Are you my muse?

As a designer, someone who creates something from nothing, I am at an advantage during this time of economical unrest. The product I create, requires no supply. As long as I have my computer and my mouse clicking finger, I can create art.

The problem is, when I lack inspiration or am too distracted to focus, I can't produce. I have deadlines looming, and I can't seem to create. I stare at a blank screen, stare out the window, wander aimlessly around the interwebs, searching for something to inspire me.

Perhaps I should start drinking earlier in the day, no? I don't know... I'm sure it's just a funk, and I'll get over it when the pressure really starts to cook, but for the past three days it's been just me, staring at nothing.

*sigh*

Unintentionally Hilarious Pinups - #3

1) Miss Flying Saucer - With the dawn of the space age, I'm sure a lot of guys were hoping that this is what they would find on Mars. What cracks me up about this picture is her space helmet. It's like a test tube, and I can't figure out where it connects to her tiny little space suit. (Which as we all know, wouldn't work because space is cold. HELLA cold. Then again, maybe men were hoping all the space women they'd find would be warm blooded.) Notice her flying saucer is an actual tea saucer. It doesn't even have a steering wheel!



















2) I'm not sure where this little lady thinks she's going. It's unclear if she's sneaking in or out, but either way, perhaps she's better avoid barb wire fences altogether. She should also avoid polka dot stockings, it just looks like she's trying to cover up an incredibly symmetrical outbreak of hives.



















3) At first I thought this was an scantily clad Italian gondolier ballerina terrorist lighting the fuse of an IED. Gillian pointed it out that it must be a 4th of July Pinup, but that doesn't erase that creepy look on her face. Trust no one people, she looks dangerous!




















4) Because the background in this image is yellow, it's not clear where she was trying to go with that lamp. I know I like to climb on ladders with lamps all the time, while my dog tries to chew on the cord. Maybe she's sleep walking and the dog is trying to save her from walking off the top of the ladder with her lamp! What's that boy, there's someone stuck on a ladder with a lamp?




















This is the last installment of random pinups, for now. I will be unveiling my new March blog header this Saturday, so stay tuned!

If you haven't seen it yet:

There was a video going around of a song Sarah Silverman made for her boyfriend, Jimmy Kimmel. Apparently at the end of each of Jimmy Kimmel's shows, he always says "Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time..." as a joke. So, Sarah made this video:



Jimmy Kimmel was of course furious, and made this rebuttal:



Look out for the celebrity cameos:Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Cameron Diaz, Joan Jett, Macy Gray, Robin Williams, Don Cheadle, Pete Wentz, Perry Farrell, Benji and Joel Madden, Lance Bass, Huey Lewis, Josh Groban, McLovin, Christina Applegate, Rebecca Romijn, Dominic Monaghan, and Meatloaf

Updates:

So, things have been CRAZY for me lately, in a good way. Work is very busy, and I also have some promising projects on the horizon. I am in full on Viva Las Vegas prep mode, so I apologize if the posts seem shoe and/or Marilyn heavy. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this Spring.

My brother, Jackson, will be coming to visit me for a week or so next month. I'm so thrilled because he's growing up into a really cool person and I love that we are connecting so much. I can't wait to really show him Colorado.

We got the Paris trip paid off, and now that the passport applications are sent off, we're just working on saving money for taxes. Bleh Taxes. I can't even think about them without getting a lump in my throat. Being self employed is TOUGH.

We went and did a little bit of hiking at Red Rocks this weekend, preceeded by running the stairs in the amphitheater. Well, it started out like running and then slowed down to a crawl. That is HARD. I thought I was going to die before I made it to the top. We've really got to get more cardio in our lives. I can't wait until it warms up a bit and we can start riding our bikes more.

I've been a little slack on my cooking lately because I'm really trying to watch my weight, which makes cooking for the both of us really difficult. I've got all my faux meat, veggies, soy, blah blah... and Tim just wants a pile of smoked and shredded pork. Don't worry, I'm not starving, but it's been a whole lot fruits and veggies at our house. I'll have more recipes to come soon.

That's all for now,
~e

Oscars!

We went to our friend Joe & Megan's house tonight to watch the Oscars (and make fun of and/or praise the outfits of the attendees...) and we had a great time!

Picture here:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

And in case you're curious who won the awards, click here!

My Shoe Obsession...

I think it's safe to say that a lot of women idolize Marilyn Monroe. I never wanted to BE her... That dumb blonde image she cultivated was stylish, but not very inspiring. Her fashion, on the other hand, was inspiring. Her style is unequivocally feminine and classic. She had a great shape and I loved her hair and all her fabulous dresses. In particular, I really loved her platform lace-up lucite shoes. I have been on a search for over two years trying to find something that resembles these unique platforms.







