my blog is waiting for you...
I AM waiting for you there:)
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"The guest I was looking for..."
So many times I invited love in my life and when it knocked at my door, I opened and found myself looking around to see if it wouldn't be accompanied by another guest... I realize that the thing I was really looking for was comfort, not love. Same thing with friendship or art or anything! When they knocked at my door as a surprise or as I invited them myself, I didn't let them come in unless they came with comfort... which they rarely did. Why??? Comfort usually comes with another type of guest such as compromise or illusion. I think now that it is much more simple and true to welcome the pure feelings and life experiences as they are without trying to manipulate them, twisting them to fit my own vision or way to do things. I need to allow love, friendship, faith and all of these wonderful guests to shock me, surprise me, stupefy me, and to leave me speechless, helpless, breathless...
My friends...I don't understand love... I don't understand life... I can't figure out what friendship is all about... but whatever... the love I live, the life I'm blessed with and the friendships I discover every day are making me feel so alive... they are delightful mysteries and I am welcoming them as they are.
I have to admit, a lot of times it makes me feel very frustrated and uncomfortable not to understand and control everything in my life. To let go is my every day challenge. Opening up like I do every single week in this diary is an exercise that helps me so much but it could very easily become a trap if I again invite comfort instead of real growth and sharing... comfort would mean to use the right words to make you agree with me and again manipulate to get you to love me. I am alone in this process so I have to watch myself and really be true. Which is different when we're doing the band interviews like the special Where Did We Lose Each Other series (that you HAVE TO watch by the way... they truly are a source of treasure!!!). These interviews are intense for me and comfort is not even knocking at the door!lol These video interviews confront me, push me to strip down the nice smiles to expose myself more like the example the guys are setting in front of me. That's the power of being together I believe... the impact the guys have on me is my treasure and saved me so many times...
Jeff is always an example for me of being true and not to care about showing off something nice, but displaying something true. When he lives his emotions live on the Bla Bla Bla and talks about his struggles in the different videos and just to see him always committed to supporting each and everyone of us... To hear Alex say live that he couldn't blog for so many years and developed agoraphobia... exposing himself... telling the world about it just as raw and true as the reality was for him. When I see him today overcoming his own demons and blogging again after so many years saying that he finally found himself a home, a place in his life where he knows he's at the right place, at the right time and being really happy, wanting to share with everyone... well that makes me curious about what he will explore in his life and share with all of us... I think his blog should be in our BOOKMARKS! Go ahead Alex! Explore your own soul, change your world and create your Disney Land! Share it with us and we won't remain only witnesses, we'll also gain strength and we will be inspired to do the same in our life!!!
Everything is a question of decision and of the degree of commitment we will have concerning these same decisions. It's the beauty of being an adult! We can of course act like kids, constantly reacting to what is happening, complaining that we don't have what we want, disgusted because we get dirty and nobody is cleaning up our mess, playing carelessly with whatever ends up in our hands, breaking up the precious things we have in our life and running after the next toys... So many of these "kids" finish their life alone, unable to laugh, empty handed and wiping wordless tears. I don't want to be like that. So that means I have to pay attention to each of my decisions, commit to what I decide in my life and commit to the people I surround myself with.
Over the years of blogging I have always tried to give you my best, but looking back I know I have failed at pushing my own limits of comfort to touch and share what is really true and the real love, the real friendship. But you guys are so good to me, so patient and so encouraging. I am thankful to you and I do commit to open my door to our life together, to push and free myself from anything that could try to keep me from loving you for real.
-Miss Isabel
My friends...I don't understand love... I don't understand life... I can't figure out what friendship is all about... but whatever... the love I live, the life I'm blessed with and the friendships I discover every day are making me feel so alive... they are delightful mysteries and I am welcoming them as they are.
I have to admit, a lot of times it makes me feel very frustrated and uncomfortable not to understand and control everything in my life. To let go is my every day challenge. Opening up like I do every single week in this diary is an exercise that helps me so much but it could very easily become a trap if I again invite comfort instead of real growth and sharing... comfort would mean to use the right words to make you agree with me and again manipulate to get you to love me. I am alone in this process so I have to watch myself and really be true. Which is different when we're doing the band interviews like the special Where Did We Lose Each Other series (that you HAVE TO watch by the way... they truly are a source of treasure!!!). These interviews are intense for me and comfort is not even knocking at the door!lol These video interviews confront me, push me to strip down the nice smiles to expose myself more like the example the guys are setting in front of me. That's the power of being together I believe... the impact the guys have on me is my treasure and saved me so many times...
Jeff is always an example for me of being true and not to care about showing off something nice, but displaying something true. When he lives his emotions live on the Bla Bla Bla and talks about his struggles in the different videos and just to see him always committed to supporting each and everyone of us... To hear Alex say live that he couldn't blog for so many years and developed agoraphobia... exposing himself... telling the world about it just as raw and true as the reality was for him. When I see him today overcoming his own demons and blogging again after so many years saying that he finally found himself a home, a place in his life where he knows he's at the right place, at the right time and being really happy, wanting to share with everyone... well that makes me curious about what he will explore in his life and share with all of us... I think his blog should be in our BOOKMARKS! Go ahead Alex! Explore your own soul, change your world and create your Disney Land! Share it with us and we won't remain only witnesses, we'll also gain strength and we will be inspired to do the same in our life!!!
Everything is a question of decision and of the degree of commitment we will have concerning these same decisions. It's the beauty of being an adult! We can of course act like kids, constantly reacting to what is happening, complaining that we don't have what we want, disgusted because we get dirty and nobody is cleaning up our mess, playing carelessly with whatever ends up in our hands, breaking up the precious things we have in our life and running after the next toys... So many of these "kids" finish their life alone, unable to laugh, empty handed and wiping wordless tears. I don't want to be like that. So that means I have to pay attention to each of my decisions, commit to what I decide in my life and commit to the people I surround myself with.
Over the years of blogging I have always tried to give you my best, but looking back I know I have failed at pushing my own limits of comfort to touch and share what is really true and the real love, the real friendship. But you guys are so good to me, so patient and so encouraging. I am thankful to you and I do commit to open my door to our life together, to push and free myself from anything that could try to keep me from loving you for real.
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, February 9, 2012
"let's be sensitive to what happens inside of us."
My dear brother, my sweet sister...
Can I invite you on a journey?
It is an invitation I received to look at myself in a mirror called "Where Did We Lose Each Other"... This song really talks about my life, it reflects my losses, it screams my hopes and it enlightens my crossroads. Since the first day I read these words, I knew they were a mirror that I had the option to look into for real or turn my eyes away in denial. Just like it has been said in one of the videos of the special project page, either we decide to face reality or slowly we become the reflection of something else, far from being alive and far from being our true self...just a pale reflection of our illusions.
Enough with the illusions, enough with cutting ourselves from embracing this life of communion and love, there's more awaiting for us and I want all of us to grasp whatever is ours!
Let's read this text, let's listen to the song and let's be sensitive to what happens inside of us...
1) Which line sticks to your brain?
2) What word(s) cuts into your heart like a precise surgeon?
3) What is in it that confuses you or enlightens you?
4 ) What feeling comes up to the surface, that you have to deal with as you listen to the song and see the video?
My answers are down here in the comment section...I'm waiting for yours!!!
-Miss Isabel
Can I invite you on a journey?
It is an invitation I received to look at myself in a mirror called "Where Did We Lose Each Other"... This song really talks about my life, it reflects my losses, it screams my hopes and it enlightens my crossroads. Since the first day I read these words, I knew they were a mirror that I had the option to look into for real or turn my eyes away in denial. Just like it has been said in one of the videos of the special project page, either we decide to face reality or slowly we become the reflection of something else, far from being alive and far from being our true self...just a pale reflection of our illusions.
Enough with the illusions, enough with cutting ourselves from embracing this life of communion and love, there's more awaiting for us and I want all of us to grasp whatever is ours!
Let's read this text, let's listen to the song and let's be sensitive to what happens inside of us...
