You see a girl, we see the future.

I just saw this and am excited and thrilled and immediately want to get involved. Don't you? If this isn't inspiring, I don't know what is.

It is again what we at "Rocky Roadville" see as required reading.

Powerfully,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

Ladies, I came upon this quote today and I was absolutely smitten! So good. So so good.

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards:
they try to have more things, or more money,
in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse.
You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do,
in order to have what you want."

-Margaret Young, American author, filmmaker

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

"Parents can only give good advice or put them[children] on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."
-Anne Frank, writer and courageous soul


Let's go out and be bold.

Ferociously,
RR

Cara's Flavor

"I'm sitting in my dorm room really wondering what flavor I am. With everything new around me, I'm starting to question what I am now as opposed to what I was only a month ago...at home. Do I have to know? I feel like maybe to answer the question, I'll say, "today I feel like dark chocolate, yesterday I was confetti, and who knows what I'll be tomorrow." I do know this, I'm really trying to stay true to myself. I'm trying to connect with new people and show them who I am rather than who I think they want me to be. It's been a rockier start than I thought it might be. But I've met a few girls who I think I can really become great friends with. They're not vanilla either! I know I'm on the right track. I just have to take a breath and realize we're all in this together".

Cara, thank you. This is one of my very favorites of all the posts in my blog. You really brought me back to my first days of my freshman year in college. (it's been a while, so good for you!!) You're right. It's so hard to keep your head on straight. I'm proud of you--you are living consciously. You understand that this is a time of limbo. It will all settle and you will make friends that you'll have for years and years to come---that I can promise you. So thank you again for your honesty, and Confetti and Dark Chocolate are two of my favorite flavors! You'll be just fine.

xoxo,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

"Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth, we have spoken it."

Whitney Griswold

Ellie's Flavor

"I am totally bubble gum flavor!! Is there such thing as bubble gum ice cream? If there is, I'm that flavor. I'm fun and bubbly and light and sometimes get on people's nerves when I'm around too long. But that's ok. I'm fine with that. I'm delicious and refreshing. I'll take a "me" any day."

Thank you, Ellie. You are pretty fantastic. And you're right. Just because there are times when it feels like when everyone is sick and tired of you, doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you. That's the world telling you to step back, take some "me" time and come back when you're ready.

chomp, chomp,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

Hello Monday!

I just stumbled upon this quote and was so taken by it that I had to put it in our blog TODAY.

EAT IT UP.

"There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.
It is not your business to determine how good it is not how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open... whether you choose to take an art class, keep a journal, record your dreams, dance your story, or live each day from your own creative source,
above all else, Keep the channel open!"
-Martha Graham

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

"I don't think of myself as a poor deprived ghetto girl who made good. I think of myself as somebody who from an early age knew I was responsible for myself, and I had to make good".
-Oprah Winfrey

I loved this because it speaks to what we in Rocky Roadville believe. It is our responsibility as self assured, confident women to deliver, to make this world better because WE are in it. Let's remember to ground ourselves as we lift ourselves up. Now that we've decided what kind of women we want to be, it's our duty to make good. There's no looking back now.

courageously,
RR

Being Silly

Don't forget to be silly.



Thank you Syndi for letting us feature you and your succulent girlfriends here at "Rocky Road". I was so taken by how many girlfriends you have---and you always look like you're having so much fun!!! Let's all take a lesson from Syndi's book. Life gets complicated, but I say we all just take a breath, Enjoy! Let go! Have fun! Laugh! Be Silly!


giggling,
RR

The Girl Effect

Lay your cell phone down and watch this. This is what we at Rocky Roadville call "required viewing".




If this doesn't call us to action, I'm not sure what will.

Eva's Flavor!

"I'm mango swirl". I like to think of myself as exotic, but also down to earth. I feel like answering this question is tough because often I think I'm all the flavors in one. One day I feel rich like dark chocolate, one day, I'm full of life like lemon sorbet". But when I really sit down, I think mango swirl really suits me. It's like I own it--it seems personal. At a moment's notice I could pack a bag and head to the jungle and the next moment I could snuggle in my pj's and watch my favorite movie".


Thank you EVA! Yes, you absolutely are mango swirl. Your "joie de vivre" (love of life) is contagious and I love that you offer the world both glorious sides of you!

This reminds us to accept and celebrate the many facets of ourselves. Thank goodness for being interesting!

xoxo,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
Oprah Winfrey

That is the truth. Believe it.

xoxo,
RR.

We are not alone!

I came upon Amy Poehler's web series, "Smart Girls at the Party". It rocked my world. You've got to check it out. Can you imagine the magnificent things we could do if we all joined forces? It's so exciting to me! I'm hooked!

Enjoy!
SMART GIRLS at the PARTY

XOXO,
RR

Lauren's Flavor

"I really do believe I'm not vanilla, I'm Rocky Road". I've always thought that about myself. I'm not very simple and sometimes I feel like maybe I'm too much for people. I feel like I've also got different parts of me that show themselves at different times in my life--just like the flavors of Rocky Road do."


