Its Thursday! Hallalujah! After a long week, I am so excited that tomorrow is Friday.
The weather was beautiful today (mid 60's) so I met up with Fleur + Nathan and we went to Airplay for a few hours where I managed to only spend $30 on coffee, bagels, snacks, performer tips, barista tips etc.
Max fell asleep on the way home so I stopped by whole foods to pick up some salad nibbles, fed Max lunch and then went up to Legacy Good Samaritan to have blood drawn for my medical tests (part deuce tomorrow) and then finally got my finger prints for volunteering and then on to home to cook dinner.
Sadly the Trailblazers game is on and I fear there will be no TV tonight......though am anxiously awaiting the upcoming long weekend.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
"Wonderings".....or is it "Wanderings"
For me it's both......I like to "wonder AND I like to wander."
I "wonder" all the time..but what I really want to do is......"wander more."
In a good way that is.
The timing isn't for just now. But I am dreaming of it.
"Wondering.....and wandering" only in my mind of course.
Wondering
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): won·dered; won·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 a: to be in a state of wonder b: to feel surprise
2: to feel curiosity or doubt
transitive verb
: to be curious or in doubt about
Wandering
Function: adjective
Date: before 12th century
: characterized by aimless, slow, or pointless movement: as a: that winds or meanders. A wandering course b: not keeping a rational or sensible course : vagrant c: nomadic
I think I'd like to live a "Nomadic" life...and yet be "sensible."
I believe it can be done in a healthy way.
Great Goop!
I don't even know WHY I continue to subscribe to Goop, as I mentioned last week its just Gwyneth Paltrow being preachy and trying to have her values for how to "nourish the inner aspect" (whatever that means - just sounds pretentious and her sad bid at trying to be Oprah).
This week's theme is kid friendly restaurants! What a great idea! I have a toddler and am ALWAYS looking for new place to go. Well instead of offering up a list of places that are family and wallet friendly, Gwyneth offers up a list that great for every banker and celebrity's wallet. I would say easily $$$-$$$$.
Sweetiepie -Seriously? Hugo's? Landmarc? Centrico? The Wolsley? London's famed River Cafe? Clearly the person who writes and research this have no idea of what is going on in the economy and must not know that yes, you need a reservation to actually get into these places (well unless your Gwyneth). I know "Gwynie" is all about promoting her friends epicurean endevours but how about some useful information for people who make under 7 figures?
For example Sweetiepie: The fact that someone would suggest taking a kid to a restaurant where the average entree is $25 (thats for a salad) and the "biggest ice cream sundae on the plant" (which is $75) is ridiculous. Of course its owned by a top literary agent and his wife and she comes from a family that ate all their meals at the Beverly Hills Hotel as a child.
What about place that are ACTUALLY for kids? There are tons of them in New York, LA and Chicago (Though I haven't been to kid friendly London in awhile).
To start with how about Cowgirl Hall of Fame? They actually have a KIDS menu, a full bar (if your dying for a drink) and yes I have seen celebrities eat there and lunch wont cost more for four people (with drinks) than that "biggest ice cream sundae on the planet."
I am not going to go and list 50 million places where you can drink and take your kid, but I think the list that "Gwynie" had to offer is super lame. Clearly I need to find someone else, perhaps an actual authority? to "nourish my inner aspect."
This week's theme is kid friendly restaurants! What a great idea! I have a toddler and am ALWAYS looking for new place to go. Well instead of offering up a list of places that are family and wallet friendly, Gwyneth offers up a list that great for every banker and celebrity's wallet. I would say easily $$$-$$$$.
Sweetiepie -Seriously? Hugo's? Landmarc? Centrico? The Wolsley? London's famed River Cafe? Clearly the person who writes and research this have no idea of what is going on in the economy and must not know that yes, you need a reservation to actually get into these places (well unless your Gwyneth). I know "Gwynie" is all about promoting her friends epicurean endevours but how about some useful information for people who make under 7 figures?
For example Sweetiepie: The fact that someone would suggest taking a kid to a restaurant where the average entree is $25 (thats for a salad) and the "biggest ice cream sundae on the plant" (which is $75) is ridiculous. Of course its owned by a top literary agent and his wife and she comes from a family that ate all their meals at the Beverly Hills Hotel as a child.