" Where Did We Lose Each Other -French part translated by Miss Isabel- "
It’s been a while isn’t it
Where did we lose each other
Is it somewhere between
Your skin, my grief and weakness
Where did we lose each other
It’s strange somehow (illusions feeding memories)
There must be dreams I can breathe
Love’s long way gone (winter’s crawling over me)
It’s been a while, it’s been too long
I should have told you everything,
Needed to keep it in, to keep the sorrows inside
Your eyes, your eyes, looking at me
Your blame, my shame, a thousand whispers
I’m falling down, I’m on my knees
Just like a soul who lost his way, away, away
The cut is deep, but ain’t too late
Need salvation to light my way, away, away
I’m just a dream who’s been fading away
A craving ghost that kept running way
Grace’s out of sight, I won’t give it away
Just give it away, can’t give it away…
It’s been a while isn’t it,
Glad to be back from despairs
I never thought it could
Be good to scream in laughter
Where did we lose each other
It’s strange somehow (I’ve been dressed up in your fears)
I’ve learned to lie in my grief
Tear’s long way gone (I’m not sleeping at your feet )
I’m falling down, I’m on my knees
Just like a soul who lost his way, away, away
The cut is deep, but ain’t too late
Need salvation to light my way, away, away
I’m just a dream who’s been fading away
A craving ghost that kept running way
Grace’s out of sight, I won’t give it away
Just give it away, can’t give it away…
I am winter, I am the wind
A dead season, betrayed a hundred times
a fooled heart fooled, slap of time
All is lost, I'm broken
I believed in you, painted with white,
You lied to me, soiled from dawn,
Followed your steps, dizzy soul
I no longer love you, I come back to life
I’m falling down, I’m on my knees
Just like a soul who lost his way, away, away
The cut is deep, but ain’t too late
Need salvation to light my way, away, away
I’m just a dream who’s been fading away
A craving ghost that kept running way
Grace’s out of sight, I won’t give it away
Just give it away, can’t give it away…
1) Which line sticks to your brain?
2) What word(s) cuts into your heart like a precise surgeon?
3) What is in it that confuses you or enlightens you?
4 ) What feeling comes up to the surface, that you have to deal with as you listen to the song and see the video?
My answers are down here in the comment section...I'm waiting for yours!!!
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, February 2, 2012
"I Urge You To Explore!"
My dear friends,
you have no idea how important the next minutes could be...They could impact your life forever... You decided to take a few minutes to read this blog maybe out of curiosity or you are faithfully welcoming my heart and thoughts, allowing me to share with you and grow up with you. But I will surprise you this week because I won't write many lines, I will in fact urge you to explore something that I personally want to dig in deeply and think about: Alex's new blog!
Some of you might not know, but Alex wrote some blogs a while back and each of them were so intense and powerful that I have witnessed international movements arising after some of his blogs, I saw people finding the courage to open up for the first time about things they wanted to be freed from... I remember wondering myself how he could gather enough love and trust to be able to deliver such honesty. Listen... this man is not God or anything close to perfect, but just take this moment as an opportunity to explore his thoughts, his heart, his vision as he talks about the words he wrote without even knowing they would become the song: "Where Did We Lose Each Other".
"As a writer, everything starts in a very isolated place, where your emotions could freely bloom because you're not exposed."-Alex
Many people asked him to blog again, to expose more of who he is, what meaning is carried in his words and how he sees the challenges of life, and as I myself dig in his new blog I totally understand why... there's a treasure there for me... there's something in it for you too...
I urge you to explore and find your treasure!
NOW: http://alexhenryfoster.com/
-Miss Isabel
you have no idea how important the next minutes could be...They could impact your life forever... You decided to take a few minutes to read this blog maybe out of curiosity or you are faithfully welcoming my heart and thoughts, allowing me to share with you and grow up with you. But I will surprise you this week because I won't write many lines, I will in fact urge you to explore something that I personally want to dig in deeply and think about: Alex's new blog!
Some of you might not know, but Alex wrote some blogs a while back and each of them were so intense and powerful that I have witnessed international movements arising after some of his blogs, I saw people finding the courage to open up for the first time about things they wanted to be freed from... I remember wondering myself how he could gather enough love and trust to be able to deliver such honesty. Listen... this man is not God or anything close to perfect, but just take this moment as an opportunity to explore his thoughts, his heart, his vision as he talks about the words he wrote without even knowing they would become the song: "Where Did We Lose Each Other".
"As a writer, everything starts in a very isolated place, where your emotions could freely bloom because you're not exposed."-Alex
Many people asked him to blog again, to expose more of who he is, what meaning is carried in his words and how he sees the challenges of life, and as I myself dig in his new blog I totally understand why... there's a treasure there for me... there's something in it for you too...
I urge you to explore and find your treasure!
NOW: http://alexhenryfoster.com/
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Where Did We Lose Each Other Where can I find myself...
Blogging has been a part of my life for more than 4 years now. I've been through all kinds of periods, emotions and I believe my writing has evolved, mutated and enabled my growth. I kinda think though that now is time for me to push myself beyond the established borders of this written world of mine. Can I explore the depth of my being and bring whatever I may find to the surface, to you and to my own conscience? Why would I do that? This question just reveals how I live some of the fears of what I may find down there. As I try to answer, I can very well see that by first being true to myself to the core of my soul and then by exposing myself, only powerful things can happen. still it's scary...
I wish I had a much bigger faith so I wouldn't have any hesitation before jumping, but my faith is small, small enough though to assure me that once I'll dig in I'll find something that was placed there on purpose, a bigger purpose than I can imagine or try to control, placed for my destiny to be meaningful. There are not many things that crack me open. Years and years of self defense made my heart a very well guarded fortress, so well guarded that I can't even easily see what's going on there!lol Thanks to all of you and the faithful love of my family, I have torn down many walls and unlocked many doors, but I am now facing a new invitation to release more of who Miss Isabel really is.
Lately, we have been filming a video series about Where Did We Lose Each Other, videos that will be online every Monday on our Website. As this particular song has been a major turning point for us as a band and as individuals, we decided to explore more about the song, the lyrics, the reasons behind the french part, the context in which it has been created and recorded, etc. It's such an amazing way to explore this song for you and for us at the same time. For me, it's not easy to do that kind of interview. It requires you to dive into the song, to make the lyrics your own, live it all and then expose what you're living. The first few times I read the lyrics I didn't want to let them sink in me...to my eyes they were dark, I didn't want to bear the pain I saw in them, I didn't want any of the shame that they shone a light on, I saw in them an attack on the status quo I was comfortable with. I didn't want to put words on what I try to forget and deny. So I barely scratched the surface of what this song is all about... but now it's not enough. As my band mates offer the best of their gut feeling about it, I can share just enough not to clash with them, true feelings yes, but those easy ones on the surface, those that are not so ugly to expose or those which won't create much reaction, rejection or will establish forever in the open a reality I don't want to face.
I may look like a deep person... sharing beautiful words... but I stop myself below the surface. I'm not deep. What does it mean to really expose myself, to really love you enough to rise my level of engagement? I do want to be a sister to all of you, a sister that you can count on and refer to in good times and bad times. I'm not that for you yet not because I don't love you, but because I am not yet totally open to you...why? Because I fear what's inside of me. I'm not even totally open to myself! But the surface doesn't satisfy me anymore and I can't accept my missing out on life close to you.
I believe that in my life I'm always put in a situation where I can grow and win. It's really up to me to grasp those occasions and stretch myself to reach and possess what is already mine. So I take the Where Did We Lose Each Other video series as my opportunity to crack my heart open, to expose what's in it and believe that whatever I will find will either be healed and transformed or will powerfully shine and bring us closer. Sounds more exciting than scary now...
So for the next few weeks, I'll be going deeper in my own vision and heart about the subject of the interview. Thank you for taking this journey with me.
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Miss Isabel's diary "ardent revolutionist of the heart... I dare you to love"
Do you know one of the ways you can recognize that you truly love someone? I know I love someone when the only thought or the simple view of that person being happy is making me happy and smile, even if the source of happiness has nothing to do with me and even if that person doesn't even know I thought or saw him/her...
