9/11 and What it Means to Me

This time last year.. I was in a different place- mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. As with every year, I attempted to convey my feelings about the events that took place eleven years ago.

This year, I handled it differently.

I walked the 5 or 6 blocks downtown to a ceremony taking place with our community leaders. But before I share those pictures with you, I wanted to share the post I wrote last year. If I have any edits, it will be noted in blue:

I thought I would start the post off as if I was writing an essay at school. The title seems so fitting.

***

For those living under a rock, or in other parts of the world where people have moved on - it's the 10th anniversary of the tragedy that took place in NY, DC, & Pennsylvania. Hundreds of lives were lost. It was absolutely horrific.

***

It also marks the day that launched the United States of America into war with both Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds (if not thousands) of lives have been lost. American and otherwise.

***

It also marks the day that the last name Abdou was frowned upon. Or the language of Arabic was looked at suspiciously. Or that all people of Islam were considered extremists. Or that all people from the middle east are terrorists.

***

I by NO MEANS see this day as a day I like to remember. I hate it more than you can imagine.

My heart breaks for the people who got on those 4 planes and ended up losing their lives. I cannot imagine the fear they must have felt, or the pain their families had to endure.

I am saddened by the brave men and women who risked everything to try to save innocent people from a burning, yet crumbling building.

I feel absolute horror for the people in the towers that fell dozens of floors from their rooms engulfed in flames.


I am so sad and and angry that a group of misinformed men could plan such a terrible plot and bring such devastation to a nation.

I mourned for my country back then as I do now - but I am trying really hard not to dwell.

I hate the fact that soldiers were sent to Iraq for the wrong reasons. Maybe the right reasons, I don't know. We are not privy to this information. But sooo many lives were lost. Not only "our boys and girls in uniform" - but innocent Iraqis. People who were just minding their own business.

Yes, I am glad Saddam is gone. But I don't glorify it.


I feel really sad for the innocent people in Afghanistan. One of the poorest countries on Earth - that is now a never-ending battle ground. Yes, I am glad we found Bin Laden in Pakistan. But I don't glorify the way he exited this world. There are just more of his disciples ready to line up and take his place.

The wars, the fighting, all of that - it's just adding fuel to the fire. Fighting fire with fire is not going to solve anything. Just creates more hate on "their side" and more "fear and ignorance" on our side.

I sometimes wonder if when I send my resume out, they see the Arabic last name and pass over me. *I was unemployed at the time and having a hard time trying to find a job.

I still remember my "friends" asking me if I thought the egyptian was only using me to get to this country, because of some terrorist plot. After that man passed 9 security clearances in Washington, they still raised on eyebrow...

Or when he went to NYC, the ignorant questions I got from "well meaning" people about who he was staying with, and why did he want to go there so bad....

Or how when I mention my husband's a Muslim, I pause a second, and every single person says, "Well that's got to be interesting. How does that work?" As if he is not human....

Or how days like today will bring out the ignorant comments and FB statuses and Tweets about a group of people that are lumped together.

We all respond differently to tragedy. Some people get mad and wave their flags. Some people curl up and hide from the pain. I wish we could just learn something from all of this.

When people look back at history and try to answer WHY - I wonder if the historians will pin point the reasons. Was it our greed? Was it our hot-headed cockiness? Was it just a few misinformed delinquents from the Middle East biting off more than they realized? What did we do to make a group of people hate us? What can we do to change? What can they do to change?

Yes, we are a great country. But we are also greatly flawed.

Today, I will remember EVERYTHING. Not just the sad parts. The parts many people refuse to acknowledge. It's a dark day for sure, one I will never forget.

*****

Now for today's photos:

Things I Learned... a Year Ago

This morning, as I was thinking about how far I have come in the last year, I thought it might be a good idea to actually take a look back - one year ago.

As you know, each week I write a list called, "Things I Have Learned This Week." I've been doing this for about two years now. I found this time last year's list - it was written on Sept. 9th, 2011. Interesting to see the differences... (which I will notate below:)
*********************************************************
September 9, 2011.

Another week is drawing to a close, and many a-lesson was learned.

1. That a keratin treatment is EXACTLY what I needed to treat my hair. It's as if my little follicles got to visit a health spa for a week, and have come out all rejuvenated. The good news is- I have kept up this little tradition and it has made all the difference in the health of my hair.

