Archive for the ‘Reflections’ Category
You’re a Firework
Posted on: November 13, 2012
Ann at my wedding in 2004
I never expected to be so lucky as to have Grandma Ann in my life until I was 32. Most of my friends are lucky to have one grandparent left, while I have been blessed to share many special occasions with 3 of my grandparents. My grandmother was there for my wedding. I was able to be with her in Ohio a few years ago. She was delighted to hear that I was pregnant and share some maternity stories with me. Most recently, I was able to share photos of her great-grandson peacefully dosing in the crib that came from her.
I remember Grandma Ann as a happy woman. Her smile was infectious and she openly shared her excitement. And that enthusiasm often lead to a nice, swift punch in the arm. A loving one, but a punch no less. If you told a good story, or teased her a bit, she’d rear back and give you a solid jab. My husband joked that he was bruised by a woman more than twice his age the first time they met. If you thought the Seinfeld “Elaine push” was bad, you’d best stay two feet clear of grandma’s fist!
The other thing I loved about my grandmother, was her sense of style. She knew how to dress! My grandparents never had an exorbitant amount of money, but Ann knew how to pull an outfit together and wear a pair of heels! I always loved that about her. Even at an age when most women opt for flats, Ann would have stomped a runway in a pair of red heels. Read the rest of this entry »
A Little Mother’s Day Magic
Posted on: May 13, 2012
Happy Mother’s Day!
Last year, I took my mom to the art museum for a special Mothers Day celebration. I’ll admit, it was a bittersweet day because as happy as I was to celebrate my own mother, I still was not pregnant after almost 2 years of trying for a baby.
When we checked in at the front desk, my mom was presented with a sticker to wear signifying that she was a mom. It had a beautiful red gerbera daisy on it. When the docent turned to me and said, “Are you a mom too?”, I hesitated and started to fumble my words. My mom turned and said, “Yes, she will be soon. She needs a sticker too.” She smiled and handed me the sticker with confidence.
We smiled as we walked away and I put the sticker on. Each of us said something about how this year would be the year. It would be good luck.
I hoped. I wished. I thought, “just stay positive.” And when I got home, I carefully peeled the sticker off my cardigan and fixed it to the top left corner of my vanity mirror.
Being Feminine Doesn’t Make Me Weak.
I love this blog post from http://www.hellogiggles.com. Cupcakes in the front. Sassy business in the back. I’m equal parts cute and fierce!
-Alicia
friendship’s full bloom
Posted on: April 19, 2011
A guiding light near a prickly path
A shooting star, brilliant as you are
A moonlight blossom coaxed by a spirits wings
Small luxuries of time meant to be cherished
Neither friendship or love are taken for granted
31
Posted on: April 8, 2011
For some reason, 31 is stressing me out. Last year, I embraced 30 with gusto, had a blowout pink birthday party with a sleepover and all. I ran straight towards the edge and jumped with arms wide open. It’s been a busy year, lots of work and travel, 7 weddings, and I hope a bit of personal growth. I said to my husband the other day that I felt like I just haven’t accomplished enough yet to be 31. I can’t put my finger quite on what it is exactly.
I’ve always struggled with math. (this has a point and I’ll get to it shortly) It’s never been my strong suit and I vividly remember crying my way through Algebra ¾. Over the years, this led to a belief that I’d never have a strong grasp of anything to do with finances, analytical information, or business. I knew this irrational fear of numbers had to end, so a few years ago I forced myself to start play sudoko. I’m good at visual puzzles and I like grid paper, so I decided that if I could genuinely have fun playing sudoko, a game with numbers at the heart of it, that I could get over this silly apprehension. It worked, and as I became better at the game, I became more confident in tackling projects at work and at home that I normally would have shied away from.
So, to turn my irrational fear on its head, I’ve compiled a list of things regarding the number 31 to inspire my recreational activities for the year.
Enjoy a Starbucks Trenta sized drink, which is 31oz of coffee goodness. The Huffington Post declares that it is bigger than your stomach, but I say just stick close to a restroom.
- Make a crafty project using the 31 Cupcake Inspired Creations eBook. Download it and get crafty!
I could definitely rock a pair of these Jimmy Choo heels style #31. Live by the phrase “Change your shoes, change your life!” Read the rest of this entry »
[aw-suh m]
Posted on: March 29, 2011
Have you ever stopped to think about how awesome you are?
