Ipsy Glambag - November, 2015 "Beauty Blast" - Opening

My second Ipsy Bag arrived the Friday before Thanksgiving, and needless to say, I was beyond excited for this one.  I’m getting to where receiving this small bag of makeup is a monthly highlight.  Even though I peeked online to see what I was getting, and trust me, when I saw the Smashbox item it was hard not to cheer out loud, I was still almost drooling when I received the bright metallic pink mailing envelope.  So, let’s see what’s inside!




The card this month: “Beauty Blast.”  The caption on the back:  “The stars are aligning, your November Glam Bag is a universe of brilliant beauties. Twinkle, twinkle, darling.  It’s time to light up the sky.”

A Realization, and a Regretful Goodbye

Many times in my life, I’ve stopped and wondered if I’m living a fantasy.  I don’t do it because things are going so well, I do it because I start realizing things aren’t going the way I thought they should.  The problem is that statement, do I get complacent with my life?  Do I take things for granted?  When I’m making out with my wife, and she pushes me away, is it really because the reasons she gives, or have I allowed the romance to die when I thought it was burning strong?

Sometime in my youth, I discovered that sex can be a beautiful proclamation of love between two people.  Yes, it can be everything else sex has become, but it can be so much more.  When I’m making love with my wife, I can feel her soul there with me, and it feels as if my soul is reaching for hers.  Sometimes I feel weightless, like I’m floating with her in a void of bliss.

(poem) - The Dance of Love's Life

I’ve danced through life
To a soundtrack that only I’ve heard
I’ve invited you to dance
If you wish to learn

Many have taken me up
On this offer of life’s dance
Only to watch them stumble
Not being able to prance

Happiness is a way of life
That I’ve lived for quite some time
But I only know how to do so
Because I know Sorrow’s every line

So watch as I dance
And twirl around
Can you see me float
Far above the ground?

In real life
I cannot dance
But metaphorically
I do so at every chance

And amazingly I found Lisa
Who has taken my hand
As we danced
She donned my wedding band

Friends may come and go
But I’ve finally found a partner
Who will dance with me
Forever, and ever after

Somewhere along the way
I realized something very important
I’ve danced this dance I’ve danced
Felt pain at every appointment

So that when I got to dance with her
It was the dance that would enthrall her

Because she’s danced
The same dance as me
So that when we found each other
It would be so lovely

That we have both wept with joy
At true love’s beautiful envoy

--Dan

--Want more Poetry?  Check out my Poetry Collection Page!

An Analogy of Rain

There’s something about driving in the rain.  I’m not sure what it is, maybe its just the grey of the sky, or the memories that flood in, but the wipers flick at a certain beat, and time seems like a vague concept.

I’ve lived a life that I cannot sometimes comprehend.  The way the moonlight shines through the trees, creating shadows at night fills me with a warmth I never expect.  A cold night wind takes that feeling away every time, but it WAS there, I FELT it.

Emerald Refection of the Future

There’s nothing quite like fumbling around with an online store front.  It can be a bit frustrating, but once you get the hang of it, it can just be a bit time consuming.  But in the end, its always worth it to have product out there for sale.

Ever since I got my very first camera, I’ve always wanted to use it for something.  For years I lived in one of the most beautiful places in the entire world, and I used the time there to learn to take some truly spectacular shots of nature.  Sunsets, flowers, and landscapes.  Every great now and then I’d get a girlfriend who’d stand in front of the camera, or a friend that would go hand out and bring along kids.

(poem) - Passing the Time Away

There is nothing
Like passing the time away

Reading books
Enjoying the hooks
Writing a novel
Can’t be that trivial

Singing a song
Under the rain
Can’t be wrong
Using the brain

Video game are a challenge
If you take the plunge
Experiencing a story
Told through allegory

There is nothing
Like passing the time away

Poetry and rhyming
Are much like breathing
You just start doing it
And never ever quit

Fame and fortune
May never arrive
But I live my life fun
This is for what I strive

Art flows from my fingers
Onto many, many papers
Words forming thoughts
Keeping my wit very taut

There is nothing
Like passing the time away

Jobless
But not homeless
I work for a bright future
Based on our love for each other

Nothing will keep us apart
The beauty of love brought us together
Every day we create amazing art
All the while, ignoring the weather

The climate of the entire world
Is trying to make our life unfurl
We will make it through this
For, together, we have nothing but time to pass

Fact is
There is nothing
Like passing the time away.

--Dan

--Want more Poetry?  Check out my Poetry Collection Page!

Decadent Artistry

There are few things in this world as decadent and wonderful as chocolate.  I truly feel sorry for those that don’t like the stuff, because they are truly missing out.  Throughout my life, I’ve eaten quite a bit of chocolate.  I’ve even taken a class on how to eat chocolate with wine.

Being an amateur chef, I find flavors to be one of the greatest things about being human.  You can do so much with flavors and taste and spices...yeah, I can go on and on.  But when you find places that does such thing with chocolate, you know you’ve found an amazing place.

