Great in '08 but Sublime in '09

Wishing all a happy New Year and hopes that 2009 brings success and happiness. As the night is winding down and resolutions are on your mind, remember to set sights that are meetable, whatever the scale. No goal is too big if your heart and head are ready.

My resolution? To find peace and happiness in myself, my dreams, and my future. To know that my support system is strong and real and that focusing on me and my pursuits will be fine in '09.

So pop the bubbly and get loose on New Year's Eve! Here's to a fantastic year.

Bright Lights, Big City

At 10, it was because I wanted to be a Broadway chorus girl. At 12, it was to be a professional ballerina. By high school, I had my sights set on becoming the next celebrity starlet.
While my career path has deterred a bit, the city has never faltered. New York, New York. Songs have been written about it, movies entire souls have revolved around it, the histories of millions breathe throughout the city. And now, I will begin to write a chapter of my own life there.
Just one in a million, with wide eyes and a beating heart, my one way ticket and I are headed to the Big Apple. And in a life moment when I have no idea what could happen, anything can...that's New York City.

On the 12th day of Christmas...

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, full of sleigh bells jingling, children giggling, and bountiful amounts of food. Have happy, hoppy holidays.

'Tis the Season

For it isn't quite the holidays without snow flakes and sugar plums...

Let's go to the Circus

New Britney Spears: Girl is Back









I've never really been a fan of Miss Britney Spears. I bought her CD's and danced to her singles, but I never really got her. Never hung any pictures or calendars on my walls or had an "I <3 Britney" keychain. She was entertaining, but not worthy of her fame. Her Southern "charm" looked like a white trash girl with too much money to me. So when she went off the deep end, I was happy to say "I told you so" to all my Britney-worshiping friends. And that stuck for a while...until I listened to Circus, and watched "4 the Record." She was candid (albeit still a little crazy), she's still got her moves, and it looks like crunches have found a place back in her daily routine. Just like that, I am a changed fan. I believe in this comeback. Let's enjoy the show!

Cloud Surfing

Since my family moved to California when I was five, I have slept in the same bed. Yes, it's a twin, and felt a whole lot bigger when I was four feet tall, but it is the ultimate nest. Atop one feather and two foam beds, I sleep snuggled into a cushion of six pillows, two down comforters, and a small zoo of stuffed animals surrounding me, covers pulled up to my chin. Tucked under two bay windows, it offers a view of my entire backyard and the sky above and beyond me. As a little girl, I used to wish upon the stars that sparkled in the deepest navy night, blowing kisses to the brightest in the bunch. Now, as the winter chill frosts the windows and blurs my sight, I find myself waking up early to let the morning light seep in and warm my room.
Over the years, my bed has served as a desk, a dresser and a couch to a gaggle of giggling girls, but when the blankets are turned down and sweatpants are donned, it is the ultimate sleeping pill. The warmest, most comfortable place to be, where I sink in and let out a satisfied "ahhh." When I'm tired, there is often nowhere I'd rather be, and few places I long more for when I'm away. And as I've run down my batteries for the last 11 1/2 months, the two weeks before me are going to be the greatest nap I've never taken...I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it. The pitter patter of winter rain sure isn't hurting either...

Closing Time

Tonight marks my last in Portland. It has been 11 weeks of beginnings, discoveries, hard work, learning, exhaustion, and laughter. I am sad to be closing the Oregon chapter, but happy to look back on my 4 1/2 years here with a feeling of satisfaction. I haven't come across much that feels better than pushing myself, getting uncomfortable, and coming out on top. I am confident that I have achieved something great.
And in four day's time, when I will have finished the seemingly endless cycle of packing and unpacking (at least for the next two weeks), I will allow myself to stop thinking about what has been and all about what is to come. The next big move, and I couldn't be more nervous and exhilarated. Here it goes...

Goodbye Oregon!

No More Pencils, Lots More Books

Tomorrow, I make my last move as a college student and my first into life post-graduation. A huge step that I'm trying to take as slowly as possible and find the balance between saying goodbye to 18 years of schooling and saying hello to the first time that I won't go back to the classroom come January.

