I see a trip to Rouge Beauty Lounge in my future… this Saturday to be precise.

As resident Rouge blogger, my inspiration and knowledge, as luck would have it, derives from indulging in a sampling of just a few of their most fabulous services offered – a signature pedicure and customized facial. As an added bonus, Rouge boasts a pedi-chair above and beyond that of most other spas, a delicious shiatsu-massage throne that has, obviously, been the basis of many a (day) dream of mine.

An afternoon of spa-spoiling is certainly welcomed after such a wonderfully productive last few months. I’m thrilled to be stepping out into the world of professional writing and it’s made only that much sweeter to be able to do so with perfectly polished toes!

Today, I learned something invaluable to my career as a writer – how to take rejection.  I expected to be so greatly offended that I would want to pull a J.D. Salinger and go into reclusion.  But I didn’t.  I wanted to for about a minute and forty five seconds… until I composed myself and realized that all of this I have created, I have produced, I have established.  Writing isn’t what I do, but rather a part of who I am. 

Regardless of the context, rejection is never an easy pill to swallow.  I’m certain I’ll see a lot more of it in the future, not because I lack the ability or the talent, but because I offer something that is out of the realm of the expected.  That is a rationale that I can live with…

Kristal Burgess and I took to the hills this afternoon for a photo-shoot (complete with vintage typewriter and a scattering of old, slightly yellowed pictures throughout the wispy tall grass).  The sun was golden warm, spliced by wind, and the earthy background was perfect for the theme. 

I can’t wait to see the results; Kristal is an absolute creative genius and had me, an ordinary non-model, perched in precarious positions to evoke the best angle and light combinations.  All in the name of art!