Thank you to Sarah Miller for the beautiful invitation!
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Philosophy
It's my birthday week!! WOOOOOT. I started the festivities off early with a mini birthday celebration (with the fabulous Sherri Ross) in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon at Avondale Park. The weather was sunny and warm...the perfect day to relax and hang with friends. Our friend Carrie even brought her pedicab which we then gave rides on around the little pond area.
Love this girl and her blog! We had a blast on Saturday and I can't wait to celebrate her actual birthday! :)
Duck Duck Duck Squirrel…and it’s Christmas
My mind has been a whirlwind of activity lately. I don’t feel overwhelmed, just busy. And I like being busy – activities with friends are what memories are made of and I love to make memories. There are a lot of things going on in my life and my ADD is in high gear. It’s crazy to say, but I get stuff done when it’s in overdrive like this. There are about 20 things I am working on, want to be working on, thinking about, etc. but the bustle of Christmas isn’t really among them and I love that. Christmas is such a crazy time for a lot of people, sometimes schlepping kids, presents, and pets to and fro houses for days on end. Not here. My decorating is done and was quite painless. I bought and trimmed a live tabletop tree from Whole Foods – I’ve done this in the past and love it. We also hung a strand of Christmas lights on the mantle, put some LEDs on the deck, and replaced our outside porch light with a green CFL bulb to match the other houses. So our row of houses has green, red, green, red porch lights right now. It is entirely too cute. For the actual holiday, thankfully I have a pretty concise family unity down here in ‘Bama. We usually go to my aunt’s in Clanton for Thanksgiving and all of my dad’s side of the family comes by there at some point during the day. Christmas is a toss-up, either going again to Clanton or cooking at my place and having dad come by for lunch. It’s very low-key and relaxed either way (thank God!), but my aunt’s cooking far surpasses my skills and yumminess so it’s always a treat to go there. This Christmas is not the first for Daniel and I, but it will be our first as an engaged couple living together so I’m doubly excited – and thankful. I think we’ve decided to spend a quiet day at home, snuggled up with cocoa, books, food, and great Christmas movies. I am seriously considering working at a kitchen that morning too. Later that day, I’m making a roast or Boston butt in the Crock Pot, some sides, and viola! Christmas lunch and dinner. 
Christmas night we’re planning on going to see the ETC show at Theatre Downtown. I think we may make it an annual tradition for us. Will you be starting any new traditions this year? Side note: I really want an Elf on a Shelf and start that crazy tradition. They’re so flippin’ CUTE and I’m like 12 at heart so it’s ok.
I’ve been reading a lot of Christmas lists lately and I love it. It’s always interesting to see what people want, but don’t buy for themselves. There are some of us – like me – who will just buy whatever we want (when we can) during the year so there is little or nothing left for Christmas. But that’s ok…Christmas is not about gift giving or receiving to me. Still, it’s always a treat to see what my friends would like and, if I’m able, helping with that list a little bit. This year will be especially hard for me because we are trying to save all of our money to throw a party after our wedding. We shall see what happens. But then again, I know my friends don’t mind little or homemade gifts – they are not superficial or materialistic – they are beautiful, kind souls who would rather spend time than money. I don’t need or want anything material for Christmas. There are plenty of places out there that need help – I just need to focus on doing it, following through, and making it a big part of my life. That being said, here is a list of things I would like if I were to make a Christmas list, though these are more kind of like wishes for 2013:
- Parade with Madge, the Magic City Dragon
- Bus tour of Birmingham with favorite friends, food, and drinks (thanks to Magic City Post for prompting this idea)
- Be a Big Sister or something similar
- Create more, whether it’s “art” (I am the least talented artist you will ever meet), writing, implementing ideas, or other
- Help support local businesses more
- Throw a wonderful party to help raise money for the Crisis Center (and celebrate our nuptials with everyone)
- Visit the Cobalt Club in person
- Run a 5K (I currently walk them)
- Donate to every non-profit that I adore here in Birmingham (there are a lot)
- Become the official Duchess of Birmingham to promote our amazing city (hehe)
- Start a non-profit to raise money for others in the area that need assistance and to help #BhamDanceWalk grow
What are your wishes for Christmas, 2013, or just the future?
