Authentic Senusal Living - Amorosa Bella

The Artist's Way

Do you ever wish that you were an artist?  Do you envy those who have successfully become a conduit for creativity?  Do you sense your own creativity, but you are unsure how to bring your abilities forth?  This book, “The Artist’s Way,” could be your holy grail.

The artist’s way is a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage home to the self.  Like all great journeys it entails dangers along the way.  Like all pilgrims; fellow travelers, companions and guides will often grace those of us on the artist’s way journey.

Author, Julia Cameron reveals what she calls her “marching orders;” others may sense in themselves as a still, small voice or, even more simply, a hunch.  The point is, as you travel the artist’s way, you will hear creative guidance if you listen for it. 

Cameron champions the idea that we are born with our unique creativity. Engaging our natural artist is possible by “recovering” and “discovering” our creativity.

I promise, if you take the journey along “The Artist’s Way,” the experience will make you excited, depressed, angry, joyous, hopeful, blissfully alive and ultimately free!

If you would like to read a 10-minute full summary of this book, or purchase a copy for yourself, follow this link to our Amorosa Bella library: 

http://amorosabella.com/marketplace/books/home.php

Five Wishes

By Peg Melnik, Co-Author, “Make Love When Ever Possible When Married With Children”http://makelovewheneverpossible.com/index.php/ 

Contact Peg at pegmelnik@gmail.com  or 707-479-3880

___________________________

Sometimes in life we’re handed a compass when we least expect it.

That’s what happened to Gay Hendricks. The unsuspecting counselor went to a party and had a surprising conversation about deathbed wishes, an exchange that set him on a different course entirely, completely changing his life.

At the gathering Hendricks met a man named Ed and a surprising conversation unfolded. Ed said “One upon a time I almost died,” and he explained that when he was on his deathbed, he made a pact with God. If he survived he promised to achieve all his goals and dreams.

Hendricks listened and then imagined himself on his deathbed, ultimately deciding to wake up and change his life.

Hendricks is not unlike Charlyn Belluzzo, the author of “Authentic Sensual Living” and the brainchild behind www.amorosabella.com. Belluzzo was handed her compass when a Muni Train barreled down the track just inches from her face. Distracted she had inadvertently stepped dangerously close to the track when the conductor blew the horn and frantically yelled “Get off the track,”

It was as though both Belluzzo and Hendricks were roused from a deep sleep, setting in motion a monumental transformation. The tectonic plates of their lives shifted irrevocably and from that day forward “conscious living” was set in motion. Neither could go backwards if they tried, not after tasting how delicious it is to live in the moment.

You’re being handed your compass today, an opportunity to wake up. You don’t have to be on your deathbed fighting cancer or unwittingly find yourself in the path of a blaring train. There are countless ways to wake up so why wait for a catastrophe? Your imagination is all you need.

So take a moment. Quiet yourself. And then imagine you’re on your deathbed today or 50 years from now. Now just answer this question: Has your life been a complete success?

 If your answer is no, get busy.

 

 

The Five Love Languages

By Peg Melnik, Co-Author, “Make Love When Ever Possible When Married With Children” http://makelovewheneverpossible.com/index.php/ 

Contact Peg at melniknote@aol.com or 707-479-3880

___________________________

 I was shocked.

 I had been married for more than a decade and my husband and I didn’t speak the same language – love language that is.

 We were like Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on opening night at the Tropicana with well-intentioned miscommunication creating zany antics. We needed an interpreter and fast.

 After reading “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, it all began to add up. It was as though Cupid’s GPS had malfunctioned, preventing a flurry of arrows from reaching their mark.

 When thinking about the book, I had a flash. With a 62 percent divorce rate in America, how many of these couples might have made it if only they had been bilingual.

 The theory of this international best seller is that everyone has a primary love language and it falls into one of the following categories: 1) Words of Affirmation; 2) Quality Time; 3) Gifts; 4) Acts of Service and 5) Physical Touch. (Click to this link http://amorosabella.com/marketplace/books/home.php to see our book summary).

 When I finished the book I told my husband I had alarming news: We were not fluent in love. I told him my diagnosis: His primary love language is Acts of Service, while mine is Quality Time. I followed up with the cure: I needed to pamper him with acts of service and he needed to pamper me with inventive dates.

 My husband shrugged his shoulders, as if to say the romance languages are confusing. But it’s what happened next that really surprised me. As I bumped up my Acts of Service, he noticed my kind gestures and it motivated him to plan more dates.

