tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40116290959454345722024-03-14T11:39:02.438-04:00Staircase to Earth's LovelinessThis blog is about the many things I find lovely and inspirational in life - whether it be music, random thoughts or my passion for Motown. Inspired by Michelangelo's quote: "My soul can find no staircase to heaven unless it be through earth's loveliness."metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-23684758440192349202010-07-04T19:16:00.027-04:002010-07-05T09:26:24.617-04:00Finding Historical Charm at the Eleanor & Edsel Ford House in Grosse Pointe<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490404284585856546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T0-xFHpiLnCsqfzdBQ9Qc1j_wPNJwVvqBdxsEnR8-Jf9F5s9IHgOxnQuSkaNFFLkhVNhs85SOMHaawitT3ko19H3CxkaQVB1rp_V7lm6M_bXzm6H9LSZlKevJmvNmmNA4iF1nr8jvWQ/s320/Ford+House.JPG" />Last week I visited the <a href="http://www.fordhouse.org/">Eleanor & Edsel Ford House </a>in Grosse Pointe with the lady I can always count on doing historical/cultural things with me: my mother.<br /><br /><div><div><div>Let me just start off by saying this place is a mecca of cool I didn't even know existed until my company started doing work with them a few years back. After hearing my colleagues describe the place to media (this is not <em>my</em> client), I decided this should be on my "things to do in the Detroit area" list. </div><br /><div>History? <em>Check.</em> Fab Detroitness? <em>Check.</em> Charming place to eat? <em>Check.</em> What more could a gal want?</div><br /><div>Prior to the tour, we checked out <a href="http://detroitadventurepass.org/rebuild/">Macy's adventure passes</a> so we were able to tour FOR FREE. (If you're unfamiliar, see <a href="http://detroitadventurepass.org/rebuild/">here</a>: it's a fantastic program made possible with the help of local libraries). Had we not gotten in for free, it would have cost $10 for me and $9 for my mom (a senior) and it would have been worth every single penny.<br /></div><div><br />We started our time on the grounds watching a short film about the lives and family of Eleanor and Edsel. This was a fantastic way to start, as it really laid the groundwork of what the family was about - each other, arts/culture/history and philanthrophy. Through the film, I really gained a respect for the family (Edsel is the only son of Henry, the entreprenuer behind <a href="http://www.ford.com/">Ford Motor Co.</a>) and their passion for Detroit. </div><br /><div>After the film, we were driven in a mini-bus to the home where we were greeted by a tour guide, who was an adorable and knowledgeable older lady. She walked us through a chunk of the home, stopping to tell stories about the family along the way. One of my favorite rooms showcased the wedding dresses of some of the Ford women. They were beautiful (and <em>tiny</em>!).<br /></div><div><br />The house was truly a masterpiece. It was really interesting to hear about the history of each item that adorned the walls - from 16th century wood brought over from England to pieces of art by some of my fave French artists such as <a href="http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1R2ADRA_enUS365&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=degas+paintings&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=g2g-m1&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Degas</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1R2ADRA_enUS365&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=cezzane+paintings&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Cezanne</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1R2ADRA_enUS365&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=van+gogh+paintings&aq=f&aqi=g4g-m3&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Van Gogh</a> and even pieces from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Dynasty">Han Dynasty </a>and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming_Dynasty">Ming Dynasty</a> (super-de-duperly old). The dining room was really neat and we learned the family dined there every night by candlelight (there were no lights in the room).</div><div></div><div><br />I felt like I was friends with Eleanor after the tour, as I and greatly admired her passion for the arts in Detroit. One neat thing I learned was that the family kept the <a href="http://www.dia.org/">Detroit Institute of the Arts</a> open during the depression by paying for the salaries of the employees. For that, us Detroiters should be forever grateful.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490405174506735058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmB83evt6x6sv5x-v6UdCvzrDN7RUdBjeAHu8iZQXflvPnnAiX3eJ235sskdWg8NEjK5QV3JVO_VPcpwG3DKAeUETPahRNgFLXncyomZ_gYalwvpbqgJbvKBJa0iN5tqgZ9QzSLaH96w/s320/Rose+Garden+-+Frog.JPG" />After we walked through the house, we toured the grounds, including seeing the Ford's amazing pool, Josephine Ford's playhouse version of the house (pictured below) and a beautiful rose garden that made us feel like we were in Europe.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490404652851843794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdk7_PDz6E_XLgMeKAxbb-F8CBJ2_6B3fe9_S9KY0ifk6z25YzFnGuD0uYo3CA2wT0y0h1W19N5ocR1ldNDSGp_OWW31AakJ68dsr9LB7nk525qwQr9hhcHTfQYw3WOtqlo5vOGvP_FA/s320/J's+Playhouse.JPG" />After the tour, we stopped for lunch at the newly opened <a href="http://www.fordhouse.org/uploaded_pics/pdf/pdf-20100208155133.pdf">Cotswold Cafe</a>. At the cafe, we ordered quiche and a Maurice Salad (my favorite item from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson">J.L. Hudson</a>, Eleanor's uncle), which were pretty yummy, but the best part was the dessert - a pear and cranberry cobbler that was absolutely delish.</div><br /><div>If you're fascinated by Detroit history, art and culture or even need an impressive place for a date, check this historical gem out. Plus, it's a great excuse to drive down Lake Shore Drive and admire the beautiful historical homes that have put Grosse Pointe on the map. Can't wait to go back for the additional tours available...and one day, take my little girl there to see our history trapped in time. </div></div></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-9773874126182044722010-05-31T21:15:00.018-04:002010-05-31T22:33:57.459-04:00My 'I Heart Michigan' Mix<a href="http://kurtskelly.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Michigan-talk_to_the_hand_tshirt-p235843163410365883yzs4_400.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477626266065406962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64QHE-1yjL1iMNh8eiDLxVjKFm-L-_vY7WTHrg-A29gATPaPE6Osdo7h7BZB0ZSXdMz7tGejoBjIgHGwDgwXlPy5JAJFugSU_kNlD-ZR82ZLiAcsi4YUG5Ty6a9hvl5DTqH2EwVmKyCg/s320/Talk+to+the+hand.jpg" /></a>I love Michigan and I can't imagine living in any other state. Yes, it gets cold. But not extremely cold. Yes, it can be humid, but it doesn't generally get past 100 degrees.<br /><div></div><br /><div>We have very few <em>killer</em> tornadoes. We don't get hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis. </div><br /><div>We have all four seasons. We have grass, trees, cultural institutions, award-winning restaurants and wine. We have National Coney Island, Faygo, Better Made, Garden Fresh, GM, Ford and my fave ice cream - Hudsonville. And the best part - we have lakes upon lakes covering our beautiful state.</div><br /><div>Michigan has gotten a bad rap due to our reliance on the auto industry and high unemployment rates. But nowhere is perfect. Michigan is <em>my</em> perfect.</div><br /><div>After being on the lake today, I've felt inspired to make a mix for Michigan. For a day on the lake, cruising the shore, tubing/skiing, watching a Michigan sunset - these are some of my fave jams to listen to that remind me of my fair state.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUxXZdv8D2U">Especially in Michigan</a> - Red Hot Chili Peppers</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA">All Summer Long</a> - Kid Rock</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fel1xOslUw">Free</a> - Zac Brown Band</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrCfY9FKeHc">The Life</a> - Kenny Chesney (just imagine Michigan, not Mexico!)</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZGHTkmhxgQ">We're Going To Be Friends</a> - The White Stripes</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN0A6h9Wc5c">All This Beauty</a> - The Weepies</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYPqA4slnbQ">Put Your Hands Up For Detroit</a> - Fedde Le Grand</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARIr6S_0lAQ">The Lighthouse's Tale</a> - Nickel Creek</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5D4Trt7AiA">Lucky Man</a> - Montgomery Gentry</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuo0KIqD_E">One Piece At A Time</a> - Johnny Cash</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw4xI4xkeyo">Boat Drinks </a>- Jimmy Buffet</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n147mDjm5bs">Northern Michigan</a> - Jill Jack</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR0CWvbl51o">Half Acre</a> - Hem</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEaz5DPmoaY">Lie In Our Graves</a> - Dave Matthews Band</div><div></div><div><br />If this weekend is a barometer for the summer ahead, we're in for a wonderful one. Cheers to the only state where you can use your hand to show where you live!