2. That bangs really are the cheapest way to combat wrinkles. Not to mention, it does not require muscle paralysis or botulism being shot into the skin. *Interestingly enough, my bangs have completely grown out. But I plan to do something about that soon.

3. That body splashes work as an excellent substitute for proper perfume. (Though, it's not my first choice.) *I was unemployed at the time. Back to Chanel. ;-)

4. That exotic fruit medley sherbet has become my favorite treat. *Now it is dill pickles

5. PUMPKIN SPICE IS SOOOO NICE.
Don't believe me? Watch this -

sadness... I have not had one yet.. it's coming.

6. That drinking sweet tea before bed will cause two things to happen: 1. Frequent Urination 2. Extended "awake" hours.
* I have since discovered anything with sugar will do that do me.. except for the whole urination bit.

7. That alcohol (rubbing) removes excess hair color from your face/neck/hairline/ears/etc.
 *Thank God I have not had another Stylist make that same mistake since then.

8. Country Chic (fragrance) at Bath & Bodyworks makes me happy.
*Yeah... I still like it.. just not as much.

9. That if it weren't for The Sims 3, Netflix, Millionaire Matchmaker, Real Housewives of NJ, and Jersey Shore - I would not have survived unemployment,
*My biggest truth of all

10 .  That I have just about found every "long lost friend" due to social media.

*and some I would rather not find
11. That my new "something" is just around the corner!!
*It was.. just 7 months later...

12. That I am pleased as punch that Leanne introduced me to Pinterest. However, it is taking me a few random tries to figure it out.
*Now I am the QUEEN of pinterest.

13. That I could fill up my calendar with coffee 'dates' for the rest of the week with some really nice folks.

*Oh how I miss those people...
14. That my eyes (believe it or not) are bigger than my stomach. I barely made a dent:

* hahaha.. now I am on Weight Watchers and would not even CONSIDER eating this..
15.  That I am more and more comfortable on Twitter... (finally) - and have you discovered Tweetdeck? You should.
*I am rocking it on Twitter now. I actually prefer it to FB

16. That Vinny from the Jersey Shore is just too adorable. hahahaa
*This is true.

17. That I don't know what I am going to do if I have to move to Georgia, where to begin?
*HA! Who knew?

18. That if I get hired here - at the TV station - what a HUGE reminder-learning-curve I will have to conquer.
*Well.. that did not happen...

19. That taking a vitamin on an empty stomach can change my address from Birmingham, Al to Vomitus Americus. (Learned that on two different occasions.)
* Yeah.. um.. I switched to children's gummy vitamins..

20. Finally - that I love love love him, and I love love love God.. and Trust God.. and KNOW that I will be guided in the right direction.

*And he DID!!!!!!

Weekend In Review

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. "~Albert Camus

What a fantastic day! I ACTUALLY felt Fall. Yes, Yes.. I know.. it's not quite Fall, but it was 74 degrees- in the middle of the day! I think the last time I felt 74 degrees was probably early March. Seriously. BEAUTIFUL.

My weekend was truly wonderful. It started off with a trip to Macon Arts Alliance's Gallery. They had an opening exhibit reception for Carole Dodd Porter and Anne Baker. It was curated by a friend, Jonathon. The work is really fantastic. Don't take my word for it - GO SEE IT. Heck, go buy something while you are at it.

After the show, I made my way home and relaxed with a little Gossip Girl marathon. Don't laugh. I get on these random kicks where I watch a television series over a couple of weeks. I am now watching mind-numbing CW-esque programing. (It was awesome.) BTW - you know you are getting older when instead of having a fantasy-actor crush on one of the main characters, you find yourself strangely anticipating scenes with the father. Uh.. yeah.

Saturday morning I did my typical weekly deep cleaning, only to have a rambunctious 6 year old enter my door. Yes, the return of my niece.... and here is how the rest of the weekend went:

Autumn really wanted to check out the cactus.

I have been eating at the Tex-Mex dive since I was very, very young. Our family has kept up the tradition for Autumn!

We went for the perfect snack - Guac, Cheese dip and Salsa.

Next, we drove out to Warner Robins to have a little fun at Monkey Joe's!

This was her first time going down. Watch how she has her hand out... knowing she's about to run into the little boy. I had a looong talk with her about waiting until everyone has moved before going down. ;-)

 

That is genuine happiness there!

