Intimate & Interactive Spot-light With The Writer - Part 4

As promised to all of my fans, I decided to dedicate my "100th" Blog Post to all of you, by doing another "Intimate & Interactive" session about me.

I wanted to start off by giving thanks to all of you ( my loyal readers) for all your emails.  I never expected to get that much fan mail about this particular blog, so I was completely touched.  I read every last email (and boy were there a lot of them!) It seems that many of you want this session to be "very intimate" as many of your questions rotated around the same thing.  I did my best to pick a chosen few to comment on during this session, so I hope you enjoy the  piece.  Happy 100th to all my Life Afx followers!



IF YOU HAD THE POWER TO GO BACK IN TIME AND CHANGE ONE DAY/MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE/PAST WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?  That's easy.  There are two moments.  The day my Grandmother, Ernestina died and the day that my high school boyfriend, Nael Ayoub died.  They still remain the most painful moments of my life.  I truly believe that if they never left me, my life would have been so different.  However, in death they taught me to love, forgive and cherish every moment with those you have.  Death is final folks!  You can't go back and take words/actions away.  You can't go back and wish that you loved more, or ask for/gave forgiveness.  You can't go back and make more time to spend with them, because they gone-forever.  So today, I love until my heart overflows.  I forgive because I have never been perfect and it hurts too much to keep pain in your soul.  I cherish everyone around me and say I love you as much as I can, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. 


HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BECOME A WRITER?  No.  My initial dream was to become a professional singer.  Then I wanted to become a lawyer.  It wasn't until my late 20's that I really began to appreciate writing and my style of it.  People had mentioned in the past that they appreciated my thoughts but it never truly resonated with me until adulthood.

WHAT IS PLAYING IN YOUR CAR STEREO AT THIS VERY MOMENT?  U2 - HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB ALBUM.  Track #2 ( Miracle Drug) and Track # 10 ( Original of the Species) are my favourites!  Truth be told, I was never a U2 fan growing up.  I appreciated their music and talent for writing, but it just wasn't my thing.  Then, this album changed everything.  I love it.  The entire thing is like a lyrical masterpiece.  It's incredible from start to finish!   

HOW IS THE WRITING OF YOUR FIRST BOOK COMING ALONG?  I'm really happy with the progress I am making.  It's slow but steady.  It will be called:  "The Beautiful Truth" and I am aiming to have it completed in late 2012.  I know you all want more details about it, but you'll just have to wait..lol

HOW HAVE YOUR FRIENDS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THEM?  Growing up, my parents taught me that those you choose to "run in circles with" are a direct reflection of the person you are.  Therefore, you should never become a part of something that you do not believe in or respect.  In doing so you disrespect the being you are.  That has always remained with me.  I am blessed to know an abundance of people, but only a "chosen few" share my "everyday life".  I love them most because they are all exceptional individuals with the kindest of souls/hearts.  I chose them to become a direct extension of me because they are all my heros and people I could only hope to be like someday.  They are wonderful role models.  They support and influence my life in every way because they give me the strength each day, to be all that I am - no matter how difficult or long the journey getting there can be.  They would never except anything less.  I choose them to stand by me because they are loving, non-judgmental/racist, forgiving, caring and positive individuals.  However, let it be said that I love them most because they're human, and we all dwell in an existence of beautiful imperfection.


HOW IS THE SINGLE LIFE TREATING YOU?  I knew this question was going to creep up on me..lol.  For all those of you who have asked:  Yes, I am still single.  I've been single now for 6 months and I must say that I am enjoying myself.  Ending relationships is never easy.  It always leaves you feeling empty, like you're missing something.  However, I made a certain pledge (shall we say) to my close friends and family that I will remain single and explore life "as a single gal" for the moment.  Truth be told, I have never really been single.  All my life, I have always been a part of something/someone, but never really took the time to just "do me" and be on my own.  Nevertheless, there are always boys around to "challenge my pledge" lol.  Dating is fun.  There is something about meeting new potential "love interests" and making connections that has always been so intoxicating for me.  But, I am living in the moment, one day at a time...just for me.  There are good days and bad days but mostly good days.  I'm happy. 


WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO..."HMMM"...  Ohh geez, this could take all day...lol.  Here's a few:

• Why is it that I see Police Officers talking on their cell phones while driving daily?
• How so many of us get so caught up in the lives of those around us, that we forget to live/worry about our own
• The Seasons of Jersey Shor
• Will we always be stuck with the horrible/poor services of Rogers Communications?
• Why individuals allow jealousy to ruin/rule their lives?
• Why is it that good people always end up with bad karma?
• 5-day work weeks and 2-day weekends
• Why we makith and the Government will always takith away?

