May 9, 2023 - Reading time: 5 minutes

As you know I got married a few years ago. But I didn't just want to get married. That is easy, you can do that in Las Vegas. I wanted to marry my best friend and I wanted to know that it would be a working marriage when I said "I do." And while I have alluded to that perviously, it seemed like a good idea for a further essay. So that is what I am going to do today. There are points that are obvious but there is more to it than most people think, it takes understanding and cooperation to make things work as much as it takes love and admiration for the person you are waking up with in the morning.

A working marriage is one in which both the husband and wife are dedicated to make the relationship work. While there is no one-size-fits-all definition of a successful marriage, there are some warning flags that couples should be aware of that may indicate difficulties in the relationship.

One red flag is when one or both partners consistently criticize each other. It can be useful to deliver constructive criticism with the purpose of improving the relationship. However, if your criticism is solely intended to undermine your partner, it can destroy trust and lead to animosity.

Another potential red flag is when couples stop speaking or only communicate negatively. In any relationship, healthy communication is essential, and married couples should make an effort to share both positive and unpleasant parts of their lives. When communication breaks down, issues can surface quickly.

Couples should also be conscious of changes in their sex life, since these might be indicators of greater problems in the relationship. A abrupt drop in sexual activity could indicate that one or both parties are dissatisfied with the relationship, and it's critical to discuss any changes in this area.

Furthermore, financial stress can frequently cause marital conflict. Problems can arise if one partner habitually spends more money than the other or if there is dispute over how finances should be managed.

Another indicator that a marriage is in peril is when either partner feels that they are always doing all of the work while the other does nothing. Both husband and wife in a healthy marriage should feel like they are contributing equally to the partnership. When one person feels as if they are constantly carrying the load, it can result in resentment and fatigue.

If you observe any of these warning signals in your own marriage, it is critical that you address them immediately. You can maintain your marriage strong and lasting by being honest with each other about your worries and working together to find solutions.

We Can Break This Down Into Four Categories

It takes more than just love to keep a marriage together. It takes time, understanding, conversation, and a lot of effort. However, if you are ready to put in the time and effort, it can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you will ever have. Below are a few things you may do to strengthen your marriage:

1. Communicate with one another. This is crucial in any relationship, but particularly in marriage. Communicate your needs and desires to your spouse, and listen to everything they have to say as well.

2. Spend quality time together. Plan frequent date nights, even if it's just staying in and preparing supper together. It is critical to maintain the romance in your relationship.

3. Improve yourself. To make a marriage succeed, both parties must be constantly learning and improving themselves, both independently and as a couple. This includes going to therapy or counseling together, reading self-help literature, and so on.

4. Be gentle with one another. Marriage isn't always easy, and you may want to give up or walk away at times. However, learning to be patient with one another during difficult times will strengthen your friendship in the long run.

A solid foundation of trust, respect, and communication underpins a successful marriage. These three elements are necessary for a happy and healthy relationship. A marriage will eventually fail if these are not present.

The foundation of any relationship is trust. It is essential that you are able to trust your partner completely. This entails being truthful with one another, being open about one's emotions, and being dependable. If you don't trust your partner, your relationship will fail.

Another essential component of a great marriage is respect. It is critical to respect each other's perspectives, ideas, and values. Even if you don't always agree with them, it's crucial to respect them. There can be no sincere love or understanding without respect.

Communication is essential in every relationship, but it is especially important in a marriage. Couples must be capable of communicating openly and honestly about their aspirations, anxieties, dreams, and desires with one another. If you and your partner are unable to communicate well, the marriage is unlikely to continue.

A happy and satisfying marriage necessitates the efforts of both partners. It's not always easy, but it's always worthwhile. If you want your marriage to last, make sure you nurture it with trust, respect, and communication.

