Musings On Other has MOVED!

Hello, my Mayhem Misfits!!!

This is just a little message to let you know that Musings and Team Other have left the building...

.....We have left The Blogger....

 Change up your bookmarks, Lovelies! 

We have our own domain now.

We own our Otherness.

So please come visit our new home and read today's New Musings: A Revelatory Year

http://MusingsOnOtherQueens.com

I'll see you on the Other side!!! Always, KJ

http://MusingsOnOtherQueens.com

Special Edition: Rebel Queen Retrospective

*** *Jumping up and down, waving madly at the brilliant readers of Musings* Hi everyone! How have you all been? Happy Thursday, and thanks for coming back and checking in as you have every single week. Today, because she's a good friend and a gifted writer to boot, my grrl Bouffant is back to school us Retro-style on a Misfit Rebel Queen that we may not have known about before. But since you all are devastatingly clever and outrageously cool peeps (um, hello, you're Kristen Stewart fans, also enthusiastic Eminem fans I've discovered!), I've found there ain't nothin you aren't already in the know about. Today's Featured Rebel is probably already a friend of yours. I will be posting my usual essay this week too, probably tomorrow, the latest, Saturday. With the Launch of The Magical Little Practice yesterday, I need a teeeeensy bit more time to organize Musings this week. This will not be a regular habit, me slacking off on posting days, I promise. It was just a particularly gnarly week and I want to give you all of myself per usual, and this was how I proposed to do so. Plus, you get to read one of Bouffant's excellent essays on one of the many, many Royal Rebels out there....All. Around. WIN. A couple notes: I was able to get onto the comment section of last week's Musings and reply to some of your comments, check it out when you have a chance. Also, when you leave your Twitter ID or an active email address, if I don't already know 'em, it makes it easier for me to reply as well. Please know that even if you don't hear from me right away, I read and am blown away by each and every one of your comments, tweets and emails, and you all give me ideas to laugh and cry about; courage and wings to soar and conquer; beautiful pictures (Kristen and Rob are sooo easy on the eyes) and articles over which to marvel. We really are Royal Misfits together, aren't we? It's been a pleasure, my friends. Ok. So I'm done weeping through this introduction.....I'll see you cats tomorrow....*clears throat* AHEM. Without further ado, let's give a warm Rebel reception (Fist pumps, W000Ts and a cooler-than-fuck Jay-Z Head Nod of Acknowledgement) to the hairdo that keeps me in line: BOUFFANT......***

w00t! Bouffant in the hizzzouse!

How's this for a warm welcome, KJ?

Hello, Royals and Rebels! I am gingerly stepping into KJ's shoes this week, as she launches her Magical Little Practice, experience the euphoric rush witnessing doors opening, circumstances lining up, and opportunities flooding her way. BTW KJ, may I take a moment here to ask you to consider dropping the "little", and inserting instead "marvelous", "blindingly brilliant", "knockout", or "astonishing...? Y'know, something along those lines -- think about it, bb.

So -- Bouffant is in the house! Take a stroll with me down memory lane to spend a little time with a Royal Rebel of Yore. Don't forget to grab a cold one as we go...

Other Queen, Retro-Style

Ellen Burstyn

Do you know her? I bet you know her face, if not her name. Television fans, especially younger fans, might recognize her from a memorable performance on Law & Order SVU as Elliott Stabler's mentally ill mother, or as Barb Henrickson's mother in Big Love. Maybe you first saw her as Vivi in Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. It's likely you were seared by her Oscar-nominated performance in Requiem For A Dream, 10 years ago.

Since beginning her career in the 1950's, Ellen has worked regularly on stage, in film and on television, beginning with the proverbial move from the midwest to New York City and a gig as a showgirl on "The Jackie Gleason Show". She also found time to study with Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio (a veritable breeding ground for Other Queens and Royal Rebels). Going against the grain in Hollywood, her career surged as she turned 40, and has not yet abated, although she turns 78 this December.

*Kj peeks in*.

Dayum. Me.OW.

I first saw Ellen Burstyn in The Last Picture Show when I was but a lassie; it ran regularly on television B.C. (before cable). Based on a 1966 Larry McMurtry novel, The Last Picture Show was the story of two teenage boys, best friends, in a small Texas town (I cringe to include the phrase "coming-of-age", but it's no cliche here).

