Christie Glascoe Crowder
{chatterbox christie}
Who I Am- What I Do
- Project #Flawless12
- Perspectives
- IdleChatter {blog}
- ChatterBoxTV
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- Connect
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Who I Am
- a social media story teller...I'm a writer, lifecaster, social media geek, and all around master-multi-tasker using my real world experiences to cultivate a life I love. I left the corporate world and my own successful project management firm behind to become a published author, certified life/empowerment coach, internet talk show host, and now, certified social media consultant.Like my many manuscripts, my life is a work in progress. I'm always looking for the latest, the greatest, technologically advanced, fun, and environmentally friendly sanity savers that will help me be a better, healthier, wonder-woman.The creative, clever, candid, and always heavily caffeinated contents of my imperfectly inspired life are spewed across my blogs, articles, social sites, and live-streamed internet show in a hodge-podge of misfit-mommy wisdom, ah-ha moments, entrepreneurial encouragement, and reviews of the #CoolestThings I find that make my inner Supermom, my inner "Solid Gold Dancer", and my inner Geek go ga-ga (not necessarily in that order).My methods are unfounded, if not unconventional, yet somehow I manage to enlighten people...or at least entertain them which works just as well. My overall mission is to put smiles on faces and if you're not smiling right now...well...you haven't had enough coffee!
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What I Do
- put my gift of gab to good use...Through writing, speaking, and consulting, I help others discover their true passions and entrepreneurial spirit. The success of my coaching, blogs, online shows, my passion for social media, and relentless creativity has caught the eye of big brands and small businesses. I help them tell their story through social media by...
- participating in existing outreach campaigns as a product or brand ambassador.
- creating unique branding and entertaining digital marketing programs to actively engage with their primary target market.
- training in-house staff to strategically and productively use social media for branding and marketing.
CLIENTS{big biz}General Motors/OnStar | Georgia Public Broadcasting | Walt Disney World | Macy's | Carol's Daughter | ConAgra Foods | Fisher Price | CocaCola Company{sm biz}SpringPad | Vintage Body Spa | Tungle Corp | Sky Dominican Salon | Wine Sisterhood | Hybrid Mom | Own Products | Femfessionals | We&CoTRAINING | SPEAKING{2010}- Product Camp (Winter): "Using Bloggers and Social Media for Your Marketing Message"
- BarkWorld Expo: "Social Media Productivity and Time Management" and "Blogging, Twitter, Facebook Basics"
- Northern District Dental Society: "Smile! You're On Social Media: Dental Benefits of Being Engaged"
- Blogalicious: "Chronicles of Fit Divas: Journeys in Weight Loss and How Social Media Played a Role"
- The Lavish Xperience: "But It IS A Real Job: Explaining to Family/Friends Your Social Media Profession"
{2011}- Social Media Forum - "Introduction to Social Media for Entrepreneurs and Non-Profits"
- Moms In Business Unite (Atlanta) - "Just Enough Geek to Get You Going"
- The Lady Bloggers Social Online Conference: "But Blogging IS A Real Job"
- SheStreams Conference: "It's Not Your Mother's Radio" (panel) and "Choosing the Right Streaming Platform"
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Project #Flawless12
- flaunting my flaws...because I have none!I'm starting this year off in a new "place"…physically, emotionally, and professionally. For the first time I am thinking about something that I have given very little attention and consideration to… ME.
It started with my inward journey during my digital sabbatical and now, I am ready to (re)examine the outside (as well as more of the inside).
This year, 2012, is all about loving myself.
Embracing my imperfections.
Letting go of negative thoughts, self-talk, and labels.
Owning my awesomeness…along with the book and movie rights.
Never settling for less than I am worth.
Letting my inner goddess, diva, and wonder woman fly free.
Flaunt my flaws…because I have none!
I've been trying to do this for a while but it hasn't been easy. I realize is because I tried to go at it alone. I remember my struggle with weight loss and it was only when I went "public" that I started to see results. So I'm out of the closet again...and I hope to bring you out of yours!