January 11, 2023 - Reading time: 2 minutes

The other day I got asked what a makeup arts does. And to answer that is to go into a couple of different situations where one might be needed. To describe the job itself is senseless because each area needs different talents and understanding. Still, if I were to be general I would say that a person is said to be a makeup artist if they are the ones who apply makeup and, frequently, other types of body painting to prominent figures such as actors, models, singers, dancers, and other people like brides etc.. Additionally, they are frequently requested to create special effects makeup for the stage, as well as for cinema and television, though is is often called an effects artist since they have more experience in that area.

There are a wide variety of contexts and circumstances in which the services of a makeup artist could be required. You may be freelance and find work by advertising your services or you could be employed at a salon. For events such as a wedding or a fashion show, for instance, it is common practice to use the services of a professional makeup artist from either of the two options I listed. Makeup artists may also be required for a photo shoot or a film shoot in order to complete the required work. Additionally, a makeup artist may be hired to work in a theater production, or they could be hired to work on a tv series. Both of these opportunities are possible.

It does not matter what the circumstances are; for a makeup artist, it is essential to have a solid understanding of art in addition to a great understanding of makeup. This is due to the fact that they need to be able to create looks for their customers that are not only stunning but also appear natural and attractive on the customers. It is essential to acquire proper training in the application of makeup as well as in art if one aspires to have a successful career as a makeup artist. In addition to this, it is advantageous to have previous experience dealing with a variety of skin tones and kinds.

November 26, 2022 - Reading time: 10 minutes

Putting on cosmetics has always been one of my favorite hobbies. When I was a small child, I used to love to watch my mother put on her lipstick and foundation because I thought it was so interesting. I was curious as to what she did to achieve such flawless-looking skin. I would ask her if I could try some of her makeup, and she would let me apply a small dab of powder or blush on my cheeks. When I became a gymnast I started applying my own makeup and from then on, I was hooked. When I stopped training I still kept up my skills with makeup, and for a short time considered becoming a MUA.

Now that I am an adult, I have come to the conclusion that a job as a makeup artist is the ideal path for me to take. It combines two of my greatest interests: making other individuals look attractive and assisting others in gaining self-assurance. When I do someone's makeup, one of the things that I find most satisfying is witnessing the metamorphosis that takes place, not only on the surface but also on the inside. When my clients leave my chair, they feel like the very best version of themselves, and that is something that cannot be put a price on.

Why then do you want to become a makeup artist? For me, the answer is clear: doing so brings me joy. And if I could choose anything else to do with my life, it would be to focus on making the happiness of others a priority. To a regard that is what specializing in the field does, by making somebody look their best you are helping them feel their best, bring happiness in that manner is also very rewarding.

But it is much more than just skill.

Like with every art based profession you need to have both talent and networking skills. For many the notion that talent alone is not enough to make it in the competitive field of makeup artistry can be deterring; yet, it is important to understand that you need a lot more than that to be successful. Self-promotion is absolutely necessary if you want to establish a name for yourself in the fashion and beauty industry, just as it is in any other field of work.

There are a number of important things that you can do to advertise your abilities as a makeup artist and get your name out there in the world. To begin, you should think about establishing an online portfolio in the form of a website or a blog. Be sure to include images of your clients' before-and-after transformations, as well as any testimonials they may have to share with you. You can also reach a bigger audience by using social media sites like Instagram and Facebook which means I would need to dust off my old accounts.

You shouldn't just limit yourself to marketing your work on the internet; you should also think about showing off your talents in person. Attend local fashion shows or beauty events and offer your services as a makeup artist to the models or guests at these events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet prospective customers and to display your expertise.

That said, one must not discount the significance of word-of-mouth advertising. Ensure that your customers are pleased with the work that you have provided for them, and urge them to recommend you to their friends. As a makeup artist, your path to success will be paved for you if you focus on delivering high-caliber services and cultivating a solid reputation.

First Impressions Are Beauty's Business

There is no doubting the importance of a first impression, and in the beauty industry, your business card is typically the first sight of your work that potential clients see. Because of this, it is important to make a good first impression. Your business card is an essential piece of promotional material that can assist you in attracting new customers and promoting yourself as a professional makeup artist.

