The Closing - 2013

Ok, here it is. I don't always follow the rules. I love romance - even if it's simple or cliché. I love intimacy - regardless to whether it's hand holding or cuddling. I like to giggle and act silly and I am not at all opposed to catering to the ones I love. Among other things, sentiments of the heart make me cry. I love to eat excellent food with great people while having stimulating conversations. I believe that time is the greatest gift you can give, there is no greater compliment than beauty, flowers are thoughtful and sincerity is priceless. I try my best not to hold grudges and not to keep score even though it's easier said than done. I count my blessings often because I know they are gifts from God. 2013 packed a pretty heavy punch - I pray that I can punch back in 2014! I pray that I'll find comfort through creative expression and that I'll have the strength not to compromise who I am to please others. And if you'll allow me to, I'll pray the same for you! Be well, be kind, be bold, be beautiful, be sincere, be good to yourselves and be good to others.

Love & Peace

Niki B.

To new beginnings...

Dear reader:

I am hopeful that the journey in which we are about to embark upon will empower us to be better human beings. But before we begin, there are a few things that I need for you to understand:

1. You are beautiful. And not just some of you - all of you. Regardless to whether you are male, female or working openly/discreetly to sort it all out. Regardless to whether you are heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, asexual, transsexual, transgender, queer and any other label you have given yourself or any label that society has given you. Regardless to your faith, political opinions, race, ethnicity, nationality and upbringing.
2. You are capable. And not just some of you - all of you. You are capable of being a good person. You are capable of being successful. You are capable of righting your wrongs. You are a capable of being loved. You are capable of loving someone. You are capable of admitting when you've messed up. You are capable of accepting praise. You are capable of learning. You are capable of being right. You are capable of giving. You are capable of achieving. You are capable of changing. You are capable of forgiving. You are capable of accomplishing. You are capable of overcoming. You are capable of loving yourself. You are capable of helping. You are capable of receiving. And you are capable of defining what all of the above looks like. 
3. You are human. And not just some of you - all of you. You are flawed and imperfect…and you are beautiful and you are capable.

Now, please don't get the wrong impression. I'm no expert on life and I don't have all the answers. I'm just familiar with some of life's ups and downs. And not unlike you, I am beautiful, capable and human. And I've tried my best to be hateful and spiteful, however, I wasn't very good at it. And despite my efforts at being completely consumed with bitterness, I discovered that I'm much better at being uplifting and encouraging. So, let's be bold, beautiful, courageous and kind!

Love & Peace

Niki B.