What about place that are ACTUALLY for kids? There are tons of them in New York, LA and Chicago (Though I haven't been to kid friendly London in awhile).
To start with how about Cowgirl Hall of Fame? They actually have a KIDS menu, a full bar (if your dying for a drink) and yes I have seen celebrities eat there and lunch wont cost more for four people (with drinks) than that "biggest ice cream sundae on the planet."
I am not going to go and list 50 million places where you can drink and take your kid, but I think the list that "Gwynie" had to offer is super lame. Clearly I need to find someone else, perhaps an actual authority? to "nourish my inner aspect."
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Feeling Fluish..
Since I returned from New York I have felt increasingly unwell, of course coupled with the hypochondria about having "swine flu" doesn't help. I still haven't found a doctor here in Portland - its so impossible to know who is good, who will take your malaise seriously etc... So even though I don't have a fever or vomiting )but I do have nausea, dizziness, and a sore throat) I am going to see someone at Zoom Care this evening at 7:30. I am hoping its nothing, I don't need anymore bad luck and the last thing I want to do is infect Max or Jon......
How Do You Treat Beggars Begging For Alms In The Street?
How do you treat beggars begging for alms in the street? Do you give alms to beggars? Please explain your answer.
Tags: Beggars, Alms, Underprivileged, Grinding Poverty, Poor, Hunger, Deprivation, Neglect, Apathy, Poorest of The Poor, Third World Country
Posted by: Me Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion
"Sarah's Key" An Amazing Novel
My book club is reading the most amazing book right now, "Sarah's Key". It was so amazing and I read it in 3.5 hours (which may be a record coming in 1st just before "The Davinci Code." If you are looking for a great read, don't mind some tears, check the book out.
A New York Times bestseller. Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel dHiv roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.
Paris, May 2002: On Vel dHivs 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.
Twits & Twitter
Well this morning I found out that I was MYSTERIOUSLY back on the Mayle Twitter (not that it matters anymore since the shop is closed). Interesting as yesterday was Christina's last day and not her twitter account in the first place.
I have to say that the end of Mayle is becoming more and more bitter sweet. Jane was great enough to let me buy some things I missed from the sale that were left over but of course Christina made a major screw up AGAIN in charging me the wrong prices for the four items I was getting and then over charging my debit cards..after a chat yesterday in which she became increasingly defensive, she told me that she voided all the transactions that she had mischarged for, but of course they STILL haven't been dropped from my account. So now I have to go to the bank and dispute the charges blah blah blah. And now of course Christina is gone and I have to leave messages and emails for Jane in hopes that someone gets back to me. Makes me feel like I should have not even bothered in the first place.
I have to say that the end of Mayle is becoming more and more bitter sweet. Jane was great enough to let me buy some things I missed from the sale that were left over but of course Christina made a major screw up AGAIN in charging me the wrong prices for the four items I was getting and then over charging my debit cards..after a chat yesterday in which she became increasingly defensive, she told me that she voided all the transactions that she had mischarged for, but of course they STILL haven't been dropped from my account. So now I have to go to the bank and dispute the charges blah blah blah. And now of course Christina is gone and I have to leave messages and emails for Jane in hopes that someone gets back to me. Makes me feel like I should have not even bothered in the first place.
My apologies - and some *gasp* middle age positiveness!
It seems like I write an apology post about once a quarter. My friends and foes, with my deepest sorrow I must apologize yet again for my lack of posting as of late. Life gets busy, so shut the fuck up.
Backhanded, I know. But that's how I roll.
This week has been...let's say interesting (for lack of a better word, or even to not incriminate myself?!)...on the home front and personal front. I won't really comment on either much, except to say that my 'new' social circle is keeping me busy. I know some of you remember around this time last year when I started expanding my social circle to include more people (I can be a snob, I KNOW!) , and fortunately those ended up being very dear friends of mine... and helped me realize that SOME of the people I was surrounding myself with were 'bringing me down'.
Now, its one year later... and I have done it again. POSITIVELY.
Overall, I am a happy camper right now. Things are looking up for me. I am headed to the flirty dirty thirties (29 forever, pleeeeeaaaassse)... and while it is inevitable that my birthday cake will no longer have 20-something candles on it - I am less scared than I was before. Sunday I had drinks and played cards with three ladies passed that dreaded number, and I had FUN! I don't want to say they are a different breed per sea... but more like WAY more comfortable in their own skin, way less concerned about social conceptions and judgements, and a zillion times more secure in their bodies. It is almost like 30 is the magic number to maturity.