I could feel so much love coming our way last Sunday during the Bla Bla Bla as you guys were laughing and smiling to see us go crazy and having fun...being happy. And I could definitely also feel and witness so much love radiating from inside the Studio through the walls, through the computer screens, through the distance that was miraculously banished as we were together in a common space and time. Did you feel the love in the numerous videos that our amazing video crew crafted? Could you imagine the smile of Kanu and the design team as they spent countless hours polishing each visual detail so you would feel glad to receive something so beautiful, thoughtful and meaningful? If you had a little warmth going through your cheeks as someone sent you an invite, a personal message, it's only because that someone poured out the best of love, energy and passion in order to reach you, touch you and take care of you... And the management team, the creation team, and the band, as we are a part of this truthfully loving family. Now you get why we're rock enough to create that "Everybody Loves Jeff" t-shirt!lol
 |
| www.yfestore.com |
The description of the shirt is really worth the read:
In the spirit of the 60's, the "Everybody Loves Jeff" t-shirt is a perfect demonstration of what true and pure affection is all about. In a world built on individualism, self-righteousness, egotistic devotion and inconsideration…
Compassion, sympathy, altruism and empathy are needed more than ever.
As some people, like Jeff Beaulieu, opened the way, it's now time for every single one of us to make a stand and take the lead. Evil and hatred are never ashamed to show the colors of their apathetic nature. So how should we be, when it's time to embrace the quintessential essence of love... yes, we love Jeff... not only for the incredibly caring man he is, but because like him... we know the fruits that love can bare... today a t-shirt... tomorrow the whole world.
So wear your love and become an ardent revolutionist of the heart... I dare you to love!!!
Yeah... an ardent revolution involving each one of us. Ardent...Burning... As I was watching the new video-clip "Where Did We Lose Each Other", I was struck by one particular image. The whole video can touch you and I in so many ways and can take different meaning for each of us, but today when I look at how the light is omnipresent, so strong, overpowering the individuals, taking the whole place...the light and the sound... Even if the lyrics are quite deep and express a journey of confusion, loss, pain, searching for hope and redemption, transition and life... the light is always there... the sound never gives up... And then there is THIS SCENE, about 2 seconds long, that shows the whole band in the middle of our studio/church, shining like a furious flame piercing the surrounding darkness... When you know what we had to go through to stick together, take each of our places in that circle, to learn to feed our own fire and then fully embrace the vision of bringing the best of our light, energy and warmheartedness together, as one, united to shine even more and inspire more people to create their own bonfire.
To be united is very powerful. Together we can overcome anything that comes our way on a personal level. We have to learn to allow ourselves to shine... we might be shy or feel ashamed of what this light will reveal... and then on top of this another will shine on us and reveal even more?:P? My gosh!.. well... I understand the feeling. But, please, believe me or believe what you see, the more I let myself shine and the more I get close to people who are burning with passion, the more my heart is hot, the less I fear my own differences, the more I value the strength of others as they enlighten areas of my life that I'm weak in and they strengthen me! You might feel you're not a big flame... maybe you feel more like the tiniest coal... Let me remind you of something Alex said (excerpts from the"Love Is a Promise - Reissue" live chat )
"I guess I will always be fragile... maybe... but somehow, I'm not afraid anymore... in some standards, I'm a failure... and I rather be a hot coal than a frozen piece of gold... and that's alright for me... that's perfect for me..."-Alex Foster.
I'm proud of you all my "coal-mates"! Let's be hot together and fire up everything around us!
Miss Isabel
Download your song, video and so cool wallpapers NOW! it's free:)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
"You are there with us living the moment... Let's create the magic!"
My dear family HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Can you believe how lucky we are to take these steps all together as we move from one year to another? Really I see it as a walk we all are taking together on this journey we call life. Day after day I decide to look ahead envisioning where I desire to go in my life, my goals, the things I want to see change, evolve, disappear, grow... Keeping my eyes up allows me to dream and to have faith. Sometimes, especially when we are in a transition time, we look back at what we did, what we were, what impact it has had on us today. That allows us to measure our actions and decisions. And then, there's the present, now, how I walk now, my actions today, my thoughts, my feelings, what I do with my talents, my time, and my life. My friends, I want to thank you, because if it wasn't for being able to look around and see you, walking all around me, I would be the most unhappy, selfish and lost person on this life journey.
We often say "live the moment" and I know that for some of us it might sound so good but doesn't really mean anything in our every day life. The new year celebration was happening all around the world, fireworks, parades, feasts... but for so many of us just couldn't smile or laugh or have fun, dark feelings creeping inside, loneliness and hopelessness taking over the whole show... I know... I've been rejected by my own blood family. I felt like an orphan for so many years. I had little hope of being loved and feeling the security of a home. If my own left me, how can anyone love me, how could I deserve love... I have made a long journey since then! Years and years of decisions, many good ones, so many bad ones, but since the day I made that one decision to try to belong, to at least try to believe in the love of my friends, to try little by little to open up and to love in return, to try something different rather than putting up those same old self-defense walls in front of each little scary thing, since that day I can say I am alive.
During these past weeks, at the Your Favorite Enemies HQ, we took some time to really spend time together, not working on our zillion projects, just being friends... We went shopping, we watched movies, we cooked together, we did have so much fun and laughed until our abs were burning. Some of us created amazing events for the only purpose of living something joyful, encouraging and positive all together. We CREATED these occasions and it was up to each of us to LIVE that moment fully, to laugh without filter, to cry if we felt like it, to be affectionate with anyone we wanted to bless, to encourage one another, to share a joke or a story or just to listen and learn about one another with the conscious purpose to take part in the family, to be an important part of this family.
You saw one of the event we created just for fun: the ARM WRESTLING GALA!lol What a blast! lol That day, I believe it was Alex who sent all of us an email saying "Tonight you're an arm wrestler. Choose a song, choose a costume and be ready for the Gala at 10PM". We were all so excited!lol Yes it is weird, we're all adults and we do play like kids! I love it. It was magic... Just like the "Natto Party" we had also out of the blue... unexpected... I mean they had to take us by surprise to expect us to eat that very traditional super stinky, sticky, ugly, not so tasty fermented bean guck that is suppose to be good for your skin and brain but taste like... humm... I'll stay polite:) We pretty much all HATED it but we all ate it just because it was a family fun time and a challenge to be all together (in good times like in bad times I guess!Lol) All together... no competition...just seeding love in one another. Cultivating joy. I don't think it's natural for any of us, but we are taking that decision all together "WE WANT TO BE ALIVE, TO BE HAPPY, TO NEVER AGAIN FEEL LIKE ORPHANS".
Then you might say "Good for you but why put it on the internet? You can sell your music, but why do videos of your crazy games, why do live chats, blogs, etc?" The reason is simple and beautiful, we want to live that life journey with you, we want you to take part in it, to also laugh at what makes us laugh, that you also feel loved and cared for, that you can see how dreams are possible and get from us some courage just as we get courage from your stories, your sharing... That's why the Bla Bla Bla is so brilliant! We are LIVE together, we can exchange, you can take part in a moment with us!!! I always make sure I'm well prepared for the Bla Bla Bla, not only because I should look good and not make stupid mistakes... I get prepared because it's my rendez-vous with you:) I prepare my heart to be loving and caring... my soul to be open and sensitive for you. Each Bla Bla Bla is different, and this year more than ever we want to surprise you and spoil you! And again this year you can take part in this family as you are an important part of it... so BE there and laugh, and cry, and say jokes and listen... you are THERE with us and you will LIVE the moment and CREATE with us the magic.