</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-65636823439153749162010-05-23T20:05:00.001-04:002010-05-23T20:43:20.938-04:00Introducing #BabyWeber, Kinley Marie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZo4xyn1AyU9OvOqGova0CV0IIYw64003fbpvpZb9Q0Jf57qbLRkv_0E_FVXigvE9V4XH6pvg0w_eEEbhg4iDgTJD6GZumNmyu_WnPd5FHABLd9okJcXgknQ2_Ucdn7qhYwabPdjw2-A/s1600/Kinley.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474627312587852626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZo4xyn1AyU9OvOqGova0CV0IIYw64003fbpvpZb9Q0Jf57qbLRkv_0E_FVXigvE9V4XH6pvg0w_eEEbhg4iDgTJD6GZumNmyu_WnPd5FHABLd9okJcXgknQ2_Ucdn7qhYwabPdjw2-A/s320/Kinley.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>Before you were conceived, I wanted you.</em></div><div align="center"><em>Before you were born, I loved you.</em></div><div align="center"><em>Before you were here an hour, I would die for you.</em></div><div align="center"><em>This is the miracle of life.</em></div><div align="center"><em>- Maureen Hawkins</em></div><br />Yes, it's been awhile since I last posted.<br /><br /><div>Let me just say my brain has been occupied with something new going on in my life: pregnancy! I am not in any way finished blogging just because I am anticipating MAJOR changes in my life, but obviously it's not going to be as consistent. Regardless, I will try my darnest.</div><br /><div></div><div>I have never been so happy in my entire life. Sounds corny, but ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to be a mom. I'm a nurturer by nature and just have always known it's my lot in life to take care of a wee human being. Coupled with my amazing husband, I have no doubt that it's going to be the most exciting adventure of our lives.</div><br /><div></div><div>My time lately has been spent sleeping (esp. at the beginning) and reading stacks of books on pregnancy, baby bargains, breastfeeding and infant care. I know nothing in the books can prepare me for what's ahead, but having a bit more working knowledge for what I'm in for has been a sigh of relief.</div><br /><div></div><div>I'm 21 weeks along already - just over halfway there! And we know it's a girl - Kinley (prncd. kin-lee) Marie to be exact.</div><br /><div></div><div>There's logic behind the name:</div><div>- Kinley is the road Jason grew up on and where his family's homestead is. With his grandpa passing away last fall, it seemed fitting to have the name be a part of him in some way.</div><div>- Upon researching the name, we discovered it's Irish (brings my heritage in a bit!) and means "Fair Warrior." With a meaning like that, she's bound to be a bad a$$.</div><div>- It starts with the letter K. Since we're <strong>J</strong>ason & <strong>L</strong>auren, it seems only fitting that we utilize the letter that is in between us.</div><br /><div>Marie, yes, the cliche middle name for a girl. Well, not to us.</div><div>- Marie is my middle name, my mom's middle name, my grandma's middle name and my great-grandma's middle name.</div><div>- Marie is Jason's mom's middle name as well. And it's his amazing grandma's first name.</div><div></div><br /><div>Winner winner chicken dinner! Glad it's a girl just for the sheer fact we knew her name even before she was conceived and we were lost when it came to boy names.</div><div></div><div><br />I have gobs of posts stored in my mind ranging from education to art and the top things I want to show Kinley about Detroit that will take time to write. Be patient and know I will be back again soon!</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-37630234582379340232010-02-09T08:45:00.000-05:002010-02-09T09:08:49.623-05:00Word-Up Ya'll: Talk Trash for a Rockin' Cause<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzbSTepi79ObX5ldbgSfwjVb_8pT8a_sTmv-HGTYMW2Cg48GDuTakT9RdmWudgjOswQGTCevFSpl5Ekba_WTMhh2VbDDIbeSNS0IPFfyDdHJ6TqaoHwTcpEYdAG2i6WDHhoUjDpQWSwE/s1600-h/word-up.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436011339113745122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzbSTepi79ObX5ldbgSfwjVb_8pT8a_sTmv-HGTYMW2Cg48GDuTakT9RdmWudgjOswQGTCevFSpl5Ekba_WTMhh2VbDDIbeSNS0IPFfyDdHJ6TqaoHwTcpEYdAG2i6WDHhoUjDpQWSwE/s320/word-up.jpg" /></a>Just sharing the latest and greatest on our female blogger collaboration with <a href="http://operationkidequip.org/">Operation: Kid Equip</a> - <a href="http://word.eventbrite.com/">Word-Up </a>- a trash talkin' tennis tourney for a cause!<br /><br />On Saturday, Feb. 27th, from 9-11 p.m. at the Birmingham Racquet Club, area bloggers and social media enthusiasts will step out from behind the safety of their monitors and iPhones to face off. For a group of Detroiters accustomed to scrapping out turf in the cyber world by skillfully lobbing poignant barbs, placing the perfect spin on headlines and relying on the fastest servers, the opportunity to see who rises to the top in a face-to-face battle of good ole' fashion trash talk was too much to resist.<br /><br />All proceeds from the event will go to Operation: Kid Equip to help complete their mission of arming area third graders with dictionaries. We're currently raising funds for Hazel Park and need your help!<br /><br />Sign up <a href="http://word.eventbrite.com/">here</a> to play, attend, support or sponsor Word-Up. You may as well, cuz if you don't, we'll just talk trash about you anyway!<br /><br />If you're curious as to how this will work, just check out the event's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=287614312029">Facebook page</a>.<br /><br /><em>*Warning: Trash talk will be flying at this event and is more than likely to land out of bounds at times. All attendees, playing or not, should arrive with well-padded egos.*</em><br /><br />Pre-event registration prices range from $10-$30, but feel free to make a donation if you aren't able to attend. Door prices are $10 more per ticket (depending on availability).<br /><br /><div>Now, I don't play tennis, but this will definitely be something worth seeing, or shall I say hearing? Crazy 70's gear is encouraged, so bring out the tube socks and shorty shorts!<br /></div><br /><div>WORD-UP!</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436008665621872114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00ukLcTiOgo891SuAMGS1R__WtUB3JhSlfDEpAgugi7JFBM4lnAznr29ff0-t4f-tcCTeOUNYUilQukfx3k7oX-CdZHfs7GKg3UhClcCv8IfIO3Q_GVAlFlKrVnXtUvKkyQ203dJK5BE/s320/usopen5.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://s.bebo.com/app-image/9403165203/6245843522/PROFILE/i.quizzaz.com/img/q/u/08/07/19/usopen5.jpg"><em>Angry</em></a> (or happy?) Andy Roddick photo cred.</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-68750141728369074902010-01-20T16:13:00.002-05:002010-01-20T16:17:33.839-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Prayers for Haiti<div align="center"><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2010/0117/Haiti-earthquake-Hymns-and-hope-on-a-Sunday"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 406px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428933439794242802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguROsA4JDfvPC9xQoA1sk7nBVQi91QvYhVMHugoQb_n5FVmTT4p3bXOs99bMnhEclbb1fTC_tovznn9ckduysDth11N62ifQ89RTphFOe-zYsSNJF6eiyoP73dCdtSrGY_esmiM6EBa24/s320/0117-HaitiChurch3_full_380.jpg" /></a> Photo cred: from the <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/">Christian Science Monitor</a>. </div><div align="center">Read the story behind the photo <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2010/0117/Haiti-earthquake-Hymns-and-hope-on-a-Sunday">here</a>. </div><div align="center">It's beautiful.</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-46259597500500707342010-01-18T07:30:00.000-05:002010-01-18T07:36:50.327-05:00Dictionary Project Update: Some Delivered, but Still a Great Need<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlgDFrvBfsj6NsTEdNuQefNv8hgq6uCfnhSXpX4xcfFxeod3bp4CowzCLh-EFjmAJGadoabXGOCGsnpfq0bysU0MlZQwGzWdUSBSwFsh1PbqzOkioGuSfws20FKUNso3u0IoAQkYAFSM/s1600-h/Nikki+and+Jen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427833945410960146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlgDFrvBfsj6NsTEdNuQefNv8hgq6uCfnhSXpX4xcfFxeod3bp4CowzCLh-EFjmAJGadoabXGOCGsnpfq0bysU0MlZQwGzWdUSBSwFsh1PbqzOkioGuSfws20FKUNso3u0IoAQkYAFSM/s320/Nikki+and+Jen.jpg" /></a>There we were. Standing in the library of <a href="http://www.ferndaleschools.org/schools/jfk/index.html">John F. Kennedy</a> elementary school in Ferndale when all of the sudden...massive amounts of 3rd graders come at us.<br /><br />This only means one thing: we reached our <a href="http://metrogal84.blogspot.com/2009/12/help-operation-kid-equip-empower-local.html">goal</a> of being able to provide dictionaries to every third grader in the Ferndale school district!<br /><br />Last Wednesday, the gals from the <a href="http://operationkidequip.org/">Operation: Kid Equip </a>(OKE) female blogger collaboration and Menachem, the co-founder and brains behind OKE came together to deliver dictionaries to our first school.<br /><br />The experience was nothing short of amazing. The principal announced us and explained to the children that we were sharing our passion for writing with them by giving them a great tool - a dictionary.