TangledWings

A Few Good Things...intended for Friday, finally posting today...

• Jennifer's angel project--I purchased some cards last week and can't wait to get them in the mail
• this post by Frankie which reminded me that many times we don't realize how our life touches other lives and also reminded me that a lot of the time we don't feel like we deserve the recognition we receive because we are so familiar with our own humanness, but there are times you just need to open your arms and embrace the goodness other people see in you, trusting the things they see that you often miss
• Valentine's goodies from a dear friend...
• ...and a new hard drive from T...not very romantic but very practical
• finding little pieces of paper all over the house that the B-Dog has written on, now that he is learning his letters at pre-school he is writing up a storm, it melts my heart to find a piece of paper that he's written the word 'mom' on...it doesn't really melt my heart when he writes it on the couch...with a marker...
• the writer's strike FINALLY settled..now please bring back Chuck and Samantha Who?
• the Oscars are Sunday so I've been in Oscar preparation mode...yeah!...T has been designated the Wolfgang Puck of my Oscar party and is busy planning the meal for the evening...there are gifts to buy, champagne glasses to find, mojitos to be made, ballots to be printed, and many, many prayers to be said for Johnny Depp...
• I can't believe I haven't mentioned this before--I'm trying contacts again,  I like my glasses just fine but every once in awhile I feel a little trapped by them and long for a different look, so I've been wearing contacts for two weeks now
• this super cool clip found on Jamie's blog...you've got to see it...it's amazing
• Bethany's post which really touched my heart because I relate to her words in so many ways
• attending a writing group for the first time this past Thursday...and I stayed even though I was the only other person there besides the facilitator...I'm hoping the low turn out was the result of Valentine's Day and that the group is larger this week
• seeing Nikki Giovanni...if you didn't read my post from last Thursday please do...this experience was one of the highlights of my life
• last week seemed to be the week for seeing famous people...I heard Nikki speak on Thursday and then Saturday I heard President Clinton speak...he was campaigning for Hillary and I couldn't resist going to the rally...I mean it's not everyday you get to see a president
• getting several things checked off my ultra long to-do list...always a good thing
• and finally...this hilarious clip from Marilyn's blog...I don't think I've laughed this hard in a long, long time...and I'll warn you now, it's quite possible you'll laugh so hard you'll pee your pants...don't say I didn't warn you

ps--if you've left links on Wednesday's post never fear, I'll try and get them added tomorrow...

A Few Good Things

• this very touching post by the beautiful Liz who has one of the most beautiful smiles ever, I know because I've seen it
• wonderful affirming comments and e-mails from many of you...thank you so very, very much
• taking myself out for a date tonight to get some writing done while the grandparents had the B-Dog
• and speaking of the B-Dog, he winked at me this week and I swear to god it was the sweetest thing I've ever seen in my entire life, it completely melted me, and I think my reaction embarrassed him but I couldn't help myself, it was just so dang cute
• and did I mention his adorable ninja moves, i could just die from the cuteness, flying through the air, kicking, spinning, it's just the cutest thing ever, my personal favorite is when he comes tearing through the room then drops to both hands and kicks his feet out behind him. i swear it's just about the cutest thing I've ever seen
• this post by Jennifer...may we all re-write our stories in such a beautiful, affirming way
• being completely moved to tears by the recognition of this sweet friend and fellow blogger
• this clip on Marilyn's blog...it's hilarious
• Yes We Can...I know so many bloggers have posted this clip on their blogs, it really is beautiful and I find myself I tearing up every single time I watch it
• excited to see the Foo Fighters perform on the Grammys Sunday night
• rumors that the writers strike will soon be resolved...and then hopefully they will start writing this years Oscars so that it doesn't suck as bad as the Golden Globes did this year
• discovering the most fabulous roasted red pepper hummus at Target of all places, I ate an entire tub in two days
• making my own Almond butter and Cashew butter
• a week wearing contacts
• my favorite telephone pole in town, featured above, someone took the time to nail colorful crocheted pot holders all over it, isn't that the most wonderful thing ever

Death & Taxes

I had a post planned for tonight...had it all written out in my head.  But, between having an eye exam earlier in the day (including having my eyes dilated) and finishing up some laundry from the weekend and completing my taxes...which completely fried my brain...not to mention frustrated the hell out of me...I am all tuckered out.  So tonight we'll just celebrate one good thing...

My taxes are finished for another year...and I'm getting a refund...

Now it's your turn.  It's been a long, hard day...a Monday in every way...and I need to hear some stories of goodness.  So, tell me a story...tell me about one good thing that happened today...or over the weekend...or last week...or since the beginning of 2008.  Share your one good thing... 

Thankful

I hope all of you are enjoying your Thanksgiving.  So far mine has been filled with good food, nice naps, and snow.  Yeah, I know. I can't believe it either.  When big flakes started to drop from the sky I think we were all a little surprised.