So after searching and searching, I've settled for these... My plan is to make some slits in the plastic so I can weave some ribbons through.



It won't be the same, but it'll have to do until the shoe industry gets it together. Seriously, with all the ugly stripper shoes out there, and nobody could come up with a way to make something similar to Marilyn's?

So, part of my obsession with these shoes, and all things retro, is that I am busy preparing for my first trip to "Viva Las Vegas - The Rockabilly Weekender". I've been working hard to find just the right outfits for my 4 day trip back in time. It will be a blast I'm sure... Lots of great bands, a vintage car show, a tiki pool party, and a burlesque show! I am so excited!

That's all for now...

~erin

Recipes! (Vegetarian)

Sweet Potato Puffs








Preheat oven to 500 °F.

Have ready:
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes

Peel, mash & add:
1 large ripe banana

Combine and add:
1 1/2 TBSP melted butter
1 beaten egg yolk
1 1/2 TSP salt
3 TBSP hot milk or cream
1/8 TSP nutmeg (freshly grated)
1/8 TSP ginger

Beat until stiff:
1 egg white

Fold egg white gently into the the potato mixture. Drop the batter from a tablespoon in mounds - well apart - on a greased tin or place the mixture in buttered ramekins (or muffin tin). Bake about 12 minutes.

Garnish with a little drizzled honey or agave nectar. ( I used a little cinnamon sugar as well...)


"Valentine" Roasted Beet Soup (Tim's FAVORITE! If you think you hate beets, try this recipe...it's WONDERFUL)








1/2 lb red beets (about 3 medium)
1 1/2 TSP butter
1 1/2 TSP olive oil
1 leek, chopped (white and pale green parts only)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/8 TSP ginger
1/8 TSP nutmeg
1/8 TSP ground white pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
1 small bay leaf
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 fresh parsley sprig
1/4 cup heavy cream

2 TBSP crème fraîche or sour cream


Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap beets in foil and roast until tender when pierced with fork, about 1 hour. Cool. Peel beets. Cut 1/4 of 1 beet into 1/4-inch cubes; reserve for garnish. Cut remaining beets into 1/2-inch pieces.

Melt butter with oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek, onion, and celery and cook until beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 13 minutes. Stir in ginger, allspice, white pepper, and 1/2-inch beet pieces. Cook until vegetables begin to stick to bottom of pot, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Add 2 cups vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme sprig, and parsley sprig. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 25 minutes. Remove bay leaf, thyme sprig, and parsley sprig. Cool soup slightly. Working in batches, puree soup in blender with cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, cover, and refrigerate.)

Gently rewarm soup (do not boil). Divide between 2 bowls. Garnish each with 1 tablespoon crème fraîche. Sprinkle with reserved beet cubes.

>> Dress it up: To garnish soup as pictured, spoon two tablespoons crème fraîche into one corner of a resealable plastic bag. Cut tip off corner and pipe heart atop each serving of soup.

Unintentionally Randomly Hilarious Pinups Series - Set #2

Random Pinups Continued:

1) She's dressed like a sexy elf, that I understand. But why does she have the creepy Santa mask? Oh, wait, is this a sex game... Like you never know which one you're going to get. Sexy Christmas Elf, or Drunken Furry Fat Man? I think that's a mirror in her hand and she's looking at you like, you've GOT to be kidding. This is the Christmas fantasy you want me to act out?

















2) When our Puritanical founding fathers started celebrating Thanksgiving, I'm sure this isn't what they had in mind. Or maybe they did, I don't really know...But what isn't clear about this picture is, WHAT IS IN THE BOX? Is it a piece of jewelry, a ninja throwing star, a bedazzled turkey bone? It's all very confusing...
























3) This particular gal is VERY multifaceted. She's a gorgeous and very fit, Cowgirl Ballerina. And in case you were in doubt about her skills, you should also know she plays the cello VERY well. Stay tuned for the second act where she juggles live rabbits while playing the piccolo and hula dancing.
























More to come!

Happy Valentine's Day

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Here are a few images from our day... Recipes to come!

Fender Bender Renders Spender Tender

As most of you heard, I had a minor run-in (haha!) with a BMW SUV yesterday. I was not hurt in anyway, and my car came out of it with some scratches on the bumper and that is about it. The SUV wasn't damaged too much either. Some scrapes and a small dent. (Thank goodness...)