She got a fantastic work out! What a deal - $9 for her (unlimited) and I got in for free. They had hot coffee and free wifi!

Swoosh!!

So many choices!

Having a GREAT time together

After Monkey Joe's, we went to my friend, Telisa's home. She lives on a lake. Autumn had a first experience to feed the ducks.

Baby ducks!

Telisa's daughter, Peyton, has a wall that is painted with chalkboard paint. Autumn created a little something for Telisa.

Finally we relaxed on the back porch.

This morning, Autumn and I went to a park - We found our first acorn and I read Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine as Autumn played on the playground. Was a PERFECT day.

After our power walk and power playing.... this is how I found her in my living room. :-)

How was your weekend? What type of activities did your family engage in? Would love to hear from you!

Celebration of the Seasons ~ Introduction

The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

I felt a cool, crisp breeze float by last week. I froze in my tracks, tilted my head to the side, and slowly a smile formed across my face.

It's time.

My favorite time of the year!

The latter part of any given year happens to be the most magical time for me, perhaps due to the fact that as a kid, my mom and dad would go out of their way to create an atmosphere that would embrace the holidays.

Each day,  my senses heighten. My heart skips a little beat if I catch a glimpse of a shimmering gold, a deep purple, or a vibrant red leaf peeping out from a tree. As I walk from my car to my home, I feel the cool, light touch of a fall breeze and smell the sweet smell of leaves dying. THIS is what I look forward to.

Each Sunday, I try to write about something spiritual. Today I want to recognize the spirituality of the changing of the seasons. The heavens were a source of both mystery and continuity to the people of ancient civilizations. In the centuries before the printed word, electric lights, and modern communications, prehistoric populations looked up to the stars as a calendar of the changing seasons, a calculator for astronomical phenomena not quite understood, and as a portent to explain their lives and reinforce their religious beliefs.


According to the US Flight Commission, the "observers", shepherds, farmers and priests, of these early cultures, through their meticulous observations of the heavens, began to notice that the Sun, Moon, and stars followed certain paths through the skies that corresponded to their seasons while others, namely the planets, followed a different rhythm. The ancient Egyptians recognized that the rising of the brilliant star Sirius corresponded to the annual flooding of the Nile River, while the Persians and others counted the phases of the Moon to serve as a calendar.

The seasons are marked by solstices and equinoxes — astronomical terms that relate to Earth’s tilt.
The solstices mark the points at which the poles are tilted at their maximum toward or away from the sun. This is when the difference between the daylight hours and the nighttime hours is most acute. The solstices occur each year on June 20 or 21 and Dec. 21 or 22, and represent the official start of the summer and winter seasons.

The Autumnal equinox heralds the beginning of fall, respectively. At this time of the year, the sun appears to be directly over Earth’s equator, and the lengths of the day and the night are equal over most of the planet.

 

 People have celebrated the Autumn Equinox for centuries and in a variety of ways. I found some fantastic examples of different cultures welcoming the season:

Here is an example of a recent ceremony at Stonehenge:
 

This next celebration took place in Texas with a much for middle eastern twist:


Here is a fantastic example in Scotland:


Here is another group in Australia:


Here are some highlights from Canada:


An example of a ceremony in the Bay Area:


I find it completely fascinating how cultures have celebrated over the centuries. Do you know where your seemingly silly little fall traditions come from?

Don't worry.. I'll reveal throughout the season.

As for today, I hope to embrace the change, find the balance and prepare to leave the past behind. (If only I had leaves to shed. ;-) )

Growing Up In Creative Chaos

Graphic by: Christy Brown

* This post was written several years ago. As I was reviewing some of my more favorite memories from this blog, this post in particular really captures the essence of who I am.. and why I am the way I am...


Some of my friends grew up in a good old fashioned southern home. They had a mom and dad (which they more than likely referred to as mama and daddy,) with a few brothers and sisters, barbeques on the back porch with Lynard Skynard and the Allman Brothers playing on the boom box, grandma bringing over the pound cake and a big Georgia Bulldog flag hanging on the front of the house.

I did not.

Words like set and lighting design, acrylics and charcoal, toe shoes and leotards, ink wells and parchment, and the sounds of the bodhran and violin would float through the halls of my home. You would hear classical music streaming through the stereo on Sunday morning, followed by lunch with couscous or hummus and other oddities gracing our lunch table.