Miss Isabel
p.s. can you guess if I won my arm wrestling fight?;)
Can you believe how lucky we are to take these steps all together as we move from one year to another? Really I see it as a walk we all are taking together on this journey we call life. Day after day I decide to look ahead envisioning where I desire to go in my life, my goals, the things I want to see change, evolve, disappear, grow... Keeping my eyes up allows me to dream and to have faith. Sometimes, especially when we are in a transition time, we look back at what we did, what we were, what impact it has had on us today. That allows us to measure our actions and decisions. And then, there's the present, now, how I walk now, my actions today, my thoughts, my feelings, what I do with my talents, my time, and my life. My friends, I want to thank you, because if it wasn't for being able to look around and see you, walking all around me, I would be the most unhappy, selfish and lost person on this life journey.
We often say "live the moment" and I know that for some of us it might sound so good but doesn't really mean anything in our every day life. The new year celebration was happening all around the world, fireworks, parades, feasts... but for so many of us just couldn't smile or laugh or have fun, dark feelings creeping inside, loneliness and hopelessness taking over the whole show... I know... I've been rejected by my own blood family. I felt like an orphan for so many years. I had little hope of being loved and feeling the security of a home. If my own left me, how can anyone love me, how could I deserve love... I have made a long journey since then! Years and years of decisions, many good ones, so many bad ones, but since the day I made that one decision to try to belong, to at least try to believe in the love of my friends, to try little by little to open up and to love in return, to try something different rather than putting up those same old self-defense walls in front of each little scary thing, since that day I can say I am alive.
During these past weeks, at the Your Favorite Enemies HQ, we took some time to really spend time together, not working on our zillion projects, just being friends... We went shopping, we watched movies, we cooked together, we did have so much fun and laughed until our abs were burning. Some of us created amazing events for the only purpose of living something joyful, encouraging and positive all together. We CREATED these occasions and it was up to each of us to LIVE that moment fully, to laugh without filter, to cry if we felt like it, to be affectionate with anyone we wanted to bless, to encourage one another, to share a joke or a story or just to listen and learn about one another with the conscious purpose to take part in the family, to be an important part of this family.
You saw one of the event we created just for fun: the ARM WRESTLING GALA!lol What a blast! lol That day, I believe it was Alex who sent all of us an email saying "Tonight you're an arm wrestler. Choose a song, choose a costume and be ready for the Gala at 10PM". We were all so excited!lol Yes it is weird, we're all adults and we do play like kids! I love it. It was magic... Just like the "Natto Party" we had also out of the blue... unexpected... I mean they had to take us by surprise to expect us to eat that very traditional super stinky, sticky, ugly, not so tasty fermented bean guck that is suppose to be good for your skin and brain but taste like... humm... I'll stay polite:) We pretty much all HATED it but we all ate it just because it was a family fun time and a challenge to be all together (in good times like in bad times I guess!Lol) All together... no competition...just seeding love in one another. Cultivating joy. I don't think it's natural for any of us, but we are taking that decision all together "WE WANT TO BE ALIVE, TO BE HAPPY, TO NEVER AGAIN FEEL LIKE ORPHANS".
Then you might say "Good for you but why put it on the internet? You can sell your music, but why do videos of your crazy games, why do live chats, blogs, etc?" The reason is simple and beautiful, we want to live that life journey with you, we want you to take part in it, to also laugh at what makes us laugh, that you also feel loved and cared for, that you can see how dreams are possible and get from us some courage just as we get courage from your stories, your sharing... That's why the Bla Bla Bla is so brilliant! We are LIVE together, we can exchange, you can take part in a moment with us!!! I always make sure I'm well prepared for the Bla Bla Bla, not only because I should look good and not make stupid mistakes... I get prepared because it's my rendez-vous with you:) I prepare my heart to be loving and caring... my soul to be open and sensitive for you. Each Bla Bla Bla is different, and this year more than ever we want to surprise you and spoil you! And again this year you can take part in this family as you are an important part of it... so BE there and laugh, and cry, and say jokes and listen... you are THERE with us and you will LIVE the moment and CREATE with us the magic.
Miss Isabel
p.s. can you guess if I won my arm wrestling fight?;)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Miss Isabel's Diary - "Reflection or incarnation. We all look at the mirror..."
When was the last time the sunrise was only for you...
and the sunset whispered goodbye to your heart as if no one else could hear...?
We just came back from an incredible week of vacation by the sea and I still can feel the ocean licking my toes and the boys throwing sand in my ears...(NOT the opposite !lol) We needed it so much... Looking back at the few days (not to mention the few months!) before we left, I am just in disbelief at all that we did in
such a short time! I think of Big Byrd as he flew all over Montreal to get all the elements, all the treasures that are a part of the SFCC official package (the Membership Card is just so cool... the pictures all with different quotes... DVD...and I won't even mention everything else PLUS the special t-shirt crafted in our own "Fabrik" YFE shop... wait to see it... you will... euh... maybe take your meds for seizures ok?;)...lol). I had the chance to help Stephanie assemble the packages the night before the Bla Bla Bla and to sign many little notes again, every time feeling such a connection with you. During the night before the Bla Bla Bla, I also had another chance... To dye Jeff's hair in pink!lol You have to know that Jeff HATES it when I have to put make up on him for videos so you can imagine when I had to dye his hair and wash it many times afterwards because it became more "beet" color than pink!LOL But he was so determined to surprise Sef! You have to see the rerun of that Bla Bla Bla because every moment was so surprising and filled with the love we all share. Of course, we spent the whole night awake preparing that Bla Bla Bla Live show as it included so many important things we wanted to offer you: the "Where Did We Loose Each Other" official video clip. the "Silence is Murder" human rights video, the retrospective of the sooooo crazy year 2011... images we all want engraved in our minds and in our hearts.
Right after the Bla Bla Bla I remember I was trying to prepare my luggage for the vacation but I was so tired that every movement I was doing was only making me turn in circles and move things uselessly...lol But it wasn't OVER! We were heading that very same day to downtown Montreal to shoot a very important video clip with an incredible movie team. My energy all came back as soon as I saw the set, the costumes, the movie team, their energy. The excitement overpowered our lack of sleep! I lived a true blast during that video shoot as the team was so professional and they were directing us marvelously which was kind of strange as we usually control everything and direct things ourselves. It was nice to feel passionate artists team up with us to create something that will be eternal for all of us, for all of you, our family.
Once the video clip shooting was done we took a short 3 hour nap and we went to the airport to catch our plane, THE plane that would lead all the band and team to a dream destination, to rest, to have fun, to reinforce the strong bond we all have in our hearts for you, to give us a chance to savour the fruits of what we have all built together over the years.
I had soooooo much fun!!! I enjoyed every moment, I laughed, I shared my heart, I have learned life stories, I rested, I played volleyball, swam, did aqua gym, celebrated my birthday, danced, breathed all the salty air, caught all the sun on my SPF60 protected skin... And most of all I feel I grasped what was there for me, not letting anything slip between my fingers that could have been offered to me. On the very last day of vacation, here is what I wrote in my little personal notebook:
"I see the sun birthing through the waters, from an ocean already tinted from a promising dawn... and as this light rises up allowing colors to come to life, inside of my heart I can hear : I love you." That same evening, I saw the most incredible sunset, the sun resigning to disappear under the horizon... a horizon made of sky and clouds as we were flying 36000 feet above an infinite sea that was collecting every precious drop of sparkling red, purple and yellow that the sun was leaving behind.
Now were back and I know I'm ready for more, more surprises, more love, more challenges, more craziness, more sleepless nights accomplishing our dreams. Alex wrote something so encouraging as we were leaving and I want to share it with you. It talks about us, it talks about you, it talks about what each of us, you and me, can live the second we decide to believe it's ours and we will NOT let it slip from our hands...
IT'S OURS!!! It's mine!!!
It's YOURS!!! Take it!:)
-
Miss Isabel
"(...) root down and be fruitful. Not tomorrow. But now. It's a choice. Everything goes back to that fundamental essence of the freedom we have: Freedom... Regardless of who deserves such blessing, freedom is the gift we all received from God... Not religion. And unconditional love is the embodiment of such gift. Freedom... A dirty word for those determined to live in the loneliness and the shadow caused by every illusion. Freedom... Abomination for those covering every single one of their well paced self-righteous footsteps with a prefabricated halo of artificial light, perfectly set to be victimized through the impersonation of a confused walk and a dazed lack of comprehension. We are all experiencing that freedom by every single spark and every single flash of truth that lights our vision through the night of our own fool's paradise. Even if only for a second of a flash. Even if only for a second of a spark. Free...
