Tulsa Project Woman “Fashion a Cure”

16th annual Pink Ribbon event, "Fashion a Cure," to benefit Tulsa Project Woman.

Famed New York designer Carmen Marc Valvo and Saks Fifth Avenue brought his glamorous fall 2010 collection to the 16th annual Pink Ribbon event, “Fashion a Cure,”  to benefit Tulsa Project Woman.

Read more from the Tulsa World article here.

But when the plates were cleared, and the last pair of heels clicked off the runway, we were all there for one cause.

“Women can’t hear enough that breast cancer awareness is so important,” said Susan Ford Bales, honorary chair for the 16th annual Pink Ribbon event, “Fashion a Cure,” which benefits Tulsa Project Woman. “Even if it’s not you, it’s somebody else.”

Tulsa Project Woman, Inc. is a regional comprehensive program providing breast health education, no cost mammography, diagnostic procedures and surgical services for women with no health insurance and limited financial resources. TPW is a collaborative effort linking multiple Tulsa area breast health care institutions to women, who because of financial hardship, often delay seeking medical attention.

I am so honored (and very grateful) to have been a part of this amazing event!

Blessings,

Karen

Life Explained

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~Henry David Thoreau

A spiritual story by an Unknown Author.

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.

“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.

The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. I have a full life.”

The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.”

“And after that?” asked the Mexican.

“With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.”

“How long would that take?” asked the Mexican.

“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.

“And after that?”

“After wards? Well my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!”

“Millions? Really? And after that?” asked the Mexican.

“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends.”

Life is Not a Race

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain hitting the leaves?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask “How are you?”
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say “Hi”?

You’d better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won’t last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift….
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

- Author Unknown

Why We Live as Long as We Do.

...the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse. ~Walt Whitman

When I read this in an email today, I vaguely recalled hearing this story before.  Must be an oldie, but it’s still a goodie! Enjoy!

On the first day God created the cow. God said, “You must go to the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer I will give you a life span of sixty years.”
The cow said, “That’s a kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years.  Let me have twenty years and I’ll give back the other forty.”
And God agreed.
On the second day, God created the dog. God said, “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past.  I will give you a life span of twenty years.”
The dog said, “That’s too long to be barking.  Give me ten years and I’ll give back the other ten.”
So God agreed (sigh).
On the third day God created the monkey.  God said, “Entertain people, do monkey tricks, make them laugh.  I’ll give you a twenty year life span.”
The monkey said, “How boring, monkey tricks for twenty years?  I don’t think so.  Dog gave you back ten, so that’s what I’ll do too, okay?”
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day God created man.  God said, “Eat, sleep, play.  Do nothing, just enjoy, enjoy.  I’ll give you twenty years.”
Man said, “What? Only twenty years?  No way! Tell you what, I’ll take my twenty, and the forty cow gave back, and the ten dog gave back and the ten monkey gave back. That makes eighty, okay?”
“Okay,” said God. “You’ve got a deal.”
So this is why for the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, enjoy, and do nothing;
for the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family;
for the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain our grandchildren;
and for the last ten years we sit in front of the house and bark at everybody.

- Unknown

Admit it … you giggled!

Have a great week!

Two Traveling Angels

Friends are kisses blown to us by angels.

Some emails are just meant to be shared!

Two Traveling Angel by Unknown

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room. Instead the angels were given a space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole on the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied…”Things aren’t always what they seem”.

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been the their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel “how could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him,” she accused. “The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die.”

“Things aren’t always what they seem,” the older angel replied. “When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave her the cow instead. Things aren’t what they seem.” Sometimes that’s exactly what happens when things don’t turn out the way they should.

If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until sometime later.

Think about this: Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don’t despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

If you have a bad day at work; think of man who have been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it is like to love and be loved in return.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking “what is my purpose”; Be thankful. There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other peoples bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember things could be worse. You could be them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend; you just might brighten their day!

Wishing you heaven in your heart, strength in your soul and miracles in your life.