Have you not seen it? Promise me you'll click right over to Amazon and buy it (for the low low price of $11.49!)... right after you finish reading this, of course. The cast is full of great actors young and old, giving among the best performances of their careers, and it's arguably the best work of Peter Bogdanovich's directing career. Ellen evoked a haunting portrayal of Lois Farrow, the wealthy, alcoholic, former beauty, coping with the consequences of her choices and pushing her daughter to choose differently; and earned an Oscar nom for it.

A sitcom called "Alice" ran on television for about 10 years in the '70s and '80s. I was vaguely aware that it was based on a film, but I was grown up and the sitcom was off the air before I saw "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore", starring Ellen as Alice Hyatt, the widow who revives her dream of becoming a singer, and drags her son along with her. It's a 1974 Martin Scorsese film, and need I really describe it further than that? (Again - hold your horses, you can watch the movie when we're DONE here.)

Ellen gave an Oscar-winning performance as a woman attempting to sort out the chaos of her life, brave enough to change direction mid-course, perhaps not quite brave enough to trust in a relationship again. Burstyn and Scorsese succeeded in reflecting the challenge middle-aged American women were currently facing in incorporating the radical changes of the second wave of the feminist movement into their lives. It's a dramatic, funny, emotional story, about relationships, mainly. Kris Kristofferson (there's a nominee for the Royal Rebel court) played Ellen's love interest, and a 12-year old Jodie Foster appeared in an eye-opening, kinda hilarious supporting role.

More attention deserves to be paid to Ellen's acting career and its numerous related honors and awards (5 Oscar noms! The Tony! Emmy noms! First woman elected President of Actors' Equity! Artistic director of the Actors' Studio! Starring role in the Exorcist! ...ahhh, I give up), but this is KJ's blog, and I'd rather not overstay my welcome... Ellen's work as an actress is enough to ensure her a place in the Other Queen Royal Court, but the authenticity of spirit behind her work has also pushed her to new and interesting non-acting-related places that she has seen fit to share...

Unmasked
"As we grow up--I’m sure it’s true for men also, but I don’t really know about that--women want to please. And we develop a false face that says, “I am what you’re looking for, I am what you want me to be, I am pleasing to you, I am a good girl.” So the process of becoming yourself is a process of mask removal, letting them fall away until your own face shines through."
-Ellen Burstyn

An upbringing in the Catholic church apparently was not enough to feed Ellen's soul (hello, me!), nor was a long period of psychoanalysis (no matter what Woody Allen says about it). She spent several years studying Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, and by the mid-70s had settled into practicing Sufism, and in fact, reaching the status of a Sufi minister. She continues this practice today, illuminating her work with her ongoing journey toward inner transformation.

In 1999, Ellen undertook a spiritual retreat. We're not talking about sitting in a temple and ohm-ing. Ellen followed the practice of the Zen Peacemakers' Street Retreats, and lived on the streets of New York City for three days with no money or possessions. She wrote about it in her memoir "Lessons In Becoming Myself".

"I did the street retreat because I was so afraid of it. I could physically feel how much fear I had about being away from my comfort zone, my bed, and especially not having any identity. The whole idea of begging was terrifying. The first time I did it, I had to a cross a street to a restaurant with tables outside. Two women were eating there and I decided to approach them. As I walked toward them, I felt like I was crossing over some line that I had consciously never known was there. I was purposefully stepping through my ego to experience what was on the other side. I approached the women and simply asked, 'Excuse me, but I need a dollar for the subway. Could either of you spare a dollar?' The woman closest to me reached into her pocket and handed me a dollar without taking her eyes off her companion's face. I said 'Thank you' and walked away. I felt a strange pride that I had really accomplished something, but then enormous sadness as I realized that neither of the women had looked at me. I had got what I needed, but I had been disregarded, I had not been seen."

How many of us would have the courage to do that? To have the compassion to literally put ourselves in the shoes of those people in our society who have the very least? To see living on the street as a spiritual practice?

Offenses of Otherness:

**Gets more work as a middle-aged woman and senior citizen than most actresses under 30**

**Practices a religion related to Islam and little-known in western culture**

**Chose to experience life as a homeless person**

Ellen's actions brought home to me a new awareness of the people I walk by every day. For the past ten years, I've had my own spiritual practice going. I look at homeless people, whether or not I give them money. I look them in the eye. I acknowledge their request. I acknowledge their presence, their humanity. I see myself in them, and them in me. And while Ellen's performances have touched me, this personal, spiritual experience she shared has truly affected who I am. In every one of Ellen's photographs or films, I see her wearing her crown from the Court of Other Queens.