And with that, I present...
February is the month of love. Flowers, candy, romantic dinners, Valentines.
It dawned on me how much we can be so preoccupied with showing love to others that we rarely show love to ourselves.
Personally, I've never given thought to myself on Valentine's Day other than hoping that someone else will be thinking of me. Not this year!
#Flawless12 begins February 1 and it is 29 days of flaunting our divine imperfections. I've created a series of prompts, one for each day of the the month, dedicated to creatively and boldly showing some self-love. The prompts can be answered in any way that moves you. Pictures, blog posts, videos, tweets, status updates, pins on Pinterest...whatever. Answer them publicly...answer them privately. Answer all of them...answer one of them...it is your choice. For once, this is all about YOU! If you choose to share your journey publicly, please be sure to tag your responses with #Flawless12
The prompts will be listed here on this page each day and I will be sending the daily prompt out via Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. However, if you'd like to receive an early heads up, I will be sending the prompts one day in advance to the Project #Flawless list subscribers. Click HERE if you want in :)
I'm glad you'll be on this journey with me and I am honored to share yours with you!
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Perspectives
- ePrograms for your life and life's work
(un)Plugged
I went off the grid and found my digital soul
Blogging and social media literally saved my life, but it was time to shut off the machines to see if I could survive on my own. I took a 30 day "digital sabbatical to (re)discover the real "me" and (re)define who I am in the blogging/social media space. I chronicled my journey from the moment I had the idea to the day of my re-entry into cyber space and created from that experience an eGuide for planning, enduring, and re-emerging from being unplugged.
Coming Soon!
(re)Define
(re)Discover, (re)Align, and (re)Define your life and life's work.
One of the things I have always been passionate about is helping others live their best life. I know life is a work in progress and while I am diligently working on mine, I love to share the tools I use that help me have those personal "ah-ha moments" and professional "flashes of brilliance."
So...I've dusted off the programs from my former coaching practice and revised/repackaged them to be relevant and user-friendly for my busy, digitally savvy readers.
Coming Soon!
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Posts
- Jan 25, 12
Okay, I'm just gonna say it fast and get it over with...like ripping off a band-aid... (sigh)...
I GOT A JOB.
Yes, like a real job. Like a real I-have-a-boss-and-have-to-punch-a-clock job. Like a real I-am-now-drawing-a-steady-paycheck job. Not that I want to discount my years of blissful self-employment and imply that I never had a "real" job. It was real...is real...but it wasn't a job...if you catch my drift.
I've actually been looking for a job for a while now...probably about a year or so. Obviously, it has been very difficult."The Grind" (via my instagram)
Difficult to find one.
Difficult to come to grips with needing one.
Difficult to process what it could possibly do to my creative life once I had one.
The last one being the worst of the three. Knowing that my time to create and write would be severely limited...more than it already is...is almost not worth the paycheck. Alas, reality has set in. Basic survival needs for me and, more importantly my children, trump creative freedom every time.
Knowing this, I could have taken any ol job that crossed my path. And as tempting as it was (or as desperate as I was) I couldn't. I'm sure those close to me wished I wasn't so particular about it. Well, sorry. I've been self-employed for ELEVEN years! Not only that, I've also been a stay-at-home mom...always available for my kids when they need me. If you've ever been blessed to know this kind of freedom, you know that there has to be SO much more than a fat-ass paycheck to make you give it up.
My prayers were answered. My new job is a satisfying blend of near-perfect conditions. I work for a small technology company. The office environment is funky, eclectic, geeky, and cool...with lots of natural light...perfect for me. I was hired for my digital media expertise, my enthusiasm, my creativity, and my entrepreneurial spirit. It's nice to know that I will finally be properly paid for it. The hours are flexible and it's close to home so I can still keep my existing schedule for my kids. And I still have time for my personal creative pursuits.
I will still write here.
I will still share my Perspectives.
Project #Flawless12 will go on as scheduled.
