My Favorite Actress All Time

Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks was born Elizabeth Mitchell in Pittsfield, a small city in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts near the New York border, on February 10, 1974. She is the daughter of Ann (Wallace), who worked in a bank, and Mark P. Mitchell, a factory worker. Elizabeth describes herself as having been seen as a "goody two-shoes" in her youth who was nominated for the local Harvest Queen.  Her breakthrough role was as Betty Brant, the secretary of the cantankerous newspaper tycoon in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man (2002). In 2003 she won the Exciting New Face Award at the Young Hollywood Awards.  One of only three women to have won the Razzie Award for Worst Director. (The other two being Elaine May for Ishtar (1987) and Jennifer Chambers Lynch for Boxing Helena(1993).) Banks was actually one of several directors cited for Movie 43 (2013).  Ranked #39 in the 2010 FHM UK list of "100 Sexiest Women in the World.".

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

 Born into a traditional south Indian family, Aishwarya started modeling at a young age. This green-blue-eyed beauty appeared in advertisements for many prestigious firms; the ones that brought her into the limelight were the garden sari and the Pepsi ad. Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up, she was a hot favorite in the run for miss world title, which she won, her beauty and charm made her India's darling.  With her successful Bollywood movies & prestigious Hollywood projects lined up for release it is impossible to ignore this Indian diva in international scenes.  This former architecture major soon became one of India's most famous models, landing a prestigious Pepsi-Cola campaign and appearing in Vogue Magazine. India's top Bollywood directors were soon lining up to work with Ash. Ash's star continued to rise in 2002, working again with Sajay Leela Bhansali in Devdas (2002), the most ambitious and most successful film in Bollywood history. It became the first Bollywood picture to receive a special screening at that year's Cannes Film Festival and broke box-office records in India and the US.   She has graced numerous covers worldwide including the US, UK, China, Russia, Israel, United Emerites, Italy, Spain and France. She also became the first Indian female to be immortalized in wax at the world-famous Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London.  Is featured in the 2004 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is an Oscar-winning actress who has become popular by taking on the title role in the "Lara Croft" series of blockbuster movies. Off-screen, Jolie has become prominently involved in international charity projects, especially those involving refugees. She often appears on many "most beautiful women" lists, and she has a personal life that is avidly covered by the tabloid press.  The public paid $275 million for theater tickets to see a buffed up Jolie portray the adventuresome Lara Croft.  Jolie and Pitt announced in early 2006 that they would have a child together, and Jolie gave birth to daughter Shiloh that May. They also adopted a three-year-old Vietnamese boy named Pax.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to an African-American father and first came into the spotlight at seventeen years when she won the Miss Teen All-American Pageant, representing the state of Ohio in 1985 and, a year later in 1986, when she was the first runner-up in the Miss U.S.A. Pageant. After participating in the pageant, Halle became a model. It eventually led to her first weekly TV series, 1989's Living Dolls (1989), where she soon gained a reputation for her on-set tenacity, preferring to "live" her roles and remaining in character even when the cameras stopped rolling.   she was the first African American actress to win the Oscar for Best Actress.  Was named "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire magazine in 2008.

Julia Roberts

Julia Fiona Roberts, born in Smyrna, Georgia, never dreamed she would become the most popular actress in America. As a child, due to her love of animals, Julia originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but later studied journalism.  Julia's biggest success was in the signature movie Pretty Woman (1990), for which Julia got an Oscar nomination, and also won the People's Choice award for Favorite Actress.  Ranked #1 (in Hollywood Power) and #12 (in $$) on Forbes magazine 'Power 100'.  First actress to reach 20 million dollar mark salary (for Erin Brockovich (2000)) .