Thanks for shoving over on the couch and making room for me, KJ ;) For those of you jonesing for some Kristen lurve, I know KJ will serve it up soon. Although Kristen has donned her NinjaStew disguise, knowing she can go about her business undisturbed makes me happy. This week's playlist is all NOLA-inspired, in honor of the reigning Other Queen - enjoy!

And in The End, the love you take...

Nothing can bring you peace but yourself

~Emerson

So, I'm writing this having no idea how long it will be, or how much I will say. I've started writing this while in my current city of residence, but am finishing it up right now in my hometown...I'm here for yet another childhood bestie's wedding and a few other  family celebrations. I'll be spending some time with a couple gals of the KSIBTU Crew, and a couple of my Sisters and Readers as well. This week has been a tremendously challenging one for different reasons. For starters, I am in the final days before launching my "magical little practice,  making the leap of faith and taking a risk based solely on the rightness of a feeling. I am following my pathway to bliss, a pathway opened up quite unexpectedly, through my writing of Musings and enjoying my place in the Kristen Stewart Fandom. Have any of you started your own business before? I'm positive some of you readers have because, I may be biased, but I happen to think the readers of Musings are the most intelligent, thoughtful, funny and creatively rebellious lot among the fandom. You're Kristen Stewart fans! Of course you've gone and built something from the ground up, and probably with your bare hands...and while blindfolded! Like McGyver, you just need a tiny clothespin spring and some chewing gum and you've made a time machine or some shit. Seriously, you guys are that brilliant. Anyway...I'm appealing to you entrepreneurs, rabble rousers and pioneers when I say: I'm quaking in nervous excitement, but I'm still pushing onward.

Another reason why this week proved interesting is that Kristen has again immersed herself in work, this time, the filming locale being the beautiful Argentina, and there have been no public sightings of her. Well, there were the Argentinean airport sightings, announcing her arrival with her On the Road  costars Garret and Sam...and some pretty happy airline employees.

I know, man. 

You totally fanboy'ed after she walked away.

Another difficulty (a fly in the chardonnay) surfaced this week, one we've addressed before, but quite honestly, we shall continue to revisit...It's what we do here on Team Other...we  address and attempt to deconstruct reasons for Other-Hunting and Other-bashing. Specifically in this case: The absolute bleakness and misery poured into tearing our Other Queen Kristen down. And Homie Don't Play That.

Call and Response 

We could not possibly understand the scrutiny that Kristen and Rob or Kristen and her family are under. Not unless we are Kristen and her beloveds. I at least, will be the first to inform you, that unfortunately I am not Ms Kristen Jaymes Stewart. The majority of us have only had a glimpse (what, a four minute  interview on an “entertainment news” show at the most?) into who Kristen may be when she’s not playing a character. Perhaps some of us have made it to the barricades at one of her movie premieres, received her autograph, or had a picture taken with her, but we do not know her. 

So when I see commenters posting on public boards pertaining to Kristen and/or Rob, making statements reflecting Kristen and Rob’s preferences or moods; or regarding how Kristen and Rob will act or should act, I get extremely frustrated. I skimmed over a blogger’s  (who shall remain anonymous) thoughts today in an article written  in which she calls Kristen “miserable”, “spoiled and bratty” and acting “bipolar”.

 NEEDLE SCRATCHES ACROSS THE RECORD TURNTABLE

I don’t even want to give anymore energy to this ridiculousness. It appears, wonderfully, enough, for every maliciously-intended thought injected into the world, there are three times as many positive, loving responses to counter it. Check some of the delightful ripostes lobbed back from the always lovely RoseSee, the refreshingly intelligent Opytaylor and the witty folks over at LetterstoRK.  