 This is encouraging considering this is man is Romeo when planning a date, particularly when there’s a secret involved.  When we honeymooned in Nantucket, he secretly arranged to have a fancy restaurant rig up a lobster dinner and champagne in a box so we could have a picnic dinner on the beach.

 I had no idea what was in the box and I absolutely loved the not knowing of it.  I never would have believed you could package that much romance in one box.

There's hope afterall. I'm certain we can become fluent in love.

Amorosa Bella Chardonnay “ROCKS” at Lilith Fair!

Special Backstage Blog Written Exclusively by Ziggy the Wine Gal  http://www.ziggythewinegal.com/

What an exciting time it is to be backstage during a large concert... 

The Lilith Fair has an amazing history and reins as the top "Female Focused" live music show in the U.S. I was setting up a wine tasting table backstage on July 5th at the Shoreline Amphitheater for what was an absolutely amazing day of performances by HEART, Colbie Caillet, The Bangles, Miranda Lambert and Sarah McLachlan to name just a few of the 11 acts at the Lilith Fair. 

Talking about and pouring incredible hand crafted wines for Rock Stars is one of my perks being a Rock-n-Roll Sommelier. I am blessed. I was so excited to be able to pour the 2008 Amorosa Bella Chardonnay backstage at the Shoreline Lilith Fair as many of the Rock Stars that I know have heard about the wine but had never tried it. Until now... and the wine was very well received! 

Not only that, but I had the Amorosa Bella candles set up on my wine tasting table and everyone went absolutely nuts for them! As a fun giveaway, I also had a Champagne bucket filled with the Amorosa Bella condoms! It didn't take long for word to spread among all the artists that THE place to be backstage was the "Ziggy, The Wine Gal" table! 

The crowd at my table was pretty solid from the time I set up the wines, lit the candles and lined up the stemware. I think one of the most rewarding moments for me the entire day was when I poured Kristian Attard, Bass Player for the band HEART, a taste of the Amorosa Bella Chardonnay; as he said not only did he like it, but told me how he was really a red wine only kinda guy. 

A while later, he came back to me and I asked him if I could get him some red wine and he said, "no, what I really want is some more of the Amorosa Bella Chardonnay, I love it!" Craig Bartock, the Guitar Player for HEART was at my table at the same time and said he was so happy to try the Chardonnay as he was already a big fan of the Amorosa Bella Pinot Noir! 

The band was getting ready to take the stage and they were glowing with glasses of Amorosa Bella Chardonnay! Yeah! I should tell you that the few tastes of Amorosa Bella Chardonnay before their performance definitely got their 'chops' ready! Note: The definition of the term "Chops" in the music world means: technical ability, to execute music physically and to negotiate chord changes. After their performance and encore, the musicians flocked to my table to reward themselves with glasses of Amorosa Bella Chardonnay. 

I am glad too, that the HEART tour buses have Amorosa Bella candles on board... it was a fun parting gift to many of the musicians that performed at Lilith Fair. Oh, and the condoms? Not a single one left... they were a fun conversation piece among the musicians and roadies! 

The 2010 San Francisco, Shoreline Lilith Fair concert, was, by far one of the most memorable backstage wine tastings for me to date... ahhh, another day in the life of a Rock-n-Roll Wine Gal... I love what I do! 

Cheers! 

Magic Sounds of Music

“Sensuality” describes the essence of experiencing the full spectrum of emotions using all six of your senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and intuition.

Scientific research confirms music enhances your life by:

·      Promoting wellness

·      Managing stress

·      Alleviating pain

·      Expressing feelings

·      Enhancing memory

·      Improving communication

 

Scientifically based ideas of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato.

The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.

Brain waves resonate in sync with rhythmic beats of music; faster beats bring sharper concentration and more alert thing, while slower tempos promote a calm state.

Music can bring a positive state of mind and keep depression and anxiety in check by balancing the stress response.  Music can stimulate creativity and elevate optimism. 

Music has been found to lower blood pressure, boost immunity, ease muscle tension and more!

Music is strictly personal.  A piece of music can give pleasure to some and irritate others. 

Experience some of the music that moves us at:

http://www.amorosabella.com/marketplace/music/home.php

Celebrate, with us, the magic of music and our marvelous sense of sound. Has someone enriched your life with music?  Honor this person and nominate them as an outstanding example of authentic sensual living by naming this special person and telling us your experience in an email to info@amorosabella.com.

Listen to Your Sixth Sense – Your Body Knows Best

Listen—your sixth sense is speaking! 

Everything that speaks to your heart is spoken through your sixth sense.  Innately, you know what is in your best interest. 

How many times have you disregarded your own promptings and later realized that the outcome would have been better if you listened and trusted your own intuition.

