j-boo's New Home

j-boo has found a new, permanent home at:

www.JinxiBoo.com

Full of pop culture, individuality, and inspiration.

Quotes of the Day.

Words of the Day.

Who Am I Wednesdays.

Color and fun!

Please visit me there (pretty please) and subscribe if you would be so kind.  I'll owe you cupcakes with extra sprinkles!

Winx, Jinxi

  Read more!

Characters Welcome

Today I get to play "the proud mom" role. Last Fall, our family was invited by photographer Marla Rutherford to attend her photo shoot for a project that she was working on in conjunction with the USA television network for their "Characters Welcome" campaign. She shot the family all together and then each of us separately. A few months later we got notice that two of the photos (one of Shea and one of Brynn) from our shoot were chosen for the book portion of the project entitled "American Character: A Photographic Journey." With the forward written by Tom Brokaw, the book celebrates "the extraordinary people from all walks of life who make this country what it is."

We just received our copy of this beautiful hardback book this afternoon and I quickly snapped up some photos to show off my kiddos. Brokaw has been on numerous television programs promoting the book and a few weeks ago there was a gallery show in New York City featuring Marla's photos. In May, that portrait presentation will move to a Los Angeles gallery, which we will be attending and are quite excited about.

The book is available on Amazon or at any major bookstore. It features eleven outstanding photographers and is a delightful peek inside the diverse lives of "the characters" all around us.

Without further adieu, here are a few glimpses inside the book, beginning with the page featuring my kiddos.

Winx, Jinxi

Read more!

BFFs

Animals are amazing.

So are friendships.

As the narrator says at the end of the piece: "Pay attention, world! If they can do it, what's our excuse?"

Enjoy!

Winx, Jinxi

Read more!

Hoping for Justice

On Wednesday night, Steve, Aidan and I drove to Riverside to attend one of 28 candlelight vigils  in California to unite in solidarity and send a unified message, on the eve before the California Supreme Court Justices were to hear the oral arguments on the validity of Prop 8.

Inland Empire equality seekers turned out in great numbers and we participated in a passionate march around the streets of Downtown Riverside.  I saw many old friends and met many new ones.  It was wonderful to be in the company of people that believe in justice for everyone; regardless of the gender they happen to love.

 At the end of the vigil, we all sang "This Little Light of Mine."  (awwww...how cute are we, right?)

The hearings were quite interesting.  I came away hopeful, yet a bit apprehensive at being too confident.  If you didn't hear the oral arguments and would like to, you can hear it here just click on "MP3 Broadcast of March 5th Hearings."

In a Time.com article, it was pointed out the reservations of two of the justices who helped to create the gay marriage historic decision.  Justice Joyce L. Kennard said, "You would have us choose between these two rights: the inalienable right to marry and the right of the people to change their constitution. You ask us to willy-nilly disregard the right of the people to change the constitution of the state of California. But all political power is inherent in the people of California." 

However, I believe that the majority is not always equipped to make decisions for society as a whole.  That would be a tyranny of the majority and place the majority's interests above all else. It is still essential that decisions must remain Constitutional and judgment must distinguish those which are reasonable and fair from those which are tyrannical, unfair, and intolerable to the minority.  It is essential that tyrannical laws are prevented from being passed and this is what I hope the California Supreme Court remembers.

The Federalist Papers contain many references to the "tyranny of the majority."  In Federalist Paper 51, James Madison wrote: "It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure."  Think of the damage that could be done if the majority always "ruled."  The Founding Fathers were mindful of the principal that the majority cannot simply do away with the rights of the minority.  I hope that the justices of the California SC remember this basic fundamental.  We shall know in 90 days; hopefully sooner.  Until then, keep those "little lights" shining.  


Over & Out, j-boo

 

Read more!

Impromptu

This video just makes me happy and I'm pretty confident that if you watch it all, you will be smiling by the end too (if not 20 seconds in). So much talent; and their positive vibe is infectious. I thought the response from the other passengers was so interesting to watch as the video progressed. And WHAT'S UP with Black Jacket Man with his back turned? Come on now buddy, loosen up. (LOL)

Enjoy!
Winx, Jinxi

Concert sauvage dans le métro !
Uploaded by lapapsprod

Read more!

Something Sweet

I LOVE to bake and friends always ask me for recipes, so I thought I would share one that anyone who loves cookies is sure to dig!

I make these ALL the time and I swear, you will NEVER know that they contain ABSOLUTELY NO animal products!!

Courtesy of Dreena Burton, an amazing vegan baker and chef.  

When I first became a vegan, this recipe was introduced to me by my incredible friend, Danette, who helped me in so many ways to transition happily and peacefully with my decision to eat and live compassionately.  I love her and she is such an inspiration in my life.  The first time I baked these, the cookies simply amazed me and assured me that living vegan was merely a matter of being a little more mindful of the ingredients I bought and ate.  Scrumptious, I'm telling you!!

**I always quadruple the recipe; but here is the one batch version**

Homestyle Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (see note)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 cup unrefined sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
1⁄3 cup pure maple syrup
1⁄4 teaspoon blackstrap molasses
1 – 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup canola oil
1⁄3 cup non-dairy chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). In a bowl, sift in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the sugar and salt, and stir until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the maple syrup with the molasses and vanilla, then stir in the oil until well combined. Add the wet mixture to the dry, along with the chocolate chips, and stir through until just well combined (do not over-mix). Place large spoonfuls of the batter on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flatten a little. Bake for 11 minutes, until just golden (if you bake for much longer, they will dry out). Let cool on the sheet for no more than 1 minute (again, to prevent drying), then transfer to a cooling rack.

