The ABC Life Blog

Had a few more I entries to post before I jump into J.

2 points for Indie towns
Took a day’s road trip to Ben Wheeler and Edom, two small towns that predominately promote art and music. I figure that makes them indie towns. Ben Wheeler has an interesting story behind it. Three years ago, the de facto mayor Brooks Gremmels and his wife began buying up property in the heart of town. Once they acquired 40 acres, they naturally wanted to ensure the revitalization of the town – so they created a foundation that renovates historic structures and then rents them to artisans for $1 per month. Now there are nine art studios or galleries (The Flying Fish Gallery was my fave) and a few interesting places to eat, with The Forge Bistro leading the pack. Their pulled pork and green chili panini was mouth-watering delicious. I plan to recreate that little beauty soon. But it’s the music that is the big draw. If you’re in the neighborhood on Thursday through Saturday nights, you’re in luck. In Edom, the music starts as early as Tuesday at The Shed.

1 point for Philip Roth’s Indignation. This is dark comedy at Roth’s best. A strange book but, to my surprise, I truly enjoyed it and was laughing out loud several times. Since it deals with destruction, intolerance and tragedy, I have to wonder at myself, but certain passages were hysterical.

1 point for Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini. This is a clear example of how the ABC Life pushes me to try new things. Since this book deals with how our decision to buy something is influenced by one of six different marketing/sales maneuvers (reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority and scarcity), this is a subject that would catch my attention. It’s not, however, something that would necessarily push other books off my list to make room for me to read this one. But I did and am grateful for what I learned. Between the ABC Life and my book clubs, I have a whole new appreciation for the power and charm of non-fiction.

Unfortunately, I did not experiment with Icebox Pies but I did have a few Iceberg Salads. So, it’s time to move on to July and, naturally, a 4th of July BBQ.

Just by the nature of the letter, this month is all about I (or me, if being grammatically correct). So I’ve INDULGED myself and went to a class on INTUITION (2 points). It was an “intuition lab,” more than a class. Using an INFORMAL setting, the INSTRUCTOR (someone please stop me) talked about how you can develop your INNER voice and trust your INSTINCTS. I truly enjoyed it and have been working on listening a little closer to my inner “whisper.”

I was curious about the INCHWORM (2 points). I know it seems obvious, but I wanted to find out if this little guy measures an inch…or just moves an inch at a time. Well, short of getting up close and personal with one, I went on the internet and discovered that the answer is “yes” to both. I also found out that they are not really worms. They are caterpillars. I personally share one characteristic with inchworms – we have voracious appetites (at least that’s how it feels to me now that I’m dieting). However, while an inchworm spends its entire life feeding, I at least get to blog and jog (yeah right) occasionally.

My very best “H” is for HOSTING our daughter’s wedding (2 points) this past weekend. Held at Vine HILL HOUSE (another 2 points), the setting was gorgeous –  a vineyard estate in the Russian River Valley wine region of Sonoma County, California. We overlooked hundreds of acres of vineyards and organic apple orchards and enjoyed sweeping mountain views. But nothing, in a proud mother’s opinion, compared to the view I now carry in my heart of my daughter looking absolutely beautiful and glowing the entire afternoon and evening. The best thing, however, is the couple’s true happiness. Kate and Ben epitomize what my great-aunt Jo once said: “It’s not enough to marry someone you can live with. Marry someone you can’t live without.”

Earlier last week I gained 2 points for trying the HIBACHI ROCKS restaurant. Suffice it to say it didn’t.

2 points. Discovered The Happiness Project blog by Grethen Rubin. http://www.happiness-project.com. Gretchen is a highly creative seeker of happiness and her blog shares her many discoveries of truth and happiness. Gretchen’s Twelve Personal Commandments are inspiring and definitely needling at me to reflect on what my 12 would be. I relate to hers and could easily adopt all 12 but is that cheating? Surely I can still think for myself. All I need is time, which I am now realizing I will meet up with again in August.

Barbara read about an interesting “store” called Fringe in McKinney. Open only once a month, it contains little treasures that apparently several women find, rescue and restore, if needed. So off we went and lucky Barbara scored a couple of eye-catching additions for her abode. Across the street was the House of Hargrove  (2 points), an unexpected thrill since it fit into the H month and was totally unplanned. It was actually an outdoor “junk” market. Found a charming metal, three-foot Knight destined for the garden. And as my friend Pat says, “every girl deserves a knight in shining armor.” Mine’s a bit weather beaten, but perfect anyway. Kurt put a peanut in its mouth this morning and when we went out for our walk, it was gone. Was it a blue bird or a squirrel? The knight will never tell.

