Shutterbug

I recently got a camera that will be more than I need. Ever. But I have been practicing with it and am enjoying an amateur shutterbug status. Here are some shots captured today.

Two Pots

Desperate Times

Afternoon Sun

Check out the cute ones of the boy here.

Shuffle Up

I have been tagged by Claudia's post as to what popped up on her iPod when she switched to the random party shuffle mode. Well, here's what came up on mine:

1. Lose Yourself - Eminem
2. We Are One Body - Sophie B. Hawkins
3. Hella Good - No Doubt
4. If I Could Be Where You Are - Enya
5. Wildflowers - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
6. Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Ronnie Neuman
7. So Alive - Ryan Adams
8. Desafinado - George Michael
9. A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel - u2
10. Firecracker - Ryan Adams
11. How Do You Keep Love Alive - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
12. New Orleans Insturmental No. 1 - R.E.M.
13. No Myth - Michael Penn
14. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
15. Under Pressure - Queen with David Bowie

Give Me a Boost...

I am a major products junkie - skin, nails, makeup - all that kind of stuff. My hair, however, has always been neglected. Don't feel too bad, though. I think my hair is one of my stronger features. I regularly get it cut and highlighted, but have never been big on mousse or gel, just a quick spray. See, my hair - lovely as it is - is super fine and super thick (read: HEAVY). Quite frankly, I never bought into the marketing or packaging of hair products that lift and volumize and bouffant and all that. PHOOEY, I thought.

Or so I thought...

On a mere whim, perhaps it was the 111 degree temperature yesterday that rendered my reasoning nil, but I splurged on a fancy hair product. Root Boost by TIGI - Catwalk claims to be a "spray for texture, lift and style support for all types of hair." It should be noted that 'all types of hair' reads to me like 'one size fits all'. It'll fitya, but we ain't gonna say how well.

But what really intrigued me in my heat-induced dementia was the second claim:

Precision application allows you maximum design control.

TIGI is telling me that not only will I be able to lift my hair, but I will be able to design it with my very own precision application process. For a mere 12 bucks, I could be a graphic designer of hair.

I was totally seduced. Mesmorized. SOLD. I couldn't wait to wake up on Monday to shower, towel dry my hair and begin my masterpiece.

Now, I am a simple hair girl. No fancy updos, twists, curls or even french braiding. So of course after shaking well and then spraying directly onto my head, I realized I had erred. Fortunately, the moussie-like texture caught me and I quickly recovered and applied a small amount in my hand and worked it into my scalp prior to blowing dry.

I have no photographic proof (yet) but I assure you this Root Boost met its claim and then some. AND it kept my roots boosted all day long and allowed me a cute poofy ponytail at the end of my 12 hour work day. I am thrilled. I am buying this stuff by the case so that my weighted down roots can forever be boosted.

You are welcome.

But seriously, you don't have to thank me. I mean really, who am I to keep a secret like this under wraps? We should all be so fortunate to have access to all the tools of the trade. And, I - Lara - am a giver.

My Most Inspiring Movies

Cynthia has challenged us to list our most inspiring movies; this after watching the AFI's 100 most inspiring movies. She has been perplexed on what makes a movie inspiring and is wondering what it means to others. Truth be told, it will be very different for all because inspiring can and does mean very different things. Just take dictionary.com's take on inspiring.

INSPIRING

1. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.
2. To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: hymns that inspire the congregation; an artist who was inspired by Impressionism.
3. To stimulate to action; motivate: a sales force that was inspired by the prospect of a bonus.
4. To affect or touch: The falling leaves inspired her with sadness.
5. To draw forth; elicit or arouse: a teacher who inspired admiration and respect.
6. To be the cause or source of; bring about: an invention that inspired many imitations.
7. To draw in (air) by inhaling.

So, with this many meanings, our choices will likely be very different.

Here are some of mine:

American Beauty - Not in the traditionally inspiring way, but the acting, directing and total movie was an inspired effort during a time when it's really hard to find a great movie. I loved the part with the bag blowing in the wind and the neighbor saying that there really is beauty in everything. I totally believe that. You just might have to squint your eyes to see it. But it's there.

