Songs of Mass Destruction October 4, 2007
Posted by angieland in Chatter, Music, Pop Culture.4 comments
I’ve become a product of the snippet age. I love good music, but rarely purchase “albums” anymore. With the instant availability of 99 cent songs from itunes, napster, etc., its become too easy to sample songs off new releases and buy only what we like the best. I’ve fallen into the habit of doing that very thing, partly because I rarely find cds full to the brim of good music these days, and partly because I have so little time for brick-n-mortar shopping that its just easier to have the songs I love delivered directly to my computer. But yesterday, I treated myself to an impulse buy that really paid off.
I don’t know how many of you are fans of Annie Lennox, but she’s one of my favorites. Not just a singer, she’s an artist in the truest sense of the word. Not only does she have the voice of an angel, she also has a “Voice” in her music. A voice that speaks of our world, and especially the experiences of women. Mostly women of my generation who have taken some hard knocks, learned some hard lessons, and become better, stronger people because of it.
Her new cd, “Songs of Mass Destruction” is no exception. Expertly crafted from beginning to end, it had me dancing on a “Dark Road” one moment, celebrating the power of “Womanhood” the next, and fondly remembering stolen moments on a “Coloured Bedspread” the next. Most impressive of all is the track, “SING”, on which Annie has assembled a monumental female choir of two dozen celebrated singers, ranging from Madonna and Pink to Gladys Knight and Bonnie Raitt.
Celebrate the weekend by spending $15 on yourself for eleven of the best tunes I’ve heard lately. Then you’ll want to go back and buy extra copies for your mom, your sister and your best friend so that they can enjoy the magic, too.
Good Things October 2, 2007
Posted by angieland in Chatter, Friendship, Philosophy, Quotes.4 comments
Some of my online girlfriends and I play this game sometimes called “Five Good Things”. Everyday for a week (or sometimes more), we all list five good things about that day. The purpose of the exercise is to remind ourselves that no matter how crappy our day feels, there are always still things there to be thankful for, and if we focus on the good things, the bad ones don’t feel quite as traumatic. Sometimes we have to dig deep to find five things, but if we’ve learned anything, its that practicing this sense of gratitude for the simple things makes us not dwell on the rough stuff so much.
I’ve had one of those good days today, where five things would just be a beginning to my list. It seems to have been one of those days where the planets were in perfect alignment to drop things in my lap that made me happy. I got my hair colored the most gorgeous shade of Addison Montgomery-Sheppard red. My desk was completely cleaned off when I left work. Mother and I got a huge order for beads from one of our favorite clients, who also happens to be a gifted artist herself. I submitted photos of my beads for publication for the first time, and they were accepted. Adam came to visit B.W. for a few days, and seeing the two of them together reminds me so much of my youth spent with Marte that it makes me feel positively young again. One of my customers asked me today if I’d lost weight. (I haven’t, but that’s beside the point, right?) I got a box of glass in the mail. And best of all?? One of my friends made me feel very, VERY special today by saying some wonderful things about me.
Remember that post I made earlier this week about doing something kind for someone special in your life?? Kaye did that for me, and I’m sure has no idea (until she reads this) of just how much it meant to me. And the best part is that all the things she said about me, are exactly the ways I feel about her.
So today, I want to take that challenge even a little bit further. This week, you should make it your mission to do some act of kindness for someone who isn’t regular presence in your life. That random acquaintence, or total stranger. Look for opportunities to make someone’s day better, bolster their self-confidence, or perform a service that will make them both grateful and curious about who did them a good turn. I’m a huge quote collector, so here are a few to inspire you to search out those small ways you can improve the life of someone around you. Pass them on!
* Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns. * Author Unknown
* Real generousity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. * Frank A. Clark
* Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. * Mother Teresa
* The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person’s life. * William Wordsworth
* Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see. * Mark Twain
* No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. * Aesop
Habits, Old and New October 1, 2007
Posted by angieland in Beads, Chatter, Holidays, Movies, Parenthood, Philosophy, Pop Culture.6 comments
Geeze….am I a bad blogger or what? Three days, and no “new” news? Life just kinda jumped up and smacked me in the face this weekend. That or the “daily blog” just hasn’t become a habit yet. For those of you waiting patiently to find out how the night out on the town went….yes, I did break down and smoke about a half dozen cigarettes! But, I’m happy to report that my patch went back on Saturday morning, and I haven’t craved one since. And Friday night, it wasn’t really about the physical craving….that was plenty manageable. It was more about being out with the girls, getting the giggles, listening to bad karaoke, and doing what everyone else was doing. Yeah, I know….not a good reason, so I guess that old bad habit isn’t completely broken yet. But I swear, if I thought I could ever be a successful “social” smoker, I wouldn’t even worry about quitting. Fortunately, I’m smart enough to know that’ll probably never be an option for me, so I’m back on the patch wagon for the duration.