Michelle Yoeh

Born as Yang Zi Chong in the mining town of Ipoh in West Malaysia in the lunar year of the Tiger, she spoke English and Malay before Chinese. A ballet dancer since age 4, she moved to London, England to study at the Royal Academy as a teenager. After a brief dance career, she won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant title in her native country and the Miss Moomba beauty pageant title in Melbourne, Australia in the early 1980s. Her first on camera work was a 1984 commercial with martial arts star Jackie Chan. In 1985, she began making action movies with D&B Films of Hong Kong. She was first billed as Michelle Khan, then later, Michelle Yeoh. Never a trained martial artist, she relied on her dance discipline and her on-set trainers to prepare for her martial arts action scenes.  She uses many dance moves in her films. Ironically, she still cannot read Chinese and she has to have Chinese script read to her.  She became very popular to Chinese audiences and she became known to western audiences through her co-starring roles in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and in the phenomenally successful Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).  Fought her way to the top in the male-dominated genre of Hong Kong action films, where she has been known for years as the "queen of martial arts".  One of the highest paid Chinese-language actresses in the world. In 2001, she was given the title of "dato'" by the Sultan of Perak, her native state.  In October 2007, was named a Chevalier of the French Legion d'Honneur, for her contributions to international culture.  Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock was born in a Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C., to Helga (Meyer), a German opera singer, and John W. Bullock, a U.S. voice teacher from Alabama. She grew up on the road with her parents and younger sister. She often performed in the children's chorus of whatever production her mother was in. That singing talent later came in handy for her role as an aspiring country singer in The Thing Called Love (1993).   She now ranks as one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. For her role in The Blind Side (2009) she won the Oscar, and her blockbusters The Proposal (2009), The Heat (2013) and Gravity (2013) made her a bankable star. With $56,000,000, she was listed in the Guinness Book Of World Records as the highest-paid actress in the world.  Named 'Entertainer of the Year' by Entertainment Weekly in 2013.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz was born in 1972 in San Diego. Self-described as "adventurous, independent and a tough kid," Cameron left home at 16 and for the next 5 years lived in such varied locales as Japan, Australia, Mexico, Morocco, and Paris. Returning to California at the age of 21, she was working as a model when her agency secured her an audition for the female lead in The Mask (1994) opposite rising comedian Jim Carrey.  With her name near the top on virtually every list of Hollywood's sexiest actresses, and firmly established as one of filmdom's hottest properties and most sought after actresses, Cameron Diaz appears to possess everything necessary to become one of the super stars of the new century.  Became only the second actress to join the coveted $20 Million Club (after Julia Roberts), when she signed for that amount to do Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003) in January 2002.  Named by People Magazine as one of the the "50 Most Beautiful People" in the world.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner, who has catapulted into stardom with her lead role on the television series Alias (2001), has come a long way from her birthplace of Houston, Texas. Raised in Charleston, West Virginia by her mother Pat, a retired English teacher, and her father, Bill, a former chemical engineer, Jennifer was the middle sibling of three girls. She spent nine years of her adolescence studying ballet and describes her years in dance as ones characterized by determination rather than talent, being driven mostly by a love of the stage. For  her work, Garner has received four consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She has also received four Golden Globe nominations and won once, as well as received two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, and won once.  Named the #1 sexiest woman of 2001 by MAXIM men's magazine.

Kate Winslet

Born in Reading, Berkshire, Kate Elizabeth Winslet is the second of four children of Sally Anne (née Bridges), a barmaid, and Roger John Winslet, a swimming pool contractor.  Winslet began studying drama at the age of 11 at the Redroofs Theatre School, a co-educational independent school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, where she was head girl.  The role that transformed Winslet from art house attraction to international star was Rose DeWitt Bukater, the passionate, rosy-cheeked aristocrat in James Cameron's Titanic (1997). Young girls the world over both idolized and identified with Winslet, swooning over all that face time opposite heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio and noting her refreshingly healthy, unemaciated physique. Winslet's performance also garnered a Best Actress nomination, making her the youngest actress to ever receive two Academy Award nominations. She was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her accomplishments in film and television.

Nicole Kidman

Elegant redhead Nicole Kidman, known as one of Hollywood's top Australian imports, was actually born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Australian parents Anthony (a biochemist and clinical psychologist) and Janelle (a nursing instructor) Kidman.  She is in the 50th-anniversary edition of the Guinness Book Of Records as the highest-paid actress in a commercial. She netted $3.71 million for her part in a four-minute Baz Luhrmann-directed Chanel No. 5 movie ad.  Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine.

Discography of Lana Del Rey Pt. 2

Lana Del Rey? Have you listening to her song? OMG? "Born To Die", "Young & Beautiful" And "Dark Paradise",  this song just kill me! Her voice, the lyric, the vocal, the song! I am speechless to tell you how much i love this song!  For me, her song makes my death soul alive!! Makes my soul know what death means to love!  Well people, let see a bit about Lana Del Rey!

Elizabeth Woolridge Grant (born June 21, 1986), known by her stage name Lana Del Rey, is an American singer-songwriter. Del Rey started writing at the age of 18 and she signed her first recording contract when she was 22 years old with 5 Points Records in 2007, releasing her first digital album Lana Del Ray in January 2010. Del Rey bought herself out of the contract with 5 Points Records in April 2010.  She signed a joint contract with Interscope, Polydor, and Stranger Records in July 2011.