While things will change a bit...timeframes and deadlines slightly tweaked... I'm not giving anything up.
There are still adjustments to being a "working blogger." Like I can't talk to people on the phone or on chat during the day like I used to and no more middle-of-the-day influencer events or long lunches with friends. But I've made my peace with that. I feel like I now I have the best of both worlds...and I can live with that. - Jan 20, 12
Writing always seems to go a little better with wine. Whenever I've had the occasion to relax and do some uninterrupted writing, I'd swing by The Wine Cellars...another one of Smyrna's hidden treasures... and grab a bottle of whatever Renee recommends.
Renee, the owner, is truly amazing. In the five or six years of my patronage, she's never steered me wrong. Her recommendations are always on point. She and the rest of her staff make a point to get to know their customers by name and taste/preference. She knows what I like but she also knows how to get me to step outside my comfort zone.writing with wine at the winecellars
In the last year or so (maybe more), this quaint little shop nestled in the rear of Smyrna's Market Village has grown from a "very-convenient-wine-and-gift-store-to-pop-in-on-your-way-home-or-out-to-a-party" to a place to relax, enjoy friends, and for me...to write.
Renee transformed the back half of the space into a wine bar with lounge seating and bistro tables. Wine is sold by the glass and there is WiFi. Can you say "had me at hello?"
You are reading this post on your screen now, but when I originally wrote it, it was written by hand while sitting and sipping a glass of Jam Jar sweet shiraz, an awesome South African wine Renee poured when I asked her to "surprise me." Assistant Manager, Stephen (who I adore and who is equally wonderful with recommendations), set a bowl of "munchies" before me and soft sounds of jazz soothed me as I mused in my journal.
Can you see why this is and ideal #WriteSpace?
If your travels ever take you past downtown Smyrna (booming metropolis that it is) you must stop by The Wine Cellars. If you need some incentive, there are FREE wine tastings every Saturday, 2:00-4:00pm, but really...any day is a good day to go. Tell Renee and Stephen I said "hello." - Jan 18, 12My mother sent this to me this morning and it couldn't be better timing...
ONE FLAW IN WOMENWomen have strengths that amaze men....They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.They smile when they want to scream.They sing when they want to cry.They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.They fight for what they believe in..They stand up to injustice.They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.They go without so their family can have.They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.They love unconditionally.They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.Their hearts break when a friend dies.They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.They bring joy, hope and love.They have compassion and ideas.They give moral support to their family and friends.Women have vital things to say and everything to give..However, there is ONE flaw in women...it is that they FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Some of you may be needing this today like I needed it. Hold your head up...smile...let your inner light shine bright! Don't think that you are good or special or beautiful...KNOW you are. You ARE enough! Don't wait for someone else to tell you that you are...or worse...give you permission. Don't apologize for the way you feel. Stop lying to yourself to fit into someone else's idea or expectations of you. It's hard...it is so very very hard...but you MUST believe that you are responsible for your own happiness. You have friends, family, a significant other...you will never be able to properly receive their love until you know how to love yourself...completely love yourself...first.I am on a journey to (re)determine my worth...and determined to never, ever forget it again. - Jan 12, 12
my REV reflections via instagram It could just be today… the day I decided to come here to work…who knows the reason for the calm quiet of Rev Coffee Espresso Bar. Truly one of the best kept secrets of Smyrna. We keep it to ourselves so that nobody will infiltrate our little bohemian anti-starbucks sanctuary. (well of course, until now that I've outed us…oh well).I admit, sadly, that I don't frequent this place nearly as often as I should. Seriously, this should be my permanent office every day. The times that I have hung out here, Rev seems to be a mecca for writers, readers, and students of all ages. It is a hub for the November NaNo-ers in our area every year.Another confession, when Rev first got here, I didn't think it would last. Along with the fact that (in my opinion) the location just effin' blows (the position on the street, not location in the city) and the parking is equally annoying, I thought the saturation of Starbucks Snobs (and yes, I am one of them…admittance is the first step) would leave it lonely and abandoned. Alas, the citizens of our fair hamlet have rallied around this establishment and created a culture of Rev loyalists.What's Rev got that the chains' don't? While I know I will never completely abandon my beloved Starbucks, Rev has unique qualities that make it an ideal "Write Space:"#1 - Coffee: Well, duh, it's a coffee shop, right? They've got all the "usual suspects" but they've got some really great roasts that you just don't get everywhere else. They also sell cold Coca-Colas in the glass bottles which is a whole other separate addiction of mine.