…When something/someone catches your eye, makes you look twice and takes your breath away. Whether created by the human or the nature, beauty is all around us. Yet, what is beautiful to someone may not be to another, the old cliché of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” remains true. – Prima Dona, United States.

Beauty is…

…Undefinable- at least physical beauty is. Physical beauty comes in all shapes, colors and sizes. But inner beauty is never- changing: Generosity of spirit, kindness, and empathy. These qualities are never changing and they are what can make a person once considered plain all of a sudden appear gorgeous. The lack of these qualities also can take a physically beautiful person and make them ugly. I have experienced both sides of this coin on multiple occasions: A person I initially thought was drop dead gorgeous becomes ugly as the void of character is revealed. And a person that I initially thought plain and uninteresting becomes uniquely beautiful because of their good spirit. I chose Angelina Jolie for this challenge because she inhabits both: She is arguably the most beautiful woman in the world and is also one of the most giving. I found this quote of hers and thinks it encapsulates her inner beauty perfectly : “We cannot close ourselves off to information and ignore the fact that millions of people are out there suffering. I honestly want to help. I don’t believe I feel differently from other people. I think we all want justice and equality, a chance for a life with meaning. All of us would like to believe that if we were in a bad situation someone would help us.”
—Jolie on her motives for joining UNHCR in 2001 – Ameerah26, United States.

Beauty:

“Has her beauty caused you to ignore
Things you condemn other people for?”
(Philinte, The Misanthrope, Peter deLaurier Adaptation)
“How can someone with such beauty be devoid of any morality?”
(Alceste, The Misanthrope, Martin Crimp Adaptation)

It is great that the Project Definition word of the week is BEAUTY because I just recently watched the rehearsals of a new comedy, The Misanthrope, in which one of the main characters, Jennifer, uses her beauty to charm and captivate people around her but in the end loses the one person who really loves her for who she is.

I am not a vain person but I do believe that beauty can be powerful and influential. There is a reason cosmetic companies spend millions of dollars on ad campaigns using the most beautiful and popular movie stars. BEAUTY SELLS!

However, BEAUTY, is also very subjective. What is beautiful to someone maybe not be to others and on the flipside, what is ugly to some maybe beautiful to others. Now that I am older and wiser, I realize that most people (including men, surprisingly actually find kindness and generosity more attractive than long shiny hair and perfect cheekbones!

My look is inspired by the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite /Venus, of course! – Historie Girl, United Kingdom.

Beauty is…

…I will forever love this saying..in the eye of the beholder.

Nothing else has ever been truer.

Case in point, model Lara Stone, the “It Girl” in modeling right now. A true beauty with faults… – HarperLeo, United States.

Beauty:

“People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (Quoted by Miss Bea Heyvin, United States)

Beauty is…

…Every woman is beautiful her way, beauty is such a subjective term. It really is in the eye of the beholder. To me I say “she’s beautiful !” when I take my time to know the person, beauty is beyond the looks, it’s a bare face with a smile and beautiful soul that shines through, it’s confidence humbleness simplicity and humor. – Badrouchka, Morocco.

Beauty is…

…Something that exudes from the inside out. Beauty is seen through the soul. It’s unseen trait recognized and illuminated causing the heart and soul to glow. – Fashion Nerd, United States.

Beauty is…

…Harmony. IMO the true beauty could come only from within.
To me the truly beautiful woman is Christy Turlington. She’s a person that brings harmony and beauty in the world around her. She’s a whole. Not just she got “beautiful face” or legs or earlobes. Don’t try to dissect beauty. Everything about her is the “beauty”. – Bella Donna, Russia.

Beauty:

~ People are like stained glass windows — the true beauty can be seen only when there is light from within. The darker the night, the brighter the windows ~

~ A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness. ~ John Keats

~ The most important thing I teach my kids is that you can’t put your value in looks. Presence is based upon magnitude. You can pretend to have an air about you but it is quickly deflated, but you cannot deflate presence. Presence walks into a room and surrounds and fills anything that’s in that room without trying to demand it, it takes it. It can come from a smile. Like I said, love makes you beautiful. What is beautiful radiates. ~ Terrence Howard (Quoted by Jen1987, United States)

Beauty is…

I wanted to create a look that had layers to reflect the duality of beauty, but was subtle enough to also go unseen, like inner beauty.

The image is by Australian photographer Bill Henson whose work i personally find beautiful.

Beauty is an unripened twilight sky, not yet awoken to the harsh call of the morning.
Beauty is the person who makes you feel as light as air.
Beauty is a line of the most perfect poetry.
Beauty is the empathy one has for other’s plights.
Beauty is the person one trusts when they store a paranoid heart.
Beauty is painful.
Beauty is having belief in your own self and your moral choices.
Beauty is truth, harsh edges and all, which soften as the subject moves closer to epiphany.
Beauty is bodiless.
Beauty is fleeting.
Beauty is lost. – Allie Harriet, Australia.

Beauty:

…The pursuit of beauty is often thought shallow, yet I disagree. Beauty brings joy to the soul – One who can find beauty in the simplest or most unusual things in life is truly blessed indeed. A painting that takes your breath away; a dress that makes your heart flutter; a random act of kindness – There are limitless sources of beauty in this World, just waiting for us to marvel at them – Some are blessed with ‘classically’ beautiful features, but there is beauty to be found in everyone and everything, and beauty brought from the obscure is the most fascinating and wonderful beauty of all. – Leah B. Designs, United Kingdom.

Thanks to all the fabulous ladies who have participated in this challenge.

…These two people. They are my family, and they mean absolutely everything to me. I believe that people who come from a happy family try to replicate that when they start their own. The once who are not so lucky and have not had a great family life growing up strive for perfection. I know I do. My look represents the times I enjoy with my family most, like going on a hike or spending a day at the beach. – Prima Dona, United States.

Family:

…I have a very unorthodox family, but I still find a comfort in doing certain things with them that I normally wouldn’t with others. Family is laughing together, honesty, vulnerability, a desire to be good, feasting, and puppies of course! All that being said, family isn’t necessarily related by blood. The idea of family is versatile and sometimes I feel like I’m closer to my family of friends or boyfriend than with my actual folks. – Dolores Haze, United States.

Family is…

…Turkey, roaring fires, everyone round the dining table, christmas trees. I could go on as to what family means to me, but at this time of year, I think it’s best put by the lyrics of the Christmas Song.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa’s on his way;
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you… – Miss Nifty, United States.

Family is…

…A basic social unit. I can remember how many times my sociology professor would repeat this clinical definition that I think he just completely lost touch of what family really means.

