SIMPLE INSPIRATION: Joy + a Giveaway

Do you have people in your life that put a smile on your face whenever they are around? People like that are so important, especially for me. Honestly, I strive to see the joy in life, but I lean more negative and serious. After a long day, one of my favorite things to do (in addition to watching cat videos on YouTube) is to go to Erin's blog, Living In Yellow. She never fails to make me smile and laugh. Her outlook on life inspires me. I am honored that she has allowed me to be a part of her giveaway along with these other wonderful women. Enter below to win!




Mata Traders // MATALIVESINYELLOW for 10% off

 Shop // Blog: Domestic Mama // LIY10 for 10% off 

Love and Whiskey // Use code livinginyellow for 20% off

Deloom // Use code LIY for free shipping

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SIMPLE INSPIRATION: Rest


I don't know who Ashleigh Brilliant is but this statement is brilliant. After a long and amazing weekend at Bonnaroo (details forthcoming), I was exhausted.  Monday morning, I had to be at meetings starting at 10am. Last night while sitting in my Italian language class, I couldn't keep my eyes open or focus on what she was saying. Since the class was for fun, I left. As soon as I got home, I went to bed. That was like 8pm folks.  For someone who regularly goes to bed at 1am, that was super early for me. This morning I slept through my alarm and didn't roll out of bed until 9am. That is 13 hours of sleep!

Last night, I felt guilty for leaving class and going to bed so early when my to-do list is a mile long. I laid there thinking "I should be doing..." and "Don't forget about...". Honestly, the best thing I could have done for myself was take a complete rest. Today, feeling refreshed, I am 100% more productive than I even could have been last night. Sometimes, resting is necessary...

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That's Some Good Stuff: Vol. 2

+ Oh, how I want to go on vacation! The beach would be perfect. I realized today that I haven't been to the beach since 2009. Oh Happy Day makes that urge even stronger.

+ Five simple things that can bring you happiness.  Because we all need a little more happiness.

+ A great lesson from Breanna Rose. Don't burn bridges, people.

+ If I could, I would copy Annabelle's outfits on a daily basis. She is my style icon. Except she makes me sick, but only because I am jealous that she looks so amazing and I want to steal her clothes.

+ I don't 100% agree with this post, but I totally agree with the premise. It is much easier to achieve your dreams when you have a support system.

+ It always interests me how the USA is different from other countries and what immigrants think about us. This author of this article brings up some points that I didn't realize could be unique of our country. I especially find culture differences interesting since I have family in Italy.

+ What am I obsessed with this week? Happy Socks! I love colorful, fun socks. At work, I am all business on the outside and fun underneath. These are my favorites: Blue and white stripe with a red toe and heel, turquoise with big pink dots, and finally a classic pink five color sock with black bottom, yellow top, light blue toe and heel. Plus at $12 each, they all will be mine! Muh-haha.
Last Christmas I searched and searched for some colorful "manly" socks for the Hubs. I failed.  Not this Christmas! They have Men's Socks too! (Don't worry. It will still be a surprise. He only reads my blog when I ask him to edit.)

+ For the entrepreneur, what to do when you feel like giving up! We all have felt this at one point or another. Your quest could still be an idea. Don't give up before you have started!

What good stuff have you found this week?

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SIMPLE INSPIRATION: When life doesn't go as planned


As many dreamy-eyed teenagers, I had a plan for my life. It was detailed too, but I will spare you today. Let's just say that my life did not go as planned. Not even close... well some parts were close, but not close enough. The life events that steered me off course weren't all bad. Marriage wasn't in the plan. It didn't even make it to the notes page. And yet, I got married at 21. Other life events were devastating to my naive young self and when things didn't go according to my plan then I made poor decisions. I let it get me all upset and my decisions were rash. So, here I am at 32 where I planned on being when I was 25.

However, at 32, I accept myself and where my path has taken me. I am no longer upset about it. I still have dreams and plans, but am much more flexible. Learning to yell "Plot Twist!" and keep moving forward has been one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned in my life. The key being to keep moving forward.

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SIMPLE INSPIRATION: Kindness


"...because you never know who a person is or who they will be."

"Be kind..." could be finished in many different ways, but today I have chosen to finish it as above. I see it all the time and in all facets of life. Some people will only be nice if they feel they can benefit from that person. Great people get overlooked and even mistreated because they aren't the most popular, rich or highest on the totem pole. Unfortunately, their treatment is often based on assumptions by the other person. Not only is it rude, it is also insulting.

The business world is tough. Just because you reach a certain level of success it doesn't give you the right to be inconsiderate and entitled. Over my career I have seen the lowest man on the totem pole rise to become the rude supervisor's boss. Man, did that bite him in the butt. That receptionist at the front desk might be the only one willing to help you, but if you treat her like she's unimportant then good luck getting what you need.

