In the space of 2 weeks, my family has lost 3 of the most beautiful people to touch our lives, and today I pay tribute to each one of them.

Tomorrow afternoon we lay to rest Gwen, the woman who welcomed my mother with open arms, when she first started teaching at St. Andrew Prep. She became one of my mother's dearest friends, and as she likes to call it....her second mother. I was lucky enough to have her tutor me, and I always looked forward to going to her home for classes, as she made learning so much fun. Gwen was one of the funniest people I ever came into contact with, always had that wonderful gift of making people laugh with her insane personality. I feel so blessed to have spent time with her, when we took her to Irish Town to see our home this year.... where at her age she was ready to chow down on two patties (my kinda lady). And to her dismay, I beat her at a game of scrabble, which would probably never have happened on a regular day. To Gwen, thank you for blessing my mother's life, and being one of her role models and also her second mom. It is so comforting to know that after my grandmother passed away suddenly in 2004, she still had another mother to be there for her....I'm grateful for that, and grateful to have known you!

On Friday March 25th, I came downstairs, when my mother told me the bad news that my father's personal assistant and her mother had been brutally killed that morning. I was at a loss of words, and confused as to why someone who had been so absolutely wonderful, could die this way. We all went to see her daughter that night, and someone said it perfectly.... Arlene's life was Kelly (her daughter) and Douglas (my father). I have seen my father climb his way from the bottom up at his job, and since I was 7 years old, Arlene has been right there beside him. I remember seeing her face when I was with Dad the night before Hurricane Gilbert as I helped them put tape on the glass at the office (that memory seems to have stuck with me). She was so happy to see me there helping out. She was that person behind the scenes, who made sure he got things done, and helped him to do them right. She was a part of our family, as we all respected her tremendously....always remembering her birthday and excited when she brought a little girl into the world, and she did a great job raising her. She was the calmest person, especially in those times of stress and it has been really heartbreaking to lose her. Arlene, you will always be remembered as a rock in my dad's life as well as ours. You held it down....and as Dad said, we had an angel amongst us from the first day you came into our lives, and now you will continue to be one from above.

Last night, I got a call from a friend who let me know that someone close to me had died in a car accident. I immediately couldn't breathe and felt like my heart had been ripped out my chest and crushed to pieces. I met Dave in 2003 through one of my best friends, and I was his New Years Eve date that year. I was a non-drinker in those days, very happy with my pepsi and lime, when Dave said to me, "You need to start living your life....have some champagne!" Dave and I became pretty close after that, with lots of talks till the wee hours of the morning. But due to wrong timing, our friendship became one where we'd only buck each other up at parties, or gatherings and have small chats. The day before Dave's birthday this year, we got in contact with each other, as one of our mutual friends from New York was in town. From that point on, we talked from time to time, he was our chaperone at the club one night, which after we all hung out in the Burger King parking lot like we were in high school. One night, Dave and I sat and drank Guinness (yes I was drinking that), and just reasoned about everything in our lives that had happened since 2004. I remember saying to him, everytime he comes into my life, I feel like a younger person. Dave was so much fun, so young at heart and he always lived in the moment. He never worried, nothing seemed to ever bother him, and he had this infectious laugh that could make the most miserable person smile. I still hear it as I lay here in tears. I've sat here all day asking why, and why now? My father sat me down and said that all I can do is be thankful for those moments that we shared together. And as much as I feel angry, sad, and in disbelief, I am extremely grateful we had that one evening where we were all out enjoying Vybz rum, and so so so blessed to have had that one night of talking, where I was reminded of the great person he was. That same evening, Dave said to me everytime he comes home, he goes to the country the weekend before heading back to Canada, because he likes the feeling of sand in his ears as he goes back to the cold. Davo....I hope as you watch over all us....there is sand in your ears, and the smell of the ocean on your skin. I love you always...and will miss you tremendously.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to new understanding,
with the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our hearts,
and we are never, ever the same again.

Rest in peace Gwen, Arlene, Dorothy and Dave. All of your families are in my prayers and thoughts!

