Here's what I love. I will be in some completely innocuous conversation with one of my male friends and he will (usually accidentally) reference something from my blog. I pause, process, tilt my head to the side in gratitude and say, "You read my blog?"
His answer: "Well, yeah, I mean...uhm..that one time and whatever so, OKAY, Yes, I read it. There."
(Or something along those lines.)
Lately this conversation has happened with some surprising frequency which has my mind working in the direction of another blog...but more about that later.
Today I would like to thank my male readership by introducing you to:
Sportsrant is written by Ryan Bearden...who because he married my favorite person and is the father of my favorite little...is by default one of my favorite "guys." And when I say Ryan is a "guy's guy"...I am NOT embellishing. In fact, I once dated a man who said things like "I love Ryan" and "Are you kidding me? Ryan was the best part of the whole night." Sadly....that dude bailed....on me AND Ryan. I bet he misses Ryan more...jack ass (him...not Ryan).
Anyhow...back to Sportsrant. I usually read it with glaze-y eyes because I have NOT a clue as to what Ryan speaks of. BUT...I DO enjoy his writing style and voice. He's witty and I often laugh out loud...hopefully in the right spots...and most especially enjoy the times he includes an anecdote about his sweet Ella.
While I am currently lazing about Mr. Bearden's guest bedroom as I am inclined to do (I get the BEST rest at Rancho de Bearden)...he is unavailable for an interview as he is hosting his family and preparing to watch the Alamobowl...I suspect with little enthusiasm. Booo. Ryan and I do agree on the Longhorns but grossly disagree on the Lakers.
To my guy readers: Enjoy Sportsrant! (And now imagine the SportsCenter sound in your head.)
Last night between catching up on thank you notes, addressing Father's day cards and messing with my new (not really...just "new" as in "fresh out of the box") Crosley turntable I managed to squeeze in a little blog surfing. One of my favorite blogs, Not Going Postal, which I know to be local, shared about the SA blog community's trip to play with sting rays at Sea World earlier in the day.
"What," I grumbled. "I want in on the SA blog community sting ray day of fun!" I immediately wrote a message to the author of Not Going Postal and she responded very quickly! Yay! She included me in their Facebook group and I introduced myself, and Fete, to them last night. The group has been most welcoming and it looks like everyone works together for the greater good of the San Antonio community!
For my mommy friends...check out this San Antonio Mom Blogs! Not only is there a host of suggestions on a variety of mom-topics, there is a comprehensive list of other local bloggers whose focus is often on parenting and specific to our local community!
I am extremely excited to participate in this community and meet other like minded individuals...who like "living out loud," sharing what they know and casting their musings across the seemingly infinite space of the world wide web.
Lorelai: ...just make sure you wait for the right moment.
Rory: Oh the right moment is now. The right moment arrived in a big pink hat full of feathers, screaming, "Notice me, because I am here!"
Lorelai: Well, if it was wearing a hat....
I've been spending some time down town lately and I have parked in the P-A-R-K Lot (as my friend, Jace' lovingly refers to ALL lots with the work "park" in them) across the street from the bus stop and catty corner (?)/kitty corner (?) from Bill Miller BBQ. In the elevator lobby areas on each level...this is the art work adorning the floor. I love it! The moment I saw it...I heard Steven Tyler SCREAM in my ear..."Well just give me a kiss...LIKE THIS!"
I love these little cultural gems! Despite living in this town since 1997...I have never had the pleasure of coming across this quirky adornment to a rather benign structure. Makes me happy to park and not at ALL upset that I had to write an 8 dollar check to the city for two hours worth of parking!
Happy Sunday, friends! Off to vacay tomorrow. Depending on the level of energy...I may or may NOT post for the week!
Hang on to your hats, friends. This one is going to be a long one.
This week has been a challenge; both physically and mentally. Despite my present discomfort God....(and The Universe) have sent me a number of gifts that I would like to share with you, my readership of less than 100! Granted, I have shared most of this on Facebook. But, in the very rare and troubling event that YOU are not on Facebook...allow me to share these precious little gems of goodness and grace.
"By challenging traditional stereotypes within all races, cultures, and lifestyles portrayed in Film, Television, and New Media, Monarch Media Productions is committed to generating innovative content that will seek to honorably represent and realistically portray the rich diversity of modern American society."-www.monarchmediaproductions.com
I am so proud of all the individuals who came together to make this possible. Now...on with the show. Chat at me about film festivals!
I am "literally" loving Kat Edmonson's new album, Way Down Low! A fellow Texan, which makes me love her even MORE, I was first introduced to Kat Edmonson when she teamed up with, my man, Lyle Lovett on three Christmas songs. Her voice is a perfect mix of pixie quirk and throwback hauntings. I love the vibe of this album and feel inspired to bathe in vintage and take myself out for a Sidecar, Slow Gin Fizz or a classic Martini. BUY IT, NOW!
I have been unable to face scouring my house...for one reason or another. I never really got to the source of the fear and blockage...but I honestly didn't delve all that deeply into the root cause. Perhaps because I was afraid of what I might find.
Domestic Divas told me it was okay to leave "the dust to them." And so, I took them up on their offer! According to their founder, Nikki Jefferson, it is okay to feel like I can't possibly keep up with the demands of my life AND keep a clean house. Of course, what Nikki does not know is that I have no children and no husband. I live alone and have no excuse....other than pure laziness....for not cleaning this house on my own.
Thank you, Nikki, for your understanding nature! It is not lost on me. And...good for you for finding your niche! I HIGHLY recommend Domestic Divas.