“Sensuality” describes the essence of experiencing the full spectrum of emotions using all six of your senses: sight, sound, smell taste, touch and intuition.

Emotional sensitivity springs forth from your sixth sense - your intuition.  The intangible love and connection you have for the human race; compassion, empathy, moral and ethical consciousness stem from your intuitive nature.

Innately, heroes dash into burning buildings or dive into frigid waters, risking their own existence to protect a fellow human being, even a stranger.  These valiant actions, driven solely from deep feelings (emotions) instruct the brain instantly how to respond.

Oscar winner and leading lady of stage and screen, Meryl Streep claims, “It is the greatest gift of human beings that we have this power of empathy.  We can all feel like Elliott when E.T. died.  We can all cry for each other.  We can all sense a mysterious connection to each other.  And that’s good.  If there’s hope for the future of us all, it lies in that.  When I’m drawn out of my own life into someone else’s life, suddenly, I myself feel more alive!”

 Although almost impossible to measure or define, there are characteristics of intuition you have all felt.  The list below contains a few that come to mind for me: 

·     As you contemplate a course of action, you feel a sense of peace.

·     An idea or thought repeatedly comes to your mind and you can’t ignore the promptings you feel.

·     As you set your sights on a goal, a pathway and new opportunities unfold almost effortlessly, enabling you to move ahead rapidly.

·     Conversely, when a course does not “feel right” obstacles and barriers appear frequently, impeding progress toward the goal and causing fatigue.

·     In times of need, your courage, strength and clear thinking magnifies to match the situation and you spring into action without hesitation.

·     Gratitude fills your heart and you feel like you are exactly where you should be at this time of your life.

 I am certain that you can add more symptoms of intuition to this list from your own experiences.  Suffice it to say, the sixth sense exists beyond our current ability to measure.

 You can also find more tips to amplify your appeal in my book, “Authentic Sensual Living”, in Chapter 4, Living Sensually.

Erotic Capital

The French concept, known as belle laide, refers to a less attractive woman becoming appealing and even alluring through her personal presentation, social skills and style. 

The theory behind belle laide is based on the notion that natural attraction or what we call “sex appeal” requires some level of physical beauty, talent, and ability, but can also be learnt.  Training and development can take you far beyond what nature gifted you.

A colleague of mine, Catherine Hakim, Professor of Economic Sociology, London School of Economics http://personal.lse.ac.uk/hakimc/, recently published her emerging research on the socio-economic theory of Erotic Capital. 

Hakim’s work has been published in European Sociological Review an Oxford Journals publication http://esr.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jcq014v1?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=erotic+capital&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT, the March 23^rd issue of Project http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2010/03/have-you-got-erotic-capital/ and March 27^th issue of The Financial Times http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/960cd280-390e-11df-8970-00144feabdc0.html.

Erotic capital is a multi-faceted asset and is very different from economic, social, and cultural capital and is an essential concept for understanding social processes in the public and private sectors of contemporary society. 

The thesis is that erotic capital is on the rise and is gaining social and economic important, giving women an advantage, and is a key factor in women’s changing status in society and the economy.

In particular labor markets, erotic capital can be more important than economic or social capital and can boost hiring and advancement opportunities in some professions as much, or even more than education and experience, according to investigations included in Hakim’s research. 

Theorists may have overlooked erotic capital as an important hidden factor enhancing success in all jobs.

The skills necessary to build your erotic capital are not new.  Throughout history and in all societies, women have exploited their erotic capital for upward social mobility through the marriage market instead of the labor market. 

Characteristics for building your erotic capital include:

·       Intellectual vitality and grasp of current world events

·       Energetic, physical fitness and graceful movement

·       Exceptional personal grooming

·       Engaging sense of humor and wit

·       Liveliness and attraction to adventure

·       Warmth, sensitivity and genuine human empathy

These are characteristics we can all exercise and develop to augment your natural beauty and erotic capital. 

You can also find more tips to amplify your appeal in my book, “Authentic Sensual Living”, in Chapter 6, Radiantly Authentic and Sensual.

The Life You Ordered Has Arrived – One Year Later

One year ago today, I completed my book, “Authentic Sensual Living” and delivered it to Deborah Roth, Executive Editor, to begin editing. 

This past year has been transforming for me in ways I NEVER imagined!  I wrote “Authentic Sensual Living” as a blueprint for readers to construct their own authentic and sensual living plan.  A life that is unique.  A life that is satisfying. 

I encouraged readers to live everyday of their life, moment to moment, by their own design. 