It happened in the Cherry Creek Safeway parking lot. If you've ever been there, you know that lot is just a NIGHTMARE. Anyway, the insurance basically said that it's my fault. I had a van on my left and a huge SUV on my right and I really couldn't see any cars coming, so I started inching out and *BAM* right into this lady's bumper/lower fender. I'm not saying I wasn't to blame, but frankly, in a world of GIANT vehicles, it's sometimes nearly impossible to get around without these kinds of incidents.

I haven't been in an accident since 2000, so I was definitely shook up. I'm feeling much better now, and it was a relief that our car wasn't really damaged in any big way. Tim was super understanding, so all's well that ends well.

I'm busy cooking our Valentine's dinner tonight. (Pictures to come...) We decided to do a special night out tomorrow, instead of tonight. All the restaurants have those fancy pre-fixe menus, but they don't have vegetarian options. So, we are hitting up Rioja tomorrow night and then the Irish Snug to meet up with friends for the Guinness Toast.

More pictures to come on the food front and the pinup front!

A Valentine to Gillian, Joe, Megan & Tim

Don't send a lame eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Tim sent me this Valentine...

Don't send a lame Valentine's Day eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Unintentionally Randomly Hilarious Pinups Series - Set #1

I have been doing lots of pinup research lately, trying to find inspiration for my Viva Las Vegas "look". In doing so I ran across a whole slew of pinups that I'm sure made sense in some context, but since I don't know what that context is, they are VERY Random. I've got lots to choose from, so I'd like to start by posting these three. Please feel free to come up with your own captions...

1) As most of you know, I'm an animal lover and these heads on the wall just freak me out. But there is more than just one thing disturbing about this image... The animals seem to think she is hot, but then again...the Moose seems scared and it appears that she's holding his mouth shut. What does he know? And I noticed that the Bears eyes are SCARY huge, but then I realized WHERE he was looking and it made more sense...
























2) What the HECK is she wearing? Where is she hiding the rest of the Gorilla? My friend Gillian said, "ah, see, she's calling the costume store to let them know the rest of the suit is missing!"
























3) Do zoos have conjugal visits? "Hey sweetheart, don't leave me in here without a little sumpin' to remember ya by..." Pesky ostriches...

























More to come...

I'd like to buy the letter "F" for $40

So, Tim and I applied for our passports today. We got our pictures from Walgreens (thanks for the heads up Tiddleywink!) and then headed over to the post office. Everything was in order with Tim's passport application, and when they got to me, I assumed mine would go smoothly as well. BUT NOOOOOOoooooOOOO... My certified birth certificate copy didn't have my gender on it. I'm sure my unisex name doesn't help, but seriously, how many guys do you know that have the middle name "Louise"?

I offered to photo copy my boobs and staple the copy to the application, but the passport lady didn't think it would be a good idea. *Sigh* So, NOW I have to send off for a new birth certificate, (an extra $40 and a week until it gets here) so that I can prove to the powers that be, that I am indeed a woman.

Stupid darn gender! But it did get me thinking... What about transgender or transsexual people? Or hermaphrodites? Do they have to identify with whatever is on their birth certificate? What if the answer isn't clear? Why do I have to be a gender at all? What does international travel have to do with my sex?

Drunk Driving Conversation

It's 12:30 at night... We hear a huge screech and a loud crash outside. I run to the balcony, a girl in a red car has smashed into a parked car. She's screaming and trying to start the car and drive away. The front fender is so smashed that the car won't move. Tim calls 9-1-1 and tells them the situation. Moments later a fire truck comes roaring up, and 3 cop cars follow. The cops pull her out of the car and determine she is not seriously hurt. She's crying hysterically as they interview her and try to give her a DUI test. She fails the test and throws herself on the ground sobbing. Two policemen try to pull her up and she flops around like a limp rag doll. They finally attempt to handcuff her and she starts kicking her feet resisting their attempts. They overpower her and walk her to the car as she screams and kicks the whole way. The ambulance shows up and two EMT's join the policemen in transferring her from the police car to the ambulance and she kicks and screams the whole way.

It's now 12:50. The tow truck is cleaning up her mess...

Tim: These pictures I took really didn't work that well...

Erin: Darnit Tim...What kind of paparazzi are you? If that was Britney Spears, we could have used those pictures to pay for our kid's college tuition!

Tim: I know! We have a telephoto lens and I didn't even use it! What else are we using that for?

Erin: Seriously! We got that nice camera... let's put it to use...

Tim: Yeah, we should start driving around town looking for drunk bitches!