I will add this: Everyone is entitled to their opinion, absolutely. Everyone has the right to like or dislike whatever/whomever they want, that is not the disputed issue. However, to publicly spout off baseless charges about Kristen Stewart, a 20-year-old girl with whom this anonymous, female blogger has no personal relationship, but to also make mood disorder diagnoses  (an incorrect one at that) is obscenely uninformed and irresponsible. I get to comment on this piece of the article, because guess what?? It so happens that I am a mood disorder diagnostician, and that blogger had no clinical grounds upon which to base her charges. And until she produces a license to practice psychotherapy to back up her "observations" she tries pass off as truth, or, evidence indicating that the writer personally is an expert on Bipolar Disorder, then I easily dismiss this "article" and toss it on the pile with every other vile, inaccurate, sensationalizing "entertainment" article produced. *dusts hands*

I also am a bit puzzled at some of the hypocrisy of Kristen and Roberts' "supporters" that becomes apparent, "quiet", NinjaStew time periods...like now. What part of “privacy” is hard to understand? What part of “I’m not going to talk about my personal life” does not make sense? How does being recognizable equate to Kristen and Rob deserving the scrutiny and invasion of their personal solitude (as some Assclowns and Bullshit People have reasoned)? Kristen has repeatedly and consistently informed interviewers that she will not divulge information about her private life. Anyone who is close to Kristen and Rob do not share discretionary information. The ones that do, perhaps aren’t exactly “close” are they? Not if they blatantly disregard Kristen’s or Rob's express wishes. People claiming to be “insiders” aren’t really all that “insider-y” if they make public statements on public discussion boards and twitter timelines, in my opinion. And “friends” of Kristen and Rob, who know how valuable freedom from interference is to the pair, certainly would never draw more attention to themselves. 

I am not at all surprised that Kristen and Rob are aware of what is being said about them. Rob has referred to the internet “journalists” as “little nerds, behind their little computers, on their little blogs".  These “little nerds” throw out defamations, or start petty rumors, purport in-fighting and spread damage without assuming any responsibility. 

This is what I want to address. The process of being accountable in what you put out there into the world, into this fandom. In previous Musings we’ve discussed looking in the mirror, the very real concept of coexistence; also, The Golden Rule, and even karma. In light of what we saw with an un-famous anonymous writer presenting an article filled with insults and disproportionate double standards and contradictions not only in her own writing, but in her worship of only one half of the Rob-and-Kristen partnership, there will be a counter response three, four or five-fold (or more). That's another reason to love the KStew and Rob supporters out there. The Other Brigade is composed of fiercely loyal, soulful, passionate players. It is beautiful to witness. Do you know who leads the charge in defending Kristen? That would be the "deliciously handsome" Robert. 

Rob says: I heart Kristen. Hard.


And because I can, I'm putting another Rob picture up ...and GOOD GAH, MAN! This is an outtake from AnOTHER Man...How perfect is that title?

So who do you suppose is Robert's Number One Defender?  Oh that's right. . .

Y'all best back up.  

She's already sinking into a Crouching Tiger-
NinjaStew Stance

Do not think for one minute that a singular attack on one of them does not effect the other. As evident in bonded relationships, if one partner is assailed, the other one is also adversely effected. Defense mechanisms crop up and evolutionary instincts kick in. Rob will and has consistently kept Kristen's emotional and physical well-being among the forefront of his priorities; Kristen will and has consistently encouraged Rob's confidence in self-preservation, self-presentation and in decision-making. Realize how intertwined they are. That's why not only is this a Kristen-supporting forum, but it's a support of all Others and of essential, integral members in Kristen's life, including Robert. 

Lastly, before I move on to highlight the Royal Rebels this week, I wanted to share with you an experience that involves you and highlights the idea of accountability, call and response, counterbalancing any obstacles with optimism and support. Last Thursday, while I was writing Musings, I encountered two pieces of news that rocked my world. Without going into great  detail, I can tell you that there was a challenge to my union with my sweet husband N, at the same time that I learned my very tentative financial situation had simply been obliterated, due to circumstances outside of my control. I was slammed twice with these two extremely important situations in the middle of  Publishing Day. I fell apart. I staved off panic, though  barely. I paced. I muttered. Though, for once, in that moment, I did not cry, which tends to be my default emotion. 


What did I do? I turned to my Cyber Sisters, my KSIBTU Crew, my 3D besties. I used my words, sent out a brief email asking for a moment of their time so I can vent, cry and brainstorm a plan of action. And because the blessings that Kristen Stewart brought me manifested in the forms of real life people who have become sisters, friends, confidantes, readers who give honest feedback, messengers of support and light...they responded to my call. Again, for every obstacle or challenge thrown out there, a positive, encouraging counterbalancing force will also emerge. Yin and Yang. I instantly began receiving emails, IMs, texts and tweets from people all over the world. My Possum Besties Ophelia and Justice spearheaded the efforts to send love and encouragement my way my reminding me about self-care and slowing my roll, and the beautiful, brilliant ProRobsten organized a sort of fundraiser in order to support this Other Queen in Training, to keep me from being evicted and  to keep the private practice's opening day for September 1. They wanted me to know they encouraged my efforts to blissfully dance in the bubbles, and help me shoulder some of the costs involved in opening the "Magical Little Practice". And they didn't want me to step back from writing Musings, which I would have, in order to try and make ends meet. 