For me a family is sacred. It is where human beings are born into, nurtured and raised. Much of a person’s influence and values growing up come from their family.

It is the strongest bond that exists. When you lose contact with friends, they become mere acquaintances and sometimes just a distant memory. But when you lose contact with family, they will still be your father, mother, brother, sister, etc.

I am lucky to have a nice loving family, albeit dysfunctional sometimes. So when people say you can choose your friends but not your family, well I will never choose another family over mine — EVER! Love you guys!

My inspiration for this look is the extraordinary Mitford Sisters. Despite their political differences, they were still, at the end of the day, a FAMILY. – Historie Girl, United Kingdom.

Family:

Family. I’ve given much thought to this and how to define it. Many would look at the illustrations of Norman Rockwell and assume that this is the example to attain. But, the question that keeps rattling around in my head is, ‘Who is my brother’? And although I have a nuclear family with all it’s joy and dysfunction, there is a family of man just outside my window that I am compelled to care about and embrace. To do that will require a concentrated effort on my part…and begs the question, do I really want to leave the comforts of home.

“The great city can teach something that no university by itself can altogether impart: a vivid sense of the largeness of human brotherhood, a vivid sense of man’s increasing obligation to man; a vivid sense of our absolute dependence on one another.” ~Seth Low (Miss Bea Heyvin, United States)

Family is…

…Anyone who loves you back. My extended family includes my friends. My look is inspired by a family picnic. – Jen1987, United States.

Family is…

…The glue that holds society together. Families are funny. They share secrets, see you at your worst, your best. A family gives you a definition: a mother, daughter, wife, son, father, sister, brother, husband. Your role is the most important job you have.

A family may be different in every way, but the love is still pure. A family should protect you, respect you, and give you the tools to be successful in life. They will judge you, gossip about you, treat you like crap, but in the end always be in your corner. – HarperLeo, United States.

Family is…

…What defines me, it’s part of my identity and one of the most important aspects of my life. As a child I always found comfort in hanging out with my parents, as a teenager I found identity when I used to step away from them and look for my independence, and now as an adult I find myself loving their mannerisms so much more. I thank them for the things they provided for me as a child, and I look forward to one day being that same source of strength they were to me in my young age. – Badrouchka, Morocco.

Family is…

…Something you create not something you are given. All immediate families have their dysfunctional qualities (some more than others) which push them apart or in some ways make them stronger, but I believe a family is bigger than the immediate nuclear unit. I consider my closest friends my family because they have loved and cared for me, without being related to me, they have seen me at my best and worst and never stopped (or maybe sometimes briefly) being my friend – and my family. Family doesn’t care if you are having a bad day they comfort you. Family doesn’t care if you complain too much, they warn you. Family is there when you need them most, and my best friends are always there when I need them.

The wonderful thing about family is that, one day the process regenerates itself. All our friends break off and start their own families and we watch more friendships grow and create new bonds. Family is always changing, motile and moving. Family is what we make it. – Allie Harriet, Australia.

Family is…

…Your loved ones, the ones you care for the most, your everything. – Natural Born Styler, Greece.

Special thanks to all the fabulous ladies who participated in this challenge.

…To me, the best and most basic outfit that defines a man is a suit. A really really good suit. It smacks of masculinity and maturity.
The tie is optional because nothing beats a well-cut black suit and white shirt. I chose these cuff links because even with a ‘conventional’ outfit, it’s good to let a bit of personality shine through. And as some of you may know, I heart Tommy Lee Jones, so who better to model the outfit. – Miss Nifty, United States.

Man is…

…A friend… a boyfriend… a partner… a husband… a father… a son… a grandson… a grandfather… a brother …an uncle… a nephew. We could have one or most of the above and we are lucky to have them in our lives…no matter how perfect or imperfect they are. – Prima Dona, United States.

Man:

The moment I saw this challenge it immediately made me think of Hugh Jackman. Not just because of the obvious physical reasons, but because to me he is the quintessential man: He is a modern day Renaissance man who is not afraid to try new things. He is also a great father and husband who loves his family.He knows who he is and has a confidence that is never arrogant or cocky. I had the great fortune to meet Mr. Jackman earlier this month in New York and he was exactly what he he seems like: Jovial, friendly, gracious and yes, very tall and very hot! Man to me is someone who embodies all the things we love about the male species: Primal sex appeal, the love and need to protect, a genuine respect and for women, and confidence that comes not from how much money they make and what they own, but a true sense of self. – Ameerah26, United States.

Man:

…Their puzzle piece “A” is a lovely match for our puzzle piece “B”. – Powder Puff, United Kingdom.

Man is…

“Some men break your heart in two,
Some men fawn and flatter,
Some men never look at you;
And that cleans up the matter.”
-Dorothy Parker

A gentleman is simply a patient wolf. ~Lana Turner

It’s not the men in my life, it’s the life in my men. ~Mae West

Men are like a fine wine. They start out like grapes, and it’s our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d like to have dinner with. ~Author Unknown (Quoted by Jen1987, United States)

Man is…

…Masculine, strong and tough. – AudreySoh1.

Man is…

…This guy is MY definition of The MAN! – Natural Born Styler, Greece.

A man is…

…Not perfect, but nor are women.
A man is strong, confident, Byronic and sure of who he is and what he wants. He feigns interest in topics that don’t interest him to please you – and by default please himself – however, he is charming and sexy enough to get away with such a falsity. He is generous and intelligent and makes you laugh, he’s a little bit naughty (but that is required) and he says sorry when he needs to (even if he knows he is right). A man is always willing to compromise and he is not afraid of the ‘triple-threat’ (a woman who is smart, pretty and independent). – AllieHarriet, Australia.

Man:

…There is a french expression that says: ” Une main de fer, dans un gant de velour” that means ” A steel hand in a velvet glove” …That’s how a real man should be (and that’s how my man is ;p )… – Badrouchka, Morocco.

Man is…

…Easy, Simple, Loving, Sweet, Respectful, Nice, Romantic, all for one thing…sex, sex, and more sex! – HarperLeo, United States.

A man is…

…Someone who is not afraid just to wear a white tee. He is confident enough to be casual but still always appropriate. loyal but still a strong presence. traditional yet fresh. They know what is important in life. This is a true man, if only there were enough to go round. – Aribar2.

