She’s Got the Beat(s)

Dr. Dre has worked his way into my ears–to be exact, the Beats (TM) solo over-ear headphones. Forget the Beat poets (thanks, mom for the wordplay) I am all about music beats. Maybe it is my recent concert-going, or the fact that I need something to cancel out the firecrackers that seem to have come about, but I have grown attached to my new accessory. I say accessory, as the Beats headphones have gotten quite a bit of buzz, not only by audiophiles, but also fashionistas, due to their striking appearance and sleek hinged design, which I liken to a pair of city flats ballet flats that fold neatly into a pouch. I also can’t speak highly enough about the noise cancelling properties, as this time of year things seem extra loud, between the lawn equipment and fireworks. Now, if I can just find a way for my phone’s battery not to drain down when I listen to music on my headphones, I’ll be all set.

Readers: What earphones do you favor for on-the-go listening? Do you prefer discreet earbuds or over-the-ear options?

Striped Shirt Day: Redux

With the weather for the next few days forecast to reach scorching proportions, I decided to take advantage of yesterday evening’s cooler breezes by heading to the free concert  in Faust County Park. The concert, part of Chesterfield’s Concert Series, is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and is an opportunity to enjoy music, people-watch, and just unwind (including reading and sipping wine before the music starts!). The acoustics can’t be beat, and judging by the unobstructed view of the stage that I’ve enjoyed on every occasion, I’ve concluded that there isn’t really any such thing as a bad seat. When the weather cooperates, I make it a point to attend.

The section of the park where the concerts take place opens at 5:15 pm on Tuesdays; people typically come early to stake out spots with blankets and chairs. There are also picnic tables scattered about, which definitely makes for an easier up-and-down. By 6:00 pm the food and drink concessions open for business. Highlights included PM BBQ’s tent a few weeks ago. Last night my mom and I opted to pack a fruit and cheese picnic (along with a crisp sauv blanc) but the food always looks so tempting, and I appreciate the fact that local vendors get this opportunity to showcase themselves (Sarah’s Meltdown, take note.)

Music starts at 7 pm and so far I’ve enjoyed the musical acts, observing how each musician interprets both the standards and newer selections. This gives everyone in the audience something to enjoy and it is always gratifying to see young and old take to the stage and surrounding area and just dance.

In addition to the musical entertainment, each week’s concert usually boasts some variety of strolling entertainment. A couple of weeks ago it was a fire juggler, at this week’s concert a mime worked the audience. One of the audience members was celebrating a birthday and therefore got special attention, including a striped t-shirt. For my part, since I was wearing a striped sweatshirt, I just tried to stay out of the mime’s line of sight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I look forward to attending these concerts as they provide a much needed weekly escape. Readers: What concerts and outdoor entertainment opportunities do you enjoy when the weather turns warmer?

 

Piling On

It is no secret that I’ve been stressed out these last couple of weeks. Between packing up to move and the fact that the humidity of these past few days has conspired to keep me from my running (yes, I know I could do indoor exercises) I am feeling as tightly wound as a spring, to use an overworked turn of phrase. My worries seem to go in a loop. If it is not a worry about packing boxes, then it is a worry about my finances and what essentials I will be packing in my open me first box, or the underlying concern that I lack some essential quality needed to make a comfortable, inviting home inspired by pages from an Elle Décor magazine spread–May 2012 issue featuring blue and white living rooms–even once I’ve settled (define that word how you will). I’ll point out here that my worry about being settled is founded, as I am still sifting through the fallout of various address changes that have taken place from 2002-date. This came to light yesterday when I ordered a pair of headphones online with my Chase credit card, only to find out that they had my billing address from my old apartment in Chicago on file, even after I had called them to change it. Oh, and did I mention that my neighbors were letting off fireworks last night, not even the pretty, sky-illuminating variety, but popping sounds more evocative of a war torn country.