Saturday was spent in Nashville. B.W. had to go to Nashville Auto Diesel College for his entrance exam and the first round of scholarship testing. We met his soon-to-be roommate, Bryant, and his mom and dad down there, and after the boys were finished with their tests, we all went out to look at apartments. Its next to impossible for me to believe that my baby boy is gonna be living in the big city in an apartment next fall! But we’ve found a complex that we all like, so keep your fingers crossed that when the time comes, a 2 bedroom wll be available! LOL!
So let’s talk movies for a minute. I actually took a few hours yesterday to work on some fiber projects, and watched a couple of movies I received from Blockbuster this week. The first half of my double feature was “The Astronaut Farmer”, and I was really amazed at how wonderful it was. The whole idea that we as a society are losing sight of what it means to work for and make our dreams happen really hit home. I can remember the same thing Charlie Farmer did as a kid…..being told and actually believing that I could be and do anything I wanted. At what point do we stop believing that? I remember being in seventh grade, and genuinely believing that I would someday be a Senator, or possibly even the first woman president. I’m not sure when that dream fell by the wayside, (and you couldn’t pay me enough to do the job these days!), but I do remember at some point in high school, feeling like I needed to make a “realistic” plan for my future. There are times I wonder where I might be now if I’d been a little less realistic and more daring, and the movie was a reminder of how important it is for me to never make B.W. feel like his options are limited.
The second feature was “Disturbia”. Now I’ve always liked creepy movies, but this was one of the better ones I’ve seen lately! There’s nothing quite like that feeling of being scared…..your heart beats fast, your blood is rushing through your veins, and all of your senses seem to be heightened. Its a feeling I’ve always liked. But couple that with a film that’s actually smart, and I’m really hooked. I won’t spoil the drama for those of you that want to give it a try, but lets just say that it makes you think twice about how well you REALLY know your neighbors!
So after being away from my torch all weekend, I’ve been playing catch-up tonight. I got a sizeable order last week (Thanks, Marcia!) and it included several sets of Christmas beads. Well needless to say, I was a complete dork and made a couple of sets in the wrong style, so I had to come home today and actually make the ones my client wanted! But I figure the season is just around the corner, so I’m just getting a little ahead of the normal schedule. Here’s a pic of one of the sets that will be coming up for auction soon……
Making all these holiday beads over the last week has also made me realize just how behind schedule I am on my preparations. I used to be one of those people that had my shopping done by October, and everything was wrapped and ready to go under the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Where did that gal go?? I started strong…..I bought three gifts in January! But since then? Nada! I know how disappointing that is to those of you who expect me to have it all done. Unfortunately, ya’ll seem to be rubbing off on me instead of the other way around. Guess I’ll see you in line at midnight on Christmas Eve this year, huh??
Just Chit-Chat September 26, 2007
Posted by angieland in Chatter, Philosophy, Pop Culture.14 comments
Isn’t it cool how someone you admire can make your day and not even know it? Just a comment or compliment, given completely offhand. They probably don’t even realize how much power their words have. We should all think about that more often. Because in all liklihood, we all have someone who looks up to us, and we never know when that kind word might make a huge difference in their day…..or even how they see themselves. Take a minute today to say something really kind to someone who matters in your life.
Okay….enough mushy stuff. I’ve got a question for ya. When does tenacity go over the edge into stubborness? I’ve always seen myself as a pretty tenacious person. I don’t like failing, and I don’t like giving up. (Might as well admit it…..I just don’t like not getting my way.) I wore someone down on something today, and rightfully so in my own mind. But after it was over, I began to wonder if my argument was really that strong, or if the other party finally just tired of defending their point of view. If that’s the case, does that make me “one of those people”? You know…..the kind who always has to have the last word, never knows when to stop beating a dead horse, and always has to be right? At what point does an admirable trait like sticking to your guns become an obnoxious one? And how do we tell the difference? Really…..I’m asking because I wanna know what you think.