#2 - Space: Plenty of table seating for two on up to eight…without pushing tables together…as well as a couple of large groupings of lounge seating. Very rarely are you fighting or waiting for a chair to free up and you are not literally rubbing elbows with your neighbor when you do. Plenty of room between the ordering/pick up/retail area and main seating. My personal favorite perk...an abundance of outlets and extension cords.#3 - Quiet: Like I said, could just be the days I have chosen to come here but aside from the hum of the coffee grinder and the soothing background music, this place is very very quiet…no doubt do to the fact that those who frequent it have their head deep in a book or laptop. Most of the conversations take place when someone is ordering. Even those who seemed to have arrived with a companion appear to use telekinetic methods of communication. People come to Rev for peace and/or to get shit done!#4 - Food: Real food. You can get a real meal here and not just a muffin (albeit a pretty damn good muffin). I recommend the Cuban panini…it's delightful :)#5 - Community: Rev gives as good as it gets. It supports the city that keeps it's doors open. Local artists have their work on display and are able to have concerts and signings here. Organizations have meetings here. I actually used to host a writer's group here once upon a time. Hmmmm...I should revisit that idea.If you ever venture out to the booming metropolis of Smyrna, GA, stop by Rev and tell them I told you to. I get nothing from that other than being further along in my quest to achieve Norm-like status in all of my #WriteSpaces - Jan 06, 12Here's another post from "the vault" (old post from blogs past). It's what is on my mind today. Could be on yours too...The ebb and flow from project to project is the plight of the Freelance-Entrepreneur. It's definitely not for the timid, or faint of heart. Along with your impeccable expertise, you need thick skin, patience, organization, and a sense of humor.The life of a successful Freelancer is very attractive to those on the other side of the glass, but understand that the "glitter" is usually "gold"...but sometimes it is not. It can be "feast" or "famine" no matter how skilled or how well known you are... you are a contractor and are "golden" as long as you have contracts. In those times of "feast", we scurry like creatures preparing for hibernation to prevent "famine," but alas, all of the planning, belt-tightening and penny-pinching cannot shield us from things that are far beyond our control.Occasionally, a harsh, unrelenting, economic tornado blows through on a blind seek-and-destroy mission weaving through our clients, our industry, our niche like a pinball in a machine on full tilt. Some of us are spared completely. Some of us narrowly escape with minor, yet recoverable damage to our lifestyle. Some of us are completely destroyed and left to suffer in our own personal great depression. Left to grasp at any and every measly opportunity to keep roofs over heads, food in mouths, heads above water. Selling ourselves short just to sell ourselves.An ebb and flow indeed. If you have the thick skin, patience, organization, and sense of humor to weather the economic and entrepreneurial storms, your phoenix will always rise from the ash. If not, return to your cubicle. You are definitely not ready for this.
- Jan 02, 12
You know how they say "a watched pot never boils?" That's bullshit. The pot does eventually boil. It just takes forever when you're staring at it waiting for something to happen. How many of you have even turned the fire up a little higher thinking that will move things along? Anyone add a little salt to the water? Nothing, right? Watching it only pisses you off. All you can see is it doing everything in the world except boil. Boil, dammit! Yeah, yelling at it doesn't work either.corn at my mama's house via instagram
Just walk away. Go do something else. Fill your precious time with something that most likely needs your attention, but you've been too focused on that stupid pot. Leave it alone. You're smart and you know better. You've done this before a hundred times. Yes, it's a different day...a different time...a different "meal." Maybe even a different pot. But the basic principle is still...and will always remain the same.