There was a kitchen witch hanging from the ceiling in the kitchen. Dream catchers were bought at festivals. All of the art work had to be done by an actual artist (more than likely my mom.) You weren't allowed to touch the beautiful pens used for calligraphy by my father. I was not allowed to take my dance costumes or shoes out to play in. My sister collected odd musical instruments. I would spend afternoons memorizing my lines from a play, while my other friends went to softball practice. Even what should have been a lazy summer with friends turned into hours in dance classes or theater classes or a writing workshop. I watched from afar as my neighbors ran outside to hang out by the pool and play volleyball.

I still remember coming home one afternoon and finding my sister covered in plaster with straws coming out of her nose, Mom was making masks. I remember stepping over newspapers on the floor; some were wet with paint, with beautiful pictures coming to life on a canvas. When I would walk into some of my friends’ homes, their mom would be baking or watching the soaps or scrubbing the tub.

Needless to say - in a house filled with creativity comes chaos. I say that gently... but honestly. The house was less than organized. My mom loves to live by the mantra "A Clean House is a Sign of Insanity." The bizarre, the different, the cultural, anything against the societal norm was embraced.

With that being said - I fought against it as long as I could. As I grew up and made it through college, I went for a more "normal" vibe. Tried as hard as possible to be more "conservative" and look and act a certain way. I walked away from my more creative past- separated myself from my family and their "way of life" as much as possible.

But when I am shopping, or reading, or thinking - it is all creative chaos. I have since returned to my roots and find that it is so deeply ingrained in me, that I can never be that "societal norm." I think I walk a fine line - safely working in a more "corporate setting" with a sprinkling of creativity. I am drawn to a more bohemian lifestyle, but surrounded by people who would prefer an afternoon of football and nachos.

I have since married a beautiful Egyptian. He's a writer, a lover of English literature, a believer in the power of the pyramids and mystics of the ancient. He loves to be in love and is thrilled to attend theater, art openings, symphonies, and festivals. We read poetry together. He is in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to be sad or thrilled.

He brought "life" back to me.

But at the same time - in his culture - the "wifey" is expected to keep a perfect home. I grew up in creative chaos.
Where can you strike the balance between the two?

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. Watching people, more manic than I, can completely wear me out. I'm not as hyper as I used to be. When I see someone who has more energy, more excitement, more passion than I... suddenly I feel like my energy is being drained. Could it be? Could these people be actual emotional vampires?

2. Some people take things waaay too seriously. After my visit to the OB-GYN, I jokingly told a coworker, "I feel like I was violated." She looked at me so seriously and asked, "Nicole.. I am serious when I ask you this.. Do You feel violated? Do you think he did something inappropriately?" I paused. I looked at her like she was crazy, and shrieked, "No!!" Note to self: Keep the melodrama for people who really get your sense of humor. (I over act (not over react) but over act for fun around friends.) Clearly, this person does not interpret social cues very well.

3. The fact of the matter is, those two radio hosts in Alabama are complete morons. Unfortunately, more of those type of people follow a certain political party. No, I do not think people who follow that are morons - but to their party's detriment, too many morons aspire to be like them, so they taint the party. I know, I used to vote for the other side. Now, it just feels so wrong and dirty to even associate myself with that party. I've changed.

4. My interns have grown on me. They always do.

5. Apparently my weight loss (which I am so proud of,) is not enough to make my doctor proud. He has prescribed something to help me along the way. I am officially taking Metformin. Used for people with Insulin Resistance. Will actually help me lose weight and control some of the side effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. We'll see...

6. I have 5 1/2 months until I turn 40. I CANNOT believe it. A major milestone.. and I am super nervous about it.

7. I think I am almost caught up on everything from the 9 months of unemployment. Slow and steady.. right?

8. I really wish I had a cat or dog. It gets lonely around these parts. Thank God for Netflix and a library full of books. And a good sense of humor. (Joys of living with a husband who stays busy with work and friends, and I without anything to distract me.)

9. I am crossing the threshold of crazy Aunt. I voluntarily decided to take my 6 year old niece to Monkey Joe's tomorrow. Yes... I did.

10. Reading Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine and feeling like it is the perfect book to read to wrap up summer! No one.. and I mean NO ONE can use descriptive words like that man. Talk about "painting the picture."

11. I am planning on an Autumn Party.. wanted to do it on the Equinox.. but don't think I will be able to, BUT I do have an idea for a theme. Soooo excited.