Director of Awesomeness
We’re almost to the official end of the #bloglikecrazy challenge. I missed more days than I wanted/should have in November, so I’m extending my challenge and also hope to keep it going. Reading the other ladies’ blogs this month has been nothing short of inspiring. I’ve loved this challenge and can’t thank Javacia and See Jee Write enough for doing it. I’ve been inspired to write more, read more, work out more, appreciate more, love more, and think more. That’s the biggest one – thinking. I can’t stop thinking about what I want for my future, as well as Birmingham Dance Walk, my blog, my city, and my passions. I’m trying my darndest (that’s a word in the South, right?) to mesh them all together and I’m struggling with the best way to do that. I get wild hairs A LOT, but they are usually great ideas…it’s just hard sometimes to merge those new ones with my already budding ideas and all the things I want to accomplish. I’m getting there..slowly, but surely…but sometimes the next step is a little elusive. Some friends and I were joking on Twitter recently and it got me thinking even more. What started out as a joke of me running for Mayor of Birmingham then turned into Chief of Staff which turned into creating a position akin to Duchess or Ambassador of Birmingham. Basically I would love to be the official “cheerleader” of Birmingham. I know many people more qualified than I am who have just as much passion (if not more) than I do, but I would still love to do it. How does one create and implement that position? That’s my current stumper and I appreciate any and all feedback. I think we ended the Twitter conversation with me becoming Director of Community Development and Awesomeness. We can make that happen, right. Can I count on your vote?
Big news coming later this week and a giveaway! Stay tuned and check back often.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
I’m late! I’m late!
In retrospect (all of 5 seconds ago), I probably should have chosen a different title for this blog post. I realize some of you are going to immediately click on it to find out if I’m pregnant. I’m not (but thank you for caring enough to check right away). This title is referring to the White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
From Wikipedia:
The Rabbit was perhaps most famous for the little ditty he sang at the beginning – “I’m late! I’m late!
For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!”
Some believe the rabbit was late for the announcement of the Queen to the royal garden. The panic the
rabbit showed was his fear of losing his head. Upon her arrival (where Alice has been helping to paint
the roses red) the cards finish their song and the rabbit blows his trumpet (which he had been carrying
for most of his lines) royally introducing the king and queen.
Do you ever have those days (or weeks or months) where you feel constantly hurried and harried? Do you ever feel like you’re going to lose your head? This year and gotten increasingly busy and everything is moving at warp speed. Gone are the days when I would take the weekends to relax and rejuvenate. They are now as jam-packed as my work-filled week and I don’t even have 2-legged kids! I have enormous respect for those of you who manage to run a household, work a job, and raise a family, among all your other responsibilities.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I lead a very fulfilling life – my work is challenging and I work with some of the most talented (and friendly) people on the planet, my boyfriend is amazing and shows me everyday that he cares, is ambitious and inspires me to be a better person, and God, my family and friends are the center of my world. I often comment on Facebook how lucky I am to have the most amazing friends and it’s true. I’ve evolved from a pair of extremely close girlfriends all through school to a wider circle of close confidantes and an enormous stretch of beautifully talented friends and family. Many have been with me for years and have seen me through marriage, divorce, beginnings, endings, moves across the city, state, and even the country, animals, a million hair colors, styles, and transformations inside and out. Even when time or distance us separates us – sometimes for years – I know I will always have my gals. I can never repay them for the love and support they’ve always shown me through the years, but I hope they know how special they are to me. That being said, I don’t see them nearly enough anymore. Life has gotten in the way and I’m not sure how. I love to be with my gals and nurture those relationship, yet somehow I only see them a few times a year, if that. What is so important that I can’t take a night or weekend here and there to make time for all these women who have become such an integral part of my life and helped me becoming the woman I am today? Nothing, that’s what. Same goes for my dad – I don’t see him as much as I would like. Nothing is more important than these people, these relationships, these memories we are making. I tend to forget and take each day for granted. There are still a million things I want to do with my life and I’m working on some of those “goals” already. But one short and long-term goal should be making more time for the very important people in my life who have influenced and supported me for years. You know who you are….I’m coming for you.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
P.S. I also have a few pretty amazing guy friends, but I’m going to save them for another post. 
P.S.S. I know it’s election day, but I could get mired down in that for hours and you still need to finish work and get dinner taken care of. I got out and voted today. I hope you did too. It is such an honor and privilege that we have the freedom to choose our next leader. Thank you to all those who have served, are serving, and will serve so that we can exercise that freedom. I salute you.