Karen

5 Second Wisdom

GREATNESS by Anthony de Mello

“The trouble with the world,” said the Master with a sigh, “is that human beings refuse to grow up.”
“When can a person be said to have grown up?” asked a disciple.
“On the day he does not need to be lied to about anything.”

If I Had My Life To Live Over by Erma Bombeck

Beware the barrenness of a busy life." - Socrates

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television – and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.

“

There would have been more “I love you’s”.. More “I’m sorrys” …

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it … live it…and never give it back.

The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck after she found out she had a fatal disease…we should thank her everyday for reminding us of what is truly important!

Recipe for Self Love

• Take full responsibility for your life.
• Stop blaming others.
• See yourself as the cause of what happens to you.
• Do things you like to do.
• Don’t stay in a job you don’t like.
• Participate in life at the highest level you can.
• Stop terrorising yourself with your thoughts.
• Be gentle and kind and patient with yourself.
• Give yourself the simple pleasures of life abundantly.
• Wear clothes you feel good in, get a massage etc.
• Watch what you say. Avoid self put-downs.
• Stop being critical of yourself and others.
• Take care of your body.
• Give it exercise and good food.
• Be willing to create a life-style that generates and nourishes self-esteem.
• Associate with others with high esteem.
• Acknowledge yourself frequently.
• Keep a diary of your successes and accomplishments.
• Avoid comparing yourself with others.
• Remember that it’s who we are, not what we do, that’s important
• Give yourself permission to do nothing periodically.
• Schedule time by yourself.
• Frequently take deep breaths.
• Discover the benefit and pleasure of breathing fully.
• Eat first class frequently.
• Don’t look at the right side of the menu.
• Stop trying to change others.
• Focus your attention on being the way you want others to be.
• Look into a mirror regularly and say “I love you, I really love you”.
• Stop feeling guilty and saying “I’m sorry”.
• See mistakes as valuable lessons and avoid judging yourself.
• Consciously generate positive thoughts and feelings of self-love
• in place of old thoughts of inadequacy.
• Be willing to laugh at yourself and at life.
• Stop taking yourself so seriously.
• Accept compliments from others without embarrassment.
• Don’t invalidate their positive thoughts and feelings about you.
• Be kind to your mind.
• Don’t hate yourself for having negative thoughts.
• Gently change your thoughts.
• Keep your awareness and your thoughts focussed in present time instead of living in the past or future.
• Acknowledge others frequently.
• Tell them what you like and appreciate in them.
• Invest money in yourself. Go to seminars, workshops and courses that develop your talents.
• Make a list of 10 things you love doing and do them frequently.
• Treat yourself as you would treat someone you really loved.
• Praise yourself.

- Author Unknown

Maybe … on a Monday

Angels are never too distant to hear you.

Maybe. . .we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe . . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don’t even see the new one which has been opened for us.
Maybe . . . it is true that we don’t know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don’t know what we have been missing until it arrives.
Maybe . . . the happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
Maybe . . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can’t go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures and heartaches.
Maybe . . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
Maybe . . . there are moments in life when you miss someone — a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child — so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once they are around you appreciate them more.
Maybe . . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.
Maybe . . you should always try to put yourself in others’ shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.
Maybe . . you should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone.
Maybe . . . giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don’t expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but, if it doesn’t, be content that it grew in yours.
Maybe . . . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
Maybe . . . you shouldn’t go for looks; they can deceive; don’t go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Maybe . . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy
Maybe . . . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling but when you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you crying.
Maybe . . . you could send this message to those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life, to those who can and do make you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to know that you appreciate them and their friendship.
And if you don’t, don’t worry; nothing bad will happen to you.
- Author Unknown

The Honorable Mexican Consul Ana Luisa Fajer

Karen Sorbo, The Honorable Mexican Consul Ana Luisa Fajer and Francelino Zau

The photos keep streaming in from the Minnesota International Center’s gala “Celebrating Malaysia” that was held on June 19th.

There’s just something wonderful about the color purple, don’t you think?

A big thanks to the Honorable Mexican Consul Ana Luisa Fajer for taking time for a photo op.  Such a lovely lady!

Have a blessed weekend:)