Bringin' the ROCK to Little Rock

Everyone who knows me knows that I.LOVE.MUSIC.  Specifically, live music.  It is very close to the center of my world - right next to my family.  So my favorite band is on hiatus - that doesn't mean that I'm on hiatus.  I've always squeezed in some different "flavors" of music between my Panic shows.  This year, I've committed to seeing even more of the different flavors that make the live music world go round.

I've been in Little Rock for 13 years and have been a live music buff since before I arrived.  I've also been fortunate to almost always have great options of live music going on in my now-hometown to choose from.  This is no-doubt in LARGE part to the tremendous efforts of the awesome Chris King and Suzon Awbrey.  They not only provide 2 of the greatest establishments Little Rock has to offer (Sticky Fingerz and Rev Room), but they recognize so many different types of music that Little Rockers love.  I personally lean more toward the jamband flavor, and they always have great gigs in that arena.

I am super pumped about seeing Hayes Carll tonight at Rev Room.  Though he's now I worldwide sensation, I had the fortune of meeting and hearing him play at college gatherings my freshman year at Hendrix.  As it turned out, he was friends with some of the new friends I was making and I remember the first freshman party I attended (read White House) - he was playing some Bob Dylan on guitar and a few folks were gathered around singing along.  In high school, one of my best friends Sarah Hughes played routinely like this at our get-togethers, so I was drawn in to listening to Hayes et al.  This would not be the last time of my freshman year that I got to witness Hayes on guitar.  Hayes graduated Hendrix that year and I attended one more year before transferring to UALR (oh the regrets.........another blog).

Years later, and I'm talking probably 13 years later, I can't remember how I heard it (this was pre-Facebook and other social media) but I heard that Hayes Carll had just put out his first album in the previous year and its' reception was great!  I couldn't believe it!  I remember ordering 4 of the cds online and waiting anxiously for them to arrive.  I gave the other 3 cds away, as I wanted to get the word out about this great artist.  As luck would have it, Hayes was also playing at Sticky Fingerz for (I believe) the first time.  I gathered a few of my closest friends and we went.  Me and a couple of friends were instantly drawn in.  This guy has the most clever yet poetic lyrics and all of his tunes are catchy.  And the voice, oh the voice.........The best of all worlds.  I would venture to say that he is in my all time top 5 favorite artists.  That's a huge statement for me.

I have Hayes-brain today because he's playing tonight, but I listen to his music regularly.  He has released 4 albums, all of which are great.  Each album has a variety of tunes - something for everyone.  Hayes has a special love for Arkansas - even naming one of his albums Little Rock.  I am fairly certain that Arkansas is the home state of his lovely kick ass bride (who happens to be one of the many awesome friends I made during my Hendrix years).  Hayes usually plays in Little Rock twice a year.  Once during the spring and once around Thanksgiving.  I try my best to make each show, as it is always the best of times.  And often a mini-Hendrix reunion.  Awe.

So if any of you Little Rockers are reading this and don't have good plans for your St Patty's Day Saturday night, I implore you - go to Rev Room!  You will NOT regret it.

A hundred million thanks to Chris and Suzon, who make such great music and fun times available to central Arkansas.  You are appreciated, my friends.  Keep on rockin.

Cheers!

21 random things I love

Per the topic, these are all random, goes-without-saying things (in no particular order) that I love.  Though it goes without saying, I must mention that I will assume that those who know me know that inherently, my family, friends, dogs, and Widespread Panic are at the top of this list.  Because they are not random, however, they are not on this list.