Erin: I'm going to blog that you said that...

Tim: Whatever, just don't misquote me.

Cast of Characters - Gillian

Cast of Characters:

If my life was a story, the person below would have a starring role. I want you all to know more about them, so over the following weeks, I’ll be including various interviews that I’ve recently conducted with the most important people in my life.



















My Best Local Friend, Gillian

Gillian and I have been friends for almost 2 years. We met through other friends, and I didn't know right away that we would click so well. Time passed and we started hanging out all the time. Gillian is super smart, funny and delightfully random. We share an appreciation for vintage fashion, old movies, and really good food. She encourages all my "green" efforts and is tirelessly supportive of all my crazy ideas. She's always there to help me throw extravagant parties and she even lets me store all my costumes and holiday decorations at her house! She's never afraid to call me on my crap and even though we don't agree on everything, we still manage to meet in the middle where it counts.

Here is the interview:

Erin: Where are you from and why did you leave?

Gillian: Wow, that's an open question. "From," huh. Well, I was born in Brooklyn, but it's a technicality. That was the summer my family moved to the 'burbs, so I didn't get to actually live in B'klyn for another 18 years. I grew up in northeastern New Jersey, about 20 miles from NYC. It was really a beautiful area. Rolling hills, a ridiculous number of trees, state parkland all over the damn place, and whenever there was a break in the trees, the NYC skyline. Also, more shopping malls than you could shake a stick at, and oppressively humid summer heat. Ugh.

I lived in Brooklyn during my first two years of college, but I spent more time taking the subway into lower Manhattan than I did in my own zip code. I moved back to New Jersey to finish college while I worked. I went to Boulder to visit friends of my boyfriend shortly after I finally graduated, and I loved it. Three months later, I lived there. I had no savings, I didn't have a job, and I didn't know a soul (that boyfriend and I had since called it quits). My friends back home thought I was crazy, but my parents, who had spent their entire lives in the general area where there were born, thought it was terrific. It was definitely the ballsiest thing I've ever done. I figured on spending 2 or 3 years in Boulder, and then either moving back to NYC or moving on to San Francisco. I've been in Colorado for 12 years now, but I'm definitely starting to feel the wanderlust.


Erin: I know that you are a creative person and have lots of different ways of expressing yourself. What artistic medium do you find most fulfilling?

Gillian: It's funny, I've never thought of any of them as being fulfilling. I enjoy the processes, don't get me wrong, but I'm rarely satisfied with the outcome. My dad has a painting in his house that I did a few years ago, and I like how that one came out. If I had disposable money, I'd enjoy getting back into intaglio printmaking. I never did take advantage of exploring non-silver photographic prints.

I've thought about playing with a Holga, or about making myself a new pinhole camera, but then I'd have to set up a darkroom again. It would be fun to have a little offset press, or a Print Gocco kit. I've tried a lot of things... weaving, woodworking, sculpting, other stuff. Nothing holds my attention for very long. This question is making me want to run out to Meininger's to pick up a silkscreen kit, but I really should sew some of these dresses first! And I still need to perfect my Key lime pie recipe. :)


Erin: When did you first become environmentally aware and why?

Gillian: I can't think of a time when I haven't been conscious of the environment. I'm a child of my era... Earth Day and I were born at just about the same time. The infamous Crying Indian PSA ran on TV frequently. Woodsy the Owl pleaded with us to Give A Hoot. In my hometown, curbside recycling pickup was free... but garbage collection was charged on a per-bag basis. I still don't understand why everyone doesn't work on the same system. I started getting the Seventh Generation catalog around 1989, and now I work for the company that makes it (Seventh Gen is still an independent company, but they couldn't afford to keep printing catalogs... Gaiam Living is now their official catalog source).



Erin: You have a tattoo on your ankle, what is the story behind it?

Gillian: It's a flower that my sister had drawn for my birth announcement. The tattoo was inked by Carlos Haas, who currently works out of Tribal Rites in Boulder, CO. He did a great job getting the colors just right!


Erin: If there was one movie or movie star you could say influenced your style, what/who would it be?

Gillian: Somewhere between "none" and "all." I love old movies, and the clothing contained therein, but I've never tried to emulate the style of any one star or movie. I have an eyelet dress that reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would wear in Roman Holiday, and I have a wrap dress or robe (it's vintage, and I can't quite figure it out) that strikes me as being Katherine Hepburn-ish.


Erin: What is, in your opinion, the greatest band of all time?

