I’m not really sure how to even explain this – but I’ll give it a shot.
I’m kind of ambidextrous. It’s just a weird quirk I’ve had all my life. I surf and skate goofy footed, and start in a track position the way a left-handed person would. I can paint, shave and do makeup as easily with my left hand as I can with my right. Without thinking, I usually just use whichever hand is closer by for performing rudimentary tasks.
The biggest point of differentiation is my handwriting though. While I can chicken scratch legibly with the left, I almost exclusively write with my right hand. Personally, I believe that I could have been a left-handed writer, but just chose the right out of ease and conformity when learning. And for years and years, it’s not better practiced.
Sometimes, I get into these weird phases where I practice my left-hand writing.
I think it’s probably some facet of my OCD, or maybe just some weird tangent of my mind… but I get really into it. So lately, when I watch TV in the evening, I’ve been doing sudoku puzzles exclusively using my left hand to write the numbers. And then in the margins I’ve been practicing some writing. In my defense – I’ve been feeling crummy lately, having a bit of a porphyria flare, so I haven’t really felt up to doing a whole lot.
Anyways. The left hand stuff, is amazing and well, REALLY FUNNY.
It looks like a second grader’s sudoku book, with rough messages saying “Merry Christmas” and my name. It actually cracks me up.
haha, awesome, right?
these are some durn good numbers – all written with trusty lefty!
Out of boredom writing the same things over and over again, and wanting to practice every letter – I naturally began using the ole “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
right hand on top. and the left right below it. so this gives you a pretty solid comparison of how off my left hand is.
I’m sure you’re familiar with it. It’s a succinct sentence that uses every letter of the alphabet. It’s an easy way to display a font or style of writing so you can see an example of every letter. After scrawling it out a few times, I got bored with it.
So here’s where things get weird…
I started trying to write my own every-letter sentences, and soon discovered it was kind of a challenge and more fun than I would have thought. Trying to cram in every letter and come up with unique and colorful words, it’s like solving a puzzle. (Ohh, “solving” and “puzzle” are both good words for this kind of thing, getting in those Zs and Vs, and Xs and Qs, often present the challenge). Edited to add: this should go without saying, but I do all my writing withOUT an aide of any sort – no dictionaries, or thesaurus, that’s so cheating!
At first the sentences started out utilitarian, just getting the job done. But as I kept going… well, you’ll see, a sort of style emerged, as well as a need for coherent sense to be made of the words as well.
I love quietly watching birds zip by, making an exit from trees to sky.
The sexy queen’s chicken wings do jump with flavor, taste buds zing.
Six wily elk did jump and climb, to graze on a bluff quite very high.
Next week’s quail hunt could provide a zesty meal, just forget buying a turkey!
(here’s where the philosophy starts…)
Quarrel not, but exact good and make peace: with a zephyr of justice, a soul ever feasts.
right handed first, with left’s scrawling below.
Always excel on the hard quiz of life by just taking up lessons from every strife.
A quick fix to obtain zen: remove darkness, placing joy within.
Gladly embark on a quest, prepare to joust with zeal, affix your eyes on pride, and victory you shall steal.
Pretty weird, huh?
Anyways, thanks for reading my strange ramblings. Can you write with your “opposite” hand? Have you ever tried. Show me some pics and help to not feel so bad!
Well pals, good news: I’m acclimating to Western New York. At least so far, I think I’m adapting to my new clime like a charm.
It’s been crisp lately, lovely, cool, and sometimes a crispy that borders almost on chilly – and I’ve been LOVING it. I’m super in love with fall and all that it entails (more on that later, though). Yesterday I had a doctor’s appointment. I noticed it was gray and rainy, so I threw on jeans and a thin long sleeve tee. I ran to the car, and assumed the warmth I was feeling was running + rain. As I started driving and realized the thermostat declared the outdoor air to be a balmy 67, I started laughing. Legit LOLing, because to me – 67 degrees sounded warm. I also sweat right through that long sleeve shirt and felt like a clammy whore in church.
Today, it’s downright hot. Like, mid-80s, I-feel-like-I’m-melting-and-want-to-die kind of hot. And because of this unseasonal burst of sunshine and sweat, I have a funny Fb status right now. It reads:
“it’s in the 80s today… THE EIGHTIES!
the only thing this heat is doing is bringing false hope to all the Halloween sluts.”
First of all, admit it: that’s funny.
this morning’s sunrise was pretty glorious, right? amazeballs.
Secondly, I’m really not hating on Halloween sluts. If I’m being honest (and what’s the point of a blog if you’re lying?), I probably toe the line of slutty way more often than not. I love a nice short short, low cut tops are my friend. I’m 29 now, so I gotta make the most out of getting away with it while I can, right? And as far as slutty-Halloween costumes go – I went to college in the South. So you tell me how you think that went. Which brings us to today’s “throwback” story.
The Halloween of 2008 will forever and ever (AND EVER) go down as an infamous Halloween. I was living in Neptune Beach with Sasha and Mike, and well… we were all clinically insane. That year for Halloween I had arranged and planned on a super awesome (and dubiously slutty) “Malibu Barbie” costume. Long blond wig, hot pink bikini (calm down Mattel enthusiasts, I know that original MB wore baby blue), and super high heels. It was gonna be awesome. I was all sexy and tanned and excited.
the bikini that was purchased solely for the malibu barbie costume
Then, can you guess what happened?
If you guessed “obscene freak cold front,” you’d win. In Jacksonville, FL the high for Halloween was in the 30s. That’s just basically unheard of. But that is indeed what happened, and it was miserable. (Now, I’m referring to the weather on the party night, so it may not have been the 31st, but it was the Friday or Saturday that was being used as the party night). My plans had been to attend a few specific parties, including one hosted by my pal DeDe that was an indoor/outdoor soiree. So at the last minute I had to adjust my plans and go as something that offered more coverage than a bikini. I know the hardcore amongst you are balking now, but it was blustery, possibly going to rain, and I was a thin-blooded full-time Floridian at that point. And in order to have the gall to wear a bikini as a costume, I wasn’t carrying much meat on my bones at that time.
Whatever did you do, Rose?
I went to Target and bought some winter-y crap from the kids section and went as the weirdest, lamest, and still somehow sluttiest “Alpine Barbie” I could pull off. Behold:
me on the left as “alpine barbie” and dede on the right as a red crayon. and no, i have no idea how she wasn’t freezing in that!
I’m pretty sure it’s one of my least favorite costumes of all time, because it was lame and terrible and poorly executed. But for all those reasons, it also tickles my funny bone immensely. And well, it was a Halloween I won’t forget, right?
Moral of the story: Never ever trust the weather report, and when going super slutty on Halloween, keep in mind a good back up plan. Especially considering a hurricane is barreling its way to the east coast, this is a more important year than ever to make sure to have some kind of inclement weather plan B.