You should do that more.
Need a little inspiration? Visit iamawesome.com.
-Ali
rapid waters
Posted on: March 17, 2011
My husband Bobby has played with quite a few bands since we started out together. I was first introduced to a few angels back in 2002 and we struck up a chord that would intertwine itself throughout our lives to this very day. Music has a way of bonding people to each other in a way that can create the lasting bonds of a family. And although times change and our lives may take us far away from each other, we always seem to find our way back home.
I’ll have to save the entire story of the Wild Angels for another time, as a few short lines here would never do it justice. But out of that, came a new love and a new incarnation of music.
The Waters are the original-based duo, Krystal Baker and Sturgis Waters. Krystal’s moving vocals are complimented with intricate and soulful guitar arrangements by Sturgis and together they are a dynamic pair. Tuesday night at the Rhythm Room, they released their latest cd, 4321. You can buy it HERE on iTunes and check them out at thewatersmusic.com.
It was an amazing show with incredible guest musicians. Laura Rupejko made a surprise visit all the way from Colorado Springs to show her support and lend her beautiful voice. Jay Allan shared the stage for a small set after the entire album of 4321 was played. Then they took it to the next level showcasing new songs soon to be released. I absolutely love “One Eye Open” and can’t help but smile and sing along.
They closed out the night with a jaw-dropping rendition of Damien Rice’s “Volcano” with every musician in stage. The crowd went nuts, it was amazing! Such an amazing display of talent and inspiration. Of course I was there with camera in hand to capture as much of the action as I could 🙂
i need a vacation!
Posted on: March 1, 2011
I don’t need much. Just a beach, umbrella, coffee and an InStyle with my good friend Jane………
we can collect sea shells. and sea shell things. sea horses forever!
a love letter
Posted on: February 14, 2011
Bobby,
When we first met, I knew you were a special guy but I had no idea how that brief moment in the music hallway would change my life forever. You are my Superman.
When you took me to prom and we spent the evening slowly spinning on the dance floor, I had no idea I’d be repeating this moment in a white dress in 8 years. You swept me off my feet.
The first time you drove to see me in Tucson, little did I know it was the beginning of a romance that would put thousands of miles on our tires. You keep me moving.
When I came to see you play with the Wild Angels, I never dreamt it would be the beginning of my days as “the drummer’s wife”, and now I’m always on your list. You are my rock-star.
There is so much about our life that I never anticipated, and so much more that I never dreamt we could accomplish. But we’re here, and we’re together. You’re my favorite part of everyday.
I love you.
-Ali
song by Audrey Assadyou’re brilliant
Posted on: January 16, 2011
- In: Reflections
- 1 Comment
It’s crazy to me how every year or so I seem to take a trip around a circular path that I’m growing weary of. This cycle has repeated itself throughout my life, sometimes over the course of a few years, or few months, and every so often within a few hours. It’s the repetitive pattern of going from feeling like a warrior woman who can accomplish anything to a self-critical mess and back again. It’s great to feel like you sparkle. And although I extremely dislike those times of feeling like a “nothing”, I can’t go so far as to say I hate it. Well, 1. Because my husband says I’m “too young to hate” and 2. Because I always seem to learn a bit more about who I am and just how resilient I can be.
Each of us has experienced in our lives, times of great hardship and times of great joy. If you’ve never been pushed to your breaking point, you probably aren’t putting it all out there. Over the years I continue to learn the importance of balance.
Having an open heart but a guarded sense of trust.
Learn the difference between being realistic and self-sabotage.
Battle scars make you stronger but an open wound only makes you sick.
I think to myself, about how I just want things to be settled. Simple.
That, if I just stopped caring so much it could be so much easier. No let down. No heartache. No…..spark. And that’s the thought that has me up on my feet, back to the grindstone, and ready to burst. I have to be passionate about my environment and what I’m putting out into the world. I have to feel those highs and lows so I can also appreciate the quiet moments in between. Complacency is not an option.
Note: The garden image above is of the Justice Garden Path Public artwork in Kent WA. It was designed by an artist named Lorna Jordan. You can visit one of her other public art designs in Arizona at either the Terraced Cascade in Chandler or the Origami Garden in Tempe.
oh my gosh, I'm so excited! 