Goal Setting
I am not one to set goals. I’m not sure why, just never been inclined to do so. That’s not to say I’m lazy, I most definitely am not. But, as BF commented to me yesterday, “You’re one of those people who doesn’t really set long-term goals. You decide that you want something or you want to do something and you make it happen. Justlikethat.” He’s right. Birmingham Dance Walk is a great example. I saw the video, got excited, wanted to do it, put the word out, and had a great time at the first one in June. The second one was more planned out, organized, fun (dancing in the dark with glow sticks FTW), and well executed because of longer and better planning. All that to say that maybe it’s time I started setting actual goals for myself.
I wonder why I’ve never really set them before. Am I scared of failing? Am I scared of commitment? Scared seems to be the common denominator there so it must be fear. That goes back to my fear of everything under the sun, but I can conquer that fear like I conquered the fear of sticking my finger in my eye to put in contacts. (Let me tell you that story sometime, it’s hilarious!) BF has been reading some very interesting, helpful books and he’s been sharing bits and pieces of them with me as he goes. The little nuggets of wisdom and self-realization are really powerful. So much so that I’m going to check out a book or two and also set some goals for myself. He’s tasked us – starting today – with taking 5 minutes each morning from now until the last week of December to come up with 2 goals for ourselves individually (personally, professionally, however we want) and 2 goals for us as a couple. Once we come up with our goals, we have to also write out detailed plans on how to achieve the goals. We’re then going to meet the last week of December to discuss with each other and will pick 2 of the 4 couple goals to accomplish in the next year, as well as get feedback on our personal goals and plans of action. I love this idea and already have a few possibilities in mind for myself and for us as a twofer. I’ll be sure to keep you updated and reveal the goals and plans at the beginning of the year when we have decided on and finalized them.
This time of year is always full with goal setting, but this is really my first time doing it. I’m not going to call them “resolutions” because that indicates that I’m resolving a problem. I choose to think of it as enhancements to my already wonderful life. Do you have goals already set for the next year? If not, why don’t you join me in coming up with 2 definitive goals that you can start working toward in the new year? And be sure to plan your execution out in detail. Let’s share together toward the end of the year and see how we do.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
Taking Chances
Today’s writing prompt was to write something risky. I thought about it and can’t come up with anything majorly risky that people don’t already know about me. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. There are few things really private in my life and I usually keep them that way. But, overall, I think most of my friends – or anyone who reads my posts or Twitter updates – knows how I feel about things and who I am.
Javacia, founder of See Jane Write and our ringleader, wrote a post a few months ago about how she isn’t sure if she wants to ever be a parent or not. That was a very risky post, especially here in the Deep South where it seems to be the norm, but I’m right there with her. Yet, a lot of my friends already know that about me and I don’t consider it that much of a shocker (personally). I love kids and I love having fun, but the bottom line is that I enjoy my life and what I’m doing with it just like it is. I used to be of the mindset that I definitely didn’t want children. While I am maternal at times and a caretaker, I never felt the need or yearning to have my own offspring. I still don’t, necessarily, but am more open to the idea than I was in my 20s. I have always known that I don’t really want to be pregnant or go through childbirth. I’ve been told it’s a glorious experience and one that will change your life, but what if you don’t want your life changed? I simply don’t want to go through that – I don’t feel the need. The older I get, the more open I am to having a family, but I still don’t want to go through pregnancy if I have my druthers. I’d love to adopt. I’ve always thought that was the way I would go if I decide to start a family. There are so many children in the world in need of a good, loving, safe home and I could provide that. That being said, if I ever did get pregnant on accident or on purpose, I am sure I would be ecstatic and love the experience.
Still, I don’t find that a very risky confession on my part. I have a myriad of thoughts I could spill that you may or may not know about me – I supported and worked on the Obama campaign when I lived in Northern Virginia in 2008 and I’m doing it again here in Alabama, I am seriously OCD (some call it anal…including myself) and have ADD like no one’s business, I am scared to death of death and have great anxiety about it – so much so that I’m on medication for that and my OCD, I hate being fat and hate my body but a lot of women I know do. I’m trying to change that with Iron Tribe, but there are things they will never be able to fix like the varicose veins that run in my family and down my thighs, my rosacea, the adult acne that has cropped up in the past month or so that had me seriously considering being a shut-in for a while (I’m not kidding, I was that embarrassed to be around people), and my chronic skin issues that freak people out when they see them.