I have already donned a cap and gown and walked across the stage in celebration of my soon to be alma mater, but tomorrow, I will receive the final nod to end my college career. And in six weeks, when my diploma finally arrives in the mail, I'll know it's truly real. Until then, I'll get the frame dust free and ready.

Gifted

Loving Billie's big, black bow. Who knew that a little cheer, eyelet and long satin gloves would make such a righteous statement? Gilded and glamorous. Wearing a bow is like being the personal present of everyone you see, tied up fancy and fun and ready to rock. I love a good bow...the bigger the better.

The Sky is Yours

open up your mind and see like me
open up your plans and damn you're free
look into your heart and you'll find love

it's our godforsaken right to be loved
(loved loved loved...)

More Than Just Turkey...

November 27: On this day, if only just one day out of the whole year, give vocal thanks to those around you. Reach out to people who have touched your life, and think of loved ones and friends.

I know that while life may not be perfect, I have a lot to be thankful for, and much of it is made possible by the important, fabulous people in my life. So thank you for everything, I love you all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Tale of Two Cities

In life thus far, I have loved two cities.
To sit in Chrissy Field with a Presidio set as my backdrop, the Golden Gate Bridge drenched in fog on the left, Alcatraz powerful in the North. To stand on the tip of the Headlands, yards from that same rust colored bridge, watching sailboats ride in the wake of cruise ships, the sun casting its blinding glow across the water to the Bay Bridge. To enter Marin, cruise controlling down the Waldo Grade, and see Mill Valley tucked into the Bay, water from every angle. To drive 25 miles per hour and never consider pressing down on the gas. To walk down quiet neighborhood slopes, past girls kicking soccer balls and dads swinging tennis rackets as the sun sets purple above their heads. To arrive on a dock that rises and falls with the bay that laps at its mossy planks and watch the city glitter in the distance.
To wind through vendors selling anything from Obama screen t's to potpourri, through tourists with foot long lenses, through the swaying tails of decorated horses and their loud mouth owners, and arrive in front of a dance crew sweating the afternoon away. To leave the hustle and bustle of the city, the smells and sounds of the people that surround the chicken kabob cart on 59th and 5th and collapse in front of a silent pond, positioned just so there's no skyscraper in sight. To go from Canal Street handbag saleswomen to Madison Avenue wasps in ten minutes flat. From crowded sidewalks to boys in knee socks, from downtown to uptown and back in time for dollar beers and tacos.
Life is long and I am young...I'm sure the tale won't end until I have written many more city chapters. But today, I smile to think of where I have been and what more I will do. I know my heart well, and what it feels like when it yearns for something. I listen. This love affair is just getting started.

Lucky in Lemon

Rihanna rocked some Zac Posen Spring '09 at tonight's American Music Awards and walked away award ladden. This is not the first time that Rihanna and Zac have come together for this show, and it seems to be turning into a very successful relationship. Great press for one, a plethura of wall ornamentation for the other. No complaints here.

The Apple of my Eye

I made a rule to not write about the negative in "My Favorite Things," but, I'm going to have to make an exception...I used to hate apples. Really, really hate them. Biting into and subsequently chewing an apple made my skin crawl, worse than any nails on any chalk boards. Worse than paper cuts, worse than the sound of someone sucking on clothing, worse than the worst joint pop in history. And now that I've successfully made myself and all of you excessively uncomfortable, here's the good news.
Today, I love apples. A few years ago, I was presented with an apple and out of hunger, I put my stubborn issues behind and ate it. This time, just to be difficult, I avoided the skin. And wow, was it amazing! For years, I had been turning my nose at apples, not realizing it was because of their skin! Oh, had I only known. Since, I have eaten hundreds of apples. Galas, Pink Ladies, Red and Golden Delicious, Fujis, Granny Smiths...did you know that there are 7,500 varieties? That's a whole lotta cider.
How does she do it, you may ask. Enter the vegetable (and in my case, fruit) peeler. A good peeler is like an open door welcoming you to meet all sorts of other food. Cucumbers, pears, persimmons...the list goes on. Foods that I had avoided or been forced to nibble around are now mine for the bountiful taking. And while everyone looks at me a little cockeyed the first time I whip out a rather industrial peeler, the end result is extreme enjoyment and in my opinion, a far more juicy experience.
How do you like them apples?

