Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
"Social Retirement" by Bratprince
Ran into an acquaintance today as I was going about doing my weekly grocery shopping, etc. He rather surprised me by asking "had I retired" from the "social world". Frankly, I had not even thought of it until today, but I guess in many ways I have.
Dallas is an exciting city....always something going on..an event, a charity function, a gallery opening...the list goes on and on.
As many of my regular readers know, last year was one big giant FUNCTION after another for me. I was constantly "somewhere", photographed by the press over and over..at every event possible and as a reporter called me a "bon vivant around town"...I think another one just called me "a man about town". Being named by DIFFA Dallas as one of the Top Twenty Most Fashionable People in Dallas...with the honor of being a member of Style Council was extremely gracious and I enjoyed the hard work, the fundraising...and even walking a catwalk in front of 3,000 people. (Secretly, I was afraid no one would clap when I came down the runway...but that turned out not the case).
To BE such a person is not at all inexpensive. The entire year I made sure I NEVER wore an outfit twice. Everything had to be "new", "red carpet ready" and show my signature style. I even had things made specifically for certain events. Looking back, it all seems a bit shallow considering that I am not and never will be a celebrity. However, my vanity (which I am not short of) enjoyed the praise and attention that what I wore garnered.
Around the time that DIFFA ended for me, my husband lost his job. Little did we know that it would be EIGHT months before he got another. I stayed optimistic throughout and managed to maintain our bills/household/etc. on my own salary. I won't say it wasn't tough..in fact it was downright confounding at times...but I did manage to not touch certain reserves and we came out of the worst still intact (Gary has a wonderful job now). One thing I definitely learned out of that was there was a LOT of wasteful spending going on in our household (99% of it my doing).
Thus began my retreat from the Dallas social scene. Many of the functions cost a great deal for a table, entry or even a seat. With Gary unemployed I worried about spending such money (even if I could write it off).
I think at first I was a bit resentful. I sort of missed "my life" and the attention I was getting. Yet, over time I came to feel VERY relieved.
I'm not saying that you won't see me dressed to the nines again at an event, but what I am telling you is that my priorities shifted. No longer am I interested in ever being in the press again. I really would rather buy three or four nice shirts than spend the same amount on a custom piece. On a personal level, labels now mean very little. As the BLOG shows, I still like to look, but I most likely won't buy.
I still have many, many friends out there "scratching and biting" to climb the social ladder in Dallas (not easy). You can become overexposed in a second...or piss somebody off and drop off of all invite lists. I admire their determination and ambition. However, for me it feels good to just settle back into the woodwork. Working in P.R. again, I have a rule. P.R. agents are NEVER photographed or profiled. My job is to get my CLIENTS photographed and profiled. So, regardless that I have grown tired of all that attention and striving..I still have the fun of making others attention worthy.
I am very appreciative of the many, many people that send me invites, etc. and FINALLY don't feel important enough to know that they really don't care when I decline them.
Life is better for me now. I work, I take care of my family (which as you know includes a husband and an army of animals) and I just exist without demanding, wanting or even falling into attention.
Who knows...I have gone through the attention phase before...never expected it again and then gained it in Dallas for a bit.....maybe I will want it back. However...just for now...I am happy to be serene and "retired".
Yours, Bratprince
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Way to go Harry Potter!!
Daniel Radcliffe shoots commerical for gay suicide-prevention organization.
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe will star in a public service announcement for The Trevor Project, a national suicide-prevention and crisis helpline that provides support for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and questioning youth. Radcliffe recently told MTV News, “It’s something I’ve always been quite passionate about. Because I grew up around gay men, it was always a natural thing to me. It was never something I ever gave a second thought to.” Radcliffe also reportedly made a large monetary donation to the The Trevor Project last year.
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe will star in a public service announcement for The Trevor Project, a national suicide-prevention and crisis helpline that provides support for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and questioning youth. Radcliffe recently told MTV News, “It’s something I’ve always been quite passionate about. Because I grew up around gay men, it was always a natural thing to me. It was never something I ever gave a second thought to.” Radcliffe also reportedly made a large monetary donation to the The Trevor Project last year.
"A Prophet": Brilliant fable of a crime lord's rise
MOVIE REVIEW: This movie is getting really good press and the critics love it. In this dazzling French Oscar nominee, a polite young Arab convict rises above racism, cruelty and his own crimes
By Andrew O'Hehir
By Andrew O'Hehir
Dr. Pedophile
We have to be so careful with our children. I post this so parents can watch for warning signs. The horrific story of an American pediatrician charged with abusing over a hundred patients shines light on a problem that could rival priest scandals. Jan Crawford and Howard L. Rosenberg investigate. Click here.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
About Mike H.
