Live Forever

Being famous is an idea that I think that most people have toyed with at one time or another. The idea that your personality could be so enamored by so many is alluring. To be revered as someone who possesses a great talent or indescribable level of intelligence is ethereal. Social media gives us all a little taste of that pie. A bite of that big apple. The question is truly what does it all mean. Fame is but a four letter word is it not? When we were in middle school it was popularity we all craved. What happens to the person who achieves it? This movie delves into the mind of a man so famous that even after he dies the world will feel it knows him through his craft. But will they? Who is he really? Do we ever truly know a person through what they permit us to see? When the veil is lifted, will we want to remain in that after light, or will we be emancipated by its reality? 

Two Words

Growing up I had a very independent step mother. She taught me the value of being alone and learning how to tackle that time of your life with grace and strength. She taught me to relish it and cherish it. I remember her taking entire days off for her birthday and going to the movies by herself. She enjoyed going and doing things without anyone else, and she showed me that that was a good thing to be able to do. She taught me about independent films and about finding those smaller theaters to see them in. Driving an extra few minutes was worth it to her. Now it is worth it to me. The weekend this movie came out I couldn't wait to see it. I knew finding someone to go with would be difficult, so I didn't even try, I swiped on a pretty red lip, and some cute shoes, and took myself to see one of my all time favorite actors perform in a movie that was more about the content then the promotion. A gripping story of a man who's job it was to seek out the meaning of life for others, but loses sight of the importance of it. Who in a moment of utter delusion makes decisions that impact his most immediate future. Woody Allen movies have not grabbed my attention like this one did in a long time, Well written and not overdone it sends the message without the need for verbosity. A great date night movie even if your date is you.

Round About

One of my favorite pastimes is to tell funny stories about things I have experienced. Life has a way of giving you only as much as you can handle, and a couple "zingers" just so you keep your sense of humor and don't start taking yourself too seriously. Three summers ago I bought a Groupon for a boxing class. At the time everyone I knew was doing that. Taking a hybrid cardio/boxing class was a fun way to get a great workout without feeling like you were actually working out. In this particular case I was mistaken. I showed up to a warehouse with nothing but a couple rings and some training equipment, and a bunch of dudes hungry to challenge themselves. Yes. All guys there except me. I even went to buy the gloves and asked for a larger size (heavier) because this girl wasn't wearing any PINK to boxing. Then when the boxing COACH yelled at us to take a mile run wearing them I thought I might die. I think I may have a little that day. The guys were making fun of me clearly because they knew I wasn't supposed to be there. Every mistake I made was fodder for their amusement. That just pushed me to work even harder to be taken seriously. I wasn't going to give up. Nobody was going to make me quit. I was going to finish it. I did too and when I left that same coach who had fun at my expense gave me his number in case I wanted to come back and train. I haven't had that opportunity yet but I will someday. My gloves and wraps are still right where I can see them. Waiting for the next round.

Go and see this movie. <3

Queens Never Die Either

Breathe Easy

An Arboretum as defined by Wikipedia is a "narrow dense collection of trees only" and at first glance that definition may make it seem a bit dull. Who wants to go and look at a bunch of trees? This girl and anyone else who loves being outside, and getting an education on something other than your average Buckeye. Not only was this worth the drive because of how expansive it was, but also the diversity. Whether you walk the 1200 plus acres of plant life (done) or drive through it, there is something new to explore around every corner. There were times I felt transported to another place entirely... and all without the jet lag. What a fun way to come and appreciate the things we don't often see. The clean air, the stillness, and the peaceful landscape. Free of the footprint of man, but governed by his thoughtful manipulation. 

{The gift shop at Dawes}

Inflated

The thing about the summer that is, without question, my favorite, are all the festivals. I like mine small and I am willing to drive. Jazz, Ice Cream, Popcorn as well as fashion, there is something for everyone. It makes it hard to say "I have nothing to do". The balloon festival has become the latest in my list of obsessions. I love balloons sometimes more than flowers. Being able to stand beneath one of such monstrous proportions was like a dream becoming reality. More than likely because the idea that one can soar so high and ever so softly yet with such force seems almost a fantastic physical improbability. Until you've done it. I hope someday I will.

At the Coshocton festival we were able to walk around them and get up close.

Check the weather in your location the day of the event. Any weather issues will inevitably terminate the balloon lift off.

Both shows were able to inflate and light the balloons for a fun effect but did not take off due to inclement weather.

Coshocton was attached to the cutest little array of games and rides and all your favorite festival treats. Even doughnuts!!

We took these over to the stadium to watch the show.

You can find a show near you at the  Balloon Federation of America web page.