1. Intervention and Hoarders (reality TV shows on A&E):  I like Intervention a whole lot more than Hoarders, but I think it's safe to say that a large part of me enjoys these shows because watching these poor people who are in various stages of awfulness in their lives make me feel better about my own.  Is that bad!?
2. 80's hits:  I will always have a special place in my heart for the music hits of the 80s.  My girlfriends and I had many a dance routine to everything from Bobby Brown to Debbie Gibson.  Some of my greatest memories come flooding back to me when I hear such a song from my past and can recall every word to most songs from the 80s.
3. Quotes:  I try to read at least one new (new-to-me) quote a day.  And some days, I even write them on the wipe-off board at work to share the wisdom or humor that is worthy of repeating.
4. Fake tattoos:  Though I have a few real tats, I really love wearing a fake tattoo that is exceptionally large or noticeable - especially when I'm going to WP shows, music festivals, etc.  The great things about them is that they aren't a permanent mark but they are a great expression of yourself.  They give you that little surge of rockstar-feeling, and I would wear one every day if I could.
5. Helping people:  Whether it be volunteering for a worthy cause or simply paying a stranger a nice compliment, I honestly get pleasure from putting a smile on someone's face.  You never know what kind of day a person is having, what thoughts are crossing their mind, or what terrible fate may await them in their near future.  Sometimes something as simple as kind words in an elevator can change a person's day and remind them that they are important.
6. Toe socks:  yes, the silly ones that are basically gloves for your feet.  While they take some getting used to, I thoroughly enjoy wearing them - especially because they allow me to wear my Chacos (sandals) even when it's cold outside.
7. Fall season:  while I like summer and winter, I LOVE the fall and the spring.  Basically, I love the milder seasons.  Extreme heat and extreme cold get old fast, but unfortunately, those extreme seasons seem to last longer every year.
8. In accordance with #7, I simply adore camping.  Whether it's light-weight backpack camping or full-on-bring-all-the-amenities camping, I love to be in the woods, surrounded by nature and hearing the sounds of wildlife and the trees blowing in the wind.  The icing on the cake - the crackle of a campfire.  Just talking/writing about it makes me want to go now!
9. DVR:  I despise commercials, so I have officially eliminated them from my life through the use of a DVR.  Aside from the obvious of not having to be at home at a particular time to catch your favorite show, it's absolutely great to be able to hit the fast-forward button when that annoying Aflac duck invades my nightly news.
10. Cups with lids/straws:  I remember as an early elementary age student, I loved to still drink from "sippy cups."  There was just something about being able to lay in bed with your cup turned sideways/upside down without spilling and being able to drink from a 'nozzle.'  Now, as an adult, I am in love with my Tervis Tumbler/s, complete with lid and straw.  I can't explain the pleasure I get from it, but I can just say that it makes me happy.  That's why I have over 8 Tervis Tumblers, I suppose.
11. My car:  I have a 2006 green Subaru Outback wagon that I got in mid-2005.  It has over 125,000 miles on it, but I still love it just as much (if not more) than I did when I first got it.  The beauty of a wagon is that it has the perks of an SUV (extra storage space, seats fold down for the doggies) but it gets the gas mileage of a car.  Plus, my model has a sunroof that is half the length of my car.  I can't imagine ever having another car (and I plan to drive this one until it dies), but if I do have another car, it will either be a new Outback or another wagon (Volvo Cross-Country, if I'm lucky).
12. People who stand up for what they believe in.  Even if it is something that I don't agree with, I have respect for people who aren't afraid to support what they believe - especially when they aren't just "following the crowd".
13. Hammocks:  I love the old school rope knit hammocks (my mom has a really great one in her huge backyard overlooking the lake that is her backyard), but I was recently gifted with an ENO hammock (double nest, to be exact) and it is absolutely wonderful.  So far, I've only used it on my recent trip to Mexico, but it is outstandingly durable and you can pretty much always find a place to put it up.  I plan on doing some hammock-camping in the upcoming spring and my ENO hammock will be something that remains in my car so that I always have the option to put it up and hang out, read a book, or take a nap wherever I go.
14. Water:  hot, cold, mild.  Drinking, swimming, bathing.  I love it all.  It makes sense that my sign (Scorpio) is a water sign.  My wish when I die is to have my ashes spread in Greers Ferry Lake, as I grew up on that lake and have many great memories (as well as our family having a current house on that lake) there.
15. Trashy humor:  I have always had a love for humor (dark, dry, you name it), but I have in the last few years developed an intense appreciation for humor that is borderline (if not over-the-line) offensive.  As long as it is not racist or judgmental to a specific group of people, I'm willing to attempt a laugh.
16. I love to laugh.  Giggling is good, but the kind of laughing that you just can't stop, the kind that causes your face to hurt from laughing so hard, the kind that makes others laugh even when they don't know what you're laughing at - it's good stuff.  Contagious.
17. Meeting new people.  Don't get me wrong, I have a great group of friends - many of whom I've been friends with since childhood.  But I think you can never have too many friends.  My lifestyle (specifically traveling to see Widespread Panic) has opened up a world of opportunities to meet new and different people from all over the world.  I can (and have) make conversation with a stranger in a bathroom line and end up being friends with the person because we discovered we had a lot in common.
18. The feeling I get at around 5:10 on a Friday afternoon.  There is nothing better to me than walking out of the office knowing that I have nothing to do (or just as good, something fun going on that weekend) until Monday.  The cycle of feelings changes throughout the weekend, but at the very end of the workday on Friday, the amount of weekend-time is at an all time high and the possibilities for the weekend are endless.  I live for Fridays.
19. Being appreciated and showing appreciation.  This tends to make me think primarily of work.  I currently work in a thankless job, and while I don't perform my job duties for recognition or even for thank-yous, it is especially nice to hear from time to time that there is someone out there who appreciates the hard work that I put into my job.  I try to remember the same thing and show appreciation to those who do things that may go unnoticed.  Appreciation goes a long way (and that's a two-way street).
20. The excitement that my dogs exhibit when I get home from work.  While much of their excitement is directly related to the fact that the know they're about to get food and treats, I like to believe that they are also simply excited that I am home and they are glad to see me.  The love of my dogs is such a wonderful, no-strings-attached, exciting love that it keeps me going at times when I feel like nothing I do is right or appreciated (see #19).  Every single day when I pull into my driveway, I can count on - without a doubt - Moby being in the front bedroom of my house, chin on the windowsill, awaiting my return.  And although he knows it's me, he barks at the front door until I've unlocked the door and made my entrance.  What a great feeling of acceptance.
21. Singing.  Though I may not have a great singing voice, I've always been a song-lyrics-fanatic and I love to express myself through singing.  Specifically when alone in my car or in the shower.  I have to refrain myself from singing while at work when indulging myself in loud music at my desk.  I know that I think I sound better than I actually do, so I'm doing the world a favor by keeping my singing to myself.  But I'm also doing myself a favor by singing my heart out whenever I can - because it makes me a happy (and a much more tolerable) person.  