You've done the work. You put the water in the pot and on the stove. You've turned up the heat. That's all you are required to do. You can do no more than that right now...and you shouldn't. All you need to do is believe what you already know to be true. Relax. It's gonna freakin' boil!
Marinate on that for a bit... - Dec 30, 11
You ever notice that anticipation feels exactly the same whether you are anticipating something good or something bad? Your heart beats so hard it practically cracks your rib cage. You hold your breath. Limbs shaking. Praying. Tears form at the corner of your eyes timed perfectly with the rise of a lump in your throat. Whether you are waiting to be crowned Miss America or awaiting a death sentence, the perfect blend of excitement mixed with fear is identical.
You ever notice that the reaction to the outcome is exactly the same too? A scream of elation or shear horror. Collapsing into a heap of sobs of gratitude or disbelief or sorrow. Shocked into a catatonic numbness, not sure if what you heard was really what you heard.
Anticipation turns you into a human scale. In a state of perfectly balanced agony until a decision is made to tip it to the positive or the negative. You wish you had the power to sway the result. You may have even attempted to plea your case. Ultimately, it's up to someone or something else. Completely up to chance and out of your control. You can't force it to your favor. Well...you can try...but trust me (and I speak from extensive experience), that never ever works.
With anticipation (shitty state of being that it is) you only have two choices…wait it out and accept what comes or just give up. Now…which choice can your soul live with?
Well…I'm waiting? - Jan 02, 12
A very dear friend of mine practices having no expectations...like literally none. Not expecting anything good and not expecting anything bad. Just being in the moment and in a state of acceptance of what comes...whatever it is. How incredibly awesome! I so badly want to put this into practice! Rejection wouldn't hurt so much.
I thought I understood this concept enough to really get into it, but I'm quickly finding out I don't. Or maybe I'm trying to incorporate my friend's interpretation into my own. I'm not sure. The thing is…I have always been a hopeful person. I cross my fingers. I make wishes on dandelion fluff, eyelashes, and upon stars. I click my heels three times. I believe in fairies and I clap to prove it. For me, it's not over until the "fat lady sings" and she must sing…sing the whole goddamn song too! If she doesn't sing...or even if she stops to catch her breath in mid-song... I will always feel there is still a chance.
I guess that kind of makes me gullible and naive. I am Linus sitting in the pumpkin patch waiting for The Great Pumpkin to arrive... like an idiot.
There is a very fine line between expect and hope. A very blurry line. I can say I have no expectations but having hope makes me seem like I do. Or better yet…I do have expectations because usually I expect the worst…but I always hope for the best. My gut will be begging and pleading with me to give up and let go, but my head and my heart will hold on. A half-court jumper at the buzzer is always possible, right?
It's all an exercise in faith…and there is a super blurry line between hope and faith… and even one between expectation and faith. And now I've officially spun into a state of confusion over it all. I really hope you weren't expecting a clear solution to this dilemma ;) But I'll leave you with this…
I don't expect to be told the truth.
I don't expect my blog or books to be read.
I don't expect to be called back about a new job.
I don't expect to ever be loved again.
But I will always do the work.
I will always be here.
I will always always always hope. - Jan 02, 12"...sometimes it's your own shadow standing in your way..."(a random lyric from a song by Kenny Loggins that I don't know the name of.)
It's brutal and heavy dose of reality when you realize that you are the only one stopping you from making your next move…whatever that move is. Sure you blame it on everyone and their mama, the weather, and the a-a-a-a-aalcohol... but you know the real truth. It's all just convenient smoke-screens and scapegoats in the right place at the right time to be your patsy.me and my windblown shadow via instagram
I've been standing in my own way for years. I'm standing in my own way right now…AND just admitted it in public! (#nofilter) I let my circumstances and my mistakes define me. I let the shadow of disappointments and missed opportunities shroud me in shoulda, woulda, couldas. Sometimes all I see is my shadow. Well, what should I expect when I'm always looking down, right?