Its day sixteen on the “Angie is becoming a non-smoker” quest. I’ve been surprised (amazed really) at how easy its been this time around. But I’m getting a bit worried……..One of my girlfriend’s is turning 50 next week, and we’re taking her out for a night on the town Friday night. Now, I’ve avoided alcohol pretty much like the plague for the last two weeks, so I’m kinda dreading the whole dinner/drinks/bar scene that’ll be happening, as I know its gonna be a HUGE nicotine trigger for me. So long about 10:00 Friday night, I’d appreciate a moment of silence, good vibes, white light, and prayers to help me stay strong. I figure if I can survive this night out on the town, I’m gold!
Now….on to the really important stuff……the new TV season! OMG! Heroes is gonna be just as intriguing as last season. I can’t remember when I’ve ever looked forward to Mondays as much as I do now! LOL! And did anyone check out Journeyman afterwards?? I think I’m gonna like that one, too. I might not have given it a second glance if not for Kevin McKidd, but I loved him in Rome and was looking forward to seeing him in a more up-to-date role. The concept is great (a modern time-traveler, and how he and his family deal with his “disappearances”), and I’m anxious to see where they go with it from there. The Grey’s spin-off, Private Practice, started tonight. Now I was never one of the “Addison Haters”, so I was excited about her getting her own show, but I never expected her to have such great chemistry with Tim Daly! McDreamy, he’s not…..but he sure fits with her! I’m anxious to check in with both Grey’s and ER tomorrow night, and I’m already salivating thinking about a new season of Lost in January. What shows are you anticipating most??
The Almost Empty Nest September 23, 2007
Posted by angieland in Chatter, Parenthood.Tags: Parenthood, teens
5 comments
I’ve finally figured it out……the reason that teenagers are always so busy. Its to prepare us parents for the dreaded empty nest. My son will be 18 in a couple of weeks, and while he’s still got to finish up his senior year in high school before he moves on to college, most days I feel like he’s already gone.
Case in point…..today is Sunday, which used to be our family day. We’d do all sorts of things together on Sunday’s when he was younger. The pool, cub scout activities, an afternoon at the movies, or sometimes just a day playing board games or working jigsaw puzzles. Today, his day consisted of an eight hour shift at his job, then practice with his rock band, and now he’ll be texting or talking to his girlfriend until way past my bedtime. It’s happened……I’m not needed anymore.
Now I always thought I’d be relieved when this day finally came. I longed for the day when my time was my own again. When I could spend a leisurely Sunday curled up with a good book and the Sunday paper crossword puzzle. But now that it’s coming to fruition, I’m beginning to understand the old adage of “Be careful what you wish for”, because now I find myself longing for just one Sunday when he’s free to spend the entire day with me. Somehow seeing him passing through to change clothes between his other stops just isn’t as satisfying as hearing him tell me, “Go directly to jail. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.”
Its not like I don’t have plenty of things to fill my Sundays with……I just never expected a quiet Sunday to be THIS quiet.
Girl’s Day Out September 22, 2007
Posted by angieland in Beads, Chatter, Friendship.Tags: Beads, girlfriends, shopping
4 comments
What could possibly be more fun that an old-fashioned girl’s day out?? A girl’s day out at a BEAD SHOW! Yep, that’s right. I’ve been a bad, BAD girl today. Three of us loaded up and drove to Murfreesboro today, and we’ve literally shopped til we dropped. I got a TON of new silver goodies. (Well, maybe not a ton, but between Ma and I, we bought waaaaay over a kilo!) All three of us also picked up Kumohimo kits to start braiding some cords for our lampwork focals, as well as a bunch of c-lon thread and a couple of new patterns for making treasure bracelets. After we’d shopped away half the day, we stopped at Puleo’s Grill for Sangria and appetizers (ever tried fried asparagus? If not, you should!), and followed those up with the best cake called Chocolate Lasagna. I was so completely stuffed, I wondered if I’d be able to stay awake for the two hour drive home! LOL!
So what is it exactly that makes a day out with the girls so rejuvenating?? I wonder this very thing every time we have a day like today. It doesn’t seem to matter what we do, where we go, or how many of us there are. (With my bunch, its usually somewhere between two and eight of us) The where’s and whys don’t appear to make a difference……its all about the comfort of the companionship. With your girlfriends, you can say anything, totally be yourself, scratch wherever you itch, fart if you feel like it, and discuss all those “womanly” topics that make the men in our lives so nervous. There is something very freeing about spending time with people who will love you no matter what. So I wanna give a shout-out to Vern and Terri for being those people for me today. You girls sure know how to have a good time!