Note: Unbleached all-purpose flour or spelt flour produces a more classic cookie taste and texture, but you can use whole-wheat pastry flour and still get a delicious cookie. For a wheat-free version, use spelt flour, but add an extra 2-4 tablespoons of the spelt flour to the dry mix (the amount needed varies with brand of spelt flour and whether you are using a refined spelt flour versus a less processed spelt flour).

Note: If, as you are mixing together your batter it appears quite floury and thick, simply mix together a couple of teaspoons more canola and maple syrup and incorporate it into the batter. Sometimes humidity, type of flour used, and other factors can affect the density of the batter and so a touch more liquid may be needed.

Makes 9-12 large to average sized cookies

ENJOY!!

Read more!

Love Will Prevail

If you care about equality for everyone, please watch this video and then sign the letter to the state Supreme Court here so that "gaycists" don't prevail.


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Winx, Jinxi Read more!

Gladys

Oh, this is just priceless.

SO funny and fantastic!

Read more!

New Taxi Driver

 

A guy in a taxi wanted to speak to the driver so he leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, jumped up in the air and yanked the wheel over. The car mounted the curb, demolished a lamppost and came to a stop, inches from a shop window.

 

The startled passenger said "I didn't mean to frighten you, I just wanted to ask you something."

The taxi driver says "It's not your fault sir. It's my first day as a cab driver...I've been driving a hearse for the past 25 years."

 Photo by CoffinCartel

Read more!

Come On Now, In the Middle of the Road

Much catching up to do.  So I believe I will accomplish that in a swoop of photos.

First up, new tattoo of an adorable, little, vibrant owl who many think looks like the Tootsie Pop owl, but was actually  from the gorgeous artwork archives of Becky, a New Zealand based artist, whose work I just love! You can find oodles of her incredible pieces at owlfactory.

I adore her work and when I first saw this piece, knew that I wanted it on me.  Nate McManus, my good friend and longtime tattoo artist, inked it for me.

In hair news: I decided to call a truce between my longing for the ease of "shaved headedness" and my desire to grow hair again ... and so, half of it came off and half remains; as did the pink.

My daughter Brynn has a keen eye when it comes to photography and she shot these photos of me on a street near our house. For some reason, memories of  The Pretenders where conjured up when I first saw them. =)

Steve and I ventured off to Claremont on Sunday and grabbed lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, a divine little cafe with vegan options (including dessert).  Incredibly yummy and suffice to say that we will be going back SOON!

 

Our entrees:

One of our favorite aspects about Claremont Village is the unique art displayed throughout the complex.  How amazing is this multi-pieced sculpture, complete with evolution references and all, by Tom Otterness?

 

And this gorgeous tile mosaic mural is just a ZAP of sunshine and positivity.

And now I am off to catch up on work, before the kids get home from school.  Brynn's band is playing at talent show tryouts at her high school tonight and I'll be there with video camera in hand, and a proud mom expression on my face.

Over and Out,

j-boo

Read more!

Today

Hooray for Monday! Here's to a positive and productive week ahead.

Winx, Jinxi

"Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours." Read more!

An Explosion of Inspiration

My daughter introduced me this amazing artist today and I was so mesmerized by his gorgeous work and unique style that I just had to share.

Behold the brilliant work of Leonid Afremov; a Belarus born, Israeli modern painter who opts for a palette knife as his tool of the trade, instead of a paint brush. His oil paintings truly captivated me and after nearly an hour of ogling his online gallery, I left so inspired. That's the test of an incredible artist, don't you think?  When you can view their creations and feel not only moved, but as though you understand the stories they are telling, without reading or hearing one word?

Amazing!

I hope you enjoy his fanciful world as much as I did.

Over and Out, j-boo

Read more!

Mindful

"Never forget that which you overcame, for it helped to shape you into becoming who you are." - j-boo

Read more!

Paint The Year Positive

I love it when I feel inspired, and challenged, and ready to take on the world.

2008 was a year of changes for our family. Changes in our patterns, routines, job responsibilities and jobs in-general. They were ultimately good changes, but definitely took some adjustment periods. Since Mr. Steve worked his booty off making his new career a success, a lot of the online business chores fell on my shoulders; and even with the slow economy, this holiday season was extremely busy for me and the biz. I stayed focused, sold up a storm and ultimately had a successful season.

As hectic as the last month was for me work-wise, I felt most accomplished by the amount of reflection I was able to sneak in. Many hopes and ideas that have long been stewing in the back of my head really made their way to the surface recently and instead of scooting them back to the corner like I have for a long time, I decided that it was really time to act upon it all. After all, we faced the all-intimidating concept of "change" about this time last year and lo & behold, everything actually turned out ok. Not only ok, but good ... great. Taking these steps in the right direction and learning from the modifications made, proved to be an excellent lesson for me.

And so I decided, this principle could also work for my own personal goals. Lists are made, preparations in place, work to do. I am excited and happy. For the first time in awhile, the world looks different to me and not so routine. I have stayed content in my comfort-zone for a long time and I'm ready to step outside of that to make new changes. It also didn't hurt that I was approached by an incredibly talented person who is onboard to make some of these dreams come true (thanks, J).

Positive transformations are on the horizon. Watch out 2009! There's a determined cupcake lover in the house.

Stay tuned, j-boo

"The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it."  ~Charles DeLint

Read more!