I better not read this post back because I feel like I might be rambling!
so on wards I go...
wish me luck
Backhanded, I know. But that's how I roll.
This week has been...let's say interesting (for lack of a better word, or even to not incriminate myself?!)...on the home front and personal front. I won't really comment on either much, except to say that my 'new' social circle is keeping me busy. I know some of you remember around this time last year when I started expanding my social circle to include more people (I can be a snob, I KNOW!) , and fortunately those ended up being very dear friends of mine... and helped me realize that SOME of the people I was surrounding myself with were 'bringing me down'.
Now, its one year later... and I have done it again. POSITIVELY.
Overall, I am a happy camper right now. Things are looking up for me. I am headed to the flirty dirty thirties (29 forever, pleeeeeaaaassse)... and while it is inevitable that my birthday cake will no longer have 20-something candles on it - I am less scared than I was before. Sunday I had drinks and played cards with three ladies passed that dreaded number, and I had FUN! I don't want to say they are a different breed per sea... but more like WAY more comfortable in their own skin, way less concerned about social conceptions and judgements, and a zillion times more secure in their bodies. It is almost like 30 is the magic number to maturity.
I better not read this post back because I feel like I might be rambling!
so on wards I go...
wish me luck
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Illin
This day has dragged on way to long. I have gotten sicker and sicker as the day has dragged on. Max and I went to clubhouse and then did some whole foods shopping, but I feel fluish (and yes totally paranoid over swine flu). Then ran to the post office to mail some packages... now instead of going to my board meeting for the 2010 Beaux Arts Ball I am laying on my couch watching last weeks Law & Order CI with the every sexy Jeff Goldblum....
Another Rainy Tuesday
I have been back from NYC for about 5 days now and I can't say that I miss it but I do. Is that weird? I loved being able to walk every where, take the subway which can take you wherever you need to go, people looking through you being invisible. I don't miss the sales tax, rude people and how full of themselves people think they are just because they LIVE in NYC.
The weather this weekend was only ok, I wore my Neives dress home on Friday and then was so lazy I wore it all day saturday as well (so damn comfy - such an excellent purchase). I tried out the sequined leopard belt with my black pelle dress to a friends BBQ on Sunday. I need to find a black slip to wear underneath my lace Illaria dress, I was thinking my Asia one would work, but its a bit too long.
This weather is sort of a downer - yesterday I wore my lotus print top with some jeans and took max to airplay, it was cold - its almost may so this makes me a bit bummed esp when its 70 degrees in NYC. I went to a PAM meeting for upcoming events we are planning and when we left it was pouring BUCKETS. Of course I had no umbrella with me. Today Jon is home sick again, Max is crazy fussy/active so I will have to think of something fun for us to do, while we let Jon rest. I have yet another PAM meeting tonight and i feel lie I still haven't had any rest in months - sinuses still an issue, gastro issues. when will it all end?
On another note, I wasn't going to mention this on the blog, but i changed my mind as this is MY public forum to vent, rant etc. I have to say that I think it was EXTREMELY petty for Christina to block myself, Moya and some others from the Mayle Twitter. I mean REALLY? I know that I have been nothing but nice to her even though she has been incredibly two-faced, and sometimes down right nasty. You can say oh maybe its her personal account but she has kept many people (some of them my friends who don't even shop at Mayle) as followers. After working in the fashion + publishing + ad agency biz for over 15 years I can honestly say that you keep your friends close and enemies closer and you get more flies with honey than vinegar. I wish her the BEST of luck with her showroom because she is def going to need it.
That's my two cents, for what its worth.
The weather this weekend was only ok, I wore my Neives dress home on Friday and then was so lazy I wore it all day saturday as well (so damn comfy - such an excellent purchase). I tried out the sequined leopard belt with my black pelle dress to a friends BBQ on Sunday. I need to find a black slip to wear underneath my lace Illaria dress, I was thinking my Asia one would work, but its a bit too long.
