I am honored and flattered and strangely speechless about being the first feature in my friend Erin’s new series, Show Me YOUR Roots.
The prompt is to write about what brought you to the place you are in now — personally, professionally, in regards to your blogging/writing.
I hope you’ll click over and read. Erin is a brilliant writer and I’m sure you’ll want to add her site to your reader as well.
Do you know that Henry’s middle name is Love?
Since February is all smooshy mooshy lovey dovey with Valentine’s Day and stuff, Band Back Together is spotlighting Hearts and Love.
I wrote about Love and what it looks like to me.
You should go read it.
(ps: I’ve been told it’s made a few people cry. Be warned.)
CLICK ME!
Oh, I almost forgot. While you’re clicking around, can you head over and vote for Band Back Together for a 2012 Bloggie Award? We’re nominated for THREE categories.
Thanks, y’all!
Last night, I was called upon to sit for a portrait. Obviously, I was flattered. The downside was that I hadn’t really done my hair or makeup yesterday so I was a bit concerned about how it would turn out.
I stood in the artist’s studio and did what I was told. I was very still. Held my position. Looked smart, witty, insightful and relaxed.
The artist was so good, though, he didn’t even have to look up from his work except for once or twice. I was allowed to leave for him to put the finishing touches on and about ten minutes later, my work was revealed.
Stunning, right? I’ll allow you to catch your breath.
I would give him a B+ for accuracy. I do have tiny elf ears that kinda stick out. I do have square glasses and my hair is parted right. Look how even the cut is, y’all.
I’m not sure about the wiggly mouth. I think he accidentally switched my “nice mommy” face with the “OMGI’MGOINGTOBITETHROUGHMYLIPBECAUSEYOUWON’TSHUTUP” FACE. Just a hunch.
Jason was up next, only he didn’t have to sit for the portrait. Henry Henri retreated to his playroom studio to draw him. Alone.
This is probably why.
Allow me to help you understand.
First of all, Jason’s hair that he DOES have isn’t that long.
Second of all, he doesn’t wear tighty-whities. He’s a boxer man.
And his boxers don’t say Jos. A Bank on the elastic, they say Nordstrom. But good job, Jos. A Bank for advertising so much a 7 year old knows how to spell your company name.
His legs ARE hairy. But that’s typical when there’s no hair on your head. It has to go somewhere, right?
I give Henri the Artist a D for accuracy but a big fat A+ for awesomeness on this one.
He’s for hire.
Email janasthinkingplace@me.com for more information on how YOU TOO can have a masterpiece by Henri!
Aah, 2011. I’m actually kinda glad to see you leaving. I’m not sure why, but it just seems like 2012 will be a better year. Maybe it’s because it’s an even number and plays into my OCDness and need for things to be nice and neat and well, 2′s are just pretty.
I know for a lot of people, 2011 has been truly the year of suckage. For some, it’s been truly amazing.
I think we fall somewhere in the middle. 2011 just “was.” Nothing spectacular. Nothing painfully horrible. Just “was.”
I’m going to reflect on the thorns (bad) and roses (good) of 2011 and ponder the rosebuds (things I’m looking forward to) for 2012. For the original thoughts behind this, see the post I did last year.
You’re cordially invited to join me in this exercise. The button code and instructions are at the bottom of the post!
2011 Thorn:
I’m actually having a hard time coming up with a thorn. It wasn’t a super duper OMGSOAWESOME stellar year, but it certainly wasn’t bad.
The only thorn I can really come up with is a dull one. I had really hoped to stick to our budget better and get ahead a little more than we did after sitting on two housing payments for 18 months. But we enjoyed a few more “yes” moments in lieu of a few more “no” moments. We enjoyed being a family and being together and being able to do some things we hadn’t done in nearly 2 years. But it hurts my number nerd part of my brain that we weren’t more vigilant!
2011 Roses:
2012 Rosebuds:
I think I’m looking forward to a lot in 2012. Here are a few highlights.
To all of you, thank you for reading and I wish you a very happy 2012.
Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. ~Brooks Atkinson**Link up below if you’ve joined in this today! Make sure you grab a button here.
What a fast and furious year, y’all. I decided to end the year with a few of my favorite posts, just in case you missed any of them!
January
In honor of Auburn’s National Championship victory over Oregon, I present to you the payoff of the Great Blog Bet of 2011 starring iHubby.
A Duck Says Quack… or Does It?
February
You know how sometimes you go to a fast food place and don’t want 33.7 gallons of high fructose corn crap and just want a water? Yeah that.
March
This is most likely one of my favorite memories with Henry ever. From where I sit right now, I see the 16×20 version of the most amazing picture I’ve ever taken — the one of Henry in this post in the NYC Fireman’s hat. Might want to grab a tissue.
Unplanned Can Lead To The Unexpected
April
This is the story of my best friend after birthing her first child. It’s pretty funny!
May
I’ll spare you Charlie’s birthday post in lieu of a hilarious memory of Charlie and my cat Olivia.
She’ll Steal The Baby’s Breath
June
This post is one of my favorites. I share it with people who are newly grieving, who think that there’s a set time on grief. There’s not.
July
Henry has a big heart. And a food heart apparently.
August
I hate bathtime. That’s all.
Motherhood Exposed: Bathtime Sucks
September
I can’t pick just one. So you get two for September!
The Power of Believing In Something
October
Remember the fun we had with brussels sprouts? No? Here you go then:
November
It was a day for learning a new answer to the big question: How many children do you have?
The Day I Got Busted Saying “One”
December
The eyes of a child at Christmas… there’s nothing quite like it!
Our family wishes yours a very happy and prosperous 2012. May it bring nothing but happiness and contentment.
**Don’t forget, if you want to join in on my Thorns, Roses and Rosebuds celebration on Sunday, you can find the information here.