Today I've been thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for.  I have a very long list.  I could probably sit here and type a list that would rival many of yours.  I could probably sit here for the rest of the day and type one thing after another.  But I thought that for today I would concentrate on one thing, that I would think back over the year and hold one very special something in my heart for the day.

As many of you who've been reading my blog for awhile know my uncle lost his life to cancer this past September.  The sadness and surreal-ness of it can still catch me off guard most days.  This will be our first holiday without him.  Today I am grateful for his life, for the man he was, for his spirit which will always be present for as long as God exists, which I guess is forever.  I'm thankful I knew him and loved him.  I am thankful for all the hugs he gave me over the years.  I am thankful that even death can't silence the sound of his laughter.  I am thankful I have tears for him.  I am thankful that for 34 years our lives, our journeys, touched and intersected.  I am thankful that as I sit here and type these words I can close my eyes and remember exactly what he looked like.  I am thankful that in my head I can still hear the exact way he said my aunt's name.  I am thankful for his big heart, his sense of humor, and his playfulness.  Today my one thing is my uncle's life.

What is your one thing?

A Quick One Before the Weekend

Highlights of my week:

• My mom is coming into town from Dallas (where they moved a few weeks ago) and she's staying the night with me tonight and tomorrow.  Tonight is ladies night (everyone's coming over for food and games) and tomorrow night is movie night.
• Watching Broken English (two times in a row).  One of you recommended it to me and I'm so grateful.  It was really, really good.
• Steal of the week--one of our Hastings is going out of business and everything is on sale.  The books are currently 60% off and I just so happened to find a copy of Keri Smith's new book Wreck this Journal.  I got it for 6 bucks!  Can you believe that!!
• Eating Sri Lankan food for the very first time.  The girlfriend of a friend of ours is from Sri Lanka and she cooked some of her favorites for us.  Delicious!
• Finally, finally, finally catching the mouse that has been terrorizing me for a week and a half.  And when I say terrorizing I'm not exaggerating.  One Sunday morning T woke up just in time to see the mouse crawl out from underneath our blanket, up his leg, across his chest and then it just sat there on his shoulder.  Another night I woke to the sound of it scurrying across our bed...right by my head.  I haven't slept a full night in days because I've been too worried about it crawling on me in my sleep.  One night I was so wired...and exhausted...that I finally gathered a bunch of pillows and a blanket and made a bed in the bathtub.  Sure it can still find me in the tub but it's less likely to walk around on me if I'm in the tub than if I'm in our bed.  Oh, and I found several droppings in the B-Dog's bed too which probably means it had been crawling around on him in his sleep too.  NASTY!
• A good friend of ours was a contestant on this past Monday's episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.  Pretty cool! 
• Things at work seem to finally be slowing down...at least a little bit.
• T's been out of town all week and although I've missed him I've enjoyed having some alone time with the B-Dog.
• Talking with Kim on the phone tonight for the very first time.  It's always really cool to finally talk with/meet a blogging friend.  And it's like you've known each other forever...you seem to fall into conversation so easily.
• My deposit for ArtFest cleared the bank this week so I guess that means I'm in.

Bring It On!

Throughout the day I had butterflies flitting around in my stomach, partly because of excitement, partly because of a small bit of anxiety.  You see, this morning I placed my registration form and my deposit for ArtFest 2008 in the mail.  I can't believe I'm actually going to attend ArtFest.  Since I started blogging a little over two years ago I have read countless posts by some of my favorite bloggers about how fabulous ArtFest is, how soul nourishing, how creatively inspiring, how life changing.  I've read about how they have met other bloggers and formed new friendships.  I've read about the amazing skills they have learned, the art they have created, the memories they have made, and the new commitments to their artistry they have dedicated themselves too.  I have read all of this and felt a little jealous.  With each post I thought, "Man, I wish I could go.  That sounds so cool."  Well in April I will hopefully be attending my very first ArtFest.  I am excited beyond belief.  When I talk about it I can't help but squeal just a little.  I finally getting to join in the fun.  I will finally get to meet lovely friends I only know through blogging.  I will get to see old blogging friends once again.  I will get to participate in the fabulous workshops offered by some of the most amazing artists around.  I will get to experience it all first hand instead of via blog posts.

Of course I'm also a little anxious.  I decided to take this leap at the last minute.  It was only yesterday I even realized the registration date was today.  I'm usually more of a planner.  I usually think things through a little more instead of just jumping right in.  But you know, sometimes jumping is the best thing you can do.  At least then you don't really have time to think about the fears.  I'm also a little anxious about the financial aspect.  I don't know exactly how I'm going to pay for this but I'm determined to make it happen.  I guess I better start opening my heart to new photo sessions...maybe even another wedding or two. 

This will push and challenge me in brand new ways.  It will definitely make me step out of my comfort zone and give me the opportunity to bust down the walls of my limits.  I say bring it on!