<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427837807364914866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVTP3lnYiNJ6YVGvuOYM_LQzHWGkxKGmJ_yIt_0BiIWMzFXBGk5mejy5_TWfmnVonaMLRcE0QvrrfPYqYpfrJi8Ynqjg0KumjwB1Lv9EyCwQHGu_XOyQgYAA9dC3sdGJdPHfuFMyU5c/s320/Cute+Girl+with+dictionary.jpg" />The children crowded around us, each getting up to receive a dictionary of their very own. We received many thanks, but the cutest of all were all the HUGS we received. Once seated again, the students thumbed through the book, which was easy to navigate for a 3rd grader and they all quickly found other nuggets of wisdom in the book such as sign language and the longest word known to man. I showed a little girl how I sign my name and encouraged her to learn how to sign her own name and then look up words in the dictionary and figure out how to sign those. Here she is signing away:</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427834270233631442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9SaqvvqR9Za0RjGU1jNkzg_S3U0H_hqs5vRn3kanTLZeCwqhbo_i9ECJk19sr8A9diO354Or70WafYoG4XkVOfTYuut428k3RtSyEpCbJY-M0jeC9CFFAr89HGUvN7x7uVcvO961CKA/s320/Kids+with+dictionaries.JPG" />Following the distribution, the principal asked the students how receiving a dictionary made them feel inside and the students were quick to raise their hands to share: excited, happy and LOVED. To think a simple act of giving away a dictionary could make a child feel loved was the best feeling ever. We all departed feeling pretty darn good about ourselves.</p><p>The need train doesn't stop here though. We still need to distribute many more dictionaries to area children. And our next stop is Hazel Park, an Oakland County city that has been hit very hard by the economy.</p><p>To those asking "Why Oakland County and not Detroit proper?" listen up:<br />Oakland County is often noted as one of the "richest" counties in the state. However, that really isn't true these days -- not in Michigan's economy especially. However, because of this notion, many times children in Oakland County are overlooked. As <a href="http://operationkidequip.org/?p=182">OKE's research</a> has shown, many school districts have gone up dramatically in the past few years with the school's free and reduced lunch program, which generally is an indicator of the need. One district in dire need is Hazel Park, which has recently surpassed Pontiac's need.<br /><br />Helping out is simple. For a $20 donation, you can supply eight third graders with dictionaries. </p><p>1. Click <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=q2NWj1beHCDaqPEnBL7lqNZRFP1T0liHQ6WKIk555NIF4AEcjF968X_VEQ4&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1ffc45dc241d84e953c6c47237de2bc4f5b43fafc6513a8a86">here</a> to make a PayPal donation.<br /><br />2. Mail a check to:<br />Operation: Kid Equip<br />P.O. Box 364<br />Royal Oak, MI 48068-0364<br />*Write Dictionary Project in the memo line*<br /><br />3. Contact menachem[at]operationkidequip.org to make a credit card or other form of payment.</p><p>So on this Martin Luther King Day as we reflect on how our country has progressed through the years, let us also reflect on something very important he said many years ago: </p><p><em><strong>Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'</strong></em><br /><br /><em>Special props to the other Detroit-area bloggers making this possible: Erin Rose of </em><a href="http://www.positivedetroit.net/"><em>Positive Detroit</em></a><em>, Becks Davis of </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.detroitmoxie.com"><em>Detroit Moxie</em></a><em>, Nikki Stephan of </em><a href="http://nicolena10.blogspot.com/"><em>Creativity, Love, Happiness & All That Falls Between</em></a><em> and Jennifer Wright of </em><a href="http://lookingglasslane.com/wordpress/"><em>Looking Glass Lane</em></a><em>. If you'd like to join the collaboration, contact Erin at positivedetroit[at]gmail.com.</em> </p><p><em>Thanks to Becks Davis of </em><a href="http://www.detroitmoxie.com/"><em>Detroit Moxie</em></a><em> for the adorable photo in the middle of the girl with the dictionary.</em></p>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-64155171537026726622010-01-17T14:21:00.000-05:002010-01-17T14:21:00.595-05:00Sunday Song(s): Songs About Detroit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiUiJI2a9F1GD_3Iiu0tXgVi5plJ1MqxD0nlAmaFLly4U3Wemzkk3U2UQoFKcQ7YyVzOTJnLUXZkalRIFxLa1tNvXsSZ2Qot6wqOeAjcDkHhG7du1ZlMeQ3zcx8wnHw45gvLs0Jvq8uc/s1600-h/detroit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427470497132152434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiUiJI2a9F1GD_3Iiu0tXgVi5plJ1MqxD0nlAmaFLly4U3Wemzkk3U2UQoFKcQ7YyVzOTJnLUXZkalRIFxLa1tNvXsSZ2Qot6wqOeAjcDkHhG7du1ZlMeQ3zcx8wnHw45gvLs0Jvq8uc/s320/detroit.jpg" /></a>Check out this sweet Wikipedia entry of songs that were written about Detroit. I had no idea our fair city was so popular!<br /><br />**<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_about_Detroit">Wiki entry on songs about Detroit</a>**<br /><div></div><br /><div>There's your standard Detroiters on the list - Eminem, Kid Rock and a pleuthora of Detroit-area bands, but there's also a whole slew of other random artists as well.</div><br /><div>Glad the city provides inspiration to some rockin' musicians! I feel a new playlist coming on...</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-65928723619390407442010-01-16T16:16:00.013-05:002010-01-16T17:16:07.667-05:00Looking for Rad Places? Try Yelp.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ka4gwOhur-iCbNL33WIFrBlb_wV_SKbIKYJc-WmpDFFue1ME4tJ9DrusLCDiLD81aaU_RzLETbTxWQuMBf0yJCBorgkb78m4c2iW5goQVz2aNXmB4ZNSh6-Xro9DEMNu5cIreTJTw-k/s1600-h/yelp-395.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 254px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 136px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427464067869467522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ka4gwOhur-iCbNL33WIFrBlb_wV_SKbIKYJc-WmpDFFue1ME4tJ9DrusLCDiLD81aaU_RzLETbTxWQuMBf0yJCBorgkb78m4c2iW5goQVz2aNXmB4ZNSh6-Xro9DEMNu5cIreTJTw-k/s320/yelp-395.jpg" /></a>One of my favorite discoveries this year has been <a href="http://www.yelp.com/">Yelp</a>.<br /><div><br />Dubbed as "<em>Real People. Real Reviews.</em>", Yelp gives registered users the opportunity to dish about everything from restaurants and bars to salons and dry cleaners.</div><br /><div>Since I didn't grow up in the D, this site has been <strong>crucial </strong>in finding new places to nosh and play.</div><br /><div>Before Yelp, I stuck to dining in my neighborhood or relied on friend's suggestions. Yelp has pushed me to look elsewhere....and has proved that sometimes the way places look on the outside do not reflect the vibe within. (i.e. after reading a few good reviews, I'm excited to try my neighborhood Chinese restaurant, even though it kinda looks creepy on the outside.)</div><br /><div>The site has also been extremely helpful in planning trips. If I know I am going to be traveling to a certain town, I always check Yelp first. I'd much prefer to hear from someone else about a great place then search local news sites.</div><br /><div></div><div>Thanks Yelp for helping me, or shall I say <strong>yelping </strong>me out.</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Read real reviews on Detroit-area places </em><a href="http://www.yelp.com/detroit"><em>here</em></a><em>. And if you check out a place, be sure to write a review yourself -- you never know, your suggestion/complaint may be addressed by the business owner. Check out my reviews or friend me </em><a href="http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=DjzHPwydZfVpC5GRuPrtYw"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-34180628926652551732010-01-10T19:57:00.013-05:002010-01-10T21:04:12.193-05:00Sunday Song(s): Jill Jack is where it's at<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz21aAlBlNOubN1iS2nTH-9LuJzG8qyWsJpbZtIqJUhK-sxET96N4b0PdTdq-ZQIgMWkcmA1ogu1TY-dvfttCZtQXNjNeMv7VA9KIfrIqnvTxTlZHt5Uu7z6aO5K97PyTbX3jlBmcBIdc/s1600-h/Jill+Jack.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 277px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425281224323590642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz21aAlBlNOubN1iS2nTH-9LuJzG8qyWsJpbZtIqJUhK-sxET96N4b0PdTdq-ZQIgMWkcmA1ogu1TY-dvfttCZtQXNjNeMv7VA9KIfrIqnvTxTlZHt5Uu7z6aO5K97PyTbX3jlBmcBIdc/s320/Jill+Jack.jpg" /></a>My dear friend <a href="http://nicolena10.blogspot.com/">Nikki</a> and I have been wanting to see Detroit folk singer/songwriter <a href="http://www.jilljack.com/index.php">Jill Jack</a> and her band for months and last night we finally got the chance to do that with our Twitter friend <a href="http://www.thatdamnredhead.net/">Stacy</a> at <a href="http://www.atcallahans.com/">Callahan's</a> in Auburn Hills.<br /><br />Wow, am I ever glad we got to go! The concert was for the release of her newest CD, <em>Songwriter Sessions,</em> which features a variety of songs that she's written over the years but has never released on CD.<br /><br />Jill definitely has a captivating appeal to her. Not only is she gorgeous (she looks absolutely fab for 47 years old!), but she's a natural storyteller, which to me, makes the music much more meaningful. She revealed what each song meant to her - from broken hearts to empty nest syndrome to insomnia and beyond. Each lyric is deeply personal and she isn't afraid to reveal her inspiration behind each song on her <a href="http://www.jilljack.com/lyricssessions.php">Web site</a>, which just makes me love her even more.<br /><br />I can't quite place who she sounds like since she's just unique and herself, but a cross between Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow came to my mind. And those are some lady singers I adore, so it all makes sense why I enjoyed her concert. :)<br /><br />I've listened to her stuff on her site and plan to buy the CD/DVD combo for sure once its on iTunes, but if you get the chance to see her live, that's where the <strong>sweetness</strong> is. She's a great live musician and I hope to see her many more times in the future.