12. I am actually looking forward to my celebration of the season. Hope you guys join me!

13. I am addicted to the Java Shake at Roasted. It's two shots of espresso mixed with a vanilla shake. I think it is the reason I have reached a "plateau." Which means it is not a plateau.. but me consuming a vanilla milkshake each week. (Just one.. but still..)

14. I want a bike.

15. I need new tires and an oil change. Must. Wait.

16. I am SO excited that Starbucks is selling their Pumpkin Spice Lattes now.

17. Growing sleepy...

18. I hate getting a cold that causes a month or two cough. NEVER FAILS.

19. Miss my friends in Birmingham. I need someone to come visit me!

20. Finally..... Oh finally...

All is well.

Celebrate the Seasons with Me!

elleclaireinspired.com

FINALLY.

I am revealing my Autumn "to do" list for 2012.

Sorry for the delay, I had a few distractions. I watched as many speeches as possible from the Democratic National Convention.  I also discovered a little show called, "Gossip Girl," and could not make time for anything else and finally, I am still hacking up a lung from that tragic cold I caught about 2 weeks ago.

The good news: During that entire time, I thought long and hard, listened to your suggestions and came up with a very good to-do list!

I encourage the rest of you to try to knock a few of these items off YOUR Autumn to-do list. I think together, we just might have enough for an interesting end of the year!

Nicole's Autumn To-Do List:

1. Take a Hay Ride
2. Tailgate at a Football Game
3. Attend my High School Homecoming Game or Major Rival Game
4. Attend a House Party where the attendees are watching a Football Game
5. Rake leaves then Jump in the Pile!
6. Attend Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia (or locally)
7. Create a paper plate hand turkey and hang on my refrigerator or Thanksgiving
8. Collect a wide variety of leaves
9. Celebrate Halloween
10. Observe Veteran's Day
11. Document Thanksgiving Day
12. Celebrate All Souls Day (Dias de Muertos)
13. Observe All Saints Day
14. Create a Thanksgiving centerpiece
15. Consume my first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks
16. Make Caramel Apples
17. Make a Pumpkin Pie
18. Go Fall Clothes/Accessory Shopping
19. Experience a Hay Bale Maze
20. Attend Spirits in October at Historic Riverside Cemetery in Macon, GA
21. Attend a Fall Wine Tasting
22. Visit a Fall Harvest Farmer's Market
23. Make a Gourd Bird House
24. Make Pine Cone Bird Feeders
25. Attend a Coffee Cupping

26. Go for a hike to view Fall Foliage
27. Go camping with friends in the mountains
28. Vote for President
29. Cook Fall inspired recipes
30. Visit an Apple Orchard
31. Make Apple Stamps
32. Make an Apple Pie
33. Stuff a Scarecrow
34. Go bobbing for apples
35. Carve a Pumpkin
36. Attend a Haunted House
37. Create a Wild Kingdom Craft (Stick fairies and pine cone mystical creatures to hang on a tree.. Craft from Disney.com)
38. Decoupage an artificial pumpkin with pics of Halloweens past
39. Create a Nature Mobile
40. Visit a Corn Maze
41. Spend a day capturing Fall Foliage with a camera
42. Throw an Autumn Equinox Party
43. Attend the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration in Macon, GA
44. Attend the State Fair in Macon, GA
45. Document the changing of the closet (seasonal clothes)
46. Feed the Homeless on a Cooler Day
47. Make S'mores over a camp fire
48. Create a smoky eye for evening
49. Read Edgar Allen Poe late at night
50. Have a Horror Movie Night with Friends

51. Buy Candy Corn
52. Paint Nails Fall Colors

Possible festivals to attend further away:
41st Annual Apple Fest in October in North Georgia
Fall Hoedown at Vogel State Park in Georgia (Oct)
Gold Rush Days in Dalonega, Georgia (Oct)
41st Annual Moonshine Festival, North Georgia (Oct)
Hemlock Festival, North Georgia (Nov)
Buggy Days, Barnesville, GA (Sept)
International Festival and Dragon Boat, Peachtree City, GA (Sept)
Lake Oconee BBQ Classic, Greensboro, GA (Sept)
Andersonville Historic Fair, South Georgia (Oct)
Crooked Pines Farm Pumpkin Fest, Eatonton, GA (Oct)
Big Pig Jig, South Georgia (Nov)

I challenge you to try to knock out some activities in your community. PLUS - What do I need to add to my list?

