Life Well Lived #2: Independence

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.
Mae West

On a Wise Walk as part of the Cooper Siegelโ€™s exercise program, I spotted Mae West’sย [bio] words among many quotes printed throughout the Pittsburgh Mills Mall. Her thoughts about good things were always planned as the second โ€˜Life Well Livedโ€™ post, which happens to coincide with Independence Day.

In researching West, I learned that fashion icon Andre Leon Talley said she was the pioneering โ€œsexual gangsterโ€ who blazed trails for Cher, Madonna, Rihanna and Beyonce.

Among Mae Westโ€™s many, most quoted quips are:

  • A hard man is good to find.
  • Is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?
  • Iโ€™ll try anything once, twice if I like it and three times to make sure.

She began making movies in her forties. One year, her earnings came in second, a bit behind fabulously rich William Randolph Hearst. This wealth let West buy a building and remove the ban that denied entrance to a black friend.

In the United States, July 4 celebrates this countryโ€™s Declaration of Independence from Britishย rule. This day can also spark individual declarations of independence from inhibiting beliefs so that lives well lived can be builtย on more personally healthy and pleasing foundations.

NOTE: The videos offered withย each post are chosen for visual interest, inspiration, ideas and brevity. This week, enjoy Mae West.

I enjoyed watching these two minutes of saucy, spirited Mae West several times. I hope you do, too. Laughter is an ingredient of Life Well Lived. As is the pleasure of saying, “When I’m good, I’m very good. When I’m bad, I’m better.” Enjoy.

These financial resources are offered in my region. Check for similar support in your area.

Small Business Assistanceย  Pennsylvania grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 are available to qualifying enterprises that have suffered financially due to COVID-19. The first of several rounds opened June 30 and runs for ten days.ย Informationย & Application.

Emergency Funding for Artists of Color.ย ย $500 grants are offered to artists living in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s nine counties. Funds can be used for rent, groceries, childcare, bills, etc.ย Apply here.

Please share with those who could benefit.

 

Each week, a featured item is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries].ย  This week, “Lacy Purple” is on sale. Also “Baby Grapes” from last week.ย ย Shop here.

Thank you to everyone who visits the galleries and for your purchases. They support Succeed and Soar.

NOTE

The original image was shot with a Nikon Coolpix camera. The jpg was “developed” in Adobe Photoshop Elements 14. In addition to enriching the color saturation and vibrance, the image was processed through a filter that gives the Watercolor effect.

Share Post

About Founder
Sandra Gould Ford

Sandra Gould Ford is an author, educator and former steelworker who presents arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. She belongs to the Authorโ€™s Guild and Science Fiction Writers of America and is a former member of the American Society of Media Photographers. For more information, visit her web site: SandraGouldFord.com.

Recent Posts
  • All Posts
  • Einstein Inspirations
  • Eleanor's Insights
  • Life Well Lived
  • Love Is
  • Paths to Joy
  • Soul Songs
  • Soul Words
  • Story Talk
  • Thrive, Nourishing News
  • Videos, Short Specials
  • Wise Ways
  • Word Witty
  • Wordsmith Stars
Newsletter
Sign up to receive free updates & inspirations!
The free, weekly E-Letter and posts present uplifting, thoughtful information on topics that include wellness, book reviews, personal heroism, life well lived, inspiring thinkers and more.