Men are…

…Complex in their simplicity, sort of how women are simple in their complexity. they like a woman as she is, adding fake things to her character is only masking, not removing. my boyfriend loves…

- my puppy and how i become like a child in her presence
- when my skin smells good and is soft
- my adoration for seinfeld
- when i wear comfortable shoes so i’m not complaining the whole day
- comfortable clothes that he can tell i move in with ease and pleasure
- a good cocktail and seeing me get a buzz
- candle smells

just to name a few – Dolores Haze, United States.

Men are…

…Like pumpkins. It seems like all the good ones are either taken or they’ve had everything scraped out of their heads with a spoon. – Miss Bea Heyvin, United States.

Man is…

…Someone who can stand by you. This picture means a lot to me. My man didn’t want to stand by me. He says, “Marry me” and then he hides. – Blondilicious.

Man:

…You get a call… He’ll be waiting at a certain bar. You put on your nicest lingerie and just your overcoat… You go into the dark night to meet him …. The one who gives you butterflies … Who makes you feel wild…. That’s my definition of a man. – Vicky1975, United Kingdom.

Man is…

…Mind-boggling! They have the ability to look dead sexy (day or night) with such little effort but women have to work hard to look like they didn’t even try. I’m merely focusing on clothing here, but I think that’s why the menswear trend is so popular, because all a guy has to do to stop our hearts, is step out in relaxed jeans and a v-neck tee, or for evening, it’s always a great tux. And I will admit to swooning over both the guy and their clothes, because the simple fact is I want the guy AND I want to be able to wear clothes like he does.
So my point is, Man is mind-boggling in his ability to make us want every aspect of his being inside and out….and don’t get me started on scruffy facial hair just making me swoon even more. SO not fair.

On a broader note, man is always the reason behind why we shiver…good and bad…and oh how we love the good

PS: This photo was a little something I put together in Photoshop…pretty self explanatory… – MashiaraQCS, United States.

Man:

There are so many things I can say about men. I really love them with all their sexiness and ruggedness.
Long hair, short hair, facial hair or clean cut. A man protects his family, wears boxer briefs , treats his woman like a queen, remembers the little things that make you happy, smells good, likes to cuddle and should be your best friend!! – Marsoline, United States.

Man:

“A Man is a person of opposite sex”
I lived with this ultra-sexist definition for many years.
My relationships were always dramatic. I was fighting with them. Even when I loved them I tried to conquer them or to tame them or to change them… I hated their egocentrism, stupid addictions, noisy sport activities, adrenalin rush, useless hobbies, idiotic womanizing…
My view of men has changed once and forever 2 years ago. I gave birth to a man. My son’s the best man I ever met. I enjoy every moment with him. Even such stupid things like holding hands, singing songs or walking on fallen leaves – are wonderful with him.
Now I know men much better. I think I learned to accept men just the way they are – Bella Donna, Russia.

Thanks to all the fabulous ladies who have participated in the challenge.

…Something or someone charismatic, influential, inspiring and, therefore, powerful. I picked the late Princess Diana as my icon. She was a mother, a philanthropist, a trendsetter, a true fairytale princess, an ICON. – Historie Girl, United Kingdom.

Icon is…

…The easiest one for me to define as I know exactly what it means. Today I’m very far from being an Orthodox. But there were moments in my life when I was standing in front of these adorned images waiting for some answers… – BellaDonna, Russia.

Icon:

…For this challenge I asked my 8th graders, What is an Icon? Here are the responses:

“Describes something to click on the computer”, Girl, 14
“A role model”, Girl, 13
“Someone important”. Boy, 14
“A symbol to represent a company”. Boy, 14
“Someone who’s known by everyone”. Girl, 15
“An idol”. Girl, 13
” A secret message.” Boy, 14
“Someone who is associated with a certain subject, for example, Neil Pearl is a drumming icon.” Boy, 14
“Someone who sets the standard.” Boy, 14
“Someone people follow, who sets trends and actions.” Girl, 13
“A religious image painted on a wall.” Boy, 14
“IDK.” Lots of them!!!

I hope you enjoy!!! I did a teenager outfit to compliment and Jay Z seems to be the biggest Icon they are ALWAYS talking about – HarperLeo, United States.

Icon is…

…Something unforgettable and one-of-a-kind, like Annie Hall. – Dame B.

Icon is…

…Something/someone you look up to, something/someone you hold in the highest esteem. For some they are religious icons and for others they are modern/pop icons. In this case the iconographer becomes the saint and goes from making icons to becoming one. The ultimate icon Andrei Rublev. – Prima Dona, United States.

Icon is…

…Someone who sets, invents and inspires instead of following; a symbol of creativity, originality and talent who stands out of the crowd and make their own statement. – Badrouchka, Morocco.

For me, an icon is…

…Someone that has a certain ‘je ne se quoi’, that indescribable something that makes them not only talented, but also relatable. It’s what they do and how they make you feel when they do it (be it singing, acting, etc). – Jen1987, United States.

Icon:

“I do not truly consider myself an icon, but the Cube has been quite successful.” ~Erno Rubik (Quoted by Miss Bea Heyvin, United States)

Icon is…

…Something or someone who is always in the spotlight. – Aribar2.

Icon is…

…Leading by being daring, being unique. Adding value and meaning to others life by making a difference! – Gabinsky, The Netherlands.

To me, an icon is…

…Pretty close to fame, even though it represents so much more, an icon can really be anything. i decided to represent its more literal sense with this outfit, something outgoing and fun and expensive looking, something that someone with a following would pull off effortlessly! like a grown up Eloise… – Dolores Haze, United States.

I think of an icon as…

…An image used to symbolize an idea. I see Andy Warhol’s Marilyn image as an icon of celebrity and fame, which links icons to people and people to fashion. Fashionable icons can be stars or celebrities which are very commonly seen in media. I think it’s interesting to think about the power, influence, and influx of icons in modern society. – AshleyAshley, United States.

The definition of an icon is…

…Someone who has not only withstood the test of time, but has influenced everyone that has come after. When you can with one glance recognize their influence- whether it be a song, a piece of clothing, or a haircut. – Ameerah26, United States.

Icon:

…Jane Birkin has been my number one style icon for as long as I can remember. While I do like to experiment with fashion and trends, I always find myself going back to the refined, neat, simple aesthetic that Jane Birkin epitomized. In my opinion, anyone who has an Hermes handbag named after them deserves the “Icon” title. Seriously. – Crimine, United States.

Icon is…

…Iman. I think she is so regal, stunning and she doesn’t age!!!She’s 54, a mother of three, was a supermodel, is a cosmetics entrepreneur, married to David Bowie, active supporter of charitable organizations such as Keep a Child Alive and maintains a positive public image.