I really thought heartbreaks were so 2010, but I realize that they're slipping through to 2011, and I'm helping wipe other's tears away. :(  Anyway, I became a fan of Mumford and Sons after the Grammys, and they have a beautiful song called "After the Storm" which really made me feel like, there is some hope for love out there for my girls (a brighter day). So I'm sharing this with all the beautiful people in my life, who recently got their heart broken. Read the above image, print it if you choose, listen to the song, and remember there WILL come a time!

Enjoy!

I have been rebuilding my watch collection in the past 2 years or so, and I have to say it's always good to see some watches that have totally out-of-the-box designs. The ones above remind me a little of  Nooka watches, which I have always been a fan of. But, I always keep it real and ask myself, am I really going to be reading the time if I had a Nooka? Probably not, they would just decorate my wrist in a different way. But with these, it's not hard to read at all, and there are no hands, like our regular everyday watches. And me....I'm loving all of them. Link saved! Enjoy!

Images from my favorite new website (some other really cool ones are there too): Dezeen!

...well not really. One year while living in New York, I went through a serious phase of collecting scarves. I requested one anytime someone asked what I wanted  for a gift, and I was always in the store looking for a new one to buy. Then, when my grandmother passed away in 2008, seeing that I was the only grandchild living up north, I got first dibs on most, if not all scarves that belonged to her. Not to mention my trip to India, where I bagged quite a few handmade ones.

Now that I have moved back home, all my beautiful scarves are in one of my drawers, pretty much gathering dust. So I decided to take some action...how do I switch this item of clothing for winter, into something that can be warn in 80 degree weather! I found the answer!

I googled ways to wrap scarves, and the best examples I found were on a blog called The Voguette. Beautiful ideas, which are just so chic, I need to gather the girls and go out some time soon! I'm excited about the different vairations, so now, the only scarves gathering dust will be the wool ones. After all...a girl should not sweating...just glowing! Enjoy!

I don't know if you remember, but right before Christmas, I shared with you the packaging of the gifts I had made for all of my closest friends. I had to wait for some time to pass before showing you, since some people got their gifts after the holidays. Now everyone has their gift in hand, so today I get to share with you the great things that lay behind the beautiful brown paper packaging!

It's funny, I have never enjoyed designing any kind of jewelry. But the moment I got home, one of my fav. customers came by, and asked me to make a necklace for her, because she wanted to use the  aliamichele fabric broaches she had collected over the years. I was very worried that it wouldn't work out, as once I do any kind of jewelry, I find myself very frustrated. It even took me about 4 days to figure out the closure for this first necklace, especially with all the rope that I used. But, in the end, my customer loved it, and before I knew it, I had quite a few orders for the same thing I said I was not in any way ready to do.

If you are one of my best buds, you usually get a nice handmade gift for Christmas (one of the great perks of knowing a designer). Usually it's something that I'm thinking of putting in my store, and they get first dibs of the product or the idea that takes over my mind. Lucky them! I usually have my gifts ready way before Christmas, but due to my recent move, I fell way behind....I even felt that pre-christmas anxiety rush due to being so late in the game. Ugh! But, once I made about 4 necklaces for customers, I decided to do just that for my girls. The great thing is, I have the mind that remembers everyone's favorite color, and I have a good sense of what everyone's style is (a great gift I got with this talent). So it was pretty easy designing a different necklace for each person. And whether they received it on Christmas day, or a few days after, I am very happy my Christmas love for giving, was well received! Enjoy!

It has really been awesome being home, and having the chance to explore the island whenever I choose. It's way better than planning months in advance from abroad, and having to cram all kinds of activities into one weekend. This trip, I had my similarly island-curious girl, S.J., and a new addition to the line up of friends, L.F.! I'm always happy when new folks want to join in for the road trips on my lighthouse ex-cursions , and for this trip, we decided to visit Folly Point Lighthouse!