I have seen some very talented artists use some really terrible cards. They didn't set the tone for their skills right or they choose something that wasn't very flattering. For this aspect I was mindful that I chose the ones that both represented me and looked professional. The set that I settled on offered a mix of all of these aspects while looking a little bit cute and playful, not too much to distract from any one point but enough to feel right.

Using business cards effectively can be difficult, but here are some helpful hints:

1. Maintain an air of seriousness.

It is important that the professionalism of your brand is reflected on your business card. Select a high-quality paper material and finish, and steer clear of employing designs that are childish or gimmicky.

2. Make use of compelling imagery.

Use striking pictures on your business card so that it jumps out at potential customers when they see a stack of cards. If you are a makeup artist, you might want to use a close-up shot of one of the looks you've created with cosmetics. You may also make your card stand out by using a striking color scheme or unusual typography.

3. Be sure to include any pertinent information.

Make sure that your contact information is readily available and that it contains all of the pertinent particulars, such as your name, title, telephone number, email address, website URL, and social media handles.

4. Placement should be given careful consideration.

Take some time to plan out where you will place your business cards before you start handing them out. For instance, you may leave them at areas where the people who are most likely to become your customers would see them, such as hair salons, spas, or shops. Alternately, you may distribute them at beauty-industry-related gatherings such as events and meetups.

5. Keep in touch!

After you have handed someone your business card, it is important that you remember to follow up with them. Remember how important I said networking is once you have your foot in the door? There should never be an opportunity left untapped or a contact that is allowed to go cold. Send a short text message or email to the individual to thank them for their time and add a link to your website or portfolio so that they can learn more about your work. You may even choose to thank them for their time in person.

Regardless of how important it seems now there is no guarantee that in the future you may not be able to help one another in some way.

Important Skills to Learn

There are plenty of different aspect of beauty that a MUA can focus on, yet, there are some areas that you cannot ignore no matter whatever else you choose to include in your portfolio of skills. The list was given to me by an instructor when I first showed interest and I worked on each area, not until I was happy, but when the critique on how to improve them stopped.

Mix Colors for Optimum Results

As a makeup artist, one of the most important skills you can have is the ability to mix and match colors. Whether you’re working with eyeshadows, lipsticks, or foundation, being able to create custom colors that complement your client’s features is essential. With so many different products on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which shades to use. But with a little practice, mixing and matching colors will become second nature.

Apply Makeup That Flatters the Individual

Another important skill for makeup artists is knowing how to apply makeup in a way that is flattering for the individual. Everyone’s face is different, so it’s important to tailor your makeup application to each person. Some people may prefer a natural look while others want something more dramatic. It’s your job to figure out what works best for each person and make them look their absolute best.

The Skill to Make Skin Look Even and Smooth

One of the most common concerns people have when it comes to their appearance is their skin. Whether they’re dealing with acne, wrinkles, or dark spots, everyone wants to have smooth, even skin. As a makeup artist, part of your job is to help people achieve that goal. There are a variety of techniques you can use to make skin look smoother and more even, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best.

Make Eyes Look Open and Vibrant

Another common concern people have is making their eyes look bright and awake. This can be especially difficult if someone has tired-looking eyes or dark circles. But luckily, there are a few tricks you can use as a makeup artist to help brighten up someone’s appearance. From using white eyeliner to applying shimmery eyeshadow, there are plenty of ways to make eyes look brighter and more awake.

Creating Different Looks for Different Occasions

As a makeup artist, it’s also important to be able to create different looks for different occasions. Whether someone is looking for a casual daytime look or a glamorous evening look, you should be able to provide them with what they need. People often book makeup artists for special occasions like weddings or parties, so it’s important that you know how to create a variety of looks that will wow your clients.

November 25, 2022 - Reading time: 3 minutes

In order to put a stop to violence against women and girls, it is essential to provide support and financial investment to feminist groups and organizations fighting for women's rights.

