Where are you going?

It's been almost a year since I've updated this blog...

I guess I just wasn't feeling it anymore. I wanted to find myself and figure out just what kind of writer I wanted to be. Really understand what God wanted me to do with my passion for words.

I think I found it. So I hope you stay tuned for my new site with my own domain! It's still in the works but I have so many ideas I can't contain them in my brain or my notepad. This is a big change because for awhile I was like the desert in which I live, a dry, unforgiving gulch. I couldn't pick my self up and be the leader, I wasn't even being a follower. I was just standing still waiting. Waiting for what? I don't know but I thought I would figure it out by myself and I was so wrong.

I'm done standing on the sidelines playing with the bench warmers. Put me in coach, I'm ready to play.

It's Not Easy Being Green...but it's worth it.

I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t want to be greener—including myself. No one wants to be wasteful and I don’t think you’ll hear too many people say they just don’t care. I imagine it’s more along the lines of they just think it’s all too much.

If they can’t take little Moonbeam Starchild to soccer practice in their solar powered car that’s made out of all organic materials and watch the game sitting in organic hemp chairs while eating fresh produce grown in their backyard using compost they’ve collected themselves and carried in fair-trade cotton sacks then why bother, right?

There are hundreds of reasons climate control is a major issue here are a few that may get you on the green bandwagon. I know, no more good wine or avocados? That's reason enough to drive a Prius right there! (Those of you who didn't click on the 'here' above are probably pretty curious to do so now..)

I personally would love to be wading in the deeper end of the green pool. Right now I would shade myself somewhere between that of a of pear and an olive, subjectively speaking of course. On a day to day basis I don’t really feel like I’m doing a lot however, since moving out of the mid-west and into the west I’ve found myself putting forth way more effort for my family to do their part in the environmental battle.

Maybe because folks seem to care more about water conservation here—or it could be that we live in the desert and don’t have a choice… There is also a larger recycling program here, which has caused me to think a little harder about what I throw into the garbage can. With today being Blog Action Day and their focus being on climate control I thought I’d list a few of the ways my family is starting to take action…

• A few months ago I started using a more Eco-friendly laundry detergent. Jenny’s Simply Clean is a petroleum free gentle cleaner that breaks down better than most store bought laundry soaps and can be scented into over 15 different fragrances! That's better then Tide any day.
  


• I also stopped using dryer sheets and made my own scented dryer balls from wool yarn. JSC has dryer balls you can buy as well if you don’t feel crafty enough to make your own--but it's not hard. Also, instead of expensive fabric softeners I started using white vinegar to soften the clothes. Come to think of it, vinegar has so many uses I could write a whole post on just my love for it.
  


• I have been using reusable grocery bags for the majority of my shopping trips and shopping late at night when there are few people in the stores, I’m not really sure how that helps but it helps my sanity and that has to be good for the environment….
  


• I cook more at home and use the leftovers to make a variety of meals to avoid waste. I look for products that have less packaging to throw away or packages I can at least reuse once.
  
• I just recently took a dress that had a broken zipper and cut it up to make my own fabric memo board complete with a pocket for notepaper…I felt very B. Smith like.
  


• Our family loves to take picnic dinners to the park and instead of using paper products we have plastic plates, cups and real silverware that we just wash and reuse; we even have cloth napkins. The kids find it to be quite sophisticated as a matter of fact…
  


• I’ve recently become aware of the fair-trade practice of such products as coffee, tea and Shea butter and wind powered websites. I am trying to make a conscious effort to use more products from people and companies who care about our world.
  

Most of the time I feel like so many others who are overwhelmed with all the facts and studies, the charts and diagrams on how the earth is changing and how we won’t have a lot of the renewable resources we take for granted right now. I think all this little stuff that I do won't really matter.

It Does. It Really Does !!!

I know that not only am I keeping cans out of the landfills, I’m also instilling the pride of earth-ownership in my children. They’re more aware and less wasteful than I was as a child. They know that recycling is a necessity not an option.