If you're going to attend ArtFest let me know.  I'd love to meet you!    

enjoying my 15 minutes of fame

After finishing Anne Lamott's Traveling Mercies in one afternoon I was looking forward to starting her second book--Plan B.  We returned from Colorado last Wednesday night and by Thursday afternoon I was at Barnes and Nobel buying a copy.  While there I happened to notice that the premier issue of Artful Blogging, the magazine my blog is featured in, was on the shelves.  I was excited when I found out my blog was going to be one of the featured blogs.  I was excited when I opened the mail that Saturday afternoon several weeks ago to find my complimentary copy.  But it was an entirely different kind of excitement to actually discover myself on the shelves at our local B&N.  It was pretty freakin' cool.  And I couldn't help but take advantage of this totally cool experience...

Here I am hangin' with Annie Leibovitz because she's one of my heroes, such an incredible photographer.

Here I am with the very yummy Orlando Bloom because he makes my heart go all pitter-patter. But I do have to say I was disappointed to realize the two of us aren't nearly as cute together as I had always imagined we'd be. But never fear because just look below...

Here I am gettin' cozy with Mr. Christian Bale because I have loved him since I first saw Little Women and he played Laurie. When anyone asks me who my favorite March sister is I just have to say Laurie. Yes I know he isn't one of the March sisters but he is my favorite character in the book. And if I do say so myself we are pretty dang cute together.

And finally here I am with Lady O because, well, she's the bomb and who wouldn't want their picture taken with her.

After all the excitement of seeing myself on the shelves Thursday we had to have a family outing Friday night so I could show T and the B-Dog as well. T's parents joined us and we all got to see me looking very much like a movie star right there on the shelves of a real bookstore. On the way home I asked the B-Dog, "Does Mama rock or what?" and he replied, "Yep, you rock like a rockstar!"

Feelin' a Little Like a Movie Star

Okay, so I have a story for you...

Last Saturday I was on my way out the door for a baby shower.  I was running behind because as always, I tried to get too many things done in too short an amount of time.  As I rushed to the car I noticed a package in our mailbox...and well, who can resist a package right?...even if it is 1:21 and you're supposed to be somewhere by 1:30 and it takes a good 15 minutes to get to that place...  So I sat in my hot car and ripped the envelope open and there it was.  The first issue of Somerset Studio's Artful Blogging magazine.  My complimentary copy...because my blog was chosen to be one of the blogs featured in this premier issue.  Yes, it was so very exciting.  Oh but it gets better...take a look.  Yep, that's me on the bottom left hand corner.  Isn't that wild.  My head is still spinning. 

When I got back home after the shower and showed the magazine to the B-Dog he took one look at the cover, his eyes grew to the size of saucers and he said, "Mom, how'd you do that?"  Little does he know I've been asking myself the same question since the day I was contacted via e-mail about being in the magazine.  How did I end up in this magazine filled with some of the most amazing female artists (who also happen to be bloggers) and honestly I just don't know.  I certainly have never considered myself an artist.  I struggle all the time to call myself a writer and a photographer and yet here I am in a magazine about artful blogging.  Before I ever started a blog I owned books by Keri Smith and Claudine Helmuth...they're both featured.  I own a bag, wooden stamps, and Frida Kahlo postcards from Anahata...she's featured.  I've heard all the raves from ArtFest attendees about Nina Bagley...she's featured too.  It's also been so fun to find myself in this beautiful publication (and it is gorgeous) with bloggers I've been reading since I first began...like Misty Mawn...and bloggers I've been reading since they first began...like ArtsyMama...and bloggers who have been such an inspiration to me along my journey...like Susan from Visual Voice.  In fact in my piece I mention a blogger who gave me some good advice about my photography...it was her.  And there are so many bloggers I'm being introduced to for the first time through this magazine and I can't wait to discover more about them at their beautifully created blogs. 

I would be lying if I said this hasn't been really, really cool, that I'm not proud and excited beyond belief.  But I would also be lying if I said there hasn't been this little piece of me that has doubted my worthiness, that isn't sure how to feel about this.  I think we all have that voice inside ourselves that we battle from time to time...more often than we care to admit...that keeps us blinded to our worth and talent, that ties us in doubt.  But I'm taking the advice of a very wise friend and I'm choosing to own this.  Yes, I am owning this!  I'm listening to the lovely ladies who support me the most and I'm choosing to believe that hey, maybe me and my little ol' blog fully deserve to share the pages with these amazing women because I'm just as amazing as they are...or I wouldn't have been chosen.  And so while I am still trying to figure out how I did this I must say it feels very, very good and it's one of my life's proudest moments.

And, just in case you decide to buy a copy...and you should because it's wonderful...and inspiring...and delicious..and packed with so much eye candy you could just die...you can find me on pages 16-19...

Check out my A Sweet Life Blog...

...for all the things I'm lovin' these days...