Designing a sensual living plan can be summed up in four simple, yet extremely important steps.  It is straightforward.  All you need to do to implement your plan is F-E-E-L.

F – Focus on reality

E – Explore who you really are

E – Experiment with being in command of your own perspective

L – Let go of your thoughts; allow your authentic feelings to guide your behavior

Now, more than ever, I realize that the words I wrote one year ago are absolutely true.  Readers across the country and around the world have shared inspirational examples of how their lives have been enriched by taking pleasure in their senses and responsibility for the way they interact with the world around them.

Here is a summary of the guidelines offered in “Authentic Sensual Living.”

In order to “Focus,” stay in your body.  Be fully present moment to moment.  Notice how your body is reacting to any given situation.  What do you see?  What do you hear?  What do you feel?

“Explore!”  Exploring who you really are can be frightening at the beginning.  Approach exploration as an adventure.  Approach exploration as an adventure.  Tell yourself the truth.  Self-exploration is about self-acceptance.

Happiness is not something you find, but rather something you create.  Pleasure and reward do not always show up in your life how you might expect it.  Living a rich life means you are willing to “Experiment”.  Experiment with life and develop awareness, agility, and an attitude that is open to outcome.

“Let Go” of your thoughts!  Allow your authentic feelings to guide you.  Simply put, “Experience the experience!” 

Separate your thoughts from your feelings.  Experience only feelings.  Acknowledge them for what they are, authentic feelings and part of your human physical and emotion natural response. 

Be keenly aware of people and situations around you. 

FEEL the gratitude of being alive.  Often, gratitude in this moment is enough to give you the inspiration to stay on track.

“Cheers” to life and to you!  Thank you for sharing the one-year anniversary of “Authentic Sensual Living.”

Sweet Desires and Wild Delight

Passion for authentic sensual living translates into passion for life.  As you authentically experience life with all your senses, living in the present, you see its beauty in full splendor.

It is January 2010, the dawn of a new decade.   The key to harnessing the power of authenticity and sensuality is to allow your emotions to rein and your mind to serve.  Your senses are directly linked to emotions and your mind is the software that interprets the input, makes decisions based on the input and directs physical responses.  You respond authentically, being who-you-really-are, when you shift from your mind to your heart.

Start the New Year by indulging yourself in “Sweet Desires and Wild Delight”, a workshop in the craft and conversation of Love. 

Join Cassandra Light, http://www.wayofthedoll.com/WOTD-Light.pdf relationship counselor, life coach, teach, artist and author and Susan Burks http://www.naturalaffinities.com/Home.html artist, designer, and corporate consultant for an incredibly life affirming afternoon. 

These beautiful women deliver a nurturing and delightful experience sharing stories, making art and guide you on a journey exploring mythology, alchemy and rituals that transform dreams and passions into expressions of love! 

You are the artist, the poet, and the chef expressing your hearts desires as you design and fill your “box” – a love charm full of images, poetry and luscious handmade chocolates. 

Through conversation and the communion of shared creativity, this workshop with awaken your to your sweetest desires and find more of the wisdom and insight to experience your wildest delights!

Date: Choose one of three available Saturdays:

January 30, February 8, or February 13

Time: 1 pm – 5 pm

Cost: $150 (Included ALL materials)

Locations: SF Bay Area

Contact for Full Details:           Cassandra Light – cassandralight@yahoo.com

                                                Susan Burks – burks.susan@att.net

“Dining in the Dark” to Ignite All Your Senses

The holidays are about relationships…relationships with your family, friends, community, and the whole world. 

Does it feel like you have forgotten someone?  What are you doing this holiday to celebrate your relationship with YOURSELF?

If your goal is to make the season celebration perfect for everyone you care about and you feel frenzied or detached, here is a tip that is guaranteed to bring you “back to your senses” this holiday season.

Kick-off renewing your love affair with life all over again this holiday by celebrating your “senses!”

“Close your eyes and open your mouth…”

Remember how daring it feels to hear these words? 

Isolate your sense of taste by eating a meal with your eyes blindfolded. Open up to favors, textures and temperatures that you are unable to judge with your vision before it enters your mouth!

Tasting is the most complex sensation. Notice the influence of smell, texture, and temperature on your sensation of taste. Every bite is a sensual delight!

Christopher Greenwald, Amorosa Bella’s premier “Sensual Chef!” http://baylaurelculinary.com/about-us/ is delighted to share two of his favorite sensory recipes for your “Dining in the Dark” adventures:

Petite Oysters on the half shell with Pomegranate and Meyer Lemon Mignonette

What is sexier than raw oysters on the half shell? Try eating them blindfolded.