Who the heck likes air travel anymore? Well, other than Duggs because he’s weird like that and really likes riding on planes. Who? Why? Air travel in this day and age is awful. It’s the worst thing any of us can experience, worse than root canals and declaring bankruptcy, because unlike most crappy situations, we know that we are powerless against air travel and that we’re going to have to go through it many times again before our days are up. Fears of an Air Marshall tackling us and throwing us in Airport Jail and slapping our real names onto the “No Fly List” are so pervasive that the most outspoken of us are horribly afraid to even mention the most obvious of discomforts and problems. We just shut up, keep our heads down, and fork up ubiquitous amounts of cash to get hassled like steerage on the Titanic and hope to make it to our final destination in one piece.
Well. I’m taking a stand. Kinda.
This past weekend I took a little saunter down to sunny (and miserably hot) Florida to go see some long-time pals and get crazy. It was Cory Lee’s birthday and a group of us surprised him, threw him a party, and had fun because that’s what long-time pals do. It was great, I’m glad I went, etc etc. But… the process of getting from Buffalo, NY to Jacksonville, FL is rife with trauma. I HATE FLYING.
cory, at his bday dinner at la nop
a blurry drunk pic of me at paco’s in jax beach. yeah, taken in the bathroom (classy, classy)
welcome to jacksonville
It’s not that I’m afraid of travel or not savvy enough to know what’s up. I hate the process that is flying. I hate carrying things through huge airport, I hate standing in line, I hate going through security, and I hate being crammed into small spaces with people I don’t know, I hate worrying that every overhead bin will be full and I’ll be separated from my precious items that I like to travel with.
Don’t worry, I’m actually really fun to travel with, and like everyone one you know – despite hating every single thing to do with modern air travel, I do it anyways and don’t cause a scene. So it’s not like I’ll ruin your vacay and cause a ruckus at 10,000 feet. I’m well traveled, and can house my way through the “expert traveler” lane like nobody’s business, and with my keen sense of direction I’m one mean emm-effer when pressed for time on a layover. I can run far and fast, while carrying a ridiculous amount of weight in relation to my own mass, and get both myself and my always-oversized carry-ons from one gate to another with impressive grace. I’m good at traveling. But just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you like it.
After my weekend of travel, Delta Airlines has the audacity to email me a survey. In the American tradition and with a temper and wit that would make my Dad proud I decided to let them have it on this survey of theirs (Viper once famously sent Delta a four-page typed letter listing every single thing they had screwed up on a huge international trip of his and Delta responded with four vouchers for business class tickets to anywhere in the world – true story). What follows is an exact copy and paste from my survey. Enjoy.
screen shot from my stupid survey
I selected “poor” for most choices, and when asked if I’ll recommend this airline to friends or choose it for myself – I said, “not likely.” While I was brutally honest throughout the whole thing (every answer was as close to the actual truth as I could get and reflects my real experience on this flight), the end of the survey is where I really give them a gem. Since scrunching your eyes and reading a screen shot is lame, I’ve copy and pasted the entire last entry for y’all:
I’ve selected the choice “not likely at all,” because the truth is that I will never encourage anyone I know to give you one red cent out of happiness with your service or a life(sic; should say “like”) of your company. Sadly though, I’m sure many I know – myself included – will fork over our hard earned money to your sham of a business time and time again.
You airlines have us consumers by the balls. You treat us like cattle, you over-charge us, you’re rude and make us feel like we’re really putting you out. The counter lady in Jacksonville was the opposite of helpful and all she did was talk down to me. You’ve switched to kiosk check-ins for everyone, and that’s fine. But since when in the history of ever has a desk worker at an airline NOT been able to check in a passenger? In my vast, vast traveling experience: NEVER. Even though kiosks have existed for a long time, the people at the counter aren’t just there to waste oxygen. Except this time, in Jacksonville. She looked at me like I had seven heads when I mistakenly asked if she could check me in for my flight. In fact, she seemed like she was offended at the idea alone, and gave me a ton of gruff about, “M’am, you aren’t checked in. Why would you come to the desk to check bags without checking in to your flight? M’am??” My answer being, “umm, because EVERY SINGLE TIME IN THE HISTORY OF FLIGHT PASSENGERS CAN OPT TO CHECK IN AT THE AIRLINE’S DESK.” Why was that mistake so offensive to her? And why the heck do I, a PAYING CUSTOMER, always find myself on the crap end of the Delta Employee attitude stick?
Anyways. Of course though, I’ll cough my money over to you again. I’ll tell my friends to fly Delta, and we’ll all be put through this heinous process an endless amount of times. Because, we have no choice. You’re all like this. It’s worse than a monopoly what you airlines have – you’re the pirates of the sky. It’s like trying to be a drug dealer in an area controlled by violent gangs: the choice to not give you my money and deal with the pain you inflict is just not an option. If I ever want to go anywhere at any time, I must put up with this pageant of terror that is commercial flying in modern times. You will overcharge me, hassle me, treat me poorly, chip away at my dignity and rights… and guess what I’ll do? Come back for more.
you’re welcome. jerks.
At least the weekend was super fun, right?
I didn’t take too many pics this weekend, and I’m super let down by that. But to go with this post, here are a couple from traveling:
sunset over the tarmac in buffalo, the night i left town
i discovered the coolest product ever in the jax airport: gopicnic, these awesome meals in a box. this is a pic of me opening one up on a flight.
my snacks
I should come back and write about my trip, my pals, the fun times, you know – the good parts. Hopefully I will soon. It’s been busy playing catch up after being gone. Anyways… thanks for reading!
Just now my friend Rell posted this hilarious awesome video of Sweet Brown, a fire survivor, getting autotuned. The video is actually from several months ago, so it’s a bit of a throwback (not really, though).
I’ve loved local news long before Anchor Man. I mean, no where else on TV can you be sure to find such a cache of slip-ups, misnomers, weird sound bites, and truly awkward conversation. Local News ALWAYS makes me cringe. When these viral stories get all auto-tuned and meme’ed out, I love it. So as I was cracking up to the No Time For Bronchitis jam (and admit it, that mix IS a jam)… I couldn’t help but crave some Antoine Walker.
So for your legit throwback pleasure, I give you:
That’s all I have for now. Hope you LOL’ed a little bit.
Well now. I’m not quite sure how to broach this delicately, or if it’s even proper to mention such things aloud. But in the habit of being born without filter and an unwavering need to always solve the issue(s) at hand… I’ll confess:
Readership is down, yo. Way down.
i’m one sad buggie =(
In fact, I’m seeing about 10% the average of readers I used to see. So, what gives? Am I boring these days? Am I writing about things that no one cares about? Is Western New York so boring and Hawaii was so awesome? I’m trying to gauge the correlation between the periods of heavy readership and the topics that I discussed and posted on vs. these times of slimmer pickins.
Other blog friends have encouraged me, explaining that views-by-the-number will wax and wane, that things will go up and down. That more importantly than the stats page of my Dashboard is the community I have here. This is a sentiment with which I heartily agree. To my regular readers, the ones who comment and whose blogs I follow – whose lives I share: I LOVE YOU AND I THANK YOU! I feel like I have the best readers ever, and through this silly little blog of mine, I’ve made all kinds of friends and contacts I had never imagined.