You know....you don't get devoted fans very often....but I want to send a special thanks to Mike H. for being so devoted and always following what is going on at the BLOG. It is nice to have a reader that "gets me". Mike H........I adore you in person (and lucky to have worked with you) and I love that you are such a fan of the BLOG. Sorry all you other 400 people a day...but this reader is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!! xoxo, Bratprince.
Astrid (The Internet Cat) and Paley (The Out of Control Dog)
It never ceases to amaze me that people are interested in Astrid the cat. I get so many messages regarding him.
I thought I would give you a little update. Astrid has grown into a huge cat. He is MUCH bigger than our older cat, Karma. Although he looks like a Russian Blue (with white feet and a pink and black nose) he obviously has a lot of tomcat in him.
What interests me the most is the relationship he has developed with our year and half old miniature schnauzer, Paley.
They absolutely adore each other. They spend almost all day in a faux battle. Astrid doesn't have front claws anymore but DEFINITELY knows how to use the back ones. When challenged he flips over and puts those claws to good use. On Paley's part, she loves to torture Astrid, but because Astrid keeps coming back for more I know they are having a great time.
Paley is a nightmare of a dog. She barks almost constantly throughout the day...squirrels...outside...food...you name it. She is quite vocal. Frankly I think she is teaching Astrid how to be a big pain.
Astrid goes after everything and hops on anything. We are having a big showdown about getting on tables and counters. My lovely Chinese Chippendale dining table has kitty prints all over it...EVERYDAY!
Still, I am happy for Paley and Astrid. Karma the cat is 17 and Roman the dog is 16. They are getting WAY too old to play and prefer at least a 21 hour routine of sleeping. Not Paley and Astrid. They stay up all day looking for trouble.
Paley has even been known to share her dogfood with Astrid....which he hardly needs....he eats more cat food than any cat I have ever been with. He could eat three or four bowls if I put that much out.
I get grumpy with Astrid and his antics...constantly removing him from places he should not be....but I must say I still love the fact that he knows when it is bedtime for me....hops on the bed...and stays until I get up.
From a little kitty that was determined to get into this house...he has become a showstopper and a special part of the family...even though I really don't like finding him in my kitchen sink.
However, I believe the love of an animal (or many like we have) is the key to loving in general. Astrid was determined to live here...and now he runs the house. So be it...with such a willful father (me) I guess I deserve Astrid. I let him in...thus I suffer the trouble...but also get the love. I need to get a new camera (mine broke) and get you all new pictures. He is huge now...and regardless if it is true...he believes he is IN CHARGE!
Later Eye Candy of the Day
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Remember...I promise no frontal nudity before ten p.m., but I do like somewhat provocative eye candy before that....but always in my opinion about form, beauty and tasteful.
My Blog Predictions Are ALWAYS Wrong, by Bratprince
As I mentioned earlier, yesterday we had over 400 visitors to the blog...which I truly find mind-blowing. I don't write everyday (but when I do the readers kindly seem to approve), yet visitors come back time and time again and we are attracting more and more newbies. My visitor counter can tell if you are new to the site, a returning visitor, etc.
What I am learning is that I can NEVER predict what the readers are going to enjoy as I post various things that I find of interest. Eye Candy is always a hit...and usually gets one or two "interesting" or "funs"..so I don't worry that the gents. are unappealing. I know that some visit solely just FOR the eye candy.
I'm starting to learn that politics is not a favorite with everyone, but from time to time I get an email or Facebook message stating that the reader enjoyed the political article so I will continue to post the occasional political opinion or fact. Besides, I'm a firm believer that we ALL should stay aware of what is going on in our government and keep at least minimal track of the political scene. I'm glad that I have hard news feeds on the right of the blog and hope some of you find them interesting. In addition, because many of my readers are gay I will make sure to keep up on that news also...which seems to be popular.
Today genuinely surprised me. I posted what I thought was rather an obscure opinion article on DISNEY (basically questioning the direction of the company etc.) Apparently the Mouse House is in a spot of trouble. I really didn't think anyone would pay attention, but I have gotten four emails, two "interestings" and a couple of Facebook messages about it. Now who would think that the corporate workings of the Disney corporation would interest that many people?
Fashion is not as popular as I would like, but I do get some comments and messages from one or two of my gay readers and quite a few females that enjoy the fashion parade. I think a couple of months ago Terry B. as a guest writer and I did a pretty darned good job presenting the Top Twenty Fashion Designers of All Time (which was very popular at the time). I'm still grateful for the really remarkable essays that Terry B. wrote. Thus, sorry if you hate fashion...it is going to stay.