WHAT ARE  YOUR "DEAL-BREAKERS" WHEN IT COMES TO DATING MEN? 

• Bad teeth { I know it's a horrible thing to say because you cannot always help that kind of thing, but it's true.  I can't handle it.}
• Arrogance { I don't have time for rude, mean and egotistical men}
• Racist comments/behaviours { I don't tolerate this in any form or fashion.  People who engage in this sort of thing (however minor/harmless they believe it to be) are not people I associate with.  There is no circumstance that could ever justify individuals using racist terms/making jokes or attempting to make points in a conversation involving racism.  These actions utterly disgust me.  One life..One love people!!!}
• Serial "bed hoppers"  { the ones who think it's "ok" to have a few encounters/relationships going on at once and "doin' the dirty" with all of them.  Hey, I'm all about everyone living their own lives and you can, but this sort of thing just won't fly with me.  So don't try to change my mind by putting me down and calling me "uptight"  If you are this kind of man, you will never be "my man" or in my bed}
• Men who stare at other women when they are out on a date with you.  { This is one of the most dis-respectful things you can do to a woman -in her presence.  Look guys, we're human and we all look/acknowledge the opposite sex, but have some courtesy NOT to do it while we're in the room and can see it.  That's just tacky}
• Emotional Baggage { We all have it, but fellas...if you aren't over your Ex then don't date yet!  There is nothing worse than trying to compete with the one before you - nor should you have to.  I hate it when I'm on a date or getting to know someone and they do nothing but totally bash "women in a general sense" or their Ex's.  It's just bad manners, not to mention rude as hell.  Wanna turn off a woman fast?  Then do this.  She will go running for the hills in no time flat.  Hey, we've all been there.  We've all been emotionally destroyed, at one time or another by the opposite sex.  Move on.  It's not fair to condemn the new person with the old one's sins.  Nor is it fair to paint all men/women with the same brush, just because you've had a "few bad apples"  That's just sad..}

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PLEASURES, GUILTY OR OTHERWISE?

• Tequila / Martinis/ Belinis / Grey Goose Vodka & Cranberry /Wine ( white or blush in colour) { No, I'm not a lush but when I indulge in "drinks with the girls etc.." these are my specials!}
• Sex and the City re-runs { Yes, I'm addicted...lol}
• Stayin' in bed for the majority of the day, on Sundays { I know, it's horrible right?  Hey, I work and play hard all week.  Sundays are "my days" to just sleep in, read, catch up with friends/family etc.. ...from my bedroom}
• Texting { It's a bad habit, but a wonderful pass-time while you're getting a pedicure or waiting for your date to arrive, because you choose to get their early}
• Spinach/Strawberry/Green Olive/Walnuts with Balsamic dressing salads { the sweet/salt of this concoction makes my mouth water}
• Thai food { I love it so much that I've even learned to master a few dishes, myself}
• Purses
• Latin Men, Soccer & Tennis Players { something about them makes my heart skip a beat and my skin flushed}

Well, I believe this is a good place to conclude this session of:  "Intimate and Interactive with the Writer"
Thank you again to all of you who wrote in with your questions.  For those of you who didn't get your questions featured this time around, I promise I will get to yours in another session.

Be well and live a great life, everyday!

PEACE, LOVE and all that good stuff...

Intimate and Interactive - Part Three - Meeting the Writer

Many of you have asked for yet another "Meet The Writer" piece, so I have decided to make a "Part Three" for all of you.  Please do understand that I cannot answer all the questions that you've taken the time to email me about, so when I do these pieces I pick the most popular ones that have been asked.  I truly hope you enjoy it, and thank you once again for all your support and engagement with respect to my writing.

ARE THE RUMORS TRUE?  ARE YOU ON THE "SINGLE MARKET" ONCE AGAIN?  Yes, I am currently single.  I have always been the lady with a man on her arm, so these waters are unfamiliar territory for me.  I love "being in love" and a part of a relationship, however I think I've made haste decisions choosing mates in the past.  The next man I choose to commit to will have to truly be deserving of me, extremely supportive of the person I am and all I stand for.

WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVES?  Sadly, I have many however, my top three on the list would have to be:  (1) Racism (discrimination of any kind)  It makes me utterly sick when people walk around thinking they are better/superior over others -for ANY reason.  Making someone else feel bad inside is wrong on all levels, period.  (2) Those who bring drama to my life. I truly don't care for it, so I ask that people always "keep it real" with me. I don't like impersonators, so don't pose as a human being unless you are one.  (3) People who gossip about a certain type of person/behaviour or style directly in front of someone sporting it.  Then look directly at you and say: "no offense" really pisses me off.

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT CREEP YOU OUT?  Being in the dark, spiders and men smelling my hair, on the subway.  These things all things that give me the "hebejebeez" lol

ARE YOU INTO FASHION AND IF SO WHAT DESIGNERS DO YOU FANCY?  I am a huge fashion buff.  I truly appreciate (and do) have my own style, but watching fashion shows and the runways to see what's "new and exciting" each season really excites me.  There are many wonderful designers out there, but my most favourite would have to be:  Donna Karan, Ralph Rucci, Louis Vuitton and Manolo Blahnik.  Their visions are truly magical in unique ways.

WHAT IS GIA CURRENTLY READING?  I just finished Tolstoy's "What I believe"  It was a very intense 12 chapter read about his view of the Christian doctrine, which he explains as "a momentary flash of light, which made everything clear to him" 

WHAT IS GIA REALLY LIKE AS A PERSON?  I'm intense in anything I believe in, think of, or feel.  I'm definitely more of a dreamer than a realist.  I can be very "loud and proud" in one instance, but I also have a very gentle soft side to me as well.  There are days when I'm fearless, strong and unstoppable, but in a heartbeat I can become very vulnerable, fragile and broken.  Generally speaking, I'm a simple, down to earth kind of girl, who genuinely cares about people (whether I know them or not).  A woman, who as Judy Garland once said, that in the silence of a night I often wish for words of love from one man who means them, rather than the applause of thousands of people.  Meaning that love will always be more important to me over money.

DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST AND IF SO, WHAT'S ON IT?  Yes, I most certainly do.  Here it is, in no particular order:  (1) I would like to visit the Almafi Coast in Italy.  I remember seeing pictures of it growing up and for a long period of my life, thought it was the most beautiful "get a way" on earth.  (2) I would like to see the pyramids in Egypt.  They have always fascinated me and would love the opportunity to explore their mystery.  (3) I want to spend some time in Tibet and meditate with monks.  I discovered meditation and Buddhism at a time in my life when I truly believed that the loudness in my mind was going to kill me. At a time when I was truly lost.  It taught me about the spirit and the kind of person I want to be.  So I would love the opportunity to experience this way of living.  (4) I would love to meet the following people:  The Dali Lama, Anthony Robbins, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey.  These four individuals have all shaped my life in very special and meaningful ways.  It would be a true honor to spend time with them.  (4) I want to write a book.  (5) I want to learn how to play the guitar, well. (6) I would love to do "community theatre" and act in plays. Acting is one of my "secret/in the closet" passions.  I would love the opportunity to explore it further someday. (7) I would really love to be a Mother and Wife.  Family has and will always remain one of the most important things in my life.  I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my days both giving and enjoying the love and moments of my own family one day.  (8) I want to be responsible for doing something big for mankind before I die.  These are just to name a few.

WHAT ARE SOME EXCITING THINGS THAT LIFE AFX IS WORKING ON?  Well, I am currently working on building my own website.  There is a lot of work involved, but I really want to take "Life Afx" to the next level.  I have very much appreciated this forum but I believe it's time to go out on my own.

I have started writing my book and I am quite pleased with it.  It's something very simple, that will give you a real idea of what I've learned in my "37 years" on this earth.  The book will include a number of different famous quotes that have truly helped shape my life and the person I am.  I'm writing this book for my babies:  My nephew, Matthew.  My niece, Emily and for the newest addition, who will equally have my heart:  My unborn niece/nephew - due to appear around my birthday.   They are the truest reasons of why I want to live.

There has also been an idea swirl ling around in my brain, over the past month, to begin my own magazine.  The idea is still very fresh, but I would like to explore it further and see what comes of it.  I think I've got a great concept on my hands and truly think it could be successful.  However, at this time I cannot share more than this, so you'll just have to wait and see what transpires.  Yet, the book and web page are my first "orders of business"

DO YOU WRITE BACK TO ALL YOUR FANS?  YES! I most certainly do. Your words are always important to me, so I make a strong effort to reply back to all those who take the time to write me.  I thank you for all your writing suggestions/questions and do my best to incorporate them into my blog pieces.  To make a comment on something in particular:  For those of you who make public comments on my page, thank you.  I always read them.  I do not comment there myself simply because that area of the blog is for you - my public.  It's a place for you to share and express your thoughts about Life Afx.  So please do not feel bad/take offense that I do not directly respond to the feed.  As it was solely meant for all of you. 