But every now and then…once in a blue moon... I don't. I look forward. Not down. Not back. I even look up and see rays of hope peeking through gloomy clouds of doubt. I occasionally remember how far I've come despite the obstacles. The fact that I'm still standing here with the ability to smile is all that matters.
In these moments, I can't see my shadow. I am facing the rising sun and letting the light illuminate my spirit and the endless possibilities. My shadow (along with the past) is behind me.
The trick is to always face the sun…even when you can't see it.
Damn, this would have been a great post for Groundhog Day, right? But neither one of us should be withheld from our light. (and I made that rhyme on purpose.) - Dec 19, 11
Source: littlebgcg.com via Christie on Pinterest
- Dec 15, 11
It's interesting that I drug myself kicking and screaming to digital journalling...ended up falling in love with it...only to be reunited again with pen and paper. While on sabbatical, I wrote by hand the whole time. Now that I'm back, I'm a bit torn between digital and "analog" writing.my journal | my favorite travel mug | my sharpie pen
I both love and hate handwriting. I mostly love it. The only thing I hate about it is the lack of security. It wouldn't be an issue for me if my privacy hadn't so often been violated by those I thought I could trust. I don't feel I can fully and freely express myself on paper because it's not safe. I found sanctuary in my digital journal.
But there is a certain peace in writing by hand. No thoughts of running out of battery power. No distractions from other applications or notifications. Sitting in a park or coffee shop, marveling at my surroundings is more fun in a paper journal.
I never know where my daily travels will take me and with the way my mind works, I must always be prepared to write. Circumstances may not be ideal for digital journalling but you can always pull out a pen and notebook.
But it's more than that...
I'm tired of moving through my life in fear. Silencing and censoring myself in my own space where I should be free and safe.
There is something comforting about writing in a paper journal. It's art...a lost art. Like letter writing. To sit and write by hand is taking time to stop, get still, and reflect.
You can get lost in it.
You can be found in it. - Dec 13, 11Part of transitioning to this new space, I cleaned out my old one. In that process there are a few posts that I've decided to hang on to and maybe every once in a while, I'll throw them out there and we can reminisce together. Since it's the holiday season, I thought this one from "the vault" would help you get into the holiday spirit ChatterBox style...enjoy!
The ChatterBox's Classic Christmas Flicks
(originally posted 12/24/2009)
Image credit: undoneclothing on Flickr
In case you haven't figured out already, I am SO not a traditionalist. When it comes to holidays and festive occasions, I do nothing by the book and I'm pretty sure Emily Post and Martha Stewart hate me. Christmas is definitely one of the holidays where I do not follow the rules. I don't put up the decorations the day after Thanksgiving. You're lucky if they get up by Christmas Eve! (Okay, well I'm not that bad...I usually have something hanging or lit up by the 20th.) Christmas cards? Ha! There was a reason e-mail was invented! I just purchased wrapping paper yesterday, people...along with the gifts they will be wrapping. You get the point, right? Okay, you can stop shaking your head at me now.
Well, the one thing I do like to do that is kind of traditional-ish is watching Christmas shows and movies. Truth be told, I am a little miffed if Christmas comes and goes without me catching The Grinch (go figure, right?). I also like the classic "Rudolf" shows. But I'm a movie-gal and there are a few holiday films that just put me in the spirit. Now, I must warn you...you do know who you are dealing with here, right? So you already know there will be no Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life on this list. This is holiday movie ChatterBox style! Here are my classic pics that take you from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve...
Home for the Holidays (Thanksgiving): Don't you just love family dysfunction with your turkey and stuffing? You know you've got some folks in your family just like the ones in this film. A funny, tear-jerker that I watch every time it comes on. Plus I love Robert Downey Jr. and will watch anything he's in... just sayin'.