(poem) - Photographer's Vision

A click and a flash
A memory saved to a card
Seems so amazing
How technology has come so far

But when its turned
Into an art
It makes people stop
And simply take part



The idea that we can
Capture moments from this amazing life
Makes it all seem alittle more worth
All the damnable strife

And strife I’ve seen
Caused by the camera I hold
But it was all worth it
Because my pictures are so bold

I’ve always seen the beauty
Of the setting sun
But I never believed
I’d capture a breathtaking one

But I did
With my camera
And it takes my breath away
Let me tellya



I often believe
That I dream in color
Because my dreams are
More vivid than I can remember

Yet sometimes
Through the lens
I see something so spectacular
My soul feels a cleanse

Everyone sees art
In a different way
But I know what I saw
On that picture’s day

Because I look upon it
In my portfolio
Along with other shots
That made me exclaim, “Whoa!”

--Dan

--Want more Poetry?  Check out my Poetry Collection Page!

Attention to Detail at Disney World

When I think of Disney World now, I think about how much detail went into everything.  The rides that tell stories, the animatronics....  It all makes for a pretty amazing experience.  When we walked into an art store, the amazing beauty of the artwork contained within was astounding, and really got me into the Disney atmosphere.

Walking around the parks, its hard not to notice the attention to detail, especially if you are looking for Hidden Mickey’s.  We didn’t do that on this trip, but we plan to in future trips.  But details are still all around you.  Around the Dumbo ride, there are peanuts embedded in the concrete.

Magical Memories of Disney World

Well, the second honeymoon has come and gone, and Lisa and I learned a ton of things about each other and the world in general.  The main thing I learned is that Disney World is a pretty cool place.

Lisa had been there a few times before, and loved the place, but this time, she walked away from it all with a new appreciation for Disney.  We got into interesting little side things to do that really made the vacation that much more enjoyable.

The Beauty of What I Do

Part of me wants to truly believe that art lives within everyone and that anyone could recognize and appreciate beauty.  Unfortunately I know that just isn’t the case.  The world is an ugly, ugly place, full of violence, hatred, and so many things that should make anyone ponder what everything is all about.

Fact is, beauty is something rare, even if it is all around us, and it should be cherished.  One of the greatest beauties in the world is simply to create.  I’m shocked to say this, but There was a country singer who said something truly amazing the other day as I was watching TV.  He said, “If I couldn’t do this for a living, I’d still do this.”  I thought about that quote and instantly applied it to myself.



The problem is...I don’t do this for a living.  I sure wish I did, but yeah...this is most definitely a hobby.  There’s so much I want to do with writing, so many stories to tell, that I know I am simply enjoying writing, and that I enjoy it enough to do it no matter what.  No one knows how truly blessed I am to be able to do this as much as I do.

Luckily with the wedding over, Lisa and I are finding ourselves a bit more time to get down to what we need to be doing.  In the weeks leading up to the wedding, I got seriously behind on my blogging schedule, and I still have tons to do to catch up, but at least I’m getting the opportunity to.

Writing has always been something I’ve loved to do.  I’ve always had a fantastical imagination, and one of the true joys of such an imagination is to share the stories, share the dreams.  The idea that I can write something, and someone else read it, and it affect their lives is something truly extraordinary, and beautiful.

And I honestly say that from experience at both ends.  I’ve read such wonderful things in my life, that have opened up my heart, soul, and mind to things beyond reality, giving me new dreams and old friends.  I’d like to think I’m working towards that goal of doing the same for someone else.

Beyond all of that, though, is me just having the time to do this, the time to create.  Time that I use to full advantage, and a wife that doesn’t see it as a waste of time.  Even if I never see anything out of it, she is truly appreciative of the art that I make here, and the writing that I do.

I might have just married the perfect woman for me, but I know that deep down, I will always strive to deserve her, because I never feel that I will.  I am humbled and awed by her so many times each and every day.  She believes in me and pushes me in every way, even if she doesn’t understand the vision, simply because she believes in me and trusts me.  And I know, that I will forever be sure that I earn that from her.

Creating is something amazing, and I get to do it on a daily basis, and share it with you, my readers.  Whether or not I succeed in doing it entertainingly enough is in your eyes, but the fact that I get to try is all because of Lisa.  “I don’t do this for a living, but I still do it.”  And that is something truly wonderful.

Where Does Art Reside?

There is something beautiful about art, and something artistic about beauty.  I’ve always believed the two go hand in hand, yet I do know there are forms of art that shun beauty, yet have a beauty all their own.  I’m sure there’s tons of quotes putting the two together in some lyrical fashion, but, in the end, I feel that quotes do either that much good when they are combined.

On the wall, above my desk is a print of a painting.  Its called Dangerous Deception by L. Daniels.  It is probably the most beautiful portrayal of a Bengal Tiger I have ever seen.  I fully believe the Bengal is the second most beautiful creature that lives.  They are complete poetry in motion.

The Beauty of a Woman

I personally think, that the human female form is the most beautiful thing in the universe.  The curves, the strength, the way it moves....  Poetry in motion.  Beauty at its best.  Maybe I am partial because I am a guy, but honestly, there’s nothing sexual about it.