The Breakfast Club - We all may be different on the outside, but most of us have a shared desire to fit in and belong somewhere.

Field of Dreams - If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Ray reconnecting with his father was inspiring.

Forrst Gump - Persistence pays off.

Mad Hot Ballroom - Everyone deserves the same opportunity, regardless. And when you give people opportunities (especially children) you will be amazed by the results.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Always be willing to ask questions; always challenge if you are concerned. I feel like I do this with Emerson's health care, but I can't say it was BECAUSE of this movie.

Parenthood - Families come in all shapes, sizes and personalities and sometimes the craziness of family is the best part. Family can and should always have your back.

A River Runs Through It - First and foremost, the scenery is inspiring - breathtakingly beautiful it instills a sense of calm. The movie also shows the tale of two brothers each on their own path each making mistakes in life and that through those mistakes they grow.

Say Anything - I think almost every straight girl (even the Diane Courts of the world) wanted to go find their LLoyd Dobbler. Also coming of age tale highlighting that we all learn our parents are people too - they are mortal and make mistakes.

My Inquiring (albeit tired) Mind Wants to Know...

Does Sean Lennon ever smile? Has he ever been happy - even for a moment - in his life? Every picture I have ever seen of him, he looks miserable. We really don't even know if he has teeth. Really, we don't.

Why is it that you get the coupon for a free 8 x 10 from Shutterfly if you just spend $25 by June 20th, when in the past two weeks you have spent over $200 at Shutterfly.

That's it. My mind isn't super curious right now. Mostly tired and those were two things that popped into it. Just now. Really randomly.

Dance and Sing/Get Up and Do Your Thing

Madonna had us dancin' and singin' and gettin' up and doin' our thing! Fortunately, Deejah and I were in the first row of our balcony level, though, and we didn't have to stand unless we wanted to!

Madge, or for you Kabbalah fans - Esther, rocked the hizzouse. At 47 years old the girl can still kick it AND in a white unitard. That's right. It appears the only fat this girl has is her breast tissue and that big ol bank account.

Fans were not disappointed by the 20 track set, which was primarily comprised of songs from her newest cd, Confessions...Mixing with a few tracks from Ray of Light and a skoch of old school tunes (Live to Tell, Erotica, Lucky Star, to name some).

Madonna and her uber-fit dancers put on a show to envy all shows. The performers were taught, the choreography was tight and the evening was titillating!

I would go again and again.

Vacation Recap

Vacation is over and it's time to get back into the swing of things.

This past week has been a real gem. Emerson and I traveled to Green Country to visit my dad, stepmom and other close family (brother, sis-in-law, aunt and cousins). It was the second time that Emerson had been there and he just had a grand old time.

The week was a leisurely one with a good mix of fun. Swimming, reading, napping and picture taking topped the agenda most days with some good food thrown in there too. Fortunately, tantrums were low on the list of Emerson's To-do's save the one he threw at the University Bookstore (right across from Gamma Lynn's office). As we ignored Emerson (in hopes of diffusing the rants) he looked up at Gamma Lynn' s assistant Johnnie and whimpered, "Help me." Nice way of making the family look good, Emerson!

Following are just a few of my favorite pics. You can get more at Emerson's blog (see right for link).

Soaking Up the Rays

Playing with Uncle Marsh

GO TEAM!

Picture Perfect with Gma Lynn

Handsome Boy

Papa's Love

Flower Power

What I am Loving Right Now, a List

1. My pedicure with the cute little flowers she painted on my big piggies.
2. The sweetest compliment - as Emerson and I entered my hair place to get his first cut by my gal, this woman looked at him and said, "He's just breathtaking!" I couldn't agree more!
3. Wendy's Frescata Sandwhich Combos (where you can get Baked Lay's and a Dasani water and not feel like a total greaser when you have to do the drive thru deal).
4. I am on vacation.
5. I am going to Madonna.
6. Emerson's boundless energy and overall sunny disposition.
7. That American Idol is over. What a waste of time - two nights a week.
8. That I got reunited with some of my most favorite cds last week.
9. My new bangs.
10. I am on vacation. I don't care if I already said it. ;)

Just Like a Prayer

Deejah will take me there.
No longer a mystery;
We'll watch from the first-row balcony.