Without even knowing it, @P_lever had sent me this picture in honor of Other and as a reminder to persevere... just a couple days before I was hit double-time by emotional and financial tornados. And the brilliant and beautiful @kate_suena sent me a care package, really, the mother of all care packages, not even knowing how impeccable her timing was:

chocolates, maple candies, KSIBTU Crew artwork, 

coffee=Therapy

My Cyber Sisters and Readers sent DMs, emails and cards which began arriving (are still arriving) within the next day, which included paypal funds, personal checks and words of encouragement and strength...and love. Reminders of why I needed to move forward. Some of the messages sent read something like this...and excuse me a moment while I sniffle...

"Because Others and Misfits in your city need your guidance towards empowerment..."

"Because you are helping me embrace my Other and teach my daughter to embrace hers..."

"Because it would devastate people if you stopped writing Musings..." 

"Because Kristen and Rob need their allies in fighting the good fight..."

You can see what my favorite thing about receiving mail has been, right? Not the monetary piece (although that is so nice, and I won't have to resort to prostitution now, thank the Goddess). I am overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief. But stunned into movement, because I have been kicking ass and taking names starting with the government office who forgot to pay me in the first place. I've been able to spend some time with N this week, going to the movies, laughing, re-enacting The Nuzzle  (which I think will be my Rapper name)... Things are improving.  I am able to still put together pieces and address the tension with N while also following the blissful, Creative Life... It's what is issued forth that is returned...sometimes ten-fold. Seek to counterbalance the hatred out there. Seek to truly see that when Kristen is happy, Rob is happy. Or if you're more concerned about his happiness, know that he is truly content when his partner Kristen is as well. Please don't tear her down anymore. Don't destroy role models for Awkwardness, Rebelliousness, Otherness...they're  so rare these days. 

Featured Royal Rebel: Heath Ledger

Oh. My. I personally believe this man is an angel. His warm, glowing spirit seemed to emanate from his pores. It was impossible not to stare at him when he was on screen. If I had seen him on the street, I wouldn't have been surprised to see him floating. Heath Ledger shares many of the qualities of Otherness that Kristen does: painful shyness, an over-analytical mind, impossible dedication to learning the undercurrent of a character's consciousness; nervousness, a seeker of "home, " a seeker of answers.
Born in Perth, Australia, Heath was born to a teacher mother and a race-car driver father. He was always insatiably curious: he was a chess champion and starring in school plays at age 10, and he graduated from high school by the time he was 16. He decided he wanted to become an actor at that time and pursued roles in Australian television shows, landing his first role in Sweat in which he portrayed a gay cyclist; and Ship to Shore.  I first laid eyes on him in the 1999 Movie "10 Things I Hate About You" and I was intrigued with his obvious tender heart, and of course that ridiculously sexy Australian accent.

After several notable roles in movies such as The Patriot, Monster's Ball, Lords of Dogtown and A Knight's Tale, it was the heartbreakingly poetic role of Ennis in the film Brokeback Mountain that elevated Heath's already-acclaimed acting abilities to a completely new level of the craft. Legendary actors such as Sean Penn and Daniel Day-Lewis bestowed praise on Heath's performance, and the role garnered him two acting awards including the New York Film Critics Circle award. Later, he would win the Academy Award posthumously for the most renowned role of his career, as The Joker in The Dark Knight. He was only 28 when he died from a "toxic-combination of prescription medications". We were the same age. While he is remembered for his sweet spirit and his unparalleled acting abilities still with undeveloped potential, he was also known for his personal quirks and behaviors. He had a very tentative relationship with Australian paparazzi, and when he became a father in 2005, Heath was extremely cautious and weary of journalists who would venture too close to his daughter and his fiancee actress Michelle Williams. He admittedly struggled with anxiety while on stage, which often would manifest in giggles (and he would be bashed and criticized for it)  and would often delve so deeply into research of his character, that he struggled for years with insomnia. He was unable to "stop thinking...I couldn't stop my mind from running", he reported. At his untimely death, Heath's performance in the Dark Knight earned him popular and critical accolades from esteemed colleagues and critics. He was referred to as "one of the very best actors of his generation". 