After she released her debut single "Video Games" in June 2011, a music video created by Del Rey for the song was posted on YouTube in August 2011. Born to Die, was released in January 2012. The album has sold over 5 million copies worldwide to date, and was the fifth best-selling album of 2012. Charting across Europe, this album spawned numerous top ten hits, including the title track "Born to Die", "Blue Jeans", and "Summertime Sadness".

She has won the Q Award for "Best New Thing", a GQ Award for "Woman of the Year", two BRIT Award for "International Breakthrough Act" and "International Pop Female Solo Artist", and an EMA for "Best Alternative Act".

Del Rey's music has been noted for its cinematic sound and its references to various aspects of pop culture, particularly that of the 1950s and 1960s Americana. The singer has described herself as a "self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra".

Del Rey possesses an expansive contralto vocal range, which has been described

as unique, captivating, and highly emotive, being able to transcend from sounding high and girlish in her timbre, down to a low and jazzy sound with great ease, although both these areas of the voice can be conflicting in the contrast of their sound, polarizing opinion. 

When recording in the studio Del Rey is known for vocal multi-layering, double tracking and overlays which, as it has been noted, is difficult for her to replicate within a live setting, especially with the lack of backing singers to fill out the original vocal style.  Del Rey has stylized her musical sound as "Hollywood sadcore". Time said the solid core of her sound was "movie music", with a fairy-dusting of harp and an ominous timpani, laid out over-top a hip hop vocal cadence.

Musically, she draws influence from what she deems to be the masters of each genre, including Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Nirvana, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, and Britney Spears, as well as from poetry and film noir.

In 2013, she received her first Grammy nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. These nominations include Best Pop Vocal Album for Paradise and Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Young and Beautiful".  Currently, she has been in a relationship with Kassidy ex-member Barrie-James O'Neill since August 2011.  Del Rey has two apartments, one in New York City and one in Los Angeles, where she lives with her sister and brother. Del Rey is Roman Catholic.  

Alongside Paradise, Del Rey announced plans to launch a short film titled Tropico that features the songs "Body Electric", "Gods & Monsters", and "Bel Air".  Tropico is an Anthony Mandler-directed short film about "an epic tale based on the Biblical story of sin and redemption", starring Lana Del Rey as Eve and Shaun Ross as Adam.  Tropico was filmed in late June 2013; it was directed by Anthony Mandler

At the premiere of Lana Del Rey's short film Tropico, Del Rey said her upcoming third album, Ultraviolence might be released on May 1, 2014.

x.o. - dk

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Rights.

The LGBT Rights

LGBT rights are human rights and civil rights.  LGBT rights laws include, but are not limited to, the following: government recognition of same-sex relationships (such as via same-sex marriage or civil unions), LGBT adoption, recognition of LGBT parenting, anti-bullying legislation and student non-discrimination laws to protect LGBT children and/or students, immigration equality laws, anti-discrimination laws for employment and housing, hate crime laws providing enhanced criminal penalties for prejudice-motivated violence against LGBT people, equal age of consent laws, and laws related to sexual orientation and military service. Anti-LGBT laws include, but are not limited to, the following: sodomy laws penalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity with fines, jail terms, or the death penalty, anti-'lesbianism' laws, and higher ages of consent for same-sex activity.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights in World Wide.

LGBT is an initialize that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the term is an adaptation of the initialize LGB, which itself started replacing the term gay when in reference to the LGBT community beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, as many felt the term gay community did not accurately represent all those to whom it referred.   The initialize has become main stream as a self-designation and has been adopted by the majority of sexuality and gender identity-based community centres and media in the United States and some other English-speaking countries.   It is also used in some other countries in whose languages the initialize is meaningful, such as France.

Before the sexual revolution of the 1960s, there was no common non-derogatory vocabulary for non-heterosexuality; the closest such term, "third gender", traces back to the 1860s but never gained wide acceptance in the United States.

The first widely used term, homosexual, was thought to carry negative connotations and tended to be replaced by homophile in the 1950s and 1960s, and subsequently gay in the 1970s.   As lesbians forged more public identities, the phrase "gay and lesbian" became more common.  Starting in the late 1970s and the early 1980s, there was a change in perception; some gays and lesbians became less accepting of bisexual or transgender people. It was thought that transgender people were acting out stereotypes and bisexuals were simply gay men or lesbian women who were afraid to come out and be honest about their identity. 