If you would like to guest blog and showcase one of your favorite fall activities, please let me know at snicoleabdou@gmail.com. I'll schedule a time to showcase your items also!

Happy Fall people! This is going to be fun! I already have an activity for tomorrow planned!!!

Please Help Me!

 

I don't ask for much.

 

PLEASE help me help my museum win an easy $500.

 

Turns out it is not that easy.

 

All you have to do (and it will take 4 clicks of your mouse)

 

Is to please visit THIS page - it's the Cox Florida/Georgia page.

 

You'll see the photos section.

 

Click on the photos and pick the second album - Cox Charity Challenge.

 

Click LIKE on the Tubman Museum logo.

 

That's all.

 

Over 25,000 of you stop by each week. PLEASE make a difference for a small museum.

 

Our county has only a 48% graduation rate in the high schools.

 

With programs like ours, we are trying to make a difference for the youth of Bibb County.

 

You could make a HUGE difference.

 

Please and Thank You.

Responsible Journalism

I've been a little quiet over the past two days. At least blog wise.

I decided to allow myself time to process all of the good and bad happening in my life.

Of course, for those of you in the know.. It's September. It always kicks my ass.

As of Day 6.. things are okay.

My first September attack happened. I had a knock down drag out on Twitter with two complete callous radio announcers.

The Political Season brings out the evil in so many people, and when that crass behavior involves tossing the word rape around like it is something (and I quote) arbitrary, I simply could not stand by and let this one go. 

Before I share my thoughts on responsible journalism, I wanted to share the conversation below:

Matt Murphy ‏@mattmurphyshow :
If it would guarantee an Obama defeat, I'd volunteer to let Bill Clinton rape me & Ted Kennedy leave me for dead. I love America that much.

Nicole:
@mattmurphyshow Wow. To make a joke involving rape is really sick.

Dale Jackson ‏@TheDaleJackson :
Come on @NicoleAbdou:, What @mattmurphyshow said wasn't even a rape joke, put your false outrage generator back in your purse.

Matt Murphy ‏@mattmurphyshow :
RT @NicoleAbdou: @mattmurphyshow Wow. To make joke involving rape is really sick. /MM: what is sicker is to allow that guy at your #DNC2012

**(BTW - he assumes I am a Democrat. That would be false.)**


Nicole Abdou:
‏@NicoleAbdou 4 Sep @TheDaleJackson @mattmurphyshow I am sure you could come up with a better line to protest the DNC. Leave the rape bit out of it.#DNC2012

Dale Jackson ‏@TheDaleJackson:
.@nicoleabdou Boohoo, you don't get to decide arbitrary things are offensive. Take that crap to someone who cares.

Nicole Abdou ‏@NicoleAbdou:
@TheDaleJackson thank you for showcasing your ignorance! Typical.

Dale Jackson ‏@TheDaleJackson:
.@nicoleabdou Crying "that is offensive" is a tool of weak minds. Shut your mouth or step up your game.

Those are just the highlights... I did not post the other really rude things they went on to say about me and my concern of throwing the word rape around.

Maybe it was meant to be funny, and hey.. so be it. But I think there is a more responsible way to make a joke about not wanting Obama in office. ESPECIALLY when you have minions and  a microphone. Those guys are not tweeting as a regular person with a Twitter account, they were representing their radio shows.

As a former news producer, who happens to have her degree in Broadcast Journalism, this completely crossed the line. These guys have a responsibility to their listeners. What they said is no different that that ignorant parent that tells racist jokes to their kids at the dinner table. Or that uncle that makes some snide comment on how the woman next door who says she was raped actually "deserves it wearing that low cut shirt."

Instead, Matt Murphy and Dale Jackson told me I have a weak mind and that a joke about rape is arbitrary . Yes.. I get it. He said he would voluntarily offer himself to be raped by a former President that has a reputation of being a womanizer and adulterer. But seriously.. why use that word?

Words are soooooo important. They mold minds that are so easily impressionable. I hate to listen to people make jokes about super traumatic issues.

My other issue is - how can the some (self-proclaimed) conservatives feel that something like rape is arbitrary, yet freak out over someone choosing to be Pro-Choice? Do men and women (yes, it does happen to men) who are raped have a choice?

