mkeyesdesign

ONCE AGAIN, THE NEEDS OF THE MANY DO NOT OUTWEIGH THE BENEFITS TO ILLEGALS IN LA

2011-12-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

If I have said it before, I am sorry, I am saying again. This morning I heard a story on the news that just twisted my bubble. All the way to the office I was trying to wrap my head around the issue; what would my blog post say. Unfrickinbelievable.

This is the news story that I am referring to and the one that put my panties in a bunch. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_19581680 The ever stupid Mayor of Los Angeles as decided, because of pressure from immigrant rights groups (this is an entirely different blog post (AND OXYMORON) in itself), has asked that the LAPD suspend its policy to impound vehicles of non licensed drivers. This policy stands for all people, not just those of illegal status, but its because of their pressure that it's now being suspended. Why? because illegals can't get a license. Yes and anyone who is pulled over now, and does not have license to drive a vehicle, can have a licensed driver come get the vehicle. Why, oh because the poor (as they are referring too...but we all know its illegals) can't afford to get their car out of impound. Yes, because, they must have a license and valid insurance to get it out!!! This is just one more way of avoiding the rules in place that everyone else seems to have to follow.

This could save the drivers thousands of dollars in impound and towing fees, which many poor families can't afford, defenders say.

"A lot of drivers can't get their licenses because they're undocumented, not because they don't know how to drive," said Gilbert

Saucedo, a Los Angeles-based attorney working to ease city's car impound policy.

"When you take somebody's car, and they can't get it back for 30 days, they can't get to work. They can't get their kids to school. It's a huge burden."

Well listen here, I have a huge burden with this whole policy being pushed under the rug! They talk about getting their kids to school, that they contribute to the economy..Really? Then why does every interview speak about how they come here to make money and send back home to where ever the hell they came from???

Now mind you, I am all for people who want to come here - no beef with that. Just do it the right way.

Back to this burden thing...Hey Mayor, did you ever happen to think that maybe, with less cars on the road (which there should be anyway, cause you know, illegals aren't supposed to be driving) we would have less road issues, less traffic, less maintenance, less pot holes - there, i said it, less costs incurred by the police for traffic issues, and SO many other things I can't even wrap my head around. But no, that Mayor in LA doesn't think like that.... I sure hope someone stands up to this. Surely the police can't think its a good idea?

Wine and Chocolate...Ghiradelli Intense Dark Chocolate at District Wine

2011-09-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

What's better that wine and chocolate? Not a whole lot....in my opinion anyway. That's why when I was invited to a Ghiradelli Intense Dark Chocolate and Wine Tasting event, I of course said YES. What I hadn't anticipated, but was pleased to find out, was that this was actually to support boobies. Yes, dark chocolate has long been associated with healing qualities...and when it tastes good...who am I to turn it down.

I was asked to speak at the event by Oakley Boren, @Oakmonster, a friend and organizer of the event. I briefly shared my story...the bottom line was that early detection is key for breast cancer; along with completing self exams and making sure you visit your doctor annually. No matter how old you are, whether cancer runs in your family or not, you owe it to yourself!

As an almost three year cancer survivor, I was proof that it can and does happen to those who have no family history. I had intense treatment which consisted of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I've also been on meds for three years and have another two years to go.

My friend Georg-Ann is coming up on her fifth birthday!! This is her five year cancer free date (9/26/2011) and I couldn't be more thrilled for her. My other friend Karen has her fifth birthday later this year.... I will be celebrating with them. I look forward to my fifth birthday....course, I celebrate every year - why? why not!

Check out the photos of the event at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150386698615996.408191.617055995 - Jennifer Owens Photography.

Thanks to Ghiradelli and to District Wine @Districtwine for hosting the party and of course to Oakley for being a great party organizer and host.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

2011-07-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to share my son's new site... if you, or someone you know, needs any design work, check out his site.

http://www.persondaniel.com

Self Reflection

2011-07-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

"Behind The Picket Fence" Vintage and Handmade Marketplace: Only five days until our next "Vintage and Handmad...

2011-04-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

"Behind The Picket Fence" Vintage and Handmade Marketplace: Only five days until our next "Vintage and Handmad...: "Tomorrow is the next 'Vintage and Handmade Marketplace ' We have such amazing vendors selling all those one-of-a-kind vintage finds..."

mkeyesdesign photography will be there... will you?

Meet Delilah Lewis....babies should never get cancer :(

2011-03-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Springtime is coming..Spruce up your place with a little color

2011-03-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

KeeperofDreams: never trust anyone 100% on social media many wolves out there in sheeps clothing

2011-01-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

KeeperofDreams: never trust anyone 100% on social media many wolves out there in sheeps clothing

In the eye of the tunnel

2010-11-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

Driving this tunnel everyday, I have always wanted to stop and shoot. I didn't though... I went through as a passenger and took advantage.