Thank you Lauren. I love her answer to this question because it's so sincere. Her take on herself is not what I would have said right away. It was an insightful, introspective response and I admire her courage.

Looking within. Always hard for me. I'm a very social, outgoing person and find it difficult to take the time to get quiet and soul-clean. I think I equate this time with hard work, however it's quite the opposite. Every time I actually spend some time looking at myself, how I'm living my life and the choices I'm making (both big and small), I'm deepened and grounded in a way that can't be born from anything else. I'm also usually surprised with how easy soul-cleaning can be. Maybe we should start writing a book, "Soul Searching for Dummies!". I think it would be a best seller!

I say carve out the time. Ask yourself important questions. See if you're happy with your answers. If not, take the steps necessary to shift bad behavior to good.
Here are some for example:
1. How have I been treating the people closest to me in my life?
2. Am I making daily choices to make me a better person?
3. If I weren't myself, would I want to be friends with me?
4. Am I taking care of my own mental space?

Happy cleaning!
xoxo,
RR

Get out of my way, Life!

As it happens, life got in the way of me writing this blog which feeds my soul and hopefully inspires and makes you laugh. I'm going to slowly start trying to rebuild my audience, so please as you come back to me, forward me along, sign up for my newsfeed so you don't even have to tune in daily for new posts (they'll come directly to you), and let me know how you're feeling.

Take the time to read my past posts and reconnect with what we at Rocky Roadville want to create in this world.

I'll do the same. Let's get this thing started again.

xoxo,
RR

Great Art

I came upon this piece of art online by an artist named, Selwyn Senatori.



Isn't it magnificent?

Let's dive into "ego" this week. Oh, it should be good...

excited,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

Ok, ladies--This one is a little dense, but wonderful and so perfectly worded for this blog and what we at "Rocky Roadville" want to inspire in all of you...


"I am Me. In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me. Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it -- I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself. I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. Because I own all of me, I can become intimately acquainted with me. By so doing, I can love me and be friendly with all my parts. I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know -- but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me. However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically me. If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought, and felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded. I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. I am me, and I am Okay."

-Virginia Satir, world renowned author and therapist

My soundtrack.

I recommend singing this at the top of your lungs:

"Well it's a good day for singing a song
and it's a good day for rolling along,
So take a deep breath, how could anything go wrong?
'Cuz it's a good day from morning til night!

And I said to the sun, good morning sun!
Rise and shine today!
Well you gotta get a move on if you're gonna get you're gonna get your groove on!
Na, na, na, na. Make you're way!

Well it's a good day for singing a song
and it's a good day for rolling along,
So take a deep breath, how could anything go wrong?
'Cuz it's a good day from morning til night!"

Here's a link to Peggy Lee's version, however now that I listen to it, I'm realizing my lyrics aren't quite the same and I tend to sing it with a little more vigor--but it's worth listening to.

Enjoy ladies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-PqM0BSmt4

a very happy girl,
RR

Ashley's Flavor!

"This is a hard question, because I've had a rough week and feel like the melted ice cream... But when I really think about it, I guess I'm Vanilla Bean. I'm classic, and I don't shake things up. I'm not a fan of drama and try to be as level as possible. But I don't think I'm boring--I'm just content most of the time (ignoring this week). Even with the ups and downs, I have a sense of myself--thanks for reminding me. I needed to think about this".


Ashley---thank you for taking the time to respond. I know sometimes this question is hard to answer because we feel like different flavors daily---but I'm glad you took the time to figure out what flavor really encompasses you. High school experiences are unlike any other and I'm pretty sure most grown women wouldn't go back there for all the money in the world. Stay strong. Remind yourself of who you really are. Take deep breaths. Remember what's good. Know it will all work out... It always does.

xoxo,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

“I urge you to spend the time to listen to the voice inside of you. I see teenage girls as being the primary fuel of this planet.”
-Eve Ensler

Please check out her powerful speech at the TED India Conference, a post I shared in February. If you didn't get a chance to read it then, read it now. It will feed you.

Harnessing Our Power

powerfully,
RR

Kristin's Flavor

"I'm dark chocolate. Double Dark. I am not the girl who comes bubbling into the room. However if you want to have a good long talk and need thoughtful advice, I'm there for you. I'm not quirky or terribly silly. But I think what I have to offer is something deeper. I'm loyal, compassionate, and dependable. In my school, it's hard to find friends who won't flake. It makes me realize I want to be better than that. I'm the kind of girl who sticks with you for a while...yes--dark chocolate suits me".


I LOVE this flavor choice. Thank you so much, Kristin. I currently live in LA and even as an adult I am constantly battling dependability, whether it be myself flaking or others flaking on me. I have to wonder how important being a dependable friend is... Is it the most important quality? If it's not the top, it's pretty high up there. The thing I've learned through having many female friendships (some successful, some failed), is the flash and glitter certain friends bring to the table only last so long. The shine fades and what you have left is a friendship built on sand.

