I had planned to write The Friday Forum early this morning. I started working at 7:00 and finished an action-packed day at 3:30. Finally, I forced myself to get up from my chair and go get breakfast and lunch together: huevos rancheros. Now, deliciously full, I am finally able to throw a few words together.
Many popular fragrances spawn what are called flankers - sequels that capitalize on their parent's success and, from the perspective of the brand, come with a built-in audience. Prada is set to launch the third addition to its Candy franchise, called Florale, next week. I happen to like Prada Candy, so I'm anxious to get my hands on the Prada Candy Florale fragrance. A mix of floral notes and honey comprise Florale. Interested?
Despite how tragic it is, I have to recognize the pain of the Ford Hood community. According to the father of a victim, the shooter opened fire after he tried to pick up a form to request time off and was told to come back later. On Tuesday, for the first time since 2002, no U.S. serviceman or woman had died at war during the previous month. Then, on Wednesday, a 34-year-old Iraq veteran named Ivan Lopez opened fired on his colleagues at Fort Hood, killing three soldiers, wounding 15, and then killing himself.
I'm afraid Americans are becoming numb to senseless shootings occurring in our country. They are happening too often, too regularly. Whether in movie theaters, schools, or on military bases, fathers, mothers, children, family members and friends are being slain. Why? Primarily because the mentally ill are not being diagnosed and treated. Our libertarian roots are so strong that no one will deny guns to those who are or have been treated for behavior problems. No one considers eccentric or odd behaviors as potential precursors to violence. I don't know how to fix this problem, but I cry for the victims and their families and friends. Here today, gone in an instant. All because someone snapped - over time or in an instant.
It seems to me that no other country shares this level of random, unpredictable violence. Am I wrong? Why does the United States suffer have such a structural issue? It makes me very sad.
It's hard to jump to beauty products after such thoughts, but I will. For you DC-area friends, next Saturday, there will be a Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. You must pay a $25 entrance fee, but you will receive a $25 credit if you purchase something costing over $25. I hear that editors from Elle will be in attendance, so it might be the must-attend event of April! If you would like to reserve a space, call Michael Reinhardt or Chae Edwards at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.
It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia
Hi CG,
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine your beautiful flower tree!! I am "battling" some mold that grows on my orchids and threatening the flower, but have been enjoying plenty cherry blossoms around the area (sadly none of them are mine :-)).
I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding mental health. This subject is near and dear to my heart. As a mother, my contribution to the society is to acknowledge my children's emotional expression and guard & guide their emotional well-being so they can become an adult fully responsible & able to navigate the ups and downs of life. By no means I am the perfect mom, far from it, but so many of us grow up (myself included) to repress emotion: "I'll spank you if you keep crying/whining, etc." Behind every children's cry lies a cry for help, especially in a very very young children whose intention is never to malign/manipulate the parents. If parents ignore these, children will become manipulative and grow into adults who are unequipped to manage their own emotions & take care of their emotional well-being, and thus the many mental health problem. School shootings perhaps stem from lack of deep relationship/connection between the young men with adult of significance in their lives. When children do not feel understood, they will find other avenue to feel they "belong" be it peer influence, or delve into illusion of media/electronics/games, etc.
Of course, this is just one aspect. In the shooting case, we are specifically talking about PTSD which has little to do with parenting. Everyone subjected to traumatic even will experience some form of PTSD and this is what we as society should address.
This is of course just the tip of the iceberg. I can't even begin to imagine how to solve such monumental problem. But I'd like to think that by raising my children mindfully, they will grow up into resilient adult who in turn will be able to ask for help if they are in such situation.
Blessings to all of you & have a great weekend.
I am so sorry for the Fort Hood shootings. Life can be difficult at times. I spent the last two days working with families who need heat, matching them up with different organizations that can meet their needs, and getting the necessary papers to the proper parties. It is so good when a plan comes together, and the people that need fuel get what they need to get through a few more cold months. People can be going through so many things, and it's impossible to know until they share their stories with you.
ReplyDeleteOn the more trivial (but lovely) topic of best things in beauty-I have the Magnolia Grandiflora-Michel scent, and it's just beautiful. It's still horribly winter here, so i am waiting for better weather to test it. The jasmin in it is spectacular.
And i have been using a new Becca foundation-super sheer formula. it's perfect too-leaves a beautiful finish which does not require touch ups all day long.
Have a good weekend,
Carole
I just received the new Tom Ford shadow/blush compact. It is lovely!!! The two lip/cheek highlighters are great too! I was also told by the SA at Saks that Chanel will be bringing the Sublimage toner to the States, sometime this summer.
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