Power to the Public

Today marks the start of American Education Week.

In times such as these, recognizing public schools and the selfless champions who have dedicated their lives, money and sleepful nights to the futures of youth is of utmost importance. Remember your favorite teacher, project, or assigned reading and take a moment to thank anyone who touched you throughout your journey through the reading, writing, and learning rainbow.

Change is here, and it's up to us to make sure that education has reason be celebrated. More info here!

Less is More

Fear less, hope more;
Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more;
Hate less, love more;
And all good things are yours.

Puppies 4 Sale

My future pup, Scout.
Hi. I want you!

Crazy for Not Feeling Blue

I was recently on a plane having a less than fabulous time. In need of a positive distraction, I scrolled through the trusty old iPod searching for something uplifting. And what I found was the soundtrack to my favorite musical, "Crazy for You." I was immediately transported back to the little girl days, when I spent countless evenings singing and dancing to the classic musicals with my mom, cooking in the kitchen with the living room stereo blasting, spatula microphones in hand.
Seated in 18F, I found myself tapping my feet, bopping my head and singing along, a time or two aloud, much to the dismay of my neighbor in 18E. From beginning to end, I wiggled to the music, a little smirk across my face. And when the pilot announced preparation for landing, I turned off my electronic device, closed my eyes, and sang silently through the rest of the flight.

Leaving on a jet plane...

...to soar to the Big Apple with a (vintage?) leather suitcase, some killer shoes and a feeling of radiant hope.

Let the Chips Fall as They May

November 5: You can control your destiny. You have the power to do whatever you want. In order to get there, be the best possible person to face in competition, the most prepared, the most hungry, the most invested. Face threats and weaknesses with answers and alternatives. Thicken your skin to rejection and strengthen your argument to questioning eyes. In an age in which thousands of people are entering the job market, the love market, the life market, be ruthless, resilient, ready. And at the end of the day, sleep soundly knowing that you were as proactive as you could possibly be, and you engaged in every external factor that came your way.
Bottom line, believe in yourself. And when you gain the ability to truly trust your choices and your intuition, relax, because life is going to happen, quickly and with surprises. If you've done everything in your power to be in the best place when the chips fall, you just may be happy with where they land. And they're going to land whether you like it or not, so you might as well like it.

Happy Election, Mr. President

YES WE DID.

Cashmere Lined Confection

In three color combinations, these leather Portolano gloves are perfect for any winter coat. And at 15", they will go famously with a 3/4 length sleeve, all the rage as the 50's make a fashion return this season. Elbows not to be neglected.

A Midas Touch Kind of Day

When chocolate and laughter come together, conversation is as smooth as the succulence that fills sugar rimmed martini glasses. Bellies are warm and the reminiscing continues long after the table is cleared and the candle has burned down to the wick. Late into the night, with smiles still painted on sleepy faces, everything we touched had turned to gold.

A Song for the Belters

There's only us

There's only this
Forget regret
Or life is yours to miss
No other road
No other way
No day but today

There's only yes
Only tonight
We must let go
To know what's right
No other course
No other way
No day but today

I can't control
My destiny
I trust my soul
My only goal is just
To be
There's only now
There's only here
Give in to love
Or live in fear
No other path
No other way
No day but today...

Definition: Sport

Tell me that ballet is for girls. Then...do this.

No need for $150,000 here

Michelle Obama told Jay Leno on the Tonight Show on Monday she purchased her yellow outfit online from J.Crew. J.Crew swiftly capitalized on this marketing opportunity by making "Michelle" and "Obama" searchable on their site. Type it in and the gold Pembridge Dot Camilla Skirt she wore pops up. That item skyrocketed to the most-viewed item on the site yesterday, receiving 464 percent more hits than the day before. Traffic on J.Crew's site as a whole increased 64 percent. They must still be dealing with a traffic spike because the site crashed as we tried to purchase the skirt, though it seems to be working fine now. Read more...

Here's a woman who can do fashion on a budget...in a time of economic crisis, less is more. Hats off to you, M!