Yes, I do drive an SUV and use central air conditioning 10 months out of the year and will probably never be quite as crunchy as a lot of the west coast mamas I’ve run across, nevertheless, I feel that if I keep moving in the right direction adding my many small contributions to the cause, I will still be a part of the solution.

What are you doing?

New Stuff

I'm starting a new series on Blissfullydomestic.com talking about how we as women can get that spice back in our marriage. Focusing on the everyday issues we all face but sometimes feel totally alone in. Every Wednesday I will suggest some new ways, fresh ideas maybe even some old tricks of the trade to get a stagnant relationship out of the harbour...

Here is the first column...enjoy.

How much for that doggy on the blog...?

I don't normally do this here, but I have a really good friend who is selling some pretty cute dogs!

They are $800 - $1,500 ~ willing to trade and barter (we need flooring, painting and landscaping) ~ call to discuss.

Fully papered, champion bloodline ~ 11 weeks old, fat happy and ready for a good home!

Up to date on shots and de-wormed.

Two males left, both are great looking dogs and if you are interested please leave a comment with a valid email address or phone number and I will have someone get a hold of you ASAP. You must be local to Las Vegas or willing to travel here for pick-up and payment...

I sure hope these cute puppies find a great home soon.

Thanks...

Tal and Acacia - Clear View

I have seriously fallin' in LOVE with this song. Seriously.

So, of course I had to google them or as I've recently started doing "swagbucking" --i'm sure that's so not a word, yet. I stress the word yet. Anyhoo, I found their website and read all the blog posts on said website and now I'm even more in love with them. I, seriously am crushing on Tal and Acacia...

August 29, 1958 to June 25, 2009

There are a few people I hope to one day meet and have in-depth conversations with. Jada Pinkett Smith, Jill Scott, Barrack Obama, Prince and Ann Curry are just the ones off the top of my head.

Michael Jackson was one of them.

Not because of his superstar status—then again, maybe that is a part of it… His life was nothing less than fascinating, an anomaly of sorts. How can one person touch so many lives? I mean really, when I say ‘Everybody knows who Michael Jackson is” I can say that and mean it. Of course when you start singing and dancing on television before the age 6, a lot of people will know who you are, but Michael Jackson was the epitome of famous. He took fame to heights others will only ever wish to reach. Way beyond record selling concerts and scores of Grammys, NAACP and AMA awards. There is just something about a person who can do what he did; be so famous and yet such a mystery to the world.

You'll Never Make Me Stay So Take Your Weight Off Of Me

I Know Your Every Move

So Won't You Just Let Me Be

I've Been Here Times Before but I Was Too Blind To See

That You Seduce Every Man

This Time You Won't Seduce Me...

Lyrics from: "Dirty Diana"

When I think of Michael Jackson my first thought is of my Thriller Album—actually I believe it belonged to my mother… Playing it in the basement of my grandparents 1940’s brick bungalow on the old record player that had multi-colored disco bulbs that lit up when the music played. Very retro indeed. The album opened up like a book and inside the “King of Pop” lay with a baby tiger while donning a dapper white suite. For some reason I will always remember the way his left arm looked. The two slim bones stood out on the inside of his wrist and as a 5 year old girl that scared the bejezzus out of me. Thinking back now, I think it showed a glimse of his frailty.

Then I think of that fly gangsta lean he does in the middle of the ‘Smooth Criminal’ video, you know the way he and his surrounding dancers look as though they are being pulled down to the floor by invisable strings, first to the left then to the right…pure perfection.

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My Favourite Winter Coat

This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind

I See The Kids In The Street, With Not Enough To Eat

Who Am I, To Be Blind? Pretending Not To See Their Needs

A Summer's Disregard, A Broken Bottle Top

And One Man's Soul

They Follow Each Other On The Wind Ya' Know' Cause They Got Nowhere To Go

That's Why I Want You To Know

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror

I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer

If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place

Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change...

