Willow

A few weeks ago four of my best girlfriends and I went to try out a restaurant north of Pittsburgh (we are from the east, and if you know Pittsburgh, you know that people rarely venture to a different side of the city). The restaurant, Willow, was absolutely delicious. I've been there once before for my cousin's baby shower, so I knew the brunch menu was great and just assumed the dinner was too!

All five of us got something different and we all thought our food was some of the best we've ever had. I ordered a spinach, beet and goat cheese salad--pretty much if this is on the menu anywhere I go, it's a given I'm going to order it, and cranberry chicken with mashed potatoes. OH-MY-GOSH was I in heaven. We were celebrating Chelsea's birthday, so she got a free dessert--some sort of chocolate cake, and like our dinner, it was to die for.

Even though Willow is a bit of a drive for us, we definitely plan on going back! I suggest you check it out too!

The Birthday girl, Chelsea.

Welcome to My Other World

...my other world being my work world. So yes, this isn't the most exciting part of my life, but it's the money-makin' part. I am very lucky to have a full-time job at 23--so I can't complain much. It's not my "dream job," but hey, it's a start. I've always enjoyed working in government, and I truly believe that everyone should be required in a civil service position during their lifetime, preferably the beginning. It really opens your eyes to the different kind of people out there. Every day I spend all 8 1/2 hours on the job serving and helping others--and let me tell you, sometimes it's not pretty. People are very opinionated when it comes to issues like  healthcare, taxes, courts, etc.   But I certainly learn a lot, and at times it can be very rewarding. 

My average day I wake up at 6 a.m., leave by 7 and get to work by 8 a.m. I work until 5 p.m. and get home usually a little before 6 p.m. So, all and all I feel like I work a 12-hour day. Being so, I think it's important to make your space at work a little homey. You don't want to go to work and stare at a blank wall all day, well at least I don't. My "cube" is still a work in progress, but I thought I'd share some pictures of my holiday decorations and pictures!

Notice my little turkey decoration--I get so many compliments on that! I have pictures of Chloe, of course, my little cousin Richie, ZTA things, Clarion magnets and penants, thank you cards, Pittsburgh signs, a Beatles poster and some inspirational words. It's not much but I can always find something to look at that makes me smile, and that's what counts! Do you decorate your space at work? I still want to get some more things, so I'll be sure to update! 

It Wasn't A Farewell, It Was A Celebration

I had a post for tonight all planned out, but then I started watching The Last Waltz, the Martin Scorsese documentary film about The Band's final concert. Needless to say I got distracted, and if you've seen The Last Waltz then you know what I mean. I've seen it more than a dozen times, and each time I become infatuated with a different performance. For a while "Ophelia" had my heart, and tonight it is The Band and Van Morrison "Caravan." 

I don't know if it's more the fact that Van really came out of his shell, or the way The Band backed up the vocals, but I rewinded the DVD three times. I couldn't get enough. Van Morrison is so incredibly talented, his voice just gives you chills, and I will always argue the The Band is one of the most under-rated groups of all time. So these two together... well, it doesn't get much better than that. 

And this...Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Rick Danko, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson and all the others together on stage at the same time making the most beautiful music. It sure isn't like it used to be--take a good look at the people who inspired millions of musicians.       They were and still are some of the most respected in the business.

Just Kids

Anyone who thought they knew love and passion obviously doesn't know Patti Smith. Her memoir, Just Kids, has been out for a while now, but I am just getting around to reading it. I'm about half way through the book and as I read each page I find something new to inspire and amaze me. Her love with Robert Mapplethorpe is absolutely beautiful. I've always know the story, but I am just now knowing the true connection they had. I get this a lot when I read books about the 60s and 70s. For some reason these true tales are just so much deeper than stories now. These people had a genuine love that now seldomly exists. People then saw others for who they truly were, there was often little judgement and lots of acceptance. What happened to that love? 

What I Should Be Saying...

Today I was walking to get a tea, and caught myself being negative about three different things (mind you it's only a 2.5 minute walk). I was mad it was raining, mad that I still had 4 hours left of work, and that I nearly got my heel stuck in a sewer. I got to Starbucks, got my tea, sat down to begin reading my book and got distracted by all these thoughts. Why am I complaining about these small, meaningless things? I'm thinking all these bad things, when I really should be thanking God that I have all these things in my life to even think about! 

For instance:

I don't want to get out of bed.

I am lucky to have somewhere to sleep.

When is work going to be over?

I am lucky to have a job, income and healthcare.

I need a nap.

I am lucky to be healthy and have the ability to do things to keep me busy.

Am I ever going to settle down?

I am lucky to be blessed with an amazing family who taught me the importance of family and wanting one of my own.

Are my dreams ever going to come true?

I am lucky to have dreams that are constantly growing.

I set a goal for myself that every time I think of something negative or complain, I have to follow up with two positive happy things in my life. I don't think it will be too hard, afterall I am absolutely blessed and I need to remember that more often!

Almost Famous

It just occured to me that I've never talked about where I got the idea for the name of my blog. Let me start off by saying that thinking of a name is much harder than you realize, so major props to all you writers out there for coming up with the titles for your creative work. 

Some of you may recognize "It's All Happening..." but for those who don't, it comes from my absolute favorite movie, Almost Famous. My love of rock and roll is no secret, and this movie, along with many other things, completely opened up my world to this entire emotion that I never knew before... how it feels to truly feel the music. 

Almost Famous, written and directed by the always amazing Cameron Crowe, was released in 2000, meaning I was in the sixth grade. I didn't see the movie until a few years later, but I remember it like it was yesterday. It was on TV and I missed the beginning, but once I saw a few minutes my eyes were glued to the television. I immediately thought, "Who is this Penny Lane and how can I grow up to be just like her?"

Kate Hudson was truly magical in this role, but what's brilliant about the movie is that there is really no leading star, it takes you through 1973 and lets you into the minds of a rock star, a band, a groupie or "bandaid" as they call it in the movie, a mother, and a young boy who is trying to be a man. It makes you feel like you are in their world and introduces you to amazing music and how it affects people in so many ways, both good and bad. 

I could write for hours about this movie, but just know that it changed my life. It helped me become the dreamer that I am, and to never, ever go out with your eyes closed, because "it's all happening."

Thankful

What are you thankful for?

Music Monday

Mason Jennings is amazing. This is a live version of "Crown," but I highly suggest listening to all the songs you can.

It's About That Time...

Yes, yes it is finally time to bust out all of your fall and winter clothes and pack away those sundresses and tank tops. I got all my clothes switched out this past weekend, and that include my dozens of scarfs that I have. I always get asked "how did you do that??" when I wear one a different way. I found this nifty chart that explains all the creative ways and some ones I never even thought of!

Hope this helps!