Against this backdrop, it is with some degree of relief that I ran across two news stories, in separate outlets, that confirmed, or at least provided some glimmer of hope, about my life choices. As one who is prone to seeking validation from external sources, this came as something of vindication. The first item came about in a roundabout fashion. I was perusing jonathanadler.com, in a frantic bid to find a lampshade that would make a blue ceramic table lamp base look more upmarket, when I stumbled across Kim France’s picks for Jonathan Adler. I was pleased to see this mention, after all these years, as Kim France was the editor-in-chief of Lucky magazine, formerly one of my go-to sources for shopping and fashion inspiration. I had heard rumblings that Kim France had left her post as editor-in-chief to start a new blog “Girls of a Certain Age.” Her comments were candid as was her refreshing take on her new life (who knew she started, then abandoned her memoir before turning to blogging?) For more, please see this NYT article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/31/fashion/kim-france-former-lucky-editor-turns-blogger.html?_r=1

Since stumbling on the above article late last week, I have messaged Kim France. I would give anything to contribute to her blog or get more insight into her path from magazine editor to full-time blogger. I have not heard back, though a response from her would lift my spirits and give me the inspiration that I need at this time (Kim, or her assistant(s): if you are reading this, please consider this a blanket appeal).

Also from the clean slates/new beginning files came a report on Bloomberg TV last week that more people are actually quitting their jobs than getting fired (aka the ‘shove it’ indicator). This story especially resonated with me, not so much because I was a confident quitter—to use a term from the report—but because I knew that I could not continue along the same course, especially given the upheavals of the past year. I have enjoyed my time out this past year, including volunteering, reading, and traveling (highlights included a trip overseas, to the UK). Hearing that others have taken time away gives me hope that my break has served to prime me for what is now in front of me (and believe me, it is a lot!)

Overall, the tone of both of these news stories is optimistic—that it is never too late to turn the page. To say that there is not a certain level of stress inherent in the process is to ignore a significant portion of change. I would have liked to have seen this aspect explored in more detail by the reporters, as growth cannot occur without a level of discomfort. Judging from that, I should be seven feet tall! With that I will leave my readers. I hope to check in periodically these next few weeks before I move. If I do not, know that I am feverishly packing boxes, with the carrot being that I will never (bold, italic, underscore) be moving from my new home again. After all, I am certain that it will take me at least another ten years to get it ready for its close-up in Elle Décor but hopefully a shorter time to find that sought-after Jonathan Adler lampshade.

Crash and Burn

Well, this the first posting with my new laptop. I am hesitant to imbue any object with talismanic properties, but I have a feeling that this computer will be a good writing instrument for me, if only because 1) it was easy to install Microsoft Office suite and 2) the keyboard allows me to really fly while typing–a requirement–unlike the previous rose-gold colored Asus ultrabook that I owned for a whopping three weeks until it went dead as a doornail. I suppose it is a good thing that I never got around to transferring my files to that one, given the brief time that I had it. Rosie (short for rose gold, no relation to the riveter as it was not sturdy) was a sleek computer, though I have sworn off of the ultraboooks, at least until some of the bugs get worked out. For anyone who is interested in the techy details, my new laptop is the HP with Beats Audio (TM). Of course, I am now planning my next acquisition to complement this laptop–the HTC Beats Audio Earphones in black/red finish. I rationalize that these are really more of a fashion accessory, not to mention a big step up from the plasticky ipod earbuds.

What is it about technology that makes even late adopters, such as myself, crave the next new thing, complete with the attendant bright and shiny add-ons? This laptop purchase was out of necessity, as my Dell was whirring along and needed to be plugged in at all times. I suppose that with any purchase that is shiny and new, one feels compelled to step it up in terms of the complimentary accessories. I’ll admit that I am more comfortable in the world of fashion, where high-low mixing is encouraged, and elements from various seasons can be combined. Odd that ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ is the mantra for things that add beauty to our lives (clothes, books, jewelry, etc.) but in the case of electronics consumers are urged to shuck off the old technology, much like a snake sheds its skin. The fact is, these devices are not built to last. And, given how difficult it is to expunge data from the old devices, this is a time-consuming, inconvenient proposition. As it is, my dinosaur of a Dell is still chilling out, as I am loath to get rid of it–if only because I’m still not certain if my new laptop will have as short of a shelf life as Rosie. I will keep my readers posted. If nothing else, I will have a convenient excuse for the gaps between my postings here…not that I am looking for excuses.