If you live in Birmingham or Huntsville, and actually listen or advertise with either of these radio announcers, I would give serious consideration before continuing to do so. At the very least, make it known that they have a responsibility to clean up their act, at least when it comes to topics like rape.

Sassy Southerners

The older I get, the more I appreciate being from the South. As a kid, I would head northward to my grandparent's home in Indiana. Most of my cousins were born and raised around those parts, none south of the Mason Dixon line. I still remember riding around in someones car, and my cousins kept asking me to "Say something in Southern," as if I was from a foreign country and spoke a different language.

I probably did seem different.
I got to the point I was ashamed to be from here.

As a teenager, I was involved in theater and ballet and a wide variety of other activities. Most of the kids I met were well traveled and sometimes even from another state... a state much further north. It seemed to me that the more "cultured" kids were from "somewhere" else, so at a young and very impressionable age, I began to think that being from the South was a bad thing.

But all that has changed.

The more I traveled and the more I learned and was exposed to so many different types of people, the more I realized that we have something very special down here. From our homes to our hospitality, or from our charm to our sass, we have everything from classic columns and magnolias to shot gun houses and good soul food.

Class and charm is serious business down here- cotillions still take place. Our blues and bbq are second to none, and if you have never been in here in Spring, then you are really missing out.

I decided to pick my favorite books, movies, tv shows that depict the South that I recognize. We each have a different story, but this one.. this one is mine.



Steel Magnolias happens to be one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. These women remind me of the women I grew up with. The strong Southern woman. My mom's cousins (she was an only child) and my great-aunts could cook, clean and out sass the next one.

Fried Green Tomatoes was actually shot in middle Georgia! (Juliette and Macon.)



Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood



Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil (True Story set in Savannah)

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD & EVIL: Movie Trailer. Watch more top selected videos about: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Clint Eastwood

And of course...

The Help was another amazing movie..



Best TV Show shot in the South?



And one of MY favorites.. one i can completely relate to:






And of course.. The Secret Life of Bees


Looking for a GREAT book?

Read anything by Anne Rivers Siddons, William Faulkner, Flannery O'Conner and Tennessee Williams.

I am sure I left out a ton of stories.. what are some of your favorite Southern stories??

If you have not taken the time to watch one or read one, please do and tell me what you think. :-)

Belated Birthday!

Oh No!!!! I totally forgot.

We just passed my 3 year blogaversary at Destination Unknown.

Holy Moly!

It was August 27th 2009 that I started this blog.

We've come a looong way baby!

Weekend In Review

Before I get to my weekend in review, I wanted to share with you the fabulous ideas I have gotten from friends for my Autumn/Fall Challenge. Amazing ideas that will certainly make for interesting reading on Destionation Unknown!

People submitted everything from Hay Rides to Fall Leaf Crafts, from Bobbing for Apples to a Moonshine Festival in North Georgia. I have a list of almost 60 things to try in three months. If money and time will allow it, I will try to knock off as many as I can. I still would like to encourage you to join me on this journey. When I make my list, you can follow along.. feel free to share your experience in the comment section with a link, or just tell me about it! Better yet - if you would like to be a guest blogger and share YOUR favorite fall activity, I would love to host you. I think that would be extra fun for those of you living in different parts of the country/world. How you celebrate in Washington State may be different than those of you in Florida. I will be giving you one perspective - the Southeastern United States. Yes, we get four seasons, with all being mild except for Summer.

Now.. for my weekend:

Auttie Blossom came for a visit. I took her to my museum for a proper look inside.

She was all pimped out.

You know.. the whole "Why we are here" photo.

Little Richard is look at her from above. The sign over the piano says - Do not touch, Little Richard will know. Little Richard is from Macon. This was the piano he played at a local establishment before he got "big."

She was more fascinated by the drums than by the mural on the wall.

Enjoying items from the Pimp Series.

The Folk Art Gallery sort of freaked her out. I told her the story about this piece and she said, "Okay. It creeps me out."

We stopped by my little office. My new mint green walls.

She stood here for about 20 minutes picking out all of the items on this Spirit Jug.

Watching the "Running a Thousand Miles to Freedom," the William and Ellen Craft story.It's about local slaves that had an amazing escape story. When Oprah visited the museum, she was really interested in a larger scale movie for this. Hey.. you never know..

She sort of ventured out on her own to really scope out the different amazing works of art.