No longer like a dream,
She will be what she seems.
Her voice will take me there;
Her voice, her voice will take me there.


...To the new arena, where on June 8, 2006 Deejah and I will be seeing the music maven, Madonna. That's right! I am going to Madonna!! Deejah scored some tix from her mom and we are going, going, SO GOING to the concert.

I love Madonna. I have all her cds. I have her documentary, Truth or Dare. I even have her first children's book, The English Roses. I saw her in concert a year and a half ago in Vegas, with Claudia and Scott at the MGM Grand. Grand it was. Ahhhhh.

Looks like Cynthia isn't the only concertgoer this summer. WOOOOOO-HOOOOOO!

Mom's Day 2006

Perfect kid.

Perfect day.

It's Hard to Be Humble...

...when one of the healthiest things on the planet shares your name. I am pleased to share with my expansive readership, the new to me:

My very own Larabar

That's right. The Larabar. Made by a much more nurtitionally sound Lara than I. According to Prolific Sports, the Larabar has a lot to boast about. Check this out.

Larabar is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices and has become a favorite among our staff. Made from 100% whole raw food, each flavor contains no more than 2 to 6 ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

Larabar contains everything a healthy body needs:

• Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids
• High fiber and quality carbohydrates for balanced blood sugar levels and sustained energy.
• Naturally occurring essential minerals and vitamins
• Plant source protein
• Phytonutrients and antioxidants derived from whole plant foods
• Non-GMO
• No added sugar
• Free of gluten, dairy, soy
• Vegan and Kosher
  
  PLUS

LARABAR REAL: Sweet with no added sweeteners. Gutsy with no added fillers. It's what your body needs - real, whole food loaded with nature's own minerals and vitamins. All without chemicals, fillers or medicinal tasting supplements.

LARABAR RAW: Never cooked, Never processed. The essential enzymes, which are necessary for digestion and utilization of nutrients, remain completely intact in their most natural, powerful state. Adiet abundant in raw, unprocessed foods is important for health and longevity.

LARABAR RIGHT: Contains only pure ingredients. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, carbohydrates and good fats are derived exclusively from the raw, whole foods used to make the bars. What could be more right?

It even comes in tasty flavors like Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Chocolate Coconut Chew and Ginger Snap!

Who knew that something named Larabar could be so goshdangfoodforyou?

Sucker for a Sad Song

That's me. I don't really know why either. I am not a depressive person or enjoy the meloncholy of folly. I just like the traditionally slower rhythm's and the raw sentiment. Below are some of my favorites. If you are a blogger like me and happen upon this list, then tag - YOU'RE it.

My Favorite Sad Songs, in No Particular Order

1. How Do You Keep Love Alive by Ryan Adams

What does it mean?/What does it mean?/What does it mean to be so sad?/When someone you love/Someone you love is supposed to make you happy/What do you do?/How do you keep love alive?

2. I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You by Colin Hay

I drink good coffee every morning/Comes from a place that's far away/And when I'm done I feel like talking/Without you here there is less to say/I don't want you thinking I'm unhappy/What is closer to the truth/That if I lived till I was 102/I just don't think I'll ever get over you

3. Warning Sign by Coldplay

A warning sign/I missed the good part then I realised/I started looking and the bubble burst/I started looking for excuses/Come on in, I’ve gotta tell you what a state I’m in/I’ve gotta tell you in my loudest tones/That I started looking for a warning sign/When the truth is/I miss you/Yeah the truth is/That I miss you so

4. I Shall Believe by Sheryl Crow

Come to me now/And lay your hands over me/Even if it’s a lie/Say it will be alright/And I shall believe