I think she would look so hot in this outfit and since she’s a rocker’s wife I had to throw in some rocker’s boots to show she still can get her sexy on..LOL!! – Marsoline, United States.

Icon is…

Someone who inspires emulation and admiration that is so powerful, the person almost becomes mythical.
To me Grace embodied impeccable sophistication,with a hint of smolder beneath those beautiful blue eyes.
She carried herself with the comportment of a true Princess. and was an ambassador for the arts during her short life. – Powder Puff, United Kingdom.

Special thanks to all the fabulous ladies who have participated in this challenge.

…Laughing, dancing, having fun and not having a worry in the world, because everything else is for the adults to figure out. Jumping for joy and squealing with laughter is what we all need more of in our lives, no matter how old we are! (Prima Dona, United States)

I think joy…

…Has a very simple formula for me. My Joy is in the little and simple things in life.
I see joy in a cup of coffee on a rainy day! In a walk outside in a sunny day! Joy is when my cat is going like crazy running from one room to another trying to catch a fly! Joy is when i see a little kid’s smile! Watching a little beetle moving slowly wondering where it is heading to! A flying balloon in a park! Couples holding hands! A face of an old man or a woman. A little piece of chocolate when I’m feeling down! I can go on and on forever if I have to list the million little things that make me truly joyful. And I am one hundred percent sure that each one of us has his own list. After all, we do not need to look so far to find some joy in life. (Willpower, Lebanon)

Joy is…

…All too rare in this world today where everything moves so fast, people seem to be in hurry to get places. It’s like we’ve gotten materially rich but spiritually poor.

So I often find joy easiest to find outside, in the natural world, and in particular surrounded by flowers. They make me especially joyful and happy. And I know it’s a bit out there. but saw this Barbie ring and had to have because it reminded me of being happy and joyful when I was younger. (Miss Nifty, United States)

Joy is…

…A moment of purity. Happy is a state of mind that takes into consideration the good and bad and makes a conscious decision to be happy. Joy on the other hand, is the feeling you’re flooded with in a moment in life when everything seems right. It happened to me when I first saw my new born baby nephews and it also happens to me when I get a good grade at a test I was worried about. It can be something petty or something life changing – but whatever it is, in that moment everything else blanks and you’re immersed in a feeling of true contentment and, well, joy… (Vrhino, United States)

Joy is…

…No plan. no program. at any moment and in any time. (Dame B)

Joy…

…Always begins and ends inside me. (Crimine, United States)

(Look by Arise, United States)

My joy…

…Comes from pleasant things, bunnies, cashmere socks, bows, nuzzling up to my boyfriend in bed with best in show playing. simple! (Dolores Haze, United States)

To me, joy is…

…An emotion we’re all capable of feeling. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, open up your eyes to the beautiful things that are within your reach.

Definitely, we’ll experience downs in our journey through life but that’s what makes you appreciate the little things in the first place.

A child’s smile gives me joy, and so does putting looks together on SS, as well as shopping, kisses, bright colors and sweets. These are simple things but they put the biggest smile on my face and in the end that’s all that matters. (Marsoline, United States)

Oh Joy…

…Rainbow bright.. (Fulicious)

Joy to me…

…Is peaceful, is walking the streets watching people and singing. (Clacool, Argentina)

Joy is…

1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2 : a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3 : a source or cause of delight
(Merriam-Webster)

When I look at these children receiving food boxes, I see pure joy on their faces. It doesn’t take much to give them this joy, just simply that their basic needs are met. We in the developed world seem to require much more to make us feel joyful. I want to look at these angelic faces and remind myself that joy comes with the realization that we are blessed. There is always someone better off than us and we’d be miserable to focus on that. Simple appreciation of what we possess brings joy. (Mandolyn)

Joy to me is…

…The ability to express myself without restraints.
Joy is where I find little bits of elation… putting up the Christmas tree, eating macaroons and tea in Harrod’s, watching an elderly couple holding hands, or the rustle of the leaves in an autumn wind.
We put so much pressure on ourselves to be “happy” all the time, but there is joy to be found in something everyday! (Powder Puff, United Kingdom)

Joy is…

…Being surrounded by family and friends, being in the warmth of the ones that love you and enjoying good food and drinks. (Fashion Nerd, United States)

Joy is…

Colorful, bright and fun. (Natural Born Styler, Greece)

Joy is…

…Taking a sick day, but not being sick.

Being the first person to ride down a mountain, hearing only the silence of your board carving through powder.

Seeing your child smile for the first time.

Having a great hair day.

Finding the perfect pair of jeans.

Joy is taking pleasure in the simplest things of life. (HarperLeo, United States)

Joy is…

…Love.. joy is summer.. joy is summer love.. so short, so nice.. maybe it is nice because it is short.. maybe we just can feel how much it has affected us when it is winter. when the clouds become dark, we miss it..
joy is love, joy is dancing.. joy is like a kid.. you only remember her childhood when she grows up. (Dnpsn)

Joy is…

…The emotion of great happiness. Joy is not in things; it is in us. Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
Mother Theresa once said: “Joy is prayer – Joy is strength – Joy is love – Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” (Cherry Lady, Latvia)

Joy:

“I want to thank all the women who have worn my clothes, the famous and the unknown, who have been so faithful to me and given me so much joy.”~Yves Saint Laurent (Quoted by Miss Bea Heyvin, United States)

Joy:

“The greatest gift you can give yourself is joy, not only because
of the feeling that goes with it at the moment, but because of
the magnificent experience it will draw to you. It becomes your
mark, your nature, your name. It is a wonder-working technique
that will produce wonders in your life.” – Jack Boland

And

“Joy springs from within; no one makes you joyous; you choose joyfulness.”
My two favorite joy quotes. (Jen1987, United States)

Joy is…

…Elusive, fleeting and temporary. For me, JOY is the feeling we get whenever we experience something extraordinarily good — like giving birth to a child hence the expression “BUNDLE OF JOY”. However not very many of us, if at all, experience JOY every moment of everyday. I am sure there are a lot of people in this world that probably do not even know what JOY feels like. Therefore, we should not take it for granted. And because JOY is elusive, fleeting and temporary, to experience it more often, I associate it with the simpler things in life — like watching a baby smile, having a scoop of my favorite ice cream flavour, feeling the sand between my toes as I walk barefeet on the beach, etc. Try it and I’m sure you’ll enJOY (Historie Girl, United Kingdom)