Demonstrations took place across the globe. Demonstrators gathered in Spain to voice their opposition to violence against women as well. Since the beginning of the official count in 2003, there have been at least 1,171 people slain in the country by their current or former romantic partner.

In Mexico City, the scene was essentially the same.

The percentage of women in Mexico who sought assistance at shelters for victims of violence increased by a factor of eighty percent during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Today was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day designated by the United Nations, which was observed by demonstrators all over the world.

A staggering 71% of women over the age of 15 have been victims of physical or sexual assault.

A demonstration in Istanbul that was demanding for an end to violence against women and for Turkey to return to a treaty that was intended to protect them was dispersed by the police. During the course of the march, the authorities detained a significant number of the demonstrators.

In defiance of the order issued by the authorities, the protesters attempted to march up Istiklal, which is Istanbul's primary pedestrian artery. The authorities had issued the order to prevent the rally on the grounds that it would threaten public order and security.

Why We Must Eliminate Violence Against Women

The most ubiquitous and widespread violation of human rights is violence against women and girls, which has its origins in gender inequality and discrimination, unequal power relations, and detrimental social norms. The murder of women and girls for reasons related to their gender is the most heinous and extreme form of this type of violence.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.

In general terms, it manifests itself in physical, sexual and psychological forms, encompassing:

1. intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
2. sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment);
3. human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
4. female genital mutilation; and
5. child marriage.

Gender-related killings of women and girls take place worldwide. 5 every hour... . That is the number of women and girls who are murdered by a member of their own family. It is time to put a stop to this ticking clock and get to work right away to put an end to violence against women and girls. Read the report I linked to on gender-related homicides of women and girls to learn more about the topic.

November 25, 2022 - Reading time: 9 minutes

As I sit here and type of this note there is a lot of flux in my professional life. The potential for layoffs is pretty high right now in my company and yet I see it as an opportunity to move in a new direction. As you know I have been a lot of things in my life, when I was younger it was more than clear to me that, someday, I would be a professional gymnast at least for several years. Today, my husband and I still go dancing, both of us being rhythmically inclined, though my obsession has subdued to a normal health level from my peak in my early teens.

It should not come as much of a surprise that changing occupations could be a challenging task. After all, starting a new job from scratch in a field that you are not familiar with is not exactly the simplest thing to accomplish, particularly if you do not have any prior experience in the field.

Altering one's line of work can, on the other hand, result in a variety of positive outcomes. It is possible that it will provide you with the opportunity to start over, acquire new skills, and even make more money. Therefore, how can you determine if switching careers is the best choice for you?

Here are some things that should be taken into consideration:

1. Are you dissatisfied with the career that you currently have?
   • If you've come to the conclusion that your current line of work isn't making you happy, it might be time to look into other options. Being unhappy in one's job can result in a wide range of complications, including a decline in productivity, increased absenteeism, and even clinical depression.
2. Do you feel as though you're unable to get out of a rut?
   • When you feel as though you're simply going through the motions in your job and not really getting anywhere, then it's possible that you could benefit from making a switch to something else. Stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to the discovery of new opportunities and personal development.
3. Are you interested in taking on a greater challenge?
   • People will frequently remain in the same line of work because they are either reluctant to embrace change or mistakenly believe that they are unable to excel at anything else. If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, it may be time to reevaluate the circumstances surrounding you. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations can be beneficial to your personal and professional development.

That is simpler said than done for most. When I am left with a tricky situation I feel it is useful to go through a list of pros and cons, usually, I never need to write them down but with my current situation I did. When I was working to become a gymnast there was a need to do my own makeup when we would preform. That left me with an interest in makeup artistry when my gymnastic career was no longer relevant. That left me always wondering if it was life sending me a message.

