Lots of Stuff...

* Current Read: 'Captivating' (2 chapters left!!), and now 'Spilling Open' by Sabrina Ward Harrison

* Newest Tune: The Be Good Tanyas' Blue Horse album...it's such a goodie!

* Currently Obsessing Over: C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tint in #1136 and whether to start looking for a new job...

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One of the many books my mother gave me for Christmas was, "Spilling Open" (although I keep calling it Spilling Out...), by Sabrina Ward Harrison. It's her journal...her art...herself between the ages of 18 and 21. It's subtitled, "The Art of Becoming Yourself"...and it's really good. I started reading it today, and I've been inspired to start my own art jounal...a place to just play...be free...and see what of me comes out. So, I thought I'd share the cover with you. Thought that would be a good place to start...and I can't wait to fill it!

I would also like to report that Bradley has made a full recovery...but sadly his bike has not...yet. Rosebud is sitting in the corner, still with two sad tires. The weather has been so amazing this week (it was about 75 today...kind of sick for January, but I can't help but enjoy it!)...so we plan to fix his wheels before Saturday, so we can ride through town!

And another thing...my little godson has been a sick little boy this new year's. He's on the mend...but now his baby brother has the same bit...just pray for this family. And if you would, say hi to Shelly (the mama, and a good friend)...she's a relatively new blogger and I know she would love it if you visited her! Just click me...

And for the grand finale of this somewhat bouncy post...my own list of oddities...as seen on La Vie en Rose...

1. This is really nothing I had control over...it was a gift from my father (he has it to!)...but I suppose it is a bit odd. I have connected toes...the 2nd and 3rd on both feet are connected. And no, it doesn't make me a better swimmer...so don't even ask...

2. Anytime I lay eyes upon a gumball machine...I must have one. Morning or night, before a meal or afterwards, no matter the flavor...I must scrounge up a quarter and eat one right then and there. I'm not sure why or when this started exactly...but it never fails...I'm compelled.

3. I am cursed with remembering the name and face of almost every person I've ever met. It has caused me such turmoil and heartache...seeing as others do not have such a curse...and they have no idea who I am!

4. I have a very specific way of eating a bagel. After it has been sliced and toasted, I then tear one half in half...so it is no longer a circle, but a sort-of half moon. I then spread cream cheese on half of the half moon. I only eat the cheesed section...and then repeat it four times. It seems to taste better to me that way...

5. (This is from Brad...) When I was in the 6th grade, I played the flute with my elementary school band. I hated practicing, and only did enough so as to get through the lesson. When it came time for our concerts (which our director took great pride in. Mr. Lefurge would dress in tails for the event)...I never, not once, actually played the flute. I wasn't quite sure how to read the music...and I still wasn't certain where my fingers were actually supposed to go. So I just moved my fingers around and blew. Following all concerts, my parents would rush up and congratulate me on my beautiful playing. I didn't have the heart to tell them I had no clue what I was doing until this past Christmas...truly, just a few weeks ago! My mother almost fell out of her chair. I told Brad that this one didn't really count. It's not weird...it was just something silly I did in the 6th grade. He so sweetly replied, "Yes, but you still do stuff like that all the time!"

Funny, Bradley...