An Ordinary Day...

Wednesday, April 12th started off as an ordinary day. The alarm sounded off at 6:00 a.m. like it always did. Reggie did his work day morning ritual, showering, grooming, selecting a suit and accessorizing with the perfect accents for Read more

Why are some people mean?

Why are some people mean? I'm not talking about a little mean, but bazaar, go out of their way to be mean. Recently I've encountered a few mean people, I remind myself that these situations will make me a stronger Read more

Maldives

Our last trip of 2016 was to the Maldives. Last year was one full of excursions, We traveled to Cameroon, Paris, Bali, Hawaii, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Lake Tahoe, Atlanta, Napa, San Francisco, Dubai, and I must say Read more

Quote

It's okay to venture out of your comfort zone... Lately I've been doing it quite often. This weekend is going to be one of renewal, my personal Super Bowl. What are your plans? I will be working today and tomorrow. Happy Read more

Do you enjoy yourself?

Both of my kids are in New York, my son is in school in the Hudson Valley and my daughter is living in Brooklyn and working. So we are officially empty nesters, and have been so for a while Read more

embrace life

56 WTF?

Posted on by Gigi in Aging Comments Off on 56 WTF?
gigi @ 56

gigi @ 56

Today is the first day of my new year. 56, a number that seems  is old middle age, mature, a woman of a “certain” age, that is what comes to my mind when I hear that number. This number that is closer yet to a “bigger” significant number the- big “60”.

Lately I have been photographing incredibly beautiful young models. Part of the process is the editing of these images, it is here that I am reminded that even the “best” of us will fall into the arms of father time. I am reminded that I used to have long thick hair, a tight body and a laissez faire attitude. These are faces that have not smiled as much as mine, or have seen as much sadness. Faces that giggle about new boyfriends, legs that peek out of short shorts, tousled messy hair that looks so right, random odd jobs that keep them busy, and that anticipation of the next audition, or the big break that will soon come.

pretty girls

pretty girls

I have embraced the physical changes ( not that I really have a choice) my kinky curly “do” gives the illusion of a lot of hair, trust me it has thinned out a lot. The body looks pretty good dressed and a little better than okay undressed. The eyes, well lets just say I have joined the ranks of those that have numerous glasses all over the house.

big hair don't care

big hair don’t care

Or how I really do have to take a moment to find my “good” side prior to the shutter snapping, holding my chin just so. I have to hydrate non-stop, especially if I indulge in a glass or 2 of wine. But even with all these changes, I’m at a good place with my self and who I am. There is a sense of comfort that comes with the 50’s, you realize “it is what it is…” You are not going to be transformed to your former 30 year-old self, and that is okay, nor become the next President, just saynin’. Mistakes I have made have contributed to the centered woman I am today. I’m more authentic which is good and bad, good for being who I really am, and bad for sharing my thoughts, thoughts that are at times not invited.

I’m at a point where I don’t have time for the ridiculous anymore. There are places I want to go, experiences I want to have, things I want to see. A sort of urgency where you feel as if you have to focus, especially if you were a late bloomer, like moi. My inner circle is shrinking a bit, I’m satisfied  with those that are “easy” and accepting. I still enjoy spending time with my husband and now that our son is about to depart for college that is a good thing.

As I reflect on this past year I am happy to be present, there are so many that have departed, I am reminded often- the news of death, something I don’t recall hearing about when I was younger. Life is truly a gift.

So as this day comes to an end, take a moment for yourself and cherish wherever you are on your life journey-

Xoxo,

Gigi

 


Quote

Posted on by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off on Quote

I have been so incredibly busy. I apologize for my disappearance the past couple of weeks. My son attended his senior prom, we planted our summer garden, I’ve been really busy with my photography, my self portrait project and I hosted a house guest. It feels good to be back.

I came across this quote, “GROWTH DEMANDS A TEMPORARY SURRENDER OF SECURITY.” and after reading it a few times, I thought about how easy it is to do the same thing over and over, because  it is safe and secure. Change can be frightening.

I haven’t always made the right choices, but I have always been quick to give up the mundane and secure, when I look back I wonder what was I thinking… I was young and my spirit was free never conforming, almost to a fault.

Many years ago when I was working for IBM (btw, I was not the best employee- ie. shredding important files etc.) I quit one random day and the following week started a chocolate brownie business with a friend, fortunately I never looked back. It took courage to take a leap away from a nice secure job, had I not, I would probably still be working there- not that that is a bad thing, but it was not the place that I belonged. I was only working there because I thought my “then” boyfriend would like me more…if I had a nice corporate gig…Go figure?

Right now I am in a rapid growth period. My son is about to graduate and start college in New York, my husband’s business is changing, and my photography is starting to take shape. I am developing my voice as an artist, taking risks in my craft. As a woman I’m at a point where I’m embracing all of me the good the bad and the ugly.

My tolerance for craziness has gone way down, I have no space for it in my life right now. I am comforted by sincerity and unconditional love. I have no desire to micro manage relationships, that should enrich my life and help me to grow, not complicate my life.