For having all those very valid (in my head) body issues, I had a wonderfully satisfying day on the body front. There was a meet up for women bloggers at the Shops at Grand River this morning. It was a wonderful meeting presented by the Shops and KC Projects to treat us women to a delicious champagne brunch, a mini style makeover presentation, a scavenger hunt through the shops, and a goody bag full of fun stuff. The food was from Olexa’s in Homewood, the decor was beautifully feminine, the stylist was Tracy James and she was fantastic. I am one of the least stylish people I know – I feel frumpy in my body and clothes most of the time. I know that anyone at any size can look good, but I never got those creative jeans (ha!) to make myself chic more than once a year. I work with a plethora of gorgeous, stylish girls who always impress me with their wardrobe combinations. I finally cornered one in the bathroom just last week and asked her if maybe she and another girl whose fashion sense I admire could give me a few tips one day after work. She gladly accepted, but we haven’t gotten around to it yet. That made today’s event that much more timely and special for me. I learned a wealth of new information regarding styles, clothing, trends and accessories. So much so that I immediately headed to the store to find a pair of neutral, but stylish, snake skin skinny jeans that Tracy mentioned. Me..in snake skin looking anything? No. Never. But I did. I went and they had 1 pair left in the Plus section and it was my size. Fate? Let’s see. I took them the to the dressing room and fell in love. I never would have even tried them had it been not for her gentle nudge to TRY them. And she was right! Go figure. I bought a great black cowl neck sleeveless sweater and a very hip cream faux leather jacket. I feel like a million bucks just from that one sassy girl outfit. Forget the fact that I discovered Maurice’s just a few shops down and fell in love again. Thanks to Jamie and Rachel, the eagle has landed. I will be asking for Maurice gift cards for every holiday from now on. I found the greatest little black blazer with military style embellishments on it, beautiful tops to go under it, a bunch of light cover ups and sweaters for the mild Alabama winter, and a plaid shirt to wear to Texas next week. PLAID! (I, again, have never worn plaid and never would have picked it if I weren’t going out on a limb today to try to get a little more together with my clothes). I can’t wait to wear the new outfits to work and feel a little better about my appearance in my frumpy body. I’ll get there, but this is a great start. I love my new wardrobe!
Off to wear something pretty to a play and a party. See you tomorrow.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
*author’s note: I wanted to get my post in today, but have to run so am going to add links a little later tonight. So if you want to find out more about the wonderful people and places I mentioned, check back later for links.
I’m Not Always ‘Up’
I know this is hard to believe (ha!), but I’m not always a ball of sunshine and happiness; I have my dark days. I’m not sure why, but sometimes we just need a good cry. I’m using a collective ‘we’ because I know I’m not the only person out there who feels this way. There are some days we just feel a bit ‘off’ or depressed. Any number of things can contribute to this feeling and exacerbate it and for me that’s usually female fun, little things at home or work, music, memories or a nice combination of all of the above. Let me tell you, Bon Iver and Joshua Radin aren’t helping right now.
I know I can be moody at times and the dips aren’t that frequent (thank God), but they’re no fun when they do arrive. Today is one of those days. I can’t get over this feeling of heaviness. I tend to keep it inside when it happens and I also tend to still be outwardly cheerful online and such, but it really takes a toll. I don’t know that I’ve ever written about it, but it’s not something I’m ashamed of or anything. It just happens. To the best of us. And I just can’t stop crying today. I’m not sobbing uncontrollably, but the tears are there…they’ve been there all day, just behind my eyelids…slowly trickling down my cheek when I blink while I diligently work through. I’ve had a wonderful week with friends, but there has been some added sadness with the deaths of a friend’s niece and, very surprisingly, a neighbor. It just sort of shocked all of us and I am still dealing with the emotions though we weren’t that close. It’s more the finality that he’s gone and I won’t see him anymore. I think it also brings me back (again) to thinking of parents, siblings, friends…and knowing that none of us will be around forever. I try not to overtly worry ahead of time, but the thought does cross my mind. I get particularly unraveled when I think about my dad.