But plaguing me still is that gnawing issue: to those who have chosen to overlook my trusty page, here: Did I do something wrong?
would you like more pooch pics?
I know that such feedback is uncomfy and awkward. No one wants to be the friend of mine who comes along and says, “Hey Rose, you’ve lost your edge!” I get that. No one wants to be hurtful. Well, if you’re a troll than you do. But there’s a way to help me out and be constructive while trying to leave my pride intact.
I think I’m a good writer. I fully acknowledge that my content has shifted some, and that I’m not writing as regularly as I once did… that perhaps the time constraints of my job and the move have over-shadowed my zest for blogging. In simple words: I’m probably not giving the effort here that I used to. I admit that, and I sincerely apologize. It’s not fair to have a blog and ask for readership and want to make friends if I’m not on my A-game.
But that said, I feel that since taking on a job in writing and social media – the caliber of my writing has vastly improved. My craft is honed, my tools sharpened daily on the stones of the Internet as I analyze, report, and write, write, write.
So…
Help me out!
i bought a new blender, wanna read about smoothies and protein shakes? we can do that.
Do you crave different kinds of content? Do you want more hippie stuffs, like crunchy money saving ways (a post I have in drafts right now). Do you want to hear about eco-friendly habits that are easy to adopt? Gardening? Do you want more about Happy Hippie Rose at play… like hiking stuff? Outings? Running, nutrition, and/or training – fitness stuff? Did you care about my health and now you’re bored when I don’t gore you with details of the doctor’s office? Do you want more photos and crafts? More recipes?
running and training stuff – boring or do you want more?
we can talk about music…
more book reviews perhaps? laters, baby!
Or just more… ME? Am I not being honest and vulnerable enough? Do you want to hear crazy stories and revelations from my personal life and psyche? We aim to please, after all. (Ha! See what I did there? Maybe some more cleverly placed pop culture references would tickle your fancy).
Or do you crave controversy? Want me to get political and preachy? Shall I talk about faith more often? Daily struggles? Politics?
Do I end too many a sentence with a preposition? Am I arrogant? Aloof? Not naked enough? Too married? Not discussing romance to your liking? Do you need more pooch pics?
Whatever it is that you’ve originally come here for, and now you find a lack of, LET ME KNOW! I can’t fix what I don’t know is broken.
If I’m boring as all get out, you can say so. Honestly: I’ll probably be sad; but for the sake of self improvement and delivering a blog that I love and will be proud of… I’m willing to go through the potential pain of exposure to difficult truths.
Thus, I ask that you lay it on me. Feedback, please.
gardening talk? or do you come here for my sexy good looks? two birds with one stone right here? (oy… i am joking-ish, you know).
for real though, we can talk all about gardening. and we should!
If you don’t want to comment on in here, safely email me from the privacy of your own email client! Happyhippierose@gmail.com will get you right to my green little eyes, and I’ll try my best to respond in a timely manner.
That’s another thing you know, as a reader of many blogs – I have my own pet peeves, and I try to avoid those. Ya know, I hate commenting on a blog and having the author NEVER reply to myself or any of the others who comment. I do try to get back to everyone!
My suspicions are that it’s a combination of timing (it’s summer y’all), content, and irregularity of posting, with a sprinkling of commitment issues and lack of effort, creativity and revelation on my part. All of which I vow to improve. Not only do I want you to like me – because honestly, I do – but I want this blog to serve some purpose. I want to inspire kindness, happiness, fun. If I enlighten just ONE person to experience a lifestyle that’s more gentle on this planent or towards one another, well then I’m happy as a clam! If the trials through which I’ve been fuel strength in just one reader, I’ll be pleased. If by being myself, open and vulnerable, anyone out there can connect – this blog is worth it. This isn’t Live Journal, I don’t need such a fancy record of my life just for myself – I want to serve a purpose. So if I’m missing the mark, I need to figure out why my shot is off and correct. If we were at the range, I’d know that I’m anticipating the shot too much and wavering on the trigger. But when it comes to this her blog o’ mine… I’m grasping at straws.
Do me a favor, and just hand them to me, will ya?
i can do arts and crafts! i can, i mean it!
gadgets. we can gadget gossip. whatever you like, just lay it on me!
Thanks – I mean it. Thank you for reading and thank you for any insight you can offer.
MUCH LOVE,
Happy Hippie Rose
PS. If you’re a loving unwavering reader and never sensed that I’ve effed up or slipped at all – then bless you! Could you maybe tell me why you come back? What it is you expect and enjoy over here in my small corner of the Interwebs.
And PPS – Please, I hope this doesn’t reek of desperation the way it likely does. My intentions are altruistic as possible. I just want to be good, damnit. Really good. And I know that comes from genuine work, trial and error… but I feel like this is part of getting me there too. Okay, I’ve said enough. I’m out. *Braces for the worst*
What a busy week it’s been! My birthday is July 3rd, America’s is the 4th, I had a whole mess of family in town for the festivities and it’s just been a lot of good times and fun. Oh, and food!
So my mother (Krazy Kathy) came into town on the 2nd. I hadn’t seen her since she visited Hawaii almost a year ago! Yowzers, that’s probably the longest I’ve ever gone without seeing her. So it was a much overdue visit and it was so nice to have her up here! We ran some errands together (go figure), hung out, discovered an awesome sandwich place a stone’s throw from my cousin’s house, visited the family cemetery, went out to eat, caught up, so on.
my mom, at my great uncle’s house
dinner pics from our evening at the brick room in downtown fredonia – awesomely great food!
The night before my birthday Kath took us out to eat at this great little Italian place in downtown Fredonia: The Brick Room. Our food was incredible and it was the perfect ambiance for our very inappropriate and bawdy dinner table talk.
I think it’s easily safe to say that a good time was had by all.
going out to dinner on the 2nd with my mother, husband, and great uncle
love this billabong maxi dress!
Then on the third of July, my actual birthday, I spent the day with my Mom. Well, I worked a bit in the morning – Duggs worked all day (stupid weird mid-week holiday is such a bummer!). Then I hung out with Mom. Once it was dark out we headed over to Uncle Bobby’s – my cousin, his wife, and their kids are up here visiting too, so we got to go see them and hang out. Sadly the fire works for the third were cancelled because of crappy weather!
mom
and me
this is very funny to me for some reason!
Alright, so my Mom and I had a nice time on my birthday. We ran into my Uncle Chris and Aunt Betty who were also in town for the 4th, at the cemetery, how wacky is that!
Oh, the sunset over Lake Erie on my birthday was awesome:
light em up !
pretty paper lanterns
Fourth of July Fun!