Offenses of Otherness:

Analytical mind hindering the ability to verbalize feelings

Willingly "looks into the abyss" of the darkness in roles

Unwaveringly dedicated to the protection of his private life

Reigning Other Queen: Kristen Stewart

Our Other Queen has been very busy in Montreal and now Argentina in her work for  Francis Ford Coppola's film adaptation of On the Road.  Director Walter Salles has revealed that the first portion of filming has wrapped to his satisfaction, due in large part to the 'excellent cast' who shares a passion and drive to make the movie. Early reviewers of the updated script and screenplay have claimed that not only is it "wise" to have Kristen cast in the role as the precocious, sexual, free-spirited nymph Marylou, but that in addition to the script,  she is one of the exceedingly "talented actors" to excitedly anticipate in this film. 

While she is away filming On the Road, Eclipse is still earning box office millions, location scouts are surveying potential filming locales for Breaking Dawn, and Kristen's name is attached to at least two other film projects in the works after Breaking Dawn wraps, projected March 2011. Despite her critics and the Other-Hunters constantly circling Our Queen, she still manages to appear poised, unruffled and genuine. She was named The Queen of Awkward by DailyMotion (Fist-Pump in celebration for this honor, KStew!) this week with flattering commentaries by comedians and journalists completely stunned by the good fortune of having someone "so beautiful and so awkward" combined in one girl. Queen of Awkward Video HERE. This clip features one of my favorite Queen Kstew Moments: The dropping-and-breaking of the MTV Movie Award on stage...

drop it like it's hot, baby girl

And if I hadn't been already, I would have fallen in love here.

With this Awkward Lovely

Offenses of Otherness:

Analytical mind hinders her ability to express what she means

Willingly "looks into the abyss" in the characters she plays

Unrelenting dedication to the protection of her private life

...Is equal to the love you make

Because I realized that being vulnerable in my dark times, brought to me light, strength and comfort beyond what I have ever known, I am still an Other Queen-in-Training.

Because Heath would giggle when he became nervous and  inaccurately express his feelings in interviews due to his over-analytical mind, he will always be remembered as a Royal Rebel.

Because she is happy being an uncovah lovah, and is crowned Queen of Awkward while she isn't even on the same continent as her electors, Kristen is our Reigning Other Queen.

Heath will always be Other.

Kristen is Other.

Others answer the call for balance

with light, encouragement and optimism.
Ten-fold.

Embrace your Other. 

Question: Are you aware of the intentions you put out into the world? 

A/N: Totally UnBeta'd guys, as if you didn't see that already. Bear with me as you stumble upon typos or duplicated words. I literally started this at 2AM this morning, wrote some more at 5AM before I hopped a plane down south. Finished it here in my childhood home, hours after I had hoped. Don't blame my pre-readers Bouffant, Cynically Convy or Buff82 for any shittastic fuckery you see here, blame only MOI. Thanks to the usual suspects. Thanks to the most amazing friends and sisters and readers who reached out and gave some comfort and love when I was stumbling around broken. Mad love to Iris, Buff, CC, Crystal, Kate, Brenda, CWQ and Julie for sending me words of encouragement that brought me to tears. Special shout outs to Tebby, Ophelia2010, Justice_Aussie, and ProRobsten for organizing a "Save The Loopy Therapist" Campaign...words cannot convey. Thanks to KStewartFan for the lovely Kristen pictures, per usual, and to the aforementioned bloggers Rose, Dano/Opy and LetterstoRK as linked above, for answering the call for balance, with light and encouragement. Special thanks to my Practice's business manager Puss who took a big hit for the team but emerged triumphant with me. Onward to Bliss...See you all Next Thursday. xo, Kj

A Musings Moment

Well, hello there, lovelies. Happy Monday. Its 3:30AM where I am, and while I should be sleeping, I am awake since I slept away the day in a flu-haze. Yes, it's true. For the weekend, I was in pj's, sipping chicken soup and reading fan fic in between fever spikes. When I awoke tonight after my three and a half hour nap, I thought two things:  1.)  Oh my Jeebus, these new pictures of Rob, a favorite and future featured Rebel Royal, are going to be the death of me:

I used to love hammocks. Now I lust for hammocks. 

