LOST IN LOS ANGELES

If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all. ~Noam Chomsky~

I don't know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes - it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, 'well, if I'd known better I'd have done better,' that's all. So you say to people who you think you may have injured, 'I'm sorry,' and then you say to yourself, 'I'm sorry.' If we all hold on to the mistake, we can't see our own glory in the mirror because we have the mistake between our faces and the mirror; we can't see what we're capable of being. You can ask forgiveness of others, but in the end the real forgiveness is in one's own self. I think that young men and women are so caught by the way they see themselves. Now mind you. When a larger society sees them as unattractive, as

Queen for a Day (QFAD) is a non-profit organization designed to raise the self-esteem and self-confidence of girls coping with cancer. QFAD events, called "tea parties," are held at local hospitals and counseling centers where girls diagnosed with cancer are invited to participate in a day of beauty. Volunteers provide refreshments, crafts, jewelry making, manicures, makeovers and lots of love. Each girl benefits from the royal treatment, where they are dressed up in a queen's robe, pink feather boa and rhinestone tiara. The tiaras have been worn and donated by real beauty queens from around the country. The girls get to keep the tiaras. Recent addition to the program is our Heroes. It brings in firefighters and police officers to participate with boys diagnosed with cancer. Their parties are given simultaneously with the girls. Established in 2000 by former Miss Teen USA All American Jenna Edwards, QFAD now operates internationally in 19 cities, including a chapter in So

In just a few days (12 to be exact) it will be my birthday. Instead of presents and parties, I am asking my friends to make a donation to Queen For A Day. Here is the link: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/birthdays/105857?m=e0bc6388

I have been utterly horrible at keeping up with my posts. I try to remember, but when I do, I have nothing to say! It's the worst, to say the least! However, I am hoping to be able to report on stuff soon. I have Queen For A Day stuff in the works, plus I am hoping to have several appearances once schools start back up in September! Checking with the local communities in regards to parades & events to appear at. Look for updates & photos soon! In the meantime ... my favorite spot lately! :)