I suppose what troubles me the most is Adult Eye Candy. I did a poll recently and well over 65% of my readers voted to keep it. Still, just the other day I completely forgot that I had posted it and left it up past noon which the site promises won't happen. I worry that I might have offended a reader or two, but I guess not too much considering we hit such a high number last night and are already over 200 today. I know quite a number of my visitors especially enjoy it, but still...I am aware that the images can be quite graphic. Although I find the male form beautiful in all it's glory...others think it flat out pornography. For those that think Adult Eye Candy is just smut..I would advise being careful on this site after 10 p.m. Central Time. To be honest, I don't post it that often and you have PLENTY of warning not to scroll down and to sign off...thus you don't have to see it. Still, I guess Adult Eye Candy is always going to worry me a bit. Yet, oddly enough a female reader recently called me personally (we are friends) and asked where her naked men were. Apparently she signs on after ten just to see what I have done for the evening.
So there you have it. I can never quite guess what the readers want. I do try to anticipate your wants and needs and I pay attention to all the emails, Facebook messages and "interesting", "fun" and "yawns" I get.
As a reader/visitor...please make it part of your habit to email me anytime about a post at Bratprince@aol.com (the last AOL account on the planet) or leave a comment or check mark on the blog. I am constantly refining and I want you to enjoy THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE BRATPRINCE and return daily to see what is going on!!
Again, all my gratitude for such support and I will keep trying to make this a fun spot to stop by and visit!!
Yours, Bratprince!
What I am learning is that I can NEVER predict what the readers are going to enjoy as I post various things that I find of interest. Eye Candy is always a hit...and usually gets one or two "interesting" or "funs"..so I don't worry that the gents. are unappealing. I know that some visit solely just FOR the eye candy.
I'm starting to learn that politics is not a favorite with everyone, but from time to time I get an email or Facebook message stating that the reader enjoyed the political article so I will continue to post the occasional political opinion or fact. Besides, I'm a firm believer that we ALL should stay aware of what is going on in our government and keep at least minimal track of the political scene. I'm glad that I have hard news feeds on the right of the blog and hope some of you find them interesting. In addition, because many of my readers are gay I will make sure to keep up on that news also...which seems to be popular.
Today genuinely surprised me. I posted what I thought was rather an obscure opinion article on DISNEY (basically questioning the direction of the company etc.) Apparently the Mouse House is in a spot of trouble. I really didn't think anyone would pay attention, but I have gotten four emails, two "interestings" and a couple of Facebook messages about it. Now who would think that the corporate workings of the Disney corporation would interest that many people?
Fashion is not as popular as I would like, but I do get some comments and messages from one or two of my gay readers and quite a few females that enjoy the fashion parade. I think a couple of months ago Terry B. as a guest writer and I did a pretty darned good job presenting the Top Twenty Fashion Designers of All Time (which was very popular at the time). I'm still grateful for the really remarkable essays that Terry B. wrote. Thus, sorry if you hate fashion...it is going to stay.
I suppose what troubles me the most is Adult Eye Candy. I did a poll recently and well over 65% of my readers voted to keep it. Still, just the other day I completely forgot that I had posted it and left it up past noon which the site promises won't happen. I worry that I might have offended a reader or two, but I guess not too much considering we hit such a high number last night and are already over 200 today. I know quite a number of my visitors especially enjoy it, but still...I am aware that the images can be quite graphic. Although I find the male form beautiful in all it's glory...others think it flat out pornography. For those that think Adult Eye Candy is just smut..I would advise being careful on this site after 10 p.m. Central Time. To be honest, I don't post it that often and you have PLENTY of warning not to scroll down and to sign off...thus you don't have to see it. Still, I guess Adult Eye Candy is always going to worry me a bit. Yet, oddly enough a female reader recently called me personally (we are friends) and asked where her naked men were. Apparently she signs on after ten just to see what I have done for the evening.
So there you have it. I can never quite guess what the readers want. I do try to anticipate your wants and needs and I pay attention to all the emails, Facebook messages and "interesting", "fun" and "yawns" I get.
As a reader/visitor...please make it part of your habit to email me anytime about a post at Bratprince@aol.com (the last AOL account on the planet) or leave a comment or check mark on the blog. I am constantly refining and I want you to enjoy THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE BRATPRINCE and return daily to see what is going on!!
Again, all my gratitude for such support and I will keep trying to make this a fun spot to stop by and visit!!
Yours, Bratprince!
A BIG WOW!!!
Yesterday was the second highest day for visitors to the blog EVER. 403 folks stopped by. I'm really pleased that this pushes us past 28,000 visitors!! Thanks for all the support and keep coming back!!
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