I'd say the new haircut is working out all righty, then, yes? gulp. 

And 2.) I think I may need to watch myself, for I'm a little in love with Cold and Flu Medications. Ahem.  *Insert Announcer's voice: The subject of gratuitous over-the-counter drug usage is not appropriate for time or place. Moving. on*

So this isn't a full vintage KJ Musing session, where you have to take bathroom and stretch breaks as you plow through. This is just a little moment, what have you, while I share with you what I foresee this week inspiring. I am doing this little Musings Moment for a few reasons:

Firstly a lovely lady from the UK whom I adore writes me and says,"Obvs no pressure. But I kinda love your blog. When will you update again?" 


I facepalmed a minute because I realized that I hadn't told YOU lovelies what my writing schedule is, despite the fact that I've held myself to one for several weeks now. Bear with me, I've only been doing this for three weeks. Please accept my apologies for my idiocy in not communicating some of these details earlier. So, flashback to the tee shirt (i.e. entire reason for Musings On Other's Existence) that I told you about in the first essay:

Kj Is Other. 

And then envision another tee shirt to reflect my favorite day of the week:

Thursday Is Other. 

So Thursday is my intended weekly update day. Groovy? My original plan was to write once a week, highlight a new Royal Rebel, and talk a little about life, love, unconventional beauty and KStew. So far, three entries in, I've done all right. The mind-numblingly flattering response received so far for Musings On Other, however, has nearly rendered me speechless. I said "nearly". Let's not get ahead of ourselves. 

A second reason I wanted to post something today, is to empty my poor head out, and put the brainstorm on paper. This week, while already brimming with legendary promise (um, a little movie called Eclipse is premiering, and the cast is on Jimmy Kimmel), has been ripe with teachable moments in my real life--I am reveling in the power of women's friendships, conversation and motivation to dance in the bubbles and follow the bliss. Also, our Reigning Other Queen Kristen has just killed the Eclipse promo tour, with her fashion choices, her poise, and her generosity with fans. I actually have too much to talk about! And we all know how long my musings can go, even when I'm focused!  So this Thursday, I'll most likely pay homage to Kristen Stewart's fashion promo ownership and fashion steeze:

Doesn't this look like the picture that comes in the frames when you buy them?

Oscar. de. la. Renta.  C'mon! 

I'll also probably talk a little about Kristen's unbelievable generosity when interacting with fans. Her critics, The Bullshit People, as she and we deemed them in the last essay, have charged Kristen with being unfriendly, ungracious and standoffish towards her fans. Not according to this jewel of a video:

I see a generous, sensitive girl who went out of her way to meet and speak with fans who waited days for her in Berlin. Did you see her running away from her car, towards the fans, almost shyly, as if she knew she would get admonished for it?  Did you see her do it anyway? uh. huh. OTHER QUEEN in the hizzouse.

A third reason for this Musings Moment (though, yes, I realize I've blown past "momentary" about 10 minutes ago. I'm wrapping up, swears), is to say that I'm excited about some potential contributions occurring in the near future. My beta and dear friend Bouffant00 is a brilliant writer and researcher. And in following her bliss, and embracing her Other, she is writing a piece for Musings about Other Queens Forgotten...Rebels of Yore. I'm very excited to see what B comes up with, because some of the Other Queens she's considered? legend...In the same league as one Ms Joan Jett, even. Also, though she hasn't completely agreed yet, I am hoping soon to create a collaborative Musings post, a conversation if you will, with the luminous CC of @KStewsBtrthanU regarding following our bliss and encountering Queen KStew's many gifts along the journey. Lots of loveliness ahead, that's all I'm saying.

Until Thursday, please continue to enjoy the onslaught that is the RobP0rn, and Eclipse Promo footage. Kristen and Taylor are wrapping up their international tour in Sweden as I write this. Set your DVR's for Wednesday's Kimmel Special Eclipse Show:

And please keep coming up with awesome synonyms for OTHER that do not indicate WRONG. 
Some favorites you've come up with:

Misfit   Rebel   Eccentric   Free   Hellion    Brave   Quirky

Keep 'em coming, keep 'em coming. 

I am Other.

Thursday is Other.

Kristen is Other.

Embrace your Other.