This weather is sort of a downer - yesterday I wore my lotus print top with some jeans and took max to airplay, it was cold - its almost may so this makes me a bit bummed esp when its 70 degrees in NYC. I went to a PAM meeting for upcoming events we are planning and when we left it was pouring BUCKETS. Of course I had no umbrella with me. Today Jon is home sick again, Max is crazy fussy/active so I will have to think of something fun for us to do, while we let Jon rest. I have yet another PAM meeting tonight and i feel lie I still haven't had any rest in months - sinuses still an issue, gastro issues. when will it all end?
On another note, I wasn't going to mention this on the blog, but i changed my mind as this is MY public forum to vent, rant etc. I have to say that I think it was EXTREMELY petty for Christina to block myself, Moya and some others from the Mayle Twitter. I mean REALLY? I know that I have been nothing but nice to her even though she has been incredibly two-faced, and sometimes down right nasty. You can say oh maybe its her personal account but she has kept many people (some of them my friends who don't even shop at Mayle) as followers. After working in the fashion + publishing + ad agency biz for over 15 years I can honestly say that you keep your friends close and enemies closer and you get more flies with honey than vinegar. I wish her the BEST of luck with her showroom because she is def going to need it.
That's my two cents, for what its worth.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Oh, Wow! CASTLE'S KEEP is an ARe Best Seller!
How cool is that? All Romance eBooks has a Best Seller Award Star next to my short erotic fantasy CASTLE'S KEEP!
You can view it for yourself (and order it) here!
We Love Kansas City.....And Our Friends.
On our way to Iowa we stopped in Kansas City, Missouri, to see some close friends of our family.
Kansas City is an amazing BIG town with alot of things to do. However we were on a "Mission" so we just kept to our plan...and that was to see our friends and to go to church with them while we were there.After driving over 13 hours the previous day, before stopping for the night in Columbia Missouri totally exhausted.....we got up and went on to Kansas City arriving sometime around 3:30pm on "Good Friday."
Our friends "The Majors."Upon arriving at our friends house we found that they had even MORE company staying with them....a Russian family and a Bulgarian guy.
And did I mention my friend Iwona is from Poland? Her husband Keith is from Baton Rouge. They met though, in Moscow....long story.
So then add us three South Louisiana's into the mix and you had....."interesting." And fun. HA!
Stacey, Iwona, JoyceStacey, along with her husband and children moved to Kansas City last year from Baton Rouge.
We've known them for years too so it was very cool to get to see her and her kids as well while we were up there! We missed seeing her husband because he was working.
"Stacey with one of the Major kids and her kids."
"Keith and Stacey"
"Joyce and Stacey"
"The Major Kids"We had a great time visiting, sipping tea, eating some ethnic foods (Eastern European) and laughing with all these people we were there with.
This one even played her violin for us.Friday night we went to church.....which was another MAIN reason why we stopped in Kansas City. Because my family loves their church there.
By the time we came back home.....we'd been in church SIX hours. Which was fine with us but......WHEW!!! Was I was drained at the end of the night.....which was around 12:30ish when we got back to the house.
It was highly emotional for many reasons. Mainly because it filled up our souls so much. Church is very "different" there and we love it.
There was..."wonderful, long worship".....a very deep teaching on "The Passion" of Jesus that night, then we did prayer and intercession for a few hours....and at the end of the night more surprises for Joshua, Ariel and I, before we left the church.
It was fabulous. Very full filling.
By they way.....they do "prayer and intercession" there at the "International House Of Prayer" ....."24/7" and you can stream it "live" on the Internet as well which is awesome.
Once back at the Major's...we ate sandwiches made "European style" which freaked us out.....but we got over it.
And Iwona and I stayed up and chatted (loudly) for another two hours....
Then in the morning......I don't even know how Iwona got out of bed but she did and she made her wonderful breakfast for us that she usually does when we come and see them. And We LOVE it.
Even Miss Priss asked Iwona the day before if she would prepare this food for us and she was SO happy when she woke up and Iwona had make them!
"Joshua and Miss Priss"They are some sort of Pancake/Blintz's or something that I can never seem to duplicate at my house. And she puts fruit in them....apples and bananas. Then adds berries on top after wards with real maple syrup.
VERY YUMMY!
It's so fun to have European friends.....I love them. And I miss them already.
The friends and the pancakes.