Panic en la Playa: What a dream!!!

June 21, 2011 - I received confirmation of successfully obtaining a room/entry for me, my sister, and my brother-in-law that we would be attending the first ever Panic en la Playa.  This confirmation came just a few days before I departed for a 3 night Panic run at Red Rocks, and I was so excited about it.  It seemed so far away, but I had plenty of Panic activities planned for 2011 to keep my mind off of how far away February was.  I knew that I had been given the opportunity of a lifetime for a legendary experience.  


Fast forward to January 2012.  The time had finally come.  I thought that if it was possible to die from excitement, that I was on my death bed.  :)  I've been to Cancun/Playa area on several occasions and even been to all inclusive resorts, so I knew what a grand experience that is.  However, my mind simply could not 'compute' the thought of a 4-night Panic run combined with an all-inclusive resort vacation in Cancun!  


Between the time I booked Panic en la Playa, the band announced that they would be doing a 4-venue acoustic Wood Tour that would sandwich the Mexico run.  Having started my Panic career in 1997, I was always intrigued by the Sit & Ski tour, an acoustic tour that the band did in 1996.  I'd heard the shows on tape (yes, on tape - back then, anyway) but aside from seeing the boys do a semi-acoustic first set on New Year's shows, I'd never experienced a fully acoustic Panic show.  I had to go - or at least try.


As with most things Panic these days, there were a LOT of people who wanted to go to the Wood shows.  I decided to try for tickets to the Atlanta shows and if fate would have it that I would get tickets, then I would be there.  It just so happened that the Atlanta shows were the weekend before the Monday that I already had my flight booked to head to Mexico a day before the shows.  Fate is a fabulous lady.  I got 2 tickets for Friday and Saturday (via the phone, no less).  I was more-than-pleasantly surprised when my best friend, Jennibette, said that she would like to go with me, as lately many of my closest Panic travel buddies have been busy with families, etc - which has resulted in me "flying solo" to see the boys.  While I have no problems with doing solo Panic shows, it's always better to have your loved ones by your side.  I was absolutely thrilled that JB was going to the ATL with me!  There will be a separate blog about the Atlanta Wood shows, but I couldn't write about the Playa trip without mentioning the "appetizer" of Atlanta Wood leading to the "entree" of Panic en la Playa.  Wanna see pictures of my ATL experience, go here.


After 2 nights of awesome, better-than-I-expected acoustic Panic in Atlanta, we flew back to Little Rock and I had a night at home to switch gears, luggage, and haul ass to Mexico.  I am so glad that I went to Atlanta - it was the perfect precursor to Playa Panic.  And while I loved the acoustic shows, I was ready for some plugged-in-Panic.  Some loud as hell electric ringing in my ears Panic.