For information about menu and pricing visit www.domesticdivas.net. Let them know I referred you, pretty please!
HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL: I do not even know where to start on HOW MUCH I found this blog a source of total comfort this week. I am not even going to try! Just go to www.momastery.com.
Yes, this is a "mommy blog" and NO, I am not a "mommy." But...that does not mean Glennon's story did not completely resonate with me, inspire me, break me down, build me up. I experienced a range of emotions while I navigated through this lovely "e-space," meeting up with like minded individuals along the way. It is a forum for "yourself-ness" and thank you Glennon for allowing a space like this to exist! I love, love, love when God uses the internet for His good graciousness. THIS is one of those places. Go there...NOW! And...become a "monkee!"
Rory: Wait. Where are you going?
Lorelai: I am gonna drive in a circle really fast to reverse the earth's orbit.
Ahhhh.....I feel much better now! Much, much, much love....
I found this blog through Pinterest. There was a cute photo of a messy ponytail and the caption went something like, "This is the best blog for hair styles." Okay, so yes, I spent the better part of Friday night watching this total cutie show me hair tricks and styles and products and implements. And, yes, I spent the better part of the night trying to re-create her styles. A few of them worked, a few of them didn't. My hair is too long and too heavy to sport some of her precious coifs. Nevertheless, I enjoyed her articulate and detailed videos and imagine she is probably just the sweetest hairdresser a girl could have! If you like to play with your hair...or others...check out this blog. She posts about other things, as well. And she likes to share about her life and her faith...which is an added bonus. She picked up and moved to North Carolina...she got me thinkin'....????
This blog is in loving memory of Sherry Taff. Sherry is a former colleague. She was a tiny woman with the biggest heart. She loved teaching students "how to learn." She had a deep impact on so many young people. She loved her family and was so proud of her husband and children. Thoughts and prayers are with her family....
So....I am not going to pretend to be someone I am not. I am not a wine person. I don't know a thing about wine. I know I am attracted to pink wines...because, well, they are pink. However, I "came up" in the era where pink wines were definitely de classe; but a large bottle of pink St. Genevive always did the trick in college. If, of course, the trick is blissful intoxication; rather than purposeful, respectful epicurean delight.
When, and if, I am obligated to select a wine I find I am intrigued by the graphic quality of the label, the cleverness of the name, the do-able-ness of the price. Rarely do I give any thought to what might be lurking "inside" the bottle and how that might delight (or offend) the senses of the recipient.
Never mind the fact that wine often brings on an immediate, blood throbbing head ache. IF I want to enjoy I have to go on the defensive with either 4 Advil or a migraine medication and IF I am lucky I won't fall victim to the stabbing, nagging feeling in my head. Most "learned" wine drinkers follow up with, "Well, you just aren't drinking the right types of wine; good, quality wines." I don't doubt that my budget and lack of knowledge steer me towards head ache enacting wines. And, I will be the first to admit that I never experienced a head ache in either France or Italy. That solves it....I will just have to cross the pond when I have a hankering for a good glass of wine. Sure, there might be something to this whole idea...I just don't know what it is or how to navigate around it.
Having admitted to my poor, poor taste and understanding of the luxurious appeal and experience of wine I still enjoy knowing about it and sort of, live vicariously, through enthusiasts who I find are usually really rabid about their passion.
Brunellos Have More Fun is exactly the type of blog that allows me enjoy without having to imbibe. (Although I sure would like to!) Whitney, the creator of this particular blog, has brought a voice to wine that goes beyond just the experience of a sniff, a swirl, a sip, a nose, a bouquet, etc. She invites the reader into the world of a wine lover. She not only offers her knowledge of wine, she shares where "wine" has taken her and how it has shaped her life. She also gives a peek into what a wine lover might wear, how an outfit can speak volumes about the wine that goes with it, what to serve with "sipper" and how you, too, might become equally as passionate as she is!
I met Whitney years ago. She was my cousin's room mate in New York, well, Brooklyn to be exact. I don't know that her love of wine had yet been birthed as they were both working on their respective theatrical careers at the time. Years later they are both still together, in Los Angeles, and their lives have taken them down very different paths. I have kept up with Whitney's endeavors (here and there) through Marisa; but I did not realize she had a blog. If you live in the Los Angeles area and need a person who will tailor your wine curiosities specifically to you....call on this young lady.
One of the many nights I could not sleep...I came across this blog. Something Green can be located by clicking here. It is a wonderful guide for being the hostess with the mostest while still remaining true to your "green" roots! And for an extra bit of fun the pictures are inspiring! Enjoy......
I am a shameless lover of television. I can be found cuddling comfortably in my bed watching re-runs of Gilmore Girls, Cooking Channel and HGTV, book in hand, kitties and doggy sprawled all around me. I am a Pilates instructor and believe firmly in this unique method of movement. Without question, I feel most beautiful when I am teaching Pilates. I am an intermediate pole dancer and blooming, inquisitive arielist. A school psychologist by education and training, I am a frustrated artist, writer, and chef. I love old furniture, the shabbier the better and I love finding unique items to add to my varied and quirky collections sprinkled throughout my home. I very much enjoy MOST types of music and am ALWAYS open to recommendations. Jazz and classic country are, by far, my favorite! I have cried at every play, opera, ballet and musical I have ever seen performed live, I talk to myself all the time and I am constantly dancing around my house. I hope one day to own an aqua vintage car, a refurbished Airstream, a home by the water and a bungalow in the city. I am a beautifully imperfect work in progress and I am learning to say, "I am not sorry for what I want!"