The form of a woman

2010-11-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Almost like a little black dress...every girl needs one

2010-11-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

Pink Flower Fantasy

2010-11-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Dress up your home for the holiday. This pink flower fantasy will do just that. Perfect decor for any home. It's a 5 x 5 matted print. The matting is dark green.

Visit more of my shop on Artfire or purchase here today :)

View this collection on Artfire

2010-11-14T19:08:00.001-08:00

Red....everything...

Curated By: mkeyesdesign

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

conquer or crush

2010-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Wow... I woke up this morning feeling like I could conquer the world. WTF happened.

I personally don't care for when work has an "everyone" gatherings - be it meetings, a celebration, etc. It's not that I don't like what's happening, it's that I don't feel comfortable in the setting. Everyone seems to have their "group or click", their comfort zone. I don't. It's almost like high school all over again. Being there, but belonging nowhere. It's okay, I can find a place to sit amongst the group.... most often I slip in where I can. I think I would be fine with it if my name weren't called for something. That really sets my emotions running. You hear people clapping for others then when your name is called...it's kind of like eh....clap, clap.

I know I am not well liked at work. I am used to that. I think people are afraid to approach me. People are scared of me. Why? I don't know... my job is to do what they want, not what i want. It's their vision, not mine. That's what I do.

I have never been popular nor will I ever be, and quite frankly I am okay with that. So I really don't know why I let this stuff get to me like it did this morning. I don't know - I suppose after 25 years I hope I make a difference or add value - maybe that's where I really have the doubt.

2010-09-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is whipper snapper. I took this at a beach cleanup event.

Hugh's Bite Nite at Marri's

2010-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

New Political Party

2010-08-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

I received this in an email....what are your thoughts?

This is the best new idea that's come along in quite a while---Makes all the sense in the world

============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ==

*New Political Party.*

*New Political Party.*

*Not Democrat, Not Republican, Not Independent. *

*It’s called the “PISSED OFF PARTY” (or POP).*

*This party is dedicated to vote every incumbent out of office in the next elections.*

*If you’re Democrat, vote Democrat. Just don’t vote for the incumbent.*

*If you’re Republican, vote Republican. Just don’t vote for the incumbent.*

*We need to send a message to all politicians, that we’re tired of their B.S.*

*If the country votes out all the incumbents, the new incoming politicians will get the message.*

*It’s pretty simple. Nobody needs to change parties and face it, there’s plenty of blame to spread around.*

*A few good politicians will lose their job but they probably have better retirement and insurance then 98% of the American public.*

*You’ve had to struggle for the last 5 years. Some of you have lost your job and may be working in some other sector just to feed your family.*

*I guarantee you, none of them will suffer like this country has.*

*If you like whats going on and think this is a bad idea, delete this.*

*But if you’re fed up and think this is a good idea, then pass this E-mail on.*

*If you really think this has legs, then a website and a blog could help get the word out.*

*To ALL 535 voting members of the Congress; it is now official you are ALL corrupt!*

*a. The U.S. Post Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.*

*b. Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.*

*c. Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.*

*d. War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to “the poor” and they only want more.*

*e. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.*

*f. Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.

*g. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.*

*You have FAILED in every “government service” you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars.*

*AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM?*

*IT’S NOT ABOUT THE NEED FOR GOOD HEALTH CARE, IT’S ABOUT TRUSTING THE GOVERNMENT TO RUN IT!*

*Folks, keep this circulating!

*Folks, keep this circulating!

Hughs' Bite Nite - today is the day

2010-07-26T11:08:00.001-07:00

This is it folks...yes, I said folks. Today is the day that we've been planning - Hugh's Bite Nite. I had a dream about it last night, there were lines of people waiting to get in - ppl were still smiling because they new it was for such a wonderful family - they didn't care about the lines. *sigh

I saw Hugh yesterday and got very emotional. I tried to be nothing but upbeat for him, but I broke down. He hasn't wanted visitors lately. Last we saw him was when he was in ICU. He looked good then, but he really looks good now.

Walking down the long hall to his room was quite disturbing. I can only imagine how Shelley does this everyday, yet still puts on her positive attitude for Hugh. I would go home and break down each night too. Just the sounds as you walk down the long corridors to the main lobby.... you needn't look in to any of the rooms you are passing, you already know.