Gillian: There's no way in hell that I could answer that. WXPN has a list of the 885 greatest musical artists of all time; that's a good start. http://www.xponentialmusic.org/vote and donate some money to public radio while you're at it.

conversation:

4:30 - Our Kitchen

Tim: * just finished eating a boiled egg* I think I'm full...

Erin: Tim! You've had one piece of French Toast and one boiled egg today...That is not enough food to sustain you. Are you turning anorexic?

Tim: Maybe...

Erin: Are you trying to starve yourself so you can can be a cheerleader? Cause, I just don't think that skirt is gonna work on you...

Tim: Stop killing my dreams!

New Blog Header!

Tim figured out how I could update my blog, and showed me what to do...So I've got a new header up now, and plan on doing a new one for every month. A big shout-out to Designfruit for the use of the Valentine Brushes!

Oh, and in other news...Tim started a blog. :) He doesn't want me to link to it yet, but soon we will debut his first REAL post! Yay Tim!

We're heading out to a Martini Party tonight, so stay tuned for pics!

~e

10 Reasons to Barack The Vote

I just read a terrific post by one of my favorite writers, Aimee Greeblemonkey. She does a great job articulating some of the top reasons why Barack Obama is the best candidate for the Presidency.

Read her post here!

conversations...

*Our three cats, Paka, Daisy, & Cleo, gallop through the living room at high speed*

Tim: They sound like a bunch of Elephants stampeding through the African tundra.

Erin: There is no such thing as the African Tundra *types rapidly on keyboard* Wiki says a tundra is somewhere with short growing season because of low temperatures. That wouldn't be Africa.

Tim: um...okaaay.

Erin: Tundra can be Artic or Alpine. Not African.

Tim: *shakes head* Fair enough, Erin. Fair enough.... *wanders off to office*

Erin: *feels superior about her lightning-fast Wiki skills*

Cast of Characters - Echo

Cast of Characters:

If my life was a story, the person below would have a starring role. I want you all to know more about them, so over the following weeks, I’ll be including various interviews that I’ve recently conducted with the most important people in my life.

My Best Friend, Echo.

We were neighbors for many years, and we've friends since we were very young. Her wonderful friendship been the one constant in my life. Even though we've lived in different states (and sometimes countries) for our entire adult lives, we always pick up right where we left off. She's always inspired me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. When I went through tough times, she was always there with a comforting letter or phone call. The adventures we've had together are some of my most cherished memories, and the things I learned from her (and her family) have helped form the person I am today.


Here is the interview:

Erin: Where are you from and why did you leave?

Echo: I'm from Port Orford, Oregon. It's a small town (pop. 1,000) on the southern Oregon coast. It's mainly populated with ranchers, loggers and fishermen. My parents were part of a small group of alternative types who moved there to get away from it all. Erin and I lived across the street from each other for Jr. High and High School, and Erin moved in with me and my dad for our Senior year.

Erin: I know you have recently been expressing your creativity with sewing, knitting and making jewelry. What is your favorite creative outlet and why?

Echo: I have absolutely no talent or skill for drawing, painting, singing, etc. Instead, I think I have a pretty good eye. I like sewing and jewelry making because it's mainly about picking colors, textures and patterns that look good together. If I had more money, I'd love to do more decorating around my apartment.

When I get a house I'm really looking forward to painting and doing some home improvements (a passion I inherited from my super handy mom and my carpenter father). I really love working with my hands. I use knitting as a stress reliever, especially if there's the chance I might get stuck on a train or airplane.

Erin: How did you know what you wanted to do as a career?

Echo: Even though my life has had some hardships and challenges, I've always felt very fortunate that I had two loving parents, great siblings, a super supportive best-friend who gave me tons of confidence (Erin) and an inner drive. I've always wanted to help people in some way.

I kind of fell into teaching English when I lived in Belgium and I love it, especially now that I'm helping adults who are illiterate in their native language and never had the opportunity to go to school in their native countries. But, I don't see myself doing it forever. In the fall I started working towards a Master in Social Work. I've become really passionate about changing public policy and that's what I would like to do in the future. In particular, I'd like to work on policies that would provide health insurance to more people and give more people the opportunity to continue their education.

Erin: Share one of your favorite memories from traveling.

Echo: Most of my best memories are from traveling (see below). Erin and I have had some great times on the road. We drove to San Francisco once; we got tattoos, slept in my car and Erin busted a tire while singing opera. We also spent many wonderful days and weekends driving up rivers, mountains and going to the beach. Having a car provided us some much needed freedom.