I am surrendering the thought that I can do it all- I can’t and that is okay. I give myself permission to slow down, saying “NO”, and basically focusing on what brings me and those I love joy. Slowing down to savior life and all it has to offer.

This little blog gives me a space to share a piece of me- I don’t do it for fame, or sponsors, I do it for my own growth and for all of you out there that take a moment to stop by, I appreciate each one of you.

Are you in a growing phase? Or are you in a safe secure place that you absolutely love? Please share I’d love to know.

Happy Thursday! XOXO,

Gigi

gigi & MIMI

gigi & MIMI


QUOTE

Posted on by Gigi in Quotes Comments Off on QUOTE
QUOTE

QUOTE

At 55 years young I have finally learned this. I purpose to live each day to its fullest, staying in the moment. I can’t worry about the what “I shoulda coulda woulda done”…I apply this to all areas of my life, it is so easy to get caught up in the past. Are there things I would of done differently? Probably…but I can’t worry about that…If I would have started my photography career earlier, I doubt if I would have a business focusing exclusively on women. Everything happens for a reason.

Photographer Gigi

Photographer Gigi

My son will be a senior this year and we are working on the dreaded college search application process, I am just exhaling on this journey, not focusing on why his GPA is not higher, or SAT score stronger, I know I have a good kid and there are colleges that would love to have him.

Little Reggie

Little Reggie

I find joy in the simple things like my garden, and being an active observer throughout my day always having the flexibility to stop for a moment and “see” something that I could have easily missed. The beauty of being my age is you are reminded frequently about how delicate life is, hence more the reason to focus on what in happening NOW.

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

Gigi breaking the speed limit-55

As James Brown said- “I don’t care, about your past, I just want, our love to last”.

Happy Wednesday!

Xoxo,

GIGI


Time Goes By…

Posted on by Gigi in Thoughts Comments Off on Time Goes By…

My life is full, but I feel as though it is zooming by at the speed of light. Most days there are not enough hours to do everything, always something hanging over my head. There are those never ending projects like going through all my pictures from the pre-digital era or deleting 1,000’s of emails and of course we can’t forget the dreaded garage.

I sometimes think about how I am starting a new career at an age when most of my contemporaries are retiring. No, I won’t get rich from what I am doing, but my work nourishes me, is always challenging and there is never a dull moment.

work

work

photographer Gigi

photographer Gigi

 

It has been a journey discovering my real self. At 54, I know my limitations, the past year I have had many reminders of the importance of living life to the fullest…enjoying every moment. I take time to laugh out loud and find simple pleasures that put a smile on my face. Sometimes I wear my “after 5” duds during the day, just because and wear non-sensible shoes more often than I should.

I find that balance is the key, knowing that on any given day I do all I can without sacraficing “me” , knowing when to take a break and start fresh again . Accepting that it is OK if I don’t make that deadline and “work in progress” is good.

Where are you in your life journey? Do you ascribe to markers of where you should be in life? How do you balance? I’d love to know your secrets.

XOXO,

GIGI

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5’4″ and 54 years young

Posted on by Gigi in Aging, My Life 6 Comments

 

1st Decade baby Gigi

baby Gigi

My life lately, has been one big interruption of sorts. I miss Gigi’s Meanderings when I don’t post, this little refuge  that allows me to share my humble life, with all its idiosyncrasies. I feel as though there is not enough hours in the day. I recently celebrated my 54th birthday on July 28th, my motto for this one being “5’4″ and 54”. Last year was “53 and free”, “50 and fabulous” you get the gist, embracing each year instead of hiding my age. In our youth driven society I feel good about my age-do I have regrets? Certainly. Who doesn’t?

Gigi @ 54

Gigi @ 54

On a positive note I am happy to be alive, we all know life as we know it is not forever, but there is still a little work here on earth that I need to do, and a few more places I would like to see. My birthday signifies my personal “New Year” I set resolutions and assess the previous year, and figure out what I could do better.

travel

travel

My “54” list:

Physical Goals

I will continue to lead the healthiest life I can, recommitting to being as physical as possible, nourishing my body with organic fresh food, and reestablishing a strong yoga practice. Oh and finally dropping that annoying 5 pounds that keeps hanging around.

love yoga

love yoga

Spiritual Goals

I will humble myself and do whatever I can to uplift others and have unconditional love for my family and friends. Continue to work with my various charities and try and make a difference in another person’s life.

Professional Goals

Establish my photography practice and develop my business model of photographing everyday women, creating extrodinary beautiful portraits. Continue to share my thoughts on Gigi’s Meanderings regardless if I have 5 readers, 5,000 or 1,000,000. And oh learn PHOTOSHOP.

Photographer Gigi

Photographer Gigi

Keep stress at bay-which is our worst enemy.

Quote

Quote

Live each day as if it were my last-and celebrate just because and sprinkle a love trail where ever I go.

QUOTE

QUOTE

What are your plans for your personal “New year”? Do you cringe at the thought of another birthday? Share your anti-aging techniques…

Xoxo,

Gigi

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