Broadway?

A wild, carnival like weekend with girl friends in Nashville, and sleep's been elusive—just 5 hours of sleep since Sunday. There's a sense of something on the horizon, a hint of anticipation in the air. Ever feel that unease about the unknown? That's what's been nagging at me. My dreams have taken on a strange intensity, as if they're nudging me to get ready for... something. But what? It's an odd sensation, like a quiet whisper of the uncanny. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to prepare when I can’t even sleep or eat for that matter.

"It all began on Broadway during a full moon weekend. The atmosphere felt different from the countless times I'd been there before. After visiting a few bars, I discovered a small cut on my leg, yet it was bleeding an unusual amount. It was strange since I'd only had one beer—definitely not enough to explain the bleeding. We joked about a 'sacrifice' on Broadway under the full moon, as the blood was enough to splatter and ruin both my Lucchese boots (still crying real tears over that loss—if you know, you know). By the way, if anyone has tips on getting blood out of leather without damaging it, please let me know.

After the 'sacrificial' incident, things started to get WILD. Doors flew off their hinges—not once, but twice. Random strangers tried to 'sweep me off my feet' (Thanks, Karen! But I'm not interested in men right now; it never ends well, or they never call back). Then came the strange dreams. There's a man or boy, whom I know in real life, in my dreams talking about the letter 'x,' but I don't understand. We're at some formal event, and he keeps looking for me while I hide and observe the girls he talks to. It's very bizarre. I'm not sure if we're in a zoo, circus, carnival, or some fantasy land. Until I figure it all out... see you soon, Broadway.

-XOXO

C U Next Tuesday

I’ve never really been the type to half-ass shenanigans, so let the ruing begin. Just because I’ve been a ghost on here, doesn’t mean I’ve quit Writing, quite the contrary actually. There will not be an Explanation for my absence.

Anyways, I’ve been thinking a lot about ghosts. I never understood why people are afraid of Something they can’t See or people that are “dead”. What a thing to be afraid of. IMO, I’d be afraid of something that would put me to death instead. Not necessarily that I am afraid of dying, thats inevitable, but what or who, would introduce me to death. I guess that’s two things You’ll never Be able to figure out, ghosts and my writing… ;) and if you think you’ve deciphered the Code, please reconsider. You know how much I love outliers, chaos, and unpredictability.

Are you really a playmaker or a coordinator of chaos? I guess you should have studied film.

Speaking of film, I recently was gifted an old Canon AE film camera. Honestly one of the coolest things i’ve ever received. I Love old, vintage things; especially things Like books, cameras, records. It really intrigues ME how much things have changed over time, but then again not really at all. The older things seem to have better quality, whereas the newer things are outdated the day the hit the markets. I guess that’s a subjective preference of mine; older things having better quality.. I wonder if that’s what Your Love by The Outfield meant by he likes his girls a little bit older? I guess he figured out the younger girls could never compete or compare with the older ones. Maybe I’m reaching here… who knows.. ;)

Now that I’ve stimulated your mind, I’ll be on the moon. Talk soon?

-XOXO

Embrace the Madness

This week has been a whirlwind of chaos, a cocktail of Everclear and tequila with chaos as the chaser. And you know what? It's absolutely fabulous. Despite the madness at work, I've been graciously presented with opportunities that are so far out of my comfort zone, it's comical. But hey, the show must go on, right? And trust me, this show is just getting started.

I've been propelled forward by an insatiable thirst for adventure, but let's be real, this adventure might just be the death of me. Adhering to the appearance and physical standards set by the top agency in the world would drive anyone to the brink of insanity, but there's no time for second-guessing. I see it as a pursuit of perfection, both physical and mental.

Without this agency, I would still be drowning in a sea of unruly emotions. You say I've lost my sparkle, but I say I've finally achieved a mental immunity to the highs and lows that plague mere mortals. This mental numbness? It's the best damn switch I've ever flipped off. They told me once I control it, nothing could stop me, and they have not been wrong, yet. I’ll never be the same girl again, finally.

Sometimes the greatest mysteries are not found in the shadows of the mind, but within the depths of the human heart.