Hugs and kisses...

...Such stuff as dreams are made on...

An Ode to Levi Stubbs

On October 17, the frontman of Motown classic group, Four Tops, passed away from a long term ailment. Stubbs, along with the rest of his mates, performed across the world for four decades, hit after hit. Even in concerts in the past few years, their pipes and moves were as strong and sensual as ever and their shows were spectacular. Here's to the icon, may we forever sing your praises, in the form of your ultimate hits.
Baby I Need Your Lovin'
Reach Out, I'll Be There
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)

Listen and learn.

Portable Paraphernalia

While I'm not one to get too excited about electronics (usually because I can't figure most of them out), I learned about this little diddy at work today and found it fabulous. A wireless live radio feed that can plug into your car, home stereo, or be used solo with headphones, you can have new music at your fingertips all day, every day. And if you like and want to remember a song, press the "love button" and it will save it to your music library.

Radio + iPod + love button = my dream machine

Some Kind of Amazing

At my high school, the arts were often taken more seriously than any scholastic subject. Our interests were treated with respect and allowed time and space to be honed, sometimes to near perfection. Dancers went on to famous companies, musicians and actors to acclaimed conservatories, artists to distinguished institutes. We see each other at reunions, local bars, sometimes surprised by a familiar name and face in the program at the ballet.

Tonight, while listening to Pandora, I heard a song that reminded me of two classmates who are miraculous musicians, to say the least. I have watched them play with jaw dropped countless times, never fully understanding how they carry all of their talent, as well as their instruments. I visited their Facebook and Myspace pages and was pleased, but not surprised, to see that they continue to write and play together, though now are settled on the coast where they attended college, across the country from where we grew up.
As we follow our hearts and the path is paved by our choices everyday, I think a great life soundtrack is essential, and I look forward to this addition to mine.
The Scandinavian Half-Breeds

Happy Birthday, Wally Lamb

She's Come Undone is my favorite book. Every year since the first time in 2002, I pick it up and settle in for a day to read the 480 pages, cover to cover. It is a remarkable story about a girl's life, from age 4 to age 40, through divorce, hospitalization, love, sadness and triumph. Most interesting for me? The novel's author, Wally Lamb, is a man, and never before have I read anything that so touched and understood a character of the opposite sex. And for me, that is a beautiful ability, as a writer and a person.
October 17th is Mr. Lamb's birthday, and around the day that I began another bestselling novel of his, I Know This Much is True, a tale of identical twin brothers, one schizophrenic, one by society's standards, "normal." So far, so amazing. My congratulations to the author, for another profound story. I look forward to reading and re-reading his books forever.

Think you're smart? Prove it.

October 23: Stop speaking poorly about friends. It's easy to say that it's only venting, or you'd say the same thing to his or her face, but honestly, what do any of us gain? Talking about the so-called flaws of others only makes our own insecurity and boredom shine brighter. And in this day and age, with the world growing and changing and new and exciting opportunities arising before our eyes, shouldn't we have better things to talk about?
So the next time you're offered the chance to say something unnecessary, fight the urge and talk...politics. We've got a big election on our hands. Plus, burning ears can't feel good.

Flavor Savior

I.LOVE.THIS.

Thank you Autumn, for all of your plentiful gifts.

Whiskey Rebels, you know who you are...

In honor of the month that Jack Daniel's was announced to have the highest proof of alcohol on the market.
This post goes out to all the ladies, but definitely the gentlemen, who enjoy the rich, full bodied flavor of fine American whiskey. Whiskey that's empowered, distinct, crafted by legends. Whiskey diverse enough to be enjoyed solo, on the rocks, or with a dash of water or soda. Whiskey that embodies all things classic, strong, stoic and above all, man. So raise your glasses boys, Jack's up.

Hugs = Love

October 13: Human physical contact is clinically proven to improve people's moods, even in cases of depression. So go hug someone. But of course, ask first. If hugging isn't your thing, then touch someone's shoulder or arm, or give them a warm smile and compliment. We never know what kind of day we might come across, so why not do something harmless and impacting to help acknowledge each other and get happy.

