Savor it and you won't want or need more.
Blue Collar Babes like gutsy moves - timorous gestures - leave that for the gilded set. WE KNOW HOW TO LIVE AND LOVE!
GUYS What's wrong with telling someone you love them? Nothing!
What's right with it? Everything! As long as you mean it - no faking!
More info click onto IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro
CASHMERE CURTAINS 
PS Ok I know it could be pricey -- but even if I can't actually buy some right away , one can find alternatives that bring as much pleasure while saving up for the curtains... I bought a pair of cashmere knee socks. Now, when its cold outside I have something yummy to slip into before venturing out. Keeps me warm and feeling richly pampered all day long! 
, MY Luve's like a red, red rose, .JPG)