This story begins with a phone call I made to S.J., to ask her if she wanted to roll with me to Port Antonio, and of course she checked her ever-busy schedule and said she was down. She then, in excitement, told me the story about the Folly Ruins, which she had last seen as a child. To let you know a bit of the story, Folly Ruins is the remains of a mansion, that a man by the name of Alfred Mitchell, built for the love of his life. But instead of building it with the proper materials, he mixed the cement with salt water, which eventually caused the structure to fall apart! I never recalled seeing this or even hearing the story, so I was equally excited to see something else within my country's history.

On a bright Saturday morning, I picked up these two chicks, and we headed on our way....using the stick shift van to gear up and down, around all the corners of the road. We took the same route as our last road trip, but instead of taking the first left at the round-about towards Ocho Rios, we passed it and took the second turn-off towards Port Antonio. I have to say that the roads have improved significantly since the last time I drove on that side of the island (which was in 2005...terrible, I know). We passed Navy Island; the place where my brother scared the life out of me, when he told me all about the duppy "rolling calf" coming for me in the middle of the night. Then through the town of Port Antonio; which brought back memories of my family and I walking through the same streets one summer evening. The best part was seeing the lighthouse across the water, as we had stopped in the town for a minute. I was excited to see that our destination was only a 10 minute drive away!

We got to the gates of the Folly Point Oval, and we drove down a path that reminded me of fall in Vermont! The almond trees were shedding their leaves, which left a beautiful orange and yellow trail. We got to the outskirts of the lighthouse, and sadly the gate was locked. We honked the horn, I let S.J. shout hello since she sounded more "jamaican", and there were no sounds coming from the house on the premises. We then said, well if no one is home, maybe we can jump over the gate...after all there wasn't a "No Tresspassing" sign in sight. So we got into gangster mode and jumped over the gate, and walked right to the lighthouse with ease!

Annnnddddd........
that's a lie! The truth is, we did jump over, but, as soon as we got to the other side, S.J. saw a dog, and we hopped right back over, in less than 5 seconds.. Then she decided to scope out what kind of dog it is (peer pressure I tell ya), cause I said if it's a "brown dog" then we have nothing to worry about. Rotweiller or Pitbull.....that may be an issue. S.J. climbed over the gate again, only to have this "brown dog" come after her. So we stood there wondering what to do. Should someone take a bite for the team? Or should we just go to the beach and stop by on the way back. All votes in....go to the beach.

On the way back down the almond leaf path, we decided to ask a young man when the caretakers would be home. He said that they may not be home this weekend (DRATS), but the fishermen jump the gate all the time, so it shouldn't be a problem if we do the same. So we followed him back to the premises....he said "SHOO" to the dog that just ran away (really? that's all it took for this brown dog to move?), and before we knew it...we were right at the Folly Point Lighthouse! YAY! It kind of sucked that no one was home, as we didn't get the chance to go inside so that we could check out the view at the top. But, we made plans immediately for L.F. to skull work on a Friday, so we could check it out again, as well as the next lighthouse on my list, Morant Point.

We couldn't find the Folly Ruins unfortunately, but after we took a bunch of pics, talked to the fishermen who showed us a big ass squid, and thanked the young man for helping us "trespass", we were on our way to the beach to touch up the 'browness', followed by some lovely Boston Jerk, and a short drive back home as Katy Perry sang through our speakers! Enjoy!

Next Stop: Antigua!

2011 is going to be quite a year, as some of my closest friends, as well as myself, will be leaving our 20s behind, and entering into a new decade! The cool thing about this is, in less than 5 days, I will be kicking off the 30th year of our lives. I used to be quite annoyed that I was always the one to get older first, but then there is nothing better than welcoming my friends into the "wise ages", or cracking jokes that I'm the boss, since I was walking while some were still attached to the umbilical chord. Womp!