I look younger than I am and I'm a woman. I have had people be rude to me and then turn around and ask for the person-in-charge. The joke was on them because it was me!

People don't forget you when you mistreat them. You never know who they will be one day. Be safe and just be kind to everyone. Plus it's the right thing to do.

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Month in Review: May 2014

Is it June already, really?  I could probably say that every month.  It seems like once you hit adulthood the time flies right by. Sometimes I wish that every month felt like the never ending summer break. Ahh... childhood.

GODZILLA

Godzilla was never anything I was interested in watching, nor was I forced to watch it (unlike many war movies, thanks Dad). When the Hubs told me he wanted to see Godzilla at the movies I agreed, but was indifferent about it.  Well, it was great.  The special effects were really good.  I was probably at an advantage by not knowing anything about the old movies.  I was confused at the beginning when the "non-Godzilla" monsters were shown. I always thought the people tried to kill Godzilla.  I didn't realize he fought other monsters.

YARD SALE
Some people like to see the sunrise, but we have a love/hate relationship.  Plus, it was unseasonably cold. Good news is we got rid of a whole lotta junk!  We sold things for super-duper cheap (.25 - $2) and ended up with $119 dollars at the end. Thank you for taking my junk and I get to cross one item off my 32 before 33 list!

ITALIAN
Parlo l'italiano un po'. I only have three classes left so I better make the most of it.

FLEA MARKET
The Nashville Flea Market is the largest, strangest, best yard sale. No, really. It's huge. There are over 200 vendors that sell things from antiques to collectibles to shoes and even bar-b-cue sauce. I bought a red metal bucket to put in my home office.  The Hubs bought a Terminator action figure (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and some Batman comic book. We had a alternative purpose for going this month. We were selling tickets to the Americana Music Association's Cross County Lines dayfest. It happened yesterday and I will get to it. We gave away CDs and goody bags and made people's day.

WORK
This month I poured myself into the Americana Music Association. I worked way more than usual, but it was totally worth it. I organized a super-duper important project and it went over really well. We are still waiting for decisions to be made, but we are crossing our fingers that the not-for-profit association will get extra funding. Working on that project, promoting the Americana's Cross County Lines, and working on the balloting and nomination ceremony didn't leave much time or brain-power for my other endeavors. Thus the lack of posts on this here blog and other self-employment projects were neglected. Hopefully, one day I will be able to narrow my focus.

AMERICANA HONORS & AWARDS NOMINATION CEREMONY
The aspect of my job I love the most are the events. On May 12th, we announced the nominees for the Americana Honors & Awards show that will happen on September 17th. Click here to see the nominees. What are my predictions this year?  As much as I want Robert Ellis to win in his categories, he's the underdog. Album of the Year - Southeastern, Jason Isbell. Artist of the Year - Rosanne Cash. Duo/Group of the Year - The Avett Brothers. Song of the Year - "Ohio", Patty Griffin. Emerging Act of the Year - Parker Millsap. Instrumentalist of the Year - Buddy Miller (per usual).  If I was allowed to vote, then my votes would definitely go to Robert Ellis, Hard Working Americans, and Parker Millsap. If you don't know them then look 'em up. Totally worth it.

Can you spot me in this picture? (Hint: I am against the far wall)


AMERICANA'S CROSS COUNTY LINES

Last night was the Americana's Cross County Lines dayfest featuring John Hiatt, Patty Griffin, Brandy Clark, Ashley Monroe, Joe Pug, Parker Millsap, and Luther Dickinson. It was on a farm in Franklin and just gorgeous with green grass and a barn that embodies "Americana". Since it was on outdoor event we were worried about rain. It rained from 3:30-4:15 and stopped for the rest of the night. The event started at 4:30 so it was right on time. I got halfway drenched (my front was under a tent but my back/butt got soaked). My favorite of the night had to be Parker Millsap with John Hiatt at a close second. Parker is a young guy with lots of energy and John is a recognizably seasoned performer. Before this event, I thought Brandy Clark was "okay", but after seeing her perform I am a fan. Here are a few pictures. Hope to see you there next year!

A lot of people showed up!

Joe Pug performed on the acoustic stage. There were two stages so music was constantly going. Genius idea!  Favorite song - "I do my father's drugs"

Ashley Monroe. Even prettier in person.

The inside of the barn was beautiful. Smelly and hot, but beautiful!

I was obsessed with Patty Griffin's Flaming Red album when I was 17, Obsessed!


John Hiatt stole the show! He closed it out with his biggest hit "Have a Little Faith in Me".

Coming in June: CMA Festival, Bonnaroo (hopefully), the Hubs birthday, a going away party, and even a baby shower. Possibly the busiest month yet! What do you have planned for June?

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