But people perceive me saying so as being sexual.  Being an artist at heart, both as a writer and a photographer, I enjoy lines and curves and beauty.  I find it inspiring and wonderful when I can find beauty no matter where I find it.

Ignoring the Flame of Creation

It saddens me to no end when people give up on something they enjoy.  I’ve seen it happen over and over again, for whatever the excuse.  I guess its because I’m so goal oriented, and so artisticly driven, but something feels like it dies inside every time I see someone give up.

Writing and music are the easiest examples.  I can see the joy in people’s eyes when they play music, but seeing them set down a guitar, just because they don’t have time, or it never went anywhere is just sad.  There’s something beautiful about creating, even if its just for fun.  How else will your soul truly sing?

(poem) - The End of the World

I swear I will stay with you

As our love is unfurled

Even if we stand

At the end of the world

The sun will set

On another dying day

And I sleep soundly knowing

I loved you in every way

I slip into the dream

And you are waiting for me there

I cannot escape you

For you are everywhere

You smile at me

While I sleep in your arms all curled

Because you know I’ll be there

At the end of the world.

We wake together

Witnessing the sun rise

We know today holds

Absolutely no goodbyes

And as the day goes on

We enjoy it all the more

Because it is each other

Whom we most adore

Around the sun

The clouds have swirled

Shading us together waiting

At the end of the world.

The world may end tomorrow

Yet it may end this day

I know that you will always

Give thanks and pray

For all that we have

And all that we do

Because our most publisised phrase

Is, “Baby, I love you.”

And yet the Earth continues on

Spinning and whirled

And nothing between us changes

Even, at the end of the world.

--Dan

--Want more Poetry?  Check out my Poetry Collection Page!

((as always, my photography is taken by me, copyright be me, so please do not use without permission))

(poem) What I see in her eyes.

There’s something about her eyes
That makes my soul fly
The way she looks at me
Makes me feel wonderfully

Her laugh is what I live to hear
It makes sure I am always near
Jokes come out all the time
They add the spice like thyme

And though spice is not needed
It makes our love life more honeyed
And oh how she loves her honey
For which she’d commit larceny

I still can’t believe I found her
And she took me from my winter
Bringing me into the sun
Of love so intensely one on one

I’m glad our nights are long
For that helps our love go strong
As the trust flows freely
I find myself thinking humbly

About my life and about my past
And how it all moved by so fast
And brought me to this slice of heaven
After a life of love’s famine

Now being treated to such a feast
I stare off to the East
Watching the sun rise on this wonderful chapter
Hoping it will not move any swifter

Because I want to enjoy this moment
Feeling my hearts every movement
As it beats just for my wife
And the outlook is so good for our life.

She saved me and brought me to this
For that she deserves my every kiss
For my love is hers till the end of time
And beyond, so goes the rhyme.

--Dan

--Want more Poetry?  Check out my Poetry Collection Page!

Thoughts on Science

I truly wish some people would accept science.  There is so much beauty out there in the world, and its so wonderful to just understand it better.  And the best thing about science to me is, it takes so much imagination and thought to truly comprehend.

Birds are amazing creatures, they flit and fly and do such amazing things that make us humans so friggin’ jealous.  But I can’t help but look at them and see their history.  To think, their ancestors were the dinosaurs.  Its evolution at its purest, and its so amazing to just look at them and see the skeletons of those ancient, huge creatures.  Those little creatures have survived so much through the eons....  But how is it not amazing to think, the Dinosaurs didn’t become extinct, they evolved and survived, to thrive again.

Truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Halloween is starting to arrive, and its so wonderful. I love the fall, I always have. The smell in the air, the beauty of the trees losing their foliage, and All Hallows Eve. The chill in the air, which takes away the oppressiveness of the heat of summer.

There is also something wonderful about the items in the shops, the fun of dressing up, and the traveling around to see neighbors, you typically disregard, as they hand out candy. It just seems that this holiday is the only time community truly comes together to have good fun.

A Passion in Beauty

There is so much beauty in this world.  But beauty is so subjective.  I definitely know where I find beauty, and I’ve found it in so many places.

Let me start by saying, I do not say the word ‘beauty’ lightly.  In today’s society, so many words are thrown around in so many different ways, that they all seem to lose their importance.  The definition of beauty states “deep satisfaction to the mind” or “high spiritual qualities are manifest.”  When I say beautiful, I don’t mean sexy, or even pretty, I mean moving to the soul.

I’ve found beauty in my fiance’s eyes, I’ve found it standing on the top of a mountain, with the vastness of the Earth far below me.  I find beauty laying in my hammock in the back yard, I’ve found it in a great book that has consumed my time.  But more importantly, I find beauty in passion used to create.

Science Fiction Fan

I enjoy science fiction.  I really don’t understand why some people can’t.  Einstein said that the “true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”  To me that proclaims that what human’s can dream up, is close to what human’s have achieved.  It keeps us looking to a future that might be, and inspiring those who have the knowledge to put it all together.

Even if some of it is escapism, such as John Carter, it still has some significance.  The ability to sit back and enjoy someone else’s vision has such interesting artistic merit.  Star Trek was a great place to have people think about what the most promising theories now could look like in the future.