Lyrics from: "Man in the Mirror"

He infused some pretty hard rock into numerous songs he wrote. Opening up a whole new genre to many people who may have never listened to heavy guitar riffs from people like Slash or Steve Stevens, Michael Jackson was a proverbial music bridge. “Dirty Diana” and “Give in to me” are both at the top of my all time favorite MJ song list.

The ups and downs of his short life will no doubt be broadcasted on every news stand and television channel for at least the next month, if not longer. No one will ever know what happened behind closed doors on that ranch in California but I have my opinions as I’m sure you do too…

So Just Leave Me Alone

Leave Me Alone(Leave Me Alone)

(Leave Me Alone)Leave Me Alone

Leave Me Alone

Stop It! Just Stop Doggin' Me Around (Just Stop Doggin' Me)

('Cause There's A Time WhenYou're Right)

(And You Know You MustFight)

Who's Laughing Baby, Don'tYou Know, Girl

(It's The Choice That WeMake)

(And This Choice You WillTake)

Who's Laughin' Baby...

Lyrics from: "Leave me Alone"

For now, let’s remember that this man was just a man. A son, brother, father and to many a friend. No different from you or me but at the same time so very different from anyone who has ever lived. Maybe that was the problem; he was a tormented soul, a genius that will never be fully understood. Surrounded by people who didn’t understand how big his heart was—or did and took advantage of the fact, how naive he surely must have been at one point. When you’ve never really been out in the world, alone to fend for yourself, never teased at school, been in a fist fight with a bully--if you were never able to walk down the street as a “normal person” I think you can’t help but to not know how to ‘be’.

Love is a feeling

Give it when I want it

Quench my desire Cuz I'm on fire

Give it when I want it

Talk to me woman

Give in to me

Give in to me...

Lyrics from: "Give in to me"

I don’t like to think about my own mortality but in times like this I can’t help it. It’s happening on a more frequent basis now that 30 is right around the corner. Memories of people I love who are gone now, along with specific events sprinkled throughout my life could truly have a Michael Jackson music score. Singing off key all the lyrics to "Bad" in the car with my friends or watching the full length Thriller video at the neighbors house and being petrified of the Zombies. T-shirts, backpacks, folders, view finder-- you name it, I had it all …

I just wanna touch and kiss

And I wish that I could be with you tonight

You give me butterflies inside, inside

and I All I gotta say is that I must be dreaming,

can't be real You're not here with me,

still I can feel you near me I caress you,

let you taste us, just so blissful listen I would give you anything baby,
just make my dreams come true

Oh baby you give me butterflies...

Lyrics from: "Butterflies"

The sadness his biggest fans are feeling can’t even come close to what his siblings and parents are feeling at this very moment. Simply because they will always have the smell of his shampoo in their nose and his touch on their back.

Years from now a gentle wind will blow and it will carry with it a gust of memories that will overtake and make them think only of him.... Memories of his smile or of him in his favorite shirt, eating his favorite meal or maybe a joke he told that will still make them belly laugh like he’d just told it….

Night creatures call

And the dead start to walk in their masquerade

Theres no escapin the jaws of the alien this time(they're open wide)

This is the end of your life

They're out to get you, theres demons closing in on every side

They will possess you unless you change the number on your dial

Now is the time for you and I to cuddle close together

All thru the night Ill save you from the terror on the screen,

Ill make you see

That this is thriller, thriller night cause I can thrill you more than any ghost would dare to try Girl,

this is thriller, thriller night So let me hold you tight and share a killer, diller, chiller

Thriller here tonight...

Lyrics from: "Thriller"

My hope is that Lisa Marie Presley will reach out to Michael Jackson’s 3 young children and help them cope with the same kind of loss she too suffered as a young child of an iconic figure.
For the select few who got to be a part of his every day, I hope they didn’t take that for granted.

You got to get it right while you got the time….

Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend...

Check out my article here and please, leave a comment. I'm interested in your opinion...

I promise to have more posts soon.

40 days....