<br /><br />Thanks Jill and the band of talented folks for making Michigan proud!<br /><br />*Image from <a href="http://www.jilljack.com/index.php">jilljack.com</a>.metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-90429914530219075522010-01-07T08:39:00.001-05:002010-01-07T08:50:57.680-05:00These Things I Wish For You StoryI am typically not a fan of email forwards, but my mom sent me this one and I loved it so much, I felt the need to share!<br /><br />This was written by Lee Pitts and was read on-air by Paul Harvey in 1997. The words are most likely meant for the boomer generation, but I see a lot of truths in here from my generation as well.<br /><br />Here's hoping my generation's kids turn out OK...<br /><br /><strong>These Things I Wish For You</strong><br />By Lee Pitts<br /><br /><em>We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse.<br /><br />For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.<br /><br />I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen. It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.<br /><br />I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in. I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him. When you want to see a movie and your little brother wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him.<br /><br />I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely. On rainy days, when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.<br /><br />If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one. I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books. When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.<br /><br />I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.<br /><br />May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.<br /><br />I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays. I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.<br /><br />These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.<br /><br />Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.</em>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-10284002219022589832010-01-03T20:29:00.014-05:002010-01-03T21:33:10.520-05:00Self Improvements for 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HkJekp6hoJuYjl0J18Trcby2C6-geKPSZdaUEzjrsP_mHzRj8oQsfktYNSz4fldLzRx8xpjtzkxdiRCu5-PqP1IKp1SSh1VjBdvkocbVRC0_2UsmPI-uDfYCG3rgm44FplxZ4ZUcSOY/s1600-h/2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705032662853058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HkJekp6hoJuYjl0J18Trcby2C6-geKPSZdaUEzjrsP_mHzRj8oQsfktYNSz4fldLzRx8xpjtzkxdiRCu5-PqP1IKp1SSh1VjBdvkocbVRC0_2UsmPI-uDfYCG3rgm44FplxZ4ZUcSOY/s320/2010.jpg" /></a>Resolutions, no matter how silly they are to some people, are helpful to me to benchmark things I want to do to continue to improve my life. Here's a few I'm hoping to work on this year...<br /><br /><div><strong>Stay in better touch with family.</strong> It's tough because the majority of my family is a few timezones away, but as I learned in a recent trip to visit my Arizona family, it's important to keep the ties, no matter how much time passes. This also applies to family close by. I hope to have more nights this year where I can babysit my nephews. I have so much fun doing it and I love bonding with them. I only wish I had more aunties nearby when growing up!</div><br /><div><strong>Do something every day to help someone out.</strong> It might be a small act, like letting an elderly person go in front of me at the grocery store or it could be bigger like participating in a day of service to help an organization. Just a little something to make someone out there smile.</div><br /><div>From my list last year...in which I failed...<strong>learn to sew</strong>. It's going to happen in 2010! Another one from last year is I'd like to continue to do more things to engage the creative side of my brain. One thing I've always wanted to learn to do is to create a mosaic. I hope to buy some supplies soon to try it out.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Get financially smart.</strong> This one shouldn't be hard with an accountant husband there to guide me. He can help explain terms, but it's up to me to learn things on my own. I need to stop skipping over the news articles talking about mortgages, interest rates, 401Ks and investing and actually learn something. I want to set a budget and see if I can stick to it...saving money and clipping coupons is sexy and there certainly are enough blogs and websites out there to help me along the way.</div><br /><div>We'll see what comes of this short list during 2010. Life is a work in progress and I'm thankful to still be chipping away. Cheers to 2010!</div><div> <br /></div><div><em>*image from dreamstime.com*</em></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-87434374146237513912009-12-23T08:25:00.002-05:002009-12-23T08:25:00.227-05:00Wordless Wednesday: I guess my neighbor is protesting being P.C.!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kNgcxezIDPLa4xCJJiJeuVvHEpng3mOWfe0AzBUp-qsS7YCz1QAA0eYxchk5sO6M4qASzCOfI8kjqVUeB31Nf8E40tCAujVEQYemQz9d6KCtrPFhrUcrdOG2FDI3A9V62N60Rc5TkAM/s1600-h/Christmas.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 351px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418099034189108674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kNgcxezIDPLa4xCJJiJeuVvHEpng3mOWfe0AzBUp-qsS7YCz1QAA0eYxchk5sO6M4qASzCOfI8kjqVUeB31Nf8E40tCAujVEQYemQz9d6KCtrPFhrUcrdOG2FDI3A9V62N60Rc5TkAM/s320/Christmas.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-55799406904501874632009-12-20T22:27:00.002-05:002009-12-21T09:39:28.107-05:00Sunday Song: "Renaissance State of Mind" by Ro Spit and Monica BlaireI am really digging <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoLCYbeI524">this</a> Detroit rendition of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" fittingly called "Renaissance State of Mind." Be sure to listen to the lyrics - great mentions of some of metro Detroit's finest land marks. Plus, this girl Monica can SING. Holy cow, these homegrown talents are going somewhere...watch out world, Detroit's about to takeover!metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-14669306063453076212009-12-09T11:10:00.023-05:002009-12-21T14:00:02.462-05:00Help Operation: Kid Equip Empower Local Students<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjnh2aqy2hiNOF5eqAH9KZ67YBiQuJxoQ3ioatVSjxvdwFWjF9816c_YlwCf0t9FjWvz_lWCUDckK5b7hRbZrCQEeFVNOr4IjGl8fJZQSpVQ0gz3FJlmyszsvZ34b1i_BqcuVKMpN8Pk/s1600-h/Erin+Rose.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 245px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413083691678667906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjnh2aqy2hiNOF5eqAH9KZ67YBiQuJxoQ3ioatVSjxvdwFWjF9816c_YlwCf0t9FjWvz_lWCUDckK5b7hRbZrCQEeFVNOr4IjGl8fJZQSpVQ0gz3FJlmyszsvZ34b1i_BqcuVKMpN8Pk/s320/Erin+Rose.jpg" /></a>I'm proud to let you all know that I've partnered with some rad female bloggers from the Detroit area to spread the word and raise money for a really neat program.<br /><br />The program is with <a href="http://www.positivedetroit.net/">Positive Detroit </a>and <a href="http://www.operationkidequip.org/">Operation: Kid Equip, </a>a metro Detroit organization looking to help provide 25% of Oakland County Schools with dictionaries for third graders.<br /><br />With the assistance of Operation: Kid Equip and its participation with The Dictionary Project, we will work to distribute dictionaries specifically written for third graders who are at the dividing line between learning to read and reading to learn.<br /><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/positivecities">Erin Rose </a>of <a href="http://www.positivedetroit.net/">Positive Detroit</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/becksdavis">Becks Davis </a>of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.detroitmoxie.com">Detroit Moxie</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/EstrellaBella10">Nikki Stephan </a>of <a href="http://nicolena10.blogspot.com/">Creativity, Love, Happiness & All That Falls Between </a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/missIve">Jennifer Wright </a>of <a href="http://lookingglasslane.com/wordpress/">Looking Glass Lane </a>are the other rockin' bloggers participating in this. The initiative is important to all of us because we want to help give the same opportunities to local students as we were given in our writing classes as children. And, we want to encourage local students to become better writers.<br /><br />Through March 15, 2010, we're working to raise money to provide approx. 2,700 third graders in Oakland County with new dictionaries. To give you an idea of the impact you can make, for a $20 donation, you can supply at least 8 third graders with dictionaries.<br /><br />Also, an anonymous donor has graciously offered to match donations, dictionary-for-dictionary, up to the first 100 dictionaries. Just think, your donation today can double the amount of children that are being served tomorrow!<br /><br />Literacy and writing are two things I feel <strong>very</strong> <strong>passionate</strong> about when it comes to children. I vividly remember having a giant blue Webster dictionary on our bookshelf as a kid. I would often use it to play a game...I'd flip through the pages, land on one, stick my finger on a word and read about the word and its meaning. I learned something new every time I played! I plan to teach my children the same game with the hopes that one day, they too will understand the power of words.