Later, we had a hodge podge lunch. She wanted french fries and a grilled cheese with turkey bacon lunch. I threw in grapes, a pickle and oranges for good measure.

 

I think she likes it..

Later we went for strawberry jello with whipped topping.

Celebration of the Seasons

Even though Autumn does not officially start until almost the end of September, I've always thought of September, October and November as Fall. Regardless of how extremely hot it is, how so much like August it feels, to me.. September counts as the beginning of Fall.

This time last year I was still in Birmingham. Not quite at the point of throwing in the towel, yet I was deeply concerned about my future. Times have changed COMPLETELY, and now that I have gotten a better handle on most things in my life, I believe it is finally time to embrace my new chapter.

I am working, the egyptian is working, we have a great place to live, our family is nearby, new friends are being made daily, while old friendships are rekindled ~ things are almost where they should be. (Pending a few random things here and there.)

With all of this going on, I thought maybe it's time to give myself a little challenge of sorts. I like forcing myself to figure things out or to look at things a little differently. One thing that I am hypersensitive to is the whole concept of seasons and holidays. My favorite time of year is here and why not celebrate with all of my heart and soul. That's something I can control. Something I can do.

Something I can share.

I am trying to come up with a list of activities I want to accomplish over the next three months. Fall activities that will inspire me, uplift me, and forever leave a lasting imprint on this year. Some things stick out immediately: Hay rides, making caramel apples, eating candy corn, and let's not forget that first sip of a Pumpkin Spice latte at Starbucks. But there has GOT to be more.

That's where you come in.

I need ideas. I want you to leave comments below with suggestions for my Autumn Challenge. Three months of embracing all that comes with the changing of the season. Everything from football to Halloween, Veterans Day to Thanksgiving.. the options are endless.

Then, once I compile a list, I hope to share that with you. Perhaps you will join me on this little quest. Feel free to leave a link to your blog post showing us what you have accomplished. Then by the beginning of December, we can honestly say Fall of 2012 was spectacular.

I'm going to start researching now. Will you join me?

Internet Trolls

I keep getting attacked by the trolls. Either anonymously or cleverly disguised as a friend from the past (or present.)

Oh wait.. you think because I am writing this late on Saturday night that I must be hallucinating or something.

I AM talking about trolls. Internet trolls.

Usually their comments end up in my spam box, but from time to time one or two makes it through.

My favorite are the anonymous ones. Cowards, I should say.

Or how about the ones on Facebook? Well meaning "friends" that love to comment and try to get you angry enough to flip out for sport? Not sure what I mean? Watch this short video:



Does that make better sense?

I even get old school trolls. The ones who send hate mail through snail mail. Yes, it happens. (The ones that send me items at work.)

These troll types can get pretty ugly.. check out this BBC special on it:



Oh to do that to the people who send hate mail, or hate emails, or terrible comments.

So you might be asking yourself, "What about free speech?"
Good question.

In the UK, there are anti-trolling laws. How does that work?



Whatever the case maybe.. I realize you may be thinking to yourself, "Then don't put your business out there for people to read." That's true. But at the same time, I have every right to express myself on my blog. I suppose the only logical thing I should do is disable comments.. but I really don't like that idea.

What are your thoughts on internet trolls? Or just anonymous haters in general?

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts.

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. By turning things over to God.. healing can begin. Miracles do still exist. Things are slowly working themselves out.. according to HIS plan.

2. That studying St. Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises is an amazing experience. I highly recommend it.

3. That Java Shakes from Roasted will add a pound on weigh in day. Just. Say. No.

4. Shrek is always a good idea. :-)

5. I used to be a Republican. Then the super conservative totally turned me off from the party. I think there are many people just like me. After the RNC - the ignorant came out of the wood work. Nothing ever changes.

6. I am blown away on how much my niece has grown up. Each week, her vocabulary grows, her reading improves, her math... it's all happening so fast!

7. Listening to Madonna's Immaculate Collection while getting ready for work can put you in a fantastic mood.

8. So many friends are going through relationship issues, and I am refreshed to see that at the end of the day - all any of us really want is someone to love.

9. Andrea Bocelli soothes my soul.

10. I have tons of good ideas for the museum and I am looking forward to implementing them soon.


The list is short this week.. I am taking a tiny break.. blogging every other day.. but it is needed to recharge my battery.

Quality pieces are coming your way - I just need a tiny break. :-)