Since I went a day early (ahead of my sister and her husband), I was able to meet several new friends and have a nice evening with a great dinner and tropical drinks on the beach.  I was nice and rested the next day, which was when the majority of the crowd arrived.........and show #1.





The mass of fans brought with them a surge of excitement and the reality (for me) that this was really happening.  As I waited on Brooke and Jay to arrive, I sat for about 30 minutes on the beach just staring at the stage that was set up.  It was so surreal, and just too good to be true.  In fact, there were so many things on this trip that seemed too good to be true that it still feels like a dream.


I won't do a daily blow-by-blow writeup of everything we did, but I will say that there is not a single thing/detail that I would change about this trip to make it better - because it could not have possibly been any better.  Here are a few reasons why this dream trip was absolutely the most fun, awesome, ridiculous, epic week of my life.

• Upgrade to first class going to and from Cancun (a little unexpected bonus that makes flying so much more tolerable)
• Oceanfront room that was a 1 minute walk from the stage, including a jacuzzi tub on the balcony overlooking the ocean
• Having an awesome room to myself for the entire week, as my 'guest' stayed in the room with his wife and her friend
• A resort which had several restaurant options with great food - all at no cost 
• Free drinks all.week.long................have I mentioned that I LOVE all inclusive resorts?
• A resort that was full to capacity - with like-minded people who were all there because we love Widespread Panic ('love' is an understatement)
• Meeting people from all over the world (yes, world - Go Team JAPANic!), many who I know will be friends for years to come

In addition to the overall experience, there are some highlights of the FOUR SHOWS that I have to acknowledge, in no particular order:

• Every single night, the band was having fun.  Not that they don't always have fun on stage, but you could tell how much they were all enjoying themselves.  I would get cracked up watching Dave and Jimmy jesting with each other.
• Though it wasn't my first, I've been chasing Vampire Blues for almost 2 years.  It's one of my favorites and it's been on my wish list for a while.  It was so good.
• The return of old Visiting Day - electric:  I got to hear the "old school" Visiting Day in Atlanta acoustic-style, but I thought it was just because they were playing it acoustic.  The crowd went wild when they played VD the original way, and though I like the new way too, I immensely enjoyed the throwback.  I think Jojo did too because he was preachin' it.  Maybe they'll keep it up!?
• Many Rivers to Cross:  they played this Jimmy Cliff song in Atlanta - another one that I thought would be a one-timer.  This was the first song of the encore on the last night, and I cried like a baby.  JB's voice is perfect for this song.
• Night 2 in general
• I'm not usually one to fight the crowd and make the commitment necessary to be a rail rocker.  However, we got down to the stage early enough that there was rail space directly in front of Jimmy and planned on hanging there for a few songs then moving back.  We stayed there all night, and I loved it.  Dave was really showing out that night and I had a front row viewing of it.  
• Sharon, Tortured Artist > Spoonful > Sleepy Monkey > Kinky Reggae > Sleepy Monkey > Stop-Go > Disco
• Did I mention Kinky Reggae?  JB has rapped it before during Sleepy Monkey, but never played the full song.  It was stellar!
• Protein Drink > Sewing Machine - they always rock this song out, but on this night, it was especially intense.  Jimmy nailed it and I headbanged for 10 minutes. :)
• Ballad of John and Oko; this was played first time ever at one of the DC Wood shows, but I figured it was a one time thing.  They opened with it on night 3.  Awesome.
• Bust it Big.......twice (night 1 and night 4).  I've always loved this song, but it's become even more special to me since finding out that I was going to Mexico.  Many people complain that they play it too much.  I can't get enough of it.
• Lawyers, Guns, and Money to end the last set of the final night.  They turned that place out during the song and the shit hit the fan!  
• The final song of the entire run - Postcard.  One of my all time favorites, and perfectly appropriate.

Cloud 9 Adventures definitely knows how to throw a "party."  Mad props to them for pulling off an event that will go down in history.  I know that coordinating such an event with so many people is not an easy task.  They nailed it, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.  Here's hoping that Panic en la Playa will be an annual event.  It was absolutely a priceless event.

The best part of it all?  "Doing" Panic en la Playa with my sister/best friend.  

Here are a few pics from the trip.  To view the entire album, go here.