Breaking It Further Down

While my list looked a little bit different when I jotted it down this is what, in essence, it boiled down to. A number of the points were slightly different and I have already taken some courses on cosmetology when I was younger so point three of the cons list are less relevant to me now than they were when I was making my thoughts about the career choice in my teens.

First the Pros

1. It's never too late to switch gears in your professional life. Many people believe that your twenties are the best time to "discover yourself," but this does not mean that you have to remain in the same job for the rest of your life. It is acceptable to seek new employment if you feel that you are not content in your current position.

2. Having a shift in routine can be refreshing. Altering your line of work could provide you with a revitalized sense of purpose if you've been feeling like you're caught in a rut. Beginning one's career anew in a different sector or domain might be an exciting prospect.

3. It's possible that you have more skills and experience than you give yourself credit for. When making a transition to a new line of work, you might be surprised to find that many of the abilities you gained in your prior position are transferable to the new industry.

4. Switching to a new line of work may provide a more favorable work-life balance. If you're having trouble striking a healthy balance between your work and personal life in your current line of work, you might benefit from making a change. Think about getting a job that can either provide you with more adaptable working hours or let you do some of your job from home.

Now for the Cons

1. Making a significant change in one's line of work can be a stressful and intimidating experience. There will be a great deal of uncertainty, and it is possible that your income and job title will need to be reset to their most basic levels.

2. You are going to have to do some research. It is essential to make a decision regarding changing occupations after gathering sufficient information. Be sure to conduct exhaustive study on potential new lines of work before making the transition.

3. You might be required to get additional training or return to school. Before starting your new career, you could be required to complete a certain number of classes or receive further training, and this need will vary according to the industry that you will be working in. This can make the process of switching careers more time-consuming and expensive.

My Dream Job?

Would it be my dream job? I am note able to answer that with a resounding yes. My current job is fine, while not rewarding, I also don't hate it. But how many of us can say that, the majority most likely since we would have a lot more career flux going on.

One aspect of becoming a makeup artist is that one is pretty free, you work for somebody else if it doesn't work out, you can be freelance, or start your own salon and hire others to do the work. No matter what my path is is would still love to find my dream job.

Finding the right career is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but it’s worth it in the end. There are a few key things to keep in mind when searching for the right career.

Think about what you’re passionate about. What are you interested in? What drives you? When you find a career that you’re passionate about, it won’t feel like work. You’ll be excited to get up and go to your job every day.

You should also consider your skills and strengths, honestly. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Matching your skills and interests with a career is a great way to find satisfaction in your work.

By researching different careers and by talking to people who are already working in those fields you can get a realistic idea of what the day-to-day tasks are like and whether or not you would enjoy them. Once you have a better understanding of what a particular career entails, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s the right fit for you.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Stepping outside of your comfort zone may just lead you to the perfect career for you.

Searching for the right career can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting journey. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding a career that you love.

Wow, today's essay got a lot longer than I had planned, it really was just going to be a note at first but my finger kept typing and this is what we ended up with. There is a sense of clarity that I now have after writing this wasn't there when the first words rolled across the screen which is positive sign. Wish me luck, my deliberation has been long and my path getting to the decision to move forward even longer!

November 24, 2022 - Reading time: 4 minutes

On last Thursday evening, users took to the platform to write what they feared might be their final posts, offering anxious farewells and listing the other (more stable) social media platforms where they can still be found. The hashtag #RIPTwitter was the top trending topic around the world during this time.

The microblogging platform Twitter has descended into complete anarchy just a few short days after Elon Musk took full control of the company. The unusual business practices of the tech millionaire not only unnerve consumers and advertisers, but he has also created panic and anxiety within the company by cutting a significant number of jobs.

They were responding to the ominous news that was coming out of Twitter at the time. On Thursday, it appeared that scores of the remaining employees at the social media company rejected owner Elon Musk's ultimatum to work "extremely hardcore," which threw the communications platform into complete disarray and raised serious questions about how much longer it will continue to survive.

