THESE FOR THESE

I've traded in my Steve Madden heels and Calvin Klein suits and picked up my PINK hammer and a can of white paint.  After Michael died, I spent years trying to find another position, in and out of the entertainment industry, but they were all like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.  Nothing fit.  Years of lay-offs, rejection letters and unaswered calls.  I felt like a horse put out to pasture before her time. 

And then I thought, if they won't hire me, I'll hire myself.  I will follow my passion....just like I blogged about HERE almost a year to the day. Do what you Love.  Love what you Do.   It began with an old hutch on Craig's List (I just love Craig and his List) and a dream.

I bought it sight unseen for $40 bucks.  I borrowed Mr. Moto's truck to pick it up and schlepped it back to his house.  Grabbed my Annie Sloan chalk paint and went at it.  Mr. Moto asked if I needed help "distressing it".  Sure, I replied and he left for the garage, presumably to grab some sandpaper.

Instead he returned with two motorcycle chains and begain to beat the hell out of  it.  I just stood back and watched.  I can't imagine what his neighbors thought.  There he was on the front lawn swinging motorcyle chains wildly and bashing my "new" antique hutch. Wood chips were flying.  I then finished painting it white.....
It sold a week later.  And so it began.

I am now a Picker.  Yes folks, a Picker.  A full time professional Picker.  I can be found in thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets and yes, I've even been known to slam on brakes slow down and pick up junk treasures left on the curb as well.

I LOVE to repurpose things.  Almost everything is painted white, and the chippier, the shabbier, the better.

These last five years have been filled with enormous change and growth. Beginning with the deepest hurt and sadness I've ever known, to fear, sheer panic and fight for survival, to acceptance, contentment and now finally.....peace.

Now, I've become me.  Just plain and simple me. And I love it! And through this journey, I have learned, per Pooh

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Amen.

Three Years Gone By

This is the Michael I knew and loved.

It was Heaven here on earth with you.

Now you rock the Heaven's above.

I miss you so, my dear friend.

Sunrise  August 29, 1958 ~ Sunset  June 25, 2009

Pearls of Wisdom



The hardest thing in life
 is letting go of something you thought was real.

Miss Scarlett has arrived!

Miss Scarlett made her debut on Sunday at 6:02 PM.

Weighing in at 7 lbs. 14 oz and 19 inches long, with a full head of hair!!

Carla's water broke late Saturday evening and she and Allen took off for the 45 minute drive to Cottage Hospital.  She was admitted and labored like a trooper until about 5:00 PM on Sunday afternoon when it was decided Ms. Scarlett was in the "sunny side up" position and not face down as needed to deliver.  Thus a C-section was ordered, much to Carla's dismay, but necessary.  Carla blurted out "but I haven't read that section of the book" and we all enjoyed a good laugh in a tense situation.

 Allen and I "gowned up" ready for the Operating Room.  Moments later Scarlett is born.

 Allen accompanied Scarlett to the Nursery while I remained in the O.R. with Carla and then stayed with her in  Recovery.  What an INCREDIBLE experience.  Mom and daughter are doing beautifully!

 Great Grandad Terry with Scarlett's feet in the palm of his hand.

                                    Carla and Scarlett

                              T-Ma and Ms. Scarlett

Four Generations!

Sing Chelsea, Sing!

                            "Bitter Sweet"

 Meet Jesse, the other half of "Bitter Sweet". 
Chelsea and Jesse have known one another since they were babies and just the other night while on stage as an opening act for Nashville's hottest trio,  The Farm, they announced the name of their new duo.   Jesse strums an awesome guitar and the harmonizing between these two is unbelievable!  They finished their set with Smokey Robinson's "You've really got a hold on me" to the delight of all.

 This was an incredible opportunity for them and they were thrilled  to be able to talk afterwards to the Farm band members.  The Farm is currently on the Country Top 40 with their single "Home Sweet Home".  Listen Here

Way to go Chelsea and Jesse!