The way you embrace the truth of your decisions, for good or for worst, will determine the nature of life; Reality or fantasy, whisper or climax. Either way, we're all free. And the call up is for every single one of us, wide awake or living dead. It's a daily decision, not the reminiscence of what used to be good, but the daily redefining incarnation of what it is, not what it feels, but really what it is, to BE... for what BEING is about ,truly... Some called that daily opportunity to BE an eternal second chance... me, I called it a graceful blessing to decide from which side of the mirror we want to look at our own life: reflection or incarnation. We all look at the mirror... Aren't we all the same ;)" -Alex
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Miss Isabel's Diary "With an eternal ink... I write from my heart for you"
It might be hard to imagine, but every single day you guys are at the center of the Your Favorite Enemies activities, at the center of our hearts and at the center of our common and personal journeys. It's hard to imagine because you see us only on the screen of a computer... we are much bigger in real life! Really! ;) It's hard to imagine because it's not so common to be searching actively to be exposed to others, to let others deeply impact our lives, to invite people from a completely different country or culture to see and participate in our daily life, to think of people we may never meet and to try our best to DO SOMETHING to give the best to them... not so common BUT it exists!!! The proof is YOU did this so many times for us and we are doing it for you.
These past few days I got to write little personal thank you notes for our dear Secret Family Cult Club members. YES!!! In a few days we are sending the precious and AMAZING packages included in the subscription of either the new or old school fan club membership!!!! I have this HUGE list of people that decided to take part in the crazy YFE story in this special way. I feel so privileged to say that I know many of you by your name, have met some of you face to face but mainly acknowledge that you are all giving us such a boost with your trust, your love, your passion and your dedication in supporting us. Every little note I write, I really want to send a part of my heart:) I sincerely think and believe every word I write. I sincerely think and believe each of these words can encourage you powerfully and make you feel the love we have for you. Words are powerful, the heart behind them can give life...I know it because your words gave me life... so many times.
You guys are changing my life... when I read what you say... your words are penetrating my heart, they engrave my mind and they transform my soul forever. When I think of some of you that have been with us for so many years, faithfully supporting not only the music, living the songs and giving them a place in your daily life, but also supporting us as people, as friends, as a family that you cherish and appreciate... wow... we are soooooooo honored and blessed!!! And then I think of our new friends, people who just discovered the band through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Myspace, or through other friends... you guys are such a source of joy, like a new born baby that was so desired and brings such excitement and a boost of life in the family! We are proud of all of you!!!
Maybe my next blog I'll look back at the amazing year 2011... Can you think of one thing that happened in our life together that you want to remember forever? Something that impacted you so much, made you laugh so much or made you think or encouraged you when you truly needed it? I would love for you to share a little something about your highlight of what you lived with us. Is it a song? A video? A blog? A personal message from Sef or Jeff or Alex? A picture of Stephanie? A sweet word from one of our amazing team? I'll try to think of my own highlight of 2011 too...;)
I wait for your little sharing!!!!!!!!!! I WAITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT:)
Miss Isabel
P.S. Of course I'll wait for you on this Saturday's LIVE CHAT "BLA BLA BLA" !!!
( http://j.mp/BLABLABLA )the last of the year 2011... I promise... you CAN'T miss it! :)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Miss Isabel's Diary "Today... I crawl or I run?"
Hey my dear family, my friends, my inspiration...
If only you were a little bat sneaking in the studio, the YFE HQ, the La Fabrik t-shirt making area and our Atelier where my partner and I are crafting jewelry, you would FLIP OUT to see everything that is going on, boiling and ready to explode, emerging from dedicated labour and a passionate will to build bridges to unite all of us together. Every day, I'm just so amazed at what I see blooming in front of my eyes...
Did you know we will present for the very first time the "Where Did We Loose Each other" video clip?!? I remember when we filmed that video clip... Everything that could possibly go wrong in the preparation, did go wrong, as if filming that clip had to test our perseverance and determination! The van broke down while carrying the equipment, we had trouble renting all the necessary lighting system, I even had a major ugly skin infection all over my face!lol (well....it's a big LOL now, but that day, I was more panicked than anything!!! Panicked and also very fortunate to have the help from a make up artist friend to do a big job of "face-camouflage"!!!Lol ) But I think you know us well by now and we're not the kind to let down a project that we know will touch everyone's heart and let all of us feel the power and freedom carried by the music and Alex's words.
Not giving up in front of adversity... Each day can be either a repetition of what we always live, always the same routine, the same people, the same conversation, the same habits, the same highs and lows...OR... Each day we can live our life making decisions to try something new, to dare to have fun, to talk to a friend about something that really is important for you... We all can spend our waking hours surfing on the same old waves... OR... Taking action doing something that could change our life or the life of someone we care about. LET'S BE BOLD!!! And if we go wrong... if we fail... if we get hurt... if... if... if... thank God we don't have the "faculty of fearing" so developed when we are babies, otherwise nobody would walk or run...we would all still be crawling!lol (hummm... interesting image in my mind of all adults of this planet crawling to work, crawling to the grocery store... "walking on two little feet? are you crazy??? I may fall!"... Babies don't think that way. I guess we learn to fear and forget the joy of discovering new possibilities, new sounds, new textures, new flavors, new people, new feelings, new landscapes, new aspects of ourselves...
I discover my musical sensitivity when I write and play melodies on the piano. I let myself freely explore my creative side with the jewelry project. The more I take risks not only in what I do, but in how I am honest with my friends and with myself, the more I see my life is yet to be written and discovered... I'm just so glad I don't have to be the same girl I was almost a year ago when we filmed "Where Did We Lose Each Other". I'm just so thankful that I found a love that frees me from fear.
In everything we do, music, shirts, DVDs, jewelry, Blogs, Video Clips, Live Internet Talk shows, and so on... We are learning to walk and run! Nobody can do that learning for us... We just try and fall and get back up and press on and get stuck and get frustrated and find solutions and explode with joy when we realize we made it! I hope we can be big brothers and big sisters for you, a helping hand to stand up, a voice to encourage you to sneak your head in the next room to see what's interesting there. I desire for us to be there when you do fall and get hurt, to heal you but also and mainly to remind you that as soon as your tears are dry you can laugh and run all over again. I have that quality of people around me: the guys from the band and the women and men from the YFE team. And we all dedicate our talent... our life to be there for you too.
Why? It's so much more fun to run with many friends than alone;) Up for it bro? Got your shoes on sis?
I love you
Miss Isabel
If only you were a little bat sneaking in the studio, the YFE HQ, the La Fabrik t-shirt making area and our Atelier where my partner and I are crafting jewelry, you would FLIP OUT to see everything that is going on, boiling and ready to explode, emerging from dedicated labour and a passionate will to build bridges to unite all of us together. Every day, I'm just so amazed at what I see blooming in front of my eyes...
Did you know we will present for the very first time the "Where Did We Loose Each other" video clip?!? I remember when we filmed that video clip... Everything that could possibly go wrong in the preparation, did go wrong, as if filming that clip had to test our perseverance and determination! The van broke down while carrying the equipment, we had trouble renting all the necessary lighting system, I even had a major ugly skin infection all over my face!lol (well....it's a big LOL now, but that day, I was more panicked than anything!!! Panicked and also very fortunate to have the help from a make up artist friend to do a big job of "face-camouflage"!!!Lol ) But I think you know us well by now and we're not the kind to let down a project that we know will touch everyone's heart and let all of us feel the power and freedom carried by the music and Alex's words.