Joy is…

…A deep state of happiness..it’s when I feel pure love, an abundance of all the great things in my life that make me feel happy and whole… Joy is a state of mind, it comes, it goes, it comes again depending on life’s ups and downs… I mostly feel joy through life’s simplest pleasures such as family, nature, sharing good honest clean laughter with friends, good food, a moment of silence and relaxation, the smell of my husband’s skin….Joy is the essence of a life lived in balance.
“JOY is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A JOYful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.” — Mother Teresa (Badrouchka, Morocco)

I think joy is…

…A great feeling. To me, it’s a playful, spontaneous, free-spirited happiness. It reminds me of children and innocence. I love to experience it, and try to make it a priority in my life, but it’s hard to say where it comes from. There are those little things in my life that make me feel joy, and make me smile. However, I do think our society has capitalized on it, selling quick fixes to experience it, but I don’t think that really works. I wish I could get to the bigger picture of it, if that makes sense. – (AshleyAshley, United States)

Joy is…

…Reconnecting with the things that are important to you. These past few months have been tough for me. This is the most stressed out I’ve been pretty much ever. But one thing – actually two things- that have come out of it is that what I want and what I don’t want out of my life has been reconfirmed. Also, my sense of faith and belief in hope and the future has been reawakened. When you’re going through a tough time the only thing you truly have to hold on to is faith and the belief that life is transient and this too shall pass. I am still stressed out but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I think I will have some tough choices to make but that having the courage and the faith to make them is what will determine how authentic my life will be. I have been writing more and have reconnected with the joy of creativity which has been dormant for me to be honest. (Ameerah26, United States)

Joy is not…

…Something you can plan or strive for. It’s something that comes naturally when you aren’t trying at all. Joy comes from not caring and being up for anything!
Joy is having a good time. Most of the times when I have been the most joyous have derived from adrenaline. (Olivia94941, Australia)

Special thanks to all the fabulous ladies who have participated in this challenge!

…A motivating power. Money is reality we live in. Money can buy everything. Money can not buy things that you crave most, like true unconditional love or careless freedom or child’s laughter.

I was born and raised back in Soviet Union where money were considered evil. According to the Soviet ideology money will be obsoleted very soon when Communism will dominate the world. Of course, people needed money and earned them as hard as everywhere and spent them for their needs but there were not real wealth there. Some people were a little bit better off than the other but all these differences were miniscule. When I was reading about “rich people” it was like a fairy tale: “sitting in his mansion in front of a fire place, drinking Hennesy and smoking cigars…”

I must admit I’m not very good with money management. Probably because I didn’t get the “money concept” in my childhood. Though I’m in business and doing pretty well. Mostly because I like to take risks.

This photo of Lisa Taylor by outstanding artist Chris von Wangenheim was taken for Christian Dior in 1976. For me it says “money” the best. – BellaDonna, Russia.

Money is…

…A lot of things, good, bad, greed, deception, hope, salvation and in this world – necessary. For me one of the most poignant images to do with ‘money’ came from Martin Scorsese’s ‘Casino’. It left me feeling deeply uncomfortable and horrified at how money can motivate people to do things. I don’t know if I can say I loved that film but, wow, it certainly left me speechless. The entire cast were amazing but, in particular, Sharon Stone as Ginger was awesome. So in the end, that’s who inspired this outfit, Ginger from Casino. – Miss Nifty, United States.

Money is…

…Glitz and glamour. – Honeyfitz, Australia. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

When you have money…

…You can choose to live life by your rules. this outfit to me represents elegant simplicity, which would probably describe my style if I were able to have it all… – Dolores Haze, United States.

Money is…

…Desired.
As much as I hate to admit it, money is a necessary evil, a problem solver.

Some people disagree, saying that is corrupts and it can destroy you. Wrong! This could happen if you don’t understand your priorities in life. However, if you do, money can be a beautiful thing. My son has autism, could money make it go away? No! Would I even want it to? No! Yet, money could insure lots of therapies, no fights about how to pay for them once insurance runs out, could keep me home more to be with him, help him, and pay for all of his special foods. Money, could give me the tools to help him be successful.

Trust me, I used to think that money was about superficial items, purses, jewelry, designer clothes, nice house. Now I see that money with the right priorities can equal freedom. – HarperLeo, United States.

The first saying that comes to mind…

…Is “money can’t buy happiness”. This is true, but I’d rather have problems plus money than problems and no money. I don’t think money can change who you are as a person, but it can escalate your inner demons or inner good. All and all, I’d say what money buys is security…better health care, better education, better living. Right or wrong, it is what it is, especially in the U.S. where consumerism is in the blood. – EMW, United States. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Money is…

…Necessary…you must have it to survive!
Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort.” – Helen Gurley Brown

Here are some things that I have spent more money than necessary on.
Chanel Jacket ( used Luella since SS doesn’t have Chanel) brand name, jeans, tanks, and face creams which Im sure I can find in a lower price range!  Shoes!!! Louboutin, Givenchy, Zanotti, and list goes on and on!  Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does afford some damn nice perks! Is it ever gonna be enough? – Omarion, United States. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Money is…

…Liza Minelli and Joel Grey – Money Money (from Cabaret)
Perhaps the epitome of twisted showtunes – oh! the irony! Two wasted characters singing their hearts out about money in an age of uber-inflation, desperate poverty and the rise of the Nazis…

Money makes the world go around
…the world go around
…the world go around.
Money makes the world go around
It makes the world go ’round.

A mark, a yen, a buck or a pound
…a buck or a pound
…a buck or a pound.
Is all that makes the world go around
That clinking, clanking sound…
Can make the world go ’round

Money money money money
Money money money money
Money money money…

When you haven’t any coal in the stove
And you freeze in the winter
And you curse to the wind at your fate.
When you haven’t any shoes on your feet,
Your coat’s thin as paper,
And you look 30 pounds underweight
But when hunger comes to rap,
rat-a-tat rat-a-tat at the window
*knock knock* (at the window)
Who’s there? (hunger) oh, hunger!!
See how love flies out the door… – Mandolyn.

Money is…

…A symbol. It represents the privilege to possess necessities and luxuries alike. It is not in itself inherently good or evil; rather, it is a tool that we use or abuse. Money equals comfort. I have just started my career and the money has begun to come in (slowly but surely). I am trying to consistently remind myself to be satisfied with what I have and keep my desires in check. Money can make life easier – but only if I manage it well and never chase it. – Ashley303, United States. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Money is…

…Vacationing in the South of France with your celebrity friends. – LKDugg2, United States.

Money is…

…Worth nothing if you don’t use it and enjoy it… Make people you love happy as well as those in need… So just like Carrie Bradshaw said once, “I like my money right where I can see it… hanging in my closet.” – Badrouchka, Morocco.