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

I've heard that statement from the time I was child. Never quite understanding what it really meant. What I think it means is that today--or tomorrow, you can start over. The past is back there and today is a new day. Another chance to be the person you want to be.

Today happens to be the first day of Lent, a good day to begin anew. The day after gorging yourself with pancakes and packzkis, liquor and parties on Bourbon street. Today is the day that many Catholics and Christians alike give something up for 40 days in honor of Jesus and his 40 days in desert.

Even though I'm not Catholic--I did go to Catholic school so Lent was something I've always been really aware of. Whether I took part in it was a whole different matter. However, I do remember my grandma gave up her after dinner cigarette for Lent and never smoked again. Others give up candy, pie or sweets altogether. Fast food, wine, chips, sex, you name it.

I'm not sure if there are specific rules you have to follow but from my understanding the purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial—for Easter or the celebration of Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For me, this year will be the first year as an adult that I will participate in the celebration of Lent. I've come to a point where I want things to be different. I want my mind to be clearer and I want my body to be cleaner. I want more self-control and self-direction. I need to be whomever it is I think I should have been by now.

This is an excerpt from the AmericanCatholic.org website:

Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. The first reading on the Friday after Ash Wednesday points out another important dimension of fasting.

The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God.

"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own" (Is 58:6-7).

Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Thus fasting, too, is linked to living out our baptismal promises. By our Baptism, we are charged with the responsibility of showing Christ's love to the world, especially to those in need. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering.

Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. It can do the same today if we remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and simple. That should be the goal we set for ourselves—a sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eating lobster misses the whole point!

Even if you aren't particularly religious, I think that you can appreciate what it means to give something up in order to better understand what you have. Being able to really empathize with someone who has something you take for granted everyday could do wonders for your point of view.

Sitting quietly with yourself--some call it prayer can do wonders for your mind and your soul. Bring out a sense of creativity and inspiration that has been repressed by the business of everyday life.

So I have chosen to give up meat for 40 days, that's a big deal for this carnivore. I've also decided to focus more and give up my friend procrastination. Because as it states above, fasting without changing our behavior is pointless. I don't think I can give up meat forever, but I can give up my unhealthy sense of laziness and lack of motivation. I have so many resources available to me and I think 40 days should be enough time to put them to good use.

What are your thoughts?

Do you celebrate Lent, what will you give up?

The Gambler

I just finished watching the Oscars and I must say I'm glad I didn't put any money on it because I would have lost big time. Big Time!

I really thought The Curious Case... was going to win best picture and Brad Pitt would win best actor. Wrong and wrong. I haven't seen 'Slumdog Millionaire' but I understand that it was the underdog and everyone loves an underdog.... Plus, Bollywood is really on the come-up now so I'm sure we will be seeing more India based movies in the near future. Of course I love seeing more brown people getting proper screen time.

As far as best actress goes I really thought Angie had it in the bag. I'm glad Kate won though, because she is so sweet and seems like a genuine person. I loved how she waved to her Dad in the audience, so cute.

Taraji P. Henson had the best supporting actress vote from me but Penelope Cruz took that one home for that threesome Barcelona movie.

I will say, I knew Heath Ledger would win best supporting actor for 'The Dark Knight' but really, who didn't?

I thought Frost/Nixon would get some awards but I don't think they got any.

I haven't seen 'The Wrestler" but Mickey Rourke had my vote from the previews. No one could play such a rundown, downtrodden, lost and washed-up, has-been better then him. I say that with the best intentions!

All in all I really, really enjoyed the show. Will Smith looked great. The dance number with Hugh Jackman and Beyonce was fantabulous, as was the opening number.

I think the inventive way they did the presentations of the best actress/actor, best supporting actor/actress was a delightful change that I wish they would have thought of long ago. It was nice to see winners from the past honoring all the nominees of the evening. In past years it has always seemed to me as though they didn't pay much attention to all the nominees. It really is a big deal just to get to that point, whether they win or lose.

As far as fashion goes:

Ann Hathaway and Taraji P. Henson had the best dresses of all.