I love to wear fake tats to shows, so it was mandatory that I created my own for this event.  I made enough to share with about 150 people, and it was awesome seeing people wearing them around the resort.

The lights were amazing all week!

The view from my room - chillin' in my new ENO hammock

Me, all smiles on the beach

My crew

The very talented Valentine Cranford exhibits her creativity on the beach.

Team FORREST CITY!!!

My family - Night 4

Me and my sister/best friend

Career highlights: Panic career, that is......

With my favorite band's hiatus looming and thoughts of Atlanta Wood and Panic en la Playa coming soon (I'm a lucky girl), I've been reflecting on some of my most favorite moments in the 15 years that I've been seeing Widespread Panic.  The following are some of the moments that will live in infamy in my mind, in sequential order, but by no means in order of significance:

• First show 7.18.97
• I had heard studio Panic before, but never live.  This was the summer after my senior year of high school and I was just following my crowd of friends to Mud Island for a concert.  Unfortunately, I was too intoxicated to remember much about the show.  But the mere fact that it is my first show means that it has to be in my list of highlights.
• Second show 11.20.97
• It had been a few months since the first show, but this was the show where I "got it."  I was a freshman in college and tagged along with a group of friends to this show in Little Rock at Robinson Auditorium.  Our seats were crappy, so I somehow managed to walk my way up to the rail and ended up directly in front of Dave Schools.  I must've had the noob look on my face, and Schools noticed it immediately.  He was making faces at me and then dropping bass bombs.  I remember looking around the crowd and seeing people dancing their ass off and smiling like there was no tomorrow.  I knew from that night on that this band and it's crowd was something I needed to be a part of.
• First solo show 11.25.98
• After seeing only 2 shows in 97, I saw them 10 times in 98 - which is pretty good given that I was also in college.  This particular show was in Chattanooga the night before Thanksgiving and given the holiday, I couldn't find anyone who could make the trek with me.  So I went alone.  I've always been a 'loner,' independent, and unafraid of trying things on my own.  This was my first solo Panic show.  And not my last.  It was the first of several solo trips.  After a smoker show, I drove my little car for 7 hours back to my Mom's house because her stipulation for me being able to go to the show was just that I be back in time for Thanksgiving dinner.  I made it.
• Encore:  Heaven > Coconut
• http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/19981125a.asp
• NYE 98 - Fox Theater - 4 night run
• Ahhhh, the days of mail order.  My friend Sandy and I scored 2 tickets to all 4 nights of the shows leading up to NYE.  This would be my first NYE show.  Though I had jumped head first into the Panic community, I was still a noob.  These 4 nights BLEW.MY.MIND and I was officially hooked.  '99 would prove to be an even more 'productive' year for me Panic-wise.  
• Memphis Run Mid South Coliseum 2001
• Having grown up 40 miles from Memphis, I've always considered Memphis to be 'hometown' shows.  So as sleazy as the Coliseum is, I love seeing Panic there.  They always bring the place down.  This year, they burned it down.  Dirty Dozen Brass Band joined them both nights and I was surrounded by many friends, old and new.
• House of the Rising Sun (w/Dirty Dozen)
• Sharon > Christmas Katie > Arleen > Swamp (w/Dirty Dozen)
• Remember Bayou Lena!?  {miss that song!}
• http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20011123a.asp
• Oak Mountain 2002 run
• As rumors and speculations made their way through the Panic community about Mikey's illness, I wasn't sure what to believe.  I didn't want to believe, but I had this sinking feeling deep down that there was something terrible.  The electricity in the crowd was amazing, and the boys played 3 shows that sent the message to the crowd of "we're in this together and we love you."  Many a tear was shed that weekend, and the crowd cheered the boys on during what must have been a difficult run for them to get through.  Looking back, I don't really know how they did it.  They played so many songs that were raw emotion and we embraced them in return.  I left Pelham that weekend never having been officially told that Mikey was sick, but in my heart I knew it was true.  A sadness and uncertainty filled my soul because I didn't know exactly what was going on, but I knew it wasn't good.  
• Encore night 2:  Help Me Somebody > Don't Be Denied.  I don't think I've ever heard a crowd cheer as loud as when JB sang "pretty soon I met a friend, he played guitar.......we started a band, we played all night"
• Bonnaroo 2002
• This was the first ever Bonnaroo and I was lucky enough to be with about 25 of my closest friends.  Widespread was headlining 2 of the 3 nights.  Since I thought that Oak Mountain might have been the last time I'd see Mikey, I was thrilled to see his beautiful face on stage.  My favorite moment of the entire weekend was seeing the look on his face (ear-to-ear smile) as Dottie Peoples and the Peoples Choice Choir joined the boys for Tall Boy > Testify > Tall Boy.  I swear the crowd levitated and I had what is probably the closest thing to a religious experience.  It was as if this choir was singing him into heaven.  Ever cried during Tall Boy?  :)
• Red Rocks 2002
• Fast-forward to the next weekend and we headed to Red Rocks.  This would be my 4th year to attend Panic on the Rocks, but it was probably the most important as it was the last time I would see Mikey there.  Bless his sweet soul, he was so weak and frail, but he played his heart out.  I bawled like a baby during Waker (my last one).
• As it turns out, this would be my last Mikey show.  Having been to the amazing shows in 2002 that I had, I felt like I got as much as I could and in my heart, I said goodbye to Mikey in Colorado as I left that Sunday.  I just didn't know that he had such little time left.  I am very fortunate that I got to see 8 of Mikey's 10 last shows.
• Chicago 2009 2 night run with Allman Brothers
• I went to Chicago solo and went to both shows completely sober.  I've been a fan of Jimmy's since the beginning, but I think that it was this weekend that I realized I was officially was 'in love' with the sound he brings to the band (without feeling guilty because I will always miss Mikey).
• Highlight of that run:   Just Like a Woman (with Gregg Allman)
• NOLAween 2010 run
• My words won't do this run justice.  See links below.
• Lola  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OawGvQyJFPk
• Bring it on Home  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBVVcHcGogQ
• Right Place Wrong Time*, Dream Warrior*, Protein Drink > Sewing Machine  {HELLO Dr. John!!}
• Sunday Red Rocks 2011 second set