These girls that I share the same birth year with, have all been a part of my life for a very long time. I've either known them since we were potty-training, or from high school, where we walked the halls with our backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and trapper keepers. I have pretty much seen each of them grow from young girls, to grown women. And the greatest part is, they are all very beautiful people both inside and out. So this is my cheers to you...for coming this far as my friend, and for a super year of turning the big 3-oh!

d.w.—I am sorry for stuffing your mouth with vegetables at the tender age of 6....knowing you hated them with a passion. I guess my bossy ways began earlier than I thought. It's very rare for someone to have such a great friend for 27 years. You have been at every birthday, every graduation, every dark moment and every bright moment in my life.  You are one of my biggest rocks on this planet, and I couldn't have conquered everything that I have, without you!

s.j.—I know it must not have been easy to have a 5 feet, 9.5 inches girl get into your twin bed, to cry over a certain someone. And despite the fact that I dragged you to a school in the middle of nowhere (with naked students and interpretive dance), you were always there for me to turn those tears to laughter! You have always been a good voice of reason, during the most irrational of times. We def. had our moments when I was away, but I honestly couldn't think of a better person to be facing life with on this "rock".

k.c.—I'm putting it out there in the universe now, that I did not steal your kit-kat in high school! But I will apologize for almost getting you expelled, because I let the whole class know when you were in a big brawl with t.t.! You know, I don't think there is anyone on this planet that makes me laugh as much as you do. You can turn any distress into a fun fest (which is a big gift in my eyes)...and I am so thankful to have a friend like you. Cause you know the cow bawling all the time just ain't cute!

d.d.—The girl who shares the Aquarian sign with me. I didn't think it was possible to have someone so similar to me, and we're not even related....just born exactly a week apart! It's funny that we both react to things in the same way, yet you always know the right words to say to make everything a bit clearer. I always thought you were the mature one out of the two of us....and it's good to have that balance within a friendship! One crazy person...and one very reserved person!

y.g.—I don't know why I never remember you from when we were kids...but as I see pictures I realize, you really have been a part of my life for a very, very, long time. With all my friends who have handed their life over to God, you are the only one that has continued to be a good friend to me, despite our different beliefs! I'm sure it's not always easy to deal with a semi-potty-mouthed gal, who tries to work out her spirituality each day. But you know you inspire me to be good, and to follow the path that God has chosen for me.

k.k.—You are the baddest bitch I know! Hands down! I remember everyone not being a fan of you in high school, but we always got along well because we both kept it f-ing real. I always admired your attitude of not giving a hoot-nanny about what anyone thinks...something that I'd love to learn. And I love that we have two completely different personalities, but we rock through life together like it's no one's business! I really couldn't imagine my world without you, and I think it's time for you to come back home now...the pool and I miss you! :)

To these lovely six girls....I look forward to the many years of life we have ahead. I look forward to breaking the "curse", and having our own kids, who I hope will build friendships just like ours. I look forward to growing old with all of you, because my life would be so incomplete if that didn't happen! I wish for all of us to be healthy and happy as we turn 30, and I wish for all of us to be friends till the end like chucky! Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!!!!

Love,
Al, Lee, Lia, Leelee, AliPali....Alia

"Al...do you know the directions to where we're going?" D.W. said. The answer was no!

The first day that I saw an image online, of this particular lighthouse, I remember I was sitting at my desk in my New York office. It was quite a cold day, and it was getting dark a bit too early, due to winter quickly coming around. The page on my Mac finally loaded, and my breath was immediately taken away. I fell in love with this lighthouse like it was my future husband standing right before me. Then I stared at it for a long time, and even closed my eyes, imagining that I was right there! This lighthouse my friends, is the Galina Lighthouse!

If I had to choose between all the lighthouses to see on this island, this would be the only one that would fulfill my every desire. So it was only right to ask my girls to come with me to see my dream! We woke up early (after quite a late night), got dressed, and headed on route through Junction, to St. Mary. I hadn't driven this way in so long, that as I looked through the window as S.J. drove, I felt like the child in the back seat of my parents car, as they took me and my siblings to the country. On a side note...when the highway was built in Jamaica, I was so devastated that they didn't leave all of the old roads for one to drive on. I have so many memories of naming each town we drove through, and playing  i-spy. Driving through Junction definitely brought that feeling back again.

I looked at all the trees swaying in the wind, the wooden houses I love oh so much, and the small bars on the side of the road with the number one customer sitting inside, drinking straight white rum! And as we passed each town, we all called out the name like we were reminding ourselves that we could read! haha!