<br /><br />Children are the key to our future -but how can they succeed without the ability to read and write? A dictionary is the perfect educational tool to start our children on a path toward success.<br /><br />Here is how you can help the organization:<br /><br /><strong>1.</strong> Click <a href="http://bit.ly/5PJH7o">here</a> to make a PayPal donation for $100, $50, $20 or $10<br /><br /><strong>2.</strong> Mail a check to:<br />Operation: Kid Equip<br />PO Box 364<br />Royal Oak, MI 48068-0364<br /><em>Be sure to write Dictionary Project in the memo line.</em><br /><br /><strong>3.</strong> Contact menachem@operationkidequip.org to make a credit card or other form of payment outside of PayPal.<br /><br /><strong>4.</strong> If you would like to join the female bloggers collaboration, contact Erin Rose at positivedetroit@gmail.com.<br /><br /><strong>About Operation: Kid Equip</strong><br />As an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit community benefit organization, we realize that to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness, we have to meet some very basic, yet overlooked needs. Operation: Kid Equip acts as a conduit for collecting and distributing tangible educational and school supplies to school-aged children. Operation: Kid Equip effects long term improvement in the community by providing at-risk kids with the core necessities they need to prosper in school and in life. Visit our website at www.operationkidequip.org<br /><br /><strong>About The Dictionary Project</strong><br />The Dictionary Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The goal of this program is to assist all students in completing the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come.metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-88586988418764872422009-12-08T22:28:00.000-05:002009-12-08T22:34:53.546-05:00Five SmilesMy co-worker asked me today why I've been so happy lately. At first I said "no reason" and then I got to thinking...what is it <em>really</em>???<br /><br /><div></div><div>I am sure the holidays have something to do with it...I am one of the rare ones that will admit to actually liking this time of year. But really, I'm just thinking that besides the normal routine stresses, I have been feeling pretty lucky lately. I have been blessed to have a lot of opportunities to smile during these past few weeks...<br /><br /></div><div><strong>Smile #1:</strong> Recently my job has allowed me to make two unemployed people happy. Person #1: I gave circus tickets to my neighbors a few weeks back. I didn't think anything of it but came home one night to three adorable kid drawing thank yous and a heartfelt card saying they hadn't had the money to do anything as a family in 8 months due to unemployment, so they appreciated the tickets. I had no idea the dad was unemployed.</div><div> </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413066464982954450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERa0WP8TVrSQxJkstahTQ63bhRfCHZCMpltMeuQdAZulKe4QsqaTOfMUCmb5Ta96bFnPVe9tbsf5iCF_AUAd_E108VdFZPbnr9hAPeIppHlMxitdcYHhyPIZGxVnCm75XP2SRrDxh1Lg/s320/circus.jpg" />Person #2: One of my clients is hosting a holiday giveaway. During the contest, we draw winners and contact them about their prize. Well, one of the entrants won $50. I emailed her to tell her the good news and she responded to me by saying she was unemployed and could really use the funds this season to get presents for her family. I'm so glad she was picked as a winner.<br /><br /><div><strong>Smile #2:</strong> I rang bells for <a href="http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_emi.nsf">The Salvation Army</a> this past weekend with one of my life's leading ladies, <a href="http://nicolena10.blogspot.com/">Nikki</a>. We always have a good time making people laugh as we sing and bop to Christmas music while ringing. We didn't get any $5s or $10s this year, but it didn't seem like many people passed up our kettle either. It was a happy realization to see that people are still giving back to nonprofits in need, despite the economy.</div><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413071614902054626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQD0dXN4KZBXL8cdLnde5ZknsebFVyUDqDE8M5bO6QUC724kOSJNNv9BBuz88UuOSd57ztavca1yJXsXuE5W5N-B6uOsjbtw6-f2h0cOaLQU3X9R_x_wtqw7jpv_SJW6F1f3fSUlV5Mc/s320/nikki+and+i.jpg" /> <strong>Smile #3:</strong> I saw the 10-voice male a cappella group/You Tube sensation <a href="http://www.sncmusic.com/">Straight No Chaser </a>with my girlfriends and mom at the <a href="http://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/">Royal Oak Music Theater</a>. They are ammmmmazing and I was so happy that we got to see them live. They sang a lot of great Christmas music, but my fave was a rendition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge." Check it out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canton-OH/Mix-941/47167999197#/video/video.php?v=527506581087">here</a> (sorry for the quality of the vid). They are supposed to come back to Michigan in the spring, so hopefully I can go...Until then, I am buying all of the music of theirs I can find! <div><br /><strong>Smile #4:</strong> My husband has been a MAJOR helper these past couple of hectic weeks, even despite his own crazy work hours. On top of putting up Christmas lights without a single complaint (I know he hates it), he even did laundry. And folded it. Without me asking. Sounds silly, but it's those little things that remind me that my life would fall apart without him...(or I'd at least be out of underwear!)</div><div></div><div><strong><br />Smile#5:</strong> I sang at an apartment complex for seniors with my choir last night. The acoustics at the place were horrible and I'm sure we didn't sound our best, but the seniors didn't care. In fact, they LOVED it. We sang carols at the end and I was amazed at how many of them knew all the words to the songs. After we were through performing, an older gentleman came up to me and said how much he loved our singing. After hearing his German accent, I asked what brought him here and he said he wanted to come to America since he was 6. After serving in WWII, he was finally able to come over and he explained how he has loved our country since. </div><br /><div>These 5 thing together have made me smile lately. And, like the saying goes, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years....and sometimes I just need a reminder of a few of the things that make life peachy: helping others, being loved and loving in return and being proud of your roots.</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-84685391290935341862009-11-28T12:38:00.012-05:002009-11-28T13:03:04.589-05:00Love yourself because you are the REAL deal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mpQt70H1ZdRLLhheG6sV4WgOAPqAN4tGnj7nnKeSQ0Z7RmNHHwK_PP_DiUY8wmMit0Fdbbw-dKKjwZH6XIQAL0TYXK1DGxBxfyJR-NBQxG679c9h7vKvSfA6RKxRlivjTZ96bamwhTU/s1600/Winged+Victory.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409214021554303906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mpQt70H1ZdRLLhheG6sV4WgOAPqAN4tGnj7nnKeSQ0Z7RmNHHwK_PP_DiUY8wmMit0Fdbbw-dKKjwZH6XIQAL0TYXK1DGxBxfyJR-NBQxG679c9h7vKvSfA6RKxRlivjTZ96bamwhTU/s320/Winged+Victory.jpg" /></a>I cut the <a href="http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/language_select/">Nike</a> ad that follows out of a magazine about 12 years ago and kept it in my dresser for those days I didn't feel beautiful...The paper has yellowed, so I wanted to keep it electronically. Go Nike's ad agency (Nike is also the goddess of victory btw) for drafting this powerful copy.<br /><div></div><br /><div>(Reminds me of my favorite sculpture ever from the Louvre in Paris - Winged Victory. Image from <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sandrashaw.com/images/AH1L21Nike.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sandrashaw.com/AH1L27.htm&usg=__yA5KQVagMEzSaUFW42FB5JBC2MM=&h=580&w=420&sz=51&hl=en&start=5&sig2=soenFktNzb-d39cQ9tjaZQ&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=3V33b-2JzU0L9M:&tbnh=134&tbnw=97&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwinged%2Bvictory%2Blouvre%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1R2ADBF_enUS337%26um%3D1&ei=0F8RS9yVEJaJnAed5cj2Aw">SandraShaw.com</a>)</div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Yes, this is a goddess.</div><br /><div>but you are not a goddess and you aren't ever going to be a goddess so maybe you should just get used to it. You'll never be perfect (<em>sorry</em>) and you're not worshipped (<em>usually</em>) and does this matter? No.</div><br /><div>Goddesses are worshipped because they aren't real and they aren't us and they aren't allowed to complain. Goddesses are worshipped even though (<em>and this is important</em>) they are really stone and really plaster and, more often than not, really dead.</div><br /><div>And yes they will never grow old and they will never grow up and they will stay that way (<em>stay that way stay that way</em>). This, however, is not the way you will stay.</div><br /><div>Because someday, since you are human, you will notice that time has passed and you are not who you were twenty years ago or ten years ago or even last week. Someday, since you are human, you will notice your body has changed and your kneecaps look more like Winston Churchill than ever before.