• I'm a sucker for covers.  Always have been.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Panic songs.  But there's nothing like my favorite band playing some of my other favorite songs.  Someone had the genius idea of playing an entire set of covers.  Each song is one that I would consider a 'chaser.'  But this time, they were all compiled into one set of awesomeness.  Fortunately, we chose Sunday night as the night to get in line early and were 2nd row for this madness.  
• http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20110626a.asp

I have no doubt whatsoever that 4 nights in Mexico will be on this list in just over 3 weeks from today.  However, if I died today, I would die a happy and Panic-satisfied woman.  I am undoubtedly lucky for all that I've gotten to experience in 15 years with the boys.  But I selfishly hope that they play until the end of time.

Long live Widespread Panic!

Stay tuned, as my next blog will most likely not be until after Atlanta Wood > Panic en la Playa.  I can only imagine the awesome stories I will have to tell after those shows.

Happy Holidaze!

There is truly nothing like the holiday season to remind you of what you have to be grateful for. The holiday season often comes with a touch of sadness for those you miss, someone or something you've lost recently or long ago, and of any regrets from the past year. However, the holiday season also comes with a boost of renewed focus for me. I am very fortunate that I am able to take off as much time as I have, and I always save up for the week before and after Christmas. This year, I took off the Thursday/Friday before Christmas and the entire week after Christmas (which fell on a Sunday this year). Several of my friends and family either had to work on Christmas Eve/Day or return to work the day after Christmas. The thought of having to do this reminds me of how grateful I am for the ability to take off the time that I can during Christmas.

People often ask me what I'm doing or where I'm going to warrant taking 7 days off of work. I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary (even for me) this year. Just taking the time off to be at my Mom's house, hang out with my Mom, Dad, sister, niece, and brother in law. No schedule, no hurry, no traffic, no problems! In fact, I spent all day yesterday in my pajamas and felt great about it.

I am very lucky that my mom sees Christmas through the eyes of a child. She has always been in elementary education, so a lot of it comes naturally to her - however, she has a gift for Christmas that is unrivaled. My mom has always done everything to the extreme, but Christmas - well, there are just no words to describe. 4 Christmas trees, presents stacked for miles throughout the house, more casseroles and cookies and candies that you can even imagine. She even remembers (every year) what dishes are whose favorite and makes sure to cover everyone. She works her butt off at Christmas, but I know she loves it. Though I don't have the extreme creativity gene that she does, I did inherit from her a huge appreciation for the season and what it means to our family. I may not have 4 trees at my house, but you better believe that on Christmas morning, I am more excited about seeing people open my gifts than I am for receiving gifts from others. I absolutely love it. My family's Christmas is super awesome because we always take it slow and watch each other open gifts, so sometimes it will be hours before the last gift is opened.