Room Worth A View

{After I flipped the couch and TV from parallel to the window to perpendicular}

Moving and rearranging my life has become fairly normal for me. I have had to do it so many times that I look forward to the experience of unpacking and fitting all the pieces into place to make any space my home. In fact, if I have a particularly gruesome week, I will move the furniture because I find it cathartic and fresh and an opportunity to utilize my more creative intellect. The places I have lived have always been on the smaller side, except for one, so I feel that I have mastered the art of transforming a small room on an even smaller budget in order to make a large impact. I try and buy neutral pieces that would work in any space (white furniture) and focus more time on the accessories that really amp up a room and give it that touch of who the person is living in it. This spring I decided to go from a very soothing but somewhat basic grey and black palate, to a more warm and interesting infusion of some of the things I am really into now.

The overall room is very narrow. I didn't want the person on the couch watching TV to be interrupted by others crossing in front. I left a two foot space between the couch and the wall allowing just enough room to walk through. I also collected all the "quote boards" I had throughout the space and decided to create a wall of inspiration instead. Pardon the broom still standing by the door. I am also pretty much a clean freak with kids so if that doesn't seem to be a futile endeavor than I don't know what is.

From the door you can see that the dining room and living room space are connected in one open room. Originally I used the couch to cordon off the two so that they appeared separate, but I think this new arrangement does a better job of creating more space overall. I was even able to add another chair. Pops of color everywhere were the most challenging for me as balance and color matching are my downfall. I purchased clearance pillows from Target and mix and matched them. Once I was challenged to the task of adding some unexpected elements and colors, I was determined to make it work. I love the result.

Lots of personal touches always displayed. Photographs are my most prized possession, as they are moments and memories captured in time. Candles are everywhere from the windowsill to the space behind the couch, and so long as I never date a fireman, I think I am bound to this addiction. Growing up my step-mom always had a jar of M-n-M's in our formal living room, and to this day anywhere I live feels empty without them. Preferably dark chocolate peanut.

Here is the rug I purchased from Overstock. It is faux cow skin and was the most expensive piece I had purchased for this room makeover. I cannot express enough how this took the room from ordinary to extraordinary for me. Now less formal and more warm and inviting, it is a better representation of my own personality. One of my best friends got me hooked on fresh flowers in my place, and I make an effort to pick a color and bloom that is bright and cheerful. It makes such a difference, and a single variety always looks better than a mixed bunch. The basket under the window has a lucite tray from Target holding more family and friend photos and it is easy to remove them to access the array of Nerf weaponry that my son as accumulated. (Sigh) My apple picking basket from Lindz Fruit Farm holds my vast array of fashion and food magazines. You can find similar baskets at The Little Market.

A tray is a great place to organize all the coffee table needs and makes it so easy to remove them for parties and game nights, etc. On particularly stressful days, a favorite pastime of mine is walking through Target on a weekday morning and only shopping the end caps where the clearance items are located. That's where I find cute trays, bowls, candles, pillows and frames for next to nothing. Shopping that way forces you not to get all "matchy-matchy".

From this angle you can see how without moving the print I have hanging in the living room, I moved the TV to the adjacent wall. Baskets below hold video games as well as movies and other extras, while the faux wood bull skull adds that rustic touch I think the room needed. I have a weird attraction to skulls so this was my favorite find of all. The lamps are old Ikea that I have had for longer than I have been single, but I like my lighting soft and dimmer than most people. I have an aversion to bright lights and it makes me squint more than I need to. Let's keep the crows feet at bay shall we?

Here is what it looked like before. Very simple and cozy and clean with the window and TV to the left behind the two chairs. The larger basket behind the couch between it and the dining room table.

What do you think??

The Bomb.com

One of my personal goals for this year was to try and write more thank you notes. I know that it seems as though at this point, with email and text and so forth, that that type of communication is a bit outdated. I just always feel that anything made by hand for someone you care for means so much more than anything you can spend a ton of money on. I recently was gifted some homemade bath salts and for the first time in as long as I can recall, I have started taking long, hot baths. It is so incredibly relaxing and stress relieving for me, that I wanted to find something simple you can make at home for someone you care for this Valentine's Day.

Mix the dry ingredients first and then add the liquid.

8 oz baking soda

4 oz citric acid (lemon juice makes a great substitute)

4 oz cornstarch (or flour)

4 oz bath salts (or Epsom salt)

1 tbsp water

4 tbsp oil

assorted food coloring or sprinkles etc that will dissolve in the hot water

The lemon juice altered the color of the mixture a bit so be aware of that. Divide into separate bowls and add desired colors. We stayed with red and pinks. 

You can use formed cups of any kind or simply PACK TIGHTLY into cupcake pans. 

It needs to dry overnight for best results. Flip out of the pan, and wrap as gifts or drop into the bath for your own little escape. 

Rub a dub dub.

Canopy Tours

{You can see here how to alternate the two draperies}

 Part office and dressing room, I have kept my bedroom pretty neutral for the past seven or so years. I couldn't bring myself to invest any money in bedding when I was the only person seeing it. Other than my bed frame itself, the colors are typically grey and white. Until this past summer, when I decided that instead of a handbag, I would treat myself to a moroccan wedding blanket. Like a piece of art, it elevates my resting place to dream like proportions. Having a kind of hectic life as a single mom, this spot has been transformed into an oasis for me. I used a simple set of sheer curtains to turn my bed into an almost tropical escape.  