As we continued to drive, D.W. kept asking where we were going....if she only knew I never emailed anyone to ask for the directions. But S.J. saw the pictures, so we figured we could find this place with ease. After all, it should just be on some coast....right?! After we passed through Port Maria, I swore blind that I saw the lighthouse in the distance, despite D.W. saying that she's not so sure that it is. As we got closer, it was just a cell tower....WOMP! We laughed so hard it was ridiculous...but the search continued as we knew this landmark was nearby! In Galina, there's only bush, and very few homes, so as we drove about half a mile, we figured that we had gone too far. It was time to ask for directions!

"Tun back, an when yu si di sign for the Lock Si-Mit, you tun pon dat road", the helpful young man said! We saw the small sign and we all shouted LOCK-SI-MIT! HOORAY! We turned on a very small dirt road, and as we passed homes, we waved and said hello to our fellow countrymen and women! We drove some more, till all we saw was bush, and all the scary movies I had watched in my life, flashed in my mind. We all wondered if we were going the right way, as we were the only 4 girls in the middle of nowhere, and I doubt anyone knew where we were really going. M.J. suggested we walk since we didn't know how bad the roads would get, and she got a very big UH UH! We finally got to an abandoned home, and the only way to turn was right! The wheels turned, and through all the branches and leaves, there it was. It stared right in my eyes like it had been waiting for me forever, and I felt this joy come over me, as I was so excited to finally see the place that took my breath away on that cold New York evening.

We got out the car, and obviously New York was mad I left her for someone else, so she sent some cold winds to keep my time with my new love quite short. I told the bffs my secret little dream, while we walked across the rocks that pricked our feet (we should have worn sneakers). We looked in amazement at how beautiful the crashing waves looked, but were kinda over it when they splashed us with very cold water! The ocean was obviously in a bad mood. S.J. made a good point that in the pictures, the Galina Lighthouse looked a lot bigger. It was much more statuesque in the images, and I realized that quite a bit had been destroyed, I'm guessing due to weather and those darn waves! After shivering quite a bit, and seeing a freshly eaten orange on the ground, which did not belong to us...we decided to head back!

Everyone said that this was one of the best days they had this Christmas, and I had to agree. It lifted everyone's spirit, despite the clouds that were in the sky that day. The great thing about this day for me, was experiencing something that meant so much to me, with some of my best friends. I always thought that this idea of visiting lighthouses, wouldn't interest anyone, but the great thing was that at the end of the storm, everyone stood by my side, and agreed to come along on each of these adventures with me! Enjoy!

P.S. Girls, I'm just letting you know that after all the lighthouses have been seen in Jamaica....we're taking it overseas. First stop? Tillamook Rock Lighthouse!!

Ahhh, it's about that time of year again. I really can't believe it has been a year since I wrote my last end-of-year blog post! Time really flies. I constantly thought about whether or not I should write this because of my pretty tumultuous year...but I decided to, because so many people email me after I do, expressing how much it has inspired them, helped them, or simply made them feel like they're not alone in this world. Last year, I expressed so much about my life to you...and I really wanted to hold back this year to protect so many, including myself, but I thought, these discovery posts, wouldn't be what they are, without me being honest!

I usually have a list to begin each year, but for 2011 I have decided to have no plans or lists whatsoever. I thought maybe I'd share with you some things to live by, to possibly make your life a little more cheery, as well as the people around you. You see, I witnessed and learned so many things in 2010, and I came to realize that making plans and wishes, are somewhat pointless, as things hardly ever go that way. So I said, I might as well just go along with each day, enjoying each moment, and understanding that whatever it is I wish for or want, will come to me when I truly LIVE! So here goes....

* It really doesn't matter what anyone says...it's always best to do what works for you. I lived in New York for 5 years, and there were many times when I wanted to come back home....to be specific, 2008 was the year I was ready. My grandmother had passed, and I became this totally lost soul, not knowing which way to turn. On one hand I wanted to stay to accomplish what I had gone there for; to not hurt a good person, or disappoint my parents. On the other hand, I wanted to come right back to be with my family, to something that I thought was true, and to focus on my passion 100%. I ended up staying....but when I found myself in tears all over again, all alone in an apartment, I really wanted to leave. It wasn't until I told my mother how I felt, and she told me it does not matter what anyone thinks or says....if it's  going to make me happy, just do it. You have no idea how long I fought to stay in NY,  just because I was afraid of disappointing the people around me....when really, I was only preventing myself from happiness!  Rule #1: Be Happy For You!