Not giving up in front of adversity... Each day can be either a repetition of what we always live, always the same routine, the same people, the same conversation, the same habits, the same highs and lows...OR... Each day we can live our life making decisions to try something new, to dare to have fun, to talk to a friend about something that really is important for you... We all can spend our waking hours surfing on the same old waves... OR... Taking action doing something that could change our life or the life of someone we care about. LET'S BE BOLD!!! And if we go wrong... if we fail... if we get hurt... if... if... if... thank God we don't have the "faculty of fearing" so developed when we are babies, otherwise nobody would walk or run...we would all still be crawling!lol (hummm... interesting image in my mind of all adults of this planet crawling to work, crawling to the grocery store... "walking on two little feet? are you crazy??? I may fall!"... Babies don't think that way. I guess we learn to fear and forget the joy of discovering new possibilities, new sounds, new textures, new flavors, new people, new feelings, new landscapes, new aspects of ourselves...
I discover my musical sensitivity when I write and play melodies on the piano. I let myself freely explore my creative side with the jewelry project. The more I take risks not only in what I do, but in how I am honest with my friends and with myself, the more I see my life is yet to be written and discovered... I'm just so glad I don't have to be the same girl I was almost a year ago when we filmed "Where Did We Lose Each Other". I'm just so thankful that I found a love that frees me from fear.
In everything we do, music, shirts, DVDs, jewelry, Blogs, Video Clips, Live Internet Talk shows, and so on... We are learning to walk and run! Nobody can do that learning for us... We just try and fall and get back up and press on and get stuck and get frustrated and find solutions and explode with joy when we realize we made it! I hope we can be big brothers and big sisters for you, a helping hand to stand up, a voice to encourage you to sneak your head in the next room to see what's interesting there. I desire for us to be there when you do fall and get hurt, to heal you but also and mainly to remind you that as soon as your tears are dry you can laugh and run all over again. I have that quality of people around me: the guys from the band and the women and men from the YFE team. And we all dedicate our talent... our life to be there for you too.
Why? It's so much more fun to run with many friends than alone;) Up for it bro? Got your shoes on sis?
I love you
Miss Isabel
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Miss Isabel's Diary "This is your first stop..."
Download the performance of “The Mightiest Of Guns” for free
Miss Isabel's Diary
"This is your first stop... but be ready for something amazing: CHAOS AND COMMUNION"
I always feel very lucky to know you just decided to read my humble words... I've been blogging for 4 years already and I have the assurance that I wouldn't be the woman I am if I hadn't poured my heart, mind and soul out this way... and if you guys hadn't been on the other side of these lines with your own inspiring comments sending back my way love, encouragement and invitations to think further. Over the years, I was also amazed by the expressive writing talent of Jeff and Alex who shared so much through their blogs as well. They have such a special loving way to write... both very different and reading them is like discovering a treasure and the more we sip in their words, the more we not only understand their meaning but also what place they can take in our life.
Now... I ask of you to do two things:)
First, go discover the new "Chaos & Communion" blog section on the Your Favorite Enemies website. Bookmark this page and anytime you feel like having a very unique insight on how a rock band is living through the musical and spiritual journey drop by "Chaos & Communion"!
Second, read Alex's post on the new section, sip in his words and leave for him, for the whole band and for everyone who might pass by, your own words... I believe your simple words sent back our way will have a huge impact on us and on so many people... Can you do that? I believe you can:)
I'll go read you on the amazing "Chaos & Communion":) I'm proud of you guys.
Miss Isabel
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Redemption... by crowd surfing???
Hi !!!!!!!!!!
The set of the Bla Bla Bla "The Live Show" was the theatre of such an amazing event last Sunday. How was it so different than all the previous Bla Bla Bla?... In theory it wasn't so different... I mean I was sitting at the same place on the white couch as usual, we didn't really sleep as usual, there were many exciting things to talk about as usual and you were faithfully with us...as usual:) But I can definitely say that it was a unique moment that felt like nothing experienced ever before. How is that possible? Is it that I am consciously looking to live something new every day that I see it all this way? Is it that I'm growing and seeing things from another perspective? Is it that we are talking over and over again about living the moment and slowly but surely I understand what it can mean for me!?! I believe it's a combination of it all!
Right after we performed the song "The Mightiest Of Guns" (AA Bondy), Alex talked about something so interesting... He talked about redemption. The definition of redemption is to be forgiven and set free of the past sins, a deliverance from our present and past chains... The way Alex talked about it was so simple saying how redemption has nothing to do with religion. Redemption is available to everyone as it is a condition of the heart... it's to have the deep desire to turn away from what keeps us turning in a circle to actively and aggressively search for real life... the life that hasn't been pre-written for you by your parents, your culture, or even written by yourself many years ago... the life that we rarely see but can always recognize when we witness it in someone else... the life that isn't bought with silver and gold but the life that is seeded with hope and love. For some of us, we just don't believe in such a life. For some of us, the chains seem simply too heavy to even think about being free. For some of us the lies in our heads are so familiar that they sound just like truth...
What strikes me the most in this video is the thought that it's a personal decision to let go and jump even when we feel broken and fragile. I can see crowd surfing as an example of when you are supported and carried by people, you can feel such a connection, a deep sense of trust growing and, from that trust and surrender, a lot of things can be healed from the past. When was the last time we pushed away legitimate excuses to take risks, to let other people that are filled with life carry us? When was the last time we desired a real connection with one another? When was the last time we realized and believed our past wounds could be healed?
Yes we will repeat it over and over, and for as long as you need us to, just how important and marvelous it is to "live the moment". Yes we will use every tool possible, live chats, concerts, blogs, the fan club "SFCC", meet & greets, the new YFE website, messages on FB or Twitter, little personal notes on your orders from the YFE store, every and any occasion to connect with you. Why? Because the redemption we can taste is so delicious... why not invite you for a bite and share your delightful life as well?;) We need to surf on your freedom just as much as you can be elevated by ours... That makes my own freedom and redemption even more important as it doesn't only involve me but it does have an impact on you...and you are important to me.
I have never crowd surfed before. Hearing Alex makes me want to try!!!lol But there's one thing I know, you and I can experience redemption from our past, being healed by jumping to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, we can forget about our aches and pains to live the moment, each moment as a new beginning, each occasion as another proof that we were made to be free...
-Miss Isabel
The set of the Bla Bla Bla "The Live Show" was the theatre of such an amazing event last Sunday. How was it so different than all the previous Bla Bla Bla?... In theory it wasn't so different... I mean I was sitting at the same place on the white couch as usual, we didn't really sleep as usual, there were many exciting things to talk about as usual and you were faithfully with us...as usual:) But I can definitely say that it was a unique moment that felt like nothing experienced ever before. How is that possible? Is it that I am consciously looking to live something new every day that I see it all this way? Is it that I'm growing and seeing things from another perspective? Is it that we are talking over and over again about living the moment and slowly but surely I understand what it can mean for me!?! I believe it's a combination of it all!
Right after we performed the song "The Mightiest Of Guns" (AA Bondy), Alex talked about something so interesting... He talked about redemption. The definition of redemption is to be forgiven and set free of the past sins, a deliverance from our present and past chains... The way Alex talked about it was so simple saying how redemption has nothing to do with religion. Redemption is available to everyone as it is a condition of the heart... it's to have the deep desire to turn away from what keeps us turning in a circle to actively and aggressively search for real life... the life that hasn't been pre-written for you by your parents, your culture, or even written by yourself many years ago... the life that we rarely see but can always recognize when we witness it in someone else... the life that isn't bought with silver and gold but the life that is seeded with hope and love. For some of us, we just don't believe in such a life. For some of us, the chains seem simply too heavy to even think about being free. For some of us the lies in our heads are so familiar that they sound just like truth...
Redemption... by crowd surfing???lol
watch this video...
I think you will understand even more what Alex is talking about just like it did for me!
What strikes me the most in this video is the thought that it's a personal decision to let go and jump even when we feel broken and fragile. I can see crowd surfing as an example of when you are supported and carried by people, you can feel such a connection, a deep sense of trust growing and, from that trust and surrender, a lot of things can be healed from the past. When was the last time we pushed away legitimate excuses to take risks, to let other people that are filled with life carry us? When was the last time we desired a real connection with one another? When was the last time we realized and believed our past wounds could be healed?