</div><br /><div><em>Do not be alarmed.</em></div><br /><div>Because someday, since you are human, you will decide it is time to take those long walks and run down the streets and push and bend and move your body in ways you'd never thought possible. And it may be harder than you think. And you will get tired and kind of cranky and you may want to stop.<br /></div><div><br />But you won't.</div><br /><div>And as you move you will learn to rejoice in your body because it is yours and no one else's. You will learn to rejoice in being imperfect because perfect is such a <em>complete and utter</em> bore. You will learn to rejoice in your kneecaps because they are your kneecaps and they have seen the world.</div><br /><div></div><div>And the goddesses, from some high and chilly mountaintop, will be jealous of you. Let them.</div><br /><div></div><div>They are stone. You are flesh. They have pedestals. You just kicked the hell out of yours. They can't move. But you can.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>JUST DO IT.</strong></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-88859147597603221722009-11-22T16:03:00.000-05:002009-11-21T19:44:15.584-05:00Sunday Song: These are a few of my favorite things...literally<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AO45Q7_CkYSUEDKkMGHafEvxrXoXOiUUtRwRxtnSLmY3RTCDoQnsKLXM3dA5U7QZ6HU2xB8V4EAMM7gYzizLYNqVEMFKtdFQXpkMoOnXmPEQ7YRC6f1CjXT7H6OW7y-OYCEiASq0s0s/s1600/favorite-things.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406720765377154914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AO45Q7_CkYSUEDKkMGHafEvxrXoXOiUUtRwRxtnSLmY3RTCDoQnsKLXM3dA5U7QZ6HU2xB8V4EAMM7gYzizLYNqVEMFKtdFQXpkMoOnXmPEQ7YRC6f1CjXT7H6OW7y-OYCEiASq0s0s/s320/favorite-things.jpg" /></a>Rain storms in summer and freshly cut grasses,<br />Cheesy 90's music and beer in chilled glasses,<br />Bright flashy earrings and fun sassy rings,<br />These are a few of my favorite things.<br /><br />Cute chubby babies and orange colored kittens,<br />Chapstick and perfume and soft homemade mittens.<br />Playing trivia at Buffalo Wild Wings,<br />These are a few of my favorite things.<br /><br /><div>Snow on the ground, but not ice on the road<br />Coming home to my humble abode<br />Beautiful sunsets to watch on our swing,<br />these are a few of my favorite things. </div><br /><div></div><div>When my back aches, when the alarm rings,<br />When I'm feeling sad,<br />I simply remember my favorite things,<br />And then I don't feel so bad...</div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-25236263045757066662009-11-15T19:20:00.001-05:002009-11-15T20:32:54.211-05:00It's all about just having a bit of FAITH<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfcGXr7yRsVCnjRXTCP7F5Fxn9Vj8Y-WbVOFCog1wHlF4ifT-bMvV-yMhl1Cp3YTSoKl2bgxnYP6041_RpL8RUjuL3ffQdFa29RG4dnYlmS8T9aei6tiFXlKRXUu3_NcMhppLdRoTlxY/s1600-h/havcealittlefaith.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403005890592182402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfcGXr7yRsVCnjRXTCP7F5Fxn9Vj8Y-WbVOFCog1wHlF4ifT-bMvV-yMhl1Cp3YTSoKl2bgxnYP6041_RpL8RUjuL3ffQdFa29RG4dnYlmS8T9aei6tiFXlKRXUu3_NcMhppLdRoTlxY/s320/havcealittlefaith.jpg" /></a>If you only read one book this year, I'd suggest <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-Little-Faith-True-Story/dp/0786868724"><em>Have A Little Faith</em> </a>by Mitch Albom.<br /><br />I love Mitch's writing. In fact, I <a href="http://metrogal84.blogspot.com/2008/10/life-influences.html">briefly</a> wrote about him awhile back when I had the privilege of hearing him speak (he speaks just like he writes - very eloquently).<br /><br />My love for him aside, I just knew this book would instantly be a new favorite of mine. I read a few reviews online before deciding to make the purchase. Of course, the fact that a chunk of the book takes place in Detroit was appealing to me, as I always feel the need to be a cheerleader for the city. But regardless of the local flavor, I was entranced.<br /><br />If you aren't familiar, in the book Mitch tells the story of his interactions with two men of God - one being his childhood Rabbi and the other, a Pastor in Detroit. The two men don't share beliefs, backgrounds or skin color even, but they do share the one thing that often divides people: faith.<br /><br />To shed light on these "Men of God" was what was so fascinating to me in this book - often people think of their pastor/reverend/priest/rabbi/spiritual leader as untouchable - maybe even <em>perfect</em>. This book proves that isn't the case at all. In fact, it shows they too can have doubts and fears, just like the rest of us.<br /><br />The way Mitch interweaves both of these men's stories is amazing. I could go on and on with quotes and spoilers, but instead I've decided to leave you with a story I've heard before and was reminded of in the story. Read it and reflect.<br /><br /><u><strong>The difference between heaven and hell</strong> </u><br /><p><em>Heaven and hell are shown to a man. In hell, people sat around a banquet table, full of exquisite meats and delicacies. But their arms were locked in front of them, unable to partake for eternity.</em></p><p><em>"This is terrible," says the man. "Show me heaven now."</em></p><p><em>He was taken to another room, where things looked remarkably the same. Another banquet table, more of the same meats and delicacies. The souls there also had their arms in front of them. The difference was they were feeding each other.</em></p><p>I enjoy this story because it translates across all religious denominations and teaches us two lessons I believe we should think about each day: 1.) treat others how you want to be treated and 2.) you help yourself when you help others.</p>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-44673476393844859602009-11-11T19:11:00.005-05:002009-11-11T19:19:23.564-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Thanks to my brave brothers and sisters...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403003509501411522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN09XGCGoIfvUpn9bGvva4LprQXeecojXBLx9IMvEmHXzPWW4ZZyUg4aePxXibOctNQhhzc_dPVyp3DGk5tc6r_14DRPtmmW8PTg3P5vAdYWG35YToERxcippKOPjSOEMPthuA9GATnw/s320/real+photo+iwo-jima-flag-raising-l.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403003633956915778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ7jNbDtJ1DzZXkp8zNbRXTKt4lIrBk6YV4szkls3HdVV31qhnB8KqMcyX4rahA_kbNxOPEGnlW4wfEKrm-_9teqN3WIQV43TBE_LwoSuJIWrOehPJWmR6uFL1MhlXJb6Sh0NIv95TEc/s320/new+iwo+jima.jpg" /> <div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403004157077033266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaEjdc6hoSRU_7YN0F25CivY6aJUDDaxPK-qwfhc7Ee1mzzve07l_hBy35CiQqwDzaHq4LUnb15nVapjF3YaCrzObN9l4F6OjLfyvs_KzP29zadBaG8Vayg7cUxyqXHMmvKsKRcqAKLQ/s320/IN8873244405583-02-_155703s.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403004704928367266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSSV8wtutCEcIypI54xDmSgS_bNofPBYpopwzzRXl72MiSIoRqnAjtLNCYrhfCnQqhIY5dW-gjWagho-bFN2pFqiqLA7Mm4PqkCR6_x23ehndrQmLlqfjNXW3O3U8RsX_LUBMJG0US-g/s320/stocktrek-images-marines-fold-an-american-flag-after-it-was-raised-in-memory-of-a-fallen-soldier.jpg" /></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-67577951289135528242009-10-25T22:16:00.011-04:002009-10-25T23:12:50.699-04:00Sunday Song: "When Fall Comes to New England" By Cheryl Wheeler<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396733153243426146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_9aUAZwhF05owjZyRrGO4VqTLYKKx-Zd_cMubiyGGGqv7-yedWnrSNYq2U4BNoKimA6Chi8yJ4SFrWhs51gsrA6jREXovwvFHtZ9AmCTn1p25eQ5XCUFjWKlSewNj7S_yIHro2frsII/s320/CIMG2164.JPG" />Fall is by far my favorite season...I just love the colors of the changing leaves, the change in wardrobe, stopping by cider mills and most of all, just being outdoors taking it all in. <div><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396735630292006546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwSaeYuO7Nk8XvfX6XeQ4LW263gRcBxmgyIEluFR8QBervaH7zGY8mkkakhMnx9Izw4_Wu_muowGCKPhlOtxS3JZNKJaAArK_4svrqAax2jIz4_0t3TkZhebCZqWqlAtFfnu92hw43n0/s320/CIMG2172.JPG" /><br /><div>Living in a larger city, away from nature, is tough for me at times...and I often miss my days of growing up in the country. So when I read about a cool trail in <a href="http://www.theoaklandpress.com/">The Oakland Press </a>just a few miles from my house, I knew I need to check it out. The spot is called Friendship Woods and its in Madison Heights off of 13 Mile. </div><div><br /> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396736247047551282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKPIb59BHIV4u5oAG7LJ8UvdAg3wOAA-HZi40iSSadLT4va0U00JYFEKs_sv9wm8YYlwHDzcEeRJfiTXuLSNlHw0P0AXniommrd2KdzVasz6y-VT7rUpHfrKu2qVS4j4Y2hyphenhyphen2_8K_AZo/s320/CIMG2179.JPG" /></div><br /><div>This little haven is perfect for a 2-mile walk and is especially stunning during this time of year. The photos included on here are ones I took when Jason and I checked it out. We'll definitely be back for future walks to escape the big city without going too far. </div><div></div><div><br />There's just nothing sweeter than enjoying the beauty of nature, all the while being close to amenities!