* God won't always do what you ask him to. If you remember last year I was at a point in my life, where I became more spiritual, happier and full of life. I made a list and was doing everything on it with ease. I believed in love, and decided that when it was time, I could open my heart again. Well, I did just that and got hurt, and sadly I got really angry with God. I stopped praying, I stopped believing, and my Daily Bread was no longer on my bedside table, but in a drawer. Dramatic I know, but I thought if God saw how far I had come, why would he send a person that was just no good? How many lessons does one really have to learn? Then as time passed, I realized my life really sucked because I was angry with God. So, I slowly started to pray again (and I did ask for forgiveness), I'm now thinking about becoming a member of a church, and possibly getting baptized when I'm ready to hand my life over to Him completely. So who knows, maybe this was God's way of bringing me closer to Him, but I will tell you this: Crap is going to happen all the time, even when we pray for the opposite...you just have to trust that even if God doesn't give you what you may want, it's for a reason....and soon you will receive even greater. And I believe I will. Rule #2: Believe Even When It's Hard To See

* You probably won't ever know your purpose on this earth. I questioned my purpose in life a lot this year....and I mean a lot. I tend to be hard on myself, which is pointless for something I may never understand. Then there were these random things that happened when I kinda disappeared in my moments of trying to figure things out. I received emails from people I wasn't necessarily close to, wondering where I was...and hoping that I'd get back to my regular cheery self soon.  My coworkers got concerned when I was no longer laughing and dancing in the hallway...so I'd get random hugs during the day...as well as pep talks to help me get back to old Alia. Someone even told me, part of the reason why work isn't too hard to come to everyday, is because I'm there. I received a card in the mail from someone I was no longer close to, to let me know that they thought I was a good person. My sister found my certificates from prep school as she cleared out her room, and one was awarded to me for being able to cheer up people when they were down (I was 10 years old). The best part....someone told me that I always have this spark, that can brighten any room. I guess that's why as hard as I tried to put a smile on my face....every single person knew something wasn't right. I may never know my purpose in life, but what I do know, is that I bring some kind of sunshine to people's lives by being the person that I am. I guess it's just better to live and do good deeds, rather than worry about why we're here! So Rule #3: Be A Good You, As You Never Know

* Everyone's life always looks super on the outside...but no one ever knows what happens behind closed doors or within a person. I battled many demons this year (I still have a few to overcome), which is probably hard to believe being the happy-go-lucky person that I am. There were moments I thought I was lame because I wasn't where I thought I would be at this age, and I semi-envied the people who had accomplished everything I hadn't....or even a piece of it! Not to mention my constant fight for perfection! Not good! There were also those moments of random conversations with my single friends, who wanted marriage, kids, etc., but then I had conversations with my married friends, who sometimes wished they could pick up and travel, move to a different country, or do what seems like the super things that single people do. Everyone's life always seems greener, but all you can do is focus on your life and the great things happening within it....trust me, there ARE some great things going on....even if it's as simple as waking up every morning a healthy person! Sometimes we focus too much on wanting what others have, that we forget to see what is right in front of us. And whatever it is you want at some point in your life, it will come when the time is right! Maybe it's not that time for you to be successful, as you have more failures to endure. Maybe it's not time to get married, because the right person hasn't found you. And maybe you can't pick up and travel, or move....because there are much bigger things for you to do, right where you are. So what we have to do is...Rule #4: Live, Enjoy, & Love Your Life On Your Green Side (it really is green!).