{These screw in hooks can be found anywhere}

{Use two full length sheer curtains with tab tops. These and the bed found at Ikea}

{I fed them onto a small pressure curtain rod alternating each tab}

{My rod was 3/4 an inch in diameter}

{After you're finished simply pop it onto the hooks}

{Sweet dreams}

Upward Bound

{Reading is sexy}

Fast forward through as young adults experiencing life for the first time in all its new found glory, is the story of friends brought together by unpredictable circumstance. They learn through the inevitable trials and tribulations, losses and gains, celebrations and  sadness the pains of becoming that thing so feared...an adult. The land of the bitter pill that must be swallowed, and the solace in knowing that although all things need to and must change..who we always are and were remains intact. That the great circle of life leaves what is held most dear in a state almost frozen in time. Growing intuitively and spiritually but keeping that organic part of ourselves exactly as it began. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Make It Personal

{Stamps and acrylic paint from Michael's. Bags were from Urban Outfitters by Baggu.}

I like to personalize things as gifts. It is fun knowing that someone took the time to make something especially for me. I wanted to do that this Christmas for the women in my family because they always have to share. I hope that knowing I took the time to personalize each bag is a special memory for them in the future.

{I used one letter but two or three would work as well}

{I chose acrylic paint because the color choices were more vibrant}

{Make sure you lay them out flat before you begin}

{I used a brush to apply the paint}

{I had to apply it more than once}

{Then use a small brush to add thickness and touch up any rough edges}

The Waiting Game

As you can see by all the creases and bends, this novel and I have gone a few rounds. Not because it is a difficult read, but more because as I traversed with these characters through their life's journey, I soon realized that what was hard for me to escape, was the realness of it to some of my own past romantic interests. The lead character, by all accounts, is a trustworthy, fun and generous person capable of  so much loyalty and devotion, but his passion and love go unrequited. He lives on the outer edge of all the people that he touches. He is on the cusp of what could be...but never what actually is. He loves unconditionally without want for his own heart. He gives without any expectation of a return gesture. He is always present when he is needed without any regard for his own desires. He is selfless in his love and he is alone. But he loves with a reckless abandon, and an openness and hope for all the beauty that true love can bestow. It is in his waiting that I felt the most empathy. Who waits for the perfect love anymore? Would you?

Christina Perry

A Thousand Years

 

Love Is Blind

This is a book that explores what it was like living in France during the Nazi era and its eventual demise, covering the lives of several different characters. They are connected by the tragedy of war, but separated by their individual parts in it. Some are good by doing evil, while others are doing evil while wanting to be good. It spans not only their entire lifetimes, but includes the loves and the loss that only horrific battle torn souls can experience. It is the willingness to live beyond all things that ties them together, binding their souls for all eternity, with the light at the end their only illusion. For it is only one small child, who lives in total darkness, that will make it to the light.  

The Journey

Finishing this book (all 81 pages of it) will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. It is without question one of the most challenging reads I have encountered over the past couple months. Just to give you an idea, this book has a dictionary of Indian terms just to help you get all spooled up on the appropriate lingo. That was a bit intimidating to say the least. But I was ready for the challenge. All great works of art have their audience and this story spoke to me. It is about the journey through life. It tells the story of all the missteps, misunderstandings, and misgivings we all go through trying to find ourselves (in my case rediscover who I am) and what this life means. It is about finding that inner peace and coming back to what is most familiar and what is most dear to our hearts. May we all someday find our utopia whatever that is. To each his own.

Surfs Up

Obsessed with surfing would be putting it gently.  I have lived near the lake growing up, and I have fond memories of going there during the warmer portions of the summer months when I was very young, and again as an adult taking my own children. There is something about the water that draws me in. You would think that having almost drown as a child I would steer clear of it. I fear the opaque blackness of it's depths and the cold, smooth surface as it surrounds me and swallows me whole. I have only been near the ocean a couple times. Drowning is a nightmare that revisits my mind often, and I have often said that is by far the last way I would ever wish to leave this Earth. I think that is why I am so infatuated by surfing. The ocean is conquered by the common man (or woman). You watch the board slide down the face of the wave as it curls around it and it's rider closing in faster and faster, as though the fist of mother nature herself  wants to crush out life, bit by bit, person by person. As if she is reminding the human race who decides who lives or dies. But not the surfer. The surfer gets crushed over and over but goes back again and again to conquer that wave. To dance on the face of danger. This book is about that life, that obsession, that passion to be more than you thought you ever could. To overcome that which is deemed insurmountable. To make the choice between loving the life you have and letting go of the life you want. That is the kind of story that inspires me.  Happy Summer!!!