I was quite relieved to see Hugh....his cute, but rather devious, grin, waiting to see us. It filled my heart with such joy. I was fine up in till he mentioned something about trying...not doing...but trying. I won't get into specifics, but I lost it. I went over and hugged him and cried.

Hugh

I mean't everything I said to you Hugh.... you are not alone in this fight. It does take a village... I feel so old saying this, but I am realizing that it's SO true.

It will take time to heal... but I know you will. It will take time to get home, but I know you will. You will feel like a burden at times, but you're not. You will want to do things you can't right now, but you will. Bottom line: YOU WILL.

I hope that today is the success I imagined it would be. I hope that YOU WILL come support this wonderful family. I WILL.

HUGH'S BITE NITE

2010-07-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

PLEASE HELP US TO HELP @SHELLEY_RAE IF YOU ARE LOCAL... PLEASE GO OUT TO EAT ON MONDAY, JULY 26, 2010 AT ANY OF THE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SHELLEY AND HER FAMILY!! SPREAD THE WORD!!! PRINT THIS OUT AND TAKE IT WITH YOU !!!

One Tweet

2010-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the familiar sounds of my blackberry. You've got mail! Little did I know that waiting for me, was one of the nicest, if not the most, direct messages I have ever received. It was from @heykim. Now, notably @heykim and @suzidk have been there for me for numerous reasons and occasions, but most recently they have been helping me spread the word about @Shelley-Rae's husbands', his critical fight for life after a recent motorcycle accident. I could go on and on about the wonders of social media and how fortunate I am to call my tweeple friends, but I would rather share the direct message I received. It says it all and I can't tell you how much it meant to me, and how much it will mean to @Shelley_Rae when she sees it. http://heykim.com/?p=32

I figured it out!

2010-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

A while back I wrote about going to have my tarot cards read and the things I was told. About finding that something. The one thing she stressed to me is that I did not give myself credit for being great at anything I do. I have a very difficult time with that... but not anymore. I found it. I figured it out.

I am great at being a friend. And what's more, it's not about money, what you can or can't do, it's about being there - thru thick and thin, happiness and pain, laughter and tears.

I am a great friend. There, I said it.

I signed Tony's car....

2010-05-22T18:19:00.001-07:00

ELECTED OFFICIAL AT HIS FINEST....watch the military guy's reaction - he held back his snickering quite well.

2010-05-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Are you a designer or even a wannabe designer?

2010-05-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

Then this is the conference for you. How Magazine holds their annual How Design Conference, beginning June 6th in Denver. Amazing speakers, topics, events... just not to be missed. Check it out. And, if you sign up, please tell them @melissakeyes referred you!!!

http://howconference.com/GeneralMenu/

How do you change LA from reactive to proactive? #LATIMES #SIDEWALKS

2010-05-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

This morning, the Los Angeles Times has an article stating that the City of Los Angeles could soon change an ordinance that makes homeowners responsible for sidewalk repairs in front of their homes. WTF!

The article, http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0509-sidewalk-20100509,0,3114527.story says it "the burden of mending pavement that has been cracked or lifted by expanding tree roots could soon fall to her — and tens of thousands of other Los Angeles property owners."

I don't understand how legally this can be done, but then again, I am not a lawyer. I know that the City shells out megabucks to defend itself in lawsuits, pay others to defend them in lawsuits, and pays out hefty settlements, because of these deteriorated sidewalks. So now, rather that bite the bullet, fix what needs to be fixed, they are going to make homeowners share in those costs too? Most sidewalk issues are because of the trees planted (by the city of course, and if you by chance cut the tree down, they have HUGE fines) So, what they are saying is.... it's our property when you do something you are not supposed to (homeowner) and we will charge you...but if someone ELSE does something wrong (like trip) we want you to pay part of any settlement and oh yeah, you have to pay to get it fixed. #FAIL

I have worked for a City for 25 years - thankfully not the city of LA - and because of this, I have seen and weathered many storms. It's beyond me, and I am sure I am not alone, as to why the City continued to pay for lawsuits, legal fees, etc., when they could have embarked on a capital improvement program, when the money ran dry initially in the 70's as they say, to deal with the problem. Just because the money ran out didn't mean the problem was going to go away. This I place blame on the powers to be at that time - if LA didn't spend its days dodging, avoiding, forcing blame upon others, and proactively sought solutions (other than pawning off on the homeowners) they might surprise themselves...stuff actually gets done. Look at Long Beach, proactive instead of reactive - we sure as hell beat them to that punch with there water department.

The City of LA didn't get to be as big a city as it is, without vision from its forefathers. It has no vision now, just a lot of high priced, ego stroking politicians that only are looking out for themselves. What a shame.