Hey Siri, play “in the night by the Weeknd”

-XOXO

It’s Okay to take a loss

After indulging in a much-needed hiatus from life's relentless pandemonium, I've finally resurfaced... well, virtually back to my website, at least. Amidst the whirlwind of my current existence, a fresh lesson has taken center stage, prompting me to divulge the unspoken truth. It's a topic most shy away from, yet it's an inevitable facet of human experience: taking an (L)oss. Yes, it occurs to each and every one of us, whether we're willing to acknowledge it or not. Sometimes, we stumble. It's a natural part of the journey, a detour that often leads to profound self-discovery. Personally, I've gleaned more insight from my setbacks than I ever have from triumphs. Sure, winning may inflate our egos and provide momentary gratification, but what genuine lessons are learned? It's more about fleeting satisfaction than enduring growth. In contrast, facing defeat permeates every fiber of our being, leaving our egos bruised and battered. YET, that's perfectly acceptable. Embracing defeat grants us a valuable blueprint for our future selves.

Well, buckle up and brace yourself for the inevitable sting of defeat, because life's NOT hitting the pause button for your pity party. It took me a while to swallow that bitter pill, but once it went down, it snapped me back to reality. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it's just not gonna be you. Even if you've worked on yourself, polished your rough edges, and learned from past blunders, it might still not cut it. And guess what? That's perfectly fine. Because sometimes, it's not about you. It's about someone else being a better fit, a more tantalizing option, captivating them in a way that perfectly complements their desires and lifestyle. And you know what? That's totally fine. You genuinely wish them the best, even if it means stepping aside and fully supporting their choices. They're the experts on what suits them best, whether it's in their career, interests, relationships—whatever it may be. On the flip side, you're the authority on what's best for you. Sure, this time things didn't pan out as planned, and it sucks, but just wait, opportunity's about to come knocking or throwing a tiny white ball at your head.

There's a whole world out there brimming with possibilities waiting for you to seize them or knock them out the park; and that’s exactly what happened.

Amidst the aftermath of that loss, a mysterious scheme unraveled, hinting at a forthcoming revelation of greater significance... Yet, as I stand face to face with this colossal prospect, it greets me with a grin and piercing hazel eyes, posing as the most daunting challenge I've encountered yet: integrating seamlessly into my professional social circles. He looms like a titan, shrouded in an aura of captivating allure, effortlessly captivating the attention of all who encounter him, including myself. He’s charming, an athlete, with unexpected loyalty, profound mannerism… he's the type of individual who opens doors with a simple smile, effortlessly navigating through life's challenges and opportunities with finesse. He has every “check box” checked, even with a reputation of a womanizer, he’s honest and open with you. But here's the thing: I've got a habit of dodging or blocking opportunities that could lead to thrilling passion and unforgettable moments. I’ve learned from past missteps and failures that I can't keep running away or blocking what could potentially be the best thing for me, even if it feels daunting. After all, I spent all of my time regretting running and looking for opportunities to ultimately “make-up” for what damage I caused from running… I should have answered the phone, but I was a hot mess, in total shambles. I should have gotten on that plane for a surprise visit, but I didn’t and it will haunt me indefinitely, but that is okay. I've paid the price of remorse for far too long, but I emerge wiser, steadfast in my resolve to never traverse that path again.

So take the loss, learn the lesson, make an oath to never go back to your old ways, no matter the circumstance.

I can’t make the same mistake twice. I can’t take another loss and I won’t this time.

-XOXO

REVOLUTION OR REVELATION?

As the chaos intensifies in perfect rhythm, adversity casts its smirking reflection in the mirror, and the sun dips behind the clouds; It's time for the show to commence.