Let's focus on what's real in our friendships. Give love and appreciation to your dark chocolate friends, the one's who have stood beside you through the good and the bad.

with big love,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

Ok ladies, this is a good one. It's a quote I turn to many times daily. Eat it up.

"Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind, is it true, is it necessary, does it improve upon the silence?"
-Shirdi Sai Baba

Our Homework this Week...

THIS IS WONDERFUL!!!

When is the last time you actually jumped for joy? If you can't remember, it's been too long. Let's change that this week.

As SARK says in my absolutely favorite quote (which I've used here a few times),

"Here we are in our rare and precious lives, surrounded by moments begging to be noticed and celebrated.
Go! Celebrate!"

xoxo,
RR

Rose's Flavor!

"I'm Cookies and Cream. I thought about this for a long time and realize that the thing that I like most about myself is my ability to always find the fun in things. That makes me think of cookies and cream. I'm not complicated, what you see is what you get and that's a straight-shooting, fun-having type of gal. Yep, that's my flavor".

Rose, it's funny you describe yourself as cookies and cream, because when I'm out at an ice cream shop, that's the flavor I always pick because it feels like a celebration to me!

Finding the Fun seems to be life's great secret. I love to be reminded of it.

This week, let's:
INCORPORATE JOY.


cheerfully,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

Ladies, you've read this a million times. Read it again.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson is a spiritual activist, author, lecturer and founder of The Peace Alliance, a grass roots campaign supporting legislation currently before Congress to establish a United States Department of Peace. She is also the founder of Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area. She has published nine books, including four New York Times #1 bestsellers. -Thank you, Wikipedia.

Not a bad woman to model one's life after. She is awe-inspiring to me.

Think big, ladies.
RR

Angie's Flavor

"I'm lemon sorbet. I'm straightforward and direct. I'm also refreshing and bright. Lemon sorbet makes me think of being positive and full of light".

Thanks, Angie. You're our first lemon flavor!

We all need friends like her, right? The ones who will tell it like it is. The ones who cut through all the distractions and get right down to the important stuff. What I like about this flavor is that it's bright and positive at the same time. Sometimes it is very difficult to bring up an issue you have with a friend. I personally get concerned I might appear negative or judgmental. What I think this flavor reminds us is that there is a way to confront issues with honesty and positivity. Let's remind ourselves this--addressing issues with friends is so important. It builds a friendship built on rock rather than sand. And ultimately, the concerns I have are only because I love and respect them and want them to live their best life possible. I know they feel the same way about me.

Let's start the week reminding ourselves to keep our friendships pure. Remember the reason you are friends in the first place and address issues like lemon sorbet; straightforward & direct-refreshing & bright.

I think we're on our way.
xoxo,
RR

Our Mantra, part 2

My sparkly friends Kate sent this to me and I couldn't wait one more minute to share it!

I featured it's inspiration a while back in my post, "Our Mantra"

I'm inspired, tickled and in energized by it! I want to print out both versions, alternating them all over my walls! Don't you?

energetically,
RR

Eat Dessert First... (or quote of the day!)

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”
-Anna Quindlen

Jenny's Flavor

Jenny writes to me,
"I'm mint chocolate chip. I like tradition, so that's why I didn't choose chunky monkey or some other crazy flavor. I like that mint chocolate chip has been around forever--it's not trendy. I also think it describes me because I've got something more to me than meets the eye. I think sometimes I surprise people with my humor and thoughts on life, etc... I also think that mint chocolate chip is refreshing and deep at the same time. and that's me."

Jenny rocks. I agree. I love love mint chocolate chip for the same reasons. I also find that many of my friends share those same qualities; humor, whimsy, thoughtfulness, compassion. I also love that Amy focused on the steadfastness of mint chocolate chip. I've always said that I've rather have crappy weather friends to fair weather friends any day. I want friends who stand beside me when life's beaten me down. Because a friend who will stand by you when you're down on your luck, will undoubtedly be the same friend who relishes with you in your victories. I have, with care and a little luck, collected a circle of female friendships who nourish and celebrate my soul.

Start now. Start searching out women who share the qualities you respect most. Who you find might surprise you. She might not be Miss Popularity (although one of the most succulent women I know and my oldest friend was Homecoming Queen). She might be sitting right next to you. Making new friends is not easy, but don't settle. Keep in mind that the friends you choose, hopefully over time, will become like sisters to you.

xoxo,
RR

Let's dig in.

Life. Is. Fabulous.

I'm again finding myself apologizing for taking a break from writing as my life was upside down from my recent move. I am now slowly settling into my magical treehouse. I can already tell I'm better. Sometimes you need to just shake things up, you know?

This week, let's explore "What's More Important Than Being Pretty?"
Sounds like a stupid question? Not so.
Sounds easy to answer? Sometimes.
Something we educated, independent women want to pretend doesn't matter? Absolutely.