I don’t typically get this personal on my blog and I’m not really going to go into details of what else may have contributed to this feeling today (it’s nothing bad…just little tiny stuff that builds up and irks me), but I will be ok. I just have all this great stuff I want to write about including this weekend’s fun (ETC show, Zombie Walk presented by Magic City Post, Warrior Dash (going to support and cheer on friends), Zombie Prom, art openings, dinner with friends), but I just don’t have the heart to fake it right now. I will be at all those events and having the time of my life so come say Hi. But right now I’m going to stay here and work on getting past the darkness. No worries, dear readers, I will be back to my normal, zany self soon with lots of positive reinforcement for you and you and YOU! Until then, remember you are loved and to:
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
Random Thoughts (oh, and meeting the First Lady!)
I will say I started this post about a month ago and kept it in Draft mode as I had to break away more than once. I’m now attempting to finish it. Look for a period at the end of it…that means I accomplished my goal. If there isn’t one there, feel free to finish the sentence in the Comments and the best one will win a prize. Here goes nothing:
I should carry a recorder with me wherever I go. I know “there are apps for that,” but my ADD kicks in too fast for me to find my phone, unlock it, find the app, open it, and press the ‘record’ button. So, what should I do? A small digital recorder? Or one of those key chain recorders for even easier access? I am a bit amazed at the randomness of my thought sometimes, especially during times I should be focusing on the person or task at hand. I can’t help it – I see something out of the corner of my eye and immediately jump into a quick “to do” thought. Or I’m walking by the same window I’ve walked by a thousand times and wonder what was behind it 100 years ago. Usually though they are funny, random thoughts…bizarre even. I entertain the heck out of myself.
I have a million thoughts a day. I could be exaggerating. Or under guesstimating. Who knows? I’ve never actually counted a day’s worth of thoughts. Most of my thoughts are triggered by something – an event, a person, a project at work. And I dare say that most of my thoughts are inspiration from those same subjects. Let’s take yesterday. I saw our First Lady Michelle Obama speak here in Birmingham. I recall telling a friend, earlier that day, about my pending excitement of seeing the First Lady. The friend’s face registered disdain. And then followed it up with, “I hope you are inspired. I know that’s why you are going. I won’t ruin it for you.” Well, I was definitely inspired. It was everything I had hoped for and I’m so glad I went. It got me pumped about the upcoming election, but more importantly, about being a powerful woman.
Speaking of being powerful, I’m kicking booty at Iron Tribe. Granted, it’s kicking mine too, but in a good way. We just finished a 40 day Challenge to either lose weight or improve our performance. I chose the weight loss division. I didn’t lose as much as I had hoped (on the scale), but I did lose quite a bit of body fat according to the caliper so I’m happy. Six percent to be exact. WOO HOO!
I’m on a Jay Brannan kick these days. I love his voice, songwriting, and playing. I can’t believe I missed him when he came week before last to Workplay. I am not happy about that. I was on the fence and decided not to go because I was tired and needed to rest. Huge mistake. Thankfully I didn’t make the same mistake when I happened upon a chalk-written sign on the way home the other night – “Free Angie Aparo Show Tonight” – outside Tin Roof. Shut the front door! WHA?? THE Angie Aparo? I’ve been a fan for longer than I can remember…early 90′s, I think. I’ve seen him a few times, but it’s been years as he hasn’t been on the radar (or radio) in quite some time. I have no idea what he was doing in Birmingham on a random weekday, but I am so happy. It was a wonderful, intimate show (obviously not many people know him here or they didn’t know about the show) and it was exactly what I needed that day. Good for the soul.
I have tons more to write, but will save that for another day. I need to get this posted before it turns into a book. I also need to write a post about each fun thing I do in Birmingham. I would have a book in no time! I love this city.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
Girl Power
I’m feeling very empowered these days.
It began after my accident when I rented a Ford Mustang Convertible for a weekend. Wow, talk about powerful. I felt invincible in that car, though I was well aware I wasn’t. I had always wanted to drive a convertible and thought it would be the perfect time to treat myself after such a horrible experience. The car was amazing on the way to and from Atlanta, as well as in downtown traffic. I came back wanting one. It’s not a mid or quarter-life crisis; I’m just more aware each day how precious our time is here, how quickly it passes, and how we need to enjoy it to the fullest while we can. Sure, a convertible isn’t necessarily practical, logical or even a smart choice, but I’m young (relatively), not married, have no children and currently rent my townhouse. So why not do something crazy once? I wouldn’t have to keep it forever, it would likely be cheaper than my current car – I’m looking at used ones – and it would bring me joy. I love to look at the sky, I love to watch airplanes over my head, I love to daydream. Why not buy something fun I can do that in any time I want? Drive to a quiet spot, lean the seat back, and count the stars? Alabama is hot, but a convertible is doable here because we have so many “nice” days. I have been researching them online am leaning toward a 2011 V8. I’m open to color options although I know I don’t want black. So, that’s been my latest fun hubby taking up some extra time…car shopping. It never hurts to look, right?