This year, we spent Christmas Eve at my sister's house so Mary Ashtyn could wake up Christmas morning to find what Santa left from her. This slight change in routine was great because 1) my sister's family only lives about 10 minutes from my mom's house and 2) Santa 'redecorated' and transformed Mary Ashtyn's toddler room into a 'big girl' room, complete with full size bed, TV, and bookshelf. The discovery of her 'new room' was after she dug through the massive pile of toys left by Santa in the living room. Seeing her process all of 'that' and being a part of her excitement was more gift than I could ever ask for. It's something I wish I could bottle up and have a slight whiff of every now and then when I'm feeling blue because her excitement was so real and so magical.

I know that many people celebrate many different things during this time of year, but I think that there is a common thread that all people acknowledge, love, and celebrate: FAMILY. Without my family, this season would be meaningless to me. Gifts and details will come and go, but family (or the memories of) lasts forever. Hopefully we all (myself included) can learn to put familial differences aside and be glad that we have the time together. Because every moment together counts.

And so, to everyone, everywhere - no matter who you are or what you believe and celebrate - I hope that your heart is filled with joy as mine has been so far.

Me, I'm looking forward to having the rest of the week off with no plans and no place to be (except with my family) is excitement enough for me.

Assorted observations of late

Wow, it's been a long time (almost 2 months since my last posting, and I'd slipped to approximately 1 post per month), so I'm going to make some general observations about what's up in my life or going through my mind lately:

1. I love this time of year.  My birthday marks the official start of my favorite season.  November 17 usually is very close to the week I always take off for Thanksgiving to be with my family.
2. Thanksgiving this year was great because I was with family.  It could've been better by us not all (yes, all) having the stomach virus at some point during Thanksgiving week.
3. I am especially excited this year that I have an extra 'thing' to look forward to.  Approximately 1 month after the new year arrives, me and a friend are going to Atlanta for 2 nights of Widespread Panic's Wood Tour (acoustic).   Widespread Panic Wood Tour  
4. This backs directly up to the week long trip in Cancun that I'll also be spending with Widespread Panic {sigh}.  So it looks a little something like this:  Friday/Saturday:  Acoustic Panic in Atlanta; Sunday:  fly back to LR; Monday:  fly out for Mexico; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurday, Friday:  4 nights of electric Panic ON THE BEACH; Saturday:  recovery day; Sunday: fly home [Monday return to work :(  ]  To say that I'm excited would be a small understatement.  This will definitely eliminate the overall sense of depression and letdown that naturally comes with the completion of the holidays.  
5. I don't know yet what I'll be doing for New Year's, but given #3 & 4, I will be perfectly content having a tame evening with my family, if that's what I end up doing.
6.  I am very grateful to have several days off of work to spend with my family for the Christmas holiday.  There is absolutely nothing like being 'at home' during the holidays.
7. I have been reminded lately of how much I really love both of my dogs.   In different ways, but I love them both equally.  
8. Sydney (my 'younger,' 9 year old German Shorthair Pointer rescue baby) was very recently diagnosed with liver disease.  Other than her liver problems, my vet confirmed that she is the picture of perfect health so I am optimistic that she will respond quickly and fully to the medications that she is now taking daily.  I took her in because I thought she was having a UTI or bladder infection or something and ended up finding this.  I feel very lucky that we found it this early, and my dr. said he expects her to live her full life expectancy.  But, of course, I'm still worrying and concerned for the worst.  She'll go through another round of testing in about 25 days, so send us your healing energy.  
9. I'm not putting up a tree this year.  
10. I am as excited as I am every year about the holidays (maybe even more excited due to the age of my niece and how much fun she is going to have), but for some reason, I have absolutely no desire to drag out all the holiday decorations and 'deal' with that.  There is always at least a week (usually more) during December that I'm not even at my house, so I'm just not doing it this year.
11. I have been called Scrooge at least 5 times due to #10.  Not putting up decorations does not make me a Scrooge.  I have more Christmas spirit than at least 2 of the average persons combined.  Trust me.
12. I love Christmas shopping.  Probably too much.  I always overspend (to my recipients' advantage) but I absolutely love giving gifts.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy receiving too.  But I would almost venture to say that I enjoy giving gifts more than receiving. 
13. I went to my first and LAST Wal-Mart Black Friday sale.  I was in Forrest City for Thanksgiving and my sister talked me into joining her to attempt to get a couple of great deals on some stuff for Mary Ashtyn.  I won't even bother with the details - I'll just say that I saw many grown people acting like pure idiots.  It is a shame and so not worth the money saved to have to witness the insanity that comes with 'Black Friday' shopping.  From now on, I'll be at home in my pajamas doing my shopping.
14. I'm sick of politics.  Never a huge fan but already getting sick of the campaign trash talk that spoils my nightly news.
15. Saturday Night Live can still make me laugh.  I've been a huge fan since I was around 12-13, and though they've been through a few rough periods, they have consistently made me laugh all these years, and it feels damn good to laugh as hard as they make me.  I watched several episodes this weekend - new and old - that both made me laugh out loud.  
16. I wish that bad things didn't happen to good people.  I guess bad things happen to both bad and to good people, but it hurts me to see bad things happening to good people.  I know of several instances lately where assorted 'bad' things have happened to some of the most undeserving people I know.  This is on my mind a lot.
17. It is my 'grown up Christmas wish' that everyone I know (and those I don't) have a wonderful holiday season.  Whatever it is that you celebrate - I think we all celebrate our family - the ones that we love and that love us, and the happiness that comes with adorning your loved ones with gifts, large and small, to express the love you have.  Spending quality time in fellowship with your friends and family is truly the best part of the holiday.
18. I have a magazine/newsletter addiction.  It drives my sister crazy when I show up to my mom's with my obligatory stack of magazines, but I absolutely love sitting down with a magazine or a local newspaper (Arkansas Times, Sync Weekly, etc) for a good read.  I think I'll do that now.