I've got new flavors, new insights, and a few fun things to get us thinking.
Grab your spoons, ladies. It's going to be good.

excitedly,
RR

Lisa's Flavor!

"Can I be vanilla bean?
I know it's part of the vanilla family, but I think vanilla bean is a whole lot more. I might look plain, sort of like vanilla, but I'm curious and unique-however also dependable and loyal. I'm a good balance."

Thank you Lisa, you are succulent. Yes, vanilla bean is you. fully.


It's all about balance, right? For some reason, this is a subject with which I have battled. The balance of fun and work; self and friends; coupledom and individuality. I think it comes from the desire to put 100 percent of myself into whatever I'm involved in. Rocky Roadville is full of these women. and THANK GOODNESS.

However, finding balance has fed me in ways that over-extending myself never has. Taking time to be alone (my mother calls it "creative alone time") even when I want to spend time with my beloved refreshes me and makes me a better girlfriend when we do spend time together. Taking time from friends to create, rest, clean will renew your spirit.

This week focus on the small ways you can bring about balance. For me, as my life is in boxes for my upcoming move, it is to make plans for hiking and movie nights. Activities that will get me out of my house and head.

What are yours? I look forward to hearing about them.

with a deep breath,
RR.

I want to grow up and be Maya Angelou.

"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love."

wise wise words, my friends...

Ann's Flavor!

"I'm Rainbow Sorbet! I think I'm a refreshing person to be around, also I feel like depending on the day, I give the world something different, therefore all my colors and flavors!"

I love Ann's take on this, because it reminds me that I can't sit back and let life pass me by. I have to figure out DAILY what I have inside myself to give to the world to make it and myself better. What is it the quality that is uniquely yours? What can you offer the world? The answer to this question is the foundation of our self confidence. Once we explore it, the vain attempt to compare ourselves to others will subside. WHY? Because we understand that no matter what anyone else does, we have something that no on else has--ourselves.

Do not be scared of yourself--you are all you have and that's more than enough.

fully,
RR.

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

"There is too much pain in the search for perfection.
Come into movies 5 minutes late. Leave some books half
finished. Add a smudge to a drawing. Find the beauty
in what is, not what could be. Don't allow "perfect"
to become a synonym for "beautiful"."
-unknown

Sophie's Flavor

"This is easy. I'm dark chocolate. No Question.

I'm not always the perkiest girl in the room, but I have a depth to me which I admire in myself. That's it, really. That's the best way how I know to explain it. Dark Chocolate--it just feels right."


Thanks Sophie! I love your flavor! I've always wanted to be dark chocolate! I love your depth too--it's what makes you so so special.

NEWS FLASH: Ladies, it's ok to be awesome.

Being humble does not mean you have to lose your self confidence. Look at Sophie. I believe it's perfectly wonderful (and necessary) to look at yourself in the mirror and see "gorgeous!" "perfect!" "fantastic!" I love that we can all look in the mirror and have immediate Xray vision into the core of who we are. Let's look at ourselves beyond the lipgloss and mascara, not letting the distractions of vanity get in the way of our true reflection-our dreams and hopes and secrets and wishes. Let's attempt to actually see the most perfect vision of ourselves.

Can you see her?

For this week: Challenge yourself to look in the mirror and choose to see the best parts of you. See your great laugh, your quirky smile, your bright eyes. See your full heart. Take the time and see your worth. Daily.

Let's reclaim being awesome.

perfectly,
RR

Our Mantra...

Cami's Flavor!

Lovely readers, I apologize for the long break since my last post. I am currently in the process of moving from a stifling living environment to the apartment of my dreams! I haven't found it yet, but I will. I am confident the world will open up and provide for me. It always has.

Now to what I love best:


Cami's Flavor!


She says to me, "Ripley, When you first asked me this question, I thought it was so silly and disregarded it. But it stuck with me, and now I can't get it out of my head. I even looked at your list and flavors and tried to see what really stuck out to me. It was fun thinking about it and now I've realized what flavor I am!!

CONFETTI

I am confetti, because I think I am a BLAST to be around! (she laughs) I think I bring out the fun in other people. I am proud of my grounded, vanilla base-however my love for life is what is most important and I think that's what the world sees and appreciates in me."


Ladies, as life rolls by day to day, take a moment to see where the celebration lies. I leave you with my favorite quote of all time.

"Here we are in our rare and precious lives, surrounded by moments begging to be noticed and celebrated.
Go! Celebrate!" -SARK

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

"be glad of life,
because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars; to be satisfied with your possessions; to despise nothing in the world except falsehood and meanness, and to fear nothing except cowardice; to be governed by your admirations rather than by your disgusts; to covet nothing that is your neighbor’s except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manners; to think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends…and to spend as much time as you can, with body and with spirit. These are little guideposts on the footpath to peace." -henry van dyke

dear friends, I know it's a long one today, but this quote is so delicious I had to share it. Take it with you this weekend. Enjoy.

fully,
RR

Colleen's Flavor!