But especially the friends.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Do You Believe In Magic?
Do you believe in magic? Do you think they are real or just sleight of the hand or mass hallucinations? Please explain your answer.
Tags: Magic, Sleight of The Hand, Mass Hallucinations, Supernatural, Arcane Knowledge, Lost Art, School of Magic, Fakirs, ESP, Telekinesis, Occult, Clairvoyance
Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Viewpoint/Opinion
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Mayle Sample Sale Booty PT I
Some snaps of my new pieces (though 2nd pair of clogs on are their way from NYC via my bestie Jen)
Mayle Closure
I feel like with mayle closing its like a relationship ending. I was so happy to go to NYC and go to the sale and say good bye to the girls in person (doris, elise +christina and Jane) I had wished that when the shop closed on 3/31 i was able to bring over a bottle of Pierre Jouet Rose , have some yummy vegan treats for doris and say good bye in style but I think that actually being there last day of the shop would have made me even sadder.
These girls have all been so good to me over the years and its like the end of an era. Its strange to know that I have to removed 212-625-0406 off my cell's speed dial, that I wont walk into 242 Elizabeth anymore to buy gorgeous, flirty things.
My husband told me that in a way Mayle had to close so that I would grow up, be smarter with money and have a better sense of responsibility. But now I am not sure what my next obsession will be. Maybe there wont be one at all.......
I hope Jane does something new - I am praying for a home line - if something like that were to happen i could at least share it with friends and family.
These girls have all been so good to me over the years and its like the end of an era. Its strange to know that I have to removed 212-625-0406 off my cell's speed dial, that I wont walk into 242 Elizabeth anymore to buy gorgeous, flirty things.
My husband told me that in a way Mayle had to close so that I would grow up, be smarter with money and have a better sense of responsibility. But now I am not sure what my next obsession will be. Maybe there wont be one at all.......
I hope Jane does something new - I am praying for a home line - if something like that were to happen i could at least share it with friends and family.
And More On The Mayle Sample Sale
Even though I was invited to go early and had to skip going to Friday and meeting Moya, Loretta, Yoon etc...which I was very excited about- there is something mysterious that I really like about my virtual relationships with these fellow Mayle lovers.
I was also feeling a bit of RELIEF when I read about the lines on racked and fashionista. If I had gone Friday I would have missed my flight home with going into the city, the wait and then going back to Brooklyn to get my bags and then finally to newark).
On Thursday I got to friends + family early (at 11 - at started at 12 but didn't open until 12:30). I saw Kama, Kazu, Agnes's and some other people who are friends with Jane in addition to some editors. The anticipation was building as it was 12, 12:10, 12:29. The doors finally opened and I ran and snagged a pair of leopard clogs in an 8. They are awesome. SO happy. I also picked up my leopard metallic jacket from last week. Other things I got include:
Jemeem dress sample in lilac
Zoia top in black + lilac + lilac lace
Shojio dress in the tigretta print in a 6 (though its a bit small for me)
Rasia Coat in black
Ilaria dress in Pansy lace
Seafoam Green Mikinto top (archive - i used to have it in a 2!)
Lurex Reiko re-edition
Mia dress (spring 08)
Kiyoko dress sample (Eden print + grey)
Those adorable madcap print slippers (I have like 3 pairs now) $5!!
Sequined leopard belt (spring 08)
That black dress with the red embroidery
Ninon Cardigan in black + white
Black and gold clogs (which came on Friday and a friend is picking up b/c Wamu put a fraud alert on my card!!)
All in all it was a great sale. I was very much on the fence about buying the Ebba dress as its not that flattering on me. But I was LOVING the new Michaela's with the lotus print and Rio Plata mix (though they were not on sale and I couldn't justify spending $400 even if I like LOVED it when I have two other Michaela's).
There were no Billy's on Thursday or baby billy's - just some Jeanne and carribea bags that sold pretty quickly.
I wish that I could have gone back Friday and Saturday, but I spent about $2300 and I have to say that I finally have closure. Jane seemed really stressed but also looked relieved that it was all finally ending...
what did you guys get???
I was also feeling a bit of RELIEF when I read about the lines on racked and fashionista. If I had gone Friday I would have missed my flight home with going into the city, the wait and then going back to Brooklyn to get my bags and then finally to newark).