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396739661070138962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQm82jQMftPrhRoHn1dX2Pd_AemnUP80cskR_XaBMax5d6D8DHze5IOi0NdicIL2mWYUDmeid7GWMVSQMEVdILqpLxcblEY57UiGDqi4xLBbjzwF0Ra-oP0WN1GxECrrIvD9lPAUcWsQ/s320/CIMG2184.JPG" /><br />This spot reminded me of a folk song I like called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_QaXZiLhro">When Fall Comes to New England</a> by Cheryl Wheeler. Even though I technically don't live in New England, the <a href="http://www.cherylwheeler.com/songs/wfctne.html">lyrics</a> paint a picture of what's happening in Michigan, too. Listen to it, take a drive down a country road (or a walk in a city park) and take in the beauty that has been painted for all of us to enjoy.</div><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 201px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396734922497536594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfcqHIz9asCeiYX5Pm4gtL08km1xk6HIZBGg4VnPPo-DwaZH41IHZd_U_uhFGSvSoWYVkbjBmLPaQpe9KYJEqzuD0g4wKVbXY1JXSH8LfDQpbZ7cUCgg1CZrGeLIK1QiAXO3NJ29uusM/s320/CIMG2170.JPG" /></div></div></div></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-72955236271434862252009-10-04T22:07:00.007-04:002009-10-04T22:45:42.509-04:00Sunday Song: errr...music - GOSPEL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizauoG68kb3S7YYa1S1Nf3PW8A4vJHtqC6vIagytgJ5SMda15rb5qQGhBy4G8FaSp-tIKLLXLkw-zCZaTFgpoSPXNHcVZLRNNQXafZ9zIohwdJR-1pZOfA_p2CcaNIZV8tgZB3SR-iNnc/s1600-h/gospel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388937596864731602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizauoG68kb3S7YYa1S1Nf3PW8A4vJHtqC6vIagytgJ5SMda15rb5qQGhBy4G8FaSp-tIKLLXLkw-zCZaTFgpoSPXNHcVZLRNNQXafZ9zIohwdJR-1pZOfA_p2CcaNIZV8tgZB3SR-iNnc/s320/gospel.jpg" border="0" /></a>This past week I had a spiritual experience.<br /><br />It all started when I was talking to my mom a few weeks ago and she mentioned she was organizing a trip to a gospel concert at Joe Louis with some of her church choir friends.<br /><br />Knowing her choir is an older crowd of white folk, I was quick to say, "Hm...mom, I don't think you're really going to fit in there."<br /><br />She was then quick to reply, "I don't care. I think it will be a great experience."<br /><br />Curious, I agreed to go as well...after all, I've never heard gospel live and thought it might be a cool experience outside my typical musical box.<br /><br />Wow, she was right...it was quite the experience. I had no expectations, but was pumped to see some of the region's best church choirs after reading up on them. The concert was part of the <a href="http://www.howsweetthesound.com/">How Sweet The Sound</a> gospel series, presented by Verizon, which seeks to find the "Best church choir in America."<br /><br />Dang, these choirs have got to be good then, right? Ummm yeah! The word "good" doesn't even do the music I heard justice.<br /><br />I am a fairly religious person, but spirituality aside, hearing these choirs raised the hairs on my arms and the giant sound produced was nothing short of AMAZING. The vocals, harmony and instrumentation were gorgeous...but more than anything, these people were singing with their hearts and it showed by hand motions and facial expressions. It touched me to see how passionate these people were about the music and about singing for the big man upstairs.<br /><br />We all left the concert inspired and now I have a new appreciation for gospel music.<br /><br />Check out the top two choirs from Detroit <a href="http://www.howsweetthesound.com/media/videos/2009/2009+detroit">here</a>. I enjoyed all of the choirs that performed, but I have to say that the Calvary Church was my favorite and the folks of Detroit agreed when they won the people's choice award. It's one thing to watch the video on here, but it was a whole different experience seeing it live.<br /><br />If there's one thing "outside your box" you should do this year, it's to go see the finals of all the regions across the U.S. perform on Nov. 7 (in Detroit, woot woot!). Check out additional information and purchase tickets <a href="http://www.howsweetthesound.com/contest/tour_schedule">here</a>.<br /><br />Major props to Verizon for putting this together. I know a good event when I see one and this one was flawless and I am already looking forward to next year's show.metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-46053398586582247352009-09-21T21:34:00.025-04:002009-09-21T23:18:45.712-04:00Technology: A blessing or a curse?<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD88_ReOcri3EMs6uin6c8Hhv6Dh3KmXsgH1nH55B14rHD0cnGHJJQNjoIhHE7yWBe1atI9kxyokDeDa2OQprtxOIJqdMvvFVN8x5r0jQZmtF16759XGJHWCpTLmYkBdu8s4n9RPOlVw4/s1600-h/space.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384121382415850610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD88_ReOcri3EMs6uin6c8Hhv6Dh3KmXsgH1nH55B14rHD0cnGHJJQNjoIhHE7yWBe1atI9kxyokDeDa2OQprtxOIJqdMvvFVN8x5r0jQZmtF16759XGJHWCpTLmYkBdu8s4n9RPOlVw4/s320/space.jpg" /></a>*Photo from the <a href="http://www.poptech.org/">Pop! Tech </a>blog*<br /></div><br />I've been thinking a lot lately. It started out with a conversation Jason and I had. We were walking and discussing what life will be like for our children one day. He reminisced about how growing up on a farm taught him the value of hard work and I talked about how my curiosity drove my mom berserk, but taught me a lot. I said "What am I going to say to our kids when they ask a question? To go get on the computer and Google it?"<br /><br />Looking back, I appreciate my mom telling me to "go look up" the strange questions I would ask her. I'd go over to the bookcase, skim the sleeves until I found the letter of the subject I was curious about and read away. Not a glamorous task, but it helped me to learn. Now, the Internet is there for our children like that shelf filled with a dictionary and a set of Britannica's once was for me.<br /><br />I always say how strange it is that my generation is the last one to not be completely reliant on technology. My family didn't have a computer until I was in the 5th grade. And even then, nobody was that interested in them until I entered high school and chat rooms got popular. Blackberrys were unheard of. Cell phones, for that matter, were unheard of. Video games, well Atari, was for only the cool kids. MTV and VH1 were barely in existence. The brand iPod could've been the dog's name in The Jetsons. Plasma screen, LCD, DVD, laptop, blogs and YouTube didn't mean jack.<br /><br />After much reflection, I still can't decide if technology has been more of a blessing or a curse in my life. I've weighed some pros (roses) versus the cons (thorns) and am still at a loss. Here's a piece of my logic:<br /><strong><br />ON CONNECTING & LEARNING</strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rose:</span></strong> Long lost family, friends and professional colleagues are able to reconnect easily thanks to <a href="http://www.geni.com/">Geni</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a> and other social web tools.<br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Thorn:</span></strong> Children can easily connect with bad, bad, dirty people.<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rose:</span></strong> I get to learn new information everyday and easily see updates and photos of friends', their husbands, their children and their adventures in general on social networking sites.<br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Thorn:</span></strong> There's so much great and interesting content online that it makes for an annoying distraction at times (really, is it a <em>need</em> to check Facebook again?)<br /><strong><br />ON HEALTH</strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rose:</span></strong> Everyone is their own doctor thanks to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/">WebMD</a>.<br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Thorn:</span></strong> I've been known to diagnose my own health issues...and have scared myself to death (thankfully most of my diagnoses were wrong).<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rose:</span></strong> We are able to delay death by diagnosing and treating major health issues by using advanced medical technology. Apple even has an iPhone app to <a href="http://iphonetoolbox.com/webapp/blood-pressure/">check blood pressure</a> for goodness sake.<br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Thorn:</span></strong> Knowing about these major issues can cause major stress in our lives. In fact, sometimes I wish we could go back to the caveman days when ignorance was bliss.<br /><br /><strong>ON WORK</strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rose:</span></strong> Being out of the office is possible during the day thanks to cell phones, smart phones, Wi-Fi and remote email access.<br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>Thorn:</strong> </span>Friday used to be the end of the work week. Now it doesn't ever really end.<br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rose:</span></strong> Email makes things more efficient in the office.<br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Thorn:</span></strong> Email makes it easy to not have to pick up the phone to talk with colleagues across the office. I could use the human interaction sometimes....and exercise for that matter.<br /><br />Would I change progression? Absolutely not. I couldn't live without most of it. But much like my parents like to tell me about how they walked to school up hill both ways, I'll be damned if I don't rant to my kids about the good 'ol days of BG: before Google.metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-47561847709042988992009-09-02T21:30:00.003-04:002009-09-02T21:35:56.817-04:00Just Sayin'Just another reason I love Ben & Jerry's...