A Little Spark of Madness

Hi everyone :) So today's post is going to be a bit different than usual. If you are only interested in the nail art, just skip down to where it says NAIL ART. Otherwise, keep reading.

I know there are some who will criticize me for mentioning this and that's completely fine. I understand and respect that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but here I go. I have been debating with myself about whether or not I should do this post, whether or not it was appropriate for a nail art blog, and how it will be received. But I've decided that it's been an emotional week and maybe somewhere out there, this post will reach the right person.

Around 8PM on August 11th, I received a text from a friend, "Robin William's killed himself". I stood and read the message over and over again but somehow couldn't understand it. I search the web and found report after report confirming the news, but I wouldn't believe it. I went to bed hoping I would wake up the next morning and find it was some giant hoax. Perhaps Robin had started some cruel rumor just to see how his fans would react. Then he wouldn't be dead, he would just be an asshole. But at least, he would be alive. But I woke up the next morning and saw the news all over my Facebook feed. When I rode the train, his face was plastered on the cover of every newspaper. When I went to the gym, every TV screen held images of his face.

He was both gone and everywhere.

For some reason, this death seems to be affecting us more so than previous Hollywood losses. Through the losses I have seen, I have never seen so many people grieve so hard for one man, someone we all hardly knew. And yet, the sadness we feel is equivalent to losing a friend. He was our Mork, our Mrs. Doubtfire, our genie, our Peter Pan. For many of us, he was a quick escape from reality, a bit of laughter in our day, and message saying, "You're quirky, a bit different, but that's okay."

So why am I bringing this up, on a nail blog, no less? Because what's at the heart of our sadness is not just that he died, but that someone who made us laugh and smile took his own life. He struggled with depression for years and fought until he could not fight anymore. Though the common misconception is that depression is just a feeling, the blues, a phase, or something you "get over" after a while, telling someone who is depressed, "You're strong, you'll get over it" is like telling someone with an amputated limb, "Don't worry, it will heal." The truth about depression is this: 

“Please, people, do not fuck with depression. It’s merciless. All it wants is to get you in a room alone and kill you. If you are feeling depressed reach out, scream out, make sure someone takes hold of you and helps until you are well enough to help yourself.”

 - Harvey Fierstein

So this is my message to you: reach out. If you know someone who seems down, don't be afraid to reach out to them and offer your support.It may be nothing, but it could be everything. It may feel awkward or strange or too personal, but simply showing concern may have the power to save someone's life. The biggest smile can hide the deepest wound. Never be afraid to reach out because you never know what someone is dealing with.

And to those of you who are struggling, please, I am asking you to not be afraid to reach out as well. Never be afraid to ask for help or support because you would be surprised how much people are willing to give. Every loss makes this world a little less bright. You are loved and worth it and needed so please reach out.

"The demons won in their battle for Robin Williams’ soul. They don’t have to. The best way to honor him is to help someone fighting the same battle or asking for help if you’re the one fighting. You’re not alone. Don’t let the demons win." 

 - Nancy Joyce 

24-hour Hotline National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)

What happened with Robin William's this week has upset many people and taken center stage. However, let us not get so lost in our grief that we overlook the events that are going on around us. In Missouri, an unarmed teenage named Michael Brown was killed by police, inciting riots and violence. In response, police have responded aggressively, turning the town into a war zone. Further, those of us who watch the news know that the Palestine - Israeli conflict has escalated over the past few weeks. Every day, heartache grows as countless lives are lost on both sides in what seems like a never ending battle. 

This is not a political blog and never will be. I am not giving my opinion or asking anyone to take sides of any kind. I am simply asking you to stay aware and be informed. These events deserve our attention as much as Hollywood, if not more so.

NAIL ART

All in all, it's been a very difficult week. That being said, I thought we could all use a bit of sparkle. This is a mani I did a few weeks ago using Nabi Silver, from their holo collection. Although the color is labeled as silver, in doors, it appears to be more of a beige/while holo. I'm a huge fan of white holo's and am always looking for one, so I thought this was a bonus! However, if you are looking for a true silver holo, I would NOT purchase this color. As with all the Nabi's I have talked about on this blog, the formula was perfect. Two coats gave me complete coverage.

In doors, this color is very pretty.

*Taken indoors

But outdoors in full sun, this color is absolutely brilliant!

*Taken in full sun

*Blurred intentionally to see holo affect

Like what you see? Check out my other designs on pinterest :)

Thanks for stopping by!

"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." - Robin Williams

Nabi - Silver (3d rainbow effect)
Moyou London Bridal Collection 07 (XL) - lower lace pattern