She writes,
"Cinnamon*
You know, I wasn't sure how to answer that without sounding cliche. It is the first thing that came to mind like when people ask you what animal you would be.. Maybe it has something to do with my red hair or the fact that cinnamon is not too overpowering, but also has a strong kick at the same time~"

You know, this is why I love asking this question? Because I NEVER would have thought of cinnamon! When I asked this question to Colleen, she answered without even a hesitation. She knew. It was exciting to me--it reassured me that we all KNOW who we are. Instinctually, we have a sense of our true selves--Now, it's life that gets in the way, drives us off course and clouds our true understandings of who we really are.

As my dear friend, Mary once said, "Get outta my way, Life!"

I say we take a moment today, get quiet, and remind ourselves of who we truly are without the clutter of who we think we "should" be.

Strip it away and bathe in the wholeness of you. YOU are perfect, whatever flavor you are.

bodaciously,
RR.

I'm not complaining!!!

I'm always up for a challenge. You tell me I can't do something and I will try extra extra hard to make it happen. Aren't we all like that? That's why I love the challenge of giving up something important for Lent. I usually give up sweets (my personal kryptonite).

This year, in the Rocky Road spirit of bettering myself, I decided to give up something that has become second nature to me. Something that has crept so deeply into my daily dialogue, I don't even know it when I do it and when I don't.

COMPLAINING.

...and this is how I feel about it:


Now since I know I'm not supposed to, it's all I can think of doing. Why is that? I think it's because I'm now aware how often complaints come out of my mouth. Like every other sentence. And I've realized that it's crazy to think I can go 40 days without any sort of groan, however I don't think it's crazy to catch myself whenever they rear their ugly heads. I'm also confident my friends will keep me in line. For example, my recent Facebook status was:

"Just gave up complaining for lent.. It's going to be a long 40 days.."

and my first response from my darling friend was:

"Is that your last complaint? xo"

Thanks, Aliza.

I think it would be super cool if we all became more aware of what comes out of our mouths. Choose the good. I'm doing my best--I hope you all will the same..

abundantly,
RR

The Gold Medal...

I've been obsessed with watching everything I can on the Olympics this year. Usually, I catch something here and there, but this time around I am glued right to the TV for everything from Cross Country Racing to Ice Dancing.

It's very simple. I want to be an Olympian.

And because I haven't trained in let's say, skeet shooting my whole life, I've decided I want to be an "Olympian of Life". What do you think of that title? Ok ok, I know it's a silly name, but I think it rings true for most of us out there--
We want to have passion about what we do and love doing it.

So what is that to you?
It's too easy to let the inertia of life get in the the way of our dreams. Explore your passions, figure out what really excites you, and GO FOR IT. Life is too short to do anything but that. And for everyone out there who hasn't figured out their passion yet, look at your friendships, relationships, family--your passion might be in keeping those relationships strong and healthy. Passion doesn't have to be some activity, or talent to hone. A passion to love hard and live well is just as valid as someone's passion to be a ballerina. The key is to look within yourself and consciously create a life that you LOVE.

As "Life Olympians", we have to realize that the training is not judging yourself or your life, comparing it to others, or looking down on the choices we've made in the past. It's about constantly looking forward, waking up and making choices that make us more fun, interesting, and alive women.

xoxo,
RR

Eat dessert first...(or quote of the day!)

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." -Coco Chanel

**Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel (19 August 1883 – 10 January 1971) was a pioneering French fashion designer. She was the founder of the famous fashion brand Chanel. Her extraordinary influence on fashion was such that she was the only person in the field to be named on TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Thank you, Coco for blazing the trail for every woman who wants to make her mark.

xoxo,
RR.



**courtesy of wikipedia.org

This is a Very Special Day!

I'm so excited to feature our second lovely lady! She is ah-mazing! She's a firecracker, free-thinker, artist, and truly succulent young woman. I want to be like Kaydee when I grow up!




"ok..i guess i would have to say neopolitan because there are different sides to me i dont conform to whats popular or convenient at the moment. Saying that, i have to say the chocolate side of me is sweet a little bit naughty and everyone loves me. I am one of the few clinically proven aphrodisiacs. (: Sometimes I can seem a little hard, but show warmth when I melt. While the strawberry side to me is colorful, optionated, competative, easy going, empathetic, and very creative. And finally the vanilla in me is an original, impulsive, risk taker, an over achiever, compatiable with everyone, and a one of a kind type of girl."

You are so cool. Thanks, girl.

xoxo,
RR.

Falling in love...

Happy Valentines Day!
It is absolutely one of my favorite days of the year. Nothing is more wonderful than celebrating LOVE!

Guess who I love so much?

MYSELF!

Ladies, let's all start there. Loving yourself (the good, the bad, and the ugly) is the base of friendships and relationships. It is the primary love needed to live the life you want to live.

Let your beloved be yourself.

