All Things Fashionating by tracy mausser

Tracy & Jason in Athens   "People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life..." — Elizabeth Gilbert ( Eat, Pray, Love )

 Thirteen years ago today, I married the love of my life.   Little did I know that, when I arrived in the Los Angeles area for a "vacation" after graduating from college, I would meet the man of my dreams; Although, when we first met, it was hate at first sight. Three days after my 24th birthday, I made the trek from my mother's house in New Mexico to visit a girlfriend who was living in Redondo Beach, Calif.  The day after I arrived, she took me down to 16th Street beach in Hermosa.  Her boyfriend -- who had lived in Southern California before moving back to Jersey -- had introduced her to a group of volleyball players.  I was blown away by the vast beauty of Hermosa Beach (aka Beautiful Beach in Spanish).  It had a very different vibe than I was used to and the people that I met that day were very friendly.  Almost a little too friendly. While laying out on my beach towel, a guy named Jason laid down in front of me clo...

When I was a little girl in the '70s, I had a transistor radio -- which only got AM stations -- next to my bed.  Every night, I would fall asleep listening to the soothing songs of soft rock.  One night in particular, I remember being wrapped up in my covers like a cozy cocoon, half in a dream state, when Minnie Ripperton's "Lovin' You" came on the radio.  In my memory, the words to that song were so soothing and the high octaves that she hit were like honey to my ears -- even at 5 years old.  The memory of soft white mist and lots of lattice were prominent in my mind.  Well, it was 1975 and I had a vivid imagination. As I got older, "Lovin' You" was always my favorite song.  As a teenager, I made a declaration that on my wedding day, this would be the song that I danced  to with my new husband.  Well, my dream did come true and I want to share my favorite song with you. Lovin' You Lovin' you is easy cause yo...

If you live in Los Angeles, the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale starts today.  Located  downtown LA at the Convention Center, South Hall you will find 50-75% off retail prices on selections of the finest designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children as well as gifts for the home. The sale starts today Saturday, Aug. 13 and runs thru Sunday, Aug. 21 – Weekends 10am to 7pm, Weekdays 10am to 8pm. Located at the Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall/Area K, 1201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA  90014; Phone: 310-777-5700. Happy Shopping!

Due to my mom's visit, I will be taking a little break from my blog.  I will return soon and share many more fashionating things. See you next week! Til then, Tracy

My Mom and I Today is my sweet mother’s birthday and we have the good fortunate to celebrate it together. Yesterday, I picked up Kathy Murch, my Mom, from the airport so she could spend a week with us here in sunny Southern California.  Since her birthday and Shane’s are only a few weeks apart, she usually comes in August, so we can celebrate both of them together.  Shane always thinks of it as his birthday too and we always do something super fun. Tracy, Shane & Kathy Seeing her with Shane brings back memories of my own youth. My Mom had me when she was super young, and then her and my dad split when I was about 5 years old.  So it has always been my mom and I – just like Bonnie and Clyde. When I was really little, she worked as a waitress and bartender to make ends meet.  But, when I was in junior high school, she decided that she wanted to go to college to become a nurse.  It was not an easy time for her; She went to school full-time and the...

Last week, my husband Jason and I were discussing an upcoming dinner party we were hosting.  I said we had a lot to do to prepare but, on that night, I was just going to come home from work and relax.  Jason said that, with my illness, it would be impossible since I don’t know how to relax.  We both laughed. I admit that I have a tendency to be very detail-oriented, a bit anal, and over-all controlling about certain aspects of my life. Jason and I always joke that I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but, after researching, I realize that is not my angst-filled malady.  If I were to self-diagnose myself, I think Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) would be my stigma of choice.  And that one word – PERSONALITY – does indeed make a huge difference. OCD is characterized by disturbing thoughts that cause uneasiness, apprehension, fear or worries in a person in which repetitive behaviors help reduce anxiety.  Extreme examples of this woul...