I’ve hopped into the H month and tackled two things right off the bat.

2 points for Houston. Spent a week working at a conference and got to see a bit of Houston. Okay, just saw the restaurants of Houston, including another 2 points for dining at Houston’s. BBQ ribs, yum. Their cobbler, not so great. But, really, is there ever a bad cobbler?

Tried a new author, Sara Hoffman. Her much touted book, So Much Pretty, deals with a difficult and gripping subject of violence in small town America. Could not get into this book. You need a totally clear mind to tackle this one and that left me way out in the cold. Will find something lighter for my next read.

Shall I grieve for G? It’s been a month that has been totally overshadowed by one main activity: GHOSTWRITING. It’s taken up my entire month (you need a certain flair to write nine chapters on “style” and that doesn’t always come easy) and, although quite the experience, has sadly gobbled up all my time. Days gallopped by and I didn’t get to visit a new gallery, play a new game or strum a guitar. Goodness gracious! Goodbye G.

And since it fits, good-bye to Genevieve. No, I’ll say instead, GOOD LUCK to GENEVIEVE.

I’ve fallen behind in reporting my abc life but not in living it. A flurry of FREELANCE work has kept me busy but I’ve still been having fun with F.

2 points for a Vintage FASHION Show earlier in the month. Not every day you get to see the styles from the 1860s in living color. Interesting to see what some of the great literary heroines were wearing back in the day.

2 points for a visit to FOSSIL RIM Wildlife Center, where we drove along a 9-mile road through 1,400 acres of hills, pastures and forests. Endangered species walked up to our cars and said hello. Or stared, as in the case of the awesome Aoudads – wild African sheep who looked into my eyes so intently that I now  count them to fall asleep; their reach-into-your-soul intensity actually puts me out. Scary horizontal pupils surrounded by brilliant yellow irises…haunting. But the giraffes, zebras, bison, cheetahs and rhinos were just as memorable. A great trip!

2 points for the addition of a new FAMILY. Spent a weekend in California with my daughter’s soon-to-be husband’s family. Got to know them better and shared in their bridal shower festivities for Kate. Wonderful people; so gratifying to know she’s got a lovely additional family to complement her life.  A special bonus for the weekend: a fabulous serenade of Beatles songs from my son Matt and his guitar.

Well, it’s the end of the month. Farewell to F. It’s been FUN.

Having a great time this month doing F things and who cares if I FUDGE a little on what counts.  After all, the whole idea of the abc life is to keep interesting inputs coming your way and not give into the pull of the couch or the ever-so-tempting procrastination gene that I’ve been blessed with.

2 points for visiting the FRISCO Arts in the Square. It’s not every day you see a $500 life-like chicken footstool. Didn’t buy anything but took cards from a few talented (non-fowl) artists whose work I will consider in the future. There’s something special about a beautiful day and art that lifts the spirits.

2 points for a FRIDAY evening theater performance of Rent at the Collin College Theater. Surprisingly well done. I’m continually amazed at how much quality entertainment exists in my community.

2 points for going to FRANKIE’s in Richardson for brunch. The food and service were great. Their food choices and presentation are different than your typical Tex-Mex fare – with strong influences from Acapulco.

Yes, I realize my E month is gone, but I still have just a few easy entries to go.

1 point for each of the following books:
Ignore EVERYBODY by Hugh MacLeod. An extremely enlightening and easy read.  Truly gets you thinking about your creative side. Written for “creatives” (rather young ones, at that), its messages can easily be used by those who aren’t creative and those who’ve left their 20s and 30s in the dust. I’m giving this book as a gift because even if you take away one little nugget, you’re still ahead of where you were.

Danielle EVANS’ before you suffocate your own fool self is a collection of stories that are insightful, intelligent and witty. I’ve become interested recently in the short story form and her stories are great examples of what works.

2 points
I had myself an ENGLISHMAN last week. The Grazing Cow restaurant offers all-natural, local grass-fed beef dogs and the Brit version included a fried egg, baked beans and fried tomato on bun. Very tasty but too gooey to eat the traditional way, which damped the experience just a tad.

1 point
When you hear someone else’s conversation, is it eavesdropping? Or overhearing? An experience at a local Chinese restaurant got me thinking and after researching EAVESDROPPING (its origins and meaning) and polling some friends, I now know that when it’s unintentional (hey, I’m in hearing range guys), it’s overhearing. When you go out of your way to listen in, it’s eavesdropping.

Now bring on some fabulous Fs. I already have a few planned.