If I was bold........

I turned 42 a couple of days ago and birthdays are always a time of reflection.

In one of my all time favorite movies, Sex and Mrs X (If you're my friend, I'm sure I've made you watch the movie), Madame Simone asks Mrs X, who will you be? I would definitely be Madame Simone if I was bold! A woman who arranges love for others! Sigh......

It's a question I ponder on often. Who will you be Leonarda?

As with all women, I know who I would like to be. I have the answers. But do I dare? Do I honestly say who I would like to be? They say life begins at 40. I became a first time mother 3 months before my 40th birthday and I still have not recovered! On most days, I'm too tired to even ask myself the question. But really, who would I be?

If I were bold, these would be my answers.....

I would be a Femme Fatale. Even though I'm married and plan to stay married, my husband would be afraid to let me out of his sight, for fear of what my mischievous mind may be up to......right now, if I disappeared for a couple of days, he would be fine.....booooooring!

I would be a Diva. Who is a Diva anyway? A woman who knows what she wants, asks for it and get's it every time! Shouldn't that be every woman? Hmmm.......

I would have a massage every morning and maybe, every night.

I would live in 50 Shades of Grey........even though I haven't read the book yet....too tired.

In business, I would be a creator of dreams, like my dream mentor, Diana Vreeland. My head in the clouds. I would ask that before you became my client, you should know that you were embarking on the adventure of your life! You'll wear gloves, garter belts, only high fashion and always look like a movie star. If you're not up for that, don't even think about it!

And of course, I would be the ultimate role model!

I would have soirees in my home with equally bold women....and men and we would have the most exciting and provocative conversations at my dinner table!

You want me to continue? I don't think you can handle it.......

Oh, if I could be so bold......

Sigh........

Surrender And Full Circle

I go. I come. I go again and I return.

This time I make no promises. The most important thing is that I showed up today.

I'm here. For me.

It's been quite a ride! A roller coaster ride!

I think I've come back to square one.

Leonarda Renaissance Woman.

This is who I am.

I've tried so may things my friends. Tried to put myself in beautiful boxes.

Lady.
Lover.
Artist.
Mother.
Fairy God Mother.
Wife.
Wild Woman. 
Loyal and Loving Friend.
African Queen.
Woman of the World.
Lover of the High Fashion!
Lover of Luxury.
Lover of Flowers.
Mogul.
Designer.
Consultant.
Coach.
Confidante.
Florist.
Photographer.
Writer.
Traveler.
African.
American.

I've tried to be one at a time.

It didn't work.

Where has my wisdom been?

No answers needed. It's been a beautiful journey. And I have returned home.

I am Leonarda. My mentor, Leonardo. He did it all. So can I.

It just has to be graceful and elegant. Not scattered.....I've done that too.

I am reminded of the Master In The Art Of Living. I've shared this with you before......

He makes little distinction between his work and his play.
His labor and his leisure.
His mind and his body.
His information and his recreation.
His love and his religion.
He hardly knows which is which.
He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whater he is working or playing.
To him he is always doing both.

Time to play my friends!!!!!!!!

And stop taking life so damn seriously!

I am Leonarda. Renaissance Woman.