The fourth was a busy holiday. We started the day hanging out at home and getting food and treats ready. I baked a boatload of festive red, white, and blue cupcakes. You can flog me now for my flagrant use of food dye, I know I’m terrible! This is the summer of hypocrisy or something, lol. Anyways, at least I did bake some without dye (and in the stash I kept home for us I included plenty on un-dyed options). After getting everything ready, we went over to Uncle Bobby’s for a big ole picnic and cookout. We played some ladder ball, laid out on the beach, had some delicious steamed clams, hung out with everyone there, I ate some of the best potato salad I’ve ever had… and then we wrapped it up and headed over to my Aunt Patty’s house for a nice cookout! Al cooked up some awesome steaks, Aunt Patty made ribs and mac’n’cheese, and we all hung out and had some cocktails and cold beers.
Busy, but an awesome holiday for sure!
sweet treats from the 4th
4th of july at uncle bobby and miss peggy’s house
the good stuff!
collage from the cookout at my aunt patty and al’s house
And in case you were wondering, I wore red, white, and blue ALL week. Haha, just to clarify in case there was any doubt.
It’s been an awesome week, that’s for sure! And we still have a weekend to go now (okay, maybe I take back what I said about mid-week holidays being stupid). I hope to get back into a more normal routine come next week, that’s for sure!
Good Morning Blog-o-sphere! (Did you enunciate that like RW a la “Good Morning Vietnam?” That was my intention, fyi, if you need a do-over).
HOWDY!
Happy Friday!
yawn. i accidentally stretched when i first tried to take a pic.
I’m just taking a quick break from my work morning to come say hi. By the time I hit play on this though, it’ll be just about afternoon (I had to do work, what can I say?).
It’s been a big week. Duggs started his new job out in the civilian world. He’s working with my cousin and uncle for Purina – YAY DUGGS! I’m so proud of you, and happy for you. Congrats! I’ve had a busy week- lots of working out and work, and being busy. My mom is coming next week, ya know, for the 4th of July and MY BIRTHDAY, I think my cousins from NC may be coming too and possibly another aunt and uncle from DC? I think it’s going to be a very fun week next week. But to prep for a week o’ fun, there must be a week o’ grindstone.
Not to mention all the SCOTUS stuff. If you ever want to hear my take on why Obamacare is amazing, just shoot me a message and we can chat. I don’t like to get too soap-boxy here, but it should be of no secret to you, dear readers and pals, that I was ecstatic when I found out that healthcare was OK’ed via majority opinion. Whew. Sad about Stolen Valor, but hopeful that a new law with more specific language will replace it.
It’s been a crazy week.
All in all, I’ve been feeling great and doing well. Huge change from Hawaii life. Getting out of the moldy house of death has totally freed me from the bondage of sickness. I feel like a whole new woman!
good morning, err good afternoon?
Otherwise…
my legs are still sore from Wednesday night’s speed work and plyo
I’ve been on a 90’s pop bender this week, Ace of Base and Spice Girls, what?
I’m excited that it’s warm out and my cousin’s putting his new-to-him boat in the water TODAY!
we’re going to a really fun fair this weekend and I can’t wait!
I’m excited for 4th of July
I’ve been drinking less soda, less coffee, and more water than usual – go me!
So, how’s your week been? What do you have coming up this weekend? Anything?
Thanks for stopping by, Happy Friday! Happy Summer! Happy almost a holiday! I hope everyone had a rad week and that y’all are doing well.
rocky jumping on me, doh!
this is an autsin power’s joke. see, that 90s music got to me.
now here’s a napolean pose to keep me more updated. see, i’m cool, i’m hip… (see what i did there again?)
aaaaaand, jj cuddles
oh rocky, sweet boy!
And well, that’s all I got. So… TTFN, Ta Ta For Now!
I’ve (re)located my motivation, and lately I just can’t run hard enough, far enough, fast enough… well- hard, far, and fast by MY silly standards. I still have a ways to go in making it back up to the level I was at say, six months ago (I stopped running for about 3 months, maybe more, because I was so ill during our last few months in Hawaii, ugh) but, I’m getting there. My endurance is increasing, my speed is getting better, I feel more confident.
i’m feeling the pain
Last night I had a crazy run. Did a brisk mile warm up, then about 30 minutes of speed work intervals (oh so close to vomming each and every time), then I did a mile of plyometrics (lunges, high kicks, slow kicks, high knees, butt-kickers, skipping, jumping jacks, all kinds of jumps really, grapevines… and more that I don’t know that name for). That was a really long mile. Then I did another mile cool down. All in all it was a solid five mile workout- the speed intervals actually slow me down because of the active recovery walking and jogging I have to do in between the sprints. I do speed work with all kinds of various intervals and pyramids; last night I did 45 seconds jog, 30 seconds SPRINT, and then 30-45 second jog, then a good minute or two walk. It got harder and harder to do the post-sprint jog each time, so I’ll admit that decreased as I went on).
I realized, I haven’t sprinted since the day I saw the dead guy while on my run. It felt good to break out the stride last night and just remember what it feels to move so fast. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m a tad on the leggy side and I stand at about 5’8 – so when I stretch out the legs, I can book it. I used to sprint in high school track for just that reason. And I did hurdles too – although I don’t defy gravity much these days (even though I totes requested Moon Shoes for my birthday, the awesome trampoline shoes from the 90s). Rambling… anyways, getting some sprints in last night felt great. For the most part I’m focusing on laying down some mileage, building up my endurance. But even so, there has to be variety and sometimes you gotta get the quick twitch muscles a little work out too.
some snaps from last night, taken during some lunges. aww yeah, hurts so good!
Why so motivated?
Maybe it’s the Olympic season (and seeing my former teammate and pal Ryan Lochte kicking so much ass in Omaha as he gets set for London)… I’ve seen so many incredibly motivating photos from track and field trials too. (Have you seen Buzzfeed’s post of 26 photos of people finding out they made the Olympics? It’s awesome). My college pal Kyle Kugler just finished the Western States 100 in an epic time of 22:15.50, so that’s been motivating me as well. There’s influence to move it everywhere I look, and I’m LOVING it. PS, I’m begging Kyle to let me interview him for my blog – wouldn’t that be awesome?! YES. Duh! I wish I could get up with Ryan, now that would be super duper badass too… but, he’s like uber famous though, and well, kinda busy doing that whole preparing to humiliate Phelps thing (yeah, I said it – I’m TEAM USA, but also TEAM LOCHTE!).
Moving Along
Okay, okay – let’s get to the good. My playlists!
I love music, I listen to my jams all the time when I’m doing all kinds of things. Thus, working out and running are no exception! I have a few diff playlists on my phone that I use when I’m out and about, and of course Spotify (and iTunes too) for when I’m at home – stretching, yoga, abs.
Here, for your curiosity and copying pleasures, are three of my most fav playlists right now for cardio. I know my taste in music won’t suit everyone’s needs or likes – but these are just some of the songs that I’ve been movin’ to recently. Warning – a lot of them are explicit, haha. Oops!