Yes we will repeat it over and over, and for as long as you need us to, just how important and marvelous it is to "live the moment". Yes we will use every tool possible, live chats, concerts, blogs, the fan club "SFCC", meet & greets, the new YFE website, messages on FB or Twitter, little personal notes on your orders from the YFE store, every and any occasion to connect with you. Why? Because the redemption we can taste is so delicious... why not invite you for a bite and share your delightful life as well?;) We need to surf on your freedom just as much as you can be elevated by ours... That makes my own freedom and redemption even more important as it doesn't only involve me but it does have an impact on you...and you are important to me.
I have never crowd surfed before. Hearing Alex makes me want to try!!!lol But there's one thing I know, you and I can experience redemption from our past, being healed by jumping to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, we can forget about our aches and pains to live the moment, each moment as a new beginning, each occasion as another proof that we were made to be free...
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Miss Isabel's diary "So... EXCITING!!! So... ALIVE!!! So... US!!!"
My dear family,
What a great week!!! The First DVD of Your Favorite Enemies is born!!! The past few weeks I saw the whole team lacking sleep as we were preparing the launch with all the care and detail you know we put into each treasure we want to share with you. There was so much to do...because there is so much we WANT to do for you! I mean... did you see the Welcoming page of the YFE Store? I mean... we don't have one store... we have 4!!lol And it wouldn't surprise me if one day we have as many stores as the numbers of languages you guys speak... because our heart is to include as many people as possible and we know how the language can be a barrier. Can you see how much impact each person who does the translation has, all for the love of you? Long hours of work so we can touch so many people who otherwise would not have understood the uplifting and encouraging messages.
The night of the launch we still had a lot to do, but the main thing we did and enjoyed was to touch with our own hands what was already being folded and placed in mailing envelopes, and the first packages to be sent. We were all around the kitchen table writing notes to each and every person who supports us by getting the DVD, laughing and being just happy. I felt I was so lucky and so proud each time I was either folding a tote bag, writing an address on an envelope, admiring the shirt or the design of the DVD itself...not only because I could remember the tour in China and its great impact on me personally and on the band, but mainly because this whole “The Uplifting Sound Of An epiphanic awakening… The Enlightenment Of Letting Go” project is a HUGE family accomplishment, a "Do It Yourself" proof that we can achieve anything we want, any seed of dream can turn into a real living tree!
I was telling my band mates "I'm so excited to do any little thing in that process of sending our friends all over the world these bags and shirts and DVD... I feel like I prepare Christmas gifts for my family that I love... picturing already in my mind the smiles and the happiness everyone will have when they will receive it..."
Did you see the incredible special page about the project? The videos on there are parts of the DVD content, videos that can allow you and I to think more about our own personal dreams, our own life and how we can learn more and live something different by taking chances. What we share with you is our heart and we are just soooo blessed when you also share with us your heart, your dreams, your love and friendship. Make sure you drop by that page and add a part of your heart there ok?:)
“The Uplifting Sound Of An Epiphanic Awakening… The Enlightenment Of Letting Go” is the empowering representation of the nature of the “unexpected”, a moment by which we can personally incarnate the defining essence of a dream and collectively become the transformations envisioned by our faith in true everlasting love."
I'll be waiting for you:)
-Miss Isabel
What a great week!!! The First DVD of Your Favorite Enemies is born!!! The past few weeks I saw the whole team lacking sleep as we were preparing the launch with all the care and detail you know we put into each treasure we want to share with you. There was so much to do...because there is so much we WANT to do for you! I mean... did you see the Welcoming page of the YFE Store? I mean... we don't have one store... we have 4!!lol And it wouldn't surprise me if one day we have as many stores as the numbers of languages you guys speak... because our heart is to include as many people as possible and we know how the language can be a barrier. Can you see how much impact each person who does the translation has, all for the love of you? Long hours of work so we can touch so many people who otherwise would not have understood the uplifting and encouraging messages.
The night of the launch we still had a lot to do, but the main thing we did and enjoyed was to touch with our own hands what was already being folded and placed in mailing envelopes, and the first packages to be sent. We were all around the kitchen table writing notes to each and every person who supports us by getting the DVD, laughing and being just happy. I felt I was so lucky and so proud each time I was either folding a tote bag, writing an address on an envelope, admiring the shirt or the design of the DVD itself...not only because I could remember the tour in China and its great impact on me personally and on the band, but mainly because this whole “The Uplifting Sound Of An epiphanic awakening… The Enlightenment Of Letting Go” project is a HUGE family accomplishment, a "Do It Yourself" proof that we can achieve anything we want, any seed of dream can turn into a real living tree!
I was telling my band mates "I'm so excited to do any little thing in that process of sending our friends all over the world these bags and shirts and DVD... I feel like I prepare Christmas gifts for my family that I love... picturing already in my mind the smiles and the happiness everyone will have when they will receive it..."
Did you see the incredible special page about the project? The videos on there are parts of the DVD content, videos that can allow you and I to think more about our own personal dreams, our own life and how we can learn more and live something different by taking chances. What we share with you is our heart and we are just soooo blessed when you also share with us your heart, your dreams, your love and friendship. Make sure you drop by that page and add a part of your heart there ok?:)
“The Uplifting Sound Of An Epiphanic Awakening… The Enlightenment Of Letting Go” is the empowering representation of the nature of the “unexpected”, a moment by which we can personally incarnate the defining essence of a dream and collectively become the transformations envisioned by our faith in true everlasting love."
-Miss Isabel
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Miss Isabel's Diary "What are the voices inside your head?"
Hi sweet folks!
Is it only me or is time just flying? As again I find myself in front of my computer screen wondering what I have in me that could be bright, inspiring, simply loving or just good enough to bring us closer to each other... Too often we can feel life is like a carousel; it's beautiful, music is sweet, the colors are vivid and appealing but soon we realize that the fake horse doesn't take us anywhere other than this everlasting same circular scenery, we kinda feel it's time to step off, stop the circus and walk with our own legs towards a different horizon.
These past days I've been feeling really really good, consciously feeding my heart and mind with the truth of what I really am and what I'm meant to live. Every day I am challenged to do either what I know is right for me or just say "Whatever... I'll do what I feel like doing and don't care about the consequences". When I chose that second option of "whatever, I don't care" it always brings me away from what I really desire to be and live, but what for? to satisfy a very short term pleasure?... For the opposite, when I do what I believe deep inside is right, I can appreciate so much more my own freedom of choice and enjoy the long term and empowering sensation of walking the right path.
I want to share with you something that helped me make those right choices! Every day I have a talk with myself, many times a day in fact...lol... I know it sounds weird, but to actually THINK is something I'm still learning to do! What am I telling myself?lol well... I tell myself "I am a beautiful person, so that is why today I am choosing to eat the proper food to keep being this way", "I am a woman of conviction, that is why I will stand by my word and do what I said" "I am a loving friend, that is why today I will go out of my way to help others". The truth is that I know perfectly well I can and want to improve in each of these areas. I want to continuously work on my body, my mind, my heart, my qualities, my abilities, BUT when I talk to myself like this, I am in fact saying out loud what I believe I'm meant to be even if I'm not perfectly "IT" right now.
Sometimes I feel stressed, I feel I don't have what it takes to wear "Miss Isabel's shoes", I have thoughts in my head telling me all kinds of negative stuff that only lead me to isolate myself, hide, put on a fake face and lay low to make sure no one would notice me... Do I have to cope and keep these thoughts? NO! I have learnt and still practice to push away the thoughts and fight back!!! Music is so true, so precious that I can't live in it and be hand in hand with lies... It's one excellent place where I have to let go, be totally defenseless and expose my true heart. Not only because it's music and it touches me deep inside, but also because I see and hear my brothers, my band mates, who are themselves dedicated to be true and to let go of their own boundaries and limits!