Each community that is collectively included has struggled to develop its own identity including whether, and how, to align with other gender and sexuality-based communities at times excluding other subgroups; these conflicts continue to this day.  The initialize LGBT saw occasional use in the United States from about 1988. Not until the 1990s did it become common to speak of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with equal respect within the movement.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights in Asia.

In Asia, LGBT limited in comparison to many other areas of the world. Same-sex sexual activity is outlawed in at least twenty Asian countries. While at least nine countries allow same-sex people to serve in the military, only Israel provides a wider range of LGBT rights - include same-sex relationship recognition.

In the Islamic regimes of Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, homosexual activity is punished with the death penalty.  The legal punishment for sodomy has varied among juristic schools: some prescribe capital punishment; while other prescribes a milder discretionary punishment such as imprisonment. In some relatively secular Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Jordan and Turkey this is not the case.

Egalitarian relationships modelled on the western pattern have become more frequent, though they remain rare. Same-sex intercourse officially carries the death penalty in several Muslim nations: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights in Malaysia.

Malaysia has no room for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights or religious freedom, Islamist group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) said today as it lobbied Putrajaya to ignore the proposals put forth by a local human rights activist coalition in Geneva recently. 

Malaysia retains its colonial era criminal ban on sodomy (as well as oral sex), broadly defined to include both heterosexual and homosexual acts, with possible punishment including fines, prison sentences of up to twenty years, and even corporal punishment. A subsection of the criminal code also provides additional punishment for men convicted of "gross indecency with another male person. In addition to the secular law, Muslim citizens may also be charged in

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special Islamic courts.

Malaysia does not have a national organization committed to LGBT rights. Instead, a loose coalition of non-governmental organizations, artists, and individuals organize the annual sexuality rights festival Seksualiti Merdeka.  Seksualiti Merdeka, meaning "Independent Sexuality", is an annual festival consisting of talks, performances, screenings, workshops, and forums to promote sexuality rights as a human right, to empower marginalized individuals and communities, and to create platforms for advocacy. Besides organising the programmes of this annual festival, members of this coalition are also involved in letter-writing campaigns, organising regular film screenings and discussions, academic advocacy and training of trainers.

LGBT- Related Laws by Country

Loves makes the world go round. "Born this way" as Lady Gaga said! Be who you are. Equality for all. Be PROUD of who you are.  Find the strength to move the world.

My Favorite Successful & Influential LGBT People in Media

People around the world face violence and inequality – and sometimes torture, even execution – because of who they love, how they look, or who they are.  Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. 

LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the term is an adaptation of the initialism LGB, which itself started replacing the term gay when in reference to the LGBT community beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, as many felt the term gay community did not accurately represent all those to whom it referred.

They also have normal life, true love, successful career and even happy family like everyone else. We are who we are: that’s determined who we are. Why should we hiding the truth inside the box. We are no criminal. So why should be shame for your own identity?  Hiding inside the box does not change us.  Even worst it’s limited ourselves to move, speak or even socializing.  Be proud of yourself! One of those LGBT? What the Hell? These 10 people is LGBT and their successful and power to run the world should makes you people believe that this “LGBT Things” is pure.  The pure of love. Love because of love not the desperation.  The pure of yourself not the plastic that has limit in doing things.  Be proud people.

1 Ellen DeGeneres – Chatshow Host

Multi-Emmy-award-winning actor, writer and standup comedian, Ellen came out in 1997 and faced down criticism to reposition herself as the host of one of America's most successful chat shows, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. DeGeneres moved into the mainstream by hosting the Emmy Awards in 2001, the Academy Awards in 2006 and American Idol in 2010. In 2011, Hilary Clinton named her a special envoy for global Aids awareness. DeGeneres lives in Beverly Hills, California, and married her partner, the Australian actor Portia de Rossi, in 2008, when the ban was lifted on gay marriage. DeGeneres and De Rossi are ethical vegans.

2 Stephen Fry – Polymath

Stephen Fry – actor, author, playwright, journalist, poet, screenwriter, TV presenter, film director, comedian and a director of Norwich City FC – is openly gay, and, together with Clare Balding, was named broadcaster of the year at the recent Out/G3 awards. This year, he is shooting a documentary for the BBC called Out There, about being gay around the world, which has taken him to North and South America, Africa, Asia and Russia to meet with gay men and women, and talk about what it means to be gay in different corners of the world. Fry has also made documentaries on HIV and Aids, and the reality of being gay in prison.