Fit and Skinny Mix – my fav current iPhone playlist for cardio outside
Always On Time, Ashanti & Ja Rule
Rich Girl, The Bird and the Bee (cover of Hall & Oates)
Sweat (feat. Lil Wayne), Bow Wow
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight), Bruce Springsteen
Everytime We Touch (Radio Mix), Cascada
Digital Love (Boris Dlugosh remix), Daft Punk
Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj), David Guetta & Nicki Minaj
Come to Me (feat. Nicole Scherzinger), Diddy
Tell Me (feat. Christina Aguilera), Diddy
Last Night (feat. Keyshia Cole), Diddy
Sexy and I Know It (feat. Chani), DJ Shocker & Chani
Stereo Love, Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
What’s Luv? (feat. Ja-Rule & Ashanti), Fat Joe
Club Can’t Handle Me (feat. David Guetta), Flo Rida
Someone To Love, Fountains of wayne
Jump In The Pool, Friendly Fires
We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) [Alvin Risk Remix], Fun
Genesis, Grimes
Visiting Statue, Grimes
Be A Body, Grimes
Tongue Tied, Grouplove
Now & Forever (Original Mix), Henrik B & Christian Älvestam
Goodnight an Go (Back Ted N-Ted Remix), Imogen Heap
Murder Reigns, Ja Rule
Put It On Me (Explicit), Ja Rule & Vita
Homecoming, Kanye West
Heartless, Kanye West
Love Lockdown, Kanye West
Bulletproof, La Roux
Americano, Lady GaGa
The Queen, Lady GaGa
Born to Die, Lana Del Rey
Off to the Races, Lana Del Rey
Diet Mountain Dew, Lana Del Rey
Pop That, Lil Wayne
Shooter, Lil Wayne
Whip It (Produced By Deezle), Lil Wayne
Let The Beat Build (Produced By Kanye West & Deezle), Lil Wayne
6 Foot 7 Foot (feat. Cory Gunz), Lil Wayne
She Will (feat. Drake), Lil Wayne
John (feat. Rick Ross), Lil Wayne
Lollipop (Offical Remix), Lil Wayne Ft. Kanye West
New In Town, Little Boots
Let’s Get It In (feat. 50 Cent), Lloyd & 50 Cent
Start It Up (feat. Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Ryan Leslie, & Fabolous), Lloyd Banks
Gold Guns Girls, Metric
Animal , Miike Snow
Next to You, Mike Jones
Body Work, Morgan Page & Tegan and Sara
The Gentle Roar, Niki & The Dove
DJ, Ease My Mind, Niki & The Dove
Shiller, Ratatat
Falcon Jab, Ratatat
Bullets (Club Mix), Rebecca & Fiona
We Found Love (Chuckie Extended Remix), Rihanna
Major Tom, Shiny Toy Guns
Save the World (Extended Mix), Swedish House Mafia
Pot Kettle Black, Tilly And The Wall
That’s Not My Name, The Ting Tings
Basic Space (Pariah Remix), The XX
Basic Space, The XX
VCR, The XX
Crystalised, The XX
Put On , Young Jeezy & Kanye West
P.I.M.P., 50 Cent
Disco Inferno, 50 Cent
Candy Shop, 50 Cent & Olivia
Running, from my iPhone – less often used, but still good!
Little Bad Girl (feat. Taio Cruz & Ludacris) , David Guetta
I Just Wanna F. (feat. Timbaland & Dev), David Guetta, Afrojack, Timbaland & Dev
Night of Your Life (feat. Jennifer Hudson), David Guetta & Jennifer Hudson
Sunshine, David Guetta & Avicii
Stereo Love, Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
Cracks (feat. Belle Humble) [Flux Pavilion Remix], Freestylers
On Display, Melissa Gorga
It Girl (Jason Nevins Club Mix), Jason Derulo
Yoü and I (Danny Verde Remix), Lady GaGa
Give Me Everything (feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer), Pitbull
Till the World Ends, Britney Spears
Throw Your Hands Up (Dancar Kuduro) [feat. Pitbull & Lucenzo], Qwote
My Feelings for You, Avicii
Mr. Saxobeat (Extended Mix), Alexandra Stan
Loca People (Extended Version), Sak Noel
Feel So Close (Extended Mix), Calvin Harris
Earthquakey People (the Sequel) [feat. Rivers Cuomo], Steve Aoki
Forever (Extended Mix) [feat. will.i.am], Wolfgang Gartner
Good Life (Demolition Crew Remix), OneRepublic
Save the World (Radio Mix), Swedish House Mafia
The Good Natured Alive (Basto Remix), Adrian Lux
What Happens In Vegas (Radio Edit) [feat. Gregor Salto], Chuckie
Sun Is Up (Play & Win Radio Edit), Inna
Le Bump (feat. Crystal Waters), Yolanda Be Cool
Turn This Club Around (Extended Mix) [feat. U-Jean], R.I.O.
Eyes (Extended Mix) [feat. Mindy Gledhill] , Kaskade
Cinema (Extended Mix) [feat. Gary Go], Benny Benassi
Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (Kaskade Remix), Skrillex
So Much Love, Fedde le Grand
Sun & Moon (Club Mix) [feat. Richard Bedford], Above & Beyond
Raise Your Weapon, deadmau5
Heads Will Roll (James Iha Remix), Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Piece of Me, Britney Spears
Paris, Friendly Fires
Paris (Aeroplane Remix), Friendly Fires ft. Au Revoir Simone
Tongue Tied, Grouplove
Digital Love (Boris Dlugosh remix), Daft Punk
Project Bitch, Lil Wayne
Major Tom, Shiny Toy Guns
Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second, Starfucker
Bangarang (feat. Sirah), Skrillex
DJ Ease My Mind, Niki and The Dove Tribute
How Much More, Stars
Alligator (Ra Ra Riot Remix), Tegan and Sara
Scheiße, Lady GaGa Born This Way
Americano, Lady GaGa
The Queen, Lady GaGa
Marry the Night, Lady GaGa
Highway Unicorn (Road to Love), Lady GaGa
My blogger pal Mike, over at Run Till you Drop recently “tagged” me in a sort of blogging game (kinda like blogging awards). He tagged me and asked me a question that I’m to answer here on my blog. (So I will totes do just that).
mike, a former footballer now trainer, blogs about fitness and all that healthy stuff (and marriage and his cute kids) over at ‘run till you drop’ – an awesome and fun blog!
And then, I’m to pass the tag along! I’ll link your blog in this post + ask you a question; you answer the question and then keep the tag moving!
I don’t think there’s a set number of how many tags to pass on. But yesterday I made a little list of some people who I hope will participate and actually write back. If you’re tagged here – come on back to the comments section and link us to your reply (I can always edit the post to include you answer link right on in the post body itself; technology is so fancy).
Secondly, I think it would be rude not to bring ‘happyhippierose‘ to the party! Rose is such a sweet girl who has just moved away from very different weather to what ‘bearrunner‘ experiences. After reading her posts about life in Hawaii, I get very jealous from time to time, BUT sadly she has recently moved and I’d like to know a little more as I’ve not seen many blogs from her recently. So Rose, how did the move go and are you settled now? Also, as Rose likes her exercise too, I’d like to know what you’ve done recently to keep yourself in shape whilst moving from one home to another?