I think we both thought that if things got bad enough we could always drive away (my destination would have been Mexico, Erin would have probably picked Hollywood). These days I love going back to Oregon to visit, swimming in the beautiful Aegean Sea at my in-laws summer house, exploring the northeast and exploring more of Europe.

Erin: How did you meet your husband?

Echo: This is a long story. When I went to the University of Oregon I was sure that the hot, smart, funny, interesting guys that didn't exist in Port Orford would be lining up outside my dorm room waiting to date me. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. By my junior year, I was pretty discouraged. I decided to stop dating until I met somebody who was really great. Erin and I even made lists of characteristics the person we were going to marry should have. Some of mine were: must be a vegetarian, must speak at least one foreign language, must like to travel, must like museums/art, must understand fashion, must be intelligent, etc. Also, it should be noted that everyone in my family has always know I would end up marrying a foreigner.

In addition to not dating, in my junior year I also decided to take a term off from school and travel through Europe with two friends for 3 months. We had a friend hook us up with unlimited 3 month Eurail passes and we were ready for an adventure. We spent time in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Morocco, and along the way we met a several guys who claimed to be in love with, us but it usually fizzled by the time we moved on to a new country. While in Italy I was determined to see Pompeii. So we went to Naples and checked into Hotel Casanova. The receptionist told us that Naples was too dangerous at night for women to go out alone, but if we wanted to go out there were some American guys staying down the hall and we should have them escort us. At the time, the choice seemed obvious.

So, a few minutes later there we were talking to a group of six men from Texas who were in a study abroad program in France and were traveling through Italy during a break from classes. We all went out for pizza and beer and decided to all go to Pompeii the following day. The next day, I noticed that Utku (who at that time spoke with a southern accent) was talking to me the whole time and not paying much attention to my friends. I also remember his friends joking about what a genius he was and that he seemed to know a lot about every subject imaginable, he even said he almost went to school in Oregon. He was also good looking and seemed to go out of his way to make me laugh (which I'll admit was rather easy, laughing has always been my main flirting tool:).

Even though I was having a great time, we left Italy that afternoon and went on to Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam. But, try as I might I couldn't stop talking about Utku. So Pauline (my roommate who was at this point smitten with a Moroccan guy) and I went to stay with Utku and the Texans in France. Utku was only there for one day and it was pretty clear at this point that he was into me. But I had this idea in my head that it would be way more romantic if we didn't kiss or anything. That way I would always be able to look back on this great guy and there wouldn't be any awkwardness or hurt feelings, just the memory of what might have been. Very dramatic, I know.

So, I went back to the U.S. and I just couldn't stop thinking about him. And then I remember some posters I'd left in his apartment and I had an excuse to email him. And he wrote back instantly (he didn't even try to play it cool and wait a day or two). Then I wrote him and back and forth it went for the next couple of months. Finally, he got back to Texas and we could call each other once a week. Then on July 4th he flew to California and took the bus up to Port Orford and met my family and friends. I remember waiting at the Circle K for him and feeling like I was about to vomit because I felt I had fallen in love with him, but I'd only spent about 48 hours with him in Europe, which didn't seem like enough time.

The moment I saw him get off the bus, I just knew I had been right and that everything was going to work out. We both had another year of school so I stayed in Oregon and he stayed in Texas, we saw each other every couple months. We still wrote each other everyday (letters that are now almost embarrassing to read they are so sweet and sappy) and someday I'm going to print the 800 or so emails and bind them in a book for our kids and grandkids to read.

Erin: If there was one movie or movie star you could say influenced your style, what/who would it be?

Echo: This is such an Erin question! I don't know if I could pick just one. I love Katherine Hepburn's style, so strong and confident. And I also love Grace Kelly's style, so elegant and sophisticated. I really admire Cate Blanchett's style as well.

Cast Of Characters - Kelli

Cast of Characters:

If my life was a story, the person below would have a starring role. I want you all to know more about them, so over the following weeks, I’ll be including various interviews that I’ve recently conducted with the most important people in my life.

My Mother, Kelli.

We’ve always been different, but she works hard to understand me and tries to relate. She's the mother of four (count 'em!) children and we are all drug free, still talking to our parents, and not living in the gutter. :) She’s a wonderful schoolteacher and is full of compassion for children, especially those from underprivileged families. Most of my life, it has been her voice that spurred me to be strong and independent. Everyone that knows her, says that I get my personality from her. She’s funny, silly, and loves to laugh and she’s always been my biggest supporter.

Here is the interview:

Erin: Where are you from and why did you leave?

Kelli: I was born in California and my family left during my freshman year of high school, because they felt there was too much violence. We then moved to Burns, Oregon and that is where I met my husband, Jack.