On Thursday I got to friends + family early (at 11 - at started at 12 but didn't open until 12:30). I saw Kama, Kazu, Agnes's and some other people who are friends with Jane in addition to some editors. The anticipation was building as it was 12, 12:10, 12:29. The doors finally opened and I ran and snagged a pair of leopard clogs in an 8. They are awesome. SO happy. I also picked up my leopard metallic jacket from last week. Other things I got include:
Jemeem dress sample in lilac
Zoia top in black + lilac + lilac lace
Shojio dress in the tigretta print in a 6 (though its a bit small for me)
Rasia Coat in black
Ilaria dress in Pansy lace
Seafoam Green Mikinto top (archive - i used to have it in a 2!)
Lurex Reiko re-edition
Mia dress (spring 08)
Kiyoko dress sample (Eden print + grey)
Those adorable madcap print slippers (I have like 3 pairs now) $5!!
Sequined leopard belt (spring 08)
That black dress with the red embroidery
Ninon Cardigan in black + white
Black and gold clogs (which came on Friday and a friend is picking up b/c Wamu put a fraud alert on my card!!)
All in all it was a great sale. I was very much on the fence about buying the Ebba dress as its not that flattering on me. But I was LOVING the new Michaela's with the lotus print and Rio Plata mix (though they were not on sale and I couldn't justify spending $400 even if I like LOVED it when I have two other Michaela's).
There were no Billy's on Thursday or baby billy's - just some Jeanne and carribea bags that sold pretty quickly.
I wish that I could have gone back Friday and Saturday, but I spent about $2300 and I have to say that I finally have closure. Jane seemed really stressed but also looked relieved that it was all finally ending...
what did you guys get???
Astute (?) Observations
1. After many years, I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two are a law firm, and three or more are a legislature. (John Adams)2. If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. (Mark Twain)
3. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is likea man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. (Winston Churchill)
4. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. (George Bernard Shaw)
5. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay with your money. (anonymous)
6. Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. (James Bovard, Civil Libertarian)
7. Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. (DouglaCasey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University)
8. Giving money and power to politicians is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. (P. J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian)
9. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases. If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. (Ronald Reagan, in 1986)
10. I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. (Will Rogers)
11. No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while Congress is in session. (Mark Twain, in 1866)
12. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! (P. J. O'Rourke)
13. There is no distinctly native criminal group in America other than our politicians. (Mark Twain)
14. The inherent vice of capitalism is an unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is an equal sharing of the misery. (Winston Churchill)
15. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. (Mark Twain)
16. What this country needs is more unemployed politicians. (Edward Langley, Artist, 1928-1995)
17. A government big enough to give you everything you want ... is strong enough to take everything you have. (Thomas Jefferson)
Friday, April 24, 2009
NYC In A Nutshell: Tuesday + Weds
I just got back from NYC so I will update he trip over a few posts.
Tuesday:
I arrived Tuesday afternoon at 3:40 (Newark) and took the air train to Penn Station which was great. I immediately walked downtown with my bag - meeting my friend Heidi along the way. We made a pit stop at Old Navy to pick up a few things for Max (t-shirts, bathing suit, shorts). After we had drinks with Paul Witt at Ostia which I love, then dinner at Bar Marche (Alison, Melissa + Linnea).
Linnea and Todd were excellent about letting me stay with them. They have the cutest house and I really enjoyed Brooklyn.
Weds:
Headed into the city with Linnea and went to my old neighborhood to have breakfast at Hudson Diner with my friend Raquel (James Iha was eating there which was RANDOM). Then headed to ELLE for a meeting re: Portland Fashion Week. Then off to meet my friends from Soap Opera Digest for lunch at Rare then off to pick up YSL Lipstick and some gladiator sandals at Lord + Taylor. I saw Max's old nanny Ingrid for a coffee then met my friend Ken for a drink at delicatessen. While there i got a last minute email from Jane about a special preview for friends and family that she wanted me to come to then my phone battery died and I hopped the F out to Frankie's 457 for dinner with Todd, Linnea and Elyssa.