Hey Mike! Thanks for thinking of me and for the kind words. Well, at the time you actually tagged me, I hadn’t mentioned much about the move – but now I think I’ve actually gone overkill and I’ve given the play-by-play all up on here. I have stories, photos, posts and what not (just scroll through my May posts, they’re almost all about moving – so it seems – sorry y’all, it was pretty consuming). I don’t want to be too redundant and bore you to tears, so I’ll say this:
moving always sucks, it’s always a pain, it’s always stressful
that considered, this one went REALLY well
we turned part of it into a short road trip through NY state and that was wonderful, we met up with fam and friends we hadn’t seen in years!
we’re nicely settled in now, and so far just LOVING it here!!
My cousin Nick’s home is great, he’s been a generous and gracious host – doing more for us than any one cousin should do for another; he is wonderful and his hospitality right now is one of the biggest blessings on our lives. So we’re living with him, probably will for a year or so. We get along well, it’s been super fun so far, lots of joking around and good times.
my cousin nicky, he’s a great fella
Also, we arrived at a great time of year – we live in an amazing small town near Lake Erie with SO MUCH to do. Because of said lake, there’s all kinds of water stuff to do: boating, fishing, tubing, swimming, sun bathing, etc., so on. New York state is gorgeous, has mountains, and in the warmer months there’s a festival or something every durn weekend.
having fun out on lake erie, memorial day
smooching my hubs, aww!
On my health during this move: I was bad Mike. Like downright evil – I hadn’t worked out in a good, long time. The house mold in Hawaii had really taken hold of me before we left, and my last couple months there I was just soooo sick. I didn’t do much of anything. It took moving and getting a few weeks out of the moldy house to actually realize how sick I’d become – slowly, during the move, I started feeling better, regaining energy, and it was just dawning on me how really ill I had become. This move has been wonderful in that sense and to feel like myself again is such a treasure. So I’m easing back into a better, active, healthy lifestyle…
Since arriving here I’ve been running again!
me, out for a an evening jog with the pooches a couple nights ago
Stretching, yoga and some abs work too. Pretty fancy, huh? I’m slowly trying to get back into it. I think after being so ill and not doing much of anything, all the fuss and movement of actually leaving and traveling felt like a workout at first. Now that we’re settled – it’s back to running, jogging, the kind of exercise I can do for free and in my house. The best kind!
post workout: i’m slowly getting back into fightin’ shape
So, I think that should have MORE than answered your questions, right? Thanks for thinking of me, Mike! You rock! And to my readers who’ve never checked out Mike’s blog before: it’s an awesome resource for fitness info, workout ideas, training motivation and wonderful photos of England, his adorable family and the fun stuff they get into on the weekends.
Now: I’ll Keep The Tag Moving!!!
Oh I have so many friends with blogs and blogs I’m friends with… I feel like I coould be here all day. So if you’re someone I love and I didn’t pick you, please don’t be cross with me. These kinds of blogging games always come around and get passed about – so I’m sure there will be others down the road, and when that happens I’ll mix up the participants for sure.
In no particular order:
1. Cult Fit – tag, you’re it! A real game of tag would totally count as random fitness, right? Cult Fit is a wacky, eccentric, brilliant blog written for the fitness-seeker with a speedy mind. They crack me up and offer a good wake up call to get off my rear and go out and sweat, they also write daily workouts of the random fitness variety – fun stuff, motivation, love the humor and style.
“cult fit” – the header from their blog, i don’t think they post pics of themselves, and i wouldn’t even know how many photos to look for!
My question to Cult Fit: How many authors do y’all have? It always feels like there’s a whole mess of you penning blogs and you’re always referring to Uncle so-and-so, and this guy and that gal… but really, how many different writers are there?
UPDATE: Cult Fit already passed the tag – check out their post right here. So rad!
…
2. Sleep & Salami is a blog I got connected with during my feeble attempt at 30 Days of Blogging Honesty (which I hardly made it halfway through)… Sleep and Salami is a funny, happy blog that covers all kinds of topics and I’ve been a subscriber ever since the 30 Day event.
“sleep and salami” never posts pics of herself, but here’s the image on her gravatar
Question: I really loved your happy go lucky postings of “Merry May” – what a fun idea. I’m sorry you had a crummy April and you were in need of a pick me up – what have you found to be the best way to pull oneself out of a funk and into happiness? Do you think your focus on gratitude has been a big help? (I’m a huge advocate of focusing on gratitude for sure). How are you feeling now, emotionally? What’s in store for June?
…
3. Nourish. Nature. Love. Carlita! Heya Carly, how’s it going in Florida? Carly is a personal friend of mine who writes an incredibly educational blog about lifestyle, fitness, nutrition and health – she posts juicing recipes, all kinds of recipe, workout stuff, yoga stuff, just all kinds of holistic lifestyle good choices stuff.
carly, from “nourish.nature.love.”
carly, gettin’ her workout on!
I would like to ask Carly: Are you so stoked about your new job teaching/training Kosama? What about Kosama excites you? What all will you be doing as part of this new job? (Congrats btw, I’m super excited for you!) And if you want to get into Jordan’s new job, can you touch on what you’ll be doing to stay busy over the next year (other than working your tail feather off??)
yogi extraordinaire.
…
4. I am Rose’s Keeper. Are you EVER going to write your own blog again? C’mon pleeeeeeeeeease. (That’s my hubby’s blog, I want him to keep it up!)
oh duggs – so handsome in his new civilian look, the guy who blogs at “i am rose’s keeper” (and my hubby)
the pic duggs has of himself on his blog
…
5. Ear-Sword-Miracle. Why are you so incredibly awesome?? Seriously Miles, you rock. You’ve become such a “mentor” to me – and you always inspire me and offer so much support and love. I think you and Sharon are so so rad! So I know I’m supposed to ask you some kind of question that you’re actually able to blog about… so let’s see: Can you tell me more about the roots of your faith? I know an awful lot about how you view things now, but I’d love to know more about the journey that got you there. And then – how did you and Sharon come to love tie dye so much? The whole 70’s thing, or is it just because tie dye is so fun and happy and bright, just like y’all are?
miles, from “ear-sword-miracle,” the texan cowboy!
…
6. Twirling Girl. Oh Victoria, I love your blog! I think your writing is beautiful and inspirational. You’re really an excellent writer – is this blog your first foray into writing, or do you have some other experience that’s given you such a talented, solid voice and wonderful skill with words?
“twirling girl” pretty victoria
Where does your inspiration for your posts come from? And how on earth do you find the time to do so much reading?? You’re really an impressive lady, and I just want you to know that I love your blog and find beauty in everything you post.