Erin: When & how did you first decide that you wanted to be a teacher?

Kelli: I have always loved children. I think the years that I home schooled you children was one way I fulfilled that desire, but I just didn't know it then. I remember teaching Sunday school, Missionettes, and Girls Club. I just really enjoyed encouraging young things to grow in safe and loving environment.

However, I clearly remember when the Holy Spirit spoke so softly, and said that he had a mission field for me. I knew in my heart that it would be with children and it would be big. At the time, I didn't really know what it would be. Then one day in 1995, I knew it would be the year you graduated from high school. I was confident that 1997 was going to be a year of change, but still I didn't know what it would be. Two years passed, you graduated and it came to me.... I said, "I want to be a teacher."

I felt determined, but I was also realistic. I struggled with speech when I was in high school, so I figured I would start with that. If I could survive that, I knew I could go to college and become a teacher. Well, I got an A in that class, and off I went. Did I ever think I would actually finish? Nope, but like the little elf in Rudolph, I just kept putting on foot in front of the other and well...the rest is history. I am in my sixth year of teaching and I will walk in June for my master's degree.

Erin: You were 18 when you first got married and then pregnant. What was that like? Share some of your misconceptions and fears...

Kelli: Well, actually I was 18 when I got married and 20 when you were born. I wanted my marriage to be forever, but I really had no clue what marriage was about. I just did it! There wasn't too much thought beforehand, we loved each other and it seemed like the thing to do. Isn't that what girls were supposed to do anyway? You know get married, have babies, and live happily ever after?

Okay, we eloped! Somehow the word Wedding brought to mind a different picture, but hey we’re still here. Our wedding cost 50 bucks and it lasted 30 plus years. Kind of like a VW Bug, reasonably priced and durable. :)

Erin: Describe for us a moment in your life when you felt exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment...

Kelli: Probably when each of my babies was born, especially the first! :) I suppose that's why I had four. The truth is I would have tons of children, if it hadn't been for my wise husband who has a knack for looking ahead.

Other than that is would definitely have to be when I graduated with honors for both my AA and BA. However, even more than just graduating was the gold sash. Not everyone gets a gold sash. Words can’t explain the joy I experienced when they handed it to me. I was so proud.

Erin: If there was one movie or movie star you could say influenced your style, what/who would it be?

Kelli: Oh, Jamie Lee Curtis. She is so amazing and real.

Erin: What is, in your opinion, the greatest band of all time?

Kelli: Hands down The Beatles, Paul McCartney, and Wings are the greatest musicians of all time! Need I say more?

politics!

nataliedee.com


Hahahahaaaa...

Obama For Change - Yes, We Can!

This is a wonderful video...

Hillary's Looming Electability

The case that Dems will lose the election in November if Hillary wins the nomination. To win the election, Obama has by far the best chance.Please read this article and digg it, to spread the word!

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Cast of Characters - Tim

Cast of Characters:

If my life was a story, the person below would have a starring role. I want you all to know more about them, so over the following weeks, I’ll be including various interviews that I’ve recently conducted with the most important people in my life.

My Husband, Tim.

He makes me laugh every day, and inspires me to be a better version of myself. Most of my readers know him as my more rational side, and I try to give him credit for that. He’s been my greatest educator in life, music, business and everything else I missed out on during the military. He is the most important person in my life and the best part about being alive is that I get to wander through this world with him. Here is the interview:

Erin: Where are you from and why did you leave?

Tim: I'm from Oklahoma City. I grew up in a 3 story house and never moved once until I left for college. I was the youngest of 6 kids in my family. By the time I came along, my Dad had created a solid business that afforded him what I always thought of as his dream house. My parents are devout Catholics and they sent me to parochial schools for elementary and high school.

I did well in high school and always intended on going to college. I always thought big about which college I’d attend. When I was young I entertained ideas of Notre Dame or Oxford. My grades didn't turn out to be quite that good and though I received an application, I never applied to Notre Dame. I was looking for a school that offered Music Business or Commercial Music as a degree. At the time I was hoping to be involved in music recording and production.

My parents, while open to my attending school out of state, limited my choices to locations that Southwest Airlines flew to. It soon became clear that the logical choices were Chicago, New Orleans and Denver. I considered Loyola Chicago and Loyola New Orleans, but was quite sure about Denver University when I visited. I convinced my best friend Jeff to apply as well and we ended up rooming together.

