Fear And Loathing In Upstate New York...

Yes, this is a blatant homage to the Gonzo journalist and his dear friend Ralph Steadman. But in light of two articles I read today, I really wish I could sit down with him as I would love to know what Dr. Hunter S. Thompson would say about where our government is headed.

Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself...

This is me. This is me on guilt. This is me wishing my husband would let me have access to the leaf blower to let loose Rambo-style on my desk. This is me taking an entire weekend to get back on track.

Under The Influence...

According to the NY Daily News, young Miley Cyrus has been voted the Worse Celebrity Influence for the second year in a row. Kudos to her...that is quite a feat in a world featuring LiLo, Snookie, and Charlie Sheen.

You Have To Go Forward To Go Back...

The original Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is one fantastic movie. My adoration for Johnny Depp aside, his Willie Wonka was just a tad too creepy for my liking. Regardless, as I sat in my History class this evening I recalled when the lucky golden ticket holders were first entering the candy room and freaked out as they traversed the psychedelic hallway. As they screamed to go back, Mr. Wonka explained they needed to press on...you have to go forward to go back.

Twenty Questions Are Nineteen Too Many....

So I was trolling the internet tonight wondering why I haven't heard from my girl Maureen Dowd lately, especially after last night's State of the Union. I had no luck finding any pearls of wisdom, but I did find myself on a CNN site asking 20 Questions That Could Change Your Life. To quote Mia (Uma Thurman) in "Pulp Fiction,"...this doesn't sound like the usual mindless, boring, getting-to-know you chit-chat. This sounds like you actually have something to say." Okay, I'll bite...here we go.

Tune In For The Eulogy...

In our busy lives, some of us only seem to come together for weddings or funerals. According to an article in today's New York Times, this may now be reduced to just weddings.

Not Cut Out For Cold...

Upstate New York is currently enduring an incredible winter the likes we have not seen in years. Sadly, yours truly is not a lover of cold.

If This Is Progress...You Can Keep It...

This evening found me in a most interesting conversation with my Faith Formation class of high school freshman regarding our faith and sexuality. Suffice it to say, it was very enlightening...for me.

Don't Cry When They're Gone...Celebrate the Time You Have Them...

As I am sharing this with you, my nephew is sitting at my breakfast table discussing the history of music and our mutual appreciation of the same. Sadly, he is leaving to go back to school today and I do not know when I will get to see him again.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You...

I was totally elated to receive this Stylish Blogger Award from a most stylish woman herself, Adrienne, from The Rich Life (On A Budget.) As I have said, to be recognized as special from amongst one's peers is a tremendous honor and I am grateful for the wonderful company I keep.

Lestrange Or Otherwise...She's All That And A Bag Of Chips...

Say what you want about Helena Bonham-Carter, but she makes evil look positively enchanting.

A Beautiful Soul...

This evening I found on Facebook a wonderful sentiment that needed to be shared. So I shared it.

Confessions Of A Consignment Queen...

True confessions...I am a TOTAL consignment shopper. I love every bit of it! For cheap frugal people like me, consignment shopping is a dream.

Life Is Beautiful...

Today is one of those lovely days reminding me how wonderful life is.

Right now the wind is howling outside as a quiet settles over our home. Dinner is in the oven, the children are having fun playing a game, my husband is reading, and I am here. In this peacefulness. Savoring it.

I am grateful ~ for my family, my friends, my home, my faith, my job, my school, my life. Simply grateful. And though there isn't much more to say beyond that...I wanted you to know.

When Did Vanity Fair Become Tiger Beat...

Okay, I'm not mad...really. Okay, maybe a little. But it's only because I outgrew "Tiger Beat" and "16" about, oh, I don't know, a hundred years ago.

Despicable Me...

First of all - GREAT MOVIE! I just saw it for the first time and it did not disappoint. But enough about that - let's talk about me...

Coco Would Not Be Pleased...

Two days ago was the anniversary of the Grande Dame's death. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel passed away on January 11, 1971 and it took me two days of mulling it over to articulate how she would not pleased by what has transpired.

No Hot Sauce For Me, Thanks...

Today I did something I have never, ever done before. For the first time...big build-up...I actually ate Taco Bell. While my inner-French girl was berating me incessantly, my taste-buds were actually quite pleased. Luckily, I was accompanied by a Taco Bell connoisseur, so no orange-faux-ground-beef-concoctions for me. But when asked if I wanted hot or mild sauce, I absolutely went for the mild. I didn't want to walk away with collagen-looking lips derived from hot sauce. This, of course, got my wheels turning...

Every Breath You Take...

Another day of joy and simple pleasures! When I returned home this evening I found both the new Harper's Bazaar AND Vanity Fair had arrived in today's mail! Indeed, life is good...

Reclaiming My Joy...

It doesn't happen very often; in fact, hardly ever. But it happened today. I let someone steal my joy.

Daydream À La Francaise...

The day began strolling through the marketplace. Colors brightly dancing everywhere, inspiration swelled of  culinary creations begging for my imagination. Melons heavy with sweet fragrance assaulted my senses as vendors chose their favorite from the offspring for my purchase.

This Is How It Begins...

I am quite sure Mark Twain is rolling in his grave. And as annoyed as I am over the suggestion of changing his work, I am more concerned about what this says about us as a society.

Perfect Moon...

I have shared time and again how I love being in my forties...every new age seems better than those before. And in this state of grace, I hold many women who came before me in awe.

Forsaking Life Universal...

I had heard all about you. In my arrogance I thought myself too smart for you, for I would never fall prey to your advances. I was so sure I could see you coming from miles away.

A Legend In Your Own Mind...

It seems many women pay big money and work very hard to look their best. I must confess what I spend at Sephora could probably feed a third-world nation. However, I am very aware I do not have the same body I had twenty years ago. Believe me, before three children I actually had a figure; I wasn't always the flat-chested freak I am now. The way I see it, I can work with what I have and always put my best self forward.

For My Uncles...

It really is quite amazing how I can go eons without seeing my uncles and it picks up like nary a day has gone by.

Jusqu'à Ce Que Vous Retourniez...

J'adore...J'adore...J'adore...