What are your thoughts?

Picture credit: Getty

Are you there God, it's me, Erika

I swear I'm not dead, even though I feel like it most days....

I've put aside once again one of the most important things to me, my writing.

I have ideas, thoughts, ramblings all sorts of things I could say but some how my motivation has left. I jot down notes and ideas all over the place but they never get any further then my handy dandy notebook. I hate that I'm one of those people who needs accolades and a support system to keep going but I do. My lack support from family makes it really hard to believe in myself.

I am way to old for that.

I suck.

So here it is a new year and not much to show for it. Well I have to get off my duff or actually get on my duff and write something, something brilliant. A friend reminded me that I have been writing this book forever in my head but haven't got much down on paper. I need to go back to basics and remember what it is I've always wanted.

I have a dream.

Yes Virginia, it does snow in Vegas.

A street scene a few miles from my house....

A picture of the desert covered in snow....

To the surprise of some it snowed here yesterday. Click here for the breaking news story.

I, on the other hand wasn't surprised. I knew that every so often it does snow in the desert. I was just hoping--praying even that it wouldn't be for a few more years. I really do feel bad for the mid-west and east coast vacationers who came here for fun and sun....

Better luck next year!

Since this is my blog and all about me, I want to know...

Can I have one, just one entire winter without snow??? Is that to much to ask from this Detroit transplant!

Jeez.

Good thing I had just finished knitting these.

All The Rage

Some friends of mine are going to see the new vampire flick Twilight this weekend. However I'm torn on whether to tag along. Because--now brace yourself.......I haven't read the book. I may be the only woman under the age of 35 who hasn't.



To my defense, I don't really like Vampire books or movies in fact. So I've never had any interest in reading the YA fiction. However, after seeing an interview with Stephenie Meyers, the author of the teenaged-blood thirsty-love story trilogy I did think twice about my vampire story apprehensions. Her story has a Cinderella-esque ring to it. You can read the interview here.



I don't know whether to love her or to hate her. I mean jeez, I know writers who have toiled for years and can't get an agent. She simply dreams up a story and wrote it down and VOILA! she's a NY Times best seller...? I know I know don't be a hater, Erika but the story, it's just almost to good to be true. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my fellow mother of three and full time writer for her immense success. I'm just showing my catty side I guess....



Nonetheless, my dilemma is whether I need to read the book(s) before I see the movie or vise versa. If I read the book first then I will undoubtedly expect more from the movie. Because in my opinion the movies rarely do the books justice. On the other hand, I can see the movie first and not have any great expectations and then read the book to fill in the blanks.



Which do you prefer?


Photo courtesy of CBS Sunday Morning

My Favorite Time of Year...

This is absolutely my favorite time of year. I LOVE Thanksgiving. It has to be the best holiday hands down. Maybe because I love cooking so much and I do SO MUCH of it on Thanksgiving. Here's a rundown on my 2008 Thanksgiving menu:

New York Style Prime Rib Roast

Dressing

Candied yams

Green Bean Casserole

Turnip & Mustard Greens

Mashed Potatoes??

Macaroni and Cheese

Dessert is the husbands department but I've put a bid in for sweet potato pie--my husbands sweet pie is the ish and zucchini bread...

This is the first year that I'm doing the roast so pray with me that I don't destroy a $90 piece of meat! I found some pretty good recipes at the grocery store and on allrecipes.com. Everything else is pretty much the same as every other year. Except for the mashed potatoes, I never make mashed potatoes on T-Day and it feels weird to even be thinking about it. Maybe because I don't know any black people who make them on Thanksgiving. I'm sure there are some, I just don't know them... However, since I'm making a roast it seems like mashed is called for don't you?

I don't know what it is about Thanksgiving that I love so much. I could say it's the crisp fall air and the beauty of the reds and golds that the leaves turn. Now, since I'm not in Michigan anymore and the weather is in the high 70's and there are very few trees to turn I know that's not it. Could it be the Thanksgiving day Lions football game? .....ummm no.

