As a follow-up to the 'crap I hate' post, I thought it might be nice to perpetuate some sweet-ass love. And as much as I'd like to be all-inclusive and put down those lovely, esoteric things like 'the sound of children laughing', I won't. Because it's been done over and over and over again. Honestly, I'd need an entire novel for all those things. So I'll keep it to tangible things - that you too can get your grubby mitts on. Kind of like Oprah's Santa list. But I can't buy you the goods. You'll have to do that yourself. It's a recession, you know. Good news, most of these things are FREE.
Stuff I love!
Pandora.com
Oh.
My.
Gawd.
My genius uncle, Ron, told me about this magic gem. The site creates personalized radio stations based on songs, artists, genres...etc. that you enter. Based on a bunch of criteria that the Music Genome Project selected (lyrics, melody, lead guitar and a bunch of other crap, like...400 things), they pull up similar artists and songs that they think you'd like.
Then you listen.
An added feature is the 'thumbs-up & thumbs-down' buttons. If you like the song, you click thumbs-up, and it further refines your radio station. If the song rubs you the wrong way, click thumbs-down - and it apologizes and promises to not play that song on that station. Talk about immediate gratification!
I'm pretty much in love.
Free Beading Instructions
My mom is a stellar jewelry creator. Seriously, it boggles my mind.
But now there is help for the rest of us. Sure, you could take some beading class, but why not invited a few friends over to create? Then you can drink - which is frowned upon at community education. (go figure. you'd think if there was anyone who needed a nip, it would be those instructors.)
Red Hook Winter Ale
Step aside Summit, there's a new kid in town. While normally kept within the confines of Beer Snob Swill (which I frequently typo as 'beer snot swill' eeeewwwww), this lovely gem in a bottle deserves a special entry. People who know me well KNOW that my favorite part of winter (besides going on holiday someplace that allows me to wear a bikini) is Winter Ale. While Summit Winter has been a seasonal favorite, Red Hook has knocked it out of the park. Delicious. It's like Christmas came early when I took my first sip.
Note to Santa: All I want in my stocking is Red Hook Winter Ale. And an orange kitten.
Seriously Cool People
Okay, this isn't fair. Neither Oprah nor I can supply you with these gems. You'll just have to find them yourselves. (this IS my esoteric part)
I've just been realizing how many fantastic people I know. My crazy facebook number spilled over 100 - and it made my head spin. And that's just people on that site!
My family, for one. I am so blessed. Sure, sure, there's always some crazy uncle or something that can cause discomfort - but if you open your eyes, there is so much love. I'm unbelievable lucky to have the family (blood or not) that I have. They will always be there for me. This I know.
I love the motherfuckin'hell out of you people.
My friends rock, too. Most of them are also family, blood or not. Funny how it all blends together after a while. And the new friends I make are dear to me as well. The more days I have, the more I realize that people do come into your life for a reason. It's not always clear, but it's always worth finding out.
Wrapping Gifts
It's true. I have a serious problem. Come Holiday Season, I lose my mind wrapping gifts. I love the paper, the ribbons, the tags, finding the right box, making sure I have enough tape...all that stuff. As a kid - I never, ever wanted to look for gifts hidden in the house. (we lived in a trailer - it would not have been hard to find them). I wanted the suprise. The magic and delight was worth everything. I know, I know, it's a tough crowd these days - no more "dear Santa, all I want is a jar of green olives" or "all I want is a pair of shoes for my mom, who's dying, so she can look nice when she meets Jesus".
NOOoooooooo....we need plasma TV's that cost more than my car! What happened? While I can't change the world, I can make my private world a prettier place. To do that, I'll continue to revel in the opportunity to wrap holiday gifts like I'm Santa himself. Or, at least, an unabashedly hopeful elf.
but...they were such PRETTY shoes. I'm sure Jesus was impressed in the end. :-)
Posted by: Diana | November 20, 2008 at 08:04 AM