…
7. Hiking in Paradise. Goodness you make me miss Hawaii! SO MUCH! I’m glad you’re trying to include more photos with your posts (I know at some point you mentioned getting a camera to bring on dives, and how it can be a bit clumsy to use – or at least it was at first, right?). Your adventures are always exciting and the enthusiasm with which you’ve jumped into SCUBA makes me wish I’d given diving a chance. Did you like that pun back there? I have ear drama though, so actually I’d probably not do well with diving, I can never go too deep when I’m snorkeling or swimming.
“hiking in paradise” is lovely and happy =)
My question for you: What’s your most favorite hike in Hawaii? If you ever leave the island, what will you miss the most? And what adventure have you been on that’s your proudest accomplishment – ya know, what dive or hike was the toughest and left you feeling so great about yourself for getting through it?
…
8. Through The Tunnel. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I saw on Fb it was your birthday, so I just had to give you a shout out. Doing anything fun for your b-day? For the average person, what’s the most important thing we should know about PPD and those going through it? Like the top bit of advice you’d suggest for being supportive or the top bits of info to know for the sake of having awareness awareness, can you give us a surface level little bit, and “intro” to PPD if you will.
esther, lovely mama and encourager of many at “through the tunnel.”
PPD, btw, is Post-Partum Depression, and my pal Esther writes a lovely encouraging blog about PPD and getting through to the light at the end of the tunnel. She’s a smart, sweet, and loving mama who helps reach out to many through her blog and social media. Again, Happy Birthday!! Love to you, Corny Esther =)
…
(fun fact: Ear-Sword-Miracle is Through The Tunnel’s Dad, so cool!)
Alrighty – I think that’s plenty of folks for now – right?
Now y’all have to Keep The Tag Moving! So, write and publish a post on your own blog, in which you answer the question I’ve asked you. Then “tag” some other blogs by linking to them in that same post and ask a question or two of them, thus passing the tag on to them. Cool? Cool!
Have fun!
And as always, thanks for reading!! xoxo, hhr
*pics stolen from other blogs and in one case, facebook, totally without permission because i’m totally rude like that.
I have been awarded a blog award: The Kreativ Award.
Blog awards are fun! It’s a way that bloggers recognize others and give credit to the pages and authors that they enjoy, like, appreciate, and so on.
Recently two of my most favourite British running bloggers (okay, maybe the only two British running bloggers that I happen to know and follow, hehe) – both were kind enough to present me with some “awards.”
YAY!
In this post I’ll feature how my pal Happy Runner gave me the Kreativ Award, and then tomorrow I’ll publish a separate one for Mike’s “Pass The Tag Along” Award that he bestowed upon me (so more on that tomorrow – and let me tell you, it’s a fun one. Come back and read it tomorrow, will ya?).
Not only does she write a fun, witty, resourceful, and interesting blog about both running and travels (and the awesomeness of being genuinely happy) – she’s a fundraiser for Team In Training – the racing group that raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As a Lymphoma survivor (and former Team member), I so love love love and appreciate that.
i totally stole this pic from her post on the london bupa 10,000 (one of her recent races).
The Award Itself – As Taken From Her Post
The rules for the Kreativ Award are:
Write 7 things about yourself that no one knows.
Nominate 7 creative bloggers for this award.
So here we go…
Seven Things About Myself No One Knows:
(Now this is rather hard, I’m pretty much an open book. I’m not so stealthy or secretive, but I’ll try to post seven things that I’ve hopefully never before disclosed on my blog – and therefore the happy hippie rose audience doesn’t yet know.)
1. I pick my nose.
Yeah, I said it. I’ve been diagnosed with the OCD – and while I refuse to acknowledge that diagnosis (even though two different docs and a handful of casual observers have flung it my way)… I have a hard time letting things be. So if a boogie is tickling my nose, I can’t stand it. I’ll pick it and then go wash my hands, or I’ll use a tissue. I mean, I’m not an animal.
busted! so gross, huh?
Likewise, it’s nearly impossible for me to ignore scabs, blemishes, and so on. I pick.
That’s so foul isn’t it? I’m gross. Oh, just leave me now. I understand.
2. I worry that I don’t do enough; I could do so much more.
This is in regards to everything: art, blogging, working, fitness, activism. I try to do stuff – but I worry that I’m actually lazy or not pulling my weight. I feel so aware of so many social issues – but what am I personally doing to fight injustice? Enough? Hardly. I feel like my time could be better spent.
On a run, I could go harder. On my blog, I could post more often and with a higher quality of content. I feel like there’s always more to be done – and there’s always more I could and should be doing.
I guess you could say – I fear inadequacy.
And oh please, do not barrage me with reassurances that I’m a great person and I do plenty – this isn’t an issue or dilemma that keeps me up at night, etc. I’m just trying to think about things about myself that I don’t often disclose, and this is just one of them. I know I’m good – but I feel like with a little more elbow grease, I could be great.
3. I’m actually a good singer
At least, I truthfully believe this. I just don’t think I’ve ever been “discovered” or heard in the right context. Or maybe I need some training or something.
My whole life I’ve been told I’m essentially tone deaf (even though I’m so not – I have great aural pitch and I have a pretty good ear for music) and most significantly, that I’m a terrible singer. I fear karaoke more than death; I know I’ll mortify myself because all I’ve ever been told is how dreadful my singing voice is.
But in those alone moments: belting out a tune in the car, singing when no one is home and really going at it – really putting my lungs into it. I think I’m good. I think I can really sing, actually. I have a powerful, hear-me-in-the-rafters kinda voice. I should probably be a popstar. I mean, I have the moves, too.
4. I’m perfectly at peace with my “conflicting” morals
To some, my morals, views, beliefs (whatever you wanna call them) may seem a bit hard to follow – perhaps a bit unorthodox or all over the place, even. I won’t go into details or call myself out right here. If you know me, or if you’ve read my blog long enough you’ve probably scratched your head a time or two when coming across something I believe in, or a notion I condone.
I am 100% at peace with it all though and I literally see no conflict in the beliefs I hold. To me, my moral compass makes perfect sense and the beliefs I hold mesh.
5. I way prefer TV shows to movies.
Something about the pacing of shorter episodes? I’m not sure. I’d rather watch an entire season of a show in one sitting than one movie, and I blame it on my attention span. Even though the former requires hours and hours of steady watching – I find the episode to episode sequence easier to handle than just. one. movie.
[this is hard, I feel like people know everything about me… I’m kinda scraping the bottom of the barrel here. These are such lame revelations].
6. I’m a Genius
I usually don’t brag about such things, and normally I’d find this kind of self promotion to be super tacky. But I’m running out of ideas here – I already tell too much about myself to have seven whole secrets! (So much for being creative as this award suggests, huh?).
So I’ll be honest: I’m a genius.
me and ole albert here kinda have the same ‘do. image source from pc mag
Like, a legit Mensa-caliber, top 0.001th percentile I.Q., wicked smart genius. I never disclose my actual IQ. For a variety reasons – it’s weird, it’s actually really tacky, and despite having a big ole brain and a high number on that one test, I know plenty of folks much much smarter than me, people who work harder, so forth and so on.