I’m also feeling pretty empowered these days by my new fitness regimen – Iron Tribe Fitness. My boyfriend has been going since January and is a huge fan. So much so that he recently landed his dream job there and is now promoting and spreading the word about this local success story. As a lot of you know (if you’re on Facebook with me or follow me on Twitter), I’ve been regularly working out with Graham at G57 Fitness and Training and have been more than happy. However, as it sometimes happens, we’ve been pulled in different directions and I found that Iron Tribe is a better fit at the moment. The BF had been asking me to try it for a while, but knew I was happy with Graham. Recently, the opportunity presented itself and here we are. I’m in week 2 of their “intro” class which is called 101. It’s a month-long series that teaches you about Iron Tribe, the exercises and workouts they do, and their recommendations for living a healthier you. The first day was horrible and I did a lot worse than I thought I would. It upset me because I’d been doing a lot of the same exercises with Graham for the past few months and thought I would do well. The BF had told me before, “Nothing prepares you for Iron Tribe.” I “pshawed” him and went about my way. He was right. The first day I didn’t even finish the “baseline” workout. I did as much as I could and then promptly got sick. Score one for me! The next workout was much better and I’m now working on week two. For this particular intro series, we go to class three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will graduate on August 3rd. Once that happens, we start the REAL workouts. Don’t get me wrong, this intro class has real workouts, but they are seriously modified versions of a regular workout (or ‘WOD’ as they call them). They “baby” them down for us until we graduate. Gee, thanks.
In conjunction with the 101 class, I decided to participate in their Transformation Challenge. It’s a 40 day challenge with two divisions: weight loss or performance improvement. I entered the weight loss division (duh) and we’ll see how it goes. They recommend a diet comprised mostly of proteins, good fats (olive oil, avocado), and good carbs (veggies). I’m on day 2 and already missing sugar something fierce. But, it was a nice kick in the pants when they took my measurements and weight for the starting figures. I swear that scale hates me. I’m on a mission now!
I’ve always been interested in calming my inner being, relaxing, and meditation though I’ve never practiced. I think I would practice Buddhism if I ever took the time to sit down and explore it more. It just so happened that a new 21-Day Meditation Challenge was starting on the same day I began my physical Transformation Challenge (TC) at Iron Tribe. This meditation course is being offered online for free from the Chopra Center (Deepak Chopra). I thought it would go great with the TC seeing as how I will likely be angry, cranky, and catty from the lack of sugar, chocolate, and bread. We’re 2 days into it and I love it already. We get an email each day to go over the day’s meditation and then a link to an audio file that we listen to while meditating the thought of the day. The theme of the entire challenge is ‘love’ so I am doubly happy – we can all stand to love more, especially ourselves. I’m pretty sure you can still sign up if you’d like, so click here for the page. I would love it if you take this journey with me and we can have a lovely dinner to compare thoughts at the end.
I got my car back from the accident and all is well there. I did have to pay for my part of it, but I know it will all wash out in the end and it could have been much worse. Now that I feel comfortable in it again, I’ve been a busy little bee around Birmingham. I love this city. The happiness and love I have for it oozes from my pores. I would shout it all the time, everywhere I go, if I thought I wouldn’t get locked up. I’ve joined a blogging/writing community of women online here in Birmingham, as well as a larger one for general bloggers in town. I’ve attended a few functions and am constantly inspired by the people I meet there, the stories they share, and the insight they provide to new bloggers like myself. I’m also in awe of our talented artists, all kinds. My dear friend, Billy Dupree, recently opened a new art gallery dedicated to showcasing local and emerging artists. How inspiring is that? Words can’t express how fortunate I feel to have met these writers, artists, thespians, entrepreneurs, and the like. We have such talented souls here in Birmingham and the diversity and number of local theatres and galleries we have to choose from any given weekend is impressive. There are events galore this summer; something amazing going on every weekend. I keep everything on my calendar and just looking back at all the events fills me with pride and happiness for this city I call home. If you are ever wondering what there is to do in Birmingham, please call or email me – I will fill your Inbox.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
~Namaste~