2AM CLUB, not just a bar in suburbia

A friend just gave me the CD of a band with two members from my hometown. I went to junior high with them and never knew for all those years that they were such musical fiends. Now I can't turn them off! Enjoy ;)
2AM CLUB...

Lipstick Rumble

I recently discovered Lipstick Jungle and I'm hooked. Dubbed the "next Sex and the City," it follows three best friends and New York power women through their stories of love, success and solidarity. Not only are they beautiful, funny, and smart, the show makes very obvious that these characters find their strength in being challenged and relying on the most important things, themselves and family. And they have impeccable wardrobes...Great role models indeed.

Overthink is my middle name

October 8: Don't assume the worst, or stress over minuscule details that have little to no effect on the big picture, if realistic or expected at all. It's a waste of time. We cannot predict the future. Instead, focus on personal goals and desires and await the knowledge that life and experience will share.

Waking up to Fall

As went about my morning activities, I was pleased to see the sun glinting through the big green leaves, wet with fresh dew. I considered what I would wear, the weather crisp in Oregon October. As I raised my blinds to welcome the bright new day, the sky went dark and rain started to fall. No wind in sight, the water fell straight down, hard and fast to the bushes below. My face fell too. After a few moments of grunts and frowning, I took a better look at the foliage and land before me. I was surrounded by the most beautiful and lush greenery, made possible by these very drops!
Considering this, I began to smile. I pulled out a pair of boots and a winter coat, layered underneath with warm, soft cotton, and decided to face the weather head on. This year, I would embrace the fall. I would appreciate the rain for what it would bring to my favorite season, spring. This spring would be beautiful and healthy because of the cats and dogs that pitter pattered on my rooftop. I hurried to get ready to leave the house so that I could have my first happy meeting with the rain that I spent years cursing.
The moment I opened the front door to greet the wet, the sun came out and the rain went away. Walking down the street, people closed their umbrellas and squinted up at the clear, blue sky. Rainboots dried and raincoats were folded upon sweatered arms. With dry hair and dry feet, I couldn't help but feel a bit of glee. Maybe I'll wait to start my positive relationship with the rain tomorrow, or next week...

The Perfect Mix of Business and Pleasure

Barack Obama's Paris Runway Debut
When it was reported that Donatella Versace most recent men's collection was inspired by Barack Obama, Donatella was quick to correct the press. Obama himself didn't inspire her, but rather "the type of man Barack Obama represents." However designers showing at Paris Fashion Week conveyed no such reserves about using their runway shows to blatantly support Barack.
read more...

Resolutionary

October 6: Write, seal, stamp, and send letters. It doesn't matter what they say, how long they are, or how quickly they get to their destination, because the sentiment that goes with a hand written letter is incomparable.
And in this day and age, when bills are the only expected envelopes to fill the mailbox, a little surprise goes a long way.

Degas Three Ways

One of Edgar's best. Many more to come.

Chewy, Gummy, Happy

A day rarely goes by that doesn't include me eating candy. I just love a little bite of something sweet, after most meals, with most beverages, at most hours of the day. I especially love entering the drugstore, gas station or market and finding one of the following:

1. Tropical Typhoon Mike N Ike's. Before the "NEW FLAVORS!" (which should put them lower on my list because they're not as good anymore, but I cannot abandon what was once the most delicious candy of all time.)
2. Lifesavers Gummies Wild Berry. I know, a very specific mouthful, but the perfect mix of tangy and sweet.
3. Lifesavers Gummies Fruit Splosions. This is a new twist on the ever popular Gusher. They come in Traditional Five Flavor, Sour Cherry and Variety Pack.
4. Nabisco Chewy Fruit Snacks. Pretty generic, but oh so yummy...my favorite flavor is Strawberry.
5. Milk Duds. A classic, and available everywhere, but I adore them for my chocolate cravings, and everytime I go to the movies.
   

Don't Vote

Spreading the word about not voting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UaRXvRwhOk

Oh wait, maybe vote.

New Day's Resolution

Why is it that we can only make resolutions on one day out of all 365? New Day's Resolution, for any or every day, because why should January 1st have all the fun?

October 5th: When the going gets tough, to always laugh, and always play, and remember how fantastic life can be.