Is money…

…Important? YES, definitely.
Is money THE MOST important? No.
There are two types of people depending on money:
1) People who think money is for spending.
2) People,like me, who think money is for keeping.

I know that money doesn’t buy everything, but it sure as hell buys a lot! The most important thing that money “buys” is power. Who has money have the power, and its not just the power you have among others, but also the power you have for yourself (security) so you know that even if something happens you will always have some backup.
The safety you feel when you have a lot of money is just … unimaginable.

Money is peace of the spirit and mind! – Angel_looking_sunshine, Romania.

Money is…

…Something you acquire through hard and honest work. In society you are taught that money equates power, beauty and style. This, of course, is not true. You don’t need to be wealthy to have beauty and impeccable style. And money shouldn’t be the only thing to make you feel powerful. I’ve known people who have taken serious financial risks just to have an image of wealth. People who have taken out mortgages, spent their children’s college fund and taken up 3 jobs, just to buy a fur coat and pretty car. I have known people who use money as a means to compete with their siblings. People who live beyond their means and let money and greed consume them. Money should not be your reason for happiness. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to live the true meaning of happiness. – Jen1987, United States.

As I look at my spread and contemplate the word “money”…

…Excess comes quickly to mind. I think when money is readily available, one can easily accumulate an excess of possessions. Legal tender, that’s all it is; a means to an end. A way of getting from point A to point B. But, for some reason, money has also had a bad reputation throughout time. I suppose that can be traced back to that Bible verse that talks about money being the root of all evil. But look again, it isn’t saying that the money is the bad thing; it warns us of the ‘love’ of money or greed as being the sin. So, I guess we’re OK as long as we keep it in the correct context; it can be a powerful thing. It can provide luxuries for our friends and family; I love to contemplate what I’d do for who if i ever won the lottery. With all the options it can provide us with, alas, we cannot take it with us when we leave this world. So, I guess we should just try to be wise with it, and enjoy the things we can accomplish with it, for ourselves and others. – BWhit48, United States.

Money…

…Doesn’t mean bling bling or overstated opulence. Money represents freedom. Freedom to help those in need. Freedom to support a cause. Freedom to add your small sum of light to the total.
If I had 100 million pounds I’d probably give away 90 to charity, and I’d spend the rest on travel and understated elegant clothes!! Can I please start with this coat?? – Powder Puff, United Kingdom.

Money:

…She lives a high life in the city
Never a time in her life she had a 9-5
She has a penthouse in Manhattan
She’s close to the sky so at times she believes she can fly
With all of her money
Hurts to know the truth
And she don’t understand she can’t buy her way to heaven
But what is it worth when you’re living in the city?
Your heads to the sky, but there’s some things money can’t buy

Money can’t buy babe,
Money can’t buy babe,
Money can’t buy babe

MONEY:İS THİS A CİNDERELLA STORY? – Dame B.

I don’t need…

…To spend an arm and a leg to feel good in my own skin, these two looks would suffice, without breaking the bank. I guess that’s what money is to me, to some extent it can add to my happiness but it doesn’t define happiness. – Clairdearxdr, United States.

Money:

…I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay
Ain’t it sad
And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me
That’s too bad
In my dreams I have a plan
If I got me a wealthy man
I wouldn’t have to work at all, I’d fool around and have a ball

Money, money, money
Must be funny
In the rich man’s world
Money, money, money
Always sunny
In the rich man’s world
Aha-ahaaa
All the things I could do
If I had a little money
It’s a rich man’s world

A man like that is hard to find but I can’t get him off my mind
Ain’t it sad
And if he happens to be free I bet he wouldn’t fancy me
That’s too bad
So I must leave, I’ll have to go
To Las Vegas or Monaco
And win a fortune in a game, my life will never be the same…

However,two things that money can’t buy : LOVE & Happiness – Willpower, Lebanon. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Money:

…”Say you don’t need no diamond ring and I’ll be satisfied,
Tell me that you want the kind of thing that money just can’t buy,
Cause I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.”~The Beatles – Quoted by Miss Bea Heyvin, United States.

Money:

I am currently re-reading the Metamorphoses of Ovid, and one of my favourite tales is that of Midas and his golden touch:
The God of wine Bacchus gives King Midas one wish, in return for a good deed. Midas said ‘Grant that whatever my person touches be turned to gold.’ Baccus, though sorry that Midas had not asked for something better, presented him with his baneful gift. The King went off cheerfully, delighted with the misfortune which had befallen him. He touched a sod of earth, a twig, a stream, and, by the power of his touch, they became pieces of of ore and rivers of gold. He dreamed of everything turned to gold, and his hopes soared beyond the limits of his imagination. He returned to his palace and was served a mighty banquet. But everything he touched, from the meat to the wine, turned to gold before he could consume a single morsel. No amount of food could relieve his hunger, parching thirst burned his throat, and he was tortured, as he deserved, by the gold he now hated. Wretched in spite of his riches, he begged Baccus for forgiveness, and Baccus restored him to his former state. Some tales say that the last thing he touched was his beloved daughter, turning her to gold, before he truly realized the error of his ways.

The moral of the story is this – yes gold and money are wonderful accoutrements to our lives, but gold cannot keep you warm at night or fulfill your needs, and money cannot buy you love or happiness. In our society money is a necessary evil, something that we must use to acquire items for survival. It is a means to an end – it is not THE END – people don’t amass a fortune and then find that their lives are complete. The pursuit of money above all, as we saw in the case of Midas, is a terrible mistake. Happiness comes from within, and is aided by the things around us. The things around us cannot make us happy. – Leahbdesigns, United Kingdom.

What is your definition of money?

Special thanks to all the fabulous ladies who participated in this challenge.

…So controversial and elusive – I’m totally out of words. I was thinking of Bowie and Rolling Stones – they were on top for the last 40 yrs. More than any politician or tycoon or diva …I wonder how it feels. Bowie is controversial. I wouldn’t listen to his music in my car for hours. But comparing to recent “synthetic” brands like Lady Gaga, Bowie sparkles like a comet. “FAME fades – true talent remains” (who said that? Probably me). – BellaDonna, Russia.

And…

…I am having hard time in expressing myself in words. Colors and images are coming much easier to me. This look is how I feel about celeb power branding, 15 sec of fame and “big in Japan”. – BellaDonna, Russia.

Fame…

…To me is linked to the acts someone commits in the world which will gain him or her notoriety. Fame helps in today’s world but it isn’t everything, once achieved most people know that fame is fake, a fake power that has got limits especially if you are notorious for the ‘wrong’ reasons. – Badrouchka, Morocco.