Maybe because it's a family holiday and you don't have to exchange presents. I hate the pressure and disappointment that those type of holidays can bring. Yup, I think that may just be it. That and all the food!

Photo courtesy of http://sharonscrapbook.blogspot.com. I hope mine turns out as well!

A New Day Has Come

So much to say.

So much hope and joy in my heart.

At this very moment I am proud to be an American.

I knew he was what we needed

I knew his audacity to hope was a wonder to us all.

I knew he had the determination, energy, strength, understanding and perseverance to do the job.

I wasn't sure it would happen....our dreams would come to fruition.

That America would have not only the audacity to hope but the courage to stand up and do it.

WE DID IT!

TOGETHER!

Congratulations America--to us all, for making the right decision, a decision that will benefit us all.

GO VOTE TODAY!!!!!!!!!

I had the chance to vote early but a lot of you haven't so I expect you to be out there today. No matter how long the line is or how cold or windy it may be. Do not drop the ball this time, we can't afford to lose, again....

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words....

While You Are Out Here in Blogland...

Check out my review of the movie Fireproof here.

I have loads to talk about but not the good sense to write my ideas down and actually blog them. In my defense, I do have a good excuse....I just can't tell you about it :)

The Art of losing myself

I have talent. I can do things others can't. No I can't stand on my head or recite all the state capitals in alphabetical order--I can't do it in any order to be honest.



My talent is magnificent in itself and even though no one in their right mind would probably want it I would be happy to give it away.

Have you seen me?

Name-Erika Washington aka- Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!

DOB-1/6/1980

Height-5'4

Weight-129lbs

Eyes-Brown

Hair-Loreal #234 or 267

An extremely sexy writer with goals and ambitions to write novels and articles for major magazines and newspapers wearing really cute heels.

Last seen: Roaming Albertson's grocery store with food stuck to her dress, a migraine, a crying baby on one hip, a pouty 9 year old behind and a sassy 5 year old stuck on the other leg; unable to string a compound complex sentence together.

My thoughts...

• Grey's Anatomy and Brothers and Sisters both start this week, that makes me so happy!


• I apologize to my loyal 5 readers, I've been quite bitter these last few posts. Sorry.
  


• Warning, it my not be over just yet.


• My little fortune cookie from P.F. Chang's might have been right.


• Why isn't classmates.com out of business yet?The forecast says it's only going to be 91 next week, Fall must be here...lol


• Tuesday I had the most expensive burger I've ever eaten and it was worth it.


• My hand is itching.....


• Oktoberfest. Yum....


• I need a new phone. Tape is just not a good look.
  


• Thank you for being a friend.

Is It My Place?

There are few things in this world that I can boast about. I don't feel like I need to put on airs or display my feathers for all to see. Either you like me or you don't. Either way.....

What I can boast about is my JOB. Yes, my J-O-B. I work hard everyday and I am damn good at it. Every single day I wake up and my job starts instantly. From the moment I crawl out of bed and stumble into the kitchen to 3 am when someone wakes from a bad dream or wet sheets. It's hard, it's thankless and and it's mine. I love it with all my heart and know that this is what I was meant for. None of this is new and most Moms, especially the ones who do it solely without a side job as an attorney or doctor know that we are well underestimated.

Children take you for granted, husbands take you for granted and other women who have never raised a child think you just have it soooo easy. I get it. And unless you've been on this side you will never know. What amazes me are the women who have raised children. Those who had to struggle to get through each day when the baby that had a temp of 101 but they had to go to work anyway. The woman who did it without the help of a husband or grandmother. The same kind of woman who just simply wanted a break after 3 hours of a screaming newborn.

How can you look me straight in the eye and say that I need to get a real job?

What is it about my life that looks easy to you?

What part of raising productive citizens who make wise choices and succeed beyond any of our expectations isn't work?

A person who has never raised three children--three girls can't put themselves in my shoes. A person who was barely there for their own can't even look me in the face.

Everyone can't be me, so don't hate.