5. With or Without You by U2

See the stone set in your eyes/See the thorn twist in your side/I wait for you/Sleight of hand and twist of fate/On a bed of nails she makes me wait/And I wait without you/With or without you/With or without you

6. It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing by Shania Twain

And it only hurts when I’m breathing/My heart only breaks when it’s beating/My dreams only die when I’m dreaming/So, I hold my breath--to forget

7. And So it Goes by Billy Joel

So I would choose to be with you/That’s if the choice were mine to make/But you can make decisions too/And you can have this heart to break/And so it goes, and so it goes/And you’re the only one who knows

8. I Don't Wanna Talk About It by Rod Stewart

I can tell by your eyes that you've prob'bly been cryin' forever,/and the stars in the sky don't mean nothin' to you, they're a mirror./I don't wanna talk about it, how you broke my heart./If I stay here just a little bit longer,/If I stay here, won't you listen to my heart, whoa, heart?

9. You Don't Know Me by Michael Buble

You give your hand to me/And then you say good-bye/I watch you walk away/Beside the lucky guy/You'll never never know/The one who loves you so/Well, you don't know me

10. When Will You Come Back Home by Ryan Adams

When, when will you come back home/No one leave the lights on in a house/Where nobody lives anymore

Now that I have given you the songs and a sampling of their lyrics; I see that it is pretty depressing. I am really not trying to be a cyberdowner. Trust me, I have always liked these kinds of songs. They have brought me peace, comfort, healing and perhaps surprisingly - enjoyment.

What I am Loving This Second - A List

1. For the first time ever tonight, Emerson said his name.

2. That when I ask Emerson what color something is - no matter what - his answer is: Lellow.

3. My new Lands' End linen pants (and that I guessed at my inseam and they are the perfect length).

4. That two of the shirts I ordered with my pants have to be returned for a SMALLER size.

5. My Tuesday morning trip to Starbucks had me in a front-row-joe parking space and NO ONE in front of me when I walked up to the counter. That never happens on a weekday morning at 8:05 a.m. But it did for me, if only once.

6. Reading almost every day.

7. My white Coach duffle has proven to be an excellent purchase.

8. The new chocolate and turquoise notecards I bought.

9. Online tax filing means for a truly rapid refund right into my account.

10. Just three and a half weeks until vacation!

May's Musts

Read: Cowboys are my Weakness by Pam Houston

Watch: The Apprentice - we are down to the final six and it's as juicy as ever

Hear: Old 97s (if you like Wilco and all)

Words that Made this Grown Up Mama Cry

The Summer-Camp Bus Pulls Away From the Curb
by Sharon Olds

Whatever he needs, he has or doesn't
have by now.
Whatever the world is going to do to him
it has started to do. With a pencil and two
Hardy Boys and a peanut butter sandwich and
grapes he is on his way, there is nothing
more we can do for him. Whatever is
stored in his heart, he can use, now.
Whatever he has laid up in his mind
he can call on. What he does not have
he can lack. The bus gets smaller and smaller, as one
folds a flag at the end of a ceremony,
onto itself and onto itself, until
only a heavy wedge remains.
Whatever his exuberant soul
can do for him, it is doing right now.
Whatever his arrogance can do
it is doing to him. Everything
that's been done to him, he will now do.
Everything that's been placed in him
will come out, now, the content of a trunk
unpacked and lined up on a bunk in the underpine

light.

We All Deserve a Second Chance

Especially if we get off on the wrong foot to begin with.

That was the case with Melissa Bank's Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing. It really didn't have a fair shot with me. I mean EVERYONE was raving about it and, quite frankly, overselling it and all that. When I read it, I was left unimpressed. I just didn't understand all the hype.

So, I had an opportunity to acquire it cheaply and decided to reread it. Maybe I missed something. I don't know if I am at a more focused point in my life that I could pay better attention to it, or what. But I actually liked it a lot better the second time around. She really captures the loneliness of dating and the loneliness that can creep into a relationship. There are some really good lines. So good that I wished I had marked them. But those of you that know me know I would never write in a book - that's vandalism!

