It's What Makes the World Go Round

Ever wake up and feel inspired? Or see something in passing that truly sparks an interest of some sort but you dont know what to do about or with it? Lately I find myself stopped, dead in my tracks, at a dead end... as if my imagination has lead me so far and now the options of what is next are so far in between. A color, symbol, word or phrase...a picture that strikes a mood or experience that sparks an idea...its something that everyday brings and when one doesn't execute their greatest inspirations they soon after dwindle away to be forgotten forever.

*Be inspired daily *

If I Had a Million Dollars...

Nostalgic it is, going back to a time when working was fun and fun was amazingly eventful and altogether a part of the everyday routine. It seems that those days are a mere blur of the past and the present is none other then a racetrack to be kept up with. Keeping up with those next to us, around us and even those who are a figure of the imagination. As if earnings are the ultimate fuel to a lifestyle most desired and everything else comes as a trickling effect thereafter.

Although some live to work, I cannot accept this as a calling of mine and continue to keep an open frame of mind and remember to work to live. Open to the idea that money may not necessarily be the key to happiness and there is more to live for then the unlimited ability to swipe, swipe, swipe. With so many passions buried deep inside, dying to be recognized and explored there is the same barrier that continues to take persistence. It cannot be ignored... and when realized that ones passion is the priority is when true happiness is reached and success is defined only by oneself.

Do You Remember the Time...

Not everyday do we get to take a trip down memory lane, unexpected, but when the opportunity presents itself it feels quite refreshing. It seems as time goes by, faster and faster, we tend to get further and further away from the past. Instead of simply reminiscing, I always try to make a conscious effort to pause and reflect on some of those most special moments with some of the most special people. It cannot be taken for granted the people in your world, those who have helped evolve the you that you've become today. Without those most influential it is not known, but can be assumed, that we would not be who we are. It saddens me to think of those who lack those so special and are influenced negatively when all so the opposite is so close by.

Since I made the move and replanted myself in the "City of Angels" it seems, more and more, I am reconnected with my past. Whether it be an old friend, acquaintance, visitor or phone call I am beginning to have de-ja-vu more times then none. It makes me think that life, in a way, is a constant cycle where the past meets the present that leads us to the future. It is when you indulge in the most fondest memories they will none other that be re-visited just when most missed. Always when a vision becomes a blur is the exact instant when that vision re-appears, impecable timing, to say the least.

A little birdie landed on my doorstep and instantly my past met the present and I could not be more ecstatic. Soothing to re-connect and as if nothing has changed which is the beauty of friendship and maintaining those most important. In this 'lil thing we call life it is most important to not let your past slip away, to not be consumed in the future that the past is altogether forgotten. Although we grow everyday, times change and people evolve, it can never be ignored how we became who we are today and allow ourselves to re-embrace what was once with the people who always will be. Here is to friendship and to those that have slipped away are really none other than a phone call away...

California Dreamin'

It is official, two weeks and counting, I am back in California. Surreal it may be, I am expecting to wake up and literally have been "California Dreaming", not this time. In efforts to get the ball rolling I thought I should welcome myself, along with chelsells.com, to this sunny state and stay up to date with the developments of Chel's Everything Thrift/Anything Vintage (www.chelsells.com).

Exciting as it is, there are a lot of little, non-exciting, pieces of the puzzle that need to fit in order to get chelsells.com up and running. It seems that as much as one would want to jump into all the fun stuff, it is the rough edges that need to be carefully placed first. That being said, my number one priority is shaving down those edges in order to get and maintain a perfect fit, I think that's fair. Stay tuned for updates on the status of the site and the constant developments that shall be coming shortly. In the meantime, I would also like to welcome back my true voice, outlet and stomping grounds of expression- my blog. A collection of self-expression, animation, arousal and inspiration...what was once je m'appelle chel has now collaborated with chel's in efforts to join the two in one. A combination of my writing and self-expression with my passion for fashion, a work in progress, and a canvas for my future...chelsells.blogspot.com

"Inspire Me"

Inspired- to be... aroused, animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural or divine influence. I am inspired everyday. I would like to think that all the small things in life that "inspire" me; my personality, style, thoughts, self-expression, what makes me tick... all wrapped up and tied with a bow is "my bright light" and just what I need to make things happen.

Looking back on this past year I am amazed at the obstacles, both good and bad, I have endured and overcome. When things seemed insanely ironic and just "not fair" it was inevitably time to make things happen. Time to turn a dream into a reality and a passion into a lifestyle. It was time to find the strength to move forward and not look back, not even for a moment, because the moment you look back is when you take the chance on missing what is ahead. For me, my passion was my light and although not too far off it has been a journey to truly see the "brighter" side of things. As I embark on my next adventure, I will continue to embrace and believe, allowing an open path for inspiration to follow.

Chelsells.com- A collection of the thrift and trendy, authentic vintage and everything in between. Bright colors, fabulous finds, signature looks and priceless treasures all hand-picked with love and a true passion for Everything Thrift/ Anything Vintage.

Hello 2010, so nice to finally meet you...

Welcome 2010 and can I just say I am glad you're here. A last minute decision changed my entire perspective on things and how I would like to spend this year moving forward. I am not used to responsibility and it's hard to shed a light on frivolous fun when always thinking about the small stuff or actually "sweating" it. I am an adult but doesn't mean I always act like one. Of course, not saying, by any means, I am going to snap my fingers or click my heels and morph into one of those uptight, pain in the ass "adults". You know, the ones with wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, so stressed out because of... well whatever. By adult I mean having the ability to make ones own decisions and when a decision is made, stand by it without even a blink of an eye. Being mature enough to say and do whatever you want because your heart desires it.

Faced with a decision, I made my choice solely based on what I wanted and thought would be most beneficial. As children, we are held responsible for our decisions when clearly they are not made independently, but, off course, by the whisper of mommy's voice or echoing daddy's holler. Sometimes influenced by judgmental friends that taunt or torment on the playground. Either way as we grow older we have the opportunity to do what is best for ourselves and, to be honest, sometimes that's most important. Important to think about the personal consequences of our actions and how we can fulfill our own hopes and dreams.

I am me, and who you are is dictated by daily actions both from the past and present. As if we care so much about what others think or how our own actions will be perceived or effect others, that more and more we are living to satisfy this idea of right and shy from wrong. I cannot be anymore clear when I say life is your own canvas, to be enhanced at ones own dismay. There is no right and wrong, because what is right to one may be wrong to another. As we grow that canvas gets bigger and bigger allowing more and more freedom to self-express, explore, rebel and do what you absolutely, positively never expected. Because it is those choices, the ones that are just made on a whim, that challenge your fate and create a path that can take you away, to a place of utter, personal perfection.

This year, 2010, challenge your limits. Take a chance. Do something that was never expected- whether it's a splash of red, thin line of blue or going nuts, creating an entirely new masterpiece morphed from the drops of color left behind. It is the beginning of a new year, a clean slate, and now more then ever it is time to stop reflecting and start exploring. Happy 2010- Make it count. Make it last. Make it UN-fucking believable!