Bad Santa: So not a Christmas movie for kids! But definitely a gut-buster for adults! Note to the sensitive person: You cannot be sensitive and watch this film. If foul language and lewd behavior get your panties in a bunch, it's in your best interest to skip it! Just sayin'.
Die Hard: Um, yeah, it was Christmas when Hans Gruber and his little terrorist elves took over Nakatomi Plaza! It's all coming back to you now, right?
Lethal Weapon: When Riggs met Murtaugh for the first time (and began what was (in my opinion) the best on-screen duo in the history of the "buddy movie") it was "the most wonderful time of the year!"
The Long Kiss Goodnight: Hands down the best ass-kicking chick Christmas flick ever! Samuel L. Jackson continues to display why he's the king of the best one-liners.
Mixed Nuts: A hilarious ensemble cast with Steve Martin at the helm. Lots of hidden Christmas references that you'll miss if you're not paying attention... like the landlord's name is Mr. Tenenbaum (that was a freebie for you)
The Family Stone: A lesson to be learned from this one...never let your family meet your significant other for the first time at Christmas! I mean, duh! Everybody knows that! Again, another hilarious tear-jerker.Strange Days (New Years Eve): An intriguing murder mystery that came out around 96 or 97 that predicted what would be going on in LA on New Years Eve 1999. The soundtrack kicks ass and so does Angela Basset!
Well, there ya have it! Not your mama's holiday movie list, eh? But you've gotta admit, I probably now have you thinking about the ones I may have missed that would fit right in! Go on, share your favorites!! I'd love to see if anyone out there shares my flair for the non-traditional traditions.
Happy Holidays! - Dec 11, 11I've been kind of reluctant to invite anyone over to my "new space" because I didn't think it was ready for visitors.
It's funny how starting a new blog is like moving to a new physical space...a new home. Wanting everything to be perfect and beautifully decorated before inviting anyone over to see it. Wanting it to be show-ready and photo-worthy. Running ragged to throw paint on the walls and going broke purchasing furniture before "the holidays" or "the housewarming." Practically getting high off of the anticipation of "oohs and aahhs" from our approving guests.
It never dawned on me how completely ridiculous, albeit ass-backwards, this way of thinking is... until just now.This is the perfect time for me to invite you into my "new home." When the walls and floors are completely bare and this, the first post, is like the sofa covered in drop cloth and coffee table made from milk crates. You've come over with a bottle of wine (or venti cups of coffee depending on the time of day) and an open mind. Together we sit, sip, and muse about whatever comes to mind...notebooks, sketch-pads (or iPads), paint brushes in hand. At this stage, the possibilities are endless.
When you come back there will be more to see. I probably will have photos up. I will have found some cool things to show you. I will share the the things that inspire me. And the next time you return, there will be even more.
I'd forgotten how much beauty there is in watching something "become."
In this era, the days of "extreme makeover," it's easy to get caught up in wanting to make a quick change and total transformation as not to lose any ground or favor...or Klout. Like it would be a sin if someone walked into your "space" and the scaffolding was still up.
My life is a work in progress. Creativity...success...is always a journey. My work is ever-evolving. There will always be scaffolding.
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Uploads
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BookChatter
- Your Big Sister's Guide to Surviving CollegeAn insightful map to help girls navigate the journey through life as a college student. told in a "big sister to little sister" manner.
In 1997, I wrote a freshman year college survival guide for my little sister that I presented to her when she moved into her dorm room for the first time. This amateur, Kinko's produced spiral bound book contained advice on every aspect and scenario of what a young girl can expect in college and how to handle herself. My material was largely based on the experiences and sometimes the mistakes made by me and my friends.In 2007, I resurrected the piece to bring it to all college-bound young ladies. I remember what i t was like having to learn the ‘hard way’ about life on campus and life in general. For many girls, going away to college is literally a crash course on becoming a woman and being completely responsible for yourself. My goal is to ‘soften the blow’ a bit and help young ladies learn life’s lessons armed with common sense and a little big sister wisdom.