Just because you have a super IQ doesn’t meant you’re qualified for anything necessarily. It does mean that I did great in school, in the gifted classes (where I was mercilessly picked on by kids not in the gifted program for being a loser geek). When I was younger I did carry some arrogance about my God-given smarts; I’ve long since learned humility (the hard, slow, painful way) and I try not to be cocky, judge others or be elitist in any way shape or form. I try to see the good in everyone and I know that being academically smart is only one kind of intelligence and that there are gifts galore that people possess and it really does take all kinds to make the world go ’round.
It does mean that I put tons of pressure on myself for greatness though. So we’ll see. Hopefully I’ll do something world-changing and bring good and happiness to millions. I so pray and wish I somehow am able to do just that.
7. I consume more garbage than the city dump
Candy, pizza, ice pops, candy, soda, reality TV… I consume garbage at an alarming rate. And sometimes I go through phases of wholesome dedication to a healthier lifestyle. And then at other times I just binge, without guilt, and go nuts.
i’ve had a long long love affair with pop.sicle brand ice pops – but lately, i can’t get enough. it’s incredible how many a day i consume. it’s embarrassing, actually.
I know that this here is a lifestyle blog in which I try to encourage others to get into a healthy way of living and eat good, whole food. And please, I wholeheartedly 100% support the real food movement.
I just still love my Cokes and candies and crap.
I always promise to cut down, and I know what’s best for me. But I have this ratio of pleasure to productivity. And while living a long, healthy life is of paramount importance to me – so is the sweet divine happiness that comes from consuming ice cream and soda. So I try my best to balance, and often I end up on the losing sugar-laden end.
…
Whew.
That was painful, honestly. Thinking of SEVEN whole things about myself was damn hard. Try to go easy on me dear readers, will ya?!?! Now. Onto the fun part- THE LINKS!
…
Seven Creative Bloggers I’m Nominating:
Picking just seven bloggers is tough. This isn’t a reflection of picking my favorites and playing sides – so if you don’t see your name and link here, please don’t take it personally. I hate having to choose when it comes to stuff like this.
So, I’m actually going to try and name seven bloggers I’m not sure I’ve ever linked to before in an attempt to get some new shout outs going on. I also tried to mix it up and not just stick with one genre. So hopefully out of these seven, you’ll have found a new blog or two to follow!
And remember, tomorrow is another award post in which I’ll be “tagging” more blogs for you to go and check out too. Lots of love being slung around these parts =)
A Filipina, moved to Holland – married and with a young daughter, who loves to cook, sightsee, take photos and travel throughout Europe. Her blog is a mixture of food, family, travelogue and just awesomeness. Go check her out for her beautiful recipes and then stay to browse the gorgeous photos.
gorgeous family, living in a gorgeous place
Oh, and you just may pick up some wonderful tidbits on Dutch philosophy about life and happiness.
It may surprise Aurathena to see I’ve named her here – we don’t always see eye to eye. But I do read her blog regularly, and I’ve come to respect her, learn from her, and find humanity and love in her posts; which I think is important to do when you don’t always mesh 100% with someone – in fact, I think it’s more important in those circumstances at some times (world peace, y’all!).
(Aurathena is a pseudonym, and she doesn’t post any pics of herself – hence none here)
Aurathena is single, Christian, newly graduated from University and figuring out life. She’s our neighbor to the north (Canadian) and she blogs from the heart – about her personal life, struggles, achievements and writings.
This is incredible. It’s a couple guys, in a crazy cross-country road trip, taking photos and video everywhere they go, accumulating stories, and just documenting what the good ole US of A is like right now. It’s wacky, it’s fun, it’s awesome.
the original road trip – they’re on a different route now, hitting more/different states
The point of the blog is to track their progress and they’re creating a documentary about America and the point of view they’ve been able to glean while whirling around the states, couch surfing and sleeping in “the mosquito” (their car). They just went through Florida, and I loved reading their take on THE wackiest state in the union.
Their photos, the video, the whole project is truly awesome and creative! Seriously, go browse the photo albums – it’s amazing work, y’all. LOVE.
Meet Mort, an adorable and lovable wiener dog (a Dachshund). Mortimer’s Mom – Emily – is a funny, awesome, adorable blogger who writes about her life with Mort, the crazy antics he gets into, travels she and her husband take around Europe, and she posts the sweetest, most aww-inducing photos of dear sweet Mort and other readers’ doggies too.
oh mort, you’re too cute!
Emily makes me laugh on the regular and it’s all the feel-good happy fun times you need for a digital pick-me-up as often as you need one.
Stella Marr is incredible. The text of her blog may not always be safe reading for work, but it’s significant, important, and something that everyone should read. Human trafficking is real, it is now, it happening all around the world. Countless people are forced into sex work, coerced with violence, kidnapped and put into slavery, destitue from drug addiction or poverty and then unable to escape.
a hero of mine
The issue is NOT going away. We aren’t doing enough to help.
Read Stella’s words. It will hurt. It will tear at your heart and soul to do so… but we, as a society and as kind, good people cannot pretend it doesn’t go on any longer. Or that the girls in it are all there because they want to be. Very few of them are, in fact.
Stella is an excellent writer – having finished her degree after escaping the ten years she was bound as a call girl in New York City. She tells her story, she networks with other survivors, and she teaches us what we need to know to better fight this on-going atrocity.
What’s more creative than art? Gabriel posts interviews, features, and articles about art and artists. Sometimes he even spoils us and features his own work (which is good, and he should do so more often – hint, hint).
gabriel
Want to learn about new artists? Want to discover beautiful works and be inspired? Follow The Artful Desperado and you will not be disappointed.
Last, but most certainly not least – is Tamara. If you want a blog about family, faith, Jesus, writing, life, and how to be an awesome person, go read Tamara’s blog. She’s amazing. I don’t know how she does it all and does it while being so cool. She’s one of those people who can do a million things at once, fabulously, and make it look effortless.
tamara, pretty lady
But we know it’s not effortless. She’s a hard worker. She writes about that too – she’s been working really hard to get a book published, one that is amazing and will change lives. In her own words (on this page about the book) she says, “The book of essays will explore ways in which women are caused to disbelieve their own worth and offer affirmation of their true, God-made worth.”
How awesome is that?
Tamara, you rock. You inspire me, I look up to you and I wish I commented more frequently than I do because the community on your page is awesome as well.
*All photos were stolen from the respective blogs (without permission – rebel, rebel).
…
So there you have it!
I’ve been deemed creative – which as a sorta-wannabe-artist and an actual writer – is a lovely compliment indeed. Thank you Happy Runner, I’m much appreciative. And to all who read my humble blog here – THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I hope you enjoyed learning some super weird things about me and I really really hope you’ve clicked on over to check out seven awesome new blogs. Report back to me about what you’ve found, what you like and so forth and so on.
Back tomorrow with more links and more revealing stories about the one and only, happy hippie rose.
As ALWAYS, thanks for reading!! xoxo, hhr
PS – just in case you needed some more of my moves:
Happy Hippie Rose 