For any new comers/followers:  Welcome to Life Afx.  I hope that you will both share and take away many moments/experiences from my writing.  If you wish to contact me directly please do so at:  lifefx@live.com You may also add Life Afx now to Face Book:  Gia Life Afx and on Twitter: @LIFEAFX

This concludes this particular session of "Meeting the Writer - Intimate and Interactive"  More to follow as time progresses. 

Thanks to all of you who support my passion and journey within this life.   This entire experience means more to me than you will ever know.

Intimate & Interactive With The Writer

Since I began this blog page, many of you have continuously written me to give you more of an insight into who the "woman behind the writing" is.  I thought I was doing so with my words, but it seems that you all want a little more.  So, I've decided to dedicate a few blog entries to doing just that. This will be my first.  Others will follow periodically throughout my time here with you; but with no real agenda.  So I suppose you will just have to "tune in" every now and again and look for them.

Back to Basics:

I am currently 36 years old, of  southern Italian decent, but born and raised in Toronto, Canada.
I am the eldest of three, but for many reasons most think I am the youngest.  I used to find it a bit insulting growing up but looking back I realized that there were many great reasons why others associated me as such.  Reasons to which am very proud of today.

The Essence:

I'm a pretty simple/down to earth kinda gal with very complex ideas. I am an incredible romantic and always treat those around me with the utmost respect, love and kindness. I'm someone who is just good to people-even those who seldom deserve it.  Those who truly know me best would say that I "wear my heart on my sleeve" way too much within this life. That people use my kindness and trust for their own agendas. I choose not to fixate myself on all that negativity. As a very wise young man once said: "People are people, we live for our own. Live by what you believe, not by what you've been told"  All I have ever worried about is simply "doin' me" that's it. What others choose to do is simply that- their choice. After all, there is never harm done when you're sending "good energy" out into the universe. 

Background:

As far back as I can remember I have always loved learning things.  It didn't really matter what it was, I just wanted to know as much about "everything" as I possibly could. Which I suppose is why I loved school so much.  I was completely fascinated with all the different things I could shove into my brain, on any given day.  Yet, school taught me so much more than that.  It wasn't solely about learning a curriculum but about learning what your place was to be in this world. Not a place others believed should be yours, but a place YOU BELIEVED could be.  I have always been a strong believer in education.  It's a vital component in life.

Most of my life I believed that my truest love was music.  Something about it made me come alive in ways I never would have imagined possible.  I owe this love to my Grandmother, Ernestina.  Growing up she always encouraged me to learn music.  Til this day, one of my most treasured memories was our home always filled with music.  She always asked me to sing, so I sang every song I ever heard for her.  I remember saying to her one day, " I don't know any more songs to sing" and she replied, "Well, you know how to write don't you?  So write some songs of your own and sing those to me".  She must have read my mind because the next thing she said went something like: " Don't you look at me like I'm crazy, go do it.  It'll be fun"  Alas, if she could only see me now.  I miss her so much!

Growing up I was lead vocalist in a couple of different bands in Toronto.  The first experience mainly explored performing covers from various popular artists.  It was a lot of fun, but it lacked the creativity I craved.  The second band I joined was filled with individuals who wanted to make their own music and very much needed a lead who believed the same.  Although, music is one of my greatest loves, I found my truest one in the midst of it. Writing. I had gone back to my roots again.  I realized at an early stage in my life that writing gave me a greater high than even music could. So I stepped out of the lime light and dabbled in lyrical/music writing.

It wasn't until my final year of high school that I really began short story/article writing.  I had a wonderful English teacher who pushed me to explore this area further.  He was the very first person to tell me that my writing reminded him of "Shakespeare" and that I owed it to myself and the world to share it.  Again, like that moment so long ago with my Grandmother, I thought "the man is crazy" and I told him so on many different occasions.  I didn't know much about Shakespeare in those days, but he fixed all of that.  Til this day, I can recite one of the most famous Shakespearean soliloquies ( To Be Or Not To Be) by heart - all thanks to him.  He told me once that "true beauty can only be captured with words".  A picture or a scene can catch it, but only words can capture it's essence.  How incredibly true that is.

More on Gia to come in the future...