Mother and Child Reunion

As an update to my earlier post, I am pleased to report that the fawn who was under the deck, on the rocks, earlier this afternoon, has gotten her legs and has left the nest (aka underdecking of our home). Around happy hour time, possibly later, the mother deer appeared to reunite with her young. It was an unaccustomed sight, though no less endearing, to see the young one nursing. I can’t help but think that there was some kind of animal ESP at play, as the mother deer chose our patch at which to nurse her offspring back to health, perhaps sensing that a sympathetic mother/daughter duo are residing therein. After that bonding moment had taken place, it took some time for the mother and baby to navigate themselves out of our yard; ultimately, they did and it was good to see them on their way. It is my contention that the suburbs are no place for deer, and this has been proven once more.  Whatever the case, I am glad to see that mother and child are back together, given the uncertain situation this afternoon. If I were a writer of children’s books I am sure that today’s observations could very well form the backdrop of a heartwarming tale. I am not, but I will say that I am glad to see both mother and child doing well, and together once more.

Oh, Deer

This afternoon, a mother deer and her baby were spotted on the edges of our property. It took me a while to see the mom and baby with my own eyes. The mom was the first to make an appearance. Come to find out, her fawn has taken up residence under our deck, as our neighbor pointed out when she was feeding the fish in her pond.
The concerning part is that the fawn is stationary, and its mother has not come for it yet. This creature is also on the rocks, which can’t exactly be comfortable. I am hoping this is not a case of an injured or ill animal, or one for animal rescue.

Green-Eyed Monster

Last night marked the start of a new season of one of my favorite guilty TV pleasures: The Real Housewives of New York. There has been a shakeup in the cast since the last season, with a couple of the housewives now off the show, and the addition of a few new faces. To be honest, I was less than psyched, especially as it seemed like the network decided to keep the craziest of the bunch (Ramona and LuAnn). I am glad that I decided to watch, as the newbies also bring some new drama and I am excited to see how this season turns out.

NYC has always been my favorite in the Housewives franchise. Not surprisingly, I enjoy gawking over the fabulous clothing and accessories (not to mention the slices of Manhattan real estate) in addition to having a ringside seat to the relationship dramas as they unfold over the course of a season. This season is no exception. In the first frame alone, my attention was immediately drawn to Aviva carrying a dove-gray Birkin bag. Having lived in New York for a few years, I can attest that fashion spotting and celebrity sightings are woven into the fabric of city life. In the midst of the ‘haves’ of NYC, it is easy to feel envious, especially in a city where accomplishments (doing versus being) are so highly prized and outward appearances are cultivated with almost religious fervor.

This season on RHNY, Carole Radziwill particularly seems to embody what I aspire to–city gal about town, A-list socialite, and award-winning journalist and writer.  I don’t like envying other people. For one thing, there’s something unworthy about it. If I want something that someone else has, I should figure out how to get it for myself, rather than envying that person. What will envy get me (besides fodder for a blog posting)?

What I envy, of course, is an ideal rather than the actuality. I know perfectly well that every life has its triumphs, as well as its reversals. Writing  and cultivating one’s persona is hard work, even when public figures make it look effortless. So, how can I go about adding a bit of Bravo-lebrity style to my life? Apart from working killer heels into my wardrobe rotation, I recognize that I also need to work my social connections and put myself “out there” as it were. Oftentimes, my temptation is to work doggedly at the expense of fun. Tonight, for example, I will be attending the first concert of the season in Faust Park. Getting out of the house goes a long way to lending perspective, and I am looking forward to a change of scenery (just as soon as I figure out what to pack in my picnic).

Readers: How do you deal with envy in your lives? What do you do when you need to step outside of your circumstances and gain perspective on your day-to-day challenges?