Linus and Lucy...

Yes, it's a classic.  Yes, we all know about it and it's nothing new.  We may even have our favorite dancer.  But I can tell you a story that only few know of and some lucky ones have even witnessed.  It is truly a legend-in our minds at least.

Years ago, in the 80's, at a local bar up north, girlfriends and I were enjoying the weekly bar version of the Gong Show.  You know, like a regular talent show but with a rude 'gonging' if the judge deemed you with little or no talent.

The action that night was sort of slow and the emcee was begging the crowd to come to the floor and share their talent.  My squad put our fried, dyed and layed to the side hairdo heads together and realized that indeed, we did have a talent.  Cousinfriend Joyce, bumped the band member off her keyboard and the rest of us hit the dance floor.  As you can imagine, Joyce hunched over, knit her eyebrows and began banging out the song.  Yes, THEE Song.  The rest hit the dance floor and broke out in our finest imitation of the dancers.  We shrugged, we ponied, we running manned.  We flipped our big hair from side to side and generally brought down the house.  That is until the judge gonged us, amidst strong protests from the audience.  Like the stars that we were, and with great dignity, we bowed and waved to our adoring fans.  Someone even sent us over a round-a small consolation prize for our humiliating treatment.

So yeah.. this song and this video will forever be the night when us chickies fearlessly performed a spontaneous and creative talent show performance.  We were the people's choice that night and were even asked to do an encore.  But we knew we could never repeat our 'classic.'  Once was enough, the legend remains and the rest is history.  Merry Christmas, my friends. xo

The Grand Illusion...

Are we turning into wimps that talk more than we do?  Has anyone else noticed what Drama Queens and Kings we've become?  Everyday conversations are full of superlatives and exaggerations that make everything so much more important and well, dramatic.  I need to say at this time, I do not mean to offend anyone who truly DOES have these issues and I don't aim to trivialize.

Here's what I mean....

After the party on Friday night, I was a hot mess on Saturday morning.  Really?  There was nothing 'hot' about it-trust me.  When my condition was pointed out to me, I was not hurt.  No, I was 'butt hurt.'  Charming, huh?  Because I was having trouble finding focus, I must have been a bit A.D.D. And when I finally organized my closet, I was accused of being O.C.D.  And I wasn't just 'busy',  I was crazy busy.

Now, I love good slang just as much as the next person, Dane used to check me on that habit as needed.  If I check out the cute E.M.T. at the gym, I am not a 'cougar.'  A smitten kitten perhaps, but NOT a cougar.  And how do I get my eyebrows 'on fleek?'  Unless a fleek is an eyebrow pencil, I'm pretty sure I don't want it 'on' my brows.  What about the laziness involved by using word mash up to save ourselves having to say two words?  We cleverly say we are 'hangry' to encapsulate our hunger and anger.  Why relax when we can do double duty and 'chillax?'  Is it too much effort to say chill and relax? 

And don't get me started on the use of the word, literal.  I had someone tell me that they 'literally died.'  And yet they were standing right in front of me, warm and in the flesh!  It drives me crazy that the word is so totally misused.

I am trying to make an effort not to overdo the adjectives and superlatives in my speech-starting tomorrow.

But right now, I'm getting a snack and hitting the couch, because I am obsessed with and 'addicted' to the Property Brothers and literally 'starving to death.'

Y'all have an amaze-balls week covered in awesome sauce!!!   xo

P.S.  Hit up Bobcat Betty's for brunch and ignore the false advertising!

Step into Christmas...

On a blustery Sunday, dollfriends Kristin and Susan and I bundled up (note the warm lid) and made our way down to Eastern Market to take in the Holiday Market event.

  We got inside as quickly as possible and spent the next couple of hours browsing the vendors.  Always a sucker for soap, I scored some locally made, organic bars that will make my shower experience transporting.  I shrieked with glee when I saw a t-shirt locally printed that featured Diana Ross and the Supremes.  Anyone who knows me, knows my affinity for concert tees of shows that I've been to.  I saw Diana in 1983 at Cobo hall and she was, and is, a legend.  There was a young teen selling redone cigar boxes and I purchased two for jewelry or what ever.  I just couldn't resist them or his earnest sales pitch.  Locally crafted clothing, jewelry, baked goods, purses, and art were all ours to admire.  It also happened to be a Santa meet and greet, so there were very sweet babies and toddlers dressed in holiday attire to get their wishes heard and pics taken.  Christmas consumerism at it's finest! 

When thirst and hunger got the best of us, we made our way up Woodward to one of my favorite spots.  If you haven't had the pleasure of Union Street Café, I totally recommend it.  A bellini with grilled lobster and cheese sandwich was the perfect warm up.

Filled with Christmas spirit, I resolved to decorate my mantle and get the tree up.  Yessiree, right after a little couch time, I'll get right on it.  Or not... 

Warm hugs, my friends.

Fast Car...

Do you remember your first new car?  That pristine, glossy thing with that intoxicating 'new car smell?  Getting to drive in a car of your actual choice?  The responsibility and the anticipation is a heady combination. There's truly nothing like it until maybe when you purchase a house or birth a child. 