Email was used to inform numerous employees of their termination from the company. According to Wendy Musell, an expert on employment law in the state of California, this is a method that is extremely uncommon. It is not typical for Silicon Valley technology companies to go public when they are doing layoffs. They are concerned about unfavorable front-page coverage.

I'm curious as to how the stock price of the company currently stands.

I have been considering rejoining social media, which may come as a surprise to some of my followers; but, instead of Facebook or Twitter, I am considering joining Mastodon at this moment.

Mastodon is a social media platform that was developed by Eugen Rochko in 2016 and operates without a central server. Eugen Rochko, then a student in Germany at the age of 21 and upset by the manner in which social media platforms handled user data, decided in 2012 to create his own platform. Particularly troubling to him was the manner in which Twitter censored tweets in some nations. As a result of this, he developed his own own social media network, which he called Mastodon.

Mastodon is a decentralized social media network that removes the worry of censorship from users' ability to connect with one another. Because the platform is based on open-source software, anyone is free to contribute to its development in any way they see fit. Mastodon has quickly emerged as one of the most prominent and widely used alternative social media platforms since it was first introduced in 2016.

According to Rochko, the reason he established Mastodon was because he wanted to build a social media network that would respect the privacy of its users and allow them authority over the data associated with their accounts. He has also expressed the hope that Mastodon will contribute to the establishment of a more civilized atmosphere on the internet, one in which users will be able to engage in productive conversations without the fear of being banned or harassed.

It was conceived as a response to a piece of open-source software known as GNU Social. Mastodon is a social media network that is comparable to others, such as Twitter and Facebook. However, unlike those networks, Mastodon is decentralized, which means that there is no central server that governs the network. Instead, Mastodon is a network of smaller servers, which are referred to as "instances," and each instance is managed by a different person or organization. Because of this, Mastodon is less susceptible to being censored or controlled by the government.

In response to the ever-increasing concentration of power within social media networks, the Mastodon platform was developed. Rochko was concerned that the free and decentralized nature of the Internet was being harmed by the concentration of power in a few giant firms. He saw Mastodon as a means of establishing a social media network that would be more impervious to censorship and control and saw it as an opportunity to accomplish so.

Mastodon has rapidly expanded to become one of the most prominent decentralized social media networks since it was first introduced. More than 2 million people utilize it, and there are 35,000 registered instances. Mastodon is currently available in more than 50 languages, and users may be found in every region of the world.

March 22, 2022 - Reading time: 2 minutes

I had the chance to watch a fantastic movie recently titled: "Lamb of God." In "Lamb of God," which came out more than a decade ago is an Argentine film directed by Lucía Cedrón tells the story of a family in the context of their life in the 70s. It does so from the perspective of someone from my parent's generation, the gaze of a child, the gaze of those of us who grew up listening to fragments of the story and reconstructing it to make a sort of truth of how they preceived their parents' life. Which, the only trueth a child really ever receives about the life their parents lived when they were young.

It was noted that Lucía worked for more than two years on the script and that it had gone through more than 20 versions. The end result is beautiful and I am thankful that I finally had a chance to watch it (due to a suggestion from a friend). The film is very thoughtful and beautiful. It offers a compassionate look at the characters and a prejudice-free attitude about the past. It is a unbiased window which we are allowed to look through.

In this film, Lucía shows how one of the themes the film addresses is that of silence, those unspoken things within families that course throughout a lifetime. The idea that silence can be an act of love was a shock for me. Like this director, I think this is one of the dumbest and most serious mistakes we make when we deal with people closest to us. It doesn't matter if it is through, crying, kicking, screaming or with a very low voice, it's always better to say things that need to be said.

It's that simple.

"Lamb of God" proves that brilliantly.

February 22, 2022 - Reading time: ~1 minute

That's right. Waiting. I hate waiting.

We are waiting, because according to our airline tickets we leave on April 14th, but we have not yet been sent the certificates we need to process visas. So the question is, will the papers come and will we get everything processed on time? Let's hope so!