Fall into Autumn

This is, hands down, my favorite time of year.  The leaves begin to change colors and fall, the much anticipated drop in temperature finally occurs, college football, and just an overall inner sense of coziness, inside and out.  Something about this weather makes me want to burn candles for hours, and I do!  And there's always that reminder that fall is just the beginning with all of the awesome holidays to come.  :)

In the last few months, I have become active with and began serving on the board of a local non-profit, Mamie's Poppy Plates.    Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, so in honor of this day, we at Mamie's Poppy Plates created an event "Shop, Dine, and Play with Mamie" and had various businesses across the state of Arkansas volunteer to participate in the event by donating a portion of their proceeds from today to Mamie's Poppy Plates.  For more information about MPP, please visit Mamie's Poppy Plates or Mamie's Poppy Plates blog.

I had a really great day today!  Nothing too exciting, but rewarding nonetheless.  I slept until 10:00, which was much needed.  I made my way into getting up and about and heading to Hillcrest after lunch for Hillcrest Harvest Fest.  It was basically a bunch of street vendors with various autumn-oriented activities, music, and festivities along lower Kavanaugh.  It was awesome!  The weather was perfect, there were kids running around and having a blast, and I just wandered around with a smile on my face.  I did some kid-watching for at least an hour.  You can really learn a lot from children, even watching them from afar.

I picked up a few items for myself and my niece (cannot buy anything for myself without buying something for her!) and left brochures for Mamie's Poppy Plates wherever I could.  I had the chance to talk to a couple of ladies about MPP.  They were both so amazed at what we do, they both had tears in their eyes and wanted a handful of brochures to tell as many people as they could about us.

There was such a good feeling in the air.  Everyone seemed a bit excited and just happy to be there, including myself.  It was such a good 'fall kickoff' in my mind, as I am always very thankful for this time of year (when it finally arrives - especially after a hot summer).

With the feeling of fall in mind, I decided to go pick up some mums and a pumpkin to complete the fall experience.  My doorstep is complete.

I look forward to next weekend, as I will have my mom, my sister, and my niece at my house for the weekend to Race for the Cure.  Mom, Brooke, and I started this a few years ago.  2 years ago, we added Mary Ashtyn to the mix and I look forward to our team of 4 making our 3rd annual Mary's Girlz Race for Cure (in honor of my mom's mother who died of cancer).  If you have never done the race, I strongly encourage you to experience it, whether in the race or from the sidelines.  There is more positive energy in that place than I have almost ever experienced.  It is a very emotional and bonding experience with everyone around you.

I look forward to next weekend, and I look forward to the many things that this season holds for me.

Happy Fall, Y'all!