Let your beloved be yourself.

You. Are. Beloved.

xoxo,
RR.

Adrienne's Flavor!

"I'm mint chocolate chip! I feel like I'm refreshing and easy going, but have these "chocolate bits" of richness to me. I'm fun to be around, however when it matters, I feel like I make the right decision. It's something I've always admired about myself."

Adrienne, you rock.

The cool girls...

Who are the cool girls? We are, of course. The girls who know that being "cool" is about the whole package. About realizing that self confidence is a full time job with huge amount of responsibilities...and are up for the challenge!

When you look in the mirror who do you see? Someone who is honest, funny, interesting? Or is it a girl who gossips, back-stabs, and bullies? Don't you want to be proud of who you are? I say, YES! So--celebrate if you see a girl looking back at you that you admire. And if not, make the change. Look inside yourself and really figure out what makes you act the way you do.

See it this way: Self confidence is liking all parts of you BECAUSE you're proud of the way you live your life. It's not about just thinking you're awesome--you have to be awesome.

"Pretty is as pretty does". It's an oldie but goodie, ladies.

The world expects a lot from us because:

We have decided to be magnificent.

We have decided to be our own leader.

Let's stop confusing self confidence with ego, and cockiness. We must earn our title. Daily.

Authentic self confidence will be your shield and your voice of reason. It will be your armor when faced with people who don't possess it. And it will be the voice inside your head reminding you to make the right choice BECAUSE THAT IS THE WOMAN YOU'VE DECIDED TO BE.

It's a big deal, ladies. Who's up for it?

This is a very special day!

We at Rocky Roadville are bubbling over with excitement! Today we are featuring our very first young lady! The Magnificent Mackenzie. We are so honored to have her here. She is a warrior. I'm awed by her strength and resilience. Let her be a role model to us all.



"I have decided that my flavor is Rocky Road. It kind of describes my life in a nutshell with the ups and downs of life. But with a little faith, family and friends you can get through anything...and it is amazing."

Thank you, Mackenzie. You are very special. xoxo.

Mary's Flavor

"I am Rainbow Sherbert because I am Tangy and colorful and all mixed up!"


Rainbow Sherbert! I love it! Thank you Mary! Oh, to be tangy and colorful.....

New Addition!

I added two new pages onto blog Rocky Road! Look to your right!

"What is your Flavor?" - "What is your Word?"

They were inspired by a recent conversation I had with one of my favorite young women, Anndee. We were discussing her flavor and realized there were just too many options to think of, let alone chose from. It's like we needed a list (of at least some of them) in front of us to help decide--so here it is!

---

The "What is your Word?" page is exciting because it will get you thinking. I think you should make yourself crazy familiar with all the words on the list. A sundae of all those descriptive adjectives makes for a spectacular "Rocky Road" type of gal. I also highly recommend creating your own definitions.

There will be words that speak to you more than others. "Succulent" is the one for me. It was introduced to me by the author SARK. SARK is a brilliant poet, writer, free spirit who's written nearly 25 best selling books. Her definition of succulent is:
"ripe. juicy. whole.
round. exuberant. wild.
rich. wide. deep. firm.
rare. female.
She writes, " Choosing Succulence is a deliberate act of Personal Revolution. It means waking up, embracing your true self, studying your patterns, and letting out your most alive self."

Who wouldn't want to be succulent?

This word has helped define the way I've lived my life for years. It brings me back to life when I'm slipping into Vanilla"dom" and reminds me of my unique opportunity to make my life count.

Ask yourself, "What is my word?" What word excites, inspires, and tickles me? Use it often. Include it into your daily conversations. Make it mean something.

Succulently,
RR.

Harnessing our power

My unbelievable sister sent me a link this morning. A piece spoken at the TED India Conference by the impressive Eve Ensler (founder of V-DAY, a movement to end violence towards girls; writer of the Vagina Monologues, The Good Body, and many more..).

It is what we call in Rocky Roadville, "Required Reading". You must read it. I am overwhelmed by her words.

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(CNN) -- The future is "girl." Imagine girl is a cell that each of us -- boys and girls -- are born with. Imagine this girl cell is central to the evolution of our species and an assurance of the continuation of the human race.

Now imagine that a few powerful people, invested in owning this world, understood that the oppression of this cell was key to retaining their power, so they reinterpreted this cell, undermining its value and making us believe that it is weak. They initiated a process to crush, eradicate, annihilate, humiliate, belittle, censor, reduce and kill off the girl cell.

This was called patriarchy.

Imagine girl is a chip in the huge microcosm of our collective consciousness, which is essential to the balance, wisdom and future of humanity.

Imagine that girl is the part of each of us that feels compassion, empathy, passion, intensity, association, relationship, emotion, play, resistance, vulnerability, intuitive intelligence, vision.
Imagine that compassion informs wisdom. That vulnerability is our greatest strength. That emotions have inherent logic and lead to radical saving action.