Life's too short for me to go back and re-read books that I didn't love the first time around, but I guess I had a feeling. I certainly won't re-read anything I loved. I would hate to not have the lovely first impression that I had. Kinda like finishing a great meal with all the flavors still swirling on your tongue and you make the unwise choice to try Joe's dessert or taste Marla's coffee. It's ruined. That pleasant closure to you dining experience derailed. Forever.

My Little Easter Bunny

Pull Up a Chair and Stay a While

I think it's interesting that if you are pregnant, most HMOs will only charge one copay (that of your first appointment diagnosing your pregnancy) for the duration of your 'symptom'. When that 'symptom' is over back you go to paying for each office visit. So, with my insurance, it only cost me $15.00 to obtain prenatal care and deliver Emerson (via c-section, mind you).

In any other instance, I will required to make a copayment for any doctor visit no matter if I am seen multiple times regarding the same symptoms, diagnoses or treatments. Isn't that interesting? So, while it could be challenging to be ailed by more than one thing at one time, it can actually be a cost savings. Especially if your course of treatment cures you after that one visit. It's convenient too as you will have fewer trips to the ol' Doc.

Case in point: Yesterday, I was diagnosed with a double whammy - Pink eye and strep throat. Nice combo don't you think? I mean you have the nasty breath of an infected throat and the freakish red eye that would be perfect looking if only it were Halloween. Alas, it wasn't and here I was at urgent care at 7pm waiting to be seen.

It had started in the wee hours of Tuesday morning when I woke to my left eye gummed closed by leakage. I got up, pried my eyelids apart and noticing that the whites of my eyes had been replaced with a bright blood red hue. I chalked it up to one too many nights in a row sleeping with my contacts, yanked them out - after much tearing (that's whaah whaah, not rip rip) and struggle I got both out and safely in the trash and got my weary bum back to bed.

I arose at 6:30 a.m. only to find that my eye was no better and still pretty runny. No pain though, it just felt tired and it was just my left eye (hmmm, does TLC want to reunite?). I got ready for work and off I went. Comments were made throughout the morning and a few wonderful folks offered me drops and hand sanitizer. Their motives clearly mixed. The slight lump that was felt in my throat was gathering size as the day progressed and my eye was not looking better.

While attending an offsite event for work late Tuesday afternoon, a colleague of mine (higher on the totem pole than I and really a minor acquaintance) saw me and and asked if I was okay. I told him I was and that I thought I had pink eye and would be seeing my doctor tomorrow. He craned his neck down and closer to me to get a better look. He asked me to take off my glasses and while it seemed strange, he had a familiar way about this and I obliged. As he reached for my face, I made a pronounced shift. "You know I am an eye doctor, don't you?" Relief. "I figured as much considering you have had the greatest interest in my eye of everyone today."

Shortly thereafter, I made my way to my car and was en route home when I continued to be bothered by my throat. At the next stoplight, I took a look in my vanity mirror and sure enough - signs of infection. I detoured from home and made my way to urgent care. After about one and half hours time I had my diagnosis and my prescriptions. God love a ZPak antibiotic.

Now just more than 24 hours later, a day of rest, eye drops every four hours and my meds, I am on the mend. My eye is still red, although fading. I should be able to approach tomorrow with far less scrutiny from others.

Thank goodness the weekend is just a couple of days away.

Emerson - Toddler Cruiser

The Beauty of Words

I am a latecomer to poetry. I realize some never make it there (just like I never made it to Shakespeare or Milton and thus a major in English Lit never materialized). However, early, tardy, or hours late, I developed a liking and there are a few poems I have come across that are worth sharing. The first will be in this posting and it's a most dazzling poem by e. e. cummings. YES, it's the one that Maggie (Cameron Diaz) read to Rose (Toni Collette) at the end of In Her Shoes, but the chick flick based on chick lit should not negate it's beauty.

i carry your heart with me by e. e. cummings

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)