Tuesday:
I arrived Tuesday afternoon at 3:40 (Newark) and took the air train to Penn Station which was great. I immediately walked downtown with my bag - meeting my friend Heidi along the way. We made a pit stop at Old Navy to pick up a few things for Max (t-shirts, bathing suit, shorts). After we had drinks with Paul Witt at Ostia which I love, then dinner at Bar Marche (Alison, Melissa + Linnea).
Linnea and Todd were excellent about letting me stay with them. They have the cutest house and I really enjoyed Brooklyn.
Weds:
Headed into the city with Linnea and went to my old neighborhood to have breakfast at Hudson Diner with my friend Raquel (James Iha was eating there which was RANDOM). Then headed to ELLE for a meeting re: Portland Fashion Week. Then off to meet my friends from Soap Opera Digest for lunch at Rare then off to pick up YSL Lipstick and some gladiator sandals at Lord + Taylor. I saw Max's old nanny Ingrid for a coffee then met my friend Ken for a drink at delicatessen. While there i got a last minute email from Jane about a special preview for friends and family that she wanted me to come to then my phone battery died and I hopped the F out to Frankie's 457 for dinner with Todd, Linnea and Elyssa.
Happy 6 months Hairlista!
Hairlista Inc. has officially turned 6 months old and it's growing like wild fire! We appreciate all of our Hairlista Diva's because we would not be here without you. We appreciate your testimonies, love and support. Spread the word to all of your friends and family. May God continue to bless Hairlista Inc. for another 6 months!!
I Just Got Screwed! Grr!
And I have no one to blame but myself.Back in 2006, when I was a struggling writer and I knew NOTHING about epublishing or epublishers, I sent two of my books to PUBLISH AMERICA. Yeah, that place.
Their contract is for 7 years, so I won't get my books back before 2013. But they're starting to sell now. So when PA offered its authors 45% off - plus for every book I buy, I get 1 free - I jumped on it to buy 10 copies of one of my books to refill my inventory.
Now, this book is 94K words. I have books with WCPT that are that bigger, and they sell for $17.95 in trade paperback. PA has my book at $24.95!
Okay. So I ordered 10 books, and thus I get 10 "free". But here's where I was ROYALLY RIPPED OFF. PA is shipping me my books after charging me $3.99 PER BOOK FOR SHIPPING. That's 20 books shipped for $79.80!
Grrrrrr!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A Day On An Iowa Farm........
"The Farm"
Andrew and his Daddy.In February our Nephew "Andrew" was in a very bad, weather (snow) related accident and was broadsided by a Semi truck and was smashed in his little, compact car alongside his girlfriend.He had multiple injuries including seperated shoulders, leg injuries, head trauma and concussions, and several other things that I can't even remember any more.
All I know is that he was a "mess."
And we were all very concerned for his life.
The car may not look "that bad" but when you consider the size of this Iowa farm boy.....you will understand how crushed he was.While we were in Iowa.....we went to visit his Mom and Daddy's farm so that we could see them and all their children...including Andrew, who MIRACULOUSLY is alive.
THIS is Andrew.
He's standing with his Grandmother......who is my Sister in Law.
Can you see what I mean now??
This boy played football for his College in Northern Iowa....ummm....some position on DEFENSE of course!!
Andrew WAS not able to return to College this Spring because of his injuries and is on a Football scholarship and it is in jepordy right now. So we are praying he gets the "all clear" in order to return in the Fall."The farm" they live on is way out an hour and a half from my home city of Council Bluffs, so honey, we really were in the country.
"Miss Priss and Joshua" listening to Farm stories....LOTS of farm animals and kids!!!
More Nieces, Nephews and animals than we could keep up with!
"Ariel in her Lumber Jack....whoops! I mean "Farm Clothes"
"Travis" who is coming up 3rd in rank right behind big brother Andrew......
"Brian, who is the number 2 son."
"Miss Priss and Gavin who is the youngest member of this family."
"Joshua and Shawn doing a little "Farm talking."
"Miss Priss and her Aunt Jacque."
"Travis and his Daddy"
"Andrew and his Mama"
"One of the nieces and Jacque with Ariel."These people again......
Okay we are tired now.....time to head back to the big city.
"Me, Ariel, and Joshua."Farm life can just wear you out.
Even if your not doing anything but "visiting."
We loved our entire day though.
Seeing our loved ones, rejoicing with them and accidently stepping in chicken poop.
Something that never happens to us here in Baton Rouge....
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