Now remember that those in power essentially taught us and conditioned us to believe the opposite:

Compassion clouds your thinking.

Vulnerability is weakness.

Emotions are not to be trusted.

Don't take things personally.

To be a boy means not to be a girl.

To be a man means not to be a girl.

To be strong means not to be a girl.

To be a woman means not to be a girl.

To be a leader means not to be a girl.

It must be very powerful to be a girl if everyone Is taught not to be one.

Having traveled the planet for 12 years, visiting more than 60 countries and living in the rape mines of the world, I have been with girls. I have witnessed their realities.

I have seen girls with knife wounds and cigarette burns, treated like garbage, beaten by their brothers and fathers and boyfriends and mothers, starving themselves to death to look the way they are supposed to look -- which is close to invisible.

We are so accustomed to prohibiting girls from being the subjects of their own life that we have turned them into objects: commodities in the marketplace, bodies to be bought and sold and plundered and married off or raped in war. Buying a girl is cheaper than buying a cow in many places.

I have been with boys as well, watched as they have been ridiculed, censored and abused for their tenderness, their doubts, their grief, their need for comfort and protection. I have seen how the tyranny of masculinity has forced boys and then men to cut off their hearts and cast them into a brutal, lonely state of disassociation and isolation.

The state of girl, the condition of girl -- in the world and in us -- will determine if this species survives.

I believe unleashing the intensity of girl, the outrage of girl, the passion of girl, is the only way to chip away the thick sludge of denial, oppression and indifference that has led to our insane acceptance of a world spinning us toward our end.

What I have witnessed across this planet is the wild natural resiliency, fierceness, grace and nobility of girl.

The girl cell is our greatest resource, a renewable, untapped energy field like the wind. It is there for us, if we activate it and allow it to resist, dare, challenge, feel and connect.

----

Our very first flavor!

My extraordinarily sparkly friend, Kate, wrote:

"My flavor: Strawberry
Everyday elegance
Sweet, smart and refreshing in a slightly old-fashioned way...
Like an afternoon social when you're wearing your favorite dress - but you'll end up sprawled out on the grass with friends and your pretty shoes long gone.

Yes, I am Strawberry. "

Isn't this fantastic?

There is something marvelous about looking forward to something. Don't you agree? With all the instant gratification out there, last minute plans are made and broken without so much as a nod of acknowledgement. Dates with my friend Kate, however, are diligently planned to avoid such catastrophes. As a result, I end up seeing her more than I do other friends. Writing a "where and when" into my schedule automatically makes it a priority. I make it happen.

The subject of keeping up friendships has been weighing on me the last few days. It must be why I chose to feature Kate's contribution.

I've never wanted any "fair weather" friends in my life. I want "crappy weather" friends. I want friends who will be there for me when I'm struggling and need support the most. And luckily, I have them. What I'm learning is that friendships like that need upkeep.

It seems so simple.

But I am guilty of taking these rare relationships for granted, assuming they'll stay healthy without nourishment. It is not so. And ultimately I know that my friendships deserve more.

Today I vow to let my dear friends know what they mean to me. I intend to fill my schedule with those who feed my soul. I challenge you to do the same. Let's all channel out inner strawberry and make happen the "where's" and "when's" necessary to keep our friendships whole.

What it's about.

It's not just about self esteem. It's about being grounded too. Deliciously living in the balance.

Enjoy your Sunday evening.
xoxo.

New Logo!

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.

Girls just want to have fun..

I saw this photograph and it made me giggle. Don't you just want to be those girls? I'm not quite sure if there is anything more delightful than good girlfriends. They are your bodyguards, your back-up dancers, your biggest fans. I have been blessed with unbelievable circles of female friends since childhood. As you know, it's sometimes challenging to maintain meaningful friendships. Feelings like jealousy, envy, self-interest often rear their ugly heads. It's natural, we all deal with those emotions whether your 12 or 52. But you get beyond them, realizing your friendships are more important. And they are, I assure you.

And cliques? Don't get me started. Why exclude a potentially brilliant friendship because of some silly agreement you have with other girls? Ladies, let's make a deal--start INCLUDING, make the effort. It's amazing what a new friend can bring to your "sundae". You'll only be better for it.

I didn't always think this way.

I learned this the hard way when my "Best Friends Forever" club was closed down in Kindergarten. I had created a club of my nearest and dearest and wouldn't let others join. I know, horrible, isn't it? We had badges and everything-I still have the 3-ring binder for it. Looking back, I'm so glad my teachers had the insight to stop the madness. Now I regret not making it a huge, school-wide alliance for all the girls. Think of how cool that would have been! All of us, wearing our own badges, joining forces rather than breaking down. It would have been so amazing! It's one of my biggest regrets in the world. It must be why I'm so passionate about this movement. I refuse to let another opportunity to unite pass me by.

Any stories on new friendships? I'd love to hear them.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING MAGNIFICENT?

THANK YOU! THANK YOU LADIES!