Being confronted in what we are by being open to what others are living and what they would say... it's a scary thing! But once we realize how it can make us grow... we see how much of a treasure it is... and how much we miss by running away from it... Someone said "iron sharpens iron". Do we want to be sharp? or only "look" sharp? and if we want to BE sharp, to shine, to be relevant, impacting people around us... are we willing to be sharpened?;) Are we avoiding confrontation with every possible tactic from agreeing with everyone or by staying away from everyone and laying low? Or... are we true to ourselves keeping a humble heart to hear and think about what others have to say to help us grow and become even better.
It is NOT easy, I personally struggled for a long time just to WANT to hear what others have to say about me in a positive way, but believe me... it IS POSSIBLE because I am experiencing it right now and I am so amazed at how I can grow, become a better person, see new horizons, touch amazing things, feel much better about myself, believe even more in love and hope...it's not a carousel...turning round and round...it's LIFE!
What are the voices inside your head?
You can count on us to always be behind you and tell you how we believe in you and think you are amazing... and you can count on us also to always be there to remind you and encourage you that there IS MORE for you!!!
Miss Isabel
Is it only me or is time just flying? As again I find myself in front of my computer screen wondering what I have in me that could be bright, inspiring, simply loving or just good enough to bring us closer to each other... Too often we can feel life is like a carousel; it's beautiful, music is sweet, the colors are vivid and appealing but soon we realize that the fake horse doesn't take us anywhere other than this everlasting same circular scenery, we kinda feel it's time to step off, stop the circus and walk with our own legs towards a different horizon.
These past days I've been feeling really really good, consciously feeding my heart and mind with the truth of what I really am and what I'm meant to live. Every day I am challenged to do either what I know is right for me or just say "Whatever... I'll do what I feel like doing and don't care about the consequences". When I chose that second option of "whatever, I don't care" it always brings me away from what I really desire to be and live, but what for? to satisfy a very short term pleasure?... For the opposite, when I do what I believe deep inside is right, I can appreciate so much more my own freedom of choice and enjoy the long term and empowering sensation of walking the right path.
I want to share with you something that helped me make those right choices! Every day I have a talk with myself, many times a day in fact...lol... I know it sounds weird, but to actually THINK is something I'm still learning to do! What am I telling myself?lol well... I tell myself "I am a beautiful person, so that is why today I am choosing to eat the proper food to keep being this way", "I am a woman of conviction, that is why I will stand by my word and do what I said" "I am a loving friend, that is why today I will go out of my way to help others". The truth is that I know perfectly well I can and want to improve in each of these areas. I want to continuously work on my body, my mind, my heart, my qualities, my abilities, BUT when I talk to myself like this, I am in fact saying out loud what I believe I'm meant to be even if I'm not perfectly "IT" right now.
Sometimes I feel stressed, I feel I don't have what it takes to wear "Miss Isabel's shoes", I have thoughts in my head telling me all kinds of negative stuff that only lead me to isolate myself, hide, put on a fake face and lay low to make sure no one would notice me... Do I have to cope and keep these thoughts? NO! I have learnt and still practice to push away the thoughts and fight back!!! Music is so true, so precious that I can't live in it and be hand in hand with lies... It's one excellent place where I have to let go, be totally defenseless and expose my true heart. Not only because it's music and it touches me deep inside, but also because I see and hear my brothers, my band mates, who are themselves dedicated to be true and to let go of their own boundaries and limits!
Being confronted in what we are by being open to what others are living and what they would say... it's a scary thing! But once we realize how it can make us grow... we see how much of a treasure it is... and how much we miss by running away from it... Someone said "iron sharpens iron". Do we want to be sharp? or only "look" sharp? and if we want to BE sharp, to shine, to be relevant, impacting people around us... are we willing to be sharpened?;) Are we avoiding confrontation with every possible tactic from agreeing with everyone or by staying away from everyone and laying low? Or... are we true to ourselves keeping a humble heart to hear and think about what others have to say to help us grow and become even better.
It is NOT easy, I personally struggled for a long time just to WANT to hear what others have to say about me in a positive way, but believe me... it IS POSSIBLE because I am experiencing it right now and I am so amazed at how I can grow, become a better person, see new horizons, touch amazing things, feel much better about myself, believe even more in love and hope...it's not a carousel...turning round and round...it's LIFE!
What are the voices inside your head?
You can count on us to always be behind you and tell you how we believe in you and think you are amazing... and you can count on us also to always be there to remind you and encourage you that there IS MORE for you!!!
Miss Isabel
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Miss Isabel's Diary "What I AM and what YOU are in US..."
My dear family,
Since last week I've been in touch with something really cool that I want to talk to you about. In my last blog I was talking about how we are all united together very powerfully. I'm so amazed to see how people from so many different backgrounds, countries, cultures, ages and education can relate to a music that is true and then open up even more as we all look deeper into what we all are as a group and also as individuals. We get to know each other because we have a common love which is the music but it doesn't stop there! In fact it's just a starting point!
A starting point... Alex just came back from Japan filming as the only band member for one of our next projects. He told me it was such a wonderful experience for him personally and he was even more excited about what a positive impact these images will have in the near future. We are all proud of Alex fulfilling his dreams and I started to really observe him getting excited about little things like shoes and vinyls and learning about the Japanese culture.
 |
| Ben |
I listened to him talking with so much excitement about how he would find the missing parts and sand this bass body until perfection and then put that color etc...
Do you remember when Jeff, Big Byrd, Alex and Momoka went to San Francisco? They went there with the only purpose in mind to live each minute as a dream coming true... And if I look at myself, I just can't go one day without thinking of my jewelry project and when I work with my glass artist partner she just can't stop saying "I love your happy face!" laughing at me as I get excited with every little idea and possibility!
I realize with all of this how what we live as a family, this common dream we share opens up not only a way to touch the impossible all together, but it also helps us find our own personal way in the midst of it! I really think we truly get to know ourselves when we are living with others closely. Why? Because we can either say "wow...I'm the same, I do react like that too, I would have done the same thing... I can just feel what that person is going through..." or "I am definitely not like that, I just don't know how this person can do this, I would have done the opposite...I don't understand why this person is feeling like this". It's important not to judge others but that doesn't mean being isolated!!! In fact it's the opposite, if love brings us together, we can not only accept others but also learn about ourselves through them.
"You share with us all these magnificent things that you live daily... it allows us to keep in touch and stay close to each other, that's what we call friendship..." -Marlène, CANADA
How do we react when we see happiness around us? Are we jealous? Are we trying to find what's wrong so we don't have to think we're missing something? Or are we sharing the happiness... opening up our own life to see if we could also add to this happiness with our own joys. We can feel joy for many things, a beautiful sunset, a promotion at work, a good mark in school, a successful project. Joy transforms into happiness when we share it with others. That means it is so important for all of us to feed these personal joys and ALSO to share them with others to give life to our own happiness and to be involved in the happiness of those we love.
Someone said one day: "Find your people and you'll find your purpose". I do believe in this. The day I found my band, my family here, that day I knew I would have a safe ground to heal, a cheerful home to grow and a supportive strong love to help me find my way, my purpose. We've had many amazing discussions the band together, simple friendly talks about what we see, what we dream of and how we plan to accomplish our next big craziness. But for me the most amazing part about these discussions is that I saw how we were all equal yet so different, all excited yet for different reasons, all talented yet in many different things, all enjoying our common friendship and dream yet looking at it from a different perspective and living it in such a different way... I found in that discovery such freedom...
Do we all have to talk like Alex or jump like Ben or act like Jeff or groove like Moose or like the same things as Sef to be united with the Your Favorite Enemies family? no.
We believe in the commUNITY.
Unique and united...
Pushing toward a common goal and sharing common love AND adding to it our own individual color, our own individual crazy dreams, our own individual life...
And when times are harder, the joys of others will help us still touch happiness...
And when we're at our height of success and strength, others will allow us to taste it fully, to make it worth even more by making it so much more meaningful.
There is US and and there is YOU and there is ME and there is this miracle that unites YOU and ME and US and makes ALL things possible.
Miss Isabel
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