Overthinking has been crowned Queen, finding dominion over your empire. She’s strong, manipulative, hubristic, conceited with status, and demeaning negativity towards you. It’s time. Revolting against every fundamental inner core, habitual instinct of overthinking, that has possessed a stronghold within me, it’s end is here. I lock eyes with it, pour gasoline over its essence, and ignite the flames. I can feel the flames relentlessly searching to torment me, but this time I’m no where to be found. So it goes, with a suffocating vengeance unable to prosper, a weapon formed, depleted from existence, an entire empire burned to the ground. You see, you had to dismantle it entirely because your new dynasty needs the new you. You can’t go back, because you’re a different person today. Heed my warning, once you begin the revolution, prepare yourself. It’s not for the weak, and like clockwork, the psychological warfare ahead has signed up for overtime. She has a vendetta list, and she’s checking it twice. From first hand experience, the girl has hands, especially in the art of throwing shade with precision.

And then it happens, a revelation. The cognitive enlightenment, that only you, can reconstruction the primal foundations of thought. An it appears, like an invisible locket tied around your neck, the key. The essence unveiling the key to the door, you’ve aimlessly wandered around looking for. The door to Wonderland, where your golden dynasty awaits, fortified by impenetrable walls and an endless supply of coffee and tea. Where nonsense and madness run wild without the constrictions of societal norms. A place sustainable for building your dynasty. The key to your dynasty has always been in your possession.

So you go, and seek asylum within wonderland, as the old empire fades into oblivion. The person you once were is now a mere shadow, incapable of retracing steps long gone. Don’t let your guard down too quick, because overthinking has transmuted into the Queen of Hearts and she’s seeking your head, but this time…. You’re slaying more than just your old self and the jabberwocky, you will slay the Queen of Hearts once and for all.

As turmoil is building, you’ve gone poker-faced. In the enigmatic realm of poker strategy, it's understood that the path to outmaneuvering opponents commences with the deft implementation of strategic red herrings, and intertwined with the mastery of emotional restraint, all indispensable in the pursuit of triumph. Intriguingly, the invisible variable linchpin missing from the formula of victory, resided at the core of the crep artisan himself. He is a clandestine strategist, steadfast in his surveillance regardless of distance or occasion, a mastermind of madness, orchestrating perfectly calibrated tactics, concealed beneath a veneer of shared eccentricity, comprehended solely between the two of us. The madness, after all, is the invisible string that tied us together. It was evident that the gleaning insights from his introspective musings, the most deranged psycho within Wonderland, proved crucial for your success. My name threaded in gold, underneath the lid of his hat, a silent whisper of inevitable fate waiting to unfurl. Our eyes, the unspoken narrators, locking in silent communion, as we fix our gaze upon the looming battle before us. An attack was out of the question this time; instead, we found ourselves compelled to surrender and endure persecution, seemingly engulfed in hopeless despair. It wasn't until the madness surged and sparked, jolting the re-emergence of your renewed self, that perfectly aligned with the element of surprise. The moment presenting itself in morse code. It was your time to redefine everything you had ever understood or believed. Putting on her white dress, letting her curls down, the golden girl senses that her moment has arrived.

Frabjous Day has staged itself front and center and the limelight is on The Queen. Your veins surge with a blazing torrent of motivation and determination fueled fury, for this is your newly crowned dynasty, and she holds no sway within Wonderland's realm. As anticipated, The Queen of heart’s sinister ally, the Jabberwocky derived from jezebel’s manipulation, is in full pursuit of your wonderland. Arrogantly flaunting all her assets and tactics aimed at your downfall, she inadvertently reveals a vulnerability that leads to her own defeat and presents a direct opportunity to vanquish the Queen of Hearts as well. Her strategies are antiquated and you're all too familiar with them. A smirk emerging from my face, signaling checkmate. The key, crucial to opening the door to Wonderland, transforms into the Vorpal Sword, its gleaming edge ready for action. With a swift stroke, "Off with her head," mimicking the Queen of Hearts, the Jabberwocky is slayed. There's no time to pause pursuit as disbelief stunned the Queen of Hearts, and her crown trembling atop her head. Sensing the shift in power, the Queen searches for an escape route, but she’s met her match today. While the Queen cashed in her ticket to watch the event, eagerly anticipating your downfall, the clandestine strategist, without notice, has encircled the Queen with trinitrotoluene (TNT). Like the fundamental rule chess, only one Queen can triumph in Wonderland. As the Queen of Hearts and I share a chilling gaze, the truth dawns upon her like a bolt of lightning in a storm: banishment is but a distant dream. With a finality akin to the crescendo of fireworks heralding the conclusion of a grand spectacle, she is extinguished, fading into nothingness. I warned her, this was my dynasty, and the new me, with a new found enigmatic depth, was no match.