3 Jane Lynch – Actor

It was as US TV comedy Glee's ruthless cheerleading squad leader Sue Sylvester that award-winning US actor, comedian and author Jane Lynch entered our affections. She has never shied away from her sexuality and is a vocal advocate for gay rights, marrying psychologist Lara Embry in 2010 (though recent reports suggest the pair may divorce). She is currently making her Broadway debut as Miss Hannigan in Annie at the Palace Theatre, New York. Later this year she will host a new NBC game show, Hollywood Game Night, in which members of the public play party games with minor celebrities and compete for a cash prize.

4. Sir Elton John – Musician

Singer-songwriter Elton John has been funnelling money into his Aids Foundation since 1992. Every year, he opens his house to hundreds of celebrities and invited guests for a ball to raise money for the foundation, and also holds post-Grammy and Oscar parties as fundraisers.

He has two sons with his civil partner David Furnish: Zachary, who was born in 2010; and Elijah, who was born in January. Both boys were born to the same surrogate mother in California. Recently, Elton John has been involved in campaigns for the legalisation of gay marriage in the UK.

5. Sir Ian McKellan – Actor

His roles in blockbuster films have made McKellen a global superstar. But he's also one of the most charismatic actors working in film, TV and theatre, rising from humble beginnings in Burnley to the heights of his profession. He came out in 1988 – during a Radio 3 discussion on Section 28 – and, from that moment, has brought all his star power to bear on the cause of equality, co-founding Stonewall and regularly speaking and writing on gay issues.

6 Jessie J – Singer

Jessie J is bisexual and stated in an interview on the "In Demand" radio show on 3 March 2011, "I've never denied it. Whoopie doo guys, yes, I've dated girls and I've dated boys – get over it. The singer-songwriter and judge on The Voice became the first UK female solo artist to achieve six top-10 singles from a single studio album, her debut Who Are You?

7. Tom Ford - Fashion Designer/Film Director

Feted for his success at Gucci, Ford went on to create his own Tom Ford label and directed the Oscar-nominated film A Single Man. He has a degree in architecture and has been with his partner, Richard Buckley, since 1986.  In March 2011, Ford was featured on the cover of the bi-annual publication AnOther Man, the fraternal counterpart to Another Magazine, giving his opinion on what makes the modern day gentleman.  The couple reported the birth of their son, Alexander John Buckley Ford, in September 2012

8 Ricky Martin - Singer

Martin has sold more than 30m albums worldwide. Martin has also expressed support for same-sex marriagein an interview on Larry King Live, and commented on his experience of being closeted and coming out. "Everything about saying that I am gay feels right...", Martin stated, adding "if I’d known how good it was going to feel, I would have done it ten years ago." In August 2008, Martin became the father of twin boys, Matteo and Valentino. The babies were birthed by a surrogate mother.

9 Gok Wan – Tv Presenter

Few British TV personalities are as universally recognised and loved as Gok Wan. Shy and obese as a child and now passionate about having a healthy body image, he found his calling in fashion styling. It was his warmth, humour and knowhow on TV series How to Look Good Naked that first catapulted him to fame. He has written a number of fashion books, designed his own range of spectacles and presented numerous TV shows, including Too Fat Too Young, a documentary that examined childhood obesity. And in his spare time – of which there isn't much – he supports numerous charities, including hosting the Stonewall awards.

10 Tim Cook – Apple CEO

Following Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple, one of the world's most valuable companies, was always going to be tough. But Cook is putting his stamp on the company. The son of a shipyard worker, he worked at Compaq and IBM before arriving at Apple to become Jobs' chief operating officer and is credited with helping to turn a once-ailing company into the £500bn powerhouse it is today. As he recently told a technology conference: "We're always focused on the future. We don't sit and think about how great things were yesterday. I love that trait. I think it's the thing that drives us all forward."

As a conclusion, I believe that a quote has said that,

“ ...It’s my strong belief that when people love each other and are desirous of creating a committed relationship with each other that they should be allowed to marry, regardless of their sexual orientation... ”

x.o - dk 

Quotes : Desperate Housewives Pt. 2

Hope & Someone

Everyone in the world needs someone they can depend on, be they faithful friends, determined advocates... or a loving family.  But occasionally in life, the people we thought would always be there for us leave.  And if that happens, it's amazing the lengths we'll go to... to get them back.