* Find something that you won't necessarily do on a regular day. For some reason, when I moved home...the passion I had for what I wanted to do kinda disappeared. I have no idea why, but I realized the drive I had when I just started aliamichèle, was no longer there. So rather than doing the usual beat myself up b.s., I thought what could I do to help get it back? I thought maybe if I became a regular 9-5 gal, it would help. That got a negative. So I decided to explore another creative outlet. I have a weird mind that gets inspired by so many things, so it wouldn't be too hard to do something else artsy. Sometimes stepping outside of our regular routine, will help us see what our true love really is. I love making bags, and I wish everyday that the dream will come true of being well-known for what I do, but I just need to get back that fire to fight for it all over again. You may be tired of your daily routine, so try driving a different route to work, go help someone who's not as fortunate as you are, come help me sew a bag....whatever it may  be..... Rule #5: Do Something Outside Of Your Everyday Box

* Honesty really is the best policy. This year I witnessed some serious dishonesty, to the point where it really baffled me. I've come across some liars....but this year I saw for the first time a wolf in sheep's clothing. You see, it's one thing to be dishonest with the people around you, but it's another thing when you are not honest with yourself, and in fact, never knowing the person you truly are. I have always been an honest person, I suck at letting people know how I feel at times, but I work really hard at keeping it real. I had never experienced what I did this year, and I wondered how people could be this way, and deprive themselves from the world loving the real person they are! I have found that when you live an honest and compassionate life, not only is your world never really lonely, but you realize you're surrounded by good, genuine, wholesome people. And I am happy that my parents raised me this way, because I have been blessed with some really awesome people, right here next to me! Plus, when you are true to you and others around you, it makes your life much, much, much easier!  Rule #6: Be Honest

* As hard as it may be, try to forgive. I have heard a crap load of stories this year...it's quite amazing how many things have happened to the people that I love in the space of 12 months. I guess you can also understand why this post comes right after rule #6. After truly opening my heart this year, I have found it extremely hard to forgive the person who walked away, leaving me with this huge scar. But when I pray each night, I ask God to help me find it in my heart to forgive this person. And I'm hoping that before 2011 begins, I can finally forgive and let go of all the hurt and anger I still feel. And let me tell you, I pour my heart into this prayer, because I feel like it's just no longer cool to be angry with someone who is clueless as to how much they may have hurt you. So if someone has done something hurtful or upsetting to you this year or earlier.... as much as you'd like to dislike them forever, try to forgive them. It will help you to move on, and receive the beautiful things waiting for you in the distance. Rule #7: Learn To Forgive

So that's it for my end-of-year post...you have no idea how hard it was for me to type and share all of this. I hope these little stories help you a little bit with whatever may have happened this year, so that we can all go into 2011 with a completely new perspective. Forget the plans, but keep your goals. Have an open mind that it all may not happen, and I promise that once you do, when life knocks you down, it won't be as hard to get up! We'll be stronger than before! So...I'm about to head up to the hills to be with the people who see this star shining everyday, even when it's behind a cloud! Have a beautiful Christmas, a full-filling New Year and always remember, we're never alone in this world! I'll leave you with a quote and my fav.Christmas song for 2010!

—Love Always...alia michèle

You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection—Buddha

Christmas Lights by Coldplay

I don't know why, but a lot of people aren't really feeling the spirit for Christmas again this year! I begged for a Christmas tree, as we haven't had one in two years I think, due to not being in Kingston for the holidays.....and I got one!!! YAY! As soon as I smelled that pine in my dining room, I started to feel the spirit come alive! I love this holiday so much, I think I get a bit jittery just thinking about it! haha!

I have always loved giving gifts! I'm like the gift giving queen...which is probably why I love this holiday so much! As much as I (yes at age 29), like being up early on the 25th of December, begging my dear mother to open presents...giving to the people that I love, is a much, much, much greater feeling!

This year, the girls have quite a surprise waiting behind the custom designed wrapping paper and tags! I am so excited about it, I wish I could just open their gift for them! haha! And unfortunately, I can't reveal what the gifts are yet, as some of my bffs won't be getting their gift till the new year! But, here is a sneak peek of what some people will have under their tree, by their bed, or on the floor this Christmas! I believe I give the best gifts....kind of a big statement to say....but I am sure some people will agree! Enjoy!

Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas — Dale Evans Rogers