Well, well, well…..the march to Level 9 is complete. Thanks to all for allowing me to be a part of this outstanding community! I’ve made some good friends in here and I’ve gotten some great advise on leveling me up in several different ways. Looking forward to my continued growth and sharing with y’all along the way.

One of my favorite combinations is pink and khaki. On the cusp of spring it lends itself so well to the hope of warmer weather to me. As I’ve said many times, pink is one of the primary three conservative colors but it adds another dimension of color that the other two uber versatile colors (blue and white) don’t. In the mid 20th century a lot of home accent colors utilized pink with brown. With only a few more weeks at best of cooler weather here I wanted to get in another wearing of my favorite tweed, a chocolate Donegal weave, so I coupled it with a pink twill shirt. OOTD •1997 MTM chocolate donegal tweed w shooting action back and sure elbow patches • cotton pink and blue pocket square • CT pink twill french cuffs with french horn links • Brooks Brothers navy w brown bridle motif bow tie • Harold’s double forward pleat khakis • Pantherella OTC socks • 1982 shell cordovan Alden loafer • 1940s Ernest Borel Automatic Watch

Getting things wrapped up before a business trip at the end of the week.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, Growing up I was blessed to have a strong family and great mentors within my family that imparted wisdom and knowledge. The problem is that I chose to not listen to many of them because I chose for different reason not to listen to them. Some of these reasons were: “this is too difficult to follow”, “this is not for me, this is silly”, and the biggest one was, leveryone else is not doing it.” Now looking back I wish that I had listen to those who had already experienced these things or had knowledge of what I was dealing with. This would have not only saved me a lot of pain and heartache, but also should have put me so much further ahead in life. So here are five life lessons that hurt, but will make you stronger that I wish I had listened and learned. 1. Every second you spent comparing your life to someone else is wasting your your journey is unique and incomparable focus on your own path and happiness instead of measuring yourself against others perceived success. 2. You can lie down for people to walk on you and they will still complain that you’re not flat enough setting healthy boundaries is crucial. You’re worth is not defined by how much you let others take advantage of you 3. Never trust what someone says watch what they do actions speak, louder than words, judge people by their consistent behaviors not by empty promises or grand statements 4.You can’t love somebody enough to make them love you back genuine love is reciprocal and voluntary recognize your worth and don’t waste your heart on someone who isn’t willing or able to reciprocate your feelings, 5. Be careful with your words once they’re said they can only be forgiven not forgotten words have the power to heal or to wound deeply think before you speak and choose expressions that build rather than destroy.