Me & Someone

Everyone in this world needs someone they can depend upon, be it a faithful companion, trusted confidant... or loyal friend.

Lies Theory

You tell one lie, the second one comes easy. Then you're making up new lies to cover up the old ones.  Soon you can’t turn back.

Its about Control

Control.  It's extraordinary the tactics people employ to obtain it.  Some rely on deception, while others engage in outright trickery.  Then there are those who resort to extortion.  Why do we fight so hard for control?  Because we know: To lose it is to put our fate in the hands of others.  And what could be more dangerous? One day she could be. Don't even joke like that.

Make-believe Games

Everyone enjoys a game of make-believe now and then. Of course, the ways in which we play can vary greatly.  Sometimes, we imagine certain relationships to be more meaningful than they really are.  Occasionally, we put on a show, as if to convince ourselves our secrets aren't really all that terrible.  Yes, the game of make-believe is a simple one.  You start by lying to yourself...  And if you can get others to believe those lies... you win.

Cameras & Life

Cameras are simple tools designed to capture images.  Image that tell us more about ourselves than we realize.  They remind us of the long journey we’ve taken; the loved ones who travelled alongside us; those we lost along the way and those waiting for us on the road ahead.

Light of Darkness

In a world filled with darkness, we all need some kind of light.  Whether it's a great flame that shows us how to win back what we've lost, or a powerful beacon intended to scare away potential monsters, or a few glowing bulbs that reveal to us the hidden truth of our past.

We all need something to help us get through the night.  Even if it's just the tiniest glimmer..

Good v.s Bad

It's not always that easy to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys.

Sinners can surprise you. And the same is true for saints.

Why do we try to define people as simply good or simply evil?

Because no one wants to admit that compassion and cruelty can live side by side in one heart... and that anyone is capable of anything.

Nature of War

Everyone understands the nature of war.

We also understand that victory depends on the cards that we have been dealt.

Some, when faced with a bloody battle, simply give in.  But for some, surrender is unacceptable.

Even though they know it will be a fight......To the death.

Unlikely Friendships

The world is filled with unlikely friendships.

How do they begin?  One person desperately in need, and another will to lend a helping hand.  When such kindness is offered...We're finally able to see the worth of those we had previously written off.  And before we know it... a bond has formed, regardless of whether others can understand it.  Unlikely friendships start up every day.  No one understands this more than the lonely. In fact, it's what they count on.

 Favor & the Agenda

Now and then, we all need a little help...So we ask for small favour.  But it's always best to be wary of those eager to come to our rescue. Because even the smallest of favours...carries a price tag.  Everyone has an agenda. To come and help you out. No matter what they may tell us.  And in those rare instances "where there" is no ulterior motive, we're so taken aback<that we may fail to recognize the truth...that a loving friend has just done us an enormous favour.

The Temptation

Temptation comes to all of us.  Whether or not we succumb depends on our ability to recognize its disguise.  Sometimes it arrives in the form of an old flame, flickering back to life. Or a new friend who could end up being so much more. Or a young child who awakens feelings we didn't know we had. And so we give in to temptation, all the while knowing come morning, we'll have to suffer the consequences.

The Prayers

There is a prayer intended to give strength to people faced with circumstances they don't want to accept. The power of the prayer comes from its insight into human nature...  We ask God to grant us the serenity;

To accept the things we cannot change... because so many of us rage against the hand that life has dealt us...

The courage to change the things we can... because so many of us are cowardly and afraid to stand up for what is right...

The wisdom to know the difference... because so many of us give in to despair... when faced with an impossible choice.

The good news for those who utter these words is that God will hear you and answer your prayer.  The bad news is that sometimes the answer is no.

People & Truth

When the truth is ugly, people try to keep it hidden, because they know if revealed, the damage it will do.  So they conceal it within sturdy walls... or they place it behind closed doors... or they obscure it with clever disguises.  But truth, no matter how ugly, always emerges...  and someone we care about always ends up getting hurt... and someone else will revel in their pain, and that's the ugliest truth of all.

Alone

It's a shocking moment for each of us, that moment we realize; we are all alone in this world. The person that we care the most could one day abandon us. The person that we trust so implicitly might betray us.  The person that we love so deeply perhaps won't return to us.  And then we could end up all by ourselves.  Of course, some see great value in going it alone.   Sometimes it just all thumbs.

Love & Trust

The choice to separate from what we love is painful...  The only thing worse... ...is when someone we've trusted makes the choice for us.