Fame is…

…Not only walking red carpet but also getting used to sleeping in airplanes. – Dame B.

Fame is…

…White teeth, sugaring, dressing how you want regardless of the season, boots, legs, sunglasses to save your eyes from blinding flashbulbs… but that’s all exterior. Fame is really versatile. cheers to fame! – Dolores Haze, United States.

Fame is…

…Isolating, debilitating, fleeting and in this case it is also a killer. – Prima Dona, United States.

Fame…

…It had to be for me, leotards, legwarmers and Leroy all the way! Sorry to be the cliche but anytime I hear the word fame, that tune starts up in my head or occasionally out my mouth and i find myself singing, “Baby look at me, and tell me what you see…” before attempting star jumps, pirouettes..badly! Could be because as a child of the eighties, this was my favorite TV show and it was the reason why I took up dancing. And this was pretty much what I wore for a large part of growing up (minus the $3000 bag!).  All you other ladies have done such wonderful and truly inspiration interpretations of this project, and I’ve loved them. But for me fame is leotards and legwarmers and that tune..FAME! I want to live forever… – Miss Nifty, United States.

Fame…

…Can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some, It is the highest compliment to an entertainers accomplishments. To others, Fame is a constant burden, where you are no longer allowed any sense of privacy and struggle day to day to live a normal life, one without your indiscretions being lampooned on rag mags. Fame doesn’t always have to be shallow. I believe if you truly deserve it, and are not trying to hard to achieve it, then Fame can be the consolation prize to all your hard work, be it a novel you’ve written, a film you’ve committed your life to making or a song that a whole new generation can relate to. In this day and age, everyone seems to be obsessed with getting their own 15 minutes of fame on reality shows, through sex tapes or just showing up at the right place in the right time with the right people (in the right outfit). – Jen1987, United States.

Fame is…

…Marilyn Monroe and Diamonds – a man’s best friend and a woman’s best friend all rolled into one! – Ikdugg2, United States.

Fame…

…Was measured by popularity when I was a teenager. I dreamed of being the most popular, the most beautiful. I thought I was destined to be a famous singer and actress-notoriety-that was fame. To get back at everyone who said anything bad about me, that was fame. Money, power, and my face everywhere, that was fame. Now as time has faded all of my delusions, I realize fame for me as a teacher is influencing people, thousands of people, and generations with my words. Think of your teachers, the good, the bad, the ugly; their presence is strong.

This is my fame…

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – HarperLeo, United States.

Fame is…

…A double edged sword. So many aspire to be singers, actors and sports players – the stars of today – it can’t just be for the money, as there are many ways of amassing wealth without fame. So what really drives us to pursue fame as we know it? Does it stem from a deep seated need for acceptance? the adoration and respect that fame commands? For many, fame is a dream, and dreams are an idolization of a situation; in reality, fame is a career choice. In our dreams we see stars and lights, beauty and success. But if you take off the rose tinted glasses and really see it for what it is, is it so appealing? Who wants a career that demands you’re on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Where photographers follow you wherever you go, making everyday tasks an ordeal? Where people talk about you and stare at you wherever you go, and strangers say hurtful and untrue things about you? Anonymity is a pleasure we take for granted. Over the years there have been so many casualties of fame – through drink, drugs and depression – and it certainly seems like a difficult cross to bear. I do like to dream of fame, but as soon as I look too closely, I see a nightmare. – Leahbdesigns, United Kingdom.

Fame is…

…The highest form of vanity. It is an addiction, as the desire is strong, to obtain it may be difficult or accidental, but losing it….. To those who owns it, to be loved by those who they don’t care and don’t know, but the adoration… you cannot be without. – Rollo Tomassi, Malaysia.

Fame…

…used to be something that was earned through success and achievement. Now sadly, fame has become “Look At Me!!! Love Me!!!!” – EMW, United States.

Fame…

…Simply never fades away. Even after someone’s death, you can say that they have been famous only if they remain remembered as someone magical. Nevertheless, I can not imagine someone more famous right now than the Rolling Stones! – Natural Born Styler, Greece.

…Is a Rolling Stone. – BellaDonna, Russia.

This Is Fame:

Fame is proof that people are gullible – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The charm of fame is so great that we like every object to which it is attached, even death – Blaise Pascal

A celebrity is a person who works hard all his life to become well known, then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized – Fred Allen

Fame is a fickle food Upon a shifting plate – Emily Dickinson

Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character – Horace Greeley

What is fame? The advantage of being known by people of whom you yourself know nothing, and for whom you care as little – Leszczynski Stanislaus

(Quoted by Mandolyn)

More On Fame:

Fame is a pearl many dive for and only a few bring up. Even when they do, it is not perfect, and they sigh for more, and lose better things in struggling for them.
Louisa May Alcott(1832-1888)

Don’t confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the other.”
Erma Bombeck quotes (U.S. humorist, 1927-1996)

“I won’t be happy till I’m as famous as God.”
Madonna quotes (American Actress and Singer, b.1958)

The image is one thing and the human being is another…It’s very hard to live up to an image, put it that way.”
Elvis Presley quotes (American Singer and Actor widely known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, 1935-1977)

I believe fame is a desire, almost an addiction to some. To others, a consequence of their success!

Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
Lao Tzu (c.604-531 B.C.)

(Quoted by Omarion)

Finally,

“If this fame, which people call my lucky break, were to stop tomorrow, I shouldn’t care.” ~Brigitte Bardot

(Quoted by Miss Bea Heyvin, United States)

What do you think fame is? Do you want it?

Special thanks to all the fabulous ladies who participated in this challenge. Especially miss BellaDonna (aka The Beautiful Russian), for doing not one, not two, but three definitions! You rock my world!

…Like a mood or an emotion, so it changes constantly. In that way, I find it hard to naturally meet and love someone or something forever. I think that’s one thing that makes life so difficult, since we are bound to love friends, family, partners, etc. In that way, I see love as a constant drama. – AshleyAshley, United States.

Love is…

…Big, love is a caress, love is friendship respect and attention, love is to give and expect nothing in return.. – Badrouchka, Morocco.

Love…

…May become worn-in, but only because it’s a faithful standby – not so unlike your favorite, verging-on-threadbare pair of jeans. Love also makes you smile and glow the way your favorite color does – and red is classically evocative of love, isn’t it? But underneath the obvious are all the quirks that make love unique – in outfit-speak, it’s the unseen stuff like wonky socks and lace lingerie even on the days when nothing more exciting is going on than doing laundry. Love feels great – better than lace and cashmere, in fact. – Cloisonnerie, United States.