So, let the revolution begin. Only you possess the power to alter your reality and metamorphore into whatever you please. Let the revelation invoke the revolution within you. Redefine yourself, and unlock the boundless potential that lies within. Embrace the madness, cultivate growth, and step boldly into the radiant light of your true potential. The path to Wonderland awaits, and it starts with you. You CAN and WILL slay the Queen of Hearts.

XOXO

-Hal nic

Hard work? Bring it on.

Persistence brewed patience, and when my caffeine allies tapped out, my stamina swooped in for the rescue. As a certified night owl, I've burned the midnight oil crafting the ultimate blog, launching THE SHIFT LIST, sealing deals with partnerships, managing my social media, photoshoots for upcoming content and collaborations, and wrangling patent and trademark registrations—all while juggling a full-time gig and entertaining a hyperactive five-year-old who considers me his ride-or-die. I've practically engraved the ethos of hard work onto my soul. Thriving in chaos and flexing my muscles (LOL) in the face of adversity are my superpowers, even if they make me roll my eyes. So, if you catch me looking like a work-in-progress this month, cut me some slack. It's been a sleep-deprived, adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster of a month. I'm powered by caffeine, motivation, and Diet Dr. Pepper, pushing my limits and somehow coming out on top. Days morph into nights, nights blur into days—it's a perpetual loop, but look at me now, finally laying it all out. "Why not hire a marketing and management agency?" you inquire. Well, sweetheart, I'm an OCD maven with trust issues. Handing over the reins of my life to someone juggling clones of me? I don't even trust a pedestrian signal to cross the street, so let's keep it 100. Plus, who can spin your story better than the VIP—the one and only you? Exactly. In this whirlwind, I've unearthed more patience, kindness, love, and all-around fabulousness. I would've missed out on this personal glow-up if I'd taken the easy route. Don't let the world talk you out of embracing the hurdles of hard work; you might miss the grand entrance of your star moment. How else would you conquer a fresh opportunity without a dash of that newfound personal growth? Maybe, just maybe, you were born to hustle precisely for a blockbuster moment like this. Perhaps this is your moment.

Dive headfirst into the abyss of darkness, loneliness, and silence, and make it your VIP lounge. Strut outside and lock eyes with the moon like it owes you money. Inhale the audacity, refocus with a dramatic flair, and recall the roots of your epic journey. You didn't conquer this much just to throw in the towel now, darling. This is your show; do it for yourself because you're the leading star of your fabulous life production. To anyone who dared say otherwise, well, thank them for the laugh and let it fuel your FIRE. Turning skeptics into believers and reveling in the joy of being perennially underestimated should be your secret sauce.

As for me? Oh, honey, i’m fireproof, immune to the haters and the naysayers. Standing tall amidst the chaos because, really, why the hell not? I’m not just surviving; I’m conquering, and I’ve got the sass to prove it.

So behold, the grand entrance of my inaugural "blog" post. Brace yourselves, and hold onto your hats; ready or not, the word is out, shout it from the rooftops—Let the world know, TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND, WE. ARE. BACK, and this comeback is as personal as it gets. Get ready for the takeover, take some notes, and enjoy the show.

To my inner circle, big thanks for the tough love. Your brutal honesty and constructive criticism fueled my journey. You, my in-house counsel, kept the fire burning.

To my son, you're the reason I strive to be the best version of myself. You're my lifeline, and each day I evolve into a better 'best.' Thank you for being my rock, inspiration, and keeping my inner child roaring with life.

And to my haters, hold on tight. I've got so much more for you to seethe over. Be patient; your next source of frustration is just around the corner. For your daily dose of inspo, check out Hal Nic's Looks. I'm eagerly awaiting your next attempt to mimic my iconic OOTDs. Cheers to being the trendsetter you love to hate. I warned you, I told you, this comeback is personal.

xoxo

-Hal Nic