Party Crowd....

After a crazy fun weekend with friends at the beach house, I am FRIED! The farmers market/art booths, Bloody Mary's, the Caseville 'Ribstock' party, along with too many cocktails and too much food to own up to, I am totally beat down. I must mention tho, the 10 ounce filets that we were treated to by friend Bob, who has a meat market in Eastern Market. One of these bad boys, were enough for 4 of us girls! Melted like budda, I tells ya!

For your viewing pleasure, I am posting a pic from a recent get together. Note what can go on when Michelle and I decide to pose with a pic of the irresistible Mark. Kinda a 'Walking Man' sandwhich!!! It's obvious that a good time was had by one and all. Can't wait to do it again. xo

Too many parties, too little time. This girl has got to sleep. See ya all, soon... xoxo

California Gurls....

Me and Elle bein' fine, fresh and fierce--even for Michigan girls! These are the days we wait all winter for. Playing hooky in lake St. Clair on a Friday afternoon is a fabulous way to end the week and start the weekend. The 'dog' days of summer are upon us. Huge whoo hoo! Today is the longest day of the summer and also Father's Day.

For me, this means lemonade (with vodka), hot dogs in natural casings, cooked over the bonfire till they split. This delicacy is followed up with s'mores cooked similarly.

I tend to get up earlier and stay up later. I read looooong books quickly. I paint pictures and wear less makeup. Fresh fruits and vegetables are purchased from the local farmers market. Some dinners I serve are totally cold, and at restaurants we can sit outside. I get to dress in very little clothing or long, flowy dresses. (Think Mrs. Roper!) I am usually barefoot. I enjoy beer and potato chips, mostly without guilt. I nap with no guilt whatsoever. I bottle feed baby calves and watch for new fawns. I enjoy the vibrancy of color of my lipstick roses, as well as the heavenly scent. Lying on a blanket in the warm sand on a clear night, I can proudly spot some constellations, as well as a planet or two and shooting stars. Northern lights are a spectacular vision. I can open the window and sleep like a log. I watch the bunnies chew on the lily's in my backyard while laughing at Mickey in his wading pool. (Okay-sometimes I join him!)

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. I love summer. LOVE it LOVE it LOVE it.

Hope you enjoyed this long, gorgeous, picture perfect day. And happy Father's Day, Dad. Hope you enjoyed your day. See you soon. xoxo

Tiptoe thru the Tulips....

Something I've always wanted to do is take tap dancing lessons. As a child, I took years of ballet lessons from an elderly french lady who only spoke to us in french. Consequently, I learned very useful french phrases such as, 'point your toes', 'listen to the music', 'spit out your gum' and 'pay attention, please'! I have not yet made it to France to show off my language skills.

Anyhoo, now they call it a 'bucket list', and I am able to cross one thing off. Tap lessons with a full recital. Check. It was a fun thing to try and it made the winter fly by. I met some really cool ladies who had a similar goal as mine. I didn't bother to tell my instructor about my Gregory Hines dancing fantasy. I didn't need to see another misunderstanding eye roll!

So, on Friday night, along with darling little lambs, chickens, dalmatians, horsies, etc., 8 women of a certain age, dolled up and took the stage. We were able to dress as flappers and don what can only be described as 'Tammy Faye' makeup. (The children sport the make up look of the tragic JonBenet Ramsey style.) We made it thru the dance and shook our old asses for all the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts audience to see. Rose and I did our best parade wave to our adoring fans!

If you haven't crossed anything off of your list lately, I highly recommend it. It truly feels like you have conquered something. Next off, I think I want to try a Brazilian martial arts class. Wonder if I can wear sequins, glitter and Tammy Faye makeup? Hi-yah!

Y'all have a great week and work on that 'list'! xoxo

Happy Birthday to You....

27 years ago today, with the all of the usual hype and fan fair, I gave birth to my one and only child-Dane. I know!!! You are thinking, "no way could Jodi EVER have a son that old!" Tee hee. Well, we do things at a very young age up north! I will not bore you with all the gory details, just suffice it to say that after 24 hours of 'au natural' labor in a very cool "birthing chair" the awaited scream was heard for all the world announcing his entry into the world. It was the happiest day of my life.

Pictured here are Dane and his beloved mutt, Mickey at Ossineke Beach, a place of many fond memories.

My life would certainly never be the same without the crazy parental experience. And as a single parent, I could never have done it without the support of my family. Thanks to you all, especially Mom and Dad.

So now I am enjoying a friendship and kinship with my Son. We love many of the same books and food. He is FAR more political and news savvy than I, tho. But I am learning thru his patient (sometimes) tutelage. We cheer on our Tigers and view indy movies together. He is also an animal lover and talented musician and writer. Compassionate, smart, informed, and talented--I am proud to say that he is my Son.

Happy Birthday, to you Dane. May all your dreams come true. Love, your Mom xoxo