Bath them in a mignonette made of pomegranate and first of the season Meyer lemon for an extra kick of euphoria.

Pomegranate has been rumored to increase fertility for centuries.

¼ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup Meyer lemon juice

1 shallot (minced)

½ T. pomegranate molasses

Tiny pinch cayenne pepper

Tiny pinch freshly ground black pepper

2 dozen small oysters (such as Hog Island Super Sweets or Kumamoto, etc.)

Mix all ingredients except oysters together and let sit at room temperature for ½ hour.

Wash and shuck oysters and display in shell on a bed of shaved ice or rock salt (so that they stand up without falling over). Place a tiny amount of mignonette on each oyster and consume as quickly as possible. 

Fill your glass with festive Amorosa Bella Sparkling Brut and feel the “bubbles” perk up all your senses!

Olives and Almonds Marinated With Toasted Cumin, Harrisa and Lemon

This is a perfect bite of goodness to feed yourself or someone you love while blindfolded.

Green olives are fresh, fleshy and rich in flavor and olives have been considered an aphrodisiac for eons.

The heat of the harrisa, a North African condiment common in Morocco, is perfect for spicing up the moment. 

½ lb. green olives (drained of brine)

½ lb. blanched almonds

1/2 Lemon (washed and roughly chopped)

1 Tbls. harrisa paste

2 Tbls. olive oil

1 t. toasted cumin

Mix lemon, harrisa, olive oil and cumin together, then mix with olives and place back in tubs. Let marinate at least over night.

Pair with Amorosa Bella Chardonnay for the right balance and zest!

Keep Your Relationship Sizzling Hot: A Case Against Faking Orgasms

The world could use a little more pleasure and playfulness.  Play balances life’s complexities.  Keeping the flame of your relationship sizzling hot is one of your rewards for living an authentically sensual life! 

Research shows pleasure, including sexual pleasure, eases stress, calms nerves and balances emotional energy.  Possibly a divine gift! 

Sexual authenticity is your ability to experience who-you-really-are most fully; the ability to transfer sensually radiant energy to your lover; and to receive your lover’s full authentic expression in return.  Sexual authenticity is giving AND receiving with complete abandon.  Sexual authenticity is healthy and is essential to living a rich life.

 Sensuality is a life-long gift you give to yourself.  Sexual attractiveness is based on radiance and vitality, not merely on youthfulness and external good looks. Sexual energy suppressed can be a disease risk factor for both physical and emotional health. An inability to form authentic relationships with one’s self and with others is at the core of many psychological disorders.

Sexual authenticity is based in trust.  Honesty, trustworthiness and respect are absolute essential prerequisites for sex, on a first encounter or after 30 years of marriage.  A solid sense of self is the foundation for your lifelong sexual satisfaction.  Bringing the real you, authentic and fully present, to your intimate encounters permits you to give and receive energy in an endless flow.  As I asked before, why fake it?!

At any age, during all cycles of life, intimate encounters that arouse your senses, cement your relationship. 

Authors Leslie Kaplan and Peg Melnik have a message for you.  In their new book, “Make Love Whenever Possible When Married With Children,” Kaplan and Melnik take you on a blissful ride rediscovering YOUR sexy! 

They motivate couples to play passionately with 50 hot tips to revive romance during the stressful years of raising a family.  Their stories show you how to maintain physical and emotional intimacy amidst the chaos of family life.

While the divorce rate in American is an astonishing rate of 62 percent, keeping a strong connection with your partner is critically important!  “Make Love Whenever Possible When Married With Children” is playful and poignant with spirited vignettes like “Seduce your spouse with humor,” Be a flasher,” and “Experience the post-vasectomy sexual renaissance.”

Spicing up everyday living by stealing time together and “playing hooky,” French kissing, and sexual favors could put your relationship on the positive side of gravity as you sojourn in life together.  You can find their new book and purchase it from Amazon on our Amorosa Bella website at http://www.amorosabella.com/exploration/books/home.html

Kaplan and Melnik would love to hear your feedback and experiences.  You can contact them at www.makelovewheneverpossible.com or melniknote@aol.com

I have final two words of advice for you as you grow more sexually authentic and sensual - Have fun!

Sex is about delight, desire, intimacy, connection, and caring.  If you are hung up on technique, you are missing the point.   

Surrender yourself to the moment, become mindless, relax, touch, give and receive affection, and be aware of the natural ways your body and mind become aroused by playfully connecting with another person.  For more tips and tools, visit http://www.amorosabella.com/marketplace/private/home.html