I changed my degree from Commercial Music to Digital Media Studies at the end of my freshman year. Studying music at that level had proved exhausting. I was far behind my peers and all the work wasn’t pointing me toward the things I wanted. My later collegiate studies revealed a knack for coding and other geeky stuff. By the time school ended I already had a great internship with a successful Denver company, Digital Metropolis, and a girlfriend (not Erin, we hadn’t met yet!) so I didn't see any reason to head back to OKC. My career started at Digital Metropolis and the rest is history.

Erin: I know that you are a talented musician, what inspired you to take up guitar?

Tim: Around the time I was probably 14, my Dad started showing me chords on his guitar. It was an old beat up 1940 Martin 00 (which means small). My Dad bought it cheap, as he tends to do, and restored it with the help of a friend who knew instrument repair. The first couple songs I remember learning were; “Chim-Chiminy” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.” My musical influences at the time were largely based on whatever my sisters shared with me. I got my first guitar for my 15th birthday. It’s was a red Yamaha Pacifica 517 and I still have it.

I immediately went to work practicing guitar for 5-7 hours a day. I quickly started stringing together every stereo in the house, with a tangled array of wires and adapters, attempting to 'multi-track' record. I must have been 16 or so when I got my first 4-track recorder. Feeling quite professional, I went to work writing and recording songs on my Tascam Porto-07. My junior year of high school I created an album and made 25 copies that I sold at school. That recording helped me earn a scholarship at Denver University

Erin: What is your favorite music to play?

Tim: As I mentioned a lot of my early music influences came from my sisters. I remember being in the 7th grade and realizing that all the music I liked the most seemed to be coming from the UK or Australia. U2 and Pink Floyd were my favorite bands. I haven't changed much.

I'd add bands like Radiohead, Keane and Coldplay as well as lot of classic rock. In short, I guess if I'm playing, then I'm likely singing too and honestly the singing is the fun part. Singing is the most athletic thing about music and one of the more energetic things I do in my life. I like singing the songs that are hard to sing. I'm sure I sound horrible, but the most fun I can have with music is getting red in the face try to keep up with the likes of Thom Yorke and Bono on their best days.

Erin: What is the best thing about being a web developer and working from home?

The best thing about being web developer is experiencing those “Eureka!” moments. I enjoy muddling though a nasty problem and emerging with something that functions.

The best thing about working from home is the autonomy of reaping such a greater share of the reward for my labor. Most importantly, it allows me to master my own career. The simple goal is to be able to create better and better pieces and avoid compromising my standards for quality. Then, of course, there is fortune and world domination. ;)

Erin: Describe for us a moment where you felt exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment?

Tim: My proudest moments so far: Becoming student council president in the 8th grade, receiving my SAT scores, being accepted to college, graduating college, getting my first salary at Digital Metropolis, and suckering Erin into marrying me.

Erin: You are a great writer, why don't you have a blog?

Tim: I'm shy. :)

Paris

I know Paris is just a place, like any other. It's morning smells of the night's past transgressions, stinky drunks, and jet-lagged tourists trying to find the McDonald's. The same sun rises over immense monuments standing tall for the world to stare agog. The stray dogs and falling leaves are no different than they are here in Colorado. The stone and pavement are just as hard and unforgiving as any other place I've walked. I've never imagined it as an impressionist painting. I've never imagined it as heaven on earth. I know the history, anguish and filth that's been awash in it's streets since it first sprang into being. But there is a magic there, I believe. Even those of my friends that are well traveled admit that Paris still holds them captive.

My early concept of Paris stemmed from books and the rash ideals spawned from their musty pages. Growing up in my tiny town, with my colorless reality, Paris seemed like the place where real life must begin. Everyone in Paris must be brilliant and stylish, the food must be incredible, the history and art overwhelming, and the scenery wondrous. I promised that I would go there. I promised that I would go and memorize each blade of grass, and each drop of water in the Seine, and each note of music floating on the breeze.

My life isn't colorless now. My world revolves around my brilliant and stylish friends, amazing food, and gorgeous scenery of Colorado. I cherish my life, and hold no hopes of finding new beginnings in Paris. However, I still hold my ideals formed amongst the seaweed and fish scales of my childhood. I owe it to my inner child. I must go see taste and experience everything I promised her I would. I plan to wander with my sweet husband and taste all the delights that Paris has to offer. I'll attempt to speak French, I'll try whatever food is placed in front of me, I'll memorize all the scents of city, I'll capture the gardens at Versailles, and every stroke of paint in the Louvre. When the 8 days are finished, I'll drag my tired bones back to my home, rich in memories and drunk on life's possibilities.