Ashton Kutcher (yes…Ashton Kutcher) recently delivered an acceptance speech at a teeny bopper awards show that’s been making its way around the webisphere, and though I’m loath to quote from him, I have not been able to get one of his central messages out of my head: “Opportunity looks a lot like hard work.” I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after reading Lean In (if you’ve not read it, please do; it’s garnered some serious criticism, but make up your own mind about it…I, for one, am I huge believer in all things Sheryl Sandberg), which makes the point that women are prone to attribute their successes to “being in the right place at the right time,” “a great team,” “strong leadership,” “good luck” — basically anything but themselves. In retrospect, though I have also unwittingly self-abnegated when explaining how I got to where I am right now (the director of a private foundation doing what I consider very important work), there is nothing that I have not earned the good and honest way — that is, I’ve earned everything through hard work, patience, and stick-to-it-iveness. (And the occasional sobfest on Mr. Magpie’s shoulder.) Now, where does this message fit into a blog about all things fanciful and inane? Good question. (Doubly good question because it’s led me to reflect on the three different personas in my life — the Magpie, the workhorse, and the private Jen who lives somewhere in-between. Perhaps personas is an imperfect conceptualization — maybe aspects or sides of the prism is a better basis for analogy. Regardless, I think you might be surprised to see me in my professional head space — a lot less fanfare, a lot more directness — but, I hope, the same level of empathy and thoughtfulness. But I digress.) I suppose I felt drawn to write this because I think it’s been the single most important discovery I’ve made in the last year, and it’s pushed me to be even more ambitious and even more confident. And I wish all of you lovely Magpies the same sense of awakening and self-reflection that this discovery has yielded for me.
And so.
Where do we go from here?
There’s only one place: ridiculously ambitious covets that I have no business coveting, let alone owning.
First: I’ve never been on a motorcycle and find the prospect unlikely. Still. Is there something wrong with owning one of these absolutely stunning moto helmets from Atelier Ruby? Don’t worry, they’re only $925. So, you know. A good use of a cool thousand bucks.
Before you conjecture, take a minute to breathe in the beauty in front of you:
Oh my. As an alternative to those of you out there less than interested in playing Barbie, this gown from Temperley is also flat out bananas. I mean, helloooo Jackie O.
I’m eagerly awaiting its arrival. You can find lots of similar ones on Etsy, like this awesome 10. I like the ones with a little patina — a little wear and tear — a little story.
The glass slipper, by Louboutin. Only $3,295.
What are your ridiculous covets?!