I am so excited to get your "flavors" and explanations! I can't wait to begin featuring one of you every day! Thank you for your contributions, but KEEP 'EM COMING!

Get together in groups--start conversations. who's chocolate? who's mint chocolate chip? who's peach sorbet? and why?

They're all awesome!

Send your emails to me @ 1000flavors@gmail.com and send pictures too!

Let's highlight the faces of a new generation of young women who refuse to be vanilla!

Letting Go...

So I'm sitting in the orthodontist chair this morning and was immediately transported back to my "tween" years. The smell of braces never leaves you. Now as adult I'm answering the same questions and promising to wear my retainer as I did when I was 13. This time, however, it's clear aligners and not braces; and it's my money and not my parents. So on some levels I feel mature, but mostly I feel like a kid, dreading the foreboding toothaches.

It got me thinking, though. As the woman filled my mouth with this expanding foam/goo stuff--I could do nothing but sit there and breathe, consciously making the choice not to throw up.

A lesson in letting go.

I just felt helpless. A feeling I distinctly remember having as a young girl and battle to this day. If I can't control this situation--where is my strength? The longer I sat there and the more I breathed, the more humor and freedom I felt. I kept thinking how silly I probably looked and how not fighting it and choosing the high road (not gagging) was making the whole experience so much easier! I chose not to fight the situation. It is a lesson I am constantly re-teaching myself.

A fantastic quality in us "Rocky Road" type of women is our refusal to be part of the status quo (the norm)-to question what we don't understand and to stand up for what we do. Our fire and zest for life is contagious. But what I'm learning with age is that my real power, my real strength comes from the ability to take a sit back, breathe, and let go when necessary.

Calling All 1000 Flavors!

Ladies,
It is time to send me your flavor!!
Email me with: YOUR Flavor and WHY and be featured on this blog.

Example:
"I've always thought of myself as coffee ice cream. I might not be your typical girl next door, but I have something in me--that extra bite, that edge that separates me from the rest. Also, you either love me or hate me--there's not much in between."

See how easy that was? And the fun thing is that we might have 3000 coffee ice creams and I can guarantee every reason will be different.

I'm so excited to hear what you ladies have to say. Your responses are going to be the inspiration behind our daily discussions and conversations. Finding our flavors is the heart of my purpose. It's the foundation from which we can grow in this community. And more importantly, it's going to be a blast to see what everyone is! I have a hunch it will be more meaningful than we think.

My dream is to honor a different young lady (in heart or actual age) everyday from all over the world. Ask your daughters and friends to also be a part of this. Let's surprise ourselves with our overwhelming response.


Let's have fun with this!
I look forward to hearing from all of you.
1000flavors@gmail.com

Too Cool for School

So today the skies have opened up and rain is pouring. Hearing it on my roof makes me want to hunker down, make some hot chocolate and cuddle under a blanket for the rest of the day. But no, I'm too excited to start a movement. In my life I've found it is in these moments, these vanilla moments, that challenge me to be something more. It is my time to consciously decide to be the best version of me. This is how I see it:

VANILLA = lack of care

lack of investment

lack of passion

As I see it, it's never to early (or late-for those of you readers who are late bloomers) to start creating the woman you want to become. Now let me clarify, even for the most impressive women, there are times of necessary "vanilla-dom". Times when you have to take a step back, withdraw and retreat. I am scared, however, that vanilla behavior is becoming the status quo. Following and not leading. Fear of individuality. Rude and "sassy" behavior becoming acceptable. I think we all need to stand up and scream to our fellow ladies, young and old, "WAKE UP"! Let's make a point to become interesting! Let's make a point to reach out, rather than bully-to be proud of ourselves in public and in our private lives.

THIS IS OUR ONLY LIFE - MAKE IT WORTH SOMETHING.

Life really is like ice cream flavors. You and your friends will all adopt certain roles (flavors) without even knowing it. Once you realize that and start loving each other for exactly who you are, you will begin to create the sundae of your dreams. All the individual flavors contribute something UNIQUE and SPECIAL. Your sundae wouldn't exist without the unmatched contributions of each person. Age has granted me clarity in the role I play in my life. Knowing my flavor has given me the freedom to be who I am, fully, without self-doubt or insecurity.

To figure out my flavor? Read on, my friends. Read on.

Let's Call it a "Character Education".

Let me explain:

There's nothing wrong with vanilla--it's fine, it's safe, it doesn't make a fuss. Now Rocky Road on the other hand, has a little bit of everything in it--a taste explosion, if you will. This is what I want in women. In a society where young girls associate self confidence to a swollen ego and "sassy" behavior, my intention is to create a space for young women and their parents, teachers, and mentors to re-instill the ethics we already know. To start conversations, debates, and sharing of stories that will will help us become the women we want to become or know we already are. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with vanilla, but there is something wrong with being vanilla and being fine with it, not wanting more. There are a million different flavors out there. Go! Explore! Find out what you want to be. Let's grab a spoon and dig in!