Love is…

…To sit at a table with him, to share a glass of wine. – Dame B, United States.

Love…

…Can’t be defined by clothing, it’s a feeling. the love I’m in now, it would be equally as strong if i were in a garbage bag. – Dolores Haze, United States.

Love is…

…So elusive and hard to define…I was contemplating…when all of a sudden I saw Faye Dunaway and her characters…neurotic, fragile, yet surprisingly strong… with go to hell attitude…to die for…or to die with? Or who will die the first? Or who’s going live forever anyway? – BellaDonna, Russia.

Love is…

…Giving all of yourself, forgiveness, opening yourself up to someone, work, a partner in everything, accepting yourself. – EMW, United States.

Love is…

…A look in the eyes. Love is snuggling up to your favorite nook, that area between the chest and the armpit and calling it home. Love is knowing everything and still worshiping it all. – Fashion Nerd, United States.

Love is…

…Different.
You love different people in different ways. The love of friendship, true friendship, is a very special bond. You meet certain people in your life who you have connected with that have the same core beliefs. This is a person you can rely on, no matter what. You can call them in the middle of the night with a problem and they’ll help you, they can give you one look and you know you have the same thought. A special secret between each other. Days, months, or years may pass by, and you may go your separate ways, but every time you see each other it’s like time stood still and you both can pick up from where you left off.  You know the saying, “you can pick your friends, but not your family.” Your mother, father, brothers and/or sisters, they may be night and day from you; you may grow up and barely talk or see each other. Your travels and experiences could differ greatly. However, when the time comes to be together, all of that disappears and you are ten years old again in your heart, and they are taking care of you and everyone is treating each other that same way when you all lived together in your unique family unit.

…Your partner. This is a unique love. Could there be any other person out there who has seen every side of your personality, every inch of your body, the good, the bad, the fantastic, and still loves you, for you? Everything you love and hate about yourself, they know, and they take it in and love you. This is probably the only person on Earth you knows you as deeply as humanly possible, accepts it, and loves it.

…Finally, your children. For those of us out there who have them knows this might be the most intense love there is. It doesn’t matter if you gave birth to them or adopted them, the love you give and receive is in a word, pure. There is no judgment, no understanding of faults, only necessity of being cared for and loved. Other than food and diaper changing, they really require nothing else. – HarperLeo, United States.

Love is…

…Simple: Your loved ones and significant other accept you for who you are. When no one tries to change you or put you down for being different, you know they love you. When you go through rough times, and they (he or she or whoever) support you, they truly love you. No one should ever be put in a position where they feel the need to change their inner essence just to be accepted. I just don’t believe that person or those people love you. – Jen1987, United States.

Love is…

…Love is commitment, hard work and a little compromise, it’s putting someone else’s needs alongside your own, it’s trusting that no matter what, you’ll have love on your side. Love terrifies me – They say it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all, but how do you cope with that darker side of love? I think of the pain of losing love and it feels unbearable, I watched ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife and it tore me in two – the Sam Sparrow song, Black and Gold, captures some of that feeling:

‘Cause if you’re not really here
then the stars don’t even matter
now I’m filled to the top with fear
but it’s all just a bunch of matter
’cause if you’re not really here
then i don’t want to be either
i wanna be next to you
black and gold
black and gold
black and gold

Is it worth it? I wish I knew the answer, but being with my husband feels like the safest place in the world, I can truly be myself, I laugh ’til I cry, and that to me is worth it’s weight in gold. – Leahbdesign, United Kingdom.

Love is…

…Loving the “Unlovely”. There are many types of love and the English language is insufficient in expounding love in its various forms. I chose to depict love as Agape (Greek) which is defined as the unselfish love of God or Christ for humankind.
Agape is loving the most unlovely, the most undeserving, the ones that no one would take a second look at and loving those who can never repay that love. The destitute, the hungry and the infirm. – Mandolyn.

Love is…

…The Best. I decided to take my inspiration from the song by Madness, It Must Be Love.
I try to remember this sentiment whenever I’m making things too complicated (shocking I know)..because, really, when we get down to it, love is the best. – Miss Nifty, United States.

Love is…

…Emotion of every kind! You desire, fear, need, and even hate love but it is what drives the soul! – Omarion.

Love is…

…Innocent and true…It makes everything spin…and to be honest…. true love is extremely hard to find and quite vivid at the same time. – Natural Born Styler, Greece.

Love is…

…being with someone who lets you be you, with all your faults. They love you in your worst moments, and are always there to catch you when you fall. You can forget that you’re wearing sweats and slippers when your with them because you feel beautiful. Accepting and loving of all your quirks. Family, friends, or significant other, they love the real you.

I know someone loves the real me when they put up with my talk of robots and favorite books and sneakers and my super short attention span. When I can hang out with them wearing my ll bean slippers without judgment, that’s when I know its for real. This definition of love isn’t just for boys, its friends as well. – Bvfashion, United States.

LOVE is also…

…To feel, to touch, to see, to listen and to taste.  The alchemy of passion, purity and humor. – Gabinsky, The Netherlands.

and…

…Being who you say you are with actions. – JHodges23, United States.

(Look by FilipaCarolina, Portugal.)

In the end, love is…

…Patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. – Angel_looking_sunshine, Romania, quoting 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.

Wait, there’s more!

“Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore with plummet and sounding-line, and you waited with beating heart for something to happen? I was like that ship before my education began, only I was without compass or sounding line, and no way of knowing how near the harbor was. “Light! Give me light!” was the wordless cry of my soul, and the light of love shone on me in that very hour.” ~Helen Keller, quoted by Miss Bea Heyvin, United States.

“I never felt more love than when I found out I was going to be an aunt. That is, of course, until my nephew was born and in my arms. And of course, when his little brother came along I fell in love all over again. Last summer I had them to myself for 10 days and as I put the youngest to sleep, I patted him soothingly on the back and felt him do the same to me. His little hand tapping my back made me melt with more love than I’ve ever known.” – Caiti, Carribean Islands.

“Frère Jacques, frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.” – French nursery rhyme, quoted by Prima Dona.

To be honest…

…I’m only 16 so since I don’t believe you can fall in love at my age, I’m in the dark to what love is. I don’t know what love is yet. I have no definition. The only love I know is the love of how people and objects make me feel. – Olivia94941, Australia.

Do you know what love is?

Special thanks to all the fabulous ladies who participated in this challenge.