 Niece Nicole had been car shopping for awhile and on Friday night, my brother, Ford salesman extraordinaire, surprised her with her dream car.  As Nicole stepped out in our garage to grab a Bud Light, Steve had her car at the ready with bows, ribbons and a giant name tag.  Nicole was shocked to say the least that her loaded Ford Fusion was right in front of her.  We had snowballed her into thinking that the car would not be available at her price for weeks but Steve did his magic and made it happen sooner. 

The rest of the weekend was spent with Steve giving her tutorials on all the bells and whistles-an easy task with Nicole being a self proclaimed techie nerd.  And celebrating.  You only get your FIRST new car once and we made it the big deal that it is.

Congrats Nicole, you have worked very hard and deserve this.  We are all proud and happy for you.
Drive safe and go easy on that turbo, Cookie!  xo

Summer in December...

When my niece strolled in last Friday, her first question was, 'Who bought you the flowers?'  I answered her that I sometimes buy myself flowers.  It's a little treat that brightens up my mood as well as my counter.  Hazel The One Eyed Wonder Cat likes to nibble on the leaves and smell the roses too.

With Thanksgiving behind us and the approaching season, I think it's important to take care of yourself.  As women it seems that the bulk of the holiday pressure lands on our backs.  We decorate, shop, cook and maybe host parties-and it's not easy.  Magazines, television and Pinterest having us believe that everything must look and taste perfect or somehow we have failed. 

Having stopped exchanging gifts years ago has largely helped.  I love to shop and feel the excitement without the pressure to find the perfect gift.  I have stopped the Bronner's light show in my yard and now hang a simple wreath and toss out a Solar Shower gadget. But I love to drive down Jefferson and enjoy everyone else's display.  I now decorate only one tree and the simplicity of it makes me happy.  My family generously offers to help with any dinner I host because they know fully well how nervous cooking for others makes me.  I still love to write out Christmas cards and plan to start my (shortened!) list soon.  I get great joy in receiving cards too.  Christmas mass with my Mom is also special to me and I get teary with the palpable faith in the air.

And still....I sort of dread it.  Not sure exactly why.  Maybe with Dane and my Dad not here, I have to face the fact that it will never be the same.

Enjoy things in your own way and most important of all-take care of yourself.  And I'll stop to smell the flowers.
  I'm thinking purple poinsettias. xo

Helter Skelter...

Charlie Manson died today.

As far as I'm concerned, that could be his full obituary.

I clearly remember that in my junior year of high school, hidden behind my biology book, was the book, "Helter Skelter."  (It's no wonder I barely passed the frog dissection!) I was morbidly fascinated by this true story of a diminutive cult leader and his followers that would do anything he ordered.  Before DNA testing, high tech security cameras and computers and even cell phones, evidence had to be put together so very carefully.  It probably was my first foray into the true crime genre that still interests me today.  And the fact that the very glamorous Sharon Tate was a victim, well..that just added to the intrigue.  I have always been curious at how anyone could have the brain that justifies murderous behavior.  In another life, I think I would love to explore criminal psychology-what an addition to my resume' that would be!

I have long since lost any interest I had in ol' Charlie.  He was a sick and twisted individual that did not even deserve to live to 83.  But it was never for me to decide.  He can answer to St. Pete and garner his true just rewards.  I am happy to 'close that chapter' in our history.

With Thanksgiving a few days away, I am thankful for all the usual things-without taking anything or anyone for granted.  Life is too precious and tenuous to do anything else. 

Have a peaceful holiday, my darlings.  xo

The Plan...

Has anyone read any good books lately?  With the turn of the weather plus my pneumonia diagnosis last week, I've been reading and resting like crazy. 

I saw that a favorite story of mine has now been made into a movie.  The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls is the true story of a family struggling to survive with a very optimistic view of things that would take most of us (me included!) to the edge.  I have the story on my ipad, so I decided to reread it-something I don't usually do.  The wry humor and irony of a tale told by a young girl is inspiring and out and out funny.  I seem to be attracted to stories of personal triumph.  I loved it again and can't wait to see the movie which inevitably won't be as good as the book.  I now have moved on to another one of Jeanette Walls books, which is my modus operandi.  Both Dane and I would do that thing where we would binge read a certain author or watch an actor or directors complete works.  Do you do that, too?

It's been a pretty quiet week here at the ranch while I hack my brains out and gobble antibiotics and Mucinex.  Books, movies and the fireplace have been my best friends during this down time and I am looking forward to feeling normal again.  (I know, 'normal' being a relative term!)

Speaking of friends-as Hunting Widow Week approaches, I gotta get hale and hardy cuz I can't be tardy to hook up with my Dollfriend(s) this weekend.  It's our annual girl time.  There will be wine, good food and surely some discussions on what we are reading.  Our hunters speculate that we use this time to talk about them.  As if!  Undoubtedly there will be far more important topics covered, such as a discussion about the latest beauty products and speculation as to whether they will possible change our lives for example.  Maybe even some hot tubbing while doing all the above mentioned. (Hint, hint, Kristin!) 

Gotta work on my health, Babes, the weekend is coming and a girl's gotta have goals! Hug and Kisses-I'm not contagious!