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-URg6yOfed0MUGn3nHxTnLmCodHtZVnovNen311BtOhI3Pw-hNJcuKxHRCKL-CZI_OnT5SQvwyGf463jKR4tNIUM6ZCdUpxpaJ7VIMpe6cpLbb1v3GAGIu6vWnEFj3vgkUW9BK6Aq84/s1600-h/hh-graphic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377048310483700930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-URg6yOfed0MUGn3nHxTnLmCodHtZVnovNen311BtOhI3Pw-hNJcuKxHRCKL-CZI_OnT5SQvwyGf463jKR4tNIUM6ZCdUpxpaJ7VIMpe6cpLbb1v3GAGIu6vWnEFj3vgkUW9BK6Aq84/s320/hh-graphic.jpg" /></a>From <a href="http://www.benjerry.com/hubbyhubby">www.benjerry.com/hubbyhubby</a>: In partnership with <a href="http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ben_and_jerrys.php" target="_blank">Freedom to Marry</a> we are gathered here to celebrate Vermont and all the other great states where loving couples of all kinds are free to marry legally. We have ceremoniously dubbed our iconic flavor, Chubby Hubby to Hubby Hubby in support, and to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality.metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-54098872196155381592009-08-18T21:27:00.033-04:002009-08-18T22:32:54.436-04:00A Bit O' Kidspiration<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371489607418646130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4riMnEZ6H6Z9oV5V8ie9-as0taQl6aneKo8A8msSLR6Ei6rVUIBmBZ3AdJk9_eTephDFdj_v_ajpFhhp67yNvCFKqZzm72G3bHzCGTJ_xvln3K8ACuqx7zaOctG_elu1vE85VO8InfQ/s320/kidspiration.jpg" /> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>*Photo from Imageshack*</em><br /></div></span><br />As an adult, I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to have a life-threatening medical condition.<br /><br />For a child, having such a medical condition could mean the robbery of adolescence; the loss of blissful ignorance, days spent outside and birthday party sleepovers. To many, sick children are beyond comprehension and may raise the questions, "Why do children get sick?" and "Why do children have to die?"<br /><br />As of today, I'm a true believer these kids are put here for a reason: to show us lucky ones how to live.<br /><br />This afternoon I had the privilege of working with a client to host a fun competition with the <a href="http://www.northwestohio.wish.org/">Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio</a>. Honestly, I was worried as I walked out of the office...I'm an overly-emotional person when it comes to seeing people (esp. kids or animals) suffer and wasn't sure if I could handle seeing sick kids. I envisioned the children showing up covered in bandages from being pricked with needles that morning or maybe even hooked to some type of medical machine. Thankfully, I was wrong.<br /><br />The children arrived ecstatic; ready to show-off, ready to win the gold medal up for grabs, ready to have fun. Despite the friendly competition, the kids high-fived, helped each other out and laughed together. Always having a knack for relating to kids, they made me laugh too, and I had a blast walking around talking to each of them about their creations.<br /><br />Seeing the "Wish Kids" have so much fun despite whatever might be happening in their medical lives, inspired me. Who am I to complain about life? I should feel fortunate to be healthy.<br /><br />Of course seeing the kids all walk away with giant grins on their faces was a major highlight of my day. But, what was <em>almost just as good</em> was seeing the goofy, child-like grins on all the faces of the adults in the room.<br /><br />I think all of us "older kids" walked away with a new appreciation for life. After all, why worry about what tomorrow holds when we could be laughing and living today?<br /><br />Thanks for the reminder, kids.metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011629095945434572.post-80157510514889546732009-08-16T17:17:00.000-04:002009-08-16T17:31:32.512-04:00Enjoying the Beauty of Northern MichiganI just got through with an amazing, much-needed long weekend vacation.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Jason and I wanted to take a little trip to celebrate our first year together, so I checked into various places - Las Vegas or Florida (we decided it's just too hot this time of year) and Colorado (too expensive) before deciding it would be best to just spend a few days in our own state, supporting our local economy.<br /><br />Boy am I glad we did decide to make our own Michigan adventure...We began our trip bright and early on Thursday and traveled through Grayling, where we stopped at a place I had discovered during some online research - <a href="http://www.bottlecapmuseum.com/">Dawson & Stevens</a> classic 50's diner. I'm a sucker for diners and 50's music and since this wasn't out of our way at all, we stopped for lunch (and a Boston Cooler). It was a lot of fun! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370665784801022546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1OpahWKQFy2M3zIjnYfxxUGbb-Gz9pR7DG0rc3TR3vWln5kvLMvwHhLbjNnkurtPlYqhWT-wurWXom1VGKCwJUELjYrGD6pnhv9_OSxytGkkemB9mM7eV0BWuWrzwYmMNnRQa9P6b9I/s320/Cute+Diner.JPG" />We continued our drive up the <a href="http://www.leelanau.com/">Leelanau Peninsula</a>, stopping at a few wineries along the way to sample the local use of grapes. We winded through the infamous <a href="http://m22online.com/">M-22</a> all the way up to the northern-most tip on the peninsula, a small town called Northport, where we tent camped for the night at the <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=467&type=SPRK">Leelanau State Park</a>. We hiked to the beach through a beautiful forest, grilled hot dogs over a campfire and slept on an air mattress. My phone didn't get service and we were away from it all...in the beauty of northern Michigan. I know camping isn't for everyone, but to me, it was a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the D.</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370666343209623714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndfmmQ0P1pfcFhdkt9hkKVbbwrCTdtt2G0HrCn1y8_FdMbLV2jVNLMY-3LVVja1NZ52JvZuYzG4U-DRtPJjbUtpcKqZ36wCdklq-DH5qawYU883JTfy3Efh7nzn4-HXSpN8ifC0ldHP4/s320/Trees+camping.JPG" />We woke and packed up our camping supplies and headed down the peninsula once again, stopping to stroll around downtown Traverse City and chill at the beach to wash away the smell of campfire. We checked into our hotel (the unsexy, but totally economical, clean and friendly) <a href="http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=15394">Travelodge</a> and showered to prep for a wine tour along <a href="http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com/">Old Mission Peninsula</a>. It was SO much fun! We stopped at nearly every spot along the way (it was like an adult treasure hunt), sampled some great wines and purchased enough wine to last us awhile...I don't know which winery I liked most - all had unique qualities and wonderfully-tasting vino. We closed out the night at the <a href="http://www.bluetractorcookshop.com/">Blue Tractor</a> (also in Ann Arbor) to taste the creative mac n' cheese and hit the hay early-ish, mostly due to our comfort food coma. </div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370667678905041122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg55WzOJP84AAOVGOfhK0dd1D7Ntw_IlmbOx1_uZ5nYTqH76uiL8BcjsGLTH-p0kXEVrs42n5W4tQM0xzj_rZcHgRTqjV3s9VSm1pHR-RSX8R1UXpEDpDroEAcCFfKNloR2zJ2ZTS5Rmo/s320/Wine-Food+Pairing.JPG" /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370667001472486594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsYc-i2PT1H07ahIo-K_OJAL17Ldy9lmowJJn9596RUIDHP3G1aqcSHWRcOIgJMYOT46OXcvcyiPvgWY6L_4FEfPSs3RrYAhyphenhyphenZjC6ALKXEg02LCFBGqqUoy6GRxzTzurnetK7M3mt2Pk/s320/Grapes+at+Winery.JPG" />We woke early on Saturday to head to <a href="http://www.visitludington.com/">Ludington</a>. We opted for the scenic route along M-22 instead of the straight route down US-31 (if you're a Michigander, you need to make this drive). We enjoyed the cute beach towns along the way, stopping a few times at <a href="http://www.frankfort-elberta.com/">random places</a> that caught my antique-and-craft-loving eye and to picnic at a <a href="http://www.upnorthmichigan.com/Drives/m22.htm">beautiful scenic turnout </a>overlooking Lake Michigan. In Ludington, we enjoyed the beach again and supported the local beer hot spot - the <a href="http://www.jamesportbrewingcompany.com/">Jamesport Brewery</a> (amazing blueberry-infused beer) and a downtown dive bar where Jason and I competed in a trivia game for a few hours (it was fun for us!). Our motel, the <a href="http://www.lodgingandbreakfast.com/">Four Seasons</a>, was quiet, quaint and most importantly inexpensive and close to everything.<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370668102437829858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfgb0hitXXyNWIAPQ5yTJ6yvBU0_t-tQY28koKa2Vkdng-JdOHLmMCVd3xIdi7W7aOC71imvY3CzXqAsNIhsgst08gq5F_ctYuxWcdFpYSwjw5mlRSdsMhaM9WpHR9laNfPRxBE1i7Ig/s320/Scenic+turnout+view.JPG" />Overall, it was a great and romantic getaway. At the end of the trip, it was refreshing to think about how much we were able to relax and enjoy our amazing state and reflected on why we need to have more pride for living here year-round.